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When shopping for the best skin care for rosacea, the first concern on your list is likely to be redness. Your game plan should focus on calming inflammation, strengthening the skin barrier, and keeping things gentle. That means looking for lightweight, non-irritating formulas packed with ingredients like niacinamide, azelaic acid, colloidal oatmeal, and ectoin—all of which help reduce redness, boost hydration, and support long-term skin health. With a bit of consistency (and the right lineup), it’s possible to keep flare-ups in check and enjoy a calmer, more balanced complexion. Ahead, we’ve rounded up the best dermatologist-approved products for rosacea-prone skin—from redness-reducing serums to barrier-loving moisturizers—that take the guesswork out of building a routine that really works.
Our Top Skin Care for Rosacea
- Best Overall: SkinCeuticals Redness Neutralizer, $78
- Best Moisturizer: La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Balm B5, $17
- Best Skin-Care Device: LightStim for Acne, $169
- Best Cleanser: Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser, $13
- Best Makeup Remover: Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water, $20
- Best Booster: Paula's Choice 10% Azelaic Acid Booster, $39
- Best Serum: Anua Azelaic Acid 10 Hyaluron Redness Soothing Serum, $22
- Best Sunscreen: EltaMD UV Skin Recovery Red Color Correcting Green Tint Broad Spectrum SPF 50, $52
- Best Night Cream: Skinfix Barrier+ Exo + Ectoin Intensive Repair Baume, $69
- Best Under Makeup: IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Redness Serum, $35
Frequently Asked QuestionsLargeChevron
Best Overall: SkinCeuticals Redness Neutralizer
SkinCeuticals
Redness Neutralizer
SkinCeuticals
Dermstore
Bluemercury
Why it’s worth it: Multiple dermatologists we spoke to recommend SkinCeuticals Redness Neutralizer to patients dealing with red, reactive skin. “It’s a moisturizer I recommend frequently to patients with active rosacea who want to hydrate, calm, and reduce redness,” says Corey L. Hartman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Birmingham, Alabama. This topical delivers a moisture-retaining mix of squalane and bisabolol, an extract derived from chamomile that's known for its anti-inflammatory and moisturizing properties. Together, they work “by strengthening the skin's defense against environmental triggers like temperature, weather, and sun exposure, which can trigger rosacea flares," explains Connecticut-based dermatologist Deanne Mraz, MD.
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- Key ingredients: peptides, squalane, bisabolol, chamomile
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best Moisturizer: La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Balm B5
La Roche-Posay
Cicaplast Balm B5
La Roche-Posay
Why it’s worth it: Recognized by the National Eczema Association, La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Balm B5 is a longtime derm favorite for soothing sensitive skin and supporting barrier repair. “It’s a soothing, anti-inflammatory cream that contains barrier-repairing ingredients,” says Y. Claire Chang, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City. The formula packs panthenol to calm and help repair the skin, madecassoside (a compound from Centella asiatica) to dial down redness and inflammation, and zinc for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial perks. It’s fragrance-free, non-comedogenic, and rich enough to seal in moisture with a protective layer. It’s perfect for dry, irritated skin, though it might feel a bit heavy if you're on the oilier side.
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- Key ingredients: vitamin B5, shea butter, glycerin, 1% dimethicone, madecassoside (Centella asiatica), thermal spring water
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best Skin-Care Device for Rosacea: LightStim for Acne
LightStim
LightStim for Acne
Amazon
Nordstrom
Dermstore
Why it’s worth it: Yes, topicals are a great place to start for your rosacea-focused routine, but Audrey Kunin, MD, a Kansas City-based board-certified dermatologist, says LED skin-care devices, like the LightStim for Acne, can make a huge difference. "Blue light helps kill blemish-forming bacteria," she says. "For rosacea-prone individuals, use of light therapy can help reduce some of the need for potentially drying or irritating topical medications."
This complexion-clearing gadget treats your skin to 36 LED blue and red lights that calm redness, irritation, and inflamed blemishes. It's like the spot treatment of skin-care tools; simply place it on any flare-ups, let the device do its thing for three minutes, and repeat until you've covered all the areas you want to treat.
