15 Moisturizers That Won't Trigger Your Rosacea

Rosacea is a common skin condition that causes one's skin to appear redder in certain areas — most commonly on the cheeks. While the cause is still unknown, things like an overactive immune system, heredity, and environmental factors are all believed to cause the condition (via Mayo Clinic). Even though anyone can have rosacea, women over the age of 30 are more commonly diagnosed with it. Apart from the redness, rosacea can also come with pimples, skin dryness, and itchiness.

When choosing a moisturizer for rosacea, one has to be very careful. Fragranced moisturizers with too many harsh ingredients can worsen the redness. "Before using any skincare products, choose them carefully by checking the labels," Dr. Jerome Z. Litt, assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Case Western Reserve University, told the National Rosacea Society. "Avoid those with ingredients or preservatives that can be irritating. Try fragrance-free products that are gentle, and don't apply excessive amounts. Rosacea patients should also look for water-based moisturizers and cosmetics." Anyone who has rosacea needs to pay close attention to product ingredients, that way they can determine just what their skin can and cannot handle.

While there are plenty of great products on the market, it's not always easy finding the right one — especially if you have other concerns you'd like to target. We researched plenty of buyer's reviews, dermatologist opinions, social media trends, as well as each brand's claims about what their products can do. We made sure that there is something for everyone who suffers from this skin condition, regardless of whether they also have oily, dry, mature, or acne-prone skin. Rosacea is very rarely the only skin problem one wants to address, which is why a majority of these moisturizers can also be used by people who don't necessarily have rosacea — yet they are gentle enough so that people who do can still apply them.

As far as prices go, we kept the moisturizers within the $10 to $55 range, because for people with rosacea, while one product may work wonders for some, it can make the skin condition worse for others. Keeping that in mind, we didn't want to recommend products that are too expensive.

Those who use La Roche-Posay's Cicaplast Baume B5 Repairing Balm with SPF 50 already know that it's a game-changer. "It really helps soothe and calm the skin, and hydrates while simultaneously providing a protective barrier," board-certified Dr. Marisa Garshick told Bustle.

Because the key ingredient in the Cicaplast line is cica (also known as Centella asiatica, gotu kola, Indian Pennywort, and tiger grass), the moisturizer is perfect for calming redness. "This plant is known in Asia as what tigers rub on their wounds to help their skin regenerate," Alicia Yoon, founder and CEO of Peach & Lily, explained to Allure. 

A happy reviewer on CultBeauty.com points out that the French brand's cream is especially good as it has a high SPF number. "It's so gentle on the skin, it doesn't sting, it dries down nicely, and it really takes care of irritated or damaged skin. SPFs can sometimes be too much if your skin barrier is damaged, but this would be a good one to try because of all the soothing ingredients," they wrote.

You can buy La Roche-Posay's Cicaplast Baume B5 Repairing Balm with SPF 50 on the Cult Beauty website for $12.42.

A big trigger for rosacea can be pollution — in particular, free radicals that cause skin inflammation and redness. "Free radicals are unstable molecules that can cause damage to our cells," Dr. Noelani González, director of cosmetic dermatology at Mount Sinai West in New York City, told Today. "What makes them unstable is that they are missing electrons from their outer shell. This causes them to search for other atoms or molecules that have these electrons, in order for them to feel whole again and become stable. ... Since our skin is our largest organ, it is also vulnerable to free radicals."

Nuxe's Crème Fraîche de Beauté Range claims to moisturize for 48 hours, all while soothing and protecting the skin against pollution. On Amazon.com, a reviewer said that they have been using Nuxe cosmetics "for almost 20 years" and they called the French brand's products "very effective."

You can buy Nuxe's Crème Fraîche de Beauté 48hr Moisturizing Cream on Cloud10Beauty.com for $15.96.

Thanks to social media, skin slugging has become very popular in the past couple of years. "Skin slugging is simply the application of an occlusive to act as a barrier to seal moisture into the skin. Dermatologists have been recommending it for years as the last step in your skincare routine to treat dry skin, as we know that skin slugging helps prevent water loss," Jessie Cheung, M.D., board-certified dermatologist and founder of Cheung Aesthetics & Wellness, told Healthline.

While there's always a chance that your skin won't like slugging, those who tend to have rosacea in combination with drier skin should definitely see an improvement from this method. Per Weleda, their Skin Food Original Ultra-Rich Cream is a "best-selling product that originally launched in 1926 and has been a cult favorite ever since." According to beauty and skincare expert Caroline Hirons, even people who don't suffer from rosacea will benefit from this heavy moisturizer during the cooler months (via CarolineHirons.com).

You can buy Weleda's Skin Food Original Ultra-Rich Cream on their website for $19.99.

One of the best and most affordable fragrance-free moisturizers that is great for rosacea is CeraVe's Moisturizing Cream for Normal to Dry Skin with Ceramides. According to Arielle Kauvar, M.D., director of New York Laser & Skin Care and clinical professor of dermatology at New York University School of Medicine, the cult CeraVe moisturizer "contains ceramides that help restore and protect the skin barrier" (via Prevention).

