If you've got rosacea, you might be wondering what the best rosacea creams are. This skin condition is more common than you might think, affecting more than 5% of the world population and one in 10 people in the UK. Plus, it is predominately more common in women than men. "Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that can present itself in different ways, ranging from the traditional redness and flushing across the cheeks to small bumps and breakouts," explains EF Medispa dermatologist Katerina Charakida, MBBS. There are four types of rosacea that vary in symptoms, which can include irritation, flushing in the skin, redness, texture and, in rare cases, a thickening of the skin.
Generally caused by a genetic disposition, rosacea can be triggered by a number of factors including UV radiation and weak skin immunity. The defining characteristics of rosacea include redness, pink spots that contain pus and visible blood vessels, all of which are usually observed in the centre of the face. Rosacea can manifest differently in each person, so an individual can exhibit varying combinations of symptoms or just one symptom.
Rosacea is a chronic skin condition and can be triggered by many factors from sun exposure and exercise to red wine, spicy foods and citrus fruits. However, with the right skincare routine, you can manage your rosacea as long as you're conscious of your triggers.
Finding the right products that won't trigger or inflame your rosacea can be complicated. "A good starting point is to strengthen and repair the skin's barrier function as this is often heavily impaired," says Charakida.
We spoke to the experts to find out what the best moisturisers are for rosacea, and you can shop them all ahead.
The 13 Best Creams for Rosacea
1. Rosalique 3 in 1 Anti-Redness Miracle Formula
"Rosalique 3 in 1 Anti-Redness Miracle Formula SPF 50 has been developed especially for those with rosacea and redness-prone skin," says Rosalique founder and skin expert Claudia Talsma. "It conceals instantly, treats the skin gently and protects it long-term. The micro-encapsulated pigments offer immediate coverage, concealing redness and evening out the skin tone," she says.
2. Weleda Almond Soothing Facial Cream
"Rosacea skin needs both soothing and strengthening," explains Weleda skincare expert and holistic facialist Elizabeth King. "Weleda's Almond Sensitive facial range immediately calms redness, soothes irritation and provides a protective, quiet space for the skin to strengthen and restore itself. Almond oil has a great affinity with the skin due to its chemical structure being similar to the skin's outermost layer. The delicate oil strengthens the skin's own barrier function while protecting it from moisture loss," she says.
3. Dermalogica Calm Water Gel
"When treating rosacea, cooling, soothing, anti-inflammatory formulas used in a simple regimen are recommended," says Dermalogica education manager Victoria Evans.
"Lightweight formulas with ingredients to fortify the skin's defensive barrier are key. Look for ingredients such as oats, evening primrose oil, chamomile and lavender. Apply Calm Water Gel moisturiser to seal in moisture with dual hyaluronic acid. It melts into the skin and forms a weightless barrier from environmental aggressors. It's also important to shield skin from damaging UV rays, a common trigger for rosacea flare ups," she suggests.
4. Clinique Redness Solutions Daily Relief Cream
If your skin is on the oilier end of the spectrum, look for an oil-free moisturiser that doesn't skimp on the hydration. This Clinque moisturiser is specifically designed to combat redness in the skin, and it's oil-free and formulated with lactobacillus extract, a soothing probiotic that helps strengthen skin's natural moisture barrier and calm redness and irritation.
5. Oskia Rest Day Comfort Cream
A staple for rosacea suffers, think of the Oskia Rest Day Comfort Cream as a soothing blanket for the skin. Formulated with soothing and calming super-ingredients including amino acids, hyaluronic acid, probiotics and ceramides, it works to restore and mimic your natural skin barrier for that extra protection without irritating skin.
5. Cetaphil Pro Tinted Moisturising Day Cream SPF 30
"Those with redness-prone skin should follow a gentle skincare regimen and avoid triggers to help maintain moisture in the skin and a healthy skin barrier," recommends consultant dermatologist Justine Kluk, MBCHB, FRCP. "There are a myriad of factors from lifestyle (such as genetics, allergies, sun, food etc.) to the skincare products you're using that can trigger redness in skin. Moisturising the skin well and protecting it in the sun daily are key to protect against UV exposure in skin prone to redness or rosacea," she says.
6. Avène Antirougeurs Anti-Redness Soothing Day Cream SPF 30
Created with Avène thermal spring water, TRP-Regulin (a patented active ingredient that combats the sensations of skin reactivity) and pongamia oil to support the skin's microbiome, the Antirougeurs Soothing Day Cream works to hydrate, soothe and aid the reduction of the appearance of redness. The creamy and slightly richer texture makes it a great option for dry skin types.
7. La Roche-Posay Rosaliac UV Rich
Designed to reduce redness, this La Roche-Posay offering is a great daily moisturiser option. It's lightweight yet boosts hydration and offers sun protection to prevent UV activation of rosacea. Formulated with the brand's celebrated thermal spring water formula, which is rich in minerals, it helps instantly soothe inflamed and irritated skin.
8. Dr. Sam's Flawless Moisturiser
"The hallmark of skin sensitivity is inflammation. It can be a feature of a number of different skin conditions including acne, rosacea and eczema. Or it can be associated with 'normal' skin that burns and stings in response to common triggers like certain skincare ingredients," explains Dr. Sam's founder Sam Bunting. "I've specifically formulated my Flawless Moisturiser to be suitable for sensitive skin. It has been formulated to be low on irritants, so it will suit delicate skin and support barrier function," she states.
9. Kate Somerville Delikate Recovery Cream
Created as result of what skin expert Kate Somerville saw in her clinic, this cream was designed to supercharge the skin healing process after potent treatments such as lasers, peel and abrasive treatments. The super-gentle formula created with peptides, ceramides, ginger root and tasmannia lanceolata fruit extract works to centre skin repair, reduce redness and soothe the skin.
10. Caudalie SOS Intense Moisturising Cream
Described as an intense shot of plumping hydration, this soothing moisturiser will calm even the most irritated and stressed-out skin. It's made from 95% natural ingredients to nourish, repair and rehydrate the skin, which include olive squalane to hydrate and organic grape water to soothe while promoting healthy skin barrier function.
11. Pai Skincare The Anthemis Chamomile and Rosehip Soothing Moisturiser
Born out of the founder's need to soothe and protect her own super-sensitive and reactive skin, Pai Skincare is dedicated to protecting and repairing irritated skin. Perfect for rosacea, this calming day cream is created with soothing chamomile and healing rose-hip extracts and minimal ingredients often found in skincare that can cause irritation.
12. Cultured Biomecare Biome Calm Cream
The Biome Calm Cream makes use of bio-technology to combat the source of skin concerns rather than just the symptoms. Its aim is to "help skin help itself." A potent blend powered by hard-working prebiotics including micro algae and inulin balance, repair and protect the skin barrier, helping soothe and cool irritated skin.
13. Medik8 Ultimate Recover Skin Restoring Moisture Locking Cream
Created to heal skin after inflammation, it provides the skin with a much-needed boost of oxygen, which supercharges the process of healing and soothing the skin. It harnesses the power of active ingredients such as beta-glucan to comfort the skin and reduce redness and arnica to speed up recovery and activate the immune system.
Up next, see the 20 best skincare products from The Ordinary.
