Key Takeaways:
- Avoid Harsh Irritants: Ditch products with sulphates, synthetic fragrances and harsh alcohols that strip the skin barrier and worsen dryness.
- Barrier-Repair Ingredients Work: Look for natural, barrier-friendly ingredients like Shea Butter and natural oils that restore moisture and calm irritation.
- Simple Consistency Wins: Gentle cleansers, rich moisturiser and regular hydration strengthen skin over time.
Dry, sensitive skin can show up in many ways. It might feel tight, flaky, appear red or feel itchy throughout the day. For some, it’s a constant part of life. For others, it shows up during colder months, after a hot shower or when trying new products. While there are plenty of creams and treatments on the shelves, finding options that are both gentle and genuinely helpful can be a challenge.
At MooGoo, we make products with skin in mind, especially the sensitive kind. What started as a solution for a family member’s skin condition has grown into a full range of skin care made with natural, nourishing ingredients. We use formulations that avoid harsh chemicals and instead focus on what skin already understands. That includes moisturising oils, soothing extracts, and skin-friendly pH levels. Every product is made here in Australia and always with transparency about what’s inside and why.
In this blog, we’ll walk through how to treat dry sensitive skin naturally, why it’s important to take a gentle approach, and which kinds of ingredients and routines can make the biggest difference.
Understanding Dry and Sensitive Skin
Dry and sensitive skin often go hand in hand. Dryness happens when the skin doesn’t hold onto enough moisture, which can cause it to feel rough, tight, or flaky. Sensitivity shows up as redness, itching, stinging, or a general feeling of irritation. For many people, these two issues overlap, making the skin more reactive to certain products or environmental changes.
This combination can be caused by many things. Weather changes, especially cold or dry air, can draw moisture out of the skin. Hot showers, harsh soaps, and over-exfoliation can also break down the skin’s natural barrier, leaving it vulnerable. Genetics, age, and skin conditions like Eczema or Rosacea can make the skin more prone to both dryness and sensitivity.
If you’re dealing with flare-ups during cooler months, we’ve written more about understanding and managing eczema in winter, which often overlaps with sensitive skin concerns.
Understanding how your skin responds is the first step in caring for it. Dry, sensitive skin needs more than just moisture. It needs support in rebuilding its protective barrier and calming any irritation. That’s why gentle care is so important. The goal isn’t just to cover up symptoms, but to help the skin feel stronger, calmer, and more comfortable over time.
Why Harsh Ingredients Can Make Things Worse
When skin feels dry or irritated, it’s natural to want quick relief. But sometimes the products we turn to can make things worse if they contain ingredients that aren’t well-suited to sensitive skin. Harsh ingredients can strip away the natural oils that protect the skin’s surface, leaving it more vulnerable to dryness, redness and irritation. Some common ingredients that may trigger sensitivity or dryness include…
Synthetic Fragrances and Perfumes
These are among the leading causes of contact dermatitis in sensitive skin. Fragrance chemicals can trigger allergic reactions, inflammation and persistent redness. Many products use "fragrance" or "parfum" as a catch-all term that can hide dozens of unlisted chemicals.
Harsh Alcohols
Denatured alcohol, alcohol denat or SD alcohol are commonly used in toners, gels and lightweight lotions. These alcohols evaporate quickly, which can make products feel refreshing initially. The problem is they also strip the skin's natural lipid layer, causing dryness, tightness and increased sensitivity.
Sulphates
Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulphate (SLES) are harsh detergents often used in cleansers and shampoos to create foam. These surfactants are extremely effective at removing oil—so effective they strip away the skin's protective barrier along with dirt and makeup. This leaves skin feeling tight, raw and more prone to irritation.
Strong Preservatives and Artificial Dyes
While preservatives are necessary to prevent bacterial growth, some are more aggressive than others. Parabens, Formaldehyde-releasing preservatives and certain artificial colourants may trigger allergic reactions in some people. For those with already compromised skin, these additives can lead to flare-ups.
The Barrier Breakdown
When used repeatedly, these ingredients can damage the skin’s barrier function. This barrier is what helps keep moisture in and irritants out. Once it's weakened, the skin becomes more prone to flare-ups, dryness and stinging. Choosing products that leave these out can make a noticeable difference for those with already reactive or compromised skin.
How To Treat Dry Sensitive Skin Naturally
Dry and sensitive skin needs care that focuses on both restoring moisture and calming irritation. Treating the condition naturally means choosing ingredients and habits that support your skin rather than overwhelm the surface with too many actives or harsh chemicals.
