These 10 Best Moisturizers for Rosacea We Tested Are Also Recommended by Dermatologists
We spoke with two board-certified dermatologists to get their recommendations for moisturizers for rosacea. We also tested dozens of moisturizers and read online user reviews to compile this list of the 10 best moisturizers for rosacea that may also help other chronic skin conditions.
Our Top Picks for Best Moisturizers for Rosacea
- Best oil-free: La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer
- Best for every day: CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion
- Best lightweight barrier repair: Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer
- Best for eczema: First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream
- Best soothing gel: Aveeno Calm + Restore Oat Gel Moisturizer
- Best redness relief: Clinique Redness Solutions Daily Relief Cream
- Best daytime moisturizer with SPF: Cetaphil Redness Relieving Daily Facial Moisturizer
- Best for nighttime: Eucerin Redness Relief Night Creme
- Best soothing cream: Avene Tolerance Control Soothing Skin Recovery Cream
- Best splurge: SkinCeuticals Redness Neutralizer
When to Consult Your Doctor
“If you experience persistent redness, frequent flushing, or bumps that resemble acne and don’t respond to gentle skin care, it’s time to see a dermatologist. Symptoms such as burning, stinging, or skin that feels constantly irritated despite using appropriate products often indicate active inflammation that needs professional care,” says Anetta Reszko, MD, PhD, a board-certified dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon, clinical assistant professor of dermatology at Weill Cornell Medical College, and assistant attending dermatologist at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital in New York City.
“A dermatologist can confirm the diagnosis, prescribe targeted treatments, and guide you toward products that support rather than aggravate your skin. Rosacea is highly manageable with the right combination of skin care, lifestyle adjustments, and, when necessary, medical treatments to calm inflammation and improve overall skin health,” she adds.
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Best Oil-Free
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer
Pros
- Contains barrier-supporting ingredients
- Calms skin with niacinamide
- Fragrance- and paraben-free
- Oil-free and noncomedogenic
- Lightweight yet hydrating
Cons
- Some users have reported it makes their skin too shiny
- Not specifically formulated to treat rosacea
Key Specs
- Key ingredients: Ceramides, niacinamide, glycerin, prebiotic thermal water
- Key features: Oil-free, fragrance-free, noncomedogenic
- Texture: Lightweight cream
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer has gentle, effective rosacea-soothing ingredients that won’t clog pores.
Ceramides are fatty molecules that serve an essential function in creating and supporting the skin barrier and skin hydration. They naturally occur in the skin but can also be applied topically in skin care products, like this moisturizer.
“My skin looks hydrated and happy using this moisturizer. It does feel very hydrating and safe for sensitive skin,” says editor Nicole Bonaccorso. Bonaccorso says her skin drank the moisturizer right up, leaving no residue. Some user reviews say it left their skin too shiny; however, our tester had no issues.
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Best for Every Day
CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion
Pros
- Accessible and affordable
- Lightweight yet hydrating
- Can be used morning and night
- Oil-free and noncomedogenic
Cons
- Not specifically formulated for rosacea
Key Specs
- Key ingredients: Ceramides, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide
- Key features: Fragrance-free, oil-free, noncomedogenic, hypoallergenic
- Texture: Lightweight cream
An everyday moisturizer for rosacea should be gentle and widely available, which is why we love CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion.
I’ve been using this product for years, both morning and night; it doesn’t trigger my rosacea and keeps my skin feeling soft and moisturized. CeraVe has a morning version of this moisturizer with SPF, but I have ocular rosacea, and unfortunately, it stings my eyes. However, this one does not, so I apply it under a rosacea-friendly sunscreen.
The lightweight cream is easily dispensed from a pump tube and goes on smoothly, leaving no residue. It’s suitable for sensitive skin and most skin types.
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Best Lightweight Barrier Repair
Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer
Pros
- Ceramides support the skin barrier
- Calms skin
- Fragrance-, dye-, preservative-, and paraben-free
- Gentle enough for rosacea-prone or sensitive, reactive skin
- Affordable
Cons
- Some users report a sticky texture
- Not specifically made for rosacea-prone skin
Key Specs
- Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, ceramides, squalane, glycerin
- Key features: Fragrance-free, dye-free, noncomedogenic
- Texture: Lightweight gel-like lotion
The skin barrier is the outermost layer of the skin and is responsible for keeping moisture in and allergens and irritants out. A compromised skin barrier puts your skin at risk of inflammation, a hallmark of rosacea. Using a moisturizer can help protect the skin barrier and keep it healthy. We love Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer for people with sensitive, rosacea-prone skin because of its lightweight, gentle, barrier-supporting ingredients.
