Understanding Sensitive Skin: What Makes It Different?

When I moved to Dubai, UAE from the UK, I wasn’t expecting my skin to react the way it did. The combination of intense heat, humidity, and constant dust in the air triggered my eczema like never before. Products that had always worked for me suddenly left my skin red, itchy, and irritated. It felt like no matter what I tried, my skin was always one step away from a flare-up.

If you have sensitive skin, you probably know the struggle. One wrong product, a change in weather, or even just washing your face too often can throw everything off. Unlike other skin types, sensitive skin reacts more easily to external factors like harsh ingredients, climate changes, and stress. It can become red, irritated, or dry much quicker, which is why choosing the right skincare products is so important.

In this guide, I’ll break down what causes skin sensitivity, how to avoid common irritants, and what to look for in a good, gentle soap—so your skin can stay calm, happy, and comfortable all year round.

What Causes Skin Sensitivity?

Sensitive skin isn’t just about feeling a little dry—it’s a skin type that reacts more strongly to everyday elements. Some common triggers include:

• Harsh ingredients – Sulfates, artificial fragrances, and alcohol-based products can strip the skin’s natural moisture barrier.
• Weather changes – Extreme temperatures, whether hot or cold, can make sensitive skin more prone to irritation.
• Allergens – Some people react to specific ingredients like synthetic dyes, preservatives, or even natural essential oils.
• Over-cleansing – Washing too frequently or using strong cleansers can weaken the skin’s barrier, leading to more sensitivity.

The key to caring for sensitive skin is to treat it gently—opting for nourishing, natural ingredients that help soothe and protect rather than strip and irritate. In the next section, we’ll dive into why choosing the right soap matters and what ingredients you should look for.

Why Choosing the Right Soap Matters

If you have sensitive skin, the soap you use can make a world of difference. While it’s easy to assume that all soaps simply cleanse, many contain harsh ingredients that can strip your skin’s natural oils, leaving it dry, irritated, and even more reactive.

The Problem with Harsh Soaps

Many commercial soaps are packed with sulfates, synthetic fragrances, parabens and alcohol-based ingredients that create a rich lather but at the cost of your skin’s health. These can:

• Disrupt the skin’s natural barrier, making it more vulnerable to irritation.
• Cause dryness and tightness, leading to flaky or itchy skin.
• Trigger redness or allergic reactions, especially if artificial fragrances or preservatives are involved.

The Power of Gentle, Nourishing Ingredients

Instead of harsh detergents, sensitive skin thrives with mild, moisturising ingredients that cleanse without stripping away essential moisture. Key ingredients to look for are :

• Natural plant oils & butters like olive oil, jojoba oil, sweet almond oil and shea butter to replenish hydration.
• Soothing botanicals like oat, chamomile, centella asiatica (cica) or calendula to calm irritation.
  
• Glycerin and honey to help retain moisture and keep skin soft & hydrated.

When you choose a soap that nourishes rather than dries out your skin, you create a protective barrier that helps your skin stay balanced, comfortable, and healthy.

Key Ingredients to Look for in a Nourishing Soap

The right ingredients can make a huge difference in how your skin feels after washing. In fact, studies show that up to 60% of people with sensitive skin experience irritation from synthetic additives in skincare products. That’s why choosing a soap with gentle, nourishing ingredients is so important.

Here are some of the best ingredients to look for when selecting a soap for sensitive skin:

Plant-Based Oils & Butters for Deep Nourishment

• Olive Oil – Packed with antioxidants and fatty acids, olive oil hydrates and helps restore the skin’s natural barrier.
• Shea Butter – Rich in vitamins A and E, shea butter deeply moisturises and soothes dry, irritated skin.
• Coconut Oil – A natural cleanser that also provides antibacterial benefits without drying out the skin.
• Sweet Almond Oil – A lightweight oil rich in vitamin E that softens and soothes dry, delicate skin without clogging pores.
• Jojoba Oil – Mimics the skin’s natural sebum, making it an excellent ingredient for balancing moisture and reducing irritation.

Natural Humectants to Lock in Moisture

• Glycerin & Castor Oil – Natural humectants, attract and retains moisture, helping to keep your skin soft and hydrated.
• Honey – A humectant with antibacterial properties, making it great for soothing and protecting the skin.

Did you know?
Chemically speaking when soap is made, glycerin is naturally produced as a byproduct of the reaction. However, many commercial soap manufacturers remove this amazing ingredient to use in higher-priced products like moisturisers and skincare. This leaves the soaps harsher and more drying. If you've ever washed your hands and felt your skin become tight and stripped, this is more than likely due to the lack of glycerin in the formula! Choosing handcrafted or naturally made soaps ensures that glycerin stays in the bar, keeping your skin nourished and balanced.

