All You Need to Know About Identifying and Treating Sensitive Skin

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Sensitive Skin:
The Clinical Guide to Identifying,
Understanding & Treating It

Up to 70% of women and 60% of men report having sensitive skin — yet most are treating symptoms. Redness, burning, stinging after product use. These are not random reactions. They are signals from a compromised barrier. Here's what's actually happening and what to do about it.

MA

Marlen Arita — Master in Dermotricology
Kapyderm USA  ·  First published May 2019  ·  Updated June 28, 2026  ·  15 min read

Home › Blog › Sensitive Skin — Clinical Guide

Quick answer

Sensitive skin is not a cosmetic inconvenience. It is a skin barrier dysfunction — a weakening of the outermost skin layer that allows irritants to penetrate, water to evaporate, and the immune system to overreact. The solution is not avoiding everything. It is restoring the barrier's structural integrity through microbiome-compatible, EU-regulated plant-based formulas — so the skin can protect itself again.

In this article

1. What sensitive skin actually is — the science behind the label
2. How many people have it — and why it's increasing
3. The four clinical types of sensitive skin
4. The skin barrier — your first line of defense
5. The skin microbiome revolution — what 2026 research reveals
6. What triggers sensitive skin reactions
7. How to identify if you have sensitive skin
8. Ingredients to avoid and ingredients that restore
9. Why EU-regulated formulas matter for sensitive skin
10. The Kapystetik protocol for sensitive and reactive skin
11. Frequently asked questions

What Sensitive Skin Actually Is — The Science Behind the Label

The term "sensitive skin" appears on product packaging, in dermatology waiting rooms, and in consumer surveys worldwide — but it is not a single, precisely defined medical diagnosis. It is a syndrome: a cluster of symptoms that share a common biological mechanism, even when their clinical presentation differs significantly from person to person.

The academic definition most widely accepted in dermatological literature describes sensitive skin as "unpleasant sensory responses — stinging, burning, pain, pruritus, and tingling sensations — to stimuli that should not provoke such reactions."[1] The key phrase is "should not provoke such reactions." A person with healthy, resilient skin can apply a fragrance, step into cold wind, or wash with a standard soap without meaningful reaction. A person with sensitive skin cannot.

What separates these two people is not willpower or skin toughness. It is the structural and biological state of the stratum corneum — the outermost layer of the epidermis — and the health of the microbial ecosystem living on its surface.

The Core Mechanism

In sensitive skin, the stratum corneum has reduced ability to act as a selective barrier. Its lipid matrix — built from ceramides, fatty acids, and cholesterol — is disrupted, allowing irritants and allergens to penetrate deeper into the skin than they should. This penetration triggers neurosensory responses (the burning, stinging, tingling) and immune-mediated inflammation (the redness, swelling, rash). The visible symptoms are the endpoint of a biological cascade that begins at the barrier level — which is why treating only the symptoms, without restoring the barrier, produces only temporary relief.

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How Many People Have It — And Why It's Increasing

70% of women report some degree of sensitive skin — the most consistent finding across global epidemiological surveys

60% of men report sensitive skin — a figure that has increased significantly over the past two decades

66% of individuals globally show some level of skin sensitivity when assessed, per Farage's multi-country epidemiological review (2019)

These numbers have risen consistently since the 1980s. The reasons are not fully understood, but several factors are implicated: the proliferation of cosmetic and personal care products (the average American woman applies 12 products containing over 168 distinct chemical compounds before leaving the house each morning); urbanization and pollution, which disrupt the skin microbiome and increase oxidative stress; declining sleep quality, which increases transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and reduces barrier repair; and the over-hygienization of daily skincare, which strips the barrier's natural lipid film and disrupts its microbial ecosystem.[2]

The scalp — a skin surface too often overlooked in sensitive skin discussions — is equally affected. The same barrier dysfunction, microbiome disruption, and inflammatory cascade that produces facial sensitivity operates identically on the scalp, producing sensitivity to hair products, scalp itching, and a heightened reactivity that many people attribute to "dandruff" when the mechanism is actually barrier-driven inflammation.

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The Four Clinical Types of Sensitive Skin

Not all sensitive skin is the same. Understanding which type you have determines the right approach — because what helps one type can worsen another.

