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19 Soothing Rosacea Creams and Serums That Experts Swear By

All the hydration, none of the redness.

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woman holding red circle over her face
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Rosacea, which is most commonly associated with redness, impacts 16 million Americans. Anyone can experience rosacea, but according to the Mayo Clinic, it’s most common in middle-aged white women. Although there’s no cure, these rosacea creams can help minimize signs and symptoms of rosacea, including facial flushing, visible veins, swollen bumps, and burning sensations.

As our skincare-obsessed beauty editor, I consulted several board-certified dermatologists about all things rosacea and their no-fail rosacea cream recommendations. Most of these suggestions are $40 or less, so you can spend extra money on Valentine’s Day gifts for yourself (and lucky loved ones).

Best Rosacea Creams and Serums

    What is Rosacea?

    “Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin condition characterized by central facial redness, papules and pustules, flushing, red eyes, and a feeling of warmth in the skin,” says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Corey L. Hartman, M.D. He says there are four main subtypes of rosacea that are all thought to be mediated by neural control of the small blood vessels of the face.

    Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Mona Gohara, M.D., adds that it’s commonly mistaken for acne because of the symptoms of redness and pus-filled bumps on the face.

    What Causes Rosacea?

    Rosacea is typically triggered by red wine, cheese, and seafood, as well as hot drinks like coffee and tea, says Hartman. Other causes include changes in weather, such as extreme sunlight, cold, and wind, as well as stress and emotional trauma. Gohara adds that rosacea most commonly affects middle-aged women with sensitive skin.

    This skin condition is also associated with an extremely diminished skin barrier, which manifests in dryness, redness, and reactivity to external stressors, adds Courtney Brown, PA-C.

    Can You Treat Rosacea?

    Both dermatologists say there is no cure for rosacea, but you can lessen the look of symptoms with various treatments. There are some amazing over-the-counter products you can reach for to soothe your skin: You just have to look for the right ingredients to keep your skin calm.

    Best Ingredients

    Gohara suggests slathering on fragrance-free moisturizers and creams that contain ceramides (in SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2), hyaluronic acid (found in the Fresh Chemistry Glow Getter Brightening Serum Set), niacinamide (vitamin B-3), or bisabolol. “Each of these ingredients will help create a moisture barrier to keep the skin hydrated, calm, and better protected from outside factors,” she says.

    Worst Ingredients

    As for what to avoid, Hartman says many active ingredients may be too harsh for people with rosacea to use since their skin is sensitive. “While many people falsely think that a reaction to one product deems them sensitive, those with rosacea are intolerant to many active ingredients in skincare products that prove beneficial for others, like retinol, salicylic acid, gels, and solutions,” he says. Both doctors advise against using harsh astringents and drying ingredients, including alcohol, witch hazel, glycolic acid, and sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), which can cause rosacea to flare up.

    What to Consider

    Your Skin Barrier

    Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Hadley King M.D. notes it’s important to use non-irritating and non-drying rosacea products that contain calming ingredients, like cica or aloe vera, to help support your skin barrier. “One aspect of rosacea is impairment of the skin barrier function — the barrier tends to be not as robust, and therefore the skin is more sensitive because potential irritants are more likely to penetrate and more moisture can be lost,” she says.

    Always Stick to Gentle Products

    Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Nava Greenfield, M.D. of Schweiger Dermatology Group in NYC says you must be vigilant about only using non-irritating rosacea creams. “Skin that is prone to rosacea flares needs to be careful when shopping for face creams. The creams need to be gentle and made for sensitive skin. Flares can result from several different triggers and can last several days to weeks. Choose a cream that is calming for your skin,” she says.

    Don’t Skimp on Sunscreen

    Greenfield also stresses the importance of wearing sunscreen. Studies show sun exposure causes rosacea flare-ups, so applying a gentle mineral sunscreen that sits on top of your skin will help guard you against redness associated with rosacea and prevent aging and sunburns due to UV ray exposure. Also, consider throwing on a sunhat and sporting UPF clothing for broader sun protection.

    Now that you have the lowdown on everything there is to know about rosacea, take a look at some of our experts’ top-recommended rosacea creams and serums to soothe any flare-ups — plus a few of our favorites.

    1
    Best Overall

    Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%

    Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
    $6 at Sephora$14 at Walmart$6 at Nordstrom
    Pros
    • Great for all skin types
    • Helps repair the skin barrier in as little as 7 days
    • Ultra soothing
    Cons
    • Can be a little sticky

    Our best overall rosacea cream is our most affordable pick, but it doesn’t skimp on quality. Beyond the highly-enticing price tag, it earned snaps from Hartman, who appreciates its high concentration of niacinamide, one of his go-to ingredients for soothing rosacea at home.

