The Best Moisturizer for Rosacea Soothes Flush and Restores Your Skin Barrier

Vogue

16 hours ago

If you're searching for the best moisturizer for rosacea, I can relate—those red, rosy cheeks (and not the kind from blush) can be frustrating. While I can't always stop the flare-ups, a great cream can soothe the irritation and help repair your skin barrier. 'Rosacea is a skin condition associated with redness, dryness and irritation—and anyone with rosacea should look for a moisturizer with calming ingredients to reduce inflammation,' board-certified dermatologist Dr. Dara Spearman tells Vogue, noting that moisturizers act as a protective barrier and should soothe while adding much needed hydration.
I'm fairly new to the rosacea club myself and didn't receive a diagnosis until just a year ago. After months of dealing with flare-ups on my cheeks, I went through a frustrating cycle of thinking it was just acne, applying various pimple creams, and finding no relief. Eventually, I visited my new dermatologist, who took one look at my cheeks and spoted those annoying red speckles as a case of rosacea.
Vogue's Favorite Moisturizer for Rosacea
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Step one to soothing rosacea is removing any irritants from you skin-care regimen that could be making your flareups worse. Dr. Spearman advises avoiding drying and irritating ingredients all together—with alcohol, fragrances, and harsh exfoliants, being at the top of a non-negotiable no-no's list. Ahead, a look at the best moisturizers to consider to gently soothe and restore your rosacea prone skin—with picks from expert dermatologists.
Best Color-Correcting: Skinceuticals Redness Neutralizer
Why We Love It: Whether you have dry, sensitive, combination, or mature skin—New York-based, board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Noah Gratch says this SkinCeuticals pick is an excellent choice for those dealing with rosacea on top of their usual skin type. 'The formula features skin soothing ingredients like eperua falcata bark extract, palmitoyl tripeptide-8 and bisabolol, as well as hydrating glycerin—all of which help to soothe irritation immediately,' he explains, adding that it color corrects while treating an inflamed complexion.
Whether you have dry, sensitive, combination, or mature skin—New York-based, board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Noah Gratch says this SkinCeuticals pick is an excellent choice for those dealing with rosacea on top of their usual skin type. 'The formula features skin soothing ingredients like eperua falcata bark extract, palmitoyl tripeptide-8 and bisabolol, as well as hydrating glycerin—all of which help to soothe irritation immediately,' he explains, adding that it color corrects while treating an inflamed complexion. Key Ingredients: Palmitoyl tripeptide-8, eperua falcata bark extract, bisabolol, zinc gluconate, glycerin, shea butter
Palmitoyl tripeptide-8, eperua falcata bark extract, bisabolol, zinc gluconate, glycerin, shea butter Size: 1.67 oz
Best Rich Moisturizer: Clinique Redness Solutions Daily Relief Face Cream
Why We Love It : For those with super dry, irritated skin, Dr. Gratch cosigns this face cream—this formula gets it's rich texture from shea butter (though, keep in mind shea butter is a no-no for acne-prone skin types). The true star ingredient of this formula is lactobacillus—a probiotic extract that helps repair the microbiome to rapidly calm redness and irritation. Meanwhile, bisabolol provides additional soothing benefits as well as protection from free radical damage. 'Clinique's hydrates without feeling heavy or greasy, which is key for comfortability. The formula is also fragrance-free, making it a good choice for sensitive skin,' says Dr. Gratch.
