Expert-Approved Rosacea Creams and Serums to Keep Redness at Bay

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Rosacea, which is most commonly associated with redness, impacts 16 million Americans. Anyone can experience rosacea, but according to the Mayo Clinic, it’s most common in middle-aged white women. Although there’s no cure, these rosacea creams can help minimize signs and symptoms of rosacea, including facial flushing, visible veins, swollen bumps, and burning sensations.

As our skincare-obsessed beauty editor, I consulted several board-certified dermatologists about all things rosacea and their no-fail rosacea cream recommendations. Most of these suggestions are $40 or less, so you can spend extra money on Valentine’s Day gifts for yourself (and lucky loved ones).

Best Rosacea Creams and Serums

• Best Overall: The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%

• Best Budget: Cetaphil Redness Relieving Set

• Best Night Cream: Eucerin Redness Relief Night Creme

• Best for Oily, Combination, and Acne-Prone Skin: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Water Gel Moisturizer

• Best Tinted Rosacea Cream: La Roche Posay Toleriane Rosaliac AR

What is Rosacea?

“Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin condition characterized by central facial redness, papules and pustules, flushing, red eyes, and a feeling of warmth in the skin,” says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Corey L. Hartman, M.D. He says there are four main subtypes of rosacea that are all thought to be mediated by neural control of the small blood vessels of the face.

Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Mona Gohara, M.D., adds that it’s commonly mistaken for acne because of the symptoms of redness and pus-filled bumps on the face.

What Causes Rosacea?

Rosacea is typically triggered by red wine, cheese, and seafood, as well as hot drinks like coffee and tea, says Hartman. Other causes include changes in weather, such as extreme sunlight, cold, and wind, as well as stress and emotional trauma. Gohara adds that rosacea most commonly affects middle-aged women with sensitive skin.

This skin condition is also associated with an extremely diminished skin barrier, which manifests in dryness, redness, and reactivity to external stressors, adds Courtney Brown, PA-C.

Can You Treat Rosacea?

Both dermatologists say there is no cure for rosacea, but you can lessen the look of symptoms with various treatments. There are some amazing over-the-counter products you can reach for to soothe your skin: You just have to look for the right ingredients to keep your skin calm.

Best Ingredients

Gohara suggests slathering on fragrance-free moisturizers and creams that contain ceramides (in SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2), hyaluronic acid (found in the Fresh Chemistry Glow Getter Brightening Serum Set), niacinamide (vitamin B-3), or bisabolol. “Each of these ingredients will help create a moisture barrier to keep the skin hydrated, calm, and better protected from outside factors,” she says.

Worst Ingredients

As for what to avoid, Hartman says many active ingredients may be too harsh for people with rosacea to use since their skin is sensitive. “While many people falsely think that a reaction to one product deems them sensitive, those with rosacea are intolerant to many active ingredients in skincare products that prove beneficial for others, like retinol, salicylic acid, gels, and solutions,” he says. Both doctors advise against using harsh astringents and drying ingredients, including alcohol, witch hazel, glycolic acid, and sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), which can cause rosacea to flare up.

What to Consider

Your Skin Barrier

Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Hadley King M.D. notes it’s important to use non-irritating and non-drying rosacea products that contain calming ingredients, like cica or aloe vera, to help support your skin barrier. “One aspect of rosacea is impairment of the skin barrier function — the barrier tends to be not as robust, and therefore the skin is more sensitive because potential irritants are more likely to penetrate and more moisture can be lost,” she says.

Always Stick to Gentle Products

Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Nava Greenfield, M.D. of Schweiger Dermatology Group in NYC says you must be vigilant about only using non-irritating rosacea creams. “Skin that is prone to rosacea flares needs to be careful when shopping for face creams. The creams need to be gentle and made for sensitive skin. Flares can result from several different triggers and can last several days to weeks. Choose a cream that is calming for your skin,” she says.

Don’t Skimp on Sunscreen

Greenfield also stresses the importance of wearing sunscreen. Studies show sun exposure causes rosacea flare-ups, so applying a gentle mineral sunscreen that sits on top of your skin will help guard you against redness associated with rosacea and prevent aging and sunburns due to UV ray exposure. Also, consider throwing on a sunhat and sporting UPF clothing for broader sun protection.

Now that you have the lowdown on everything there is to know about rosacea, take a look at some of our experts’ top-recommended rosacea creams and serums to soothe any flare-ups — plus a few of our favorites.

Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%

Our best overall rosacea cream is our most affordable pick, but it doesn’t skimp on quality. Beyond the highly-enticing price tag, it earned snaps from Hartman, who appreciates its high concentration of niacinamide, one of his go-to ingredients for soothing rosacea at home.

This lightweight serum also contains zinc to balance sebum production, making it a great pick for oily skin types. Zinc is also excellent for treating skin inflammation, meaning it’s an ideal ingredient for treating rosacea and other beauty skin concerns, such as melasma.

Someone with dry skin will appreciate the inclusion of niacinamide, which helps rebalance their complexion, while someone with oily skin, like me, will notice less oil production and their pores will appear smaller.

