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17 Best Ingredients to Soothe Sensitive Skin on Face & Body

17 Best Ingredients to Soothe Sensitive Skin on Face & Body

Looking to care for your sensitive skin naturally?

Nature holds the key.

Many skincare products use synthetic versions of natural ingredients to cut costs and extend shelf life.

But why not go straight to the source for gentler, more compatible options?

Skip the additives and chemicals, and dive into my top picks for sensitive skin in this blog.

Let's uncover nature's best for your skincare needs.

Top 17 Natural Ingredients for Nurturing Sensitive Skin

Moisturizing Butters

1. Organic Shea Butter
2. Organic Cocoa Butter
3. Organic Mango Butter

Nourishing Oils

4. Organic Coconut Oil
5. Organic Avocado Oil
6. Organic Jojoba Oil
7. Organic Castor Oil

Soothing Clays

8. Pink Clay
9. Green Clay
10. Kaolin Clay

Healing Botanicals & Powders

11. Madder Root Powder
12. Wheatgrass Powder
13. Sage
14. Tumeric
15. Rosehips

Detoxifying Agents

16. Oat Aminos
17. Charcoal

Moisturizing Butters

I am about to butter you up buttercup!

There is a common misconception that natural butters are heavy on sensitive skin which likely stems from their rich texture and consistency.

Many people associate heavy textures with pore-clogging and discomfort, especially for those with sensitive skin.

Yet, when formulated to a high quality, natural butters, such as shea butter and cocoa butter, are super beneficial for sensitive skin.

They provide deep hydration and nourishment without causing irritation.

Which butters are a luxury pamper day for your skin?

1. Organic Shea Butter

Organic shea butter's efficacy for sensitive skin lies in its composition rich in vitamins A and E, along with essential fatty acids, which work synergistically to nourish and strengthen the skin barrier.

Shea butter

 

Scientifically proven to possess anti-inflammatory and emollient properties, it aids in calming irritation and retaining moisture, making it a trusted choice for sensitive skin care.

The best part it’s suitable for use on both the face and body!

Be sure to go organic to ensure you’re getting the best possible quality Shea Butter.

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2. Organic Cocoa Butter

Organic Cocoa butter is a natural gem for sensitive skin, thanks to its rich blend of vitamins, antioxidants, and fatty acids that soothe and nourish.

While it's a dream for body care, its heavy consistency can be too much for delicate facial skin.

cocoa butter

 

That’s why you’ll only find this ingredient in our natural nourishing body soaps and NOT the face and body line.

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3. Organic Mango Butter

Just the thought of juicy organic mango butter soothes my soul and it is a wonderful ally for sensitive skin, offering deep hydration and calming relief due to its abundance of vitamins and anti-inflammatory properties.

Mango Butter

 

It’s best suited to the use on the body and you’ll find it in both our rejuvenating and repairing body soaps for it’s powerhouse healing properties.

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Nourishing Oils

Think oils are the enemy of sensitive skin?

Think again!

With our expertise, we'll reveal the oils that won't leave you feeling like an oil slick.

If you’re partial to breakouts or have acne-prone skin I’ve included non-comedogenic options for you too.

3. Organic Coconut Oil

Organic coconut oil is like a soothing hug for sensitive skin, thanks to its natural antibacterial properties and deep moisturizing effects fueled by its rich fatty acid content.

Scientifically, its antibacterial qualities help combat irritation, while its fatty acids lock in moisture, leaving your skin feeling nourished and cared for.

coconut oil

 

Our natural soap bars at Butter & Lye have been meticulously crafted, and, if you've been here a while you will know our founder is a trained biochemist and lover of all things science.

The fats/oils in our bars are what they call "saponified" meaning they undergoes the chemical reaction of saponification, transforming the oil into soap and glycerin to create a rich bubbly lather that is perfectly balanced and doesn't leave you with that icky feeling that something heavy is still sitting on your skin. 

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5. Organic Avocado Oil (Non-Comedogenic)

Organic avocado oil is like a soothing balm for sensitive skin, thanks to its nourishing fatty acids that calm irritation and deeply hydrate.

 

If you struggle with your scalp, we recommend trying it there! 

Scientifically proven to penetrate the skin's layers, it's a natural hero in hair care, leaving locks soft, shiny, and strengthened from root to tip.

