We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Skin & Hair Products The 14 Best Moisturizers for Rosacea, Tested and Approved These top moisturizers provide soothing relief while repairing damaged skin. By Lindsay Modglin Updated on May 01, 2024 Medically reviewed by Susan Bard, MD Fact checked by Rich Scherr Print Verywell Health / Amelia Manley Rosacea, a chronic inflammatory condition, often leaves skin sensitive, red, and inflamed. Moisturizing is vital in protecting rosacea-prone skin and promoting a healthy complexion. However, finding the right skincare products can be challenging, as many traditional ingredients only exacerbate symptoms. Samuel Hetz, MD, GPDerm, physician and medical director of Concept Medical, an advanced cosmetic clinic in Ottawa, Canada, recommends using products that contain ceramides and humectants—they have natural fats and water-retaining properties that heal existing skin damage and help prevent new flare-ups. You should also consider products that absorb quickly, maintain skin hydration, and are compatible with SPF for added sun protection. We tested 39 moisturizers by having staffers use the products for one month to evaluate their effectiveness. We rated the products based on factors like absorption, consistency, hydration, and more. Several board-certified skin experts also weighed in with valuable insights to ensure accuracy in the products we recommend for rosacea. Ingredients to Look for and Avoid in Moisturizers for Rosacea Focus on ingredients that soothe and reduce inflammation, such as niacinamide, aloe vera, and squalene. Other beneficial ingredients include hyaluronic acid for hydration, ceramides to restore the skin barrier, and SPF for sun protection. Avoid ingredients that may irritate or exacerbate rosacea, such as lactic and glycolic acids, added fragrances, alcohol, menthol