: For those with super dry, irritated skin, Dr. Gratch cosigns this face cream—this formula gets it's rich texture from shea butter (though, keep in mind shea butter is a no-no for acne-prone skin types). The true star ingredient of this formula is lactobacillus—a probiotic extract that helps repair the microbiome to rapidly calm redness and irritation. Meanwhile, bisabolol provides additional soothing benefits as well as protection from free radical damage. 'Clinique's hydrates without feeling heavy or greasy, which is key for comfortability. The formula is also fragrance-free, making it a good choice for sensitive skin,' says Dr. Gratch. Key Ingredients : Shea butter, lactobacillus extract, bisabolol
: Shea butter, lactobacillus extract, bisabolol Size: 1.7 oz
Best Viral: Dr.Jart+ Cicapair Intensive Soothing Relief Cream
Dr. Jart+
Cicapair Intensive Soothing Repair Cream
$54
SEPHORA
Why we love it: This TikTok Viral K-beauty is Dr. Blair Murphy-Rose's go-to pick for soothing and repairing inflamed skin. 'Its namesake ingredient cica, or centella asiatica, is rich in fatty acids, vitamins, and amino acids,' she previously told Vogue, noting it's also a great choice for mature skin. 'Centella asiatica is awesome for calming redness and helping your skin heal—this is a popular choice for patients with rosacea,' adds Dr. Gratch.
This TikTok Viral K-beauty is Dr. Blair Murphy-Rose's go-to pick for soothing and repairing inflamed skin. 'Its namesake ingredient cica, or centella asiatica, is rich in fatty acids, vitamins, and amino acids,' she previously told Vogue, noting it's also a great choice for mature skin. 'Centella asiatica is awesome for calming redness and helping your skin heal—this is a popular choice for patients with rosacea,' adds Dr. Gratch. Key ingredients : Cica complex, allantoin
: Cica complex, allantoin Size: 1.69 oz
Best French Pharmacy: La Roche Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer
La Roche-Posay
Toleraine Double Repair Face Moisturizer
$24
AMAZON
Why We Love It : This La Roche-Posay moisturizer is beloved by dermatologists for a good reason: it does exactly what it promises. The lightweight, oil-free cream sinks in effortlessly, instantly soothing skin with a refreshing dose of prebiotic thermal water and barrier-repairing ceramides. Niacinamide adds a layer of calm (redness, be gone), while glycerin locks in hydration for the long haul. Fragrance-free and non-comedogenic, it plays well with everything from exfoliants to actives, making it a true staple for even the most sensitive complexions.
: This La Roche-Posay moisturizer is beloved by dermatologists for a good reason: it does exactly what it promises. The lightweight, oil-free cream sinks in effortlessly, instantly soothing skin with a refreshing dose of prebiotic thermal water and barrier-repairing ceramides. Niacinamide adds a layer of calm (redness, be gone), while glycerin locks in hydration for the long haul. Fragrance-free and non-comedogenic, it plays well with everything from exfoliants to actives, making it a true staple for even the most sensitive complexions. Key Ingredients: Ceramide-3, niacinamide, glycerin, prebiotic thermal water
Ceramide-3, niacinamide, glycerin, prebiotic thermal water Size: 3.38 fl oz
Best With Niacinamide: EltaMD Barrier Renewal Complex
EltaMD
Barrier Renewal Complex
$62
AMAZON
Why We Love It: Formulated with a blend of ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and squalane, this moisturizer provides deep hydration and strengthens the skin's natural defenses. Its lightweight, non-greasy texture makes it suitable for daily use, even under makeup. 'This pick from EltaMd has niacinamide to reduce redness, and includes antioxidants and barrier support— it's an all around a solid choice for rosacea,' says Dr. Gratch.
Formulated with a blend of ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and squalane, this moisturizer provides deep hydration and strengthens the skin's natural defenses. Its lightweight, non-greasy texture makes it suitable for daily use, even under makeup. 'This pick from EltaMd has niacinamide to reduce redness, and includes antioxidants and barrier support— it's an all around a solid choice for rosacea,' says Dr. Gratch. Key Ingredients: Ceramide blend, hyaluronic acid, squalane, niacinamide, vitamin E (tocopherol)
Ceramide blend, hyaluronic acid, squalane, niacinamide, vitamin E (tocopherol) Size: 1.7 oz
Best With Colloidal Oatmeal: Aveeno Calm + Restore Oat Gel Moisturizer
Aveeno
Calm + Restore Oat Gel Moisturizer
$27
AMAZON
Why We Love It: Looking for a solid drugstore gel moisturizer? 'Aveeno's star ingredient used in this formula is colloidal oatmeal, a classic calming ingredient. The gel texture is lightweight but still soothing and hydrating, perfect if your skin feels irritated,' says Dr. Gratch. This hypoallergenic formula is free from parabens, alcohols, dyes, and phthalates, making it ideal for those with reactive skin.