Type 01 — Genetically Driven

Naturally Sensitive Skin

Sensitivity caused by an underlying inherited condition — eczema (atopic dermatitis), psoriasis, or rosacea. The barrier is structurally compromised at a genetic level, producing chronic sensitivity that requires ongoing management rather than a single correction. This type benefits most from consistent barrier restoration and microbiome protection.

Type 02 — Externally Triggered

Environmental Sensitivity

The barrier is structurally adequate but reactive to environmental stressors — UV radiation, pollution, temperature extremes, wind, humidity changes. Often appears seasonally or in specific environments. Protective and antioxidant-rich formulations are the primary treatment tool.

Type 03 — Product Triggered

Reactive Skin

The most common type in clinical practice. Skin reacts to synthetic fragrances, preservatives, sulfates, alcohol, or other cosmetic compounds — but is otherwise tolerable in natural or minimal-product conditions. The solution is elimination of triggers combined with barrier-compatible products, not avoidance of all products.

Type 04 — Structural

Thin or Depleted Skin

Skin that is intrinsically thinner — common in post-menopausal women due to collagen and estrogen decline, or in areas of the face like the periorbital (under-eye) zone. Reduced barrier thickness means reduced resistance to all irritants. Requires collagen-supporting, deeply moisturizing formulations and avoidance of physical irritation.

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The Skin Barrier — Your First Line of Defense

The skin barrier is not a single wall. It is a layered system — often described as a "brick and mortar" architecture — with each layer serving a distinct protective function. Understanding this structure explains both why sensitive skin reacts and how to repair it.

The Skin Barrier — Layer by Layer

Stratum Corneum (outermost) — the lipid matrix Ceramides, fatty acids, cholesterol · Primary barrier · Most vulnerable to disruption

Skin Microbiome — the living ecosystem Bacteria, fungi, archaea · Immune modulation · pH regulation

Stratum Granulosum — lamellar body secretion Lipid precursor production · Tight junction formation

Stratum Spinosum — immune surveillance Langerhans cells · Dendritic cells · First immune responders

Stratum Basale (innermost) — cell renewal origin Stem cells · Melanocytes · New keratinocyte production

In healthy skin, the stratum corneum maintains a slightly acidic pH (4.5–5.5) that both inhibits pathogenic bacteria and supports the enzymes that build the lipid matrix. When this pH rises — from alkaline soaps, tap water, or harsh cleansers — the barrier's structural enzymes are inactivated, lipid production is reduced, and the microbiome shifts toward inflammatory strains.[3]

Transepidermal water loss (TEWL) — the rate at which water evaporates through the skin — is the primary measurable marker of barrier integrity. In sensitive skin, TEWL is elevated even when the skin appears visually normal, indicating subclinical barrier dysfunction that precedes any visible reaction. A clinician measuring TEWL with a tewameter can identify barrier impairment before a patient is even aware of it.

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The Skin Microbiome Revolution — What 2026 Research Reveals

Five years ago, the skin microbiome was an emerging research topic. In 2026, it is one of the most rapidly advancing fields in dermatology — and the findings are reshaping how sensitive skin is understood and treated.[4]

February 2026 — MDPI Skin Microbiome Review

A comprehensive review published in Cosmetics (MDPI, February 2026) confirmed that the skin microbiome — comprising bacteria, fungi, and archaea — plays a foundational role in maintaining skin health, immune tolerance, and barrier integrity. The review identified urbanization, cosmetic product use, stress, and diet as primary disruptors of microbial balance, linking microbiome dysbiosis directly to increased skin sensitivity, inflammation, and barrier dysfunction. Importantly, it confirmed that microbiome imbalance not only accompanies skin disease but actively contributes to its development.[4]

The most clinically significant finding of the past decade is the role of Staphylococcus aureus in sensitive and atopic skin. In healthy skin, Staphylococcus epidermidis dominates and actively suppresses inflammatory responses. In sensitive and eczema-prone skin, S. aureus overgrows, secreting toxins that amplify Th2 immune responses, increase inflammatory cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, IL-13), worsen pruritus, and further damage the barrier — creating a self-perpetuating inflammatory cycle.[5]

What disrupts the microbiome and allows this shift? The same things that disrupt the barrier: harsh cleansing agents, synthetic preservatives, antibacterial soaps, high-pH products, over-washing, stress, poor sleep, pollution, and diet. The microbiome and the barrier are not separate systems — they are co-dependent. Restoring one restores the other.

