Navigating Skin Sensitivity: A Comprehensive Guide to Identifying Common Irritants in Skincare.
- Wild Alchemy Botanicals
- Aug 4
- 4 min read
Updated: 17 hours ago
Skincare ingredients don’t affect everyone the same way. What leaves one person glowing might cause irritation, redness, or an allergic response in someone else. This holds true for both lab-created and natural ingredients—yes, even something as soothing as aloe vera can be a trigger for certain individuals.
In this guide, we’ll walk through some of the most common irritants found in skincare products and highlight which ingredients we include or avoid at Wild Alchemy Botanicals. It’s designed as a helpful reference—but always remember: no one knows your skin better than you do.
To help you quickly identify where we stand on each ingredient, you’ll see:
✔ Tick mark = Ingredients we choose to include
✖ Cross mark = Ingredients we intentionally leave out
✖ Fragrances - Common Skin Irritants in Skincare
Fragrance is one of the most common triggers for sensitive skin. Even products labelled “unscented” may still contain masking fragrances that irritate. Whether synthetic or naturally derived, fragrances can lead to allergic reactions and heightened skin sensitivity.
Common fragrance ingredients to watch for:
Linalool – Often found in lavender and floral oils
Limonene – Used for its citrus scent
Geraniol – Present in rose oil and lemongrass
✖ Alcohols
Not all alcohols are harmful, but certain types—especially denatured alcohol (listed as alcohol denat)—can dry out your skin and damage the natural barrier over time. While these alcohols are often included for their quick-drying effect, they may lead to irritation or increased sensitivity.
Common drying alcohols:
Ethanol – Found in toners and sanitisers
Isopropyl alcohol – Used in astringents
Benzyl alcohol – Appears in fragrances and preservatives
✖ Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)
Used in foaming cleansers, shampoos, and toothpaste, SLS is a known irritant—especially for dry or reactive skin. It strips away natural oils, weakening the skin barrier and increasing the likelihood of inflammation and sensitivity.
Related surfactants to note:
Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) – A gentler alternative, but still may cause issues
Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate – Considered milder and used in gentler formulations
✖ Polyethylene Glycols (PEGs)
PEGs act as emollients and emulsifiers but can cause stinging, redness, or itching for those with sensitive skin. Their effect depends on the individual and the product formulation.
Examples of PEGs:
PEG-6 Stearate – Often in creams and lotions
PEG-3 Myristate – Used for emulsifying in cosmetics
✖ Benzoyl Peroxide
Commonly found in acne products, benzoyl peroxide is effective at reducing breakouts but can also trigger peeling, burning, and dryness—especially when used too frequently or without proper hydration.
Forms of this ingredient:
Benzoyl Peroxide – Acne-fighting agent
Benzophenone – A UV filter, sometimes linked with skin sensitisation
✔ / ✖ Retinoids
Retinoids are powerful tools for anti-ageing and acne, but they’re not for everyone. They can initially cause flaking, redness, or sensitivity. If introducing retinoids into your routine, do so gradually and follow up with hydrating, barrier-supportive care.
Common retinoids:
Retinol – A gentler, over-the-counter option
Tretinoin – A prescription-strength retinoid for acne
✔ / ✖ Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs)
AHAs exfoliate dead skin cells and improve texture, but can irritate sensitive or compromised skin. Used correctly and sparingly, they can brighten and renew—but overuse may disrupt the skin barrier.
Popular AHAs:
Glycolic Acid – Potent and effective exfoliant
Lactic Acid – Milder, suitable for sensitive skin types
✖ Chemical Sunscreens
Some chemical sunscreen filters are linked to irritation or allergic reactions, particularly in sensitive skin. At Wild Alchemy Botanicals, we favour mineral-based (physical) sunscreens like zinc oxide, which sit on the skin’s surface and reflect UV rays without absorbing into the skin.
Common chemical sunscreen ingredients:
Oxybenzone – Often linked with skin and hormonal disruption
Avobenzone – Absorbs UVA rays but can degrade in sunlight without stabilisers
Understanding what goes into your skincare is just as important as knowing what to leave out. At Wild Alchemy Botanicals, we choose ingredients with intention—guided by both clinical insight and a deep respect for nature’s wisdom.
Your skin deserves gentleness, effectiveness, and transparency. And if you’re ever unsure, patch test and pay attention to how your skin responds. Because the best skincare always begins with listening to you.
Always Patch Test New Skincare Products
Remember, even when using products with gentle or natural ingredients, everyone's skin reacts differently. That's why we always recommend patch testing any new skincare product before full application—especially if you have sensitive or reactive skin.
Taking this simple precaution can help you avoid irritation and ensure the product is right for your unique skin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does it mean to have sensitive skin?
A: Sensitive skin is more reactive than normal, often showing redness, stinging, itching, or breakouts when exposed to certain ingredients, fragrances, or environmental stressors.
Q: Which ingredients should people with sensitive skin avoid?
A: Common irritants include synthetic fragrance, harsh alcohols, sulfates, and overly strong acids. Even some natural essential oils can be triggering, depending on your skin.
Q: Are Wild Alchemy Botanicals products suitable for sensitive skin?
A: Some of our formulations are gentle enough for sensitive skin, while others may not be. If you’re unsure, we always recommend a patch test first, and you’re welcome to reach out for personalised recommendations.
Q: Do you have products specifically for sensitive or reactive skin?
A: Yes — we’re currently developing our **Ultra Gentle Botanical Kit** (launching 2026), crafted especially for those with eczema, psoriasis, or dermatitis. In the meantime, our lighter serums and hydrosols are often a good starting point.
Q: Do you ship internationally for sensitive skin customers outside NZ?
A: Absolutely. We ship across New Zealand, Australia, the UK, Singapore, Japan, and the UAE — so you can access our gentle, carefully formulated skincare wherever you are.
🌿 Support your sensitive skin with gentle botanicals.
Our Revive and Glow Serum, together with our Orange Blossom Cucumber Hydrosol and Rosa Damascena Mānuka Hydrosol are crafted with calming, skin-loving ingredients to soothe, hydrate, and refresh even the most delicate complexions.
I’m Sandra, the owner of Wild Alchemy Botanicals — creating small-batch botanical skincare right here in New Zealand. With nearly 20 years of experience in skin therapy, I blend nature, science, and skill into every product. Explore more ingredient insights, product guides, and behind-the-scenes musings — or discover our full collection of skincare.
Here’s to the beauty of small-batch skincare, Sandra 🌿
Navigating Skin Sensitivity: A Comprehensive Guide to Identifying Common Irritants in Skincare
