Why is My Face Moisturiser Irritating My Skin?

You follow your skincare routine diligently. You cleanse, you tone, and you moisturise. Yet, instead of feeling soft and hydrated, your skin feels tight, red, or itchy. If you've ever looked in the mirror and wondered, "Why is my face moisturiser irritating my skin?", you are not alone. It's a common frustration, and the answer might be sitting right there on your bathroom shelf.

The very product designed to soothe and protect your skin could be the source of your discomfort. Many popular moisturisers are formulated with synthetic ingredients that can be too harsh for the delicate skin on your face and neck. This post will explore why your moisturiser might be causing irritation and introduce you to a gentler, more natural approach to skincare.

Shop online for our natural moisturisers here.

The Hidden Irritants in Your Moisturiser

When you choose a moisturiser, you trust it to hydrate and nourish your skin. However, mass-market formulas often prioritise texture and a long shelf life over skin health. This means they are frequently packed with synthetic compounds that can disrupt your skin's natural balance and lead to irritation, redness, and sensitivity.

Let’s look at some of the common culprits.

Silicones: The Illusion of Smoothness

Silicones are found in countless skincare and cosmetic products. They give moisturisers that silky, smooth feel and create a barrier on the skin that seems to lock in moisture. Ingredients like dimethicone or cyclomethicone sit on top of your skin, filling in fine lines and creating a flawless-looking canvas.

The problem is that this barrier can trap more than just moisture. It can also trap sweat, bacteria, and impurities, leading to clogged pores and breakouts. For those with sensitive skin, this occlusive layer can trigger irritation and a feeling of heaviness, preventing the skin from functioning naturally. While it feels smooth initially, it doesn't truly nourish the skin underneath.

Glycols: The Questionable Hydrators

Propylene glycol and butylene glycol are common ingredients used to help a product retain moisture and to help other ingredients penetrate the skin. They act as humectants, drawing water to the skin's surface.

However, glycols are derived from petroleum and can be harsh on the skin. For many people, they can strip the skin's natural moisture barrier, leading to dryness and irritation over time—the very issues you're trying to solve with a moisturiser. If your skin feels tight or looks red after applying your cream, glycols could be the cause.

Vitamin C: When Too Much is a Bad Thing

Vitamin C is a fantastic antioxidant celebrated for its brightening and anti-ageing properties. It can help protect the skin from environmental damage and promote collagen production. So, how could it be an irritant?

The issue often comes down to concentration and stability. Many synthetic forms of Vitamin C, like L-ascorbic acid, are highly potent and acidic. In high concentrations, they can be too aggressive for the delicate skin on the face and neck, causing stinging, redness, and peeling, especially for those with sensitive skin. A gentler, naturally derived source is often a much better alternative.

The Importance of Gentle, Natural Skincare

Your face and neck have some of the most delicate skin on your body. This area is more prone to sensitivity and showing signs of ageing. Bombarding it with harsh, synthetic chemicals can compromise its protective barrier, making it more susceptible to environmental stressors and irritation.

Choosing natural skincare is about working with your skin, not against it. Gentle, plant-based ingredients provide effective hydration and anti-ageing benefits without the risk of irritation. They nourish, soothe, and support your skin's long-term health.

A Natural Solution for Every Skin Type

Understanding that your skin deserves gentle care, we developed our moisturisers using the power of nature. Instead of harsh synthetics, we harness potent botanicals that deliver results without compromising skin health. We have a solution for you, whether your skin is dry and thirsty or oily and prone to shine. We still recommend patch tests even for our products though, as if you are prone to sensitivity then even natural ingredients might cause a reaction. 

For Drier Skin Types: Active Dew Cream

If your skin often feels tight, flaky, or dehydrated, it needs rich, sustained moisture. Our Active Dew Cream is a luxurious, hydrating formula designed to deeply nourish and plump the skin. It provides lasting comfort and a visible dewy glow without any heavy or greasy feeling.

This cream is packed with gentle but powerful anti-ageing actives:

• Cassia (Botanical Hyaluronic Acid): This plant-based wonder delivers intense hydration, helping to plump up fine lines and give your skin a smooth, supple texture.
• Pomegranate: A potent antioxidant, pomegranate helps protect the skin from free radical damage and supports skin regeneration for a more youthful appearance.
• Plant Oils: A carefully selected blend of natural oils provides essential fatty acids to reinforce the skin's barrier, locking in moisture and soothing dryness.

For Oillier Skin Types: Matt Formula Face Cream

If you struggle with excess oil, shine, and clogged pores, you need a moisturiser that hydrates without adding weight. Our Matt Formula Face Cream is a lightweight, balancing cream that provides essential moisture while controlling shine for a beautifully matte finish.

It offers gentle care with effective, skin-balancing ingredients:

• Hyaluronic Acid: Provides oil-free hydration, ensuring your skin gets the water it needs without clogging pores.
• Pomegranate: This antioxidant powerhouse helps to refine the look of pores and protect the skin from environmental stress.
• Plant Oils: A non-comedogenic blend of oils helps to balance your skin's natural sebum production, reducing shininess over time.

Make the Switch to Healthier Skin

If your moisturiser is causing more problems than it solves, it's time to re-evaluate what you're putting on your skin. That red, irritated complexion is your skin's way of telling you it needs a gentler approach.

By choosing products formulated with natural, skin-loving ingredients, you can achieve the hydrated, comfortable, and radiant skin you've been searching for. Embrace the power of botanicals and say goodbye to irritation for good. Your skin will thank you.

Shop online here.