Top Skin-Soothing Ingredients Dermatologists Love
A roundup of Dr. Pimple Popper's top skin-calming ingredients — and where to find them.
Published:
3 minute read
From harsh winter winds to drying acne treatments, our skin often craves some extra TLC. The right skincare ingredients can help soothe irritation, strengthen the skin barrier, and restore your complexion to its healthiest state. But with so many options available, how do you know which ones are worth trying?
To make it easy, dermatologist and SLMD Skincare founder Sandra Lee, MD (aka Dr. Pimple Popper), shares her top picks for skin-soothing ingredients that really work.
Why does skin need soothing?
Whether it’s redness, dryness, or irritation, skin stress is a common concern. Everyday environmental factors like pollution, UV exposure, and weather changes can compromise your skin barrier, leaving it inflamed and sensitive.
Additionally, treating certain conditions — like acne or aging skin — can cause temporary irritation. Active ingredients like salicylic acid, retinol, and benzoyl peroxide, while effective, may lead to dryness or redness during initial use.
“When your skin feels stressed, it’s important to support its natural barrier with hydrating and calming ingredients,” explains Dr. Lee. “Look for formulas that combine potent actives with soothing components, or add gentle, soothing products to your routine to help reduce irritation.”
This dual approach can help balance your skin, whether you’re targeting specific concerns or simply managing the effects of environmental stressors.
What makes an ingredient skin-soothing?
Skin-soothing ingredients work by addressing three key areas of skin health:
- Reducing inflammation: ingredients that calm redness and irritation
- Strengthening the skin barrier: compounds that protect against environmental stressors and lock in moisture
- Promoting healing: actives that support skin regeneration and repair
Dr. Pimple Popper's Top Skin Soothers
Top skin-soothing ingredients
Barrier repair heroes
These ingredients are essential for restoring the skin's natural barrier, helping it retain moisture and resist environmental stress.
- Aloe vera (aloe barbadensis leaf extract): Rich in vitamin C, enzymes, and antioxidants, this classic soother calms redness and irritation while providing deep hydration. Try: SLMD Glycolic Acid Body Lotion
- Centella asiatica (cica/gotu kola): Known for its healing properties, this powerful ingredient calms inflammation, promotes skin repair, and strengthens the skin barrier. Try: SLMD Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizer
- Ceramides: Naturally occurring lipids that restore the skin barrier and lock in moisture for improved resilience.
- Squalane: A lightweight, plant-derived emollient that mimics skin’s natural sebum, delivering vitamin E to deeply moisturize and support skin barrier function. Try: SLMD Hyaluronic Acid Serum
- Lactobacillus ferment (probiotic extract): This probiotic strengthens the skin barrier, calms inflammation, and improves overall skin tone while balancing the skin microbiome. Try: SLMD Facial Moisturizer with Vitamin C
Anti-inflammatory powerhouses
These ingredients reduce redness and irritation, making them ideal for soothing sensitive or stressed skin.
- Chamomile extract (chamomilla recutita/matricaria): This time-tested botanical calms sensitive skin, alleviates redness, and provides antioxidant protection. Try: SLMD Facial Moisturizer with Vitamin C
- Calendula extract (calendula officinalis): Extracted from marigold flowers, calendula is known for reducing irritation, soothing inflammation, and speeding up healing.
- Green tea extract (camellia sinensis): Rich in polyphenols and antioxidants, this multitasker helps calm redness, fights oxidative damage, and improves skin tone. Try: SLMD Daily Moisturizer with SPF 15
Hydration & healing boosters
These ingredients provide intense hydration while promoting skin healing and resilience.
- Hyaluronic acid (sodium hyaluronate): A potent humectant that retains moisture to keep skin plump, dewy, and calm. Try: SLMD Hyaluronic Acid Serum, Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizer, Glycolic Acid Body Lotion
- Niacinamide (vitamin B3): This multitasking ingredient calms irritation, strengthens the skin barrier, and evens out skin tone. Try: SLMD Glycolic Acid Body Lotion
- Allantoin: Known for soothing itchiness and redness, this naturally derived ingredient promotes skin regeneration and repair. Try: SLMD Daily Moisturizer with SPF 15
- Rosehip extract (rosa canina fruit extract): Packed with fatty acids and antioxidants, rosehip extract moisturizes, soothes redness, and reduces signs of aging. Try: SLMD Daily Moisturizer with SPF 15, Facial Moisturizer with Vitamin C
- Avena sativa ( colloidal oatmeal/oat extract): This powerhouse ingredient is rich in beta-glucans, making it ideal for soothing chronic conditions like eczema. It absorbs dirt and bacteria while calming redness, itching, and inflammation.
FAQs about skin-soothing ingredients
Q: Can soothing ingredients help with acne treatments?
A: Absolutely. Ingredients like niacinamide, Centella asiatica, and aloe vera can help reduce irritation caused by acne treatments while promoting healing.
Q: What’s the best way to incorporate soothing ingredients into my routine?
A: Use soothing ingredients alongside your active treatments. Look for moisturizers with ceramides or serums with aloe vera to keep your skin balanced and hydrated.
Q: Can natural ingredients soothe skin better than synthetic ones?
A: Both natural and lab-made ingredients, such as chamomile and niacinamide, can be effective when formulated correctly to address specific skin concerns.
Q: How do I know if my skin needs soothing?
A: If your skin feels irritated, dry, or inflamed — especially after using active ingredients like retinol or salicylic acid — it's a sign that soothing ingredients may help.
Dr. Lee's Last Word
Skin-soothing ingredients are essential for keeping your skin balanced and healthy. Whether you’re using them alongside acne treatments or for everyday protection, finding the right soothing ingredients for your skin can make a noticeable difference in how it feels and looks.
