How to Calm Irritation and Redness in the Skin
If your skin often feels itchy, tight, or looks red and inflamed, it could be a sign of irritation or a compromised barrier. Whether it’s caused by environmental factors, harsh skincare products, or a weakened barrier, skin irritation and redness are common concerns, especially for those with sensitive or reactive skin. Fortunately, there are gentle, effective skincare products you can use to calm things down and restore balance to your skin barrier.
Ahead, we break down what actually causes skin irritation and redness, the ingredients that work to soothe inflamed skin (think niacinamide and centella asiatica), and show you how to build a routine using Haruharu Wonder’s redness-reducing products. From our targeted serums to barrier-boosting creams, we’ve got everything you need to help your skin feel comforted, not compromised.
Understanding Skin Irritation and Redness
What Causes Skin Irritation?
Unfortunately, there are a lot of different factors that can contribute to skin irritation. The most common culprits include using too-harsh skincare products on your skin and environmental stressors (like frigid weather, UV exposure, pollution, strong winds, and dry air). Another offender can be over-cleansing and over-exfoliating the skin. If you find that your skin feels tight, dry, irritated, and red after cleansing or exfoliating, it’s time to put down those harsh products and let your skin relax.
Sometimes, those with sensitive skin can get allergic reactions from specific skincare ingredients, further irritating their face and causing redness. Other less common factors include an underlying skin condition (like rosacea or eczema), fluctuating hormones and high stress levels, and using incompatible ingredients together at the same time (for example, retinol and vitamin C shouldn’t be used together).
Common Triggers for Redness
Although skin irritation and redness often go hand in hand, redness can actually show up on its own, even if your skin doesn’t feel itchy, dry, or irritated. For example, some common redness triggers can include too much sun exposure, sudden temperature changes, windburn, hot showers, and spicy food and alcohol.
Harsh skincare products can also be a major contributor, especially when they contain potentially irritating ingredients like fragrance, alcohol, strong acids, or essential oils. Plus, using too many actives at once can cause flushed, inflamed skin, too.
Key Ingredients That Help Soothe Irritated Skin
While yes, there are some ingredients that can irritate skin, there are others that work to soothe and calm redness and irritation, too. These include:
Niacinamide is a powerhouse ingredient used in skincare products to help calm inflammation, reduce redness, and strengthen the skin barrier. Also known as vitamin B3, this skin-saver can help regulate oil production, minimize the appearance of pores, and improve uneven skin tone, too.
You’ll typically find TXA used in products to treat hyperpigmentation, but it also has anti-inflammatory properties, making it ideal for calming redness and soothing irritated skin, too. TXA works by blocking pathways in the skin that trigger discoloration and inflammation, and is a perfect ingredient to use if you are dealing with both redness and post-inflammatory dark spots.
Peptides are short chains of amino acids that help rebuild and repair the skin barrier. When your skin is irritated, peptides can support collagen production and improve hydration, which can soothe and reinforce compromised skin. Bonus points? They’re also great for reducing the appearance of fine lines.
● Centella Asiatica
Also known as cica or “tiger grass,” Centella Asiatica is a beloved ingredient for calming sensitive, inflamed skin. It’s rich in antioxidants and has powerful healing properties that help reduce redness, promote wound healing, and boost hydration. It’s perfect for reactive or damaged skin.
The Best Haruharu Wonder Products for Calming Skin
CENTELLA TXA Dark Spot Go Away Serum
Haruharu Wonder’s TXA Dark Spot Go Away Serum works to not only treat dark spots and hyperpigmentation, but can also help calm your skin and reduce redness, too. This highly concentrated, bouncy gel serum uses three main ingredients to help treat hyperpigmentation and calm the skin: 4% tranexamic acid (TXA), 4% niacinamide, and vitamin C. All three of these ingredients can help reduce redness while treating hyperpigmentation and dark spots as well.
Another hero ingredient that works overtime to calm skin and reduce redness is the centella complex. Centella asiatica is well-known for its calming effects and works well to soothe and comfort the skin.
To use, apply a thin layer to your face after you’ve applied your toner. You can use this pick in two ways: Apply it all over your face to fully even out your complexion and prevent dark spots, or use it as a spot treatment for existing dark spots and hyperpigmentation.
CENTELLA 5% Niacinamide Radiance Gel Cream
The CENTELLA 5% Niacinamide Gel Cream is absolutely loaded with calming and soothing ingredients. From niacinamide, which works to calm inflammation and reduce redness, to squalane and panthenol, which hydrate and boost the skin barrier, this lightweight gel cream is a skincare staple for those with easily irritated skin.
