15 Skin Care Products for Soothing Rosacea Symptoms

You might expect a skincare regimen for rosacea to eliminate redness without irritating sensitive skin. But the best products do more than just combat red complexions.

While rosacea is the most common symptom, this very common skin condition—affecting 16 million Americans, according to the American Academy of Dermatology—is more than just a blush.

“Symptoms of rosacea include facial redness, hot flashes, patches of dry skin, and acne-like breakouts,” says Patricia Farris, MD, a dermatologist in Metairie, Louisiana.

She adds that patients with rosacea often complain of sensitive skin that has trouble tolerating many makeup and skincare products. “This may be because people with rosacea have an impaired skin barrier function,” says Dr. Farris.

If these symptoms sound familiar, a dermatologist can help you determine if you have rosacea and, more importantly, which type of rosacea you have.

Dr. Deanne Mraz Robinson, a Connecticut-based dermatologist, explains that rosacea is divided into four subtypes: papulopustular rosacea (characterized by redness, swelling, and acne-like breakouts),

erythematous rosacea (redness, flushing, visible blood vessels), lumpy rosacea (thickened skin with uneven texture), and ocular rosacea (redness and inflammation of the eyes, possible swelling of the eyelids, and a possible stye-like appearance).

A board-certified dermatologist can help you determine the right treatment, which may include prescription medications and/or innovative over-the-counter products to relieve your symptoms. Some dermatologists also recommend products that repair the skin barrier to retain moisture and reduce dryness.

Sound hard to find? In fact, there are so many on the market that we had to ask some of our most trusted dermatologists for advice. Here, you can find expert-recommended moisturizers, masks, cleansers, and more to incorporate into your rosacea routine.

Best Product Overall: Eau Thermale Avène Antirougeurs Calm Soothing Mask

As mentioned above, redness isn’t the only rosacea symptom you should be aware of. The symptom can also be accompanied by irritation and inflammation, which requires more intensive care, such as with Eau Thermale Avène’s Antirougeurs Calm Soothing Mask.

Dr. Emily Porter Gerson, a resident dermatologist in Washington, D.C., says this mask is one of her favorite products for soothing skin because it contains ingredients like dextran sulfate, an antimicrobial sulfur derivative.

“This green mask is incredibly soothing and can strengthen the skin’s natural protective barrier,” she says.

Best for Uneven Skin Tone: Paula’s Choice 10% Azelaic Acid Booster

Azelaic acid is one of the best ingredients for soothing rosacea flare-ups, says Audrey Kunin, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Kansas City. “Azelaic acid has antimicrobial properties, which can prevent pores from clogging,” she says.

“It can also reduce hyperpigmentation in post-inflammatory acne.” Since Paula’s Choice 10% Azelaic Acid Booster contains a high concentration of this active ingredient, Dr. Kunin includes it in your rosacea treatment routine.

Keep in mind that this product is a booster. You can use it alone as an all-over treatment, or mix the lightweight liquid formula with your favorite serum or moisturizer to further reduce redness.

Best for Dry Skin: La Roche-Posay Double Repair Facial Moisturizer

Many dermatologists rave about La Roche-Posay’s Toleriane Double Repair Facial Moisturizer. Dr. Whitney Bowe, a New York dermatologist and TikTok sensation, says it’s her go-to for all of her rosacea patients because it contains prebiotic thermal water, “which supports the skin microbiome,” Dr. Bowe says.

It’s also rich in hydrating ceramides, which, according to Dr. Bowe, strengthen the skin barrier and lock in moisture, making it a great choice for dry skin. “It’s also fragrance-free, which is important because fragrances can irritate the skin and trigger rosacea,” she adds.

Best Moisturizer: SkinCeuticals Redness Neutralizer Cream

Several dermatologists we spoke to recommended SkinCeuticals Redness Neutralizer Moisturizer to their patients because of its effectiveness in relieving redness and irritation.

“It boosts the skin’s defenses against environmental influences like temperature, weather, and sun exposure that can trigger rosacea,” explains Dr. Robinson. The cream contains a hydrating blend of squalane and bisabolol, a chamomile extract known for its anti-inflammatory and hydrating properties.

Best for Acne-Prone Skin: Peter Thomas Roth Sulfur Therapeutic Mask

If you suffer from papulopustular rosacea (also known as acne rosacea), Peter Thomas Roth’s Therapeutic Sulfur Mask can help you address issues like redness. It reduces blemishes and inflammation without drying out or irritating the skin.

Both Dr. Kunin and Dr. Robinson recommend it because its active ingredient, sulfur, has antibacterial and pore-clearing properties, and it’s gentler than most scrubs on the market. Aloe vera soothes and calms problem areas.

Best All-Round Product: The Ordinary Azelaic Acid 10% Suspension

Even though it’s a cream, you should consider using The Ordinary’s Azelaic Acid 10% Suspension for a treatment. As the name suggests, this treatment contains a high concentration of azelaic acid, a versatile treatment that soothes redness, fights spots and blemishes, and reduces hyperpigmentation for a more even skin tone.

Michele Green, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, previously told Allure that she loves this skin-boosting product for its creamy but non-greasy formula and targeted action on acne, rosacea, and sun damage.

