Short answer: “Chemical-free” isn’t a meaningful label (everything that has structure is a chemical). For sensitive skin, look for products that are fragrance‑free, minimal‑ingredient, non‑comedogenic and dermatologist‑/eczema‑approved. Below are practical ingredient guidance, gentle ingredients to seek, ingredients commonly to avoid, product examples, and quick use tips.

Why “chemical‑free” is misleading

• All ingredients are chemicals (water, glycerin, ceramides, etc.). What matters is formulation: low‑irritant, fragrance‑free, and barrier‑supporting choices.

What to look for on the label

• Fragrance‑free (no parfum, no “masking fragrance”) and free of essential oils.
• “Hypoallergenic,” “dermatologist‑tested,” or National Eczema Association acceptance are useful signals (not guarantees).
• Short, simple ingredient lists or lines marketed for “sensitive” / “tolerance” / “sterile” formulations.

Gentle ingredients to seek

• Barrier builders: ceramides (Ceramide NP, AP, EOP), cholesterol, fatty acids.
• Humectants: glycerin, hyaluronic acid.
• Emollients: squalane, caprylic/capric triglyceride, petrolatum for very dry/compromised skin.
• Soothers: panthenol (vitamin B5), niacinamide (in low concentrations), colloidal oatmeal (for itch).
• Minimalist/sterile formulas (few ingredients) for very reactive skin.

Common irritants to avoid (especially when you’re reactive)

• Fragrance / parfum and masking fragrances.
• Essential oils (lavender, citrus, tea tree, etc.).
• Alcohol denat (drying), some high concentrations of acids (AHAs/BHAs) and retinoids (unless prescribed/tolerated).
• Sulfates (SLS) in cleansers if very dry/irritated.
• Certain preservatives or formulas you’ve reacted to before (e.g., formaldehyde releasers for some people).

Product examples (well‑known, widely recommended for sensitive skin) (Note: formulations change; check the ingredient list on the package before buying.)

• Vanicream (Moisturizing Cream / Daily Facial Moisturizer) — formulated to avoid common irritants; fragrance‑free and widely recommended for sensitive/eczema‑prone skin. (Vanicream.com)
• CeraVe Moisturizing Cream — fragrance‑free, contains ceramides and hyaluronic acid for barrier repair. (CeraVe.com)
• La Roche‑Posay Toleriane line (e.g., Toleriane Double Repair) — fragrance‑free, designed for sensitive skin. (laroche-posay.us)
• Avène Tolérance Extrême Emulsion — a very minimal (6‑ingredient) formula, preservative‑free/sterile concept for hypersensitive skin. (aveneusa.com)
• Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream / Soothing Gel‑Cream — fragrance‑free options for sensitive and irritated skin. (prod.Cetaphil.com)
• First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream — often recommended for dry, sensitive skin (note: check lot/variant info if there are any product notices). (NYPost.com)

How to introduce new products safely

• Patch test: apply a small amount on inner forearm or behind ear for 48–72 hours.
• Introduce one new product at a time (wait ~2 weeks before adding another).
• Avoid layering multiple active ingredients (vitamin C + retinoid + acids) until you know your tolerance.

Daily routine blueprint for reactive/sensitive skin

1. Gentle cleanser (fragrance‑free, sulfate‑free if needed).
2. Hydrating serum/moisturizer with ceramides, glycerin or squalane.
3. Sunscreen every morning — choose a mineral (zinc oxide/titanium dioxide) or a tolerated chemical SPF that’s fragrance‑free.
4. Treat active problems (rosacea, eczema, acne) under dermatologist guidance.

When to see a dermatologist

• If you have frequent flares, raw/oozing skin, severe redness, or products cause burning beyond mild stinging — see a dermatologist for targeted treatment and testing.

If you want, I can:

• Suggest a full gentle AM/PM routine (based on whether your skin is dry, oily, rosacea‑prone, acneic, or eczema‑prone).
• Check a specific product’s ingredient list for potential irritants (paste the full ingredients and I’ll review them).

References: product pages and dermatologist guidance from Vanicream, CeraVe, La Roche‑Posay, Avène, Cetaphil, and coverage of dermatologist‑approved picks. (Vanicream.com)