29/10/2025 - Sensitive skin: what our study of 20,000 French people reveals

💧 Nearly one in two consumers report having sensitive skin — according to our 10-year study

Tight skin, redness, discomfort… “Sensitive skin” has become a major topic in the world of cosmetics.
But what is its true extent? And who is most affected?

At Syres, we analysed 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.

📊 The reality of sensitive skin

According to ARPP definition (recent and frequent perception of skin signs or discomfort), 44,8% panelists stated that they had sensitive facial skin.

Contrary to popular belief, no significant difference does not appear between men and women.
Skin sensitivity is therefore not a matter of gender, but rather of skin type and age :

• dry skins are significantly more susceptible to sensitivity.

• older people, especially the women over 50say they are more often concerned.

🔍 What sensitive skin feels like

Panelists who declared themselves sensitive mentioned on average 3,7 different signs or discomforts.
The most common ones are:

• The tensions — felt by 82,7% of the people concerned.

• Redness — cited by 68,0%.

Other sensations such as itching, tingling or heat also appear, reflecting a real discomfort on a daily basis.

👩‍🔬 A concern that evolves with age

If you feel like you want to take the younger seem slightly less sensitive, the trend reverses over time.
The natural aging of the skin, the weakening of the skin barrier Repeated exposure to external aggressions (pollution, climatic variations, irritants) could explain this development.

Which profile is most affected?
👉 Women over 50 having a dry to normal-dry skin — a key population for brands seeking to offer skincare Soothing, protective, skin-friendly and strengthening of the skin barrier.

🧴 Data at the service of innovation

These results are not just a statistical snapshot: they concretely guide product development.
Thanks to these analyses, our partners can:

• Identify the sensitive consumer segments within the population.

• Design targeted formulas, truly effective and well tolerated.

• Supporting their claims “sensitive skin” based on solid and representative data.

At Syres, this longitudinal approach ensures that each evaluated care meets the following criteria: real consumer needs, regardless of skin type or age.

🌿 In conclusion

Nearly one in two consumers considers themselves to have sensitive skin.
Behind this figure lies a complex reality, where science, listening and respecting consumer feelings must go hand in hand.

By studying these perceptions over time, we contribute to a fairer, more precise, and more humane cosmetics industry—a cosmetics industry that truly understands the skin.