Best Cleanser: Replenix Green Tea Gentle Soothing Cleanser

Dr. Gerson emphasizes that green tea is essential to any rosacea skin care regimen. “This ingredient contains polyphenols that have been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties,” Dr. Gerson says. For rosacea breakouts, Dr. Gerson recommends cleansing with Replenix Green Tea Gentle Soothing Cleanser.

This super-soft, creamy cleanser is soap-free and infused with anti-inflammatory green tea, making it a safe choice for all sensitive skin types.

Best Night Cream: Clinique Anti-Redness Daily Cream

The Clinique Anti-Redness Daily Cream is a great value for money because of its excellent anti-redness skin care benefits. Its ultra-gentle, fragrance-free formula and creamy texture have a cooling and soothing effect on the skin.

One of our testers already praised this luxurious moisturizer for its powerful redness-reducing effects. Despite the name, our testers also reported that it has a thick texture and absorbs quickly.

Therefore, it is recommended that you use them in your evening routine. “The oil-free cream soothes and refreshes the face immediately, and prevents redness over the long term,” testers said.

“If you wear makeup regularly, you should apply concealer sparingly—or at night—as concealer and foundation have a tendency to slide off when applied.”

Best Skin-Care Device: LightStim for Acne

Of course, topical products are a great starting point for treating rosacea, but Dr. Kunin emphasizes that LED skin-care devices like the LightStim can make a big difference for acne. “The blue light helps kill impure bacteria,” she explains.

“For rosacea-prone cases, light therapy can partially reduce the need for topical medications that may cause skin dryness or irritation.” This skin-clearing device features 36 blue and red LED lights that soothe redness, irritation, and inflammation of blemishes to pamper your skin.

It works similarly to using a skin-care spot treatment: Just apply it to the areas of your skin where the rash is occurring and leave it on for three minutes.

Best for Mature Skin: SkinFix Barrier+ Triple Lipid Peptide Cream

To soothe rosacea-prone skin, Dr. Bowe developed a moisturizer that regenerates the skin barrier. So she recommends SkinFix Barrier+ Triple Lipid Peptide Cream, a creamy formula that pampers your skin with barrier-friendly ingredients like hydrating hyaluronic acid and glycerin, as well as moisturizing shea butter.

Of course, this cream also contains peptides, which are known for their skin-firming properties—an ideal moisturizer for mature skin.

Best Sunscreen: Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield SPF 50 Glow

No matter your skin type, you should use a broad-spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 30 every day (and reapply regularly). People who are prone to rosacea symptoms, such as redness, should be especially careful when exposed to harmful UV rays.

For the best sun protection, if you have rosacea (or even if you don’t), Dr. Bowe recommends adding Colorscience Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield SPF 50 Glow to your daily skincare routine.

“Sun exposure can make rosacea worse, but chemical sunscreens and the fragrances in many sunscreens can be harmful for people with rosacea,” she says. Opt for a mineral sunscreen like this one from Colorescience. It’s fragrance-free and will leave your skin glowing and healthy-looking.

Best Cleanser: CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser

New York dermatologist Dr. Joyce Davis recommends cleansing your face with a gentle cleanser like CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser. The “Best of Beauty” winner removes pore-clogging dirt, excess oil, and stubborn makeup without leaving skin feeling dry and tight.

It’s plumped up with hyaluronic acid, thanks to hydrating ceramides and skin-soothing ingredients. While it’s not a foaming cleanser, you and your skin will be pleased after every cleanse thanks to its creamy formula and skin-soothing effects.

Best Soothing Mask: First Aid Beauty Arnica Relief and Rescue Mask

New York dermatologist Dr. Marisa Garshick recommends First Aid Beauty Arnica Relief and Rescue Mask as a must-have treatment for rosacea because of its skin-soothing properties.

“This mask is great for dry and sensitive skin because arnica has anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce redness and soothe the skin,” she explains. “It also contains shea butter and glycerin to hydrate the skin.”

Best Solution for Redness Relief: DermaDoctor Calm Cool + Corrected Anti-Redness Tranquility Cream

To combat chronic redness, Dr. Kunin created the DermaDoctor Calm Cool + Corrected Anti-Redness Tranquility Cream. Formulated by dermatologists, this facial moisturizer contains skin-soothing ingredients like chamomile extract and aloe vera to reduce redness and skin irritation.

In addition to skin-soothing ingredients, this nourishing face cream contains a hydrating blend of hyaluronic acid, squalane, and shea butter, as well as antioxidant vitamin E to protect your skin from free radicals.

Best Cosmeceutical: Cetaphil Gentle Cleanser

You don’t need an expensive redness-removing formula to treat your rosacea, says Dr. Davis. One thing she definitely recommends for rosacea sufferers is Cetaphil Gentle Cleanser, which has a gentle yet effective formula.

The brand’s hit face wash, which won Best of Beauty and Readers’ Choice awards for its soothing, lotion-like feel, calms the skin with a blend of hydrating glycerin and anti-inflammatory niacinamide.

“This face wash is super gentle,” one of our testers said in her review of this cleanser. “And we mean gentle, as dermatologists recommend.”