The Best Ingredients for Sensitive Skin (and the Ones to Avoid)

Sandra Scott

January 22, 2025

Sensitive skin can be unpredictable.

One day, it’s fine. The next, it’s red, irritated, and reacting to something you didn’t even realize was in your skincare. If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone.

The key to keeping your skin calm and healthy? Using the right ingredients and avoiding the ones that trigger irritation.

At OTIS SKINCARE, we know how frustrating it can be to deal with redness, dryness, or breakouts from products that are supposed to help.

That’s why we carefully select only the best, skin-friendly ingredients - so you can trust that what you’re putting on your face will keep it looking and feeling its best.

In this guide, we’ll break down:
✔ The best ingredients for sensitive skin (and why they work)
✔ The worst offenders that could be causing irritation
✔ A simple, effective skincare routine designed to keep your skin calm, clear, and healthy

Let’s get started.

What Makes OTIS SKINCARE Different?

Most skincare brands throw in trendy ingredients without considering how they affect sensitive skin. We do things differently.

✔ Formulated for men’s skin – Male skin is thicker and oilier than female skin, so we use ingredients that balance hydration without clogging pores.
✔ No harsh chemicals – We avoid common irritants. That can cause inflammation.
✔ Scientifically backed ingredients – Every ingredient in our formulas is proven to soothe, hydrate, and strengthen the skin barrier.

The result? Stronger, healthier skin- without the irritation.

The Best Ingredients for Sensitive Skin (and the Ones to Avoid). close up of aloe vera cut plant

Ingredients We Use That Support Sensitive Skin

Sensitive skin needs calming, hydrating, and protective ingredients to keep it balanced.

Here are the key ones we use in OTIS SKINCARE:

Aloe Vera

✔ Soothes irritation and redness
✔ Boosts hydration without clogging pores
✔ Speeds up skin healing (perfect after shaving)

Hyaluronic Acid

✔ Draws moisture into the skin for deep hydration
✔ Strengthens the skin barrier to protect against irritation
✔ Lightweight, non-greasy feel

Allantoin

✔ Ultra-soothing—reduces redness and inflammation
✔ Promotes skin healing and cell regeneration
✔ Softens and smooths skin texture

Jojoba Oil

✔ Mimics skin’s natural oils—moisturizes without greasiness
✔ Anti-inflammatory properties—calms sensitive skin
✔ Non-comedogenic—won’t clog pores

Green Tea Extract

✔ Rich in antioxidants—fights inflammation and skin stress
✔ Reduces redness and irritation
✔ Protects against environmental damage

Shea Butter

✔ Deeply nourishes and repairs dry, sensitive skin
✔ Natural anti-inflammatory—soothes irritation
✔ Strengthens the skin’s protective barrier

Chamomile Extract

✔ Calms redness and sensitivity
✔ Anti-inflammatory and antibacterial—helps prevent breakouts
✔ Supports skin healing and hydration

Why it matters: These ingredients work together to keep your skin hydrated, strong, and irritation-free - no matter what.

… And Ingredients to Avoid

Just as the right ingredients can soothe your skin, the wrong ones can trigger irritation, breakouts, and dryness.

Here’s what you should steer clear of:

❌ Alcohol (Denatured, SD, Isopropyl, Ethanol)

Dries out the skin and weakens the protective barrier
Increases redness and irritation
Found in cheap aftershaves and toners

❌ Synthetic Fragrances & Dyes

Major cause of allergic reactions and irritation
Can lead to redness, breakouts, and itching
Found in many low-quality moisturizers and shaving creams

❌ Essential Oils (Like Peppermint, Eucalyptus, Citrus Oils)

While they smell great, they can sensitize the skin over time
Can cause burning or stinging, especially after shaving
Often included in "natural" skincare brands, but not always skin-friendly

The takeaway?

If you have sensitive skin, avoid harsh alcohols, synthetic fragrances, and essential oils.

Stick to gentle, calming ingredients instead.

The Best Ingredients for Sensitive Skin (and the Ones to Avoid). Man gently washing his face

ACTION PLAN: A Gentle Skincare Routine for Sensitive Skin

If you want calm, irritation-free skin, follow this simple step-by-step routine:

Step 1: Cleanse Gently (Morning & Night)

Use a mild cleanser to remove dirt and oil without stripping your skin.

💡 Use: Otis Skincare DAILY FACE WASH – Gently exfoliating, non-drying, and perfect for sensitive skin.

Step 2: Hydrate & Soothe (After Cleansing & Shaving)

Apply a hydrating moisturizer with soothing ingredients like Aloe Vera, Hyaluronic Acid, and Shea Butter.

💡 Use: Our HYDRATING DAILY MOISTURIZER – Lightweight, fast-absorbing, and irritation-free.

Step 3: Protect Your Skin (Morning Routine)

Apply a broad-spectrum SPF to shield your skin from irritation caused by UV rays and pollution.

💡 Use: A non-comedogenic sunscreen with no synthetic fragrances.

Stick to this routine daily, and your skin will stay calm, healthy, and resilient.

FAQs: Managing Sensitive Skin Like a Pro

What’s the best way to calm red, irritated skin?
Use a soothing moisturizer with Aloe Vera, Hyaluronic Acid, and Allantoin to reduce redness and restore hydration.

How can I tell if an ingredient will irritate my skin?
Look out for alcohols, synthetic fragrances, and citrus-based essential oils. These are common triggers for sensitive skin.

Can sensitive skin still get breakouts?
Yes! Many men with sensitive skin also experience acne and irritation. Using non-comedogenic, soothing ingredients is key.

Should I exfoliate if I have sensitive skin?
Yes, but only with a gentle, non-abrasive exfoliant. Our DAILY FACE WASH is perfect for sensitive skins. Avoid harsh scrubs.

Can diet affect sensitive skin?
Absolutely! Processed foods, alcohol, and dairy can trigger inflammation. Eating antioxidant-rich foods helps keep your skin balanced.

The Takeaway

Sensitive skin doesn’t have to be a struggle. With the right ingredients and a simple, effective routine, you can keep your skin calm, clear, and healthy - every day.

OTIS SKINCARE is designed specifically for men’s skin—using only the best, irritation-free ingredients.

Ready to take control of your sensitive skin?

Try OTIS SKINCARE’s gentle, effective products and experience the difference.