Looking for a solid drugstore gel moisturizer? 'Aveeno's star ingredient used in this formula is colloidal oatmeal, a classic calming ingredient. The gel texture is lightweight but still soothing and hydrating, perfect if your skin feels irritated,' says Dr. Gratch. This hypoallergenic formula is free from parabens, alcohols, dyes, and phthalates, making it ideal for those with reactive skin. Key Ingredients: Prebiotic oat, feverfew
Prebiotic oat, feverfew Size: 1.7 oz
Best With Peptides: Skinfix Triple Lipid-Peptide Cream
Skinfix
Barrier+ Moisturizing Triple Lipid-Peptide Cream
$54
AMAZON
Why We Love It : 'This hydrating face cream works to brighten, firm, plump and moisturize using key ingredients such as lipids, peptides, hyaluronic acid, and shea butter,' Dr. Garshick. previously told Vogue. Not to mention, it's this beauty writer's go-to moisturizer during a particularly angry rosacea flair up, when in need of extra TLC for irritated skin. Best of all, it's a super hygienic choice, given the pump cap (i.e., no digging your fingers into the jar to scoop product!).
: 'This hydrating face cream works to brighten, firm, plump and moisturize using key ingredients such as lipids, peptides, hyaluronic acid, and shea butter,' Dr. Garshick. previously told Vogue. Not to mention, it's this beauty writer's go-to moisturizer during a particularly angry rosacea flair up, when in need of extra TLC for irritated skin. Best of all, it's a super hygienic choice, given the pump cap (i.e., no digging your fingers into the jar to scoop product!). Key ingredients : Triple lipid complex, nutri-peptide blend, glycerin
: Triple lipid complex, nutri-peptide blend, glycerin Size: 1.7 oz
Best for Reactive Skin: Etude House SoonJung 2x Barrier Intensive Cream
Etude
SoonJung 2x Barrier Intensive Cream
$17
AMAZON
Why We Love It : Made for very sensitive skin types (we're looking at you too, eczema girlies!), this pick is formulated without mineral oil, fragrance, and other common allergens. For added assurance, the formula is dermatologist tested to ensure that it won't irritate reactive skin or lead to hypersensitivity. A combination of panthenol (which boosts skin's ability to retain moisture) and madecassoside (from which redness-reducing cica is derived) power its soothing benefits.
: Made for very sensitive skin types (we're looking at you too, eczema girlies!), this pick is formulated without mineral oil, fragrance, and other common allergens. For added assurance, the formula is dermatologist tested to ensure that it won't irritate reactive skin or lead to hypersensitivity. A combination of panthenol (which boosts skin's ability to retain moisture) and madecassoside (from which redness-reducing cica is derived) power its soothing benefits. Key Ingredients : Panthenol, madecassoside, green tea extract
: Panthenol, madecassoside, green tea extract Size: 2.02 fl. oz.
Best for Healing: Tower 28 SOS Barrie Recovery Cream
Tower 28
SOS Recovery Cream
$24
AMAZON
Why We Love It: You've probably heard of Tower 28's popular SOS Daily Rescue Facial Spray. Well, now, there's a moisturizer formula to complement it. This rich formula is filled with skin-soothing ingredients like oat extract and ceramides, which help calm irritation and strengthen your skin's natural defenses. It's ideal for post-treatment care, or everyday hydration. The formula instantly soothes redness and discomfort while locking in moisture throughout the day. It's lightweight enough to wear under makeup but nourishing enough to use overnight.