    This lightweight serum also contains zinc to balance sebum production, making it a great pick for oily skin types. Zinc is also excellent for treating skin inflammation, meaning it’s an ideal ingredient for treating rosacea and other beauty skin concerns, such as melasma.

    Someone with dry skin will appreciate the inclusion of niacinamide, which helps rebalance their complexion, while someone with oily skin, like me, will notice less oil production and their pores will appear smaller.

    It also boasts a beautiful liquid consistency that spreads easily and evenly across the face, ensuring your skin can soak up all of the above-mentioned hero ingredients. And with warm spring weather on the horizon, it’s advisable to invest in a new beauty product that will complement your skin type during the warmer weather.

    Pro tip: for someone with dry skin and living somewhere chilly, layer this lightweight serum under your face moisturizer. If a particularly brutal storm is on the horizon, you can create a sandwich — one layer of your trust face cream, this epic new face serum, followed up with another thin layer of your regular moisturizer.

    More: These Hypoallergenic Makeup Picks Are a Saving Grace for Sensitive Skin

    Key Specs

    Best IngredientsNiacinamide and zinc
    Size1 fl. oz
    Skin TypeAll skin types
    2
    Best Budget

    Redness Relieving Set

    Redness Relieving Set
    Now 25% Off
    Pros
    • Includes SPF 40 moisturizer, which is more than double the suggested FDA SPF minimum
    • TSA compliant
    Cons
    • Neutral tint is too light for melanin-rich complexions

    If you’re looking for something more budget-friendly, then say hello to this pick from Cetaphil. This daily moisturizer keeps all of the harsh ingredients out and incorporates skincare essentials like licorice extract, allantoin, and caffeine to perk up your skin.

    Don’t believe me? Thousands of online reviewers say it’s a game-changer and the only moisturizer that works for their irritated, red skin. This tinted formula also includes a boost of SPF 40 and is hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic, so it won’t clog pores or irritate sensitive skin.

    It also comes with a top-rated night cream, the holy grail redness relief product of choice for thousands of other reviewers who also rely on it to heal and soothe skin.

    Key Specs

    Best IngredientZinc oxide
    Size1.7 fl. oz
    Skin TypeMature, combination, normal, oily, and dry skin
    3
    Best Derm-Created Solution

    Redness Relief Intense with Manuka Honey

    Redness Relief Intense with Manuka Honey
    Pros
    • Works instantly against redness and chronic micro-inflamation
    • Includes a mini spatula for sanitary use
    Cons
    • It’s likely too hydrating for someone with very oily skin

    If you prefer new beauty products created by a medical doctor then look no further than Lancer Skincare. Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Harold Lancer, M.D., is one of Hollywood’s most trusted beauty experts — celeb clients include Oprah, Margot Robbie, and Kim Kardashian — so you’re in for a treat.

    His Redness Relief Intense is on the pricer side but promises immediate comfort and redness relief. Beyond calming rosacea, it can also help calm redness caused by sunburns, which will be especially handy with spring break and summer trips on the horizon.

    As its name suggests, antibacterial manuka honey is the hero ingredient, but it also contains Centella Asiatica extract and eperua bark extract to calm inflammation and boost skin elasticity.

    Key Specs

    Best IngredientManuka honey
    Size1.7 fl. oz
    Skin TypeNormal, dry, and sensitive
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    4
    Best Tinted Rosacea Cream

    Toleriane Rosaliac AR

    Toleriane Rosaliac AR
    Pros
    • Green-based tint helps color correct redness
    • Fragrance-free
    Cons
    • Those with darker skin tones will need to put in more effort working the product into their skin to avoid an ashy apperance

    La Roche Posay, a recipient of our 2024 Best New Beauty Awards, created another standout safe product for those with rosacea. Dr. Jodi LoGerfo, DNP, says camouflage products help reduce the visibility of the redness and irritation associated with rosacea. This rosacea cream uses green pigments to help neutralize visible skin redness.

    It doesn’t just hide signs of rosacea: The deeply calming and hydrating combination of neurosensine and glycerin also ensures your skin improves over time. And like all La Roche Posay products, Toleriane Rosaliac AR is infused with the brand’s signature antioxidant-rich thermal water that hails from La Roche Posay, France.