"Microbiome imbalance not only accompanies the disease but actively contributes to its development. The most relevant exogenous factors include environmental conditions, lifestyle habits including stress and diet, the use of cosmetic and hygiene products, as well as topical and systemic pharmacological treatments."

— Taléns-Visconti et al., Cosmetic Interventions for Skin Microbiome Modulation: Current Strategies and Future Directions, Skin Research and Technology, April 2026

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What Triggers Sensitive Skin Reactions

The triggers that activate sensitive skin reactions fall into two categories: external irritants that breach the compromised barrier, and systemic factors that degrade barrier quality from within. Identifying your specific triggers is the first step — because avoidance alone, without barrier restoration, is only half the solution.

Synthetic fragrances The single most documented cause of cosmetic-related skin reactions worldwide. Fragrances comprise over 2,500 distinct chemical compounds, many of which are recognized sensitizers. "Fragrance-free" is the gold standard for sensitive skin; "unscented" still may contain masking fragrances.

Harsh surfactants (SLS, SLES) Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulfate (SLES) are highly effective cleansers that also strip the skin's natural lipid film. A single wash with an SLS-containing product measurably increases TEWL for up to 24 hours, temporarily dismantling the barrier's protective function.

Alcohol (SD alcohol, denatured alcohol) Used in many toners, serums, and acne treatments as a quick-dry agent. Alcohol is acutely antimicrobial — which sounds beneficial but disrupts the skin microbiome, damages the lipid barrier, and causes rebound oil production. A known barrier disruptor at concentrations above ~1%.

Synthetic preservatives (MI, MIT, formaldehyde releasers) Methylisothiazolinone (MI) and methylchloroisothiazolinone (MCI/MIT) became two of the most frequently reported allergens in patch testing over the past decade. Formaldehyde releasers (DMDM hydantoin, imidazolidinyl urea) are still used in the U.S. but restricted in the EU. Both are documented sensitizers that worsen reactive skin long-term.

Environmental — UV, pollution, temperature UV radiation activates TRPV1 receptors in sensitive skin, triggering erythema and inflammation at lower intensities than in non-sensitive skin. Urban air pollution generates reactive oxygen species that oxidize barrier lipids. Sudden temperature changes (including hot showers) cause capillary dilation and flushing in rosacea-type sensitivity.

Sleep deprivation Impaired sleep quality increases TEWL, reduces barrier repair enzyme activity, and elevates cortisol — all of which degrade barrier integrity. A multi-country study confirmed that sensitive skin is significantly more prevalent among people with sleep disorders.[2]

Hormonal fluctuations Estrogen receptors in the epidermis directly regulate skin hydration and barrier function. Perimenopause and menopause — accompanied by estrogen decline — are associated with a measurable increase in TEWL, dryness, and skin reactivity. This is why many women first develop sensitive skin symptoms in their 40s and 50s.

Over-cleansing and over-exfoliating The wellness trend of multi-step skincare has paradoxically worsened sensitive skin rates. Daily exfoliation, double-cleansing with strong formulas, and layering multiple active ingredients disrupts the barrier and the microbiome simultaneously. Less is clinically more for sensitive skin.

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How to Identify If You Have Sensitive Skin

Sensitive skin is largely self-diagnosed — but these clinical criteria help distinguish true sensitive skin syndrome from occasional reactivity or a single allergy:

Sign	What it looks like	What it signals
Stinging or burning after product application	Within seconds to minutes of applying toner, serum, or cleanser — even "gentle" formulas	Neurosensory sensitivity — TRPV1 receptor activation via barrier penetration
Redness or flushing	Erythema triggered by heat, exercise, embarrassment, products, alcohol, or spicy food — more intense and longer-lasting than average	Vascular sensitivity — often rosacea subtype or reactive skin
Rashes or hives after product use	Small red bumps, welts, or urticaria confined to the area of product application	Contact sensitization — specific ingredient allergy
Persistent dryness and tightness	Skin that feels tight after cleansing, flakes even with moisturizer, or becomes rough in winter	Elevated TEWL — barrier lipid depletion
Scalp itching and product sensitivity	Scalp that burns, itches, or becomes red after shampoo application	Scalp barrier dysfunction — identical mechanism to facial sensitive skin
Normal bloodwork + persistent reactions	Reactions that occur even after allergens have been eliminated, with clean blood panels	Intrinsic barrier dysfunction — requires clinical assessment
Reaction to fragrance-containing products	Itching, burning, or redness specifically when using fragranced products vs. fragrance-free	Clear fragrance sensitization — most easily managed type

If you experience three or more of the above consistently, a clinical assessment with a dermatologist or certified Dermotricologist (for scalp-related sensitivity) is appropriate. Patch testing can identify specific allergens; trichoscopy can visualize scalp barrier health. A diagnosis determines the right subtype — which determines the right protocol.