You've probably heard of Tower 28's popular SOS Daily Rescue Facial Spray. Well, now, there's a moisturizer formula to complement it. This rich formula is filled with skin-soothing ingredients like oat extract and ceramides, which help calm irritation and strengthen your skin's natural defenses. It's ideal for post-treatment care, or everyday hydration. The formula instantly soothes redness and discomfort while locking in moisture throughout the day. It's lightweight enough to wear under makeup but nourishing enough to use overnight. Key Ingredients: Oat extract, ceramides, squalane, shea butter, vitamin E
Oat extract, ceramides, squalane, shea butter, vitamin E Size: 1.7 oz (50 mL)
Best Water Cream: The Inkey List Omega Water Cream
The Inkey List
Omega Water Cream
$12
AMAZON
Why We Love It: Another affordable, gel-cream formula, this Inkey List pick transforms into a water-like texture upon contact with the skin, providing a lightweight veil of moisture. Formulated with a blend of omega fatty acids, niacinamide, and glycerin, it helps strengthen the skin barrier, lock in moisture, and promote a smooth, balanced complexion
Another affordable, gel-cream formula, this Inkey List pick transforms into a water-like texture upon contact with the skin, providing a lightweight veil of moisture. Formulated with a blend of omega fatty acids, niacinamide, and glycerin, it helps strengthen the skin barrier, lock in moisture, and promote a smooth, balanced complexion Key Ingredients: Omega fatty acids,niacinamide, glycerin
Omega fatty acids,niacinamide, glycerin Size: 1.7 oz
Best Classic: Vanicream Moisturizing Skin Cream
Vanicream
Daily Facial Moisturizer
$14
AMAZON
Why We Love It: Vanicream is another classic skin-care choice in any dermatologist's office, thanks to its no-nonsense formulation. This fragrance-free formula is specifically for sensitive skin types. Its lightweight, non-greasy texture provides long-lasting hydration with a blend of hyaluronic acid and five essential ceramides, to restore and maintain the skin's natural moisture barrier. 'This is a great simple option. It's free from dyes and irritants—just pure, effective moisturizing,' says Dr. Gratch.
Vanicream is another classic skin-care choice in any dermatologist's office, thanks to its no-nonsense formulation. This fragrance-free formula is specifically for sensitive skin types. Its lightweight, non-greasy texture provides long-lasting hydration with a blend of hyaluronic acid and five essential ceramides, to restore and maintain the skin's natural moisture barrier. 'This is a great simple option. It's free from dyes and irritants—just pure, effective moisturizing,' says Dr. Gratch. Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, ceramides (EOP, NG, NP, AS, AP), squalane, glycerin
Hyaluronic acid, ceramides (EOP, NG, NP, AS, AP), squalane, glycerin Size: 3 fl oz
Best Night Cream: Cetaphil Redness Relieving Night Moisturizer for Face
Why We Love It: Another tried-and-true choice for anyone battling skin concerns—Cetaphil's night cream delivers no fluff, just high performing ingredients. It features anti-inflammatory licorice extract and nourishing allantoid, plus caffeine to supercharge skin healing overnight. While beverages containing the substance can trigger rosacea flare-ups, topical caffeine helps instantly fade redness for a more even-toned complexion.
Another tried-and-true choice for anyone battling skin concerns—Cetaphil's night cream delivers no fluff, just high performing ingredients. It features anti-inflammatory licorice extract and nourishing allantoid, plus caffeine to supercharge skin healing overnight. While beverages containing the substance can trigger rosacea flare-ups, topical caffeine helps instantly fade redness for a more even-toned complexion. Key Ingredients: Licorice extract, allantoin, caffeine
Licorice extract, allantoin, caffeine Size: 8 fl oz
Best With Azelaic: The Ordinary Azelaic Acid 10% Suspension Brightening Cream
The Ordinary
Azelaic Acid 10% Suspension Brightening Cream
$12
AMAZON
Why We Love It: Azelaic acid, a dicarboxylic acid derived from yeast, is often prescribed as a topical treatment to address acne-like rosacea at a concentration of 15% or 20%. This budget-friendly, over-the-counter pick features the active at a potent 10% concentration in a silky, primer-like base. 'In addition to gently exfoliating away rough texture and decongesting pores, azelaic acid has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that make it great for rosacea,' says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Morgan Rabach.