    Key Specs

    Best IngredientThermal water
    Size1.76 fl. oz
    Skin TypeSensitive
    5
    Best Night Cream

    Redness Relief Night Creme

    Redness Relief Night Creme
    Pros
    • Fragrance- and dye-free
    • It layers wonderfully under makeup
    Cons
    • It takes a little while to soak into skin

    Soothing redness and dryness overnight is easier than ever thanks to Eucerin’s impressive formula. It’s enriched with licochalcone, a skin-soothing licorice root extract, to reduce any redness your sensitive skin has overnight. It’s also fragrance-free and non-comedogenic, so easily irritated skin types can feel free to use it.

    Amazon reviewers say this is a phenomenal rosacea cream for their entire body because the buttery and smooth cream reduces redness. They also love that the skin-softening cream leaves their skin dewy, doesn’t pill, and absorbs within a minute, so they don’t have to worry about residue on their clothes or bedding.

    Key Specs

    Best IngredientLicochalcone
    Size1.7 oz
    Skin TypeAll skin types
    Pros
    • Dr. Hartman recommends this rosacea cream
    • Oil-free, non-comedogenic moisturizer
    Cons
    • Some reviewers say the scent lingers a bit

    Hartman also recommends reaching for this budget-friendly moisturizer. It contains miracle hydrator hyaluronic acid to quench your driest pores, and its gel-like texture feels cool to the touch, soothing any redness and irritation you may be feeling. Thousands of Amazon reviewers say it treats rosacea flare-ups quickly and prevents new rashes from forming.

    Key Specs

    Best IngredientHyaluronic acid
    Size1.7 fl. oz
    Skin TypeDry skin
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    7
    Best of French Beauty

    Sensibio AR Cream

    Sensibio AR Cream
    Pros
    • Visibly reduces existing redness
    • No synthetic fragrances
    Cons
    • Only available in the 1.3 fl. oz tube

    Calm irritated skin and minimize redness caused by dryness with this nourishing face cream from Bioderma, one of the most beloved French beauty brands.

    The ultra-soothing cream utilizes its signature Rosaactiv to visibly reduce the look of redness caused by dryness. It helps rebalance and hydrate the skin barrier, which strengthens the ability to protect against external aggressors like winter weather.

    It’s also infused with easy-to-pronounce ingredients, such as avocado extract, glycerin, and canola moisture, which is always comforting.

    Key Specs

    Best IngredientRosasactiv
    Size1.3 fl. oz
    Skin TypeSensitive
    8
    Best Azelaic Acid Serum

    BOOST 10% Azelaic Acid Booster Cream Gel

    BOOST 10% Azelaic Acid Booster Cream Gel
    Pros
    • The lightweight, oil-free, cream-gel texture is fantastic for acne-prone and oily skin
    • Made with gentle plant-derived ingredients
    Cons
    • Skip if you don’t have acne-prone skin

    Brown, who is the esthetics expert and Clinical Director of the medspa HausMD, is a big fan of azelaic acid to treat rosacea. She cites this lightweight gel as one of her all-time favorites. “The 10% Azelaic Acid Booster by Paula’s Choice has strong exfoliating power without irritating the skin to gradually improve bumps and breakouts caused by rosacea,” she says.

    It’s also infused with licorice root extract to minimize redness, soothe sensitivity, and brighten a dull complexion. There’s also a little salicylic acid to shrink any pimples that pop up, like before school picture day.

    Key Specs

    Best IngredientAzelaic acid
    Size1 fl. oz
    Skin TypeCombination, oily, and acne/prone
    9
    Most Amazon Reviews

    Moisturizing Cream

    Best Seller
    Moisturizing Cream
    Pros
    • Hypoallergenic
    • Includes a convenient pump for mess-free application
    Cons
    • No travel-friendly sizes are available

    This dermatologist-tested cream was made with sensitive skin types in mind, which is why it has so many rave reviews on Amazon — currently over 33,000, to be exact. People say it keeps their complexion under control, including relieving red, rough, scaly, and burning skin in just a few days of regular use.

    Though most people focus on what’s in beauty products, we love what this particular moisturizer leaves out. This lotion is free of dyes, fragrances, lanolin, parabens, and formaldehyde, so your skin won’t be subject to any unexpected flare-ups. No wonder it’s been awarded a seal of acceptance from the National Eczema Association.

