‘I’m a Dermatologist, and This Is the Ones Drugstore Brand I Always Recommend for Sensitive Skin’

When you have sensitive skin, it can be really tricky to find the right skin-care products. There are tons of products out there, and even when you use something labeled “gentle” or “for sensitive skin,” you can still experience irritation. When  Sharleen St. Surin-Lord, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Washington DC, has a patient with sensitive skin, there’s one brand she recommends time and time again—Vanicream.

“When you look at their product line, Vanicream had no parabens, no formaldehyde, no fragrance, and no masking fragrance,” says Dr. St. Surin-Lord, adding that this has been the case since the brand’s inception. “And they’re lanolin-free. We like lanolin because it’s very moisturizing, but we have to keep in mind that lanolin comes from sheep’s hair, and some people are sensitive and irritated by it.”

Vanicream was founded in 1975 by two pharmacists looking to develop products that would be tolerated by people with sensitive skin. As a result, the brand’s products are free of the irritants often found in skin-care products, but are still ultra-effective. Plus, many of them also have the Seal of Acceptance from the National Eczema Association. Below, shop seven of Vanicream’s best products.

Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser — $8.00

This super-gentle facial cleanser helps remove dirt, oil, and makeup without making your skin feel dry or squeaky.

Vanicream Moisturizing Lotion — $14.00

Great to use on the body and the face, this lightweight lotion provides long-lasting hydration and moisturization to dry skin without leaving behind a greasy film.

Vanicream Facial Moisturizer — $15.00

If you prefer a moisturizer made specifically for the face, opt for this one. It’s formulated with five key ceramides, hyaluronic acid, squalane, and glycerin to moisturize and soothe sensitive skin.

Vanicream Moisturizing Ointment — $16.00

Ointments are the most moisturizing form of moisturizer, and this one is great for sensitive skin. “Their ointment is super wonderful because it has no mineral oil, which can be irritating to people who have eczema and people with sensitive skin,” says Dr. St. Surin-Lord.

Vanicream Lip Protectant — $10.00

Your lips can get sunburned just like the rest of your body, so using a lip balm with SPF can be super helpful. This lip balm contains mineral sunscreen to protect your lips from the sun’s rays while also preventing moisture loss.

Vanicream Moisturizing Skin Cream — $13.00

If you prefer cream to lotion, opt for this moisturizer. It can be used on the face or body to hydrate and restore skin while helping to retain moisture levels.

Vanicream Z Bar — $9.00

Made with zinc pyrithione, this cleansing bar can be used to help treat everything from dandruff and scalp psoriasis to acne and seborrheic dermatitis.

Explore more of what Vanicream has to offer.

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