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Ingredients to Avoid and Ingredients That Restore

✗ Avoid — Documented Barrier Disruptors

Synthetic fragrance — "parfum" / "fragrance" on INCI lists

SD alcohol / denatured alcohol — alcohol denat., ethanol above trace levels

Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) — in cleansers and shampoos

Methylisothiazolinone (MI/MIT) — preservative / documented sensitizer

Formaldehyde releasers — DMDM hydantoin, imidazolidinyl urea

Propylene glycol at high concentrations — penetration enhancer / sensitizer

Artificial colorants — FD&C dyes, CI numbers

High-concentration AHAs/BHAs — above 5% without clinical guidance

Physical exfoliants — scrubs, pumice, walnut shell particles

Essential oils at high concentration — peppermint, citrus, eucalyptus

✓ Use — Barrier-Restorative Ingredients

Ceramides — the key structural lipids of the stratum corneum; directly repair barrier gaps

Panthenol (Vitamin B5) — humectant and barrier-repair agent; well-tolerated by sensitive skin

Allantoin — anti-irritant and skin conditioner; calms neurosensory reactivity

Beta-glucan — polysaccharide that activates skin immune defense and supports microbiome

Hyaluronic acid — at low molecular weight, penetrates the epidermis; at high MW, surface hydration

Plant-derived squalane — lipid-identical to natural skin oil; restores barrier without comedogenicity

Thermal spring water — selenium-rich, anti-inflammatory, pH-neutral

Bisabolol (from chamomile) — clinically proven anti-inflammatory; reduces erythema

Madecassoside / Centella asiatica — collagen synthesis stimulation and anti-inflammatory

Niacinamide — strengthens barrier, reduces TEWL, evens tone; one of the most validated sensitive-skin actives

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Why EU-Regulated Formulas Matter for Sensitive Skin

The Regulatory Gap — EU vs. U.S. FDA Cosmetics

The European Union restricts or outright bans over 2,400 substances in cosmetic products. The U.S. FDA has banned or restricted fewer than 30. This means that compounds documented to disrupt the skin barrier, sensitize immune responses, and alter the skin microbiome — including methylisothiazolinone, many formaldehyde releasers, and certain synthetic fragrances — remain legally permitted in U.S. cosmetics while prohibited in EU products.

For people with sensitive skin, this regulatory gap is clinically significant. A product manufactured in the EU under EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) 1223/2009 has passed a significantly stricter safety assessment before reaching the shelf. Kapyderm USA products — manufactured by Laboratorios Kapyderm in Spain — are formulated to EU regulatory standards. Every formula is fragrance-free, alcohol-free, synthetic-preservative-free, and EU-compliant — not because these exclusions are a marketing claim, but because EU law requires them.

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The Kapystetik Protocol for Sensitive and Reactive Skin

The Kapystetik line is Kapyderm USA's clinical body and skin care system — formulated under the same EU-regulated, plant-based, pharmaceutical-standard approach as the dermotricology scalp line. For sensitive and reactive skin, the protocol follows a simple principle: restore before you treat.

You cannot exfoliate, brighten, or actively treat a compromised barrier without first stabilizing it. Every step in the Kapystetik protocol is designed to do one of three things: remove what's disrupting the barrier, replace what the barrier has lost, or protect what's been rebuilt.

The complete home system

Kapyderm Sensitive Skin Home Treatment — $227.97

5-component EU-regulated plant-based system: Normalizing Base Cleanser (gentle therapeutic cleanser) · K1 Tonic (hydro-lipid priming, cools irritation) · Special K Cream (barrier sealing, deep lipid repair) · Revital Capsules (internal dermal nutrition and tissue regeneration) · Shock Capsules (cellular defense and long-term epidermal resilience). Specialist consultation included.

