9 Sensitive Skin Favourites I Gave To My Partner (And Always Steal Back)
I’ve read and written countless articles on Beauty Must-haves, and equally, voyeuristically consumed a hefty serving of content on What's In My Makeup Bag, or This Month's Skincare Empties. Yet, it was whilst digging around in my partner's ever-expanding skincare stash that I realised, I have never seen a single article on Skincare I Gave To My Partner And Always Steal Back.
As a beauty editor and writer for over half a decade, and a makeup artist and hairstylist for almost two, I am blessed with more products across my desk than I and my kit (I remain still a working makeup artist) could ever realistically use alone. So, to keep things sustainable, family and friends do get kept in supply too, albeit with a hearty tester swipe or squeeze here and there.
Therefore, when my partner coyly shared something around our first date, I was immensely excited. He informed me, 'You can’t live in London as a single guy in your 30s and not arrive ready. Skincare is a must.' I knew I was about to add another eager tester to the roster. And yet now, increasingly, I find myself reaching for formulas in the routine I have so carefully curated for him.
Balancing Glycerin Gel Cleanser, from Dermatica
This low-foam cleanser is gentle enough for morning cleansing, whilst making light work of the day's grime and pollution—without stripping the skin. pH-neutral and oil-free, the glycerin-filled formula locks in hydration without blocking pores, making this a strong contender for all skin types.
Calendula Herbal-Extract Toner, from Kiehl’s
While visually pleasing with Calendula flower petals hovering in the bottle, this ultra-soothing herbal formula also includes burdock root and allantoin, for exceptionally mild care for sensitive skin, making it a great option for soothing skin before a serum or treatment.
Glow-C Vitamin C 20% Serum, from Face Theory
In their words, “Glow-C was made for those who’ve tried every ‘brightening' serum—only to be left underwhelmed, irritated, or shiny”, making it a perfect option for introducing vitamin C to the most reactive of skin types. The formula combines a full-strength dose of stabilised 20% ethylated vitamin C, with antioxidant ferulic acid and hydrating glycerin to yield a visible change without side effects.
Light Fluid SPF 50 Sunscreen, from Minimalist
Gone are the days of cloying, greasy, white, heavily scented formulas that weigh on the skin and block pores. This lightweight yet water-resistant formula sits almost undetectably on the skin, blending seamlessly with serums or moisturisers, giving a shine-free, natural finish with UVB and UVA protection
Moisturiser ACE, from Dermaroller
Packed with barrier-support lipids (safflower seed, almond and jojoba oil), it not only hydrates but also supplies key vitamins C and E, together supporting skin health. Perfect for all skin types, especially sensitive skin, while still introducing the gentlest form of vitamin A, retinyl palmitate, to drive deep-level cellular repair.
An eye cream for the most sensitive, damaged or reactive skin, and a tried-and-tested powerhouse for eczema sufferers. With KLORIS Premium CBD (1%), the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory formula heals and soothes, while chaga mushroom extract strengthens the skin barrier and boosts collagen, and hyaluronic acid hydrates and plumps the skin.
Giving instant relief for sensitised skin, this cream works to deeply hydrate, calm, and restore, with a clever cocktail of emolients: squalane, shea butter, poppy seed oil and tocopherol (vitamin E). Meanwhile, sodium hyaluronate, hyaluronic acid's smaller (and better imbibed) cousin, meets astaxanthin—a powerful antioxidant.
Lotus Youth Preserve Radiance Renewal Night Cream, from Fresh
With gentle yet active skincare the order of the day, this antioxidant night cream complements and supports skin’s nighttime renewal cycle. With ethically sourced super lotus, polyglutamic acid, and peach leaf extract, skin is hydrated, smoothed and calmed overnight.
Vita-Antioxidant Hydrating Oil Capsules, from Environ
Harnessing skin-cocooning tocopherol, sunflower seed and soybean oils, with restorative vitamins A and C and skin-calming and antioxidant botanical extracts like rosemary and green tea, this oil is a heavy hitter. For general extra hydration, or to allay winter skin woes, finish skincare day or night with a capsule.
