We read the ingredient list, so you don’t have to.
Skincare Clarity is an independent INCI-first guide for sensitive, reactive skin. Every formula we feature is checked against a transparent Green List and Red List before it makes the cut.
What we look for. What we exclude.
Every skincare formula we review for sensitive, reactive skin starts with the same two questions. The Green List captures the ingredients we actively look for. The Red List captures the ones we exclude — and why.
The Green List
Ingredients that support barrier comfort, hydration, calm, gentle performance and mineral sun protection.
- Ceramides
- Glycerin
- Squalane
- Panthenol
- Cica
- Oat
- Ectoin
- Niacinamide
- Zinc Oxide
- +22 more
The Red List
Ingredients and thresholds excluded from the curation — from fragrance to high-strength acids.
Read the full Red List →The same formula audit, every time.
No mystery scores. No weighted star ratings. Just four practical questions applied to every skincare formula we evaluate.
INCI-first audit
We read the ingredient list before the marketing copy.
Red List check
Products are excluded for Red List ingredients or concentration thresholds.
Green List review
We look for barrier-supporting, hydrating, soothing and gentle-active ingredients.
UK availability
We prioritise skincare products available through trusted UK retailers.
Browse skincare by skin need.
Choose the skincare category your routine needs first. Each product page covers the Red List audit, Green List highlights, a colour-coded ingredient list, practical fit for sensitive, reactive skin, and trusted UK retailer options.
Moisturisers
Creams, gels and fluids for everyday hydration and comfort.
Cleansers
Gel, cream and balm cleansers screened against our Red List.
Serums
Lightweight layers, from simple hydration to antioxidant support.
SPF
Sunscreens with zinc oxide, titanium dioxide or both.
Recovery
Balms, treatments and single-ingredient oils for dry, stressed skin.
See what each ingredient does
Colour-coded lists and short explanations on every product page.
See Cetaphil's ingredient listCetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser · all 10 ingredients, in label order
- Water binding
- Skin conditioning
- Cleansing
- Base and formulation support
- Formula protection
- Green List match
- Aqua; Base and formulation support
- Glycerin; Water binding; Green List match
- Cetearyl Alcohol; Base and formulation support
- Panthenol; Skin conditioning; Green List match
- Niacinamide; Skin conditioning; Green List match
- Pantolactone; Water binding
- Xanthan Gum; Base and formulation support
- Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate; Cleansing
- Sodium Benzoate; Formula protection
- Citric Acid; Base and formulation support
Practical guides for sensitive skin.
Understand ingredients, product choices and everyday routines, so you can make informed decisions about what goes on your skin.
Damaged skin barrier
What a weakened barrier means, the signs to look for, and which ingredient roles may help.
How to choose a moisturiser
Compare formats, read ingredient roles and find a sensible starting point for sensitive skin.
How to read an ingredient list
Ingredient order, unfamiliar names and what a list can tell you, with two real UK examples.
Start with the ingredients that matter most.
Learn the skincare ingredients that support sensitive, reactive skin — and the common triggers we screen out of every routine.
Ceramides
Barrier lipids that support skin comfort, resilience and moisture retention.
Green ListGlycerin
A reliable humectant that helps keep sensitive skin hydrated and comfortable.
Green ListCica
A soothing botanical ingredient often used in formulas for stressed, reactive skin.
Red ListFragrance / Parfum
A leading trigger for reactive skin — including hidden fragrance blends and listed allergens.
Red ListSLS / SLES
High-foaming surfactants we exclude from sensitive-skin cleansing routines.
Red ListAlcohol Denat
A fast-drying solvent that can be harsh on the skin when used as a main formula base.
Ingredient research, not clean-beauty marketing.
Skincare Clarity starts with ingredient literacy: what supports sensitive, reactive skin, what we exclude, and where the evidence is more nuanced than marketing claims. Product recommendations follow that framework — not the other way round.