“I’ve been using this as my daily facial moisturizer for years; it doesn’t irritate my skin, which is slightly sensitive due to retinol use. This formula is surprisingly hydrating for as light as it is,” says editor Katie Tuttle. She notes it’s easy to apply, absorbs quickly, and leaves no residue. While Tuttle did not report this, some users say the moisturizer feels slightly sticky.
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Best for Eczema and Rosacea-Prone Skin
First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream
Pros
- Contains anti-inflammatory colloidal oatmeal
- Mitigates itchiness
- Has National Rosacea Society Seal of Acceptance
- Has National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance
- Formulated for dry, sensitive skin
Cons
- On the pricier end
- It may not be suitable for oily skin
Key Specs
- Key ingredients: Colloidal oatmeal, ceramides, shea butter, squalane, glycerin, eucalyptus globulus leaf oil
- Key features: Fragrance-free, paraben-free
- Texture: Rich gel-like cream
Skin conditions such as eczema may be mistaken for rosacea, as both can cause redness and irritation. If you happen to have either, this moisturizer may help.
“I felt this product did a good job of balancing my skin. I was neither dry nor oily after using it. The texture of my skin felt smoother and more supple,” says writer Jill Di Donato. The texture is a rich gel-like cream that absorbs quickly and leaves no residue. However, it is a thick, deeply hydrating moisturizer, so it may not be ideal for people with oily skin.

Best Soothing Gel
Aveeno Calm + Restore Oat Gel Moisturizer
Pros
- Has anti-inflammatory ingredients, like feverfew
- Antioxidant ingredients
- Soothing, cooling gel texture
- Fragrance-, dye-, and alcohol-free
- Noncomedogenic
Cons
- Gel might be too light for some people
- Not explicitly formulated for rosacea
Key Specs
- Key ingredients: Prebiotic oat, feverfew
- Key features: Fragrance-free, dye-free, alcohol-free, noncomedogenic
- Texture: Milky gel-cream
The gel has a cooling effect that may be soothing, as rosacea can make skin feel warm or even hot. This sensitive formula is fragrance-free, dye-free, and alcohol-free, making it unlikely to trigger a flare and ideal for sensitive skin. While the gel is suitable for people with rosacea, it isn’t explicitly medicated for it.
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Best Redness Relief
Clinique Redness Solutions Daily Relief Cream
Pros
- Contains redness-reducing wheat germ oil
- Contains soothing botanicals
- Contains anti-inflammatory chamomile
- Designed for sensitive skin
Cons
- Not explicitly formulated for rosacea
- On the pricier end
Key Specs
- Key ingredients: Green tea, yellow/white/red tea extract, barley extract, bisabolol, Lactobacillus ferment
- Key features: Oil-free, fragrance-free, allergy-tested, ingredients to target skin barrier and redness
- Texture: Thick cream
In addition to calming redness in as little as 2.5 hours, per the brand’s claims, it’s free of irritating ingredients such as oil, sulfites, parabens, phthalates, and fragrance. We didn’t test this, but users love how moisturizing and nonirritating the cream feels.
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Best Daytime Moisturizer With SPF
Cetaphil Redness Relieving Daily Facial Moisturizer
Pros
- Offers mineral sun protection
- Contains redness-reducing caffeine
- Tinted to cover redness
- Has anti-inflammatory allantoin
- Fragrance-free and noncomedogenic
Cons
- Tint may not match all skin tones
- Not specifically formulated for rosacea
Key Specs
- Key ingredients: Titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, allantoin, licorice extract, caffeine, tocopherol, glycerin, iron oxides, chromium oxide greens
- Key features: Broad-spectrum mineral sunscreens, neutral-tinted formula, fragrance-free, noncomedogenic, barrier-supporting and redness-reducing ingredients, dermatologist-tested
- Texture: Lightweight, cream-like lotion
In addition, it’s slightly tinted to offer some cosmetic coverage. This nonirritating formula is dermatologist-tested, fragrance-free, and formulated for sensitive skin. It uses mineral-based sun protection with SPF 40 instead of chemical agents that could trigger rosacea. It’s noncomedogenic, too.
Reviews say it’s lightweight, smooth, and doesn’t leave behind a greasy residue. The tint may not match all skin tones, though; some say it skews orange.