Per CeraVe, the barrier-restoring moisturizing cream contains "three essential ceramides that work together to lock in skin's moisture and help restore your skin's protective barrier." Over the years, CeraVe has established itself as a brand those with sensitive skin can trust. "I really like this product — I have rosacea and this makes my skin feel nice and moisturized," one reviewer wrote after purchasing the moisturizer.

You can buy CeraVe's Moisturizing Cream for Normal to Dry Skin with Ceramides on UltaBeauty.com for $17.99.

While having rosacea doesn't mean one also has to have acne, more often than not that's the case. Cleveland Clinic notes that if it isn't properly treated, the skin condition can create acne-like bumps that are filled with pus. "Rosacea and acne breakouts often go hand in hand," board-certified dermatologist Ife Rodney, M.D. a board-certified dermatologist, told Who What Wear. "Even moisturizers that promise great hydration could clog your pores, increasing the chances of a breakout."

EltaMD's AM Therapy Face Moisturizer is a great choice for those who tend to break out during a rosacea flare-up. The brand says that its moisturizer smooths skin texture and it is "oil-free, fragrance-free, noncomedogenic, and safe for sensitive skin."

You can buy EltaMD's AM Therapy Face Moisturizer on their website for $39.

The key ingredient in Clinique's Redness Solutions Daily Relief Cream is lactobacillus extract, which is made from fermented soymilk (via National Cancer Institute). Per Unconditional Skincare Co., probiotics are great at strengthening the skin's barrier as they help fight the bad bacteria on it. "[Probiotics can] improve and strengthen your skin's natural protective mechanisms and maintain an equilibrium of good bacteria on your skin's surface," Dr. Whitney P. Bowe, New York-based dermatologist and Clinical Assistant Professor of Dermatology at Mt. Sinai Medical Center, told Byrdie.

According to Clinique, their Redness Solutions Daily Relief Cream does wonders for redness and blotchiness. "I have very dry skin with mild rosacea. Since I started using this twice a day, it has calmed it down and I'm experiencing fewer flare-ups," one reviewer wrote. And it seems as if experts agree, as Boston-based dermatologist Dr. Ranella Hirsch confirmed to Today that "this light facial cream is perfect for those with rosacea who are seeking a product a bit richer than a serum but still want to combat redness."

You can buy Clinique's Redness Solutions Daily Relief Cream With Microbiome Technology on their website for $39.20.

Looking for a moisturizer that contains ceramides is always a great choice for rosacea. "Moisturizers with ceramides are particularly beneficial in managing dryness and irritations," Dr. Yusra, a London-based medical director, told Beauty Bay. "They strengthen the barrier function of the skin, keeping it plump and preventing water loss from the outermost layers." According to Dr. Jart+'s website, this moisturizer contains five ceramides that help "lock in moisture, strengthen skin's moisture barrier, and prevent water loss." 

You can buy Dr. Jart+'s Ceramidin Skin Barrier Moisturizer on their website for $48.

Considering that Kiehl's started as an apothecary back in 1851 (via The Derm Review), it's not surprising that they perfected their products over the years. One of their most famous moisturizers is the Skin Rescuer Moisturizer which contains Rosa Gallica and Chamomile Extracts — two ingredients known to calm down stressed skin. 

A very pleased reviewer raved about the product on Kiehl's website saying that their skin was "both oily and dry," and that this moisturizer worked in under a week. "It's been less than a week and my skin is back to normal. I really did not think it was possible. I am going to be using this product for the rest of my life," they added.

You can buy Kiehl's Skin Rescuer Moisturizer on their website for $30.

A nighttime moisturizer tends to be heavier allowing your skin to soak up more of the good stuff. "Nighttime is the restorative time for your skin, so you should give your skin the extra TLC by using a night cream," dermatologist Dr. Michele Green told The LA Facialist, adding that these moisturizers "address different concerns than daytime moisturizers — typically, they provide intense hydration and concentrated ingredients to fight signs of aging and other concerns."

For rosacea, one of the best nighttime moisturizers on the market is Eucerin's Redness Relief Soothing Night Creme. California-based board-certified dermatologist Dr. Patricia Farris told Allure that she loves this moisturizer because it's a "soothing moisturizer with natural lichochalcone, which improves skin sensitivity and redness." 

You can buy Eucerin's Redness Relief Soothing Night Creme on Sephora.com for $30.

A lot of people that have rosacea also have very sensitive skin which is why most products tend to break them out or make any inflammation worse. For them, finding a moisturizer is often a hit-or-miss process. "Rosacea sufferers are highly prone to facial discomforts — such as burning, itching, and stinging — and this can make it especially challenging to care for the face," Dr. Jerome Z. Litt, assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Case Western Reserve University, told the National Rosacea Society. 

A moisturizer that is very soothing and perfect for those with highly sensitive skin is Aveeno's Calm + Restore Oat Gel Moisturizer. Per Healthline, oats have been known as a home remedy for rosacea for centuries. Because of this, moisturizers that contain prebiotic oat are great for soothing and calming irritated skin.

