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The 15 Best Moisturizers for Rosacea, Tested & Reviewed
Kiss redness goodbye with a dollop of one of these lotions and creams.
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Byrdie
TL;DR
Our number one pick is the Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Cream, a rich face cream containing soothing centella asiatica for sensitive skin. If you’re looking for a more lightweight option, the Proactiv Green Tea Moisturizer is an excellent choice.
Rosacea is an immunity imbalance that breaks the skin barrier and causes inflammation. Anything from sun exposure and spicy food to red wine, stress, and even hot yoga can trigger it. “It is a spectrum of redness, flushing, red bumps, cysts, and even sometimes facial swelling that we see,” explains board-certified dermatologist Dr. Diane Madfes, M.D., FAAD. The good news is that over-the-counter creams can help manage flare-ups, calm irritation, and reduce redness while helping to prevent facial flushing. “I recommend moisturizers with hyaluronic acid, green tea, and niacinamide (vitamin B3),” says Dr. Madfes, noting that these ingredients help soothe inflammation. Additionally, fragrance-free formulas are ideal, as they’re less likely to cause a reaction.
To find the best moisturizers for rosacea, we conducted hours of research and tested multiple options for weeks to pick the best of the best, evaluating picks based on their active ingredients, anti-inflammatory properties, and more. We also noticed how effectively they reduced redness and soothed the skin.
Top Picks
Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Cream at Amazon$52$35
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Proactiv Green Tea Moisturizer
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Skinfix Barrier+ Gel Cream at Sephora$54
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Aveeno Calm + Restore Oat Gel Moisturizer at Ulta$27
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La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer at Amazon$25
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Tatcha Indigo Overnight Repair at Amazon$92
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Vanicream Moisturizing Cream at Amazon$17$13
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BeautyStat Probiotic 24HR Moisture Boost Cream at Ulta$50
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belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb at Amazon$24
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Eadem Cloud Cushion Plush Moisturizer at Amazon$48
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Best Overall
Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Cream
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Rich texture
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Deeply hydrating
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Calms redness and flare-ups
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Doesn’t contain synthetic fragrance
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A bit thick for oily skin
Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, tiger grass, glycerin | Skin Type: All | Size: 1.7 oz | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: No
The Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Tiger Grass Cream has been popular for years, and we totally understand why. Formulated with a blend of niacinamide to even tone and support the skin barrier, glycerin for hydration, and tiger grass to reduce inflammation and redness, it works to give rosacea-prone skin the support it needs. We love that the texture is thick and hydrating without feeling sticky, and it works beautifully to smooth dry patches, too. If you’re in the market for a deeply nourishing formula to help calm rosacea, we back this pick.
Byrdie
Emily Algar, writer: “Creamy, nourishing, and extremely soothing, the Dr Jart+ Cicapair Tiger Grass Cream worked really well to even out my complexion, soften red marks, and improve the look and feel of my dried-out face.”
Best Overall, Runner-Up
Proactiv Green Tea Moisturizer
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Reduces redness
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Calms inflammation
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Noncomedogenic
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Contains fragrance
Key Ingredients: Green tea, hyaluronic acid, squalane, allantoin | Skin Type: Dry, irritated, sensitive, acne-prone | Size: 3 oz | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes
While you might associate Proactiv with intensive (albeit effective) acne treatments, the brand’s Green Tea Moisturizer isn’t a treatment but rather a lightweight hydrator. More to the point, this noncomedogenic face cream contains two additives Dr. Madfes recommends for rosacea: hyaluronic acid and green tea. “These are calming ingredients for the skin,” she says. We also appreciate that it’s formulated with allantoin, a botanical extract that soothes reactive complexions and supports the healing process—a major plus for those prone to breakouts. Reviewers noted that the formula felt light on the skin and calmed their redness without clogging their pores. It’s also perfect for those with sensitive skin since it doesn’t contain any active ingredients that could irritate the complexion.
