11 Rosacea Products I Keep Coming Back To (With Dermatologist Tips)

When I am experiencing a rosacea flare, Physicians Formula Butter Glow Corrector is my go-to. The green tint counteracts redness, giving more coverage than foundation alone. I like this product because it is effective for me as well as affordable, and it is made with all-natural ingredients. It is lightweight, so wearing it does not cause extra irritation — which can happen for me with some products.

It works best under foundation, and since I do not often wear a full face of makeup, I might need to take extra steps instead of using this product by itself, such as putting tinted moisturizer over it. However, when I am giving a presentation and want to make sure I look my best, this is a great product for reducing redness.

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Sunscreen comes in several tinted options, so you can choose one that matches your skin tone. If you don’t find your perfect match, there’s also a tint-free option. The different tints are 40 to 60 SPF, which is much higher than many other tinted moisturizers. It also has a good texture, not too heavy or too watery.

This sunscreen is a bit pricier than some other similar products, but in my personal experience, this is a case of getting what you pay for.

When my rosacea flares up, I need instant relief. My go-to is Clinique Redness Solutions, a three-step system that can immediately reduce redness and discomfort. If used consistently, it can also reduce the frequency and severity of future flare-ups. The moisturizer has 15 SPF, so there is added sun protection throughout the day. I like that Clinique Redness Solutions developed its product with input from dermatologists and with rosacea in mind. It is also very gentle, which is great for my sensitive skin.

I know for most people, a three-step skincare routine is probably not that intense, but since I am ADHD, the multiple steps sometimes feel like too much for my brain. This means I am not the best at following the steps. But since these products can provide instant relief during a flare, I can use them only when I need them most.

This is another product that can be pricey compared to some other options, but this is definitely reflected in the quality, especially with the immediate relief I get during a flare.

I turn to the Green Derma Mild Cica Serum time and again because it soothes redness immediately and reduces the frequency of my rosacea flare-ups. Rosacea serums really vary in price, with some costing over $100. I know with skincare you can get what you pay for, but I love that this product is both reasonably priced and works as advertised.

I like that this serum absorbs quickly, though it leaves a bit of an oily texture on my skin. That is something that I tend to be hyper-aware of, so it might not bother others. I find that the product has a pleasant smell, but it is a bit strong, so if you prefer your skincare products unscented this might not be the best fit for you.

CeraVe Moisturizing Cream is my favorite facial moisturizer. Dr. Kazlouskaya shared that CeraVe can be a good moisturizer for sensitive skin. Although it was created for eczema, which I do not experience, I also love it on my rosacea-prone skin. It does not provide the instant flare relief of some other rosacea-specific products, but it does moisturize. I also love that I can use it on my hands, feet, or anywhere else on my body where my skin gets dry.

Although CeraVe Moisturizing Cream is thicker than some other moisturizers, it still absorbs quickly, and I have had no issues with the texture. It is not ideal for wearing under foundation because it is thicker, but since I normally do not wear a lot of makeup, that works great for me. It is also unscented, so if you find yourself bothered by products with strong scents, this may still work for you.

This moisturizer does not contain SPF, so you will still need sun protection when you wear it. It is also very affordable, especially considering how large the tub is.

Those of us with rosacea often struggle to find makeup products that do not trigger our flares or make our symptoms worse. While I do not usually wear a lot of foundation unless I am giving a presentation, some people want to wear makeup every day and deserve products that do not exacerbate their symptoms.

Dermablend offers several options for sensitive skin, including foundations specifically designed for rosacea. All products are cruelty-free and allergy-tested to ensure they are appropriate for sensitive skin, and the company consults with dermatologists to ensure everything is safe for use. I particularly love Dermablend’s quiz that helps you find the perfect shade for your skin.

Not only does Dermablend not irritate my rosacea-prone skin, but it also provides excellent coverage to mask flare-ups and redness. It is heavier than other foundations I have used, but the coverage is also much better than the lighter options, which is probably a necessary tradeoff.

Dermablend foundations are on the pricier side, though the commitment to creating products ideal for sensitive skin makes them worth the extra money to me.

It is so hard to find a face wash that actually cleans my face without irritating my rosacea, and Cetaphil Redness Relieving Foaming Face Wash is my go-to. Not only is it gentle on my skin, but over time, it can help reduce redness and reduce your risk of flare-ups. I love how lightweight it is and how effectively it leaves my face feeling clean without irritating my rosacea.

This face wash does have a scent, but it is very subtle and not overwhelming to me. It is designed for redness and rosacea, so those with other skin conditions, such as eczema, might find it is not the best fit. When reading about this face wash, I noticed that some customers have said that it irritates their eczema, so be careful.

Cetaphil Redness Relieving Foaming Face Wash cleans dirt and grease from your face, but does not effectively remove makeup. Since I typically do not wear a lot (if any) makeup, this is not a problem for me, but if you do, you will want to have a separate makeup remover on hand.

Sometimes, when you are on the go or in a hurry (like I often am), it is handy to have wipes as a go-to skincare option. Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleansing Cloths are my personal favorites. Although they are not designed specifically for rosacea, they were created by dermatologists. Since my skin can be easily irritated by different textures, I like how soft these are, as they have not triggered any flare-ups or discomfort for me. They are unscented and hypoallergenic, making them safe for many skin types.

Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleansing Cloths come in packaging that snaps shut and is tight and re-sealable. That means they will not dry out if you forget to pack them in your purse or car for several months. They can also be used anywhere on your body, not just your face, in case of emergencies.

These wipes come in packs of 25, and there are lots of options for buying several packs in bulk. In addition to cleansing and removing dirt, they also remove makeup.

Of course, disposable wipes are not the most environmentally friendly skincare option, and a wipe will not be as effective at removing deep-down dirt as face washes. However, if you do need wipes because of your lifestyle or schedule, these are my favorites.

Exfoliants can be rough on sensitive skin, and some can trigger rosacea flares. I have tried various exfoliating options over the years because they really help my skin feel fresh and clean, but so many are so unnecessarily rough on my skin. Sometimes, I just need to exfoliate.

I have found that Clean & Clear Deep Action Exfoliating Scrub thoroughly cleans my pores and removes dead skin without aggravating my rosacea. It has the right balance for me.

I discovered Riversol when I was looking for a skincare regimen to prevent damage from rosacea flare-ups, and I ended up giving Riversol a chance because they offer a 15-day free sample of their system. You can try it out and see if it is a good fit before you spend any money. It was developed by a board-certified dermatologist, with active ingredients that soothe redness, repair skin damage, and prevent future damage.

As someone with ADHD, I did find the system slightly more challenging to follow than other systems because the instructions change each week. However, Riversol’s products are all cruelty-free, hypoallergenic, and fragrance-free, and the price is pretty comparable to other products that are not specifically designed to help reduce redness; usually, specialty products like this are marked at a much higher price.

Many specialized skincare products end up breaking the bank, and some of us are on a budget. e.l.f. is a cosmetics and makeup brand known for maintaining affordable prices without sacrificing quality. For my rosacea symptoms, I really like the Tone Adjusting Face Primer because the green tint helps reduce redness and minimize the appearance of flare-ups. It is so difficult to find products that help with a skin condition while maintaining the affordable price point that e.l.f. is known for.

This Tone Adjusting Face Primer is not too heavy but manages to provide good coverage. Although I do not wear makeup most days, this primer can sit under foundation. However, it needs to go directly onto your skin to stick properly and should not be put on top of other products. e.l.f. uses silicone in many of its products, including this one, which can irritate some people’s skin, so keep that in mind when making your decision.