You can buy Aveeno's Calm + Restore Oat Gel Moisturizer on UltaBeauty.com for $26.49.

Many think that rosacea is just red skin but unless you have it you might not know how annoying the skin condition can be. In fact, rosacea can make your skin very itchy which makes picking skincare and makeup products so much more difficult. "I can become very withdrawn mid-flare-up and makeup doesn't always cover it very well. It can be uncomfortable when it's itchy," Tanith, a woman who suffers from the skin condition, told SELF.

Luckily, some products help relieve the itch, and one of them is Bioderma's Sensibio AR Visible Redness Reducing Care. According to the French beauty brand, this moisturizer has no fragrance, is non-comedogenic, and serves as a great base for makeup. "I've only used this a couple of times now, but even the first time using it the redness in my face almost immediately went down," a pleased user wrote in a review on the product's website.

You can buy Bioderma's Sensibio AR Visible Redness Reducing Care on their website for $27.99.

Per Healthline, aloe vera is one of the best skincare ingredients for those who suffer from rosacea. In fact, Hollywood star Drew Barrymore shared on Instagram that a piece of her aloe vera plant from her garden helped her get rid of an annoying red spot. "In two days it was gone. I had even tried bleaching creams, and nothing was getting the red spot off my face until this natural remedy," the actress wrote.

Era Organics' Soothe Calming Redness Relief Moisturizer contains aloe vera, chamomile extract, MSM, and milk thistle. The moisturizer is very popular with those who gravitate towards more natural and organic skincare. "Moments after I applied the cream I felt it soothe my skin! The redness almost immediately reduced. I have been using it now for a few weeks — no more breakouts! Very little to no redness! Skin smooth as silk," one reviewer wrote on the product's website.

You can buy Era Organics' Soothe Calming Redness Relief Moisturizer on their website for $16.63.

Targeting rosacea on its own can be very difficult — let alone trying to target it alongside other skin issues. Because ingredients like AHAs and BHAs or retinoids can be harsh on rosacea-prone skin, dermatologists usually suggest avoiding them if you have this skin condition (via Camille Styles).

For those who want to reduce the appearance of wrinkles without causing a rosacea flare-up using Paula's Choice CALM Rescue & Repair Weightless Moisturizer is a must. The key ingredients in this product include squalane, natural prebiotics, allantoin, and mushroom extract — all of which are great for soothing the skin and restoring its barrier. In fact, squalane alone is known as a very effective anti-redness and anti-aging ingredient. "Squalane contains antioxidants and can also serve as a detoxifier. It can help reduce redness and swelling," Tina Alster, M.D., FAAD, and creator and co-founder of The A Method Skincare, told IPSY. "Squalane also has anti-inflammatory properties and is lightweight on the skin, unlike some other hydrators that may clog pores. It works effectively as an anti-ager to improve the look of fine lines, wrinkles, and elasticity." 

You can buy Paula's Choice CALM Rescue & Repair Weightless Moisturizer on the brand's website for $33.

By now it's clear that French skincare brands are the way to go when it comes to rosacea, and of course, Eau Thermale Avène has been known for their gentle yet effective skincare for decades. Their Antirougeurs Fort Relief Concentrate is very popular with those who suffer from facial redness as it promises to "nourish, soothe, and treat" skin prone to rosacea. 

The brand is known for using thermal spring water in its products, and this moisturizer is no different. "Thermal spring water has been shown to help inflammatory conditions like eczema and rosacea," Joshua Zeichner, M.D., the director of cosmetic and clinical research at Mount Sinai Hospital's department of dermatology, and consultant to skincare brand La Roche-Posay, told Healthline. "Many of the natural thermal springs are rich in minerals like sulfur, which has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects." Needless to say, thermal water is also beneficial for keeping the skin hydrated.

You can buy Eau Thermale Avène's Antirougeurs Fort Relief Concentrate on their website for $50.

If you're someone who prefers a gel consistency when it comes to your moisturizers, Dermalogica's Calm Water Gel is a great choice for minimizing facial redness. It quickly absorbs upon application "forming a weightless barrier against environmental assault," the brand states. According to Nazanin Saedi, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist with Jefferson University in Philadelphia, a gel moisturizer is "a really nice alternative instead of a cream. It's hydrating, but it doesn't have the greasier, heavier feel and also doesn't clog your pores as much because it's so quickly absorbed" (via Everyday Health).

Many have a misconception that gel moisturizers are only suitable for those with oily skin, but in reality, they are just as great at keeping your skin hydrated. "My aesthetician recommended this after a facial and after using it for two months I am in love," a reviewer wrote on the product's website. "My skin is not nearly as dry, my rosacea has calmed down, and I've never had any reaction to this," they added. Because the gel moisturizer is so light, it is great for skincare layering or as a base under your makeup.

You can buy Dermalogica's Calm Water Gel on their website for $52.