Best Nighttime Redness Relief
Eucerin Redness Relief Night Creme
Pros
- Ideal for nighttime use
- Contains redness-reducing and anti-inflammatory licochalcone
- Has anti-inflammatory panthenol
- Fragrance-free, noncomedogenic
Cons
- Consistency may be too thick for some
- Not specifically formulated for rosacea
Key Specs
- Key ingredients: Glycerin, panthenol, licochalcone, squalane
- Key features: Fragrance-free, noncomedogenic, safe for sensitive skin
- Texture: Thick cream
Since the skin repairs itself best overnight, it’s a great time to moisturize with this pick from Eucerin.
It’s suitable for sensitive, rosacea-prone skin, as it’s fragrance-free, essential oil–free, and noncomedogenic. Users say it’s super soothing and that they notice less skin redness and blotchiness over time. However, some say the cream is too thick for their liking.
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Best Soothing Cream
Avene Tolerance Control Soothing Skin Recovery Cream
Pros
- Soothes reactive skin
- Redness-reducing ingredients, like postbiotic D-Sensinose
- Has glycerin to support skin barrier and retain moisture
- Fragrance-free, noncomedogenic
- Hypoallergenic
Cons
- Might not be moisturizing enough for very dry skin
Key Specs
- Key ingredients: D-Sensinose, thermal spring water, squalane, glycerin
- Key features: Barrier support, fragrance-free, minimal preservatives, postbiotic calms reactivity, National Rosacea Society Seal of Acceptance
- Texture: Rich cream
Avene Tolerance Control Soothing Skin Recovery Cream is officially recognized by the National Rosacea Society for its effectiveness and safety for rosacea.
It also includes squalane and glycerin to provide moisture and support skin barrier protection.
The cream purports to fight redness, tightness, and overheating. It’s formulated for very sensitive skin and is fragrance-free, noncomedogenic, hypoallergenic, and has minimal preservatives. We didn’t test this product, but users love how calming it is on their skin.
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Best for Flushing
SkinCeuticals Redness Neutralizer
Pros
- Soothes reactive skin
- Has redness-reducing caffeine
- Fragrance-free
- Noncomedogenic
Cons
- Most expensive on our list
- Not explicitly formulated for rosacea
Key Specs
- Key ingredients: Tripeptide-8, Eperua falcata bark extract, bisabolol, glycerin, shea butter, panthenol, tocopherol, squalane, caffeine, zinc gluconate
- Key features: Reduces flushing, soothing, smoothing, calming, fragrance-free, alcohol-free, paraben-free, silicone-free, dye-free, noncomedogenic
- Texture: Light creamy texture
SkinCeuticals Redness Neutralizer is formulated to neutralize flushing and soothe the skin. “It uses peptides and botanical extracts to help minimize inflammation and improve overall comfort, making it especially great for more persistent redness,” says Garshick.
This moisturizer is gentle enough for sensitive or reactive skin because it is fragrance-free, alcohol-free, paraben-free, silicone-free, dye-free, and noncomedogenic. We love that it has a light, creamy texture, a nongreasy finish, and goes well under makeup.
That said, it’s the most expensive option on our list, but we believe the formula’s active ingredients make it worth the price.
Comparison Table
How We Chose the Best Face Moisturizers for Rosacea
We chose the best face moisturizers for people with rosacea by testing and researching more than 100 moisturizers. We evaluated factors such as ingredients, quality, impact, tester feedback, user reviews, price, and packaging to compile our list of the top 10 moisturizers for rosacea.
We also consulted Anetta Reszko, MD, PhD, a board-certified dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon, clinical assistant professor of dermatology at Weill Cornell Medical College, and assistant attending dermatologist at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital in New York City, as well as Marisa Garshick, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City.
I’m a health editor and writer with more than 10 years of journalism experience. I’ve had rosacea since I was a teenager, so I’m always on the lookout for the best rosacea-friendly products. I’ve included items on this list that can support my skin concerns as well as those of others with rosacea.
What to Look for When Buying a Moisturizer for Rosacea
“Moisturizing is essential for people with rosacea because it helps strengthen and support the skin barrier,” says Garshick.
Both experts we spoke with say you should look out for the following when shopping for a moisturizer for rosacea:
- Gentle formulas that support and restore the skin barrier with ingredients like ceramides and niacinamide
- Ingredients such as ceramides, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, panthenol, and peptides, which can reduce dryness, sensitivity, and calm inflammation
- Hypoallergenic and fragrance-free formulas to minimize irritation
- Green-tinted products, including moisturizers, that can help neutralize redness
“Products that overexfoliate or strip the barrier can increase sensitivity over time, so gentle, minimal-ingredient formulations are usually safest. Maintaining a consistent, simple routine helps reduce flare-ups and preserve barrier integrity,” Garshick adds.
