TL;DR
Our number one pick is theDr. Jart+ Cicapair Cream, a rich face cream containing soothing centella asiatica for sensitive skin. But if you're looking for a more budget-friendly option,Cetaphil Redness Relieving Daily Facial Moisturizeris an excellent choice.
Rosacea is an immunity imbalance that breaks the skin barrier and causes inflammation. It can be triggered by anything from sun exposure and spicy food to red wine, stress, and even hot yoga. "It is a spectrum of redness, flushing, red bumps, cysts, and even sometimes facial swelling that we see," explains board-certified dermatologist Diane Madfes, MD, FAAD. The good news: 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 paid attention to how effective they were at reducing redness and soothing the skin. Lastly, we tapped the expertise of Elizabeth Tanzi, MD, a board-certified dermatologist, founder and director of Capital Laser and Skincare. After considering dozens of formulas, we landed on these top-rated picks.
Our Top Picks
Best Overall:
Best Overall, Runner-Up :
Best for Nighttime :
Best for Sensitive Skin:
What We Like
Rich texture
Deeply hydrating
Calms redness and flare-ups
Doesn't contain synthetic fragrance
What to Consider
A bit thick for oily skin
Active Ingredients: Niacinamide, tiger grass, glycerin | Skin Type: All | Size: 1.7 oz | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: No
This rich 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 absolutely back up this pick.
What We Like
Reduces redness
Calms inflammation
Non-comedogenic
What to Consider
Contains fragrance
Active 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) skincare for acne-prone complexions, the brand's Green Tea Moisturizer isn't actually a treatment but rather a lightweight hydrator. More to the point, this non-comedogenic 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.
What We Like
Affordable
Reduces redness
Contains SPF
What to Consider
Has a white cast
Active Ingredients: Titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, allantoin, vitamin E | Skin Type: Sensitive, dry | Size: 1.7 oz | SPF: 20 | Cruelty-Free: No
On a budget? Go with Cetaphil's Redness Reducing Moisturizer, which is a pick that you can find at your local drugstore. Thanks to a subtle tint and skin-soothing ingredients like allantoin and vitamin E, this SPF 20 face lotion neutralizes redness while calming inflammation.We also love that it dries down to a non-greasy finish, as some sunscreen moisturizer hybrids tend to make the skin oily throughout the day. We love that it protects skin from the sun while being budget-friendly. However, our tester did note that it left a white cast behind, so it might not work for those with darker skin tones.
What We Like
Generous amount
Non-comedogenic
Fragrance-free
What to Consider
Reviewers note it doesn't absorb well
Active Ingredients: Petrolatum | Skin Type: Sensitive | Size: 16 oz | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: No
Vanicream offers the most bang for your buck. 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).
What We Like
Calms inflammation
Works well under makeup
Dermatologist-recommended
What to Consider
Small amount
Active Ingredients: Green tea, hyaluronic acid, cucumber extract, caffeine | Skin Type: Sensitive | Size: 1 oz | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes
"Replenix CF is a great combination lotion," says Dr. Madfes. While technically not a moisturizer, this caffeine-infused soothing serum is quite moisturizing and it contains antioxidant-rich green tea, gentle humectant hyaluronic acid, and calming cucumber extract—a fool-proof formula for addressing rosacea.
What We Like
Affordable
Nourishing
Softens cracked skin
Fragrance-free
What to Consider
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 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.
What We Like
Lightweight, gel texture
Provides lasting hydration
Contains peptides
Hygienic packaging
Refillable
What to Consider
Has a bit of a funny smell
Active 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, as well as niacinamide to even tone and absorb excess oil. It feels totally weightless on the skin, but it still provides long-lasting hydration.
Best for Daytime
CeraVe Ultra-Light Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
What We Like
Budget-friendly
Contains SPF
Non-comedogenic
What to Consider
Sunscreen smell
Active Ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, ceramides, hyaluronic acid | Skin Type: All | Size: 1.7 oz | SPF: 30 | Cruelty-Free: No
This moisturizer from Cerave has hyaluronic acid and ceramides—two top ingredients for products for rosacea according to Dr. Madfes—making it the perfect morning moisturizer to soothe your skin. Not only is the formula lightweight and have a matte finish, but it protects your skin from UVA and UVB rays with SPF 30.
Best for Nighttime
Tatcha Indigo Overnight Repair
What We Like
Smooth, luxurious formula
Provides lasting hydration
Contains soothing ingredients
Gives skin a nice glow
What to Consider
May not be the best for oily skin
Active Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, Japanese indigo extract, ceramides | Skin Type: All | Size: 0.34, 1.7 oz | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes
This luxurious overnight treatment 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.
What We Like
Deeply hydrating
Rich, creamy gel texture
Packed with soothing ingredients
What to Consider
Packaging is a bit leaky
Active Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, green tea, colloidal oatmeal | Skin Type: Dry, sensitive | Size: 1.7 oz | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Packed with soothing ingredients like niacinamide, centella asiatica, colloidal oatmeal, and green tea, this ultra-smooth and creamy moisturizer is ideal for dry and sensitive skin types. It feels incredibly soft and pillowy when you apply it on the skin, and it immediately calms discomfort due to dryness. It's also formulated with hyaluronic acid for an added boost of hydration, making it a no-brainer for anyone dealing with dryness.
Best for Mature Skin
BeautyStat Cosmetics Universal Moisture Boost Cream
What We Like
Lightweight
Calms inflammation
Replenishes skin barrier
What to Consider
It pills a bit
Active Ingredients: Ceramides, hyaluronic acid, reishi mushroom extract, probiotics | Skin Type: All | Size: 1 oz | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes
This light-as-air moisturizer from BeautyStat is a godsend for dry, irritated skin. Standout ingredients include hyaluronic acid, essential ceramides, protective probiotics, and calming reishi mushroom extract.The addition of fermented ingredients is also able to soothe inflammation and fight against free radicals that can accelerate aging according to BeautyStat.