Best Gel
Skinfix Barrier+ Gel Cream
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Lightweight, gel texture
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Provides lasting hydration
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Hygienic packaging
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Has a bit of a funny smell
Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, antimicrobial peptides | Skin Type: All | Size: 1.7 oz | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Gel moisturizers are perfect for people with oily skin or anyone who prefers super lightweight textures. We love this one in particular because it’s packed with nourishing peptides to support a healthy skin barrier and niacinamide to even tone and absorb excess oil. It feels weightless on the skin but still provides long-lasting hydration. Even better, it decreased the redness in our skin as well as our pore size with regular use.
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Byrdie
Mikey, tester: “The Skin Barrier Restoring Gel Cream offered lots of hydration for my skin. I did notice immediate improvements in the hydration of my skin’s moisture levels after application. The best part is that the hydration was long-lasting as well. As the day went on, my skin continued to feel hydrated from this product.”
Best for Sensitive Skin
Aveeno Calm + Restore Oat Gel Moisturizer
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Specifically formulated for sensitive skin
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Free from fragrance, parabens, alcohol, dye and phthalates
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Soothes and calms skin
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Those with oily skin may need to use slightly less product
Key Ingredients: Water, glycerin, dimethicone, cetearyl olivate, Avena sativa (oat) kernel flour | Skin Type: All | Size: 1.7 oz | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Calming prebiotic oat and feverfew make up two of the main ingredients in this lightweight moisturizer to ensure your skin is intensely hydrated while also being soothed. The fast-absorbing and noncomedogenic formula nourishes your skin barrier to instantly improve the appearance of your skin and eliminate any dryness or flakiness. Formulated without any fragrances, parabens, alcohol, or phthalates, it is the perfect daily moisturizer for sensitive skin while reducing signs of redness and irritation. It left our tester’s skin with a radiant glow and was moisturized enough that she didn’t need to reapply it throughout the day. She loved the cream so much that it became her new go-to moisturizer.
Ashley, tester: “This gel moisturizer does exactly what it says it will—it calms, moistens, and leaves my sensitive skin feeling refreshed and hydrated.”
Best Oil-Free
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer
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Formulated without oil, leaving a matte finish
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Soothes and hydrates
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Lightweight feel
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Might not work under makeup for those with oily skin
Key Ingredients: Ceramide-3, niacinamide, glycerin, prebiotic thermal water | Skin Type: All | Size: 1.35, 3.38 oz | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: No
If you have been searching for an oil-free moisturizer that won’t aggravate your rosacea-prone skin, this option from La Roche Posay provides deep hydration without clogging your pores. Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive ones, this cream combines ceramide-3, niacinamide, and glycerin with prebiotic thermal water to soothe your complexion while restoring moisture to your skin barrier. The results are visible immediately as parched skin instantly looks healthier and replenished once a light layer of this cream has been massaged in. We also love the tube packaging, as it makes for a more hygienic application.
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Byrdie
Holly Rhue, editorial director (not pictured): “My biggest concern is calming irritation without clogging my pores. This formula definitely does just that, striking the perfect balance between supporting my skin barrier without causing breakouts. Each morning, my skin feels less raw and irritated around the dry patches and overall looks firm and glowy.”
Best for Nighttime
Tatcha Indigo Overnight Repair
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Supports skin microbiome during sleep
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Provides lasting hydration
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Contains soothing ingredients
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Gives skin a nice glow
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May not be the best for oily skin
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, Japanese indigo extract, ceramides | Skin Type: All | Size: 0.34,1.7 oz | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes
This overnight repair cream from Tatcha is powered by Japanese indigo extract, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides to soothe, hydrate, and balance the skin. It works to support a healthy skin microbiome while you sleep, and it leaves the skin with a healthy-looking glow and the softest, most plush feeling. We love how well it works to calm irritated skin, and the pillowy texture of the cream alone feels like such a treat to apply.