That's why you'll find avocado oil infused in our best-selling head-to-toe bar -  a shampoo and face and body bar all in one

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6. Organic Jojoba Oil (Non-Comedogenic)

Organic jojoba oil is like a miracle worker for sensitive skin and hair because it's so similar to the natural oils our skin produces.

These oils, called sebum, are like nature's own moisturizer and protector, keeping our skin and hair soft and healthy.

jojoba oil

 

Jojoba oil works its magic by diving deep into our skin and hair follicles, delivering exactly what they need to stay balanced and vibrant, leaving you with nourished and revitalized locks.

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7. Organic Castor Oil

Castor Oil is the buzzword lately and with good reason!

It's been a trusted staple for ages, dating back to ancient civilizations like Egypt, China, and India.

Our natural soap bars all proudly feature this powerhouse ingredient, meticulously formulated to ensure it's not just effective but also leaves no unwanted residue or buildup.

Packed with science-backed benefits, like ricinoleic acid for intense moisture and inflammation relief, Castor Oil strikes the perfect balance for your sensitive skin and hair needs, making it a timeless favorite for pampering and taming alike!

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Soothing Clays

There’s something about clay that just screams Spa day!

Here are a few ingredients to incorporate into your routine for the extra pampered feeling without irritation.

Rich in minerals, it delicately removes impurities, leaving your face and body feeling refreshed and renewed, making it an ideal choice for pampering face masks and soothing body cleansers.

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8. Pink Clay

Pink clay is a gentle superhero for sensitive skin, providing both detoxification and exfoliation without leaving you feeling parched or irritated.

pink clay

 

Rich in minerals, it delicately removes impurities, leaving your face and body feeling refreshed and renewed, making it an ideal choice for pampering face masks and soothing body cleansers.

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9. Green Clay

If I had to choose one one word to describe Green Clay it would be REJUVENATING!

It’s why I included in in our Rejuvenating Body Wheatgrass Soap.

 

Green clay is your sensitive skin's best friend, offering a soothing detox that feels like a hug from nature itself.

Packed with minerals such as:

  • Silica: Helps to absorb excess oil and impurities while promoting skin elasticity.
  • Magnesium: Soothes and relaxes muscles, aiding in skin rejuvenation.
  • Calcium: Supports cell renewal and promotes skin hydration.
  • Iron Oxides: Provide the clay with its characteristic green color and may help improve circulation.
  • Potassium: Helps to balance moisture levels in the skin and maintain its pH balance.
  • Zinc: Offers anti-inflammatory properties and supports the healing of skin conditions like acne. It synergistically detoxifys, nourissh, and revitalizes the skin leaving your body feeling refreshed and renewed, making it the ultimate spa treatment right in your own bathroom.

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10. Kaolin Clay

Kaolin clay, sourced from the earth itself, is a gentle yet effective ally for sensitive body skin.

Its natural cleansing properties delicately purify without stripping, making it suitable for all skin types.

kaolin clay

 

Perfect for sensitive skin masks and exfoliants, it leaves you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated, ready to take on the day with confidence and comfort.

Because of its incredible versatility, you will find it in every one of our soap bars except for our Shampoo bars as it is more suited to face and body usage.

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Healing Botanical & Powders

Prepare to be amazed by the power of plants...

11. Madder Root Powder

Derived from the Rubia tinctorum plant, madder root is a natural marvel for sensitive body skin.

It owes its soothing and healing properties to its rich content of bioactive compounds, such as alizarin and purpurin.

madder root soap

 

These compounds possess potent anti-inflammatory properties, which help to reduce redness, swelling, and discomfort associated with sensitive skin conditions.

Additionally, madder root is believed to stimulate collagen production and promote cell regeneration, further aiding in the healing process. 

*Recommended for red or irritated skin on the body.

When used on the skin, it works to calm irritation, promote healing, and leave the skin feeling rejuvenated and refreshed.

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12. Wheatgrass Powder

Fresh from the vibrant shoots of the wheat plant, wheatgrass is a powerhouse for sensitive body skin.

Bursting with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, it's like a green elixir that calms inflammation and speeds up skin healing.

With regular use, wheatgrass even boosts the overall health and strength of your skin's protective barrier.

 

wheatgrass soap

 

It's nature's gentle touch, leaving your skin feeling refreshed, renewed, and oh-so-healthy.

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13. Sage

Sage is like a wise companion for aging, sensitive skin, offering a bounty of benefits wrapped in its fragrant leaves.