    Key Specs

    Best IngredientPetrolatum
    Size16 oz
    Skin TypeSensitive, dry
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    10
    Best Cica Cream

    Cicapair Sensitive Skin Moisturizer for Redness

    Cicapair Sensitive Skin Moisturizer for Redness
    Pros
    • Deeply soothes skin
    • Also helps calm eczema
    Cons
    • Some reviewers say it feels a little sticky

    Everyone loves the brand’s tigergrass cream, but this moisturizer is an underrated hero for soothing rosacea. Reviewers swear by this product because it hydrates their tired red skin but doesn’t leave their complexion greasy or pill under other facial care and makeup products.

    This is a must-have product for many shoppers with rosacea because it’s safe for their compromised sensitive skin. Notably, the blend of deeply soothing cica complex paired with allantoin is lauded by derms for its ability to repair the skin's barrier. It also has niacinamide, which minimizes uneven skin tone, large pores, fine lines, wrinkles, and dull and weak skin.

    Key Specs

    Best IngredientCica
    Size1.69 fl. oz
    Skin TypeAll
    11
    Best Daily Moisturizer

    AM Therapy Face Moisturizer

    Amazon’s Choice
    AM Therapy Face Moisturizer
    Pros
    • Unscented, so it’s non-irritating to sensitive skin and noses
    • Replenishes your skin’s moisture barrier
    Cons
    • Doesn’t provide broad-spectrum SPF coverage, so you’ll need to layer sunscreen on top

    Looking for something lightweight and easy to use every morning? Then this quenching moisturizer will do just the trick.

    For starters, it’s formulated with hyaluronic acid and niacinamide and keeps the fragrances and dyes out. The dreamy oil-free formula nourishes your sensitive skin, smoothes your skin texture, and helps improve its overall tone. Plus, hundreds of Amazon reviewers consider it one of the all-time best rosacea creams and note it heals their tired, red skin.

    Key Specs

    Best IngredientsHyaluronic acid, niacinamide
    Size1.7 fl. oz
    Skin TypeSensitive
    12
    Best for Head-to-Toe Moisture

    Skin Food Original Ultra-Rich Cream

    Skin Food Original Ultra-Rich Cream
    Pros
    • Multipurpose product (lots of bang for your buck!)
    • Celeb favorite
    Cons
    • It’s pretty thick, so be prepared to warm it up in your fingers before spreading across your skin

    The all-natural formula leaves out synthetic compounds and toxic chemicals, using only the best all-natural ingredients to soothe your skin. Sunflower seed oil, lanolin, glycerin, beeswax, and calendula extracts instantly moisturize your parched, irritated skin.

    According to thousands of glowing Amazon reviewers, this cult-favorite moisturizer is perfect for hydrating your face and body. No really — this thick cream will transform the roughest areas of your body (elbows, knees, heels, and more) for the ultimate soothing experience.

    A bonus: Even Minnie Driver and Spider-Man actor Andrew Garfield enjoy Weleda Skin Food.

    Key Specs

    Best IngredientBeeswax
    Size2.5 fl. oz
    Skin TypeDry
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    13
    Best Drugstore Buy

    Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer

    Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer
    Pros
    • From a Best Products New Beauty Awards Winning Brand
    • Works within 1 hour and results last up to 48 hours
    Cons
    • Can create pilling under makeup

    PSA: The drugstore aisles always have the best skincare items without the hefty price tags. That’s why you’ll love this gentle moisturizing cream from La Roche-Posay, which is fueled by both niacinamide and ceramides to pamper your pores. It’s also oil-free, so acne-prone skin types won’t have to worry about those dreaded breakouts.

    Key Specs

    Best IngredientsNiacinamide and ceramides
    Size3.2 fl. oz
    Skin TypeSensitive
    14
    Best Tinted Moisturizer

    UV Elements Tinted Face Moisturizer

    UV Elements Tinted Face Moisturizer
    Pros
    • Protects the skin from blue light emitted from our tech
    • Excellent broad-spectrum mineral protection
    Cons
    • The tint is too light for deeper complexions

    Looking to even out your complexion or just lightly cover some blemishes? Don’t break out that foundation bottle just yet: This tinted moisturizer from EltaMD will do just the trick without irritating your skin further.

    Its oil-free, water-resistant formula contains hyaluronic acid to hydrate, and it only uses zinc oxide and titanium dioxide for a mineral-based boost of SPF 44 that helps keep your skin guarded against the sun’s harsh rays.

    Dealing with dry patches due to eczema? You’ll be happy to know that several reviewers say this sunscreen goes on smoothly, absorbs quickly, and replaces the need for a light coverage foundation.