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Byrdie
Amanda Ross, writer (not shown): “The cream has become my new best friend for evenings when I apply tretinoin. I’ve noticed significantly less dryness and sensitivity the next day.”
Best for Body
Vanicream Moisturizing Cream
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Can be used all over
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Noncomedogenic and fragrance-free
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Soothing, hydrating formula
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Reviewers note it doesn’t absorb well
Key Ingredients: Petrolatum | Skin Type: Sensitive | Size: 16 oz | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: No
Yes, you can also have rosacea on your body, and Vanicream is a great solution you can use all over. This 16-ounce pump bottle contains a fragrance-free, petrolatum-based cream that hydrates without clogging pores or irritating sensitive skin. Reviewers also noted that it soothed their itchy skin and dry patches (two other common symptoms of rosacea).
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Byrdie
Elizabeth, tester: “The lotion doesn’t leave behind a film and doesn’t take too long to absorb into my skin, though it still feels like there’s a protective layer that is retained.”
Best for Mature Skin
BeautyStat Probiotic 24HR Moisture Boost Cream
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Fights against free radicals that can accelerate aging
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Replenishes skin barrier
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Calms inflammation
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Needs a short time to absorb
Key Ingredients: Ceramides, hyaluronic acid, reishi mushroom extract, probiotics | Skin Type: All | Size: 1 oz | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes
This hydrating lightweight gel cream from BeautyStat contains an innovative bio-fermented mushroom complex with a visible blurring effect—making it ideal for those with mature skin who also deal with rosacea. Dermatologist-tested, this moisturizer works for all skin types, especially sensitive ones, as it has been formulated without fragrance or parabens. If you want to replenish dull and tired-looking skin, this cream delivers an intense dose of hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and vitamin F without ever feeling greasy or heavy. Its ability to strengthen the skin barrier, soothe inflammation, and lock in moisture while reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles makes it a bathroom shelf staple.
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Byrdie
Mike, tester: “As soon as I put it on my face, I noticed that my skin was absorbing the product well and my skin looked more lifted. I noticed that my eye bags diminished which I was very happy about.”
Best for Dry Skin
belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb
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Instantly adds intense moisture to the skin
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Absorbs quickly
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Anti-inflammatory
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Can be too thick for the summer
Key Ingredients: Ceramides, glycerin, squalane, lady’s mantle | Skin Type: All | Size: 1.68 oz | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: No
If you have super dry skin and want a thick cream that won’t be heavy or irritating, we recommend this ultra-hydrating moisturizer from K-beauty brand Belif. It’s formulated to increase the water levels in the skin drastically and includes ceramides and glycerin to hydrate and replenish your complexion deeply. When we used the moisturizer during our testing period, we loved that while it had a thicker consistency and absorbed into the skin easily, it didn’t feel too heavy on the face (but we do think it would be better for other skin types to wear in the winter). It made our skin feel bouncy and firm, with a dewy finish that was never greasy or oily. We also love that it has squalane in the formula, which is known to be anti-inflammatory and a great ingredient for easily irritated skin types.
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Credit: Byrdie
Erica, tester: “My face felt smooth, hydrated right away, and slightly firmer which doesn’t happen with my current product. It was not too thick or overly greasy.”
Best Brightening
Eadem Cloud Cushion Plush Moisturizer
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Brightens the complexion
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Whipped, luxurious texture
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Fragrance-free
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Could be too heavy for acne-prone skin types
Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, peptides, plant ceramides | Skin Type: All | Size: 1.7 oz | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Many brightening formulas include strong exfoliating acids or retinoids, which can sometimes be a nightmare for rosacea or skin that gets irritated easily. This formula from Eadem is made with niacinamide and peptides—two ingredients that are able to even skin tone gently. It also includes plant ceramides to hydrate and make the skin barrier stronger. As soon as we applied it, it absorbed instantly and provided a dewy glow that gave our skin a filter-like appearance. Even after we washed it off, our skin still looked hydrated and healthy. We noticed that it was a great product to finish your routine with, as we felt it set in the products that we had previously applied and layered perfectly without feeling too heavy. It also gets extra points from us for being completely fragrance-free.