Focus on Moisture First
Dry skin lacks water, so using a good moisturiser is key. Choose one that is rich in nourishing oils and hydrating ingredients. Avoid anything heavily fragranced or packed with unnecessary additives. A natural moisturiser can help seal in hydration and support the skin's barrier.
Dry skin lacks water and needs products that can deliver hydration and seal the surface to prevent moisture loss. A good moisturiser should contain three types of ingredients:
- Humectants draw water into the skin (like Glycerin or Hyaluronic Acid)
- Emollients smooth and soften the skin's surface (like natural oils and Shea Butter)
- Occlusives create a protective seal to lock moisture in (like beeswax or heavier oils)
Keep Your Routine Simple
When skin is reactive, less is often more. Too many products or frequent changes can make sensitivity worse. Sensitive skin doesn't need ten steps. The right steps matter more than the number of products used. A gentle cleanser, rich moisturiser and daily sun protection may be all your skin needs.
Support With Barrier-Friendly Products
Look for products that help strengthen the skin’s natural barrier. Ingredients like Shea Butter and Aloe Vera are known for their calming and protective properties. Some skin-supportive practices to try include:
- Applying moisturiser right after bathing to lock in hydration
- Using lukewarm water instead of hot when cleansing the skin
- Gently patting skin dry rather than rubbing with a towel
- Keeping showers short to avoid moisture loss
- Avoiding products with alcohol or synthetic fragrance
Patch Test New Products
Even natural products can cause reactions. Before applying a new product all over your face or body, test a small amount on your inner forearm or behind your ear. Wait 24 to 48 hours to see how your skin responds. This simple step can prevent full-face reactions and help you identify potential triggers before they become a problem.
Use Products Made for Sensitive Skin
Some skin types need more than just moisture. If your skin tends to flare up or sting easily, using products designed for very reactive skin can help. You can read more in Eczema Cream Showdown: What One is for Me post if you're unsure which kind of cream may suit your needs. A gentle, consistent routine using natural, barrier-supportive products can make a big difference in how your skin feels day to day.
The Role of Moisturising in Skin Repair
Moisturising does more than just add softness to the skin. For dry and sensitive skin, it plays an important role in helping the skin heal and protect itself. When the skin barrier is compromised, it loses moisture more easily and becomes more open to irritation. A good moisturiser helps to fill in those gaps and support the skin’s ability to repair itself.
Hydration and Barrier Support
Moisturisers with water-binding ingredients like glycerin or hyaluronic acid can help draw moisture into the skin, while oils like jojoba or olive oil help seal it in. This combination helps the skin maintain hydration over time, which is essential for reducing flakiness, tightness and discomfort.
Calming and Comfort
Sensitive skin often feels irritated or inflamed, and a calming moisturiser can help take that edge off. Ingredients like Allantoin, Aloe Vera, and Chamomile are known for their soothing effects. These can reduce visible redness and help the skin feel more comfortable throughout the day.
Daily Use Matters
Moisturising once is helpful, but regular use is what supports long-term improvement. Applying a moisturiser after washing or bathing, and again before bed, helps the skin stay hydrated and gives it the support it needs to repair itself overnight. If you’re not sure where to start, we’ve shared some advice on which moisturiser is best for me based on different skin types and needs.
Building a Routine That Respects Your Skin
A simple, thoughtful routine can make a big difference for dry and sensitive skin. Instead of using too many products or changing things often, consistency with the right products can help your skin settle. A gentle cleanser, a barrier-supportive moisturiser and regular sun protection form a strong foundation for most people.
Giving your skin time to adjust is also part of the process. When introducing a new product, it’s best to go slowly and give it a few weeks to see how your skin responds. Nighttime is a good opportunity to use richer creams or moisturisers that work while the skin naturally restores itself during sleep. If you're curious about adding this kind of care into your routine, we explain more in our blog on why MooGoo’s Night Restoration Cream is your skin’s best mate.
What works for one person may not work for another. The goal is not to chase instant results, but to build habits and use products that support your skin’s natural balance over time.
Natural Ingredients That Actually Work
Choosing natural ingredients can be a great way to care for dry and sensitive skin, but not all natural ingredients are equally helpful. Some are too fragrant or reactive, while others have proven to be calming, moisturising or barrier-supportive. The goal is to use ingredients that your skin recognises and benefits from, without added irritants or unnecessary fillers.
