If you have sensitive skin or a reactive scalp, choosing the right products can make all the difference. While skincare and haircare are designed to support your skin, certain ingredient groups may feel too harsh, especially when the skin barrier is already feeling compromised.
Understanding what to look out for can help you build a routine that supports calm, balanced and healthy-looking skin from head to toe.
Harsh Sulphates
Sulphates such as SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulphate) can create a deep cleanse and foamy texture, but for sensitive skin types, they may feel overly stripping, especially when used frequently on the face or scalp. Common products that may contain SLS include shampoo, body washes, toothpaste, facial cleansers and bubble bath products.
Over-cleansing with SLS ingredients can leave skin and scalp feeling dry, tight or uncomfortable
Fragrance (Synthetic and Natural)
Fragrance is widely used across skincare, haircare, and personal care products to enhance the sensory experience. It may be listed as “Fragrance,” “Parfum,” or as individual essential oils. Fragrance, whether synthetic or derived from essential oils, can sometimes be too stimulating for sensitive skin or scalps.
Common products that contain fragrance include moisturisers, shower gels, shampoo and conditioners, hand washes and bath products.
Highly fragranced products may contribute to feelings of discomfort or reactivity for people with sensitive skin.
Alcohols
Certain alcohols like Alcohol Denat are used for quick-drying formulas but may not suit all skin types. They can leave the skin or scalp feeling dry, particularly when used in high concentrations. Common products that contain alcohol include toners, acne or spot treatments, facial mists, hand sanitisers, sunscreens and make up products.
Not all alcohols are the same, some like fatty alcohols such as cetyl or cetearyl alcohol are beneficial and moisturising. However, if you have sensitive skin or a compromised barrier, frequent use of products high in drying alcohols may leave skin feeling tight or dehydrated.
Strong Exfoliating Acids or Scrubs
Strong exfoliating acids or scrubs are commonly found in products designed to resurface, brighten, or smooth the skin. Exfoliation can be beneficial, but harsh physical scrubs or frequent use of strong acids may be too much for sensitive skin.
Over-exfoliation can impact the skin barrier, leaving skin feeling unsettled or more reactive.
Formulas with Too Many Actives
Layering multiple active ingredients at once can overwhelm the skin, especially if you are unsure how your skin will respond. Some examples of actives you should avoid using at the same time include:
- Retinoids and AHA’s or BHA’s
- Vitamin C and Retinoids
- Strong Acids and Vitamin C
A simpler, more consistent routine often helps maintain skin comfort and balance.
Tips for Safe Layering
- Introduce one active at a time.
- Use gentle, barrier-supportive products in combination with actives.
- Alternate nights or AM/PM routines to minimise irritation.
- Always follow with hydration and sunscreen during the day.
What Ingredients to Look for That Support Sensitive Skin and Scalp
When caring for sensitive skin or scalp, it is not just about what you avoid, it is about choosing ingredients that help support hydration, balance, and comfort. AMPERNA® formulations are designed with gentle, microbiome-focused ingredients that help maintain a healthy-looking skin environment.
Lactococcus Ferment Lysate (Postbiotic)
A key ingredient across AMPERNA® products, Lactococcus Ferment Lysate is a postbiotic that helps support the skin barrier and maintain a balanced skin environment. It helps
support overall skin comfort and maintains balance for both skin and scalp.
When used alongside actives like vitamin C, exfoliating acids, or retinoids, Lactococcus Ferment Lysate helps reduce potential irritation, making active routines more comfortable.
It is a cornerstone ingredient in AMPERNA® formulations because it helps your skin feel calm, hydrated, and balanced, from top to toe.
Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)
Niacinamide is a versatile ingredient suitable for many skin types, including sensitive skin. It helps support a balanced complexion and contributes to smoother, more even-looking skin. Niacinamide helps support the skin barrier, locking in moisture and helping reduce the appearance of redness and sensitivity.
Where You will Find Niacinamide in AMPERNA® Products:
- Vitamin C Hyaluronic Serum [REPAIR] – brightens and helps calm skin.
- SOS Daily Facial Spray [SUPACALM] – enhances skin resilience while providing cooling and hydration.
- Pro+ Bio Resurfacing Retinol RX [SUPERFOLIATE] – helps promote a smooth, radiant looking complexion while supporting skin clarity and hydration.
- Pro+ Bio Resurfacing Retinol ALT [SUPERADIANCE] – featuring bakuchiol, a gentle plant derived alternative to traditional retinoids, it promotes smoother looking skin and a more even toned appearance.
Panthenol (Vitamin B5)
Known for its hydrating and soothing properties, Panthenol is commonly used in both skincare and haircare. Panthenol helps support skin barrier function, hydrates and attracts moisture, soothes and calms the skin, supports skin repair and resilience, and maintains skin and scalp comfort.
You will find Panthenol across most of our products including:
- Ultra Gentle Soothing Cleanser [BALANCE] – hydrates and calms while cleansing.
- Probiotic+ DS Soothing Serum [RESCUE] – supports barrier repair and comfort.
- Lightweight Soothing+ Emulsion [HYDRATE] – locks in moisture for soft, smooth skin
- 10% Pro+ Resurfacing Lotion [EXFOLIATE] – visibly refreshes dull looking skin.
Ceramides
Ceramides are naturally found in the skin and play a significant role in maintaining a strong skin barrier. They help support the skin barrier and assist in retaining moisture for soft, smooth-feeling skin. Ceramides help sensitive skin stay hydrated, calm, and resilient. They work to restore, protect, and maintain the skin’s natural defences, making them an ideal ingredient in gentle, microbiome-focused routines like AMPERNA®.
Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid (HA), also known as sodium hyaluronate in formulations, is a naturally occurring molecule in the skin that attracts and retains water. It is a key humectant, meaning it pulls moisture into the skin, helping maintain hydration and support overall skin comfort. Hyaluronic Acid is a hydration superstar for sensitive skin types as it helps keep skin feeling hydrated and comfortable without heaviness.
Supporting Sensitive Skin & Scalp the Gentle Way
Caring for sensitive skin or scalp does not have to be complicated. By being mindful of ingredient choices and focusing on gentle, supportive formulations, you can help maintain a routine that keeps your skin feeling calm, hydrated and balanced.
Pairing the right ingredients with consistent skincare habits, a balanced lifestyle, and minimal stress on the skin barrier can make a meaningful difference over time.
Healthy-looking skin starts with a supported barrier, from your scalp to your skin.
