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Why It's Good:
For the more than 50% of the population who describes their skin as sensitive, here's hope in a bottle: The L'Occitane Shea & Organic Cotton Skincare line (which includes a cleanser, serum, cream and mask) is made to prevent allergic reactions, calm irritation, and reduce redness. To that end, the products are free of potentially skin-aggravating ingredients like fragrances, colorants, alcohol, and preservatives.
Why It's Green:
L'Occitane has a long history of using fair trade shea butter, harvested by women's collectives in Burkina Faso. The paraben-free Shea Butter & Organic Cotton line also contains cotton extract—which is rich in linoleic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid that, when applied topically, has moisture retaining and anti-inflammatory properties. The cotton was grown without the use of pesticides and certified organic by ECOCERT. The packaging is printed on recycled paper, as well, that is lightened without the use of chlorides (which can end up in our waterways during the bleaching process).
The Best Skincare for Sensitive Types
Are you the sensitive type? There's a 50-50 chance you are and that you'd describe yourself as easily irritated—by your skincare products, that is. When you consider all of the (often synthetic) ingredients that are piled into today's complexion-perfecting products, it's not surprising that so many of us complain of redness, itching and burning—all of which are symptoms of sensitive skin. The best way to limit irritation? Cut out fragrances and preservatives; according to the American Academy of Dermatology, these two categories of ingredients are responsible for the majority of allergic reactions to skincare products. You won't find either in L'Occitane’s new Shea & Organic Cotton line of skincare products. The Ultra Comforting Cleansing Milk, Serum, Cream and Mask are the most fragrance-free products we've ever sniffed—they really have no aroma whatsoever, not even the masking scent that many fragrance-free products possess—which makes applying them like smoothing fresh water on your skin. And the experience is just as cooling and calming, as the ingredients the products do contain, like licorice extract and organic cotton, were chosen for their soothing and softening properties. You don't need to be thin-skinned to appreciate products this comforting.—Megan O'Neill