Azelaic acid, a dicarboxylic acid derived from yeast, is often prescribed as a topical treatment to address acne-like rosacea at a concentration of 15% or 20%. This budget-friendly, over-the-counter pick features the active at a potent 10% concentration in a silky, primer-like base. 'In addition to gently exfoliating away rough texture and decongesting pores, azelaic acid has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that make it great for rosacea,' says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Morgan Rabach. Key Ingredients: Azelaic acid, tocopherol, dimethicone
Azelaic acid, tocopherol, dimethicone Size: 1 oz
Best Brightening: Eadem Cloud Cushion Airy Brightening Moizturizer
EADEM
Cloud Cushion Airy Brightening Moisturizer
$58
AMAZON
Why We Love It: Eadem's moisturizer features a lightweight texture rich in powerful ingredients. Infused with ceramides, this formula strengthens the skin and retains moisture in essential areas. Additionally, peptides and niacinamide help protect against dark spots while brightening the skin and refining pores. Plus, this formula has been dermatologist-tested.
Eadem's moisturizer features a lightweight texture rich in powerful ingredients. Infused with ceramides, this formula strengthens the skin and retains moisture in essential areas. Additionally, peptides and niacinamide help protect against dark spots while brightening the skin and refining pores. Plus, this formula has been dermatologist-tested. Key Ingredients: Snow mushroom extract, peptides, ceramides, squalane
Snow mushroom extract, peptides, ceramides, squalane Size: 1.7 oz
Best Whipped: Youth To The People Superfood Air Whip Moisture Cream
Why We Love It: If you're a fan of clean beauty, you'll love Youth To The People's gel cream, which is enriched with leafy greens such as kale and spinach, and bolstered by a moisturizing dose of hyaluronic acid—all of which boast anti-inflammatory properties. Think of it as a green juice smoothie, but for your face—it's both refreshing and packed with antioxidants from superfood ingredients.
If you're a fan of clean beauty, you'll love Youth To The People's gel cream, which is enriched with leafy greens such as kale and spinach, and bolstered by a moisturizing dose of hyaluronic acid—all of which boast anti-inflammatory properties. Think of it as a green juice smoothie, but for your face—it's both refreshing and packed with antioxidants from superfood ingredients. Key Ingredients: Sunflower seed oil, glycerin, vitamin B5, vitamin E, vitamin C, kale leaf extract, green tea leaf extract
Sunflower seed oil, glycerin, vitamin B5, vitamin E, vitamin C, kale leaf extract, green tea leaf extract Size: 2 oz
Best with Honey: Farmacy Honey Halo Ultra-Hydrating Ceramide Moisturizer
Farmacy
Honey Halo Ultra-Hydrating Ceramide Moisturizer
$25
Shop Now
Why We Love It : Farmacy's honey-infused moisturizer offers clean, cruelty-free nourishment to lock in hydration for glowing skin. Another TikTok-darling on our list, this is exceptionally hydrating without weighing skin down (and almost 4,000 glowing Amazon reviews back that claim). With consistent use, skin appears brighter and fine lines look smoother. What's more, Honey Halo is gentle enough for day or night.
: Farmacy's honey-infused moisturizer offers clean, cruelty-free nourishment to lock in hydration for glowing skin. Another TikTok-darling on our list, this is exceptionally hydrating without weighing skin down (and almost 4,000 glowing Amazon reviews back that claim). With consistent use, skin appears brighter and fine lines look smoother. What's more, Honey Halo is gentle enough for day or night. Key Ingredients : Ceramide NP, buckwheat honey, royal jelly extract, fig fruit extract, osmolytes, and panthenol
: Ceramide NP, buckwheat honey, royal jelly extract, fig fruit extract, osmolytes, and panthenol Available size : 0.3 oz, 0.5 oz, 0.84 oz, 1.7 oz, 3.4 oz
: 0.3 oz, 0.5 oz, 0.84 oz, 1.7 oz, 3.4 oz Type : Cream
: Cream Fragrance: Yes, natural fragrance
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