1. Harsh Cleansers
Harsh cleansers can be especially damaging for mature skin, which naturally produces less oil and relies more heavily on its protective barrier to stay comfortable and resilient. Many traditional foaming cleansers contain sulfates that clean aggressively but leave skin feeling tight and stripped. As Valerie Aparovich, biochemist and cosmetologist-aesthetician at OnSkin, explains, “These synthetic surfactants are commonly used in face and body washes as active cleansing agents. Sulfates are high in pH and can strip the skin of beneficial oils needed to maintain its protective barrier functions, provoking dryness, irritation, redness, and itching, especially with long-term use.” Over time, this kind of disruption can make fine lines, crepey texture, and sensitivity far more noticeable.
2. Alcohols
Certain types of alcohols in skincare and makeup—often included to create a quick-drying or mattifying effect—can be particularly harsh on mature skin. “These irritating alcohols have been shown to disrupt the skin’s barrier and provoke hypersensitivity, dryness, and redness." Aparovich says. "They can be frequently seen in various categories of skincare and makeup products.” For aging skin that already struggles to retain moisture, this barrier damage can lead to increased dryness and a more aged appearance.
3. Imidazolidinyl Urea, Quaternium-15, Diazolidinyl Urea
Preservatives such as imidazolidinyl urea, quaternium-15, and diazolidinyl urea are used to extend a product’s shelf life, but they can be problematic for mature or sensitive skin. These ingredients slowly release formaldehyde, which is known to trigger irritation and allergic reactions. “Toxic formaldehyde-releasing preservatives are linked to pronounced allergy reactions and an increased risk of skin sensitization and irritation," Aparovich says. As skin becomes thinner and more reactive with age, exposure to these preservatives can increase redness, itching, and discomfort, making them ingredients worth avoiding whenever possible.
4. Glitter Eyeshadow
Large shimmer particles reflect light into wrinkles and fine creases, making them look deeper. Soft satin or micro-pearlescent shadows are much more flattering.
5. Drying Matte Foundations
Full matte foundations with heavy silica or clay bases can settle into fine lines and emphasize texture. Look for hydrating, dewy, or satin-finish formulas instead.
6. Gel Products
Some gel moisturizers advertise “cooling” effects with menthol or astringent components that can tighten skin — but on mature skin, these ingredients can strip essential oils and cause reactive irritation instead of actual plumping or hydration.
7. Heavy Powders or Setting Sprays
Setting products that rely on silica, talc, or dense mattifiers can settle into fine lines and dry patches, emphasizing texture instead of smoothing it. Lightweight, luminous finishing sprays or translucent micro-powders are more forgiving.
8. Excessive Retinol
Retinoids can benefit mature skin, but high-strength formulas without emollients can cause dryness, flakiness, and irritation. A buffered or moisturizing retinol formula is usually a better starting point. Or, add a more intense moisturizer to your routine if you use prescription retinoids.
9. Products Containing Fragrance
Fragrance—especially synthetic—is a common irritant. For mature skin prone to dryness or sensitivity, fragrance can lead to redness, itching, or inflammation.
10. High Concentration AHA/BHA Peels
While acids can boost radiance, strong concentrations can be too aggressive for mature skin—especially if used too often. They can strip moisture, cause redness, and weaken the skin barrier if overused.
11. Too Many Clay Masks
Though they can feel like they’re deep-cleaning, clay masks that strip oil can weaken mature skin’s natural moisture balance, leading to dryness. They may be safe to use once in awhile, but aren't recommended for frequent use on mature skin.
12. Matte Lipstick
Matte lip formulas that are wax-heavy can cling to lip lines, exaggerate creases, and make lips look dehydrated. Creamy, nourishing formulas with hyaluronic acid or plant oils are more flattering.
13. Harsh Cleaning Brushes
While cleansing tools can feel satisfying, daily physical agitation can strip oils and damage sensitive skin. Stick with gentle hands or soft washcloths.
14. Grainy Exfoliants
Products with crushed shells, apricot pits, or rough beads can create micro-tears in mature skin, leading to irritation, inflammation, and worsening texture. Chemical exfoliation (in gentle percentages) is usually much safer and more effective.
15. Washing Your Face Too Often
Washing your face too often can strip away the natural oils that mature skin relies on to stay comfortable, hydrated, and resilient. When those oils are removed too frequently, the skin barrier can weaken, leading to dryness, irritation, and fine lines appearing more pronounced. For mature skin, gentle cleansing once or twice a day is usually enough to keep skin clean without compromising its health.