Quick fact: Many of us aren’t exactly aware of what rosacea is. Yet, it affects a whopping 16 million Americans, according to the American Association of Dermatology. Though most of us associate rosacea with redness, there's a bit more to this skin condition than just that.
The Best Rosacea Creams and Serums
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 because of the symptoms of redness and pus-filled bumps on the face, it's commonly mistaken for acne.
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 he notes are 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.
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.
Gohara suggests slathering on fragrance-free moisturizers and creams that contain ceramides, hyaluronic acid, 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.”
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.
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 own favorites.
1
Dr. Gohara's Pick
Glow Getter Brightening Serum Set
When it comes to rosacea, Dr. Gohara can't recommend this four-piece serum set enough.
This serum set contains a concoction of skincare treasures like vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, and alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) — which Dr. Gohara says help brighten, renew, and restore dull-looking skin for a more youthful look. She notes that users notice glowing skin after the first use, and healthier-looking skin after just one week.
More: These Hypoallergenic Makeup Picks Are a Saving Grace for Sensitive Skin
2
Dr. Hartman's Pick
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Water Gel Moisturizer
As for Dr. Hartman, he recommends reaching for this budget-friendly moisturizer. It contains miracle hydrator hyaluronic acid to quench your driest pores. Its gel-like texture feels cool to the touch, soothing any redness and irritation you may be feeling.
3
Best Serum
Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
Dr. Hartman is also a fan of this under-$10 serum for its low price tag and high concentration of niacinamide, one of his go-to ingredients for soothing rosacea at-home. This serum also contains zinc to balance sebum production, making it a great pick for oily skin types.
4
Intensely Hydrating
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 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.
5
Best Budget
Redness Relieving Daily Facial Moisturizer SPF 20
If you're looking for something more budget-friendly, then say hello to this under-$15 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.
This tinted formula also includes a boost of SPF 20, and is hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic, so it won’t clog pores or irritate sensitive skin.
6
Best Daily Moisturizer
AM Therapy Face Moisturizer
Looking for something lightweight and easy to use on the daily? Then this quenching moisturizer will do just the trick. It's formulated with niacinamide, and keeps the fragrances and dyes out. Plus, its dreamy oil-free formula feels ultra nourishing on the skin.
7
Best Night Cream
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.
8
Best Drugstore Option
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.
9
Best of Clean Beauty
Calendula Essential Hydrating Cream
Only want the best of Mother Nature on your skin? Then Naturpoathica, which only uses all-natural ingredients in their products, is definitely a brand to keep an eye on.
For sensitive skin and rosacea, we recommend this mild hydrating cream. It contains soothing ingredients like calendula, aloe vera, and rose oil to keep your skin calm and nourished.
10
For Head-to-Toe Moisture
Skin Food Original Ultra-Rich Cream
This cult-favorite moisturizer is perfect for hydrating your face and body, according to retailers. The all-natural formula leaves out synthetic compounds and toxic chemicals, using only the best all-natural ingredients to soothe your skin.
Feel free to use this on your face and the roughest areas of your body (elbows, knees, heels, and more) for the ultimate soothing experience.
11
The Fan-Favorite
Vanicream Moisturizing Cream With Pump
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 20,000, to be exact.
Though most people focus on what's in beauty products, we love what this particular moisturizer leaves out. This lotion is absolutely 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.
12
Best Tinted Moisturizer
UV Elements Tinted Face Moisturizer
Looking to even out your complexion, or just lightly cover some blemishes? Don't break out that foundation tube 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'll keep your skin guarded against the sun's harsh rays.
13
Best Sunscreen
Organic Sheer Sunscreen Mist SPF 50, 3 Ounces
Made with 70% organic ingredients, this sunscreen formula will keep your skin guarded against the sun without any redness or clogged pores. 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.
This product is also available in a 6-ounce size for more support.
Nicole Saunders
Beauty Editor
Nicole Saunders is the Beauty Editor at BestProducts.com, where she oversees coverage on all things beauty.
Jennifer Hussein
Beauty Editor
Jennifer is the Beauty Editor for BestProducts.com, where she’s testing out everything from the latest lip gloss to the craziest skincare trend sweeping the online beauty-verse.
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