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- Product features: LED light therapy (36 LED lights total)
Best Cleanser: Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser
Vanicream
Gentle Facial Cleanser
Amazon
Ulta Beauty
Why it’s worth it: Even if your skin type leans more oily than sensitive, David Kim, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, says the Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser is one of his all-time favorite drugstore finds for rosacea skin-care routines. His patients love this cleanser, noting that their "skin feels clean and fresh without feeling tight or stripped" post-cleanse. That's thanks to the pH-balanced formula that gently removes makeup and bacteria. This gentle cleanser also comes with a Seal of Acceptance from the National Eczema Association that ensures it won't aggravate sensitive skin conditions and is free from harsh ingredients like fragrances, dyes, and parabens.
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- Key ingredients: purified water, glycerin
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best Makeup Remover: Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water
Bioderma
Sensibio H2O Micellar Water
Amazon
Dermstore
Why it’s worth it: The aforementioned Vanicream cleanser paired with Bioderma's ultra-gentle and Sensibio micellar water is an effective combination for calming sensitive, rosacea-prone skin. "I haven't found a cleanser that does the job of both, but this duo is gentle and non-irritating," says Shereene Idriss, MD, a New York City-based board-certified dermatologist. Micelles sweep away your makeup without harsh ingredients or rubbing. Since its formula is rinse-free, you can cleanse in a minute flat, so there's no excuse not to take your makeup off.
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- Key ingredients: micelles, cucumber extract
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best Booster: Paula's Choice 10% Azelaic Acid Booster
Paula’s Choice
10% Azelaic Acid Booster
Amazon
Dermstore
Paula's Choice
Why it’s worth it: Dr. Kunin says azelaic acid is one of the best ingredients for soothing rosacea flare-ups. "[Azelaic acid is] anti-microbial and helps prevent pore-plugging," she says. "It also has a side benefit of helping reduce post-inflammatory acne hyperpigmentation." Since Paula's Choice 10% Azelaic Acid Booster has a high concentration of the star ingredient, Dr. Kunin suggests adding it to your rosacea treatment routine.
Keep in mind that this pick is a booster, so you can wear it on its own as an all-over treatment, or you can mix its light, fluid-like formula into your favorite serum or moisturizer for an added redness-reducing boost.
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- Key ingredients: azelaic acid, salicylic acid, allantoin
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best Serum: Anua Azelaic Acid 10 Hyaluron Redness Soothing Serum
Anua
Azelaic Acid 10 Hyaluron Redness Soothing Serum
Amazon
Ulta Beauty
Why it’s worth it: If your skin is constantly flushed, it might feel impossible to imagine a world where brightness doesn’t come with redness, but it’s feasible with Anua Azelaic Acid 10 Hyaluron Redness Soothing Serum. “It contains a powerhouse rosacea-fighting ingredient, 10% azelaic acid,” says Dr. Chang. The formula also includes three types of hyaluronic acid to deeply hydrate, along with calming ingredients such as green tea, aloe, Centella asiatica, and panthenol to soothe sensitive, reactive skin.
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- Key ingredients: azelaic acid, green tea, aloe, Centella asiatica, niacinamide, panthenol
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best Sunscreen: EltaMD UV Skin Recovery Red Color Correcting Green Tint Broad Spectrum SPF 50
EltaMD
UV Skin Recovery Red Color Correcting Green Tint Broad Spectrum SPF 50
Amazon
Dermstore
Bluemercury
Why it’s worth it: Consider this a mini crash course in color theory: Green neutralizes red, which is exactly what EltaMD UV Skin Recovery Red Color Correcting Green Tint Broad Spectrum SPF 50 is made to do. “Color-correcting green pigment neutralizes redness visually without leaving a green cast. It’s a pure mineral sunscreen that is lightweight in texture and has a non-greasy finish,” says Dr. Chang. “It is great for those with rosacea and sensitive skin due to its proprietary blend of amino acids designed to repair the skin barrier and diminish redness.” It also contains ceramides to protect the skin and Centella asiatica to calm it.
