The Ultimate Guide to Rosacea Relief: Top Moisturizers of 2023

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Rosacea is a common skin condition that many people experience. However, it can be difficult to find effective skin-care products that both manage symptoms and avoid triggering flare-ups. To assist those with rosacea-prone skin in establishing a safe and beneficial skin-care routine, we have compiled a list of the top 10 moisturizers for rosacea in 2023. Additionally, we will provide essential information about the condition and guide you in selecting the ideal moisturizer for your specific needs.

What Is Rosacea?

Rosacea is a skin condition characterized by inflammation, causing redness and various symptoms on the face and other parts of the body. These symptoms may include persistent flushing, especially in the central area of the face, visible blood vessels, and a sensation of burning or stinging. Additionally, individuals with rosacea often develop swollen acne-like bumps that may contain pus. Dryness and irritation in the eyes are also frequent among those affected by rosacea.

Rosacea flare-ups may persist for a few weeks to several months before entering a dormant phase. Typically, individuals will begin to experience flare-ups of rosacea after the age of 30. While fair-skinned adult women are most commonly affected, this condition can also occur in adolescents and individuals of any skin color. If you have family members who are prone to rosacea, you are more likely to develop this condition.

There are various factors that can trigger rosacea, such as exposure to UV rays, extreme temperatures, caffeinated beverages, alcohol, spicy foods, stress, physical activity, and hormonal fluctuations. In addition to adhering to a skincare routine suitable for rosacea, it is important to identify your triggers and make efforts to avoid them.

How to Pick a Rosacea-Safe Moisturizer

For individuals with rosacea, the inclusion of moisturizing is crucial within their skin-care regimen. By utilizing a moisturizer, moisture is retained within the skin, reducing irritation and resulting in a more comfortable complexion.

When dealing with rosacea, it is crucial to choose a moisturizer that is suitable and won't cause irritation or flare-ups. Opt for moisturizers that are specifically designed for sensitive skin and avoid those with fragrances as they may lead to adverse reactions.

For rosacea-prone skin, opt for moisturizers that contain gentle and soothing ingredients to provide hydration. Look for ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, aloe, plant oils, shea butter, mango seed butter, green tea, and niacinamide. Additionally, moisturizers containing azelaic acid are highly recommended for managing rosacea. Azelaic acid has anti-inflammatory properties and effectively reduces redness and swelling associated with the condition. It also helps to minimize the appearance of bumps by keeping the pores clear.

The Best Moisturizers for Rosacea

Let’s take a look at the 10 best moisturizers for rosacea that you can currently find on the market. 

1. Blu Atlas Face Moisturizer

For those seeking a moisturizer that is rosacea-friendly, our top recommendation is the Face Moisturizer by Blu Atlas, a premium grooming brand. This exceptional moisturizer not only combats dryness but also nurtures and revives the skin with a blend of essential vitamins, antioxidants, and nourishing fatty acids. Notably, it successfully avoids triggering any rosacea symptoms. Moreover, it boasts a clean and ethical formula, being vegan, cruelty-free, and devoid of parabens or phthalates. While customers have the option to choose from two naturally scented variations (both of which lack synthetic fragrances), we particularly highlight the fragrance-free version, which is more suitable for individuals with rosacea-prone skin. Another noteworthy aspect is that this moisturizer's formula thrives on the power of nature—a staggering 98.5% of its ingredients originate from natural sources.

The Blu Atlas moisturizer utilizes the nourishing properties of mango seed butter. This highly moisturizing ingredient is rich in vitamins C and E, effectively safeguarding the skin against harmful free radicals. Moreover, the formula incorporates moringa oil, renowned for its anti-inflammatory properties that alleviate skin irritation commonly associated with rosacea. Moringa oil also serves to hydrate the skin while rejuvenating it with the help of its vitamin and fatty acid content.

Furthermore, the Blu Atlas Face Moisturizer features ascorbic acid, which is a form of vitamin C. This key ingredient not only illuminates the complexion, countering dullness, but also provides anti-aging benefits and supports the skin’s antioxidant defense. Lastly, the formula incorporates seaweed extract, a potent antioxidant that deeply hydrates the skin, leading to a more radiant appearance.

2. Tatcha The Indigo Cream

Catering specifically to sensitive skin that is prone to rosacea and other inflammatory conditions, this luxurious cream by Tatcha offers a soothing solution. Formulated with natural ingredients, it not only firms and softens the complexion but also effectively diminishes signs of irritation while providing long-lasting hydration. Results from a consumer study revealed that after just two weeks of use, participants experienced an improvement in texture, roughness, and itchiness, while a staggering 100% reported a reduction in redness after four weeks. Though it may come with a higher price tag, we firmly believe that this product is a worthwhile investment for individuals seeking to maintain optimal skin comfort, particularly those with rosacea-prone skin.

