Sensitive skin does best with low-strength, high-buffer formulas—think lactic or mandelic acid at modest percentages, PHAs, and enzyme powders. The goal is a smoother feel and better glow without barrier drama.
If your skin flares at the first hint of a peel, you don’t have to skip exfoliation—you just need kinder tools. Smaller, faster acids like glycolic often sting; gentler options (lactic, mandelic, PHAs, or enzymes) work slower, lift dull surface cells, and keep the barrier happier. Texture smooths, skincare sinks in better, and makeup sits more evenly.
Below are four sensitive-friendly picks across textures: a ultra-mild BHA for congestion, two hydrating AHAs that play nice with reactive skin, and a water-activated rice enzyme powder for those who prefer a no-acid approach. Use them sparingly, moisturize after, and your skin will stay calm and glowy.
Quick Picks
| Pick | Type | Best for | Why it’s great |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paula’s Choice CALM 1% BHA Exfoliant | 1% salicylic acid (leave-on) | Red, reactive skin with clogged pores | Ultra-low BHA clears T-zone gently; soothing base reduces sting |
| The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% + HA | AHA serum | Dull, tight, or dehydrated skin | Hydrating lactic acid softens texture with minimal tingle |
| The Ordinary Mandelic Acid 10% + HA | Large-molecule AHA | Uneven tone on very sensitive skin | Mandelic penetrates slowly → less irritation, steady brightening |
| Tatcha The Rice Polish Gentle | Enzyme/rice powder (water-activated) | Acid-averse, makeup prep | Non-acid enzyme polish leaves skin smooth and calm, no burn |
Deep Dives
Paula’s Choice CALM 1% BHA Exfoliant — The safest path to clearer pores
Rating: 4.7/5
Why it works for sensitive skin: Traditional 2% BHA can be too sharp. This 1% salicylic acid sits in a soothing, low-irritant base with calming ingredients that help reduce redness while loosening pore debris. Owners with reactive, redness-prone faces report fewer blackheads on the nose and a smoother T-zone in 2–3 weeks without the tight, over-treated feeling. The fluid texture layers under lightweight moisturizers and sunscreens without pilling.
Best for: Combination or oily-leaning sensitive skin that needs help with clogged pores and occasional breakouts.
How to use: Start every other night after cleansing and before moisturizer. If comfortable after 10–14 days, increase to nightly or keep it to 3–4x/week for maintenance.
Pro tip: Keep it off the most delicate areas (corners of nose and mouth) on night one. You can “buffer” by applying moisturizer first, then BHA, for extra gentleness.
The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% + HA — Hydrating glow with minimal tingle
Rating: 4.6/5
Why it works for sensitive skin: Lactic acid is a larger-molecule AHA that exfoliates the surface while drawing in water, making it friendlier to delicate barriers. At 5%, this serum gently smooths rough patches and softens the look of fine dehydration lines. The added hyaluronic acid helps offset dryness, and the watery slip means you can use very little and still cover the face. Many users see a more even, dewy look within 2–4 weeks.
Best for: Dry-sensitive or dull, tight skin that hates strong peels.
How to use: Apply 3–4 drops to clean, fully dry skin 2–3 nights per week, then follow with a simple moisturizer.
Pro tip: If you’re new to acids, rinse after 10 minutes for the first few uses (short-contact method). You still get smoothing with less risk.
The Ordinary Mandelic Acid 10% + HA — Slow, steady brightening for the most reactive types
Rating: 4.6/5
Why it works for sensitive skin: Mandelic acid has one of the largest AHA molecules, so it penetrates slowly and is less likely to sting. At 10%, it chips away at discoloration and bumpiness gradually, and the HA base maintains slip and comfort. Owners who cannot tolerate glycolic or high lactic often find this is the first acid they can keep in rotation.
Best for: Uneven tone, post-blemish marks, and normal-to-oily sensitive skin.
How to use: Start twice weekly at night. Spread thinly, avoiding eye corners and broken skin. Moisturize after.
Pro tip: Alternate mandelic nights with niacinamide to support the barrier and speed visible tone improvement—no need to stack in one session.
Tatcha The Rice Polish Gentle — Enzyme polish for acid-averse skin
Rating: 4.7/5
Why it works for sensitive skin: This water-activated powder uses papaya enzymes and finely milled rice to dissolve and sweep away surface dullness—no acids, no gritty scrub. The foam feels creamy, not scratchy, and rinses clean without squeak. Reviewers love the immediate “velvet” finish before makeup and the easy control: use more water for extra gentleness, less for a touch more polishing.
Best for: Those who cannot tolerate leave-on acids or want a quick, non-sting smooth-down before events.
How to use: Sprinkle ½ teaspoon into wet palms, lather with water, massage 15–20 seconds, then rinse. Use 2–3 times weekly.
Pro tip: Keep it away from very inflamed breakouts; use on the rest of the face and let your targeted acne treatment handle spots.
How to exfoliate sensitive skin (without angering your barrier)
- Patch test along the jaw for 2–3 nights.
- Start low and slow: 2–3 nights per week max; never morning and night.
- One active at a time: Don’t stack acids with retinoids or strong vitamin C in the same routine.
- Moisturize right after with a simple, fragrance-free cream.
- SPF daily. Freshly exfoliated skin is more sun-sensitive—sunscreen keeps gains.
- Watch for over-exfoliation: Tightness, burning, sudden flaking = take a 5–7 day break and use only cleanser + moisturizer.
See also
Build a calm routine around your exfoliator so your barrier stays happy. Start with Best Face Cleansers for Sensitive Skin and follow with comfort-first picks from Best Moisturizer for Sensitive Skin. If redness is your main complaint, layer soothing support from Best Niacinamide Serums on non-exfoliation nights to keep everything steady.
For glow without sting, rotate a daytime brightener from Best Vitamin C Serums, and if you’re curious about anti-ageing, ease in with Best Retinol Creams for Beginners on alternate nights. Round things out with daily protection from Best Face Sunscreen for Acne-Prone Skin so your new smoothness actually lasts. That’s five solid companions to keep results high and irritation low.
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FAQs
Which acid is gentlest
Mandelic and lactic are gentler than glycolic. PHAs (like gluconolactone) are also very mild; swap in a PHA toner if even these feel too active.
How often should I exfoliate if I’m sensitive
Usually 2–3 times per week. If redness lingers, drop to once weekly or switch to enzyme powder only.
Can I use these with retinol
Yes, but alternate nights. Using both the same night spikes irritation risk.
Do scrubs work for sensitive skin
Only very fine, cushiony options (like rice enzyme powders). Avoid rough kernels or sugar scrubs.
What about my neck
Treat it like sensitive skin: half the frequency and use the mildest option.
