When you repeat a statement enough times, there comes a point where it is accepted as the truth.

Take, for instance, Cetaphil, which comes highly recommended by dermatologists, especially for those with sensitive skin. However, if you take a closer look at the ingredients, it contains sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), a known irritant, and parabens like methylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben, which are potential allergens for some people.

It just goes to show that when you’re dealing with sensitive skin, always read the fine print on the ingredients list.

Here, we list down six popular picks for sensitive skin, and point out the good and not-so-good features of each product, so you can make the decision for yourself.

PHYSIOGEL DAILY MOISTURE THERAPY DERMO-CLEANSER

PROS: Created for dry and sensitive skin, the Physiogel Daily Moisture Therapy Dermo-Cleanser (P350/300 ml) is a soap-free, hypoallergenic facial wash that won’t disrupt the skin’s pH balance. My friend with sensitive skin who can’t tolerate most high-end products in the market swears by this stuff.

CONS: It does not contain sodium lauryl sulfate or sodium lauryl ether sulfate (SLES), but it does, however, contain Methylparaben, Butylparaben, and Propylparaben. Parabens aren’t necessarily evil, but if you are allergic to them, it’s best to stay away. It also contains a small amount of fragrance (listed as Parfum in the ingredients), which could also be a potential allergen.

Physiogel. Available in Mercury Drug, Watsons Personal Care, Southstar Drug, and in all leading supermarkets and drug stores nationwide. For more information, visit their Facebook page.

BIODERMA ATODERM PP GEL MOUSSANT

Known for their famous micellar waters, this popular French pharmacy brand is trusted by the likes of Karlie Kloss, Lisa Eldridge, and Michelle Phan.

PROS: Bioderma Atoderm PP gel Moussant (P1,228/200 ml) is hypoallergenic, non-drying, and soap-free, along with being fragrance-free, paraben-free, and non-comedogenic. It contains a patented Dermatological Advance Formulation and Vitamin PP, a lipid restoring active ingredient to make the skin more resilient. It also has copper and zinc sulfate, which have antibacterial properties. Coconut extract leaves the skin soft and smooth.

CONS: While this cleanser doesn’t have parabens (most European brands have phased those out), it does have sodium laureth sulfate, so if you’ve had a reaction to that ingredient before, take note.

Bioderma. Available in select dermatological clinics and in Zalora.

CLINIQUE LIQUID FACIAL SOAP MILD

PROS: We all associate Clinique with being a hypoallergenic, dermatologist-tested brand, and this product is no exception. Clinique Liquid Facial Soap Mild (P1,300/200 ml) contains protective lipids and loosens surface flakes to leave skin clean, comfortable, and refreshed—never taut or dry. It also helps lift pollution to purify and refresh skin.

CONS: The good news is that this product does not contains sulfates or parabens. However, as Paula Begoun of Paula’s Choice points out, you may want to take note of its sodium chloride content. As the ingredient is basically salt, it could be potentially drying.

Clinique. For a complete list of locations, visit their website.

ORIGINS CHECKS AND BALANCES FROTHY FACE WASH

PROS: Most people with sensitive skin have switched to brands that are natural or organic, like Origins. The Origins Checks and Balances Frothy Face Wash (P1,150/150 ml) is formulated with natural and certified organic ingredients and 100-percent natural essential oils. It does not contain parabens, phthalates, propylene glycol, mineral oil, PABA, perolatum, paraffin, DEA, and animal ingredients.

CONS: According to Paula’s Choice, this is a potentially “drying, alkaline cleanser that’s made even more troublesome because it contains spearmint, lavender, and geranium oils.” Not everybody reacts to essential oils the same way, so best to do a patch test first before purchasing.

Origins. Available at SM Makati, A. Arnaiz Avenue corner South Drive, Ayala Center, Makati City. For more information, visit their website.

KIEHL’S CENTENELLA SKIN-CALMING FACIAL CLEANSER

PROS: When it comes to a trusted brand like Kiehl’s, it difficult to go wrong. Their Centella Skin-Calming Facial Cleanser (P1,995/200 ml) contains aloe vera to soften and comfort skin, chamomile for its soothing properties, and Tiger Herb for its antibacterial, anti-psoriatic, and wound-healing properties.

CONS: This product also contains sodium laureth sulfate, along with Methylparaben and Propylparaben. As mentioned before, that isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but it’s always best to check how your skin reacts first.

Kiehl’s. For a complete list of locations, visit their Facebook page.

BIOLOGIQUE RECHERCHE LAIT VIP O2

I’ve already written about Biologique Recherche’s devoted celebrity following in the past. And in many cases, the hype surrounding this exclusive product, which they make a point not to mass-produce, is warranted.

PROS: Biologique Recherche Lait VIP O2 (P5,300/250 ml) is an “antipollution” cleanser eliminates impurities, calms the epidermis, brightens and unifies the complexion. It is ideal for people exposed to harsh, dry climates, pollution, or for frequent travelers and is recommended for stressed, devitalized skin. It contains mimosa bark extract, cucumber fruit extract, silk extract, lactic acid, Biologique Recherche’s exclusive oxygenating complex, yeast extract, and vitamin E.

CONS: While the product doesn’t appear to have any irritating ingredients by way of sulfates or parabens, the price is positively prohibitive for some. While they do have 30 ml bottles for P1,300, it all really depends on how much you’re willing to pay for quality skincare.

Biologique Recherche. Available at CHI, The Spa at EDSA Shangri-La, 1 Garden Way Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City. (02) 633-8888 and (02) 634-7303. For more information, visit their website.

Art by Dorothy Guya