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Byrdie
Krystina, tester: “My skin had almost a satin finish to it. Most days I would go without makeup but my skin looked like it had a nice filter on it. Very natural and clean looking. When I would wash my face after a long day, my skin didn’t feel tight once it was dry, like the moisturizer truly hydrated my face. My skin looked physically hydrated even when the product was washed off.”
Best Lightweight
The Inkey List Omega Water Cream
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Light, nongreasy finish
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Balances oil levels in the skin
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Strengthens the skin barrier
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Can feel sticky right after application
Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, betaine, glycerin, ceramides | Skin Type: All | Size: 1.7 oz | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes
This oil-free moisturizer from the Inkey List is formulated with niacinamide, glycerin, and ceramides, which are all great ingredients for soothing the skin and calming irritation. It has a lightweight gel texture that sinks into the skin seamlessly, and it made our complexion look well-hydrated and healthy without having a greasy finish. The betaine in the formula can nourish and support the skin barrier, and the ceramides can deeply hydrate without irritating. During testing, we noticed that it was a great moisturizer for dry patches and flakes, and we even saw our fine lines look smoother with continued use.
Colin, tester: “I’ve had some trouble on and off with dryness and flakiness in the past, but that hasn’t been an issue while using this product. I think my skin looks and feels more hydrated.”
Best Anti-Aging
Tower 28 SOS Barrier Recovery Cream
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Ceramides plump skin for youthful look
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Nongreasy feel
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Alcohol and fragrance-free
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Needs a couple of minutes to absorb
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, ceramides, allantoin | Skin Type: All | Size: 1.86 oz | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Those dealing with rosacea may find that many anti-aging creams contain ingredients such as retinol, fragrance, and alcohol that may aggravate their skin. We recommend this moisturizer from Tower 28 as it contains ceramides, which work to reduce the appearance of aging by retaining moisture and supporting the skin barrier without causing flare-ups. The result is plump and supple skin that looks healthy and hydrated due to the addition of hyaluronic acid. This nonsticky cream is noncomedogenic and works just as well as a night cream as it does under makeup. We also love that it has the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance.
Best With SPF
Synchroline Rosacure Intensive Cream
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Contains SPF 30
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Available in tinted version
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Reduces the appearance of redness
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Slightly smaller tube
Key Ingredients: Silymarin; MSM, hyaluronic acid, UVB-UVA filters | Skin Type: All | Size: 1 oz | SPF: 30 | Cruelty-Free: No
This SPF cream is a must-have for anyone with rosacea. Hyaluronic acid and UVB-UVA filters combine to moisturize and shield against the sun without causing irritation. As this cream has been designed especially for rosacea-prone skin, it also has calming properties to soothe and protect during flare-ups. In addition to the clear option, it is also available in a slightly tinted version for those who prefer a slight veil of coverage.
Best Splurge
Clinique Daily Relief Cream
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High-quality formula
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Soothes skin and reduces the appearance of redness
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Gentle formula ideal for delicate complexions
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Needs to be massaged in to avoid any residue
Key Ingredients: Water, dimethicone, Butyrospermum parkii (shea) butter, hydrogenated polyisobutene, glycerin | Skin Type: All | Size: 1.7 oz | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: No
If you are looking for an extra special treat for your skin, this Daily Relief Cream from Clinique gets to work immediately to reduce the appearance of redness and eliminate any blotchiness. The gentle formula has been dermatologist- and allergy-tested to ensure it is safe to use on skin with rosacea. Thanks to the subtle green tint, this cream helps to keep flare-ups and red patches under control while also ensuring your skin is pumped full of hydration, creating an overall more supple and moisturized appearance that stays looking soft all day.
