Have you ever applied your favourite face cream only to be met with an unwelcome stinging sensation or unexpected redness? Dealing with an allergic reaction to moisturiser is something many people experience, especially as they age.
At Green People, we have spent over 25 years formulating gentle, effective sensitive skin care. We understand that when your skin is in a state of high alert, you need products that provide comfort without the risk of further irritation, which is why we specialise in fragrance-free, certified organic skin care.
At glance
- Synthetic fragrances and certain preservatives are the most common triggers for moisturiser-related allergies
- Switching to a scent-free routine helps to lower the load on reactive skin
- Our best moisturiser for allergic skin - Scent Free Truffle Night Cream contains instantly soothing Northern Truffle Mushroom
- Always perform a patch test when introducing a new product to an allergy-prone complexion
Am I allergic to my moisturiser?
An allergic reaction often manifests as contact dermatitis. You might notice small red bumps, a persistent itch or even dry, flaky patches that refuse to shift. In many cases, the discomfort happens almost immediately after application, but sometimes a sensitisation occurs - a process where your skin gradually becomes intolerant to an ingredient you have used for years.
If you are experiencing heat or swelling, the first step is to stop using all active products. Strip your routine back to the absolute basics. This allows your skin's natural microbiome to settle and gives the epidermis a chance to repair itself without being bombarded by complex chemicals or essential oils.
Common triggers in conventional moisturisers
Why does your skin react? Often, the culprit is not the moisturising base itself, but the extras added for shelf-life or sensory appeal. Synthetic fragrances and even some natural essential oils contain allergens like limonene or linalool which can be too much for reactive faces.
"Fragrance is the number one cause of adverse skin reactions to cosmetics. By removing it entirely, we give the skin the space it needs to breathe and recover."
- Charlotte Vøhtz, Founder of Green People
Preservatives such as methylisothiazolinone (MI) or high concentrations of drying ethyl alcohol can also strip away the natural lipids that keep your skin protected. When this barrier is weakened, irritants can penetrate more deeply, leading to that cycle of redness and stinging. Choosing ethyl alcohol-free moisturiser options is a simple way to reduce this risk.
The best moisturiser for allergic skin
When your skin is allergy-prone, you need a formula that hydrates deeply while keeping skin calm and comfortable. Our Scent Free Truffle Night Cream was designed specifically for this purpose. This natural and organic face cream has a rich, comforting texture that sinks in quickly, leaving a soft matte finish rather than a greasy residue. It can be used day and night.
Along with moisture-binding Ceramides, it contains clinically proven Northern Truffle, which instantly soothes, reducing reddening by 90% and boosting your skin’s tolerance of potential irritants. It is free from essential oils and artificial fragrances, and is suitable for those who may be prone to allergies, eczema or rosacea.
Scent Free Truffle Night Cream 50ml
Soothe, calm and repair with this Ceramide and Truffle sleep cream334,00 kr
★★★★★
“Fantastic product for my skin. I am retired; hypo allergenic' auto immune and still on HRT! My skin came to Green People with irritable rashes; bumpy lumpy forhead and generally over moisturesed. My skin is now vibrant, soft, unblemished and feels lovely. Thank you for a lovely product.”
Lorraine · Verified Buyer
Reviewing: Scent Free Truffle Night Cream 50ml
See this product now →Building a complete scent-free routine
A moisturiser is only one part of the puzzle. If you are prone to allergies, every step of your skin care regime should be as gentle as possible.
Start with a soap-free cleanser to remove impurities without disrupting the delicate pH balance of your face. Made without harsh foaming agents such as SLS, our creamy cleanser refreshes your skin without leaving it feeling tight or dry.
Regular price
Scent Free Cleanser 150ml
This fragrance-free cleanser is a sensitive skin essential!
291,00 kr
204,00 kr
For an extra boost of hydration, our Scent Free Hyaluronic Booster Serum uses triple action Hyaluronic Acid to lock in moisture.
320,00 kr
Scent Free Hyaluronic Booster Serum 28ml
This scent-free Hyaluronic Acid serum is pure hydration in a bottle
Finding a sunscreen for allergy-prone skin can be a particular challenge. Our Scent Free Facial Sun Cream SPF30 offers broad-spectrum protection in a non-greasy, soothing formula that is ideal for sensitive eyes and skin.
Scent Free Facial Sun Cream - SPF30 50ml
Shield and hydrate with this facial SPF. Ideal for dry or sensitive skin.291,00 kr
How to safely patch test
Even when a product is designed for sensitive skin, it is wise to be cautious. Apply a small pea-sized amount of the moisturiser to the inside of your elbow or behind your ear. Leave it for 24 hours to check for any signs of redness or irritation before applying it to your entire face.
If you have experienced a severe reaction or the irritation does not subside after a few days of using plain, fragrance-free products, we recommend seeking advice from a medical professional. You can find more information on managing skin allergies on the NHS website.
We hope you have found the best skin care for an allergic reaction to moisturiser. If you need any more help or advice, our friendly UK customer care team are happy to help on 01403 740350 or on social @GreenPeopleUK.
MEET CHARLOTTE, FOUNDER OF GREEN PEOPLE
Charlotte Vøhtz, founder of Green People, has 25+ years of experience in the natural and organic beauty industry.
A recognised leader in the field of organic beauty, Charlotte helped inform the UK's first organic beauty standards and was voted the People's Choice in the 2023 list of Who's Who in Natural Beauty.
A published author, she wrote the organic beauty bible Naturally Gorgeous. Previously, she qualified as a nurse and spent over 10 years working in pharmaceuticals.
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