Its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties not only soothe irritation but also help fend off unwanted visitors such as fine lines and wrinkles, leaving your skin feeling calm and protected. Recommended for ageing sensitive skin Sage’s power lies in its rich composition of bioactive compounds, including rosmarinic acid, flavonoids, and phenolic acids.

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14. Tumeric

Turmeric is a golden gem for sensitive skin, armed with potent anti-inflammatory properties that gently calm irritation and reduce redness.

Backed by science, its active compound, curcumin, works wonders in soothing sensitive skin woes.

And don't worry, we've got you covered - our bars are meticulously formulated to deliver the benefits without leaving you looking like a golden statue. Our bar is perfect for everyday use, and particularly helpful for those suffering with Eczema due to its healing properties.

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15. Rosehips

Rosehips, harvested from the fruit of the rose plant, are a gentle yet powerful elixir for sensitive skin.

Bursting with vitamins A and C, they work wonders in regenerating and nourishing the skin, promoting a healthy, radiant complexion. 

Vitamin A supports skin regeneration and repair, helping to improve texture and tone, while vitamin C boosts collagen production and protects against environmental damage.

Additionally, the antioxidants in rosehips help to neutralize free radicals, reducing inflammation and preventing premature aging.

Combined, these scientifically proven benefits make rosehips a potent ingredient for sensitive skin, providing hydration, regeneration, and protection for a healthier, more resilient complexion.

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Detoxifying Agent

Detoxifying skin ingredients, such as charcoal, help to cleanse the skin by removing impurities and toxins.

These ingredients work by absorbing excess oil and pollutants, leaving the skin feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

16. Oat Aminos

Oat aminos, derived from oats, are a powerhouse ingredient for scalp skin and hair care, thanks to their gentle yet effective properties.

Rich in amino acids, vitamins, and minerals, they provide essential nourishment and strengthen the hair shaft while promoting a healthy scalp.

Scientifically, oat aminos have been shown to improve moisture retention, soothe irritation, and reduce inflammation on the scalp, making them ideal for those with sensitive skin or scalp conditions.

oat aminos sensitive skin

 

Additionally, being rich in protein, oat aminos help to repair and fortify hair strands, leaving them stronger and more resilient against damage.

With their natural origin and proven benefits, oat aminos offer a holistic solution for maintaining healthy hair and scalp.

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17. Charcoal

Charcoal, sourced from natural materials like wood, coconut shells, or bamboo, is a gentle yet effective remedy for sensitive skin.

Its porous nature allows it to draw out impurities and toxins from the skin, providing a detoxifying effect.

However, it's essential to use charcoal products in moderation, as they can be drying if overused.

That's why our bar has been carefully formulated with nourishing oils and butters, listed in this article, to provide balance and hydration while still reaping the benefits of charcoal's purifying effects. Specifically formulated for acne-prone skin.

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Patch Test

Remember, everyone's skin and biology is different, so what works for one person may not work for another.

Taking the time to patch test can help ensure that you find products that are safe and suitable for your sensitive skin.

sensitive skin

 

To patch test on sensitive skin:

  • Choose a Small Area: Select a small, discreet area of skin, such as behind the ear or the inner forearm.
  • Apply a Small Amount: Apply a small amount of the product to the chosen area and gently rub it into the skin.
  • Observe for Reactions: Leave the product on the skin for 24-48 hours and observe for any signs of redness, itching, swelling, or irritation.
  • Monitor Results: If no adverse reactions occur during this time, the product is likely safe to use on a larger area of skin. However, if any signs of irritation occur, wash the area immediately and discontinue use of the product.

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Sensitive Skin Solutions

A note from our founder:

Hey there, it's Monique from Butter & Lye. I've been there – battling suddenly sensitive skin which led me to create these natural soaps that actually work.

But it's more than just skincare; it's a mission.

For every bar you buy, we donate one to a NYC shelter through The Bowery Mission.

And sustainability?

It's at the core of everything we do.

 

From compostable packaging to carbon-neutral shipping, we're all about protecting the planet while pampering your skin.

Butter & Lye is more than just products; it's a lifestyle.

Join us and see how easy it is to make a positive change in your daily routine.

Thanks for reading! Share this post with anyone who might find it helpful.

Questions?

Drop them in the comments below – we'd love to chat with you.

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