Top Anti-Inflammatory Ingredients to Soothe Irritated Skin

The Best Anti-Inflammatory Ingredients For Skin

1. Niacinamide 

Also known as vitamin B3, board-certified dermatologist Marisa Garshick, MD, FAAD, says niacinamide “helps calm redness and reduce inflammation while soothing the skin. It also helps support the skin barrier making it especially good for those dealing with eczema or rosacea.” 

If you’re new to the ingredient, you may actually already be familiar with the GLOW RECIPE Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops. When we need soothing that also instantly amplifies the appearance of our skin, this is where we turn.

2. Ceramides 

“Ceramides are fatty molecules that help support the skin’s natural barrier,” the expert shares. “By helping the skin barrier, they work to keep moisture in and keep external irritants out. This is how they can help reduce inflammation and sensitivity, and help improve irritated skin.” 

3. Centella Asiatica 

Known more commonly as cica, Dr. Garshick says centella asiatica “is a type of flowering plant that offers anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits, which help reduce redness and soothe the skin. In general, it can be used on all skin types.” 

The INNISFREE Retinol Cica Moisture Recovery Serum is not only formulated by one of our favorite K-beauty brands, but it’s great for soothing and actually doing hard work to elevate the skin.

4. Allantoin 

Allantoin, known for its soothing benefits, “may be incorporated into cleansers or moisturizers to help soothe and calm the skin,” Dr. Garshick explains. “It helps moisturize the skin and minimize potential dryness while also calming and reducing inflammation.” 

The FIRST AID BEAUTY Pure Skin Face Cleanser features allantoin as one of its key ingredients, combined with soothing aloe and hydrating glycerin.

5. Aloe Vera 

Aloe vera and cooling properties go hand-in-hand, as the ingredient “helps soothe the skin by reducing inflammation,” Dr. Garshick shares. “It can be found in moisturizers, cleansers, serums, and after-sun products to help calm inflammation associated with a sunburn.” 

The THREE SHIPS Purify Aloe + Amino Acid Cleanser replenishes our skin barrier, locks in moisture and soothes. Talk about a win!

6. Panthenol 

Also known as provitamin B5, Dr. Liu calls panthenol, “A deeply hydrating and calming ingredient that supports skin repair. It helps reduce itching and discomfort associated with dryness or irritation.”

For a quick reset, we love the DR.JART+ Ceramidin Skin Barrier Moisturizing Face Mask. With panthenol as a leading ingredient, the sheet mask replenishes dry skin, relieves tightness, and boosts skin’s barrier for eight hours.

7. Green Tea Extract: 

Loaded with polyphenols (especially EGCG), green tea extract “reduces inflammation and fights free radicals,” Dr. Liu says. “It’s especially beneficial for acne-prone or reactive skin.”

When our skin needs a tall glass of water, we immediately turn to the TONYMOLY The Chok Chok Green Tea Watery Cream. It not only moisturizes, but it also forms a protective layer over our skin to help shield it from pollution, free radicals, and other skin-damaging elements.

8. Colloidal Oatmeal 

When you think of oatmeal, your first reference is most likely food, but when it comes to the skin, Dr. Liu says colloidal oatmeal is “rich in beta-glucans and antioxidants, and soothes itching and irritation.” She also notes that it’s commonly used for eczema, dry patches, and sensitive skin flare-ups.

There are certain brands that really excel in the anti-inflammatory space, and FIRST AID BEAUTY is really the brand. We mentioned them above, but we can’t help but suggest their popular KP Smoothing Body Lotion for keratosis pilaris (“chicken skin”), which can show up in dry patches all over the body.

Everything To Know About Anti-Inflammatory Skincare

What are anti-inflammatory ingredients?

According to Dr. Liu, an anti-inflammatory ingredient “helps reduce inflammation in the skin, meaning it works to minimize redness, swelling, discomfort, and irritation. These can be the result of a disrupted skin barrier, environmental stressors, or conditions like eczema or rosacea.”

How do you incorporate anti-inflammatory skincare into your routine?

Below, Dr. Liu breaks down her easy, five-step process to diminishing inflamed skin.

1. Start with a gentle cleanser. Use a fragrance-free, sulfate-free cleanser that doesn’t strip the skin. Look for soothing ingredients like glycerin or oat extract. (see further above)

2. Apply a calming toner or mist (optional). If you use a toner, opt for ones that contain thermal spring water or panthenol to prep skin gently. Dr. Liu recommends the AVÈNE Thermal Spring Water. We also stand by the LANEIGE Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Revitalizing Toner, which really brings our inflamed skin back to life. 

3. Use a targeted serum or treatment. Choose serums with niacinamide, green tea, or madecassoside to address inflammation at the source. When we’re looking a bit red, we always reach for the MZ SKIN Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Serum, which includes actives brimming with anti-inflammatory benefits, targeting redness, irritation, and scarring.

4. Moisturize with a barrier-supportive cream. Look for moisturizers with colloidal oatmeal and ceramides for barrier restoration and inflammation reduction. We never miss when we apply our SUNDAY RILEY ICE Ceramide Moisturizing Cream. Dr. Liu recommends the AVÈNE Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream.

5. Finish with sunscreen. Daily SPF is crucial. Mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide are often better tolerated by sensitive or inflamed skin. Our pick? The KOSAS DreamBeam Silicone-Free Mineral Sunscreen SPF 40. It’s a breath of fresh air for the face. And an added glow never hurt anyone!

Who needs to use soothing skincare ingredients?

“Those with sensitive skin, a compromised skin barrier, or eczema or rosacea should focus on soothing skincare ingredients,” Dr. Garshick says. “This will help repair and restore the skin barrier to minimize sensitivity and reactivity.”

Can anti-inflammatory skincare help with acne?

Anti-inflammatory skincare doesn’t prevent or get rid of acne itself, but “it can help reduce inflammation that contributes to acne,” Dr. Garshick shares. “In addition, it can also help calm inflammation that may be associated with acne treatments."