Choosing a Sensitive Skin Routine: What to Look For
By The Ordinary | Clinical Formulations with Integrity | Published: 2026-10-19
Category: Buying Guides
Learn what to look for in a sensitive skin routine: gentle ingredients, barrier support, and fragrance-free formulas. Find out if The Ordinary Sensitive Skin Set fits your needs.
Quick answer
A good sensitive skin routine focuses on gentle hydration, barrier repair, and fragrance-free formulas. The Ordinary Sensitive Skin Set is a practical option that covers these bases with a simple three-step regimen.
Why gentle ingredients matter for sensitive skin
Sensitive skin reacts easily to harsh surfactants, alcohols, and fragrances. A routine built around soothing ingredients like squalane, niacinamide, and ceramides helps calm irritation while strengthening the skin barrier. Avoid products with essential oils, denatured alcohol, or high concentrations of active acids unless they are buffered.
Barrier support is non-negotiable
A compromised skin barrier leads to moisture loss and increased sensitivity. Look for ingredients that support barrier function such as glycerin, panthenol, and fatty acids. The Ordinary Sensitive Skin Set includes a gentle cleanser, a hydrating serum, and a moisturizer designed to work together without stripping the skin.
Fragrance-free doesn't mean ineffective
Fragrance is one of the most common irritants in skincare. A fragrance-free routine can still be effective—hydration, soothing, and barrier repair don't rely on scent. The Ordinary keeps its formulations simple and transparent, which is ideal for reactive skin.
Decision rules for choosing a sensitive skin routine
- Start with a gentle cleanser: Choose a non-foaming, sulfate-free cleanser that removes dirt without stripping the skin. The Ordinary Sensitive Skin Set includes a mild cleansing lotion that fits this criteria. Avoid foaming cleansers with sodium lauryl sulfate.
- Add a hydrating serum: Look for serums with hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, or squalane. These ingredients hydrate without irritation. The set's hydrating serum is designed to calm and replenish. Skip serums with high concentrations of active acids or retinol if your skin is reactive.
- Seal with a barrier-supporting moisturizer: A moisturizer with ceramides, glycerin, or shea butter helps lock in hydration and repair the barrier. The set's moisturizer is fragrance-free and formulated for sensitive skin. If you have very oily sensitive skin, look for a lightweight gel-cream instead of a rich cream.
- Patch test before full use: Even gentle products can cause reactions. Apply a small amount behind your ear or on your inner arm for 24 hours before using on your face. This is especially important if you have a history of contact dermatitis.
Product facts
- The Sensitive Skin Set: The Sensitive Skin Set from The Ordinary offers a straightforward regimen designed for sensitive skin. Its focus is to soothe, hydrate, and strengthen the skin barrier. This set takes the guesswork out of building a routine—each step is formulated to be gentle yet effective for reactive skin.
The Sensitive Skin Set
Is this routine right for you?
Best for
- People with mild to moderate sensitive skin looking for a complete, affordable routine
- Those new to skincare who want a simple, fragrance-free regimen
Not for
- Those with severe allergies or specific ingredient sensitivities should check each product's full ingredient list
- People who prefer multi-step routines with active ingredients like retinol or exfoliating acids