The Indigo Cream features a luxurious texture that swiftly absorbs into the skin, making it an excellent choice for both morning and night application. Its natural blue color is derived from Japanese indigo extract, which aids in soothing the skin and reducing symptoms of rosacea. Additionally, the cream contains a 2% concentration of colloidal oatmeal, a highly effective ingredient that relieves irritation, itchiness, and other forms of skin aggravation.

This indulgent moisturizer incorporates three Japanese superfoods, providing nourishment to the skin and contributing to a more youthful and radiant complexion. It is further enhanced by the presence of sodium hyaluronate, squalane, and glycerin, which effectively collaborate to elevate the skin's hydration levels.

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3. Paula’s Choice Calm Rescue & Repair Intensive Moisturizer

3. Paula’s Choice Calm Rescue & Repair Intensive Moisturizer

The Paula's Choice Calm Rescue & Repair Intensive Moisturizer is designed for normal to dry skin types and incorporates premium ingredients to enhance skin barrier health, minimize redness, and alleviate irritation. This results in a healthier, stronger, and more comfortable complexion. Its exceptional hydrating properties have been clinically proven to provide 24-hour hydration. The formulation specifically caters to individuals with rosacea-prone skin, ensuring utmost gentleness. Furthermore, the product is vegan, cruelty-free, and fragrance-free.

With a luxuriously creamy texture, this moisturizer swiftly relieves dry skin upon application. It features northern truffle mushroom extract and allantoin, which work together to reduce redness and promote a more comfortable appearance and sensation. The mushroom extract offers antioxidant benefits, while allantoin serves as a moisturizing agent. Additionally, the formula includes antioxidant-rich sunflower seed oil, renowned for its ability to repair and strengthen the skin's barrier while enhancing its texture, resulting in a smoother complexion.

The formula is enhanced with natural prebiotics that enhance skin microbiome health and reduce sensitivity. Glycerin improves skin hydration, while vitamin E, algae extract, and prickly pear extract provide extra antioxidant benefits to safeguard the skin against free radicals. These harmful agents can damage the skin and accelerate the appearance of premature signs of aging.

4. Rosacea Care Sea Buckthorn Night Cream With Willowherb

Rosacea Care specializes in developing effective skincare solutions for individuals with rosacea-prone and sensitive skin. One of their standout products is the Sea Buckthorn Night Cream, a highly moisturizing and soothing cream that also repairs skin damage and reduces irritation. Its velvety texture makes it ideal for nighttime use, although individuals with dry skin may find it beneficial for daytime application as well. The formula is free from parabens and artificial fragrances, ensuring that it won't exacerbate skin conditions.

This remarkable moisturizer from Rosacea Care harnesses the power of sea buckthorn and jojoba seed oils, which synergistically provide deep hydration and nourishment to the skin. Sea buckthorn oil effectively alleviates the discomfort associated with rosacea and helps regulate skin temperature to prevent flare-ups. Meanwhile, rosehip seed oil combats inflammation and works alongside the other oils to moisturize the skin thoroughly. Furthermore, the inclusion of willowherb extract calms the skin and reduces redness, promoting a healthier and more comfortable complexion.

The formula incorporates grapeseed and pomegranate extracts, renowned for their abundance of antioxidants that protect the skin from harm caused by free radicals. In addition, shea butter provides soothing properties and helps to seal in moisture, while squalane and glycerin elevate hydration levels, resulting in skin that feels soft, supple, and comfortably nurtured.

5. Boscia Cica Soothing Universal Cream

Introducing the Boscia Cica Soothing Universal Cream, a highly versatile moisturizer suitable for both the face and body. With its unique lightweight gel-cream texture, this cream swiftly penetrates the skin, replenishing and boosting moisture levels. Designed to cater to even the most sensitive skin types, it is entirely vegan, cruelty-free, and formulated without fragrances, parabens, or phthalates. Rest assured, this dermatologist-tested and hypoallergenic cream is safe for use.

Featuring cica (Centella asiatica), also known as tiger grass, as a key ingredient, this moisturizer is renowned for its remarkable healing and anti-inflammatory properties. By minimizing redness and irritation, it promotes optimal comfort and enhances the appearance of healthier skin. Additionally, lactobacillus ferment soothes dryness, while ginger root extract aids in moisture retention and provides anti-inflammatory benefits.