Also featuring centella asiatica, madecassoside, and vitamin C, this gel cream can help minimize and prevent excess melanin and uneven skin tone, revealing an even and glowing complexion. Plus, the addition of xylitol can help hydrate, prevent moisture loss, and also offer a gentle, cooling effect on red and irritated skin.
Fragrance-free and clinically-tested for sensitive skin, this beautiful cream leaves a soft, supple, and moisturized finish without any stickiness or heaviness on the skin.
CENTELLA Phyto & 5 Peptide Concentrate Cream
Like a soothing blanket for your face, this CENTELLA Phyto & 5 Peptide Concentrate Cream adds deep hydration back into dry, irritated skin without feeling greasy. Made with a 5 Peptide Complex, this formula helps build your skin barrier back to its naturally healthy state. Squalene and ceramide NP help moisturize skin, while 150ppm of cica extract keeps skin calm and irritation-free.
But the benefits don’t just stop there. This cream not only boosts your skin barrier and reduces redness, but it also has anti-aging properties, too. The hydrolyzed soy protein, which is made with 100% locally grown Jeju blue soybeans, is hydrating and nutrient rich to maintain soft and moisturized skin. It also improves skin elasticity, boosts hydration, and minimizes the appearance of deep wrinkles.
Additionally, the hydrolyzed pea protein, also known as the patented Emortal (N) plant peptide, works as a “stem cell protector” to help maintain the stem cells in the skin in order to slow skin aging and maintain skin firmness and function.
How to Build a Routine for Irritated or Red Skin
Morning Skincare Routine
Step 1 – Cleanser (Optional)
If your skin isn’t oily or sweaty in the morning, you can skip cleanser to avoid over-stripping. Otherwise, use a gentle, non-foaming cleanser, like the Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Moisture Cleansing Oil.
Step 2 – Soothing Toner
A soothing toner, like the Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Hyaluronic Toner, works to deeply hydrate the skin and help prep your skin for the rest of the routine. To use, pour a few drops into your hands or onto a cotton pad and gently press into the skin.
Step 3 – Calming Serum
A calming serum, such as the Haruharu Wonder TXA Dark Spot Go Away Serum, contains 4% tranexamic acid and 4% niacinamide to help reduce inflammation, fade redness, and target post-inflammatory pigmentation. To use, apply 2–3 drops to clean, toned skin and gently pat or press until fully absorbed.
Step 4 – Lightweight Moisturizer
A lightweight moisturizer, like the Haruharu Wonder 5% Niacinamide Gel Cream, helps soothe irritation, refine skin texture, and reinforce the skin’s moisture barrier, without feeling heavy. To use, smooth a pea-sized amount over your face and neck until fully absorbed.
Step 5 – Sunscreen
A mineral sunscreen, like the Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Moisture Airyfit Daily Sunscreen SPF50+ PA++++, with SPF 30 or higher is essential for protecting sensitive, red-prone skin from UV damage. To use, apply generously as the final step in your morning routine and reapply throughout the day if needed.
Nighttime Skincare Routine
Step 1 – Gentle Cleanser
A non-stripping cleanser, like the Haruharu Wonder Centella Sunflower Makeup-Melting Cleansing Balm, is key at night to remove sunscreen, oil, and buildup without aggravating your skin. To use, scoop a moderate amount out and apply on dry skin, then gently massage for at least 30 seconds. Emulsify the oil by adding a small amount of water and continue massaging until the oil turns milky white. Rinse off thoroughly with lukewarm water.
Step 2 – Hydrating Toner
A hydrating toner, like the Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Hyaluronic Toner, helps replenish moisture and soothe post-cleansing tightness. To use, dispense a few drops into your palms or onto a cotton pad and press gently into the skin.
Step 3 – Redness-Reducing Serum
A redness-reducing serum, such as the Haruharu Wonder TXA Dark Spot Go Away Serum, helps support skin repair overnight. Its blend of tranexamic acid and niacinamide works to calm inflammation, fade discoloration, and improve skin tone. To use, apply a few drops to the face and pat in until absorbed.
Step 4 – Barrier-Repairing Cream
A barrier-repairing cream, like the Haruharu Wonder 5 Peptide Cream, delivers rich moisture and skin-strengthening peptides to help restore and protect irritated skin while you sleep. To use, warm a dime-sized amount between your fingers and press into the face and neck as the final step of your routine.
More Tips for Preventing Redness and Irritation
Patch Test New Products
If you have sensitive or easily irritated skin, you probably already know that you need to patch test a product on your skin before applying it to your entire face for the first time. To properly patch test a new skincare product, apply a small amount to a discreet area of skin, like behind your ear or on the inside of your forearm, and wait 24 to 48 hours to check for any signs of redness, itching, or irritation. If your skin doesn’t react negatively, it should be safe enough to apply to your face.