It also boasts a beautiful liquid consistency that spreads easily and evenly across the face, ensuring your skin can soak up all of the above-mentioned hero ingredients. And with warm spring weather on the horizon, it’s advisable to invest in a new beauty product that will complement your skin type during the warmer weather.

Pro tip: for someone with dry skin and living somewhere chilly, layer this lightweight serum under your face moisturizer. If a particularly brutal storm is on the horizon, you can create a sandwich — one layer of your trust face cream, this epic new face serum, followed up with another thin layer of your regular moisturizer.

More: These Hypoallergenic Makeup Picks Are a Saving Grace for Sensitive Skin

Redness Relieving Set

If you’re looking for something more budget-friendly, then say hello to this pick from Cetaphil. This daily moisturizer keeps all of the harsh ingredients out and incorporates skincare essentials like licorice extract, allantoin, and caffeine to perk up your skin.

Don’t believe me? Thousands of online reviewers say it’s a game-changer and the only moisturizer that works for their irritated, red skin. This tinted formula also includes a boost of SPF 40 and is hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic, so it won’t clog pores or irritate sensitive skin.

It also comes with a top-rated night cream, the holy grail redness relief product of choice for thousands of other reviewers who also rely on it to heal and soothe skin.

Redness Relief Night Creme

Soothing redness and dryness overnight is easier than ever thanks to Eucerin’s impressive formula. It’s enriched with licochalcone, a skin-soothing licorice root extract, to reduce any redness your sensitive skin has overnight. It’s also fragrance-free and non-comedogenic, so easily irritated skin types can feel free to use it.

Amazon reviewers say this is a phenomenal rosacea cream for their entire body because the buttery and smooth cream reduces redness. They also love that the skin-softening cream leaves their skin dewy, doesn’t pill, and absorbs within a minute, so they don’t have to worry about residue on their clothes or bedding.

Hydro Boost Hydrating Water Gel Moisturizer

Hartman also recommends reaching for this budget-friendly moisturizer. It contains miracle hydrator hyaluronic acid to quench your driest pores, and its gel-like texture feels cool to the touch, soothing any redness and irritation you may be feeling. Thousands of Amazon reviewers say it treats rosacea flare-ups quickly and prevents new rashes from forming.

Toleriane Rosaliac AR

La Roche Posay, a recipient of our 2024 Best New Beauty Awards, created another standout safe product for those with rosacea. Dr. Jodi LoGerfo, DNP, says camouflage products help reduce the visibility of the redness and irritation associated with rosacea. This rosacea cream uses green pigments to help neutralize visible skin redness.

It doesn’t just hide signs of rosacea: The deeply calming and hydrating combination of neurosensine and glycerin also ensures your skin improves over time. And like all La Roche Posay products, Toleriane Rosaliac AR is infused with the brand’s signature antioxidant-rich thermal water that hails from La Roche Posay, France.

BOOST 10% Azelaic Acid Booster Cream Gel

Brown, who is the esthetics expert and Clinical Director of the medspa HausMD, is a big fan of azelaic acid to treat rosacea. She cites this lightweight gel as one of her all-time favorites. “The 10% Azelaic Acid Booster by Paula’s Choice has strong exfoliating power without irritating the skin to gradually improve bumps and breakouts caused by rosacea,” she says.

It’s also infused with licorice root extract to minimize redness, soothe sensitivity, and brighten a dull complexion. There’s also a little salicylic acid to shrink any pimples that pop up, like before school picture day.

Cicapair Sensitive Skin Moisturizer for Redness

Everyone loves the brand’s tigergrass cream, but this moisturizer is an underrated hero for soothing rosacea. Reviewers swear by this product because it hydrates their tired red skin but doesn’t leave their complexion greasy or pill under other facial care and makeup products.

This is a must-have product for many shoppers with rosacea because it’s safe for their compromised sensitive skin. Notably, the blend of deeply soothing cica complex paired with allantoin is lauded by derms for its ability to repair the skin's barrier. It also has niacinamide, which minimizes uneven skin tone, large pores, fine lines, wrinkles, and dull and weak skin.

Redness Relief Intense with Manuka Honey

If you prefer new beauty products created by a medical doctor then look no further than Lancer Skincare. Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Harold Lancer, M.D., is one of Hollywood’s most trusted beauty experts — celeb clients include Oprah, Margot Robbie, and Kim Kardashian — so you’re in for a treat.

His Redness Relief Intense is on the pricer side but promises immediate comfort and redness relief. Beyond calming rosacea, it can also help calm redness caused by sunburns, which will be especially handy with spring break and summer trips on the horizon.

As its name suggests, antibacterial manuka honey is the hero ingredient, but it also contains Centella Asiatica extract and eperua bark extract to calm inflammation and boost skin elasticity.

Sensibio AR Cream

Calm irritated skin and minimize redness caused by dryness with this nourishing face cream from Bioderma, one of the most beloved French beauty brands.

The ultra-soothing cream utilizes its signature Rosaactiv to visibly reduce the look of redness caused by dryness. It helps rebalance and hydrate the skin barrier, which strengthens the ability to protect against external aggressors like winter weather.

