The market for sensitive skin care appeals to a broad consumer base, including those with naturally sensitive skin, and conditions like eczema/rosacea, and others who want gentle solutions to environmental sensitivities, dermatological treatments, etc., per Cognitive Market Research.
Log in to view the full article
The market for sensitive skin care appeals to a broad consumer base, including those with naturally sensitive skin, and conditions like eczema/rosacea, and others who want gentle solutions to environmental sensitivities, dermatological treatments, etc., per Cognitive Market Research.
The firm estimates this market reached US ~$42.2 billion in 2024 and will expand at a CAGR of 9.00% from 2024 to 2031, driven by growing awareness of skin care ingredients and a demand for personalized solutions to address given concerns and promote skin health and comfort.
Aligned with these consumer needs is Evolution of Smooth's (EOS') "Shea Better" Sensitive Shave Cream: our product spotlight this week.
EOS Shea Better Sensitive Shave Cream
EOS' "Shea Better" Sensitive Shave Cream is designed to be gentle and fragrance-free. Created for sensitive skin, it reportedly delivers 24-hr moisture and a smooth, irritation-free shave — wet or dry. The product is formulated to be either rinsed off or left on as an in-shower lotion.
According to the company, it has been clinically tested and proven safe for anywhere the user shaves, including the bikini line. It also can be used on hair of all types and textures.
Featured ingredients include:
- Colloidal oatmeal, to calm irritation and reduce redness while creating a gentle barrier for shaving;
- Shea butter and shea oil, to moisturize and cushion skin to help reduce tugging, dryness and irritation;
- Aloe vera, to soothe sensitive skin and help reduce inflammation after shaving;
- Cocoa seed butter, to soften hair and skin to improve glide and leave behind a silky feel; and
- Lavender flower extract, to ease discomfort and help maintain a calm, even-looking complexion.
The formula is also highlighted as being free-from parabens, phthalates, gluten, drying alcohols and synthetic dyes, and 100% vegan and cruelty-free.
Ingredients: EOS Shea Better Sensitive Shave Cream
Water/Eau, Cetyl Alcohol, Propylene Glycol, Cocoglycerides, Glycerin, Stearyl Alcohol, Glycol Distearate, Colloidal Oatmeal, Laureth-23, Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Petrolatum, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Cucumis Sativus Seed Oil, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower Extract, Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract, Dimethicone, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Caprylyl Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Potassium Sorbate, Carbomer, Hexylene Glycol, Disodium EDTA, Tocopheryl Acetate, Sodium Hydroxide, Citric Acid, Sodium Benzoate.
User Reviews: EOS Shea Better Sensitive Shave Cream
Following are example user reviews (edited for style), selected for their anecdotal insights on product form and function.
- This particular shave cream doesn’t really have a smell, but leaves my skin so soft and smooth after a shave.
- I have really dry sensitive skin and this is the best shaving cream for it. The cream is very soothing on my skin and keeps it feeling very moisturized and hydrated after every shave.
- I love that I can get a really close shave without ever experiencing any nicks, cuts or any irritation on my skin. I love the protection it provides my skin.
- The hydration that I get from this shaving cream is so unique and incredibly long lasting.
- It is super thick and it’s not “foamy;” it’s very moisturizing, which is a pleasant change for shaving cream
New Insights into Sensitive Skin: A Microbial Connection?
In 2024, Cosmetics & Toiletries published an article by dermatologist Zoe Draelos, M.D., in which she stated, "... there is no official definition for sensitive skin, it is purely a marketing claim without scientific meaning."
She added that several years ago, a convention of dermatologists convened to write a definition for sensitive skin but after two days, no consensus was reached. "... It is a phrase that defies definition, yet consumers know exactly what it means to them individually," she explained.
Draelos drew up her own definition: "In my mind, sensitive skin embodies three attributes: skin barrier issues, vasomotor instability and heightened neurosensory awareness."
New research from Shiseido adds another layer to the mystery: the skin microbiome. Scientists have identified that sensitive skin contains high levels of a specific strain of Cutibacterium acnes that inhibits Staphylococcus epidermidis.
More specifically, the ratio of S. epidermidis to C. acnes was found to be lower in sensitive skin. Accordingly, a prebiotic ingredient that supports the growth of S. epidermidis was developed to correct this imbalance. Research is ongoing in this area.
For years, skin microbiome dysbiosis has been cited as one potential cause of compromised skin conditions. Now it appears sensitive skin can be added to the list.