Get the Treatment →

1

Cleansing — Gentle, pH-Balanced, Surfactant-Free The most common mistake in sensitive skin care is over-cleansing with a formula too harsh for the barrier. A pH-balanced (4.5–5.5), sulfate-free, fragrance-free cleanser removes environmental debris and oxidized sebum without stripping the lipid film. Rinse with lukewarm — never hot — water. Pat dry; never rub. This single step change resolves reactions in a meaningful percentage of reactive skin cases.

2

Barrier Serum — Ceramide and Lipid Restoration Applied immediately after cleansing to a slightly damp face, a ceramide-rich serum begins rebuilding the structural gaps in the stratum corneum. The 2–3 minutes after cleansing — when the barrier is most permeable — is the highest-absorption window. Plant-derived ceramides, squalane, and panthenol in a fragrance-free base work simultaneously to restore the lipid matrix and reduce TEWL.

3

Microbiome-Compatible Moisturizer — Lock and Protect A moisturizer formulated without synthetic preservatives and at a pH compatible with the skin microbiome (slightly acidic, 4.5–5.5) maintains hydration and provides the protective lipid layer that prevents TEWL and blocks irritant penetration. For the Kapystetik line, this step uses plant-based emollients that support S. epidermidis without disrupting the microbial balance. Get the Sensitive Skin Home Treatment — $227.97 →

4

Sun Protection — Non-Chemical SPF For reactive skin, chemical UV filters (oxybenzone, avobenzone, octinoxate) are frequent triggers — they require absorption into the skin to work, where they can activate sensitization pathways. Mineral filters (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide) sit on the surface, reflect UV physically, and are well-tolerated by sensitive skin. Apply every morning as the final step, regardless of season.

5

Evening — Barrier Repair and Recovery Window The skin performs the majority of its cellular repair during sleep — new keratinocyte migration from the stratum basale, lipid secretion from lamellar bodies, and barrier reconstruction all accelerate at night. An evening application of a richer ceramide-and-squalane formula, or a targeted treatment with allantoin and bisabolol for inflammation reduction, leverages this natural repair window. No active ingredients (retinoids, AHAs) during the restoration phase.

6

Scalp — The Most Overlooked Sensitive Skin Surface For patients with sensitive skin who also experience scalp reactivity, itching, or product sensitivity — the scalp requires the same barrier and microbiome logic as the face. Kapyderm's Sensitive Hair Wash (pH-balanced, sulfate-free, fragrance-free, EU-regulated) addresses scalp barrier dysfunction using the same clinical framework. The scalp and face are continuous skin — and they respond to the same insults and the same restorative approach. View the full Sensitive Skin Home Treatment →

Expected timeline — barrier restoration

Most patients with sensitive skin notice reduced stinging and burning within 1–2 weeks of switching to a microbiome-compatible protocol — as acute irritant responses calm. Measurable TEWL improvement typically occurs at 4–6 weeks as ceramide production restores. Full skin resilience — the ability to tolerate previously reactive triggers — builds over 8–12 weeks of consistent barrier-compatible care. Patience is the most underrated treatment for sensitive skin.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is sensitive skin a permanent condition?

In most cases, no — but the answer depends on the subtype. Genetically driven sensitivity (eczema, rosacea) is a chronic condition that can be managed but not eliminated. Environmental and product-triggered reactive skin can be dramatically improved — and in many cases effectively resolved — through consistent barrier restoration and trigger elimination. Most patients who commit to a microbiome-compatible protocol for 12 weeks report significantly reduced reactivity, with many returning to using products they previously couldn't tolerate.

Can I use retinol if I have sensitive skin?

With caution and sequencing. Retinol is a potent barrier stressor — it accelerates cell turnover in a way that initially increases TEWL and skin reactivity. If you have sensitive skin, retinol should only be introduced after the barrier has been stabilized (typically 8–12 weeks of barrier-restorative protocol), starting at the lowest possible concentration (0.025–0.05%), applied every 3 days, and always paired with a ceramide-rich moisturizer. Never apply retinol to acutely reactive or broken skin.

Why does my sensitive skin react to "natural" or "organic" products?

Because "natural" does not mean non-reactive. Essential oils — lavender, citrus, peppermint, tea tree — are among the most common contact allergens in cosmetics, despite being entirely plant-derived. Botanical extracts can contain naturally occurring sensitizing compounds. A product can be 100% natural, organic, and non-synthetic while still triggering reactive skin. What matters for sensitive skin is not the source of the ingredient but whether it disrupts the barrier, sensitizes the immune system, or disrupts the microbiome. EU-regulated, clinically formulated fragrance-free products — regardless of whether they contain plant actives — are the reliable standard.