    Key Specs

    Best IngredientsZinc oxide and titanium dioxide
    Size2 ounces
    Skin TypeDry, normal
    15
    Best of Clean Beauty

    Calendula Essential Hydrating Cream

    Calendula Essential Hydrating Cream
    Pros
    • Made in the USA
    • Soothes and softens skin
    Cons
    • Remember to rub a nickel-sized amount of cream between your fingers before

    Only want the best of Mother Nature on your skin? Then Naturopathica, which only uses all-natural ingredients in its products, is a brand to watch.

    Those with sensitive skin and rosacea will enjoy this mild hydrating cream. It contains soothing ingredients like calendula, aloe vera, and rose oil to keep skin calm and nourished. There’s also borage seed oil, which is rich in hydrating fatty acids and trehalose to help retain moisture. Given its rich formula, a little bit goes a long way, so start with a pea-sized amount of this cream.

    Key Specs

    Best IngredientCalendula extract
    Size1.7 fl. oz
    Skin TypeDry skin
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    16
    Best Tinted Sunscreen

    HydraTint Pro Mineral Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 36

    Best Tested
    HydraTint Pro Mineral Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 36
    Pros
    • Mineral sunscreen sits on top of the skin, deflecting harmful solar rays like a mirror
    • Provides UVA, UVB, and blue light protection
    Cons
    • Only available in 1 tint that works for anyone who is a 4 or lighter on the Fitzpatrick scale

    Protect your skin from both signs of aging and burns with help of this epic product. Alastin’s tinted sunscreen is my skincare secret for no makeup makeup days. It’s a little thicker and more hydrating than other facial sunscreens I’ve tested, but it provides beautiful medium coverage with a single pump of product.

    My hack is to warm up the SPF in my fingers, dot it across my face, and blend it with a makeup brush. On days I need more coverage, I’ll add a second layer or a bit of light coverage foundation and setting powder.

    Not only does it provide long-lasting hydration, a glowy finish, and evens and brightens skin, but it’s also formulated with antioxidants to help protect sensitive skin. It also contains an ingredient called hydroxymethoxyphenyl decanone that’s like a supercharged version of hyaluronic acid that helps calm irritation.

    Key Specs

    Best IngredientZinc oxide
    Size3.2 fl. oz
    Skin TypeNormal, combination, dry, and mature
    17
    Best for Very Dry Skin

    Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2

    Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2
    Pros
    • Dermatologist approved
    • Also good to use after a chemical peel
    Cons
    • The brand says it works with all skin types, but it’s too emollient for oiler skin types

    When it comes to deep hydration, Dr. Hartman suggests reaching for this cream. This splurge is worth every penny for its groundbreaking formula, which contains the maximum concentration of essential skin lipids like ceramides and fatty acids, along with vitamin E to nurture your sensitive complexion. Plus, it tackles a plethora of other skin issues, like skin evenness, texture, and pore appearance.

    Key Specs

    Best IngredientsCeramides and fatty acids
    Size1.62 fl. oz
    Skin TypeAll skin types
    18
    Best Spray Sunscreen

    Organic Sheer Sunscreen Mist SPF 50

    Organic Sheer Sunscreen Mist SPF 50
    Pros
    • Reduces fine lines and wrinkles
    • Treats acne
    Cons
    • Might not be fully invisible on darker complexions

    Made with 70% organic ingredients, like algae extract and green tea, this gentle sunscreen formula will protect your skin against the sun without any redness or clogged pores. This spray sunscreen also makes it easy to protect hard-to-reach areas, such as your back and behind the knees.

    This weightless sunscreen also contains hyaluronic acid to retain moisture, vitamin E to fight free radicals and UV damage, and skin-calming aloe vera, which is rich in antioxidants, like vitamins C and E, as well as beta carotene.

    Plus, the mineral sunscreen boasts a broad-spectrum SPF 50 formula that keeps you covered from UVA and UVB sun rays.

    Another good thing to note: Its misting formula allows you to reach every nook and cranny of your body, making your defense against the sun’s harmful rays that much stronger.

    Key Specs

    Best IngredientAlgae extracts
    Size6 fl. oz
    Skin TypeAll skin types, including acne-prone and sensitive
    Headshot of Nicole Saunders
    Nicole Saunders
    Beauty Editor

    Nicole Saunders is the beauty editor at Best Products with over seven years of experience researching, writing, and editing lifestyle content. She specializes in breaking down complicated topics, like high-frequency wands and microcurrent devices, into easy-to-understand guides. She takes great pride in heavily researching and testing featured beauty products, — such as hairdryers and foundations — on our site, and spotlights her all-time seasonal favorites in her quarterly column Best New Beauty. And she tests quite literally thousands of launches for our Beauty Awards package.

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