If you have sensitive skin, building the right routine can feel a little like walking a tightrope. Choose the wrong cleanser and you risk dryness or irritation. Skip moisturizer and your skin may feel tight and uncomfortable.
The truth is, sensitive skin needs a little extra TLC – and that starts with gentle, natural formulas, simple steps, and a mindful approach to trying new products.
At UpCircle, we believe that skincare should be effective, kind to your skin, and kind to the planet. Our products are made from upcycled natural ingredients and designed to suit even the most delicate skin types.
Here’s how to create a sensitive-skin-friendly routine you can trust.
Step 1: Start with a gentle cleanser
For sensitive skin, cleansing is all about removing impurities without stripping away the skin’s natural oils. Harsh foaming agents or high-fragrance cleansers can leave skin feeling dry, red, or tight. Instead, opt for a balm or cream-based cleanser that nourishes as it cleans.
If you wear makeup or SPF, start with a rich balm to melt it away. UpCircle’s Cleansing Face Balm with Apricot Powder does just that: breaking down makeup and sunscreen while nourishing the skin barrier.
Follow with a soft, creamy cleanser to whisk away any residue without over-drying. The Oat Cleansing Face Milk with Oat Powder + Aloe Vera is ideal here, effectively calming inflammation and irritation.
Using these two steps together – often called “double cleansing” – ensures your skin is clean but still balanced, setting the stage for the rest of your routine
Tip: Use lukewarm, not hot, water when rinsing. High heat can worsen redness and dryness.
Step 2: Try a mild exfoliant (sparingly)
Exfoliation is important for keeping skin smooth and preventing build-up, but sensitive skin needs a lighter touch. Avoid abrasive scrubs or high-strength acids, which can trigger irritation.
Our Floral Blend Face Scrub is a gentle option, blending finely ground coffee with calming chamomile and nourishing shea butter. The texture is soft enough for delicate skin, and the coffee provides antioxidant benefits while lightly buffing away dead skin cells.
For most sensitive skin types, exfoliating once a week is enough. Listen to your skin: if it feels tight, red, or stinging afterwards, you may need to space out exfoliation even further.
Step 3: Hydrate and protect your barrier
A strong skin barrier is your best defence against irritation, so moisturizing is non-negotiable. Look for products rich in emollients and humectants; ingredients that both seal in moisture and draw water into the skin.
UpCircle’s Face Moisturizer with Vitamin E is formulated with skin-loving shea butter, aloe vera, and cocoa butter, alongside antioxidant-rich powder from discarded argan shells.
It’s fragrance-free, fast-absorbing, and ideal for everyday use – giving your skin the hydration it needs without heaviness.
If your skin is very reactive, introduce one new product at a time and patch-test first. This way, you can spot any sensitivities before applying a product all over your face.
Step 4: Add a soothing serum
Serums can deliver targeted benefits, from calming redness to strengthening the skin barrier. For sensitive skin, look for formulas with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
A peptide serum is a great option, as peptides help support the skin’s natural collagen without the irritation that stronger actives can cause.
UpCircle’s Peptide Serum with Custard Apple + Blood Orange is lightweight and water-based, making it easy to layer under moisturizer. It also contains niacinamide, which can help even skin tone, and antioxidant-rich fruit extracts to give skin extra support against daily stressors.
Use it morning or evening after cleansing for a calming boost.
Step 5: Never skip SPF
Sun protection is vital for all skin types – but it’s especially important if your skin is sensitive, as UV rays can trigger redness, pigmentation, and long-term damage. Look for a mineral-based sunscreen with zinc oxide, as these tend to be gentler than chemical filters.
Apply SPF every morning as the last step in your routine, even on cloudy days. And if you’re spending time outdoors, reapply every two hours.
Step 6: Listen to your skin
Sensitive skin often reacts to changes in weather, diet, stress, and even sleep patterns. Keep your routine flexible. On days when your skin feels calmer, you might add a gentle exfoliant or a hydrating mask. When it feels reactive, strip things back to the basics: cleanser, moisturizer, and SPF.
Bonus tips for caring for sensitive skin
1. Keep products cool
Storing certain skincare products in the fridge can help soothe skin and reduce puffiness. Try keeping your eye cream chilled for a refreshing, de-puffing boost in the morning.
2. Simplify your ingredient list
Long ingredient lists often mean more potential triggers. Choose products with fewer, well-chosen ingredients, and avoid unnecessary fragrance, synthetic dyes, or alcohols that can dry out the skin.
3. Avoid over-cleansing
Washing your face more than twice a day can strip away natural oils and weaken your skin barrier. Stick to morning and evening cleansing, with just a splash of water if you need a midday refresh.
4. Patch-test new products
Always test a small amount on the inside of your wrist or behind your ear before applying to your face. This simple step can save you a lot of discomfort.
5. Choose ethical, skin-kind formulas
UpCircle’s products are natural, vegan, and made from upcycled ingredients – meaning they’re gentle on your skin and on the planet. Our commitment to sustainability also means packaging is 99% plastic-free.
Natural ingredients, simple formulations
Building a skincare routine for sensitive skin doesn’t have to be complicated. Focus on gentle, nourishing products, introduce new steps slowly, and pay attention to how your skin responds. By choosing natural, upcycled ingredients and mindful formulations, you can support your skin’s health while reducing your environmental impact.
UpCircle’s range is designed with both in mind, so you can care for your skin and the planet, one simple step at a time.