What We Like
Non-comedogenic
Prevents breakouts
Lightweight
What to Consider
Small amount
Active Ingredients: Niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, salicylic acid | Skin Type: Oily, acne-prone, sensitive | Size: 1.7 oz | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Another great option for oily skin, this moisturizer hydrates parched skin while smoothing uneven texture, preventing breakouts, and keeping irritation at bay. It also contains hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, Dr. Madfes's top ingredients for calming inflammation. If you have an oily skin type and prefer to stick with oil-free moisturizers, consider giving this one a go.
What We Like
Reduces redness
Replenishes skin barrier
Dermatologist-recommended
What to Consider
Strong smell
Active Ingredients: Salicylic acid, meadowfoam oil, azelaic acid, allantoin | Skin Type: All | Size: 1.7 oz | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes
"Epionce Lytic Lotion is also wonderful for rosacea, as it repairs the skin barrier," Dr. Madfes says. Containing a blend of gently exfoliating salicylic acid, redness-reducing azelaic acid, and calming allantoin, this facial moisturizer pulls out all the stops to keep your skin clear and healthy.
What We Like
Dewy finish
Absorbs quickly
Anti-inflammatory
What to Consider
Can be too thick for the summer
Active 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 looking for 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 deeply hydrate and replenish your complexion. 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 great ingredient for easily irritated skin types.
What We Like
Lightweight
Balances oil levels in the skin
Strengthens the skin barrier
What to Consider
Can feel sticky right after application
Active Ingredients: Niacinamide, betaine, glycerin, ceramides | Skin Type: All | Size: 1.7 oz | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes
This oil-free moisturizer 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 is able to nourish and build the skin barrier, and the ceramides can deeply hydrate without causing irritation. 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.
What We Like
Whipped, luxurious texture
Brightens the complexion
Fragrance-free
What to Consider
Could be too heavy for acne-prone skin types
Active 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 the skin tone gently. It also includes plant ceramides to hydrate and make the skin barrier stronger. As soon as we applied it, we loved that it absorbed instantly, and it 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.
Best for Anti-Aging
Shani Darden Hydration Peptide Cream
What We Like
Keeps very dry skin hydrated for up to 72 hours
Fluffy, soothing texture
Fragrance-free
What to Consider
Not for acne-prone skin types
Active Ingredients: Peptides, squalane, Hydrosella™ | Skin Type: All | Size: 1.7 oz | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Anti-aging ingredients can often wreak havoc on sensitive, inflamed skin—so we love this moisturizer from celebrity eshthetician Shani Darden that has peptides to reverse signs of aging while deeply hydrating the skin. The Hydration Peptide Cream is lightweight but full of ingredients that are key to healthy skin, such as squalane, niacinamide, and Hydrosella™—which is a patented ingredient that can keep the skin hydrated for 72 hours. We loved the fluffy and soft texture while applying, and that it gave our skin a glowy and healthy finish. When we used it on nights after applying actives, we noticed that it was comforting to the complexion and didn't cause any reactions or irritation. It's also oil-free and won't any congestion.
What to Look for in a Moisturizer for Rosacea
- Hydrating Ingredients: More specifically, those that strengthen the skin barrier, such as ceramides and niacinamide. A weakened skin barrier goes hand-in-hand with rosacea—according to dermatologist Elizabeth Tanzi. Strengthening it can help lock in moisture and lock out irritants.
- Fragrance-Free: As Dr. Tanzi explains, rosacea-prone skin is often sensitive, so the gentler and simpler the formula, the better. That means you want to avoid potentially irritating ingredients, and synthetic fragrance is one of the most common (and problematic) culprits out there.
- Texture: It's always wise to consider your moisturizer's texture and formula. While it ultimately comes down to preference, considering your skin type can help guide you.
FAQ
How can you reduce rosacea flare-ups?
According to Dr. Tanzi, there are ways to help reduce (and even avoid) rosacea symptoms. Very gentle, non-irritating products that are pH-balanced can help, but there's more that you can do. As a fellow rosacea patient, here's what she recommends: "In general, I never put my face in hot water, I don't go in hot tubs or steam rooms, as it takes a toll on my skin," she says. "I wash my face at the sink with tepid water. It's important to avoid rosacea 'triggers,' such as hot weather and too much sun, cold weather and windburn, stress, alcohol, and caffeine."
Can moisturizer irritate rosacea?
Dr. Tanzi says that some moisturizers can irritate rosacea, depending on the formula. “Sometimes moisturizers with glycolic acids and retinol can irritate rosacea symptoms, so it’s best to stick with sensitive skin formulations,” she says.
How often should you moisturize with rosacea?
When it comes to daily moisturizer, Dr. Tanzi doesn’t recommend those with rosacea overdo it. Rather, they should moisturize as needed. “It depends on the need for hydration, but for most, a moisturizer at night will do the job, and for daytime, a good antioxidant is helpful,” she says.
Why Trust Byrdie
Byrdie contributor Theresa Holland is a skincare enthusiast and commerce beauty writer. She interviewed a board-certified dermatologist for this article, compiling their product recommendations and insight into rosacea-friendly formulations. Before making her final selections, she combed through ingredient lists, referenced many peer-reviewed sources, and considered dozens of products from myriad retailers. Theresa has been writing for Byrdie since 2020, where she covers skincare, makeup, and lifestyle products.
For this article, Byrdie consulted these experts:
- Diane Madfes, MD, FAAD is a board-certified dermatology expert at Madfes Aesthetic.
- Elizabeth Tanzi, MD is a board-certified dermatologist and founder and director of Capital Laser and Skincare.