Moisture-Locking Ingredients
Shea Butter is a rich ingredient and a powerhouse for dry skin. Shea Butter is loaded with fatty acids, vitamins A and E, and natural compounds that help support the skin's barrier. The texture mimics the skin's natural sebum, which means it absorbs well without clogging pores.
Natural Oils: Sweet Almond, Jojoba Oil
Not all oils are created equal. Sweet Almond Oil is rich in oleic and linoleic acids, making it particularly effective for dry, flaky skin. Jojoba Oil has a structure remarkably similar to human sebum, which is why skin absorbs it so readily without feeling greasy. Olive Oil contains squalene and antioxidants that help maintain the skin's lipid barrier.
Soothing and Calming Ingredients
- Chamomile has been used for centuries to calm inflamed skin. The extract contains compounds like bisabolol and apigenin that have proven anti-inflammatory effects.
- Allantoin is a naturally occurring compound found in plants like comfrey. Allantoin helps soften and protect the skin while encouraging cell regeneration. The ingredient is particularly effective at calming irritation and helping damaged skin heal.
Barrier-Repair Ingredients
Barrier-repair ingredients like Vitamin E are fat-soluble antioxidants that help protect the skin from environmental damage while supporting barrier function. The ingredient helps prevent moisture loss and can reduce inflammation. For dry, sensitive skin, Vitamin E works both as a protective agent and a nourishing ingredient that supports long-term skin health.
Using products that contain these ingredients in gentle, well-balanced formulas can support the skin in feeling more comfortable and less reactive. Not sure what to look out for? We’ve put together a list of 7 tips for finding the best natural moisturiser to help guide your choices.
Final Thoughts
Dry and sensitive skin often needs a bit more care and patience, but small changes can have a big impact. Choosing products with gentle, natural ingredients and building a simple routine that focuses on moisture and barrier support can help your skin feel calmer and more resilient over time. It's less about quick fixes and more about finding what works for your skin without overwhelming it.
Paying attention to how your skin reacts, especially during seasonal shifts or after trying a new product, can help you fine-tune your approach. Natural care doesn't mean basic or ineffective. When chosen thoughtfully, it can be one of the most effective ways to support skin that needs extra care.
Frequently Asked Questions About Treating Dry Sensitive Skin Naturally
Can dry and sensitive skin be genetic?
Yes, skin type can run in families. Some people are born with a weaker skin barrier or less natural oil production, which can make them more prone to dryness and sensitivity.
Is there a difference between dry skin and dehydrated skin?
Dry skin lacks oil, while dehydrated skin lacks water. Sensitive skin can be either or both. Natural products can help by restoring hydration and supporting the skin’s protective barrier.
Should I exfoliate if I have sensitive skin?
Exfoliating too often can irritate sensitive skin. If you do exfoliate, choose a gentle option and space it out to avoid damaging the skin barrier.
Does sensitive skin get worse in winter?
Cold weather and dry air can strip moisture from the skin, making symptoms worse. Thicker moisturisers and barrier-supportive care can help during this time.
What are the signs that a product is too harsh?
If your skin feels tight, itchy, stings, or becomes red after use, the product might be too strong or not suited to your skin. Look for gentler alternatives with fewer irritants.
Can diet impact dry or sensitive skin?
While skin care plays a major role, diet can also influence how your skin behaves. Staying hydrated and eating foods rich in healthy fats may support skin health from within.
Is it better to moisturise at night or in the morning?
Both can help. Moisturising at night supports the skin’s natural repair process while you sleep, and applying in the morning helps protect against daily dryness and irritation.
Are natural moisturisers strong enough for very dry skin?
Yes, many natural moisturisers use rich oils and soothing ingredients that deeply nourish without synthetic additives. Look for those made specifically for sensitive or dry skin.
Sources:
- Pazyar, N., Yaghoobi, R., Feily, A., & Kazerouni, A. (2016). Colloidal oatmeal (Avena sativa) improves skin barrier through multi‑therapy activity. Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 15(6), 684‑690. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27430590/
- Wang, Y., Li, S., Ai, Y., Lynch, S., Baalbaki, N., & Zhang, X. (2024). Evaluating the effect of moisturizers containing endogenous lipids on skin barrier properties. Journal of Dermatologic Science and Cosmetic Technology. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jdsct.2024.100037
- Muhammad, P., Novianto, E., Yusharyahya, S. N., Menaldi, S. L., & Budianti, W. K. (2024). Effectiveness of topical hyaluronic acid of different molecular weights in xerosis cutis treatment in elderly: A double‑blind, randomized controlled trial. Archives of Dermatological Research, 316, 329. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00403-024-03003-2