Tester feedback from contributor Sophia Panych
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“As a regular makeup wearer (when I’m not working from home), I’m hesitant to wear mineral sunscreen as it can often pill underneath base makeup or leave my complexion looking dull. Surprisingly, this sunscreen feels and acts more like a chemical sunscreen—the supremely silky lotion applies beautifully and absorbs quickly. The only sign it’s a mineral-based formula is the faint smell of zinc oxide that lingers a few minutes after you apply it. The green tint is quite sheer and I find the area around my nose still looks a little red, although if I’m going out and don’t want to apply a full face of makeup, a quick dab of concealer will do the trick.” —Sophia Panych, contributor
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- Key ingredients: 12.9% zinc oxide, Centella asiatica, ceramides, amino acids
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best Night Cream: Skinfix Barrier+Exo + Ectoin Intensive Repair Baume
Skinfix
Barrier+ Exo + Ectoin Intensive Repair Baume
Sephora
SkinFix
Why it’s worth it: Skinfix Barrier+ Exo + Ectoin Intensive Repair Baume is a rich, fragrance-free balm-serum hybrid that Dr. Hartman recommends using specifically in the evenings for barrier repair. “Ectoin, while not a direct swap for retinol, acts similarly and is suitable for rosacea-prone skin. It’s a gentle ingredient that, with ongoing use, has been shown to improve skin texture, strengthen the skin barrier, and reduce inflammation.” The formula also includes calming ingredients such as allantoin and arnica, as well as hydrating glycerin and squaleae, to address both redness and dryness simultaneously.
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- Key ingredients: ectoin, arnica, allantoin, lactic acid, glycerin, squalane
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best Under Makeup: IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Redness Serum
IT Cosmetics
Bye Bye Redness Serum
Amazon
Nordstrom
Ulta Beauty
Why it’s worth it: IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Redness Serum was born from founder Jamie Kern Lima’s struggle with chronic redness and rosacea, which makes sense, considering how targeted and thoughtful this formula is. “It helps calm skin with colloidal oatmeal and minimizes the appearance of redness with a green-tinted formula,” says Dr. Hartman. “The green helps neutralize redness on the skin for a more even-toned appearance.” You’ll also find peptides and centella to soothe irritation, while niacinamide works to strengthen the skin’s moisture barrier. The lightweight, silky texture absorbs quickly, making it a great choice for redness-prone skin, whether worn alone or layered under makeup.
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- Key ingredients: colloidal oatmeal, peptides, niacinamide, Centella asiatica, chromium oxide greens, aloe
- Fragrance-free: yes
Frequently Asked Questions
What is rosacea?
In its most basic definition, rosacea is a chronic, lifelong skin condition that causes redness and small, red, sometimes pus-filled bumps (called pustules) on the face. If you have yet to be officially diagnosed, a board-certified dermatologist will help you determine whether you're dealing with rosacea, and more importantly, which type of rosacea you may have.
Connecticut-based dermatologist Deanne Mraz Robinson, MD. explains that rosacea is broken down into four subcategories: papulopustular rosacea (characterized by "redness, swelling, and acne-like breakouts"), erythematotelangiectatic rosacea (which means "redness, flushing, visible blood vessels"), phymatous rosacea ("skin thickens and has a bumpy texture"), and ocular rosacea ("eyes red and irritated, eyelids can be swollen, and the person may have what looks like a stye").
What are the symptoms of rosacea?
Redness is the most well-known symptom of rosacea but this very common skin condition—which affects 16 million Americans, according to the American Academy of Dermatology Association—is more than just a blush. "Symptoms of rosacea include facial redness, flushing, patchy dryness, and acne-like bumps," says Patricia Farris, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Metairie, Louisiana. She adds that patients with rosacea often complain of sensitive skin, making it difficult for them to tolerate many cosmetic and skin-care products. "This is likely due to the fact that there is a disruption in skin-barrier function associated with rosacea," Dr. Farris says.
Can you treat rosacea?
As stated earlier, rosacea is a chronic condition and there is no cure for it. That said, there are ways to manage and minimize symptoms. First, we recommend seeing a board-certified dermatologist who can help determine the proper course of treatment, which may include prescriptions, laser treatments, and/or over-the-counter products that soothe your symptoms, depending on your budget. Multiple dermatologists also recommend products that repair the skin barrier to help lock in moisture and minimize dryness, like the gentle skin-care products you can shop above.
Meet the experts
- Corey L. Hartman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology based in Birmingham, Alabama
- Y. Claire Chang, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at UnionDerm based in New York City
- Deanne Mraz, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Westport, Connecticut
- David Kim, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at New York Dermatology Group in New York City
- Shereene Idriss, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
- Audrey Kunin, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Kansas City
- Patricia Farris, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Metairie, Louisiana
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When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that’s included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.
For our list of the best skin care for rosacea, we considered each product’s performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors—along with special consideration from dermatologists. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.
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