Additionally, this versatile cream is enriched with ceramides to improve the health of the skin's protective barrier and lock in moisture for lasting hydration. Jojoba seed oil provides nourishment and deep moisturization, while glycerin and panthenol ensure a soft and supple feel to the skin.

6. Dr. Barbara Sturm Microbiotic Balancing Face Cream

We recommend Dr. Barbara Sturm's luxury face cream for individuals with rosacea-prone skin and breakouts. This expertly crafted formula effectively balances moisture levels in oily skin, resulting in a healthier complexion. It soothes and combats blemishes, alleviating irritation, dryness, and damage. The cruelty-free formula is free from parabens and fragrances. Though it is a higher-priced option, it is a worthwhile investment.

The Microbiotic Balancing Face Cream contains Centella asiatica extract, which dramatically soothes inflammation caused by rosacea and breakouts, providing optimal comfort. It also helps to heal and restore the complexion. Additionally, butterfly bush flower extract treats irritation and damage while addressing dryness, and maclura leaf extract combats impurities to promote a clearer complexion.

This moisturizer combines the benefits of prebiotics and probiotics to promote a healthy skin microbiome. With the added goodness of Vitamin E, it protects the skin from oxidative damage, while shea butter hydrates and nourishes for a soft and supple complexion. Sunflower seed oil provides additional antioxidants and helps repair the skin barrier. Plus, panthenol, squalane, and hyaluronic acid work together to enhance moisture levels. Lastly, rice starch absorbs excess oil, leaving the skin with a matte finish.

7. Aveeno Calm + Restore Redness Relief Moisturizer

For rosacea-prone skin that needs affordable care, the Calm + Restore Redness Relief Moisturizer from popular drugstore brand Aveeno is a great choice. This gel-based moisturizer is ideal for those with sensitive, oily skin as it is gentle, lightweight, and effectively balances moisture levels for optimal skin health. It has been tested for sensitive skin, is hypoallergenic, and does not contain fragrances, dyes, drying alcohols, or parabens. With its soothing properties, it is the perfect option for individuals with easily aggravated skin.

This Aveeno moisturizer provides all-day hydration without leaving a greasy residue. In consumer studies, 92% of participants reported immediate soothing effects on their skin after applying this product.

With 95% skin beneficial ingredients, this formula effectively nourishes the skin, while the remaining 5% helps to preserve the moisturizer's quality. The moisturizer is enriched with oat flour and oat extract, which work together to minimize irritation and redness, leaving the complexion comfortable and moisturized, with a supple and soft feel.

Additionally, the formula includes feverfew juice that not only moisturizes the skin but also provides antioxidant benefits. Panthenol effectively soothes the skin and improves moisture levels, while glycerin assists in attracting and retaining moisture on the skin.

8. Avène Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream

Avène is renowned for its sensitive skin-friendly products, and the Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream stands out as one of their top formulations. This cream effectively shields the skin from external aggressors, preserving its health while simultaneously balancing moisture levels and enhancing the skin's protective barrier. In fact, it has been scientifically proven to restore the barrier four times faster than untreated skin, significantly reducing skin discomfort by 80% within 48 hours. Fragrance, paraben, and alcohol-free, it also ensures pores remain unclogged.

With its luxurious texture, this cream is suitable for all skin types, but it particularly caters to dry skin. Powered by a restorative postbiotic ingredient rich in proteins, it aids in restoring the skin's protective barrier, enabling it to defend itself against harmful environmental factors. Additionally, it contains a copper-zinc sulfate complex which supports skin recovery and improves overall skin health.

The formula additionally includes glycerin, which attracts moisture to the skin and effectively retains it throughout the day for a consistently smooth and supple complexion. In line with the company's offering of various products, this moisturizer also contains thermal spring water, which has been scientifically proven to gently alleviate, pacify, and hydrate the skin.

9. SkinClinical Extreme Healing Repair Concentrate

Extreme Healing is a moisturizer you can trust. Its advanced medical-grade formula is specially made to treat inflammatory skin conditions, like rosacea. It has even earned the Seal of Acceptance from the National Eczema Association, ensuring its safety for sensitive skin.

This gentle moisturizer increases moisture levels, improves barrier health, and strengthens the skin to minimize flare-ups. It also enhances elasticity, promotes cell regeneration, and addresses uneven skin tone and texture concerns. Rest assured, it is free of irritants like fragrances, dyes, and parabens.