Soothing Botanicals for Calming Irritation

• Oatmeal – Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, oatmeal helps relieve itchiness and irritation.
• Calendula – A gentle flower extract that reduces redness and supports skin healing.
• Aloe Vera – Hydrates and calms sensitive or reactive skin.
• Cica (Centella Asiatica) – A powerful botanical that helps repair the skin barrier, reduces redness, and supports healing for sensitive or damaged skin.

Fragrance-Free or Naturally Scented Options

Artificial fragrances are one of the most common triggers for sensitive skin. Instead, opt for fragrance-free soaps or those lightly scented with essential oils like chamomile or lavender, which are gentle and soothing.

By choosing a soap formulated with these skin-loving ingredients, you can cleanse your skin without worrying about dryness or irritation.

Ingredients to Avoid if You Have Sensitive Skin

If you have sensitive skin, choosing the right soap isn’t just about what’s included—it’s also about what’s left out. Some ingredients can strip moisture, cause irritation, or disrupt your skin’s natural balance. Here are some of the biggest culprits to watch out for in your skincare:

Harsh Cleansers That Strip Your Skin

• Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) & Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) – These foaming agents are common in commercial soaps but can be too harsh, leaving skin feeling super tight and dry.
• Strong Detergents & Synthetic Surfactants – Ingredients like ammonium lauryl sulfate can disrupt the skin barrier, leading to redness and sensitivity.

Artificial Fragrances & Dyes That Can Trigger Reactions

• Synthetic Fragrances (Parfum, Fragrance) – These can contain hundreds of undisclosed chemicals, some of which are known allergens or irritants - avoid at all costs if you have sensitive skin.
• Artificial Dyes (FD&C or D&C colors) – Often derived from petroleum, these dyes can cause irritation, especially for those with eczema or rosacea.

Preservatives & Chemicals That May Irritate

• Parabens (Methylparaben, Propylparaben, etc.) – These are used to extend shelf life but may cause skin sensitivity and allergic reactions in some people.
• Formaldehyde-Releasing Preservatives (DMDM Hydantoin, Quaternium-15, etc.) – These preservatives work by slowly releasing formaldehyde, a known irritant and potential allergen. While they effectively prevent microbial contamination, they can be too harsh for sensitive skin, often leading to redness, itching, and even contact dermatitis.

Alcohol-Based Ingredients That Dry Out Skin

• Denatured Alcohol, Isopropyl Alcohol, Ethanol – While some fatty alcohols (like cetyl alcohol) are moisturising, these drying alcohols can strip away your skin’s natural oils, leading to dehydration and irritation.

If your skin often feels dry, itchy, or red after using soap, checking the ingredient list can help you pinpoint potential irritants. Opting for gentle, natural alternatives like plant-based oils, butters, and soothing botanicals can make a significant difference in keeping your skin healthy and comfortable.

Our Top Recommendations for Sensitive Skin

If you have sensitive skin, choosing a gentle, nourishing soap can make a world of difference. Here are our top picks, each crafted with skin-loving ingredients to cleanse without irritation:

• Sidr Honey & Oat Bar – A soothing blend of pure Sidr honey and finely milled oats, known for their calming and anti-inflammatory properties. This bar provides gentle exfoliation while helping to retain moisture, making it perfect for sensitive and dry skin.
• Lavender Bar – Made with natural lavender essential oil, this bar offers a delicate, relaxing cleanse while benefiting from lavender’s soothing and antibacterial properties. Ideal for calming irritation and reducing redness.
• Date Bar (Unscented) – A fragrance-free option for those with extra-sensitive skin. Enriched with natural date extract, this bar provides a mild yet nourishing cleanse without any potential irritants.

Each of these soaps is free from harsh detergents, artificial fragrances, and unnecessary additives—just pure, gentle ingredients to keep your skin soft, healthy, and balanced.

Final Tips for Keeping Sensitive Skin Healthy

Using the right soap is just one part of maintaining healthy, happy skin. Here are a few extra tips to keep sensitivity at bay:

• Moisturise Immediately After Cleansing – Lock in hydration with a gentle, fragrance-free moisturiser. Ingredients like shea butter, aloe vera, and glycerin can help soothe and protect.
• Avoid Hot Showers – While they may feel relaxing, hot water can strip your skin’s natural oils, leading to dryness and irritation. Opt for lukewarm water instead.
• Use Mild, Natural Skincare Products – Harsh cleansers, alcohol-based toners, and heavily fragranced lotions can trigger sensitivity. Stick to gentle, nourishing formulas.
• Patch-Test New Products – Even natural ingredients can sometimes cause reactions. Always test a small area before using a new product on your face or body.

Caring for sensitive skin doesn’t have to feel like a constant battle. With the right ingredients and a little extra care, you can keep your skin feeling calm, comfortable, and healthy.

If you’re looking for a soap that’s gentle and nourishing, I’ve created a range of handcrafted bars designed with sensitive skin in mind. Feel free to explore them and find what works best for you!

Finding the right soap for sensitive skin can be tricky, but I’m here to help! Drop your biggest skin concern in the comments, and I’ll personally suggest the best option for you.

— Love, Alix