What Is Rosacea?
“Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that most commonly affects the face, causing persistent redness, flushing, visible blood vessels, and sometimes acne-like bumps or sensitivity,” explains Dr. Reszko.
“It tends to flare in cycles and is influenced by both genetic and environmental triggers. The condition often affects the cheeks, nose, forehead, and chin, but redness may extend to the neck or chest. Because symptoms can vary in severity and resemble other skin concerns, accurate diagnosis is key to proper treatment,” she explains.
Rosacea may sometimes resemble acne, but it’s not the same. “Rosacea is a distinct condition with its own set of triggers and treatment approaches. Those with rosacea often experience more skin sensitivity,” says Garshick.
What Causes and Triggers Rosacea?
“While we still don’t know the exact cause, rosacea is believed to involve a combination of genetic predisposition, immune system overactivity, changes in the skin barrier, and sometimes an overgrowth of microorganisms on the skin,” says Reszko.
Certain things can trigger rosacea and lead to a flare-up. “Common triggers include sun exposure, heat, spicy foods, alcohol, and stress,” explains Garshick.
FAQ
“Preventive care focuses on identifying and avoiding known triggers, applying daily sunscreen, and following a gentle, barrier-supportive skin care routine,” explains Reszko. “Managing stress, maintaining a balanced diet, and protecting the skin from temperature extremes can also help reduce flare-ups over time,” she adds.
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Susan Bard, MD
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She is a procedural dermatologist with the American Board of Dermatology and a fellow of the American College of Mohs Surgery.
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She's an avid product tester with considerable experience testing skin care, hair care, fitness, fashion, and health-related products. She's also the daughter of an oral surgeon and can tell you about a long list of dental and gum-cleaning products you should be using.

Alexandra Klausner
Tester
Alexandra Klausner is a freelance health writer and editor with over 10 years of journalism experience. Prior to going freelance, she worked as a reporter and editor at the New York Post for eight years covering everything from health and wellness to features and breaking news. Before that, she covered multiple beats at the Daily Mail Online for three years.
Alexandra graduated from Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs with a bachelor's degree in theater. As a New York City native, she is also a grant-winning playwright, actor, freestyle singer, catchy-hook writer, and podcaster. She loves yoga, 5 Rhythms dance meditation, and running.

Nicole Bonaccorso
Tester
Nicole Bonaccorso is a writer and editor with more than 12 years of journalism experience. She has been writing for Everyday Health since 2025, and has also been published on NBCNews.com, Treehugger, Verywell, Mashable, and Upworthy, among other publications.
Nicole was also a senior editor at Weather.com for more than 11 years, covering everything from weather and climate change to health, science, and travel.
In addition to writing, Nicole has also found a passion in helping new parents reach their breastfeeding goals and is working towards becoming a certified breastfeeding specialist.
In her free time, Nicole enjoys hiking, camping, cooking, reading, and spending time outdoors with her two young sons, husband, and dog.

Katie Tuttle
Tester
Katie Tuttle is an editor and writer specializing in food, nutrition, and product testing. Her work has appeared in EatingWell, Food & Wine, The Spruce Eats, and Real Simple. She has written about meal kits, kitchen tools, fitness, and wellness, and has tested and reviewed a wide range of products, with a particular focus on meal delivery services and their impact on nutrition and convenience.
Beyond food, Katie has covered fitness and wellness topics, drawing from her own experience as a powerlifter and an occasional runner. She’s always interested in how products and services can make healthy living more accessible and practical.
When she’s not researching or writing, Katie is usually surrounded by houseplants or spending time with a foster dog. She firmly believes there’s no such thing as too many books or too much coffee.

Jill Di Donato
Tester
Jill has over 15 years of experience writing about women's health, wellness, and beauty. She has deep knowledge of buzzy products and what makes them popular with consumers. She's tested hundreds of skin care products, tools, and medical aesthetics procedures throughout her career, and she has interviewed top dermatologists, plastic surgeons, and holistic physicians to stay on top of the latest in skin health and wellness.
Jill is the former associate editorial operations director of the beauty group at Dotdash Meredith, where she worked on brands such as Shape and Byrdie, editing health, fitness, skin care, wellness, and body care commerce content.
She's also a former sex and relationship writer, and has made national television appearances to discuss sexual wellness topics for women. In addition to anything beauty and sexual wellness, Jill specializes in writing about body neutrality and mental health.
Jill has a degree in sociology, with a focus on gender studies and she has taught sociology classes at Barnard and Columbia University.
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