The Extreme Healing Repair Concentrate is formulated with a patented technology that has undergone rigorous clinical testing, proving its effectiveness. This advanced technology combines organic phytochemicals like peptides, arginine, and hyaluronic acid. By improving the skin's barrier health and providing deep hydration, these powerful ingredients promote the production of collagen for a more youthful appearance and prevent the buildup of dead skin cells, resulting in smoother texture.

To further substantiate its claims, a third-party study revealed impressive clinical results. After 45 days of using the moisturizer, 93% of participants reported relief from redness, irritation, and itchiness. Furthermore, an overwhelming 98% of participants experienced a noticeable softening and smoothing effect on their complexion.

10. EltaMD AM Therapy Face Moisturizer

You may already be familiar with EltaMD's popular sunscreens. However, there is a lesser-known yet equally notable product called AM Therapy Face Moisturizer. This multitasking moisturizer not only hydrates and improves the skin's ability to retain moisture but also enhances texture and evens out skin tone. Designed to be gentle enough for sensitive skin, this lightweight formula is particularly suitable for those with normal to oily complexions. It is non-comedogenic and free from fragrances, parabens, and oils.

This EltaMD moisturizer is specially formulated for individuals with rosacea-prone skin. It contains niacinamide, known for its anti-inflammatory properties that reduce redness and provide comfort. Willow bark extract, a natural source of salicylic acid, gently exfoliates and clears pores for a smoother complexion. This extract also soothes the skin due to its anti-inflammatory properties. The formula also includes a vitamin C ester that offers antioxidant benefits, reduces signs of aging, and enhances skin radiance. Caffeine and Piptadenia colubrina peel extract restore suppleness and improve moisture retention. Sodium hyaluronate and glycerin work together to effectively moisturize and keep the skin soft and supple.

Frequently Asked Questions

Before you add one of these moisturizers to your routine, check out the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about rosacea. 

How often should you moisturize rosacea-prone skin?

For individuals with rosacea-prone skin, it is essential to moisturize your skin in the morning and evening. This regular moisturization will provide your skin with the necessary hydration to stay relaxed and comfortable. Neglecting to moisturize adequately increases the likelihood of experiencing flare-ups.

What type of face wash should you use if you have rosacea?

Individuals who have rosacea should cleanse their skin up to two times daily using a gentle facial cleanser. Optimal choices for those with rosacea-prone skin are face washes that contain hydrating and soothing ingredients. It is important to specifically search for products formulated to be safe for sensitive skin and ensure they are fragrance-free. It is advisable to steer clear of soaps and sulfates as they can potentially worsen skin irritation. Alternatively, plant-derived surfactants have the ability to effectively cleanse the skin without depleting its natural moisture or causing any discomfort to the complexion.

How can you reduce rosacea symptoms?

To alleviate active rosacea symptoms and minimize the chances of flare-ups, prioritize two essential actions. Firstly, identify and steer clear of common triggers that tend to induce symptoms. Secondly, develop a gentle and soothing skincare regimen specifically designed for sensitive skin. This routine will not only preserve the health of your skin but also ensure a comfortable complexion.

Sometimes, more intense measures are necessary to effectively treat stubborn rosacea symptoms. Dermatologists may suggest the use of oral antibiotics or prescription-strength topical products to effectively manage and minimize your symptoms.

In addition, there are a variety of natural remedies that can potentially help alleviate rosacea symptoms. These remedies include the application of aloe vera to the affected areas, the use of a cold compress infused with green tea, and the application of a raw honey mask. However, for optimal results, it is recommended to combine these natural remedies with other treatments that effectively control rosacea.

Is rosacea curable? 

Regrettably, a cure for rosacea has not yet been found. However, there are effective treatments available to manage symptoms, especially for cases that persist. By establishing a skin-care routine that is safe for rosacea, you can lower the chances of experiencing symptoms. Additionally, it is crucial to identify and minimize your exposure to the triggers that cause your rosacea flare-ups.

Can you use serums if you have rosacea?

If you have rosacea, there's no need to worry about using serums. Just make sure to choose a serum that doesn't contain any potential irritants. Calming and hydrating serums with ingredients such as Centella asiatica, colloidal oats, hyaluronic acid, and green tea extract can provide great benefits for those with rosacea. You can also consider incorporating chemical exfoliants like alpha hydroxy and beta hydroxy acids into your skincare routine, but it's best to opt for formulas with lower concentrations. Before adding these ingredients to your routine, especially if you've never used them before, it's always a good idea to conduct a patch test.

If you are seeking a rosacea treatment serum, it is advisable to consider a formula that contains high levels of azelaic acid. Nonetheless, we strongly advise consulting with your dermatologist to identify the most effective topical products for your individual requirements.