Best Rich Cream
Weleda Ultra-Rich Cream
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Softens cracked skin
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Affordable
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A little bit of the product goes a long way
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Doesn’t spread easily
Active Ingredients: Sunflower seed oil, lanolin, beeswax | Skin Type: Dry | Size: 2.5 oz | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Weleda Skin Food has been a popular go-to for moisturizing dry skin for nearly 100 years. This exceptionally rich lotion doesn’t directly address redness or irritation, but the natural formula promises not to exacerbate the issue while it nourishes your complexion. It contains naturally good-for-you ingredients, like vitamin E and calendula flower extract. It gave our face a dewy complexion and instantly hydrated cracked spots.
What to Look for in a Moisturizer for Rosacea
- Skin Barrier-Supporting Ingredients: Common skin barrier-supporting ingredients include hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and ceramides. “Hyaluronic acid and glycerin are two humectants that pull water from the environment to the skin’s surface,” says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michele Green, M.D. “Ceramides, squalane, and niacinamide are emollients that soften the skin and repair the skin’s natural moisture barrier.” She adds that occlusive ingredients, such as shea butter, can also be effective. “Occlusives protect the skin barrier by creating a barrier between the skin and the environment,” says Dr. Green.
- Fragrance-Free: Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Anetta Reszko, M.D., says it’s best to avoid scented products when you have rosacea. “Fragrance is one of the most common triggers for rosacea flare-ups, especially if you have sensitive or reactive skin,” says Dr. Reszko. “Fragrance can dilate blood vessels and disrupt the skin barrier, causing increased redness and discomfort and making the skin vulnerable to irritation.”
- Soothing Ingredients: Look for creams formulated with green tea, colloidal oats, aloe vera, and rose water. “Colloidal oat is a soothing ingredient that reduces redness and inflammation while also locking moisture into the skin,” says Dr. Green. “Green tea is an excellent addition due to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Aloe vera works to moisturize, reduce inflammation, and calm while rose water also contains strong anti-inflammatory properties to reduce red and cool irritated skin.”
- Light Texture/Formulas: The best type of formula and texture depends largely on your skin type. For oily, combination, or acne-prone skin, Dr. Reszko recommends “a lightweight, gel-based moisturizer with a nongreasy texture that hydrates and soothes irritation without clogging your pores.” For dry or sensitive skin, she says, “A cream with ceramides, fatty acids, and glycerin is ideal to hydrate and lock in moisture while also restoring the skin’s protective barrier.”
How We Tested Moisturizers for Rosacea
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Byrdie
To find the best moisturizers for rosacea, we’ve tested hundreds of moisturizers across categories—from rich creams to light gels—and across skin types and ages for weeks at a time. Here are the factors we considered when determining the best formulas for rosacea:
- Redness Reduction: How well did the moisturizer calm existing redness and prevent new flare-ups?
- Irritation/Sensitivity: We noted any burning, stinging, itching, or increased sensitivity when using the product.
- Hydration: We observed how well the moisturizer maintained skin hydration throughout the day and throughout the testing period.
- Texture/Feel: We noted how the moisturizer felt on the skin, whether it absorbed well, and if it left a residue. We also checked to see how well the moisturizer layered with other products and makeup.
Meet Our Experts
For this article, Byrdie consulted these experts:
- Dr. Anetta Reszko, M.D, Ph.D., is a New York-based board-certified dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon.
- Dr. Michele Green, M.D., is a New York-based board-certified dermatologist specializing in rosacea treatments.
- Dr. Diane Madfes, M.D., FAAD, is a board-certified dermatology expert at Madfes Aesthetic.
Why Trust Byrdie
Clare Holden is a beauty journalist and makeup artist. Her experience creating makeup looks for clients who deal with rosacea means she has an extensive knowledge of which products work to calm and soothe redness, along with what ingredients to avoid to prevent further irritation.
Source URL: https://www.byrdie.com/best-moisturizers-for-rosacea
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