My doctor says my bloodwork is normal but I still have skin reactions. What should I do?

Normal bloodwork rules out systemic conditions (thyroid dysfunction, nutritional deficiencies, autoimmune conditions) as the cause of your skin reactions. If those are normal, the most likely explanation is intrinsic barrier dysfunction — which does not show up on blood tests and is not detectable without trichoscopy or TEWL measurement. In this case, an empirical barrier restoration protocol is the appropriate next step: fragrance-free, sulfate-free, microbiome-compatible formulations for a minimum of 8 weeks. If reactions persist after a consistent protocol, patch testing by a dermatologist to identify specific contact allergens is warranted.

Does sensitive skin affect the scalp the same way as the face?

Yes — the scalp is skin, and it experiences identical barrier dysfunction and microbiome disruption as facial skin. Scalp sensitivity often presents as itching or burning after shampooing, product sensitivity, scalp redness, and a heightened inflammatory response to environmental triggers. The same principles apply: pH-balanced, sulfate-free, fragrance-free formulations; microbiome-compatible cleansing; and avoidance of documented irritants. The Kapyderm sensitive scalp line applies this identical clinical framework to the scalp environment, including the additional complexity of hair follicle involvement.

Clinical References & Sources

1. Farage MA. The Prevalence of Sensitive Skin. Front Med (Lausanne). 2019 May 17;6:98. doi: 10.3389/fmed.2019.00098 · PMC6533878
2. Wang Y, et al. A Review of Factors Influencing Sensitive Skin: An Emphasis on Built Environment Characteristics. Front Public Health. 2023;11:1269314. PMC10726041. doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1269314 · PMC10726041
3. Fluhr JW, et al. Acidic Skin Care Promotes Cutaneous Microbiome Recovery and Skin Physiology in an Acute Stratum Corneum Stress Model. Skin Pharmacol Physiol. 2022;35. doi: 10.1159/000522114
4. Taléns-Visconti R, et al. Cosmetic Interventions for Skin Microbiome Modulation: Current Strategies and Future Directions. Skin Res Technol. 2026 Apr 16. doi: 10.1111/srt.70352 · PMC13084527
5. Lee CH, Min M, Jin SS, Sivamani RK. Skin Microbiome Shifts in Various Dermatological Conditions. J Clin Med. 2025 Aug 30;14(17):6137. doi: 10.3390/jcm14176137 · PubMed 40943897
6. Misery L, et al. Sensitive Skin Syndrome Research Progress on Mechanisms and Applications. ScienceDirect / J Cosmet Dermatol. 2024. doi: 10.1016/j.jcds.2024.01.003
7. Toncic RJ, et al. Sensitive Skin in Thais: Prevalence, Clinical Characteristics, and Diagnostic Cutoff Scores. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2025 Apr. PMC11986799. PMC11986799
8. Al-Fawaeir S, Al-Odat I. Quantitative Analysis of Selected Circulating Hematological Biomarkers, Essential Minerals, Vitamins, and Thyroid Hormones in Females Affected by Hair Loss. Diseases. 2025;13(11):352. (Referenced for nutritional impact on skin barrier and sensitivity.) PMC12651287. PMC12651287
9. Frontiers in Medicine Editorial Team. Pathophysiology of Sensitive Skin. Front Med. 2020;7:159. doi: 10.3389/fmed.2020.00159
10. Lopes LB. Overcoming the Cutaneous Barrier with Microemulsions. Pharmaceutics. 2014 (EU Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009 context on ingredient restriction framework). European Commission. Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 on Cosmetic Products. Official Journal of the EU. EUR-Lex link

All clinical studies cited are peer-reviewed and indexed in PubMed/MEDLINE, PMC, or Frontiers journals. Links open to primary source. Last reviewed June 2026.

MA

Marlen Arita

Master in Dermotricology · Kapyderm USA Clinical Director

Marlen Arita is a certified Master in Dermotricology and the clinical director of Kapyderm USA, the exclusive U.S. distributor for Laboratorios Kapyderm (Spain). This article was Kapyderm USA's first published blog post, originally written in May 2019. It has been comprehensively updated in June 2026 to reflect current clinical evidence, including the February 2026 MDPI skin microbiome review, the 2025 Frontiers skin sensitivity research, and the regulatory landscape as of mid-2026.

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