Tight skin, redness, discomfort… “Sensitive skin” has become a major topic in the world of cosmetics.
At Syres, we analyzed 10 years of data from our French panel of more than 20,000 participants to better understand the characteristics of skin sensitivity.
The results reveal clear — and sometimes unexpected — trends that shed light on how brands can design truly tailored skincare.
According to the ARPP definition (recent and frequent perception of skin signs or discomforts), 44,8% of panelists report having sensitive facial skin.
Contrary to popular belief, no significant difference appears between men and women.
Skin sensitivity is therefore not a matter of gender, but rather of skin type and age: Dry skin is significantly more prone to sensitivity.
Older people, particularly women over 50, report being affected more often.
Panelists who declared themselves sensitive mentioned an average of 3,7 different signs or discomforts.
The most frequent are: Pulling sensations — felt by 82,7% of those concerned.
Other sensations such as itching, tingling or heat also appear, reflecting a real discomfort on a daily basis.
While younger people seem slightly less sensitive, the trend reverses over time.
The natural aging of the skin, the weakening of the skin barrier and repeated exposure to external aggressions (pollution, climatic variations, irritants) could explain this evolution.
The most affected profile? 👉 Women over 50 with dry to normal-dry skin — a key population for brands seeking to offer soothing, protective, skin-friendly and barrier-strengthening skincare.
These results are not just a statistical snapshot: they concretely guide product development.
Thanks to these analyses, our partners can: Identify sensitive consumer segments within the population.
To design targeted formulas that are truly effective and well-tolerated.
Support their “sensitive skin” claims with solid and representative data.
At Syres, this longitudinal approach ensures that each evaluated product meets real consumer needs, regardless of skin type or age.
Nearly one in two consumers considers themselves to have sensitive skin.
Behind this figure lies a complex reality, where science, listening and respect for consumer feelings must go hand in hand.
By studying these perceptions over time, we contribute to a fairer, more precise and more human cosmetics — a cosmetics that truly understands the skin.