Support Your Skin Barrier Year-Round
Your skin barrier plays an important role in keeping moisture in and irritants out, which is why supporting it all year is key to preventing redness and irritation. Seasonal changes, like dry winter air or summer sun exposure, can weaken the barrier, making your skin more reactive. To keep it strong, focus on gentle, hydrating ingredients like niacinamide, peptides, and centella asiatica, and layer products thoughtfully. If your skin ever feels tight, flaky, or overly sensitive, pare down your routine and prioritize barrier-repairing formulas first.
Avoid Harsh Ingredients and Over-Exfoliation
As previously mentioned, when your skin is red or irritated, harsh ingredients and over-exfoliating can do way more harm than good. Strong actives like high-percentage AHAs, BHAs, or retinoids can disrupt your skin’s barrier, especially if used too often or layered improperly. Instead, opt for gentle, soothing formulas and limit exfoliation to once or twice a week, depending on your skin’s tolerance. Look for calming, barrier-supporting ingredients like niacinamide and centella asiatica, and always give your skin time to rest and recover between active treatments.
Final Thoughts
Haruharu Wonder is a go-to brand for sensitive, red-prone skin because our formulas are thoughtfully made with gentle, nourishing ingredients that put skin health first. Our brand focuses on barrier-supporting actives like niacinamide, peptides, and centella asiatica to deliver visible results without irritation. With minimal ingredient lists, non-stripping textures, and a strong emphasis on hydration and repair, Haruharu Wonder makes it easy to build a routine that soothes, strengthens, and restores balance to even the most reactive skin.
Meet The Author:
Haruharu Wonder contributor Daley Quinn has a decade of experience in the industry as journalist, editor, copywriter, and content creator covering beauty, wellness, health, and lifestyle content. Her stories have been published in over 50 digital publications including Real Simple, TODAY, Health, Southern Living, Well + Good, Allure, and many more. She also runs a blog called The Daley Dose, where she writes about beauty product reviews and her journey living alcohol-free. Connect with her on Instagram @daleyq.
How To Calm Irritation and Redness Easily Spoiler alert: Avoid harsh ingredients and use soothing Haruharu products instead.
How to Calm Irritation and Redness in the Skin
If your skin often feels itchy, tight, or looks red and inflamed, it could be a sign of irritation or a compromised barrier. Whether it’s caused by environmental factors, harsh skincare products, or a weakened barrier, skin irritation and redness are common concerns, especially for those with sensitive or reactive skin. Fortunately, there are gentle, effective skincare products you can use to calm things down and restore balance to your skin barrier.
Ahead, we break down what actually causes skin irritation and redness, the ingredients that work to soothe inflamed skin (think niacinamide and centella asiatica), and show you how to build a routine using Haruharu Wonder’s redness-reducing products. From our targeted serums to barrier-boosting creams, we’ve got everything you need to help your skin feel comforted, not compromised.
Understanding Skin Irritation and Redness
What Causes Skin Irritation?
Unfortunately, there are a lot of different factors that can contribute to skin irritation. The most common culprits include using too-harsh skincare products on your skin and environmental stressors (like frigid weather, UV exposure, pollution, strong winds, and dry air). Another offender can be over-cleansing and over-exfoliating the skin. If you find that your skin feels tight, dry, irritated, and red after cleansing or exfoliating, it’s time to put down those harsh products and let your skin relax.
Sometimes, those with sensitive skin can get allergic reactions from specific skincare ingredients, further irritating their face and causing redness. Other less common factors include an underlying skin condition (like rosacea or eczema), fluctuating hormones and high stress levels, and using incompatible ingredients together at the same time (for example, retinol and vitamin C shouldn’t be used together).
Common Triggers for Redness
Although skin irritation and redness often go hand in hand, redness can actually show up on its own, even if your skin doesn’t feel itchy, dry, or irritated. For example, some common redness triggers can include too much sun exposure, sudden temperature changes, windburn, hot showers, and spicy food and alcohol.
Harsh skincare products can also be a major contributor, especially when they contain potentially irritating ingredients like fragrance, alcohol, strong acids, or essential oils. Plus, using too many actives at once can cause flushed, inflamed skin, too.
Key Ingredients That Help Soothe Irritated Skin
While yes, there are some ingredients that can irritate skin, there are others that work to soothe and calm redness and irritation, too. These include:
Niacinamide is a powerhouse ingredient used in skincare products to help calm inflammation, reduce redness, and strengthen the skin barrier. Also known as vitamin B3, this skin-saver can help regulate oil production, minimize the appearance of pores, and improve uneven skin tone, too.
You’ll typically find TXA used in products to treat hyperpigmentation, but it also has anti-inflammatory properties, making it ideal for calming redness and soothing irritated skin, too. TXA works by blocking pathways in the skin that trigger discoloration and inflammation, and is a perfect ingredient to use if you are dealing with both redness and post-inflammatory dark spots.
Peptides are short chains of amino acids that help rebuild and repair the skin barrier. When your skin is irritated, peptides can support collagen production and improve hydration, which can soothe and reinforce compromised skin. Bonus points? They’re also great for reducing the appearance of fine lines.
● Centella Asiatica
Also known as cica or “tiger grass,” Centella Asiatica is a beloved ingredient for calming sensitive, inflamed skin. It’s rich in antioxidants and has powerful healing properties that help reduce redness, promote wound healing, and boost hydration. It’s perfect for reactive or damaged skin.
The Best Haruharu Wonder Products for Calming Skin
CENTELLA TXA Dark Spot Go Away Serum
Haruharu Wonder’s TXA Dark Spot Go Away Serum works to not only treat dark spots and hyperpigmentation, but can also help calm your skin and reduce redness, too. This highly concentrated, bouncy gel serum uses three main ingredients to help treat hyperpigmentation and calm the skin: 4% tranexamic acid (TXA), 4% niacinamide, and vitamin C. All three of these ingredients can help reduce redness while treating hyperpigmentation and dark spots as well.
Another hero ingredient that works overtime to calm skin and reduce redness is the centella complex. Centella asiatica is well-known for its calming effects and works well to soothe and comfort the skin.
To use, apply a thin layer to your face after you’ve applied your toner. You can use this pick in two ways: Apply it all over your face to fully even out your complexion and prevent dark spots, or use it as a spot treatment for existing dark spots and hyperpigmentation.
CENTELLA 5% Niacinamide Radiance Gel Cream
The CENTELLA 5% Niacinamide Gel Cream is absolutely loaded with calming and soothing ingredients. From niacinamide, which works to calm inflammation and reduce redness, to squalane and panthenol, which hydrate and boost the skin barrier, this lightweight gel cream is a skincare staple for those with easily irritated skin.
Also featuring centella asiatica, madecassoside, and vitamin C, this gel cream can help minimize and prevent excess melanin and uneven skin tone, revealing an even and glowing complexion. Plus, the addition of xylitol can help hydrate, prevent moisture loss, and also offer a gentle, cooling effect on red and irritated skin.
Fragrance-free and clinically-tested for sensitive skin, this beautiful cream leaves a soft, supple, and moisturized finish without any stickiness or heaviness on the skin.
CENTELLA Phyto & 5 Peptide Concentrate Cream
Like a soothing blanket for your face, this CENTELLA Phyto & 5 Peptide Concentrate Cream adds deep hydration back into dry, irritated skin without feeling greasy. Made with a 5 Peptide Complex, this formula helps build your skin barrier back to its naturally healthy state. Squalene and ceramide NP help moisturize skin, while 150ppm of cica extract keeps skin calm and irritation-free.
But the benefits don’t just stop there. This cream not only boosts your skin barrier and reduces redness, but it also has anti-aging properties, too. The hydrolyzed soy protein, which is made with 100% locally grown Jeju blue soybeans, is hydrating and nutrient rich to maintain soft and moisturized skin. It also improves skin elasticity, boosts hydration, and minimizes the appearance of deep wrinkles.
Additionally, the hydrolyzed pea protein, also known as the patented Emortal (N) plant peptide, works as a “stem cell protector” to help maintain the stem cells in the skin in order to slow skin aging and maintain skin firmness and function.
How to Build a Routine for Irritated or Red Skin
Morning Skincare Routine
Step 1 – Cleanser (Optional)
If your skin isn’t oily or sweaty in the morning, you can skip cleanser to avoid over-stripping. Otherwise, use a gentle, non-foaming cleanser, like the Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Moisture Cleansing Oil.
Step 2 – Soothing Toner
A soothing toner, like the Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Hyaluronic Toner, works to deeply hydrate the skin and help prep your skin for the rest of the routine. To use, pour a few drops into your hands or onto a cotton pad and gently press into the skin.
Step 3 – Calming Serum
A calming serum, such as the Haruharu Wonder TXA Dark Spot Go Away Serum, contains 4% tranexamic acid and 4% niacinamide to help reduce inflammation, fade redness, and target post-inflammatory pigmentation. To use, apply 2–3 drops to clean, toned skin and gently pat or press until fully absorbed.
Step 4 – Lightweight Moisturizer
A lightweight moisturizer, like the Haruharu Wonder 5% Niacinamide Gel Cream, helps soothe irritation, refine skin texture, and reinforce the skin’s moisture barrier, without feeling heavy. To use, smooth a pea-sized amount over your face and neck until fully absorbed.
Step 5 – Sunscreen
A mineral sunscreen, like the Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Moisture Airyfit Daily Sunscreen SPF50+ PA++++, with SPF 30 or higher is essential for protecting sensitive, red-prone skin from UV damage. To use, apply generously as the final step in your morning routine and reapply throughout the day if needed.
Nighttime Skincare Routine
Step 1 – Gentle Cleanser
A non-stripping cleanser, like the Haruharu Wonder Centella Sunflower Makeup-Melting Cleansing Balm, is key at night to remove sunscreen, oil, and buildup without aggravating your skin. To use, scoop a moderate amount out and apply on dry skin, then gently massage for at least 30 seconds. Emulsify the oil by adding a small amount of water and continue massaging until the oil turns milky white. Rinse off thoroughly with lukewarm water.
Step 2 – Hydrating Toner
A hydrating toner, like the Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Hyaluronic Toner, helps replenish moisture and soothe post-cleansing tightness. To use, dispense a few drops into your palms or onto a cotton pad and press gently into the skin.
Step 3 – Redness-Reducing Serum
A redness-reducing serum, such as the Haruharu Wonder TXA Dark Spot Go Away Serum, helps support skin repair overnight. Its blend of tranexamic acid and niacinamide works to calm inflammation, fade discoloration, and improve skin tone. To use, apply a few drops to the face and pat in until absorbed.
Step 4 – Barrier-Repairing Cream
A barrier-repairing cream, like the Haruharu Wonder 5 Peptide Cream, delivers rich moisture and skin-strengthening peptides to help restore and protect irritated skin while you sleep. To use, warm a dime-sized amount between your fingers and press into the face and neck as the final step of your routine.
More Tips for Preventing Redness and Irritation
Patch Test New Products
If you have sensitive or easily irritated skin, you probably already know that you need to patch test a product on your skin before applying it to your entire face for the first time. To properly patch test a new skincare product, apply a small amount to a discreet area of skin, like behind your ear or on the inside of your forearm, and wait 24 to 48 hours to check for any signs of redness, itching, or irritation. If your skin doesn’t react negatively, it should be safe enough to apply to your face.
Support Your Skin Barrier Year-Round
Your skin barrier plays an important role in keeping moisture in and irritants out, which is why supporting it all year is key to preventing redness and irritation. Seasonal changes, like dry winter air or summer sun exposure, can weaken the barrier, making your skin more reactive. To keep it strong, focus on gentle, hydrating ingredients like niacinamide, peptides, and centella asiatica, and layer products thoughtfully. If your skin ever feels tight, flaky, or overly sensitive, pare down your routine and prioritize barrier-repairing formulas first.
Avoid Harsh Ingredients and Over-Exfoliation
As previously mentioned, when your skin is red or irritated, harsh ingredients and over-exfoliating can do way more harm than good. Strong actives like high-percentage AHAs, BHAs, or retinoids can disrupt your skin’s barrier, especially if used too often or layered improperly. Instead, opt for gentle, soothing formulas and limit exfoliation to once or twice a week, depending on your skin’s tolerance. Look for calming, barrier-supporting ingredients like niacinamide and centella asiatica, and always give your skin time to rest and recover between active treatments.
Final Thoughts
Haruharu Wonder is a go-to brand for sensitive, red-prone skin because our formulas are thoughtfully made with gentle, nourishing ingredients that put skin health first. Our brand focuses on barrier-supporting actives like niacinamide, peptides, and centella asiatica to deliver visible results without irritation. With minimal ingredient lists, non-stripping textures, and a strong emphasis on hydration and repair, Haruharu Wonder makes it easy to build a routine that soothes, strengthens, and restores balance to even the most reactive skin.
Meet The Author:
Haruharu Wonder contributor Daley Quinn has a decade of experience in the industry as journalist, editor, copywriter, and content creator covering beauty, wellness, health, and lifestyle content. Her stories have been published in over 50 digital publications including Real Simple, TODAY, Health, Southern Living, Well + Good, Allure, and many more. She also runs a blog called The Daley Dose, where she writes about beauty product reviews and her journey living alcohol-free. Connect with her on Instagram @daleyq.