It’s also infused with easy-to-pronounce ingredients, such as avocado extract, glycerin, and canola moisture, which is always comforting.

HydraTint Pro Mineral Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 36

Protect your skin from both signs of aging and burns with help of this epic product. Alastin’s tinted sunscreen is my skincare secret for no makeup makeup days. It’s a little thicker and more hydrating than other facial sunscreens I’ve tested, but it provides beautiful medium coverage with a single pump of product.

My hack is to warm up the SPF in my fingers, dot it across my face, and blend it with a makeup brush. On days I need more coverage, I’ll add a second layer or a bit of light coverage foundation and setting powder.

Not only does it provide long-lasting hydration, a glowy finish, and evens and brightens skin, but it’s also formulated with antioxidants to help protect sensitive skin. It also contains an ingredient called hydroxymethoxyphenyl decanone that’s like a supercharged version of hyaluronic acid that helps calm irritation.

Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer

PSA: The drugstore aisles always have the best skincare items without the hefty price tags. That’s why you’ll love this gentle moisturizing cream from La Roche-Posay, which is fueled by both niacinamide and ceramides to pamper your pores. It’s also oil-free, so acne-prone skin types won’t have to worry about those dreaded breakouts.

AM Therapy Face Moisturizer

Looking for something lightweight and easy to use every morning? Then this quenching moisturizer will do just the trick.

For starters, it’s formulated with hyaluronic acid and niacinamide and keeps the fragrances and dyes out. The dreamy oil-free formula nourishes your sensitive skin, smoothes your skin texture, and helps improve its overall tone. Plus, hundreds of Amazon reviewers consider it one of the all-time best rosacea creams and note it heals their tired, red skin.

Moisturizing Cream

This dermatologist-tested cream was made with sensitive skin types in mind, which is why it has so many rave reviews on Amazon — currently over 33,000, to be exact. People say it keeps their complexion under control, including relieving red, rough, scaly, and burning skin in just a few days of regular use.

Though most people focus on what’s in beauty products, we love what this particular moisturizer leaves out. This lotion is free of dyes, fragrances, lanolin, parabens, and formaldehyde, so your skin won’t be subject to any unexpected flare-ups. No wonder it’s been awarded a seal of acceptance from the National Eczema Association.

UV Elements Tinted Face Moisturizer

Looking to even out your complexion or just lightly cover some blemishes? Don’t break out that foundation bottle just yet: This tinted moisturizer from EltaMD will do just the trick without irritating your skin further.

Its oil-free, water-resistant formula contains hyaluronic acid to hydrate, and it only uses zinc oxide and titanium dioxide for a mineral-based boost of SPF 44 that helps keep your skin guarded against the sun’s harsh rays.

Dealing with dry patches due to eczema? You’ll be happy to know that several reviewers say this sunscreen goes on smoothly, absorbs quickly, and replaces the need for a light coverage foundation.

Skin Food Original Ultra-Rich Cream

The all-natural formula leaves out synthetic compounds and toxic chemicals, using only the best all-natural ingredients to soothe your skin. Sunflower seed oil, lanolin, glycerin, beeswax, and calendula extracts instantly moisturize your parched, irritated skin.

According to thousands of glowing Amazon reviewers, this cult-favorite moisturizer is perfect for hydrating your face and body. No really — this thick cream will transform the roughest areas of your body (elbows, knees, heels, and more) for the ultimate soothing experience.

A bonus: Even Minnie Driver and Spider-Man actor Andrew Garfield enjoy Weleda Skin Food.

Calendula Essential Hydrating Cream

Only want the best of Mother Nature on your skin? Then Naturopathica, which only uses all-natural ingredients in its products, is a brand to watch.

Those with sensitive skin and rosacea will enjoy this mild hydrating cream. It contains soothing ingredients like calendula, aloe vera, and rose oil to keep skin calm and nourished. There’s also borage seed oil, which is rich in hydrating fatty acids and trehalose to help retain moisture. Given its rich formula, a little bit goes a long way, so start with a pea-sized amount of this cream.

Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2

When it comes to deep hydration, Dr. Hartman suggests reaching for this cream. This splurge is worth every penny for its groundbreaking formula, which contains the maximum concentration of essential skin lipids like ceramides and fatty acids, along with vitamin E to nurture your sensitive complexion. Plus, it tackles a plethora of other skin issues, like skin evenness, texture, and pore appearance.

Organic transparent Sunscreen Mist SPF 50

Made with 70% organic ingredients, like algae extract and green tea, this gentle sunscreen formula will protect your skin against the sun without any redness or clogged pores. This spray sunscreen also makes it easy to protect hard-to-reach areas, such as your back and behind the knees.

This weightless sunscreen also contains hyaluronic acid to retain moisture, vitamin E to fight free radicals and UV damage, and skin-calming aloe vera, which is rich in antioxidants, like vitamins C and E, as well as beta carotene.

Plus, the mineral sunscreen boasts a broad-spectrum SPF 50 formula that keeps you covered from UVA and UVB sun rays.

Another good thing to note: Its misting formula allows you to reach every nook and cranny of your body, making your defense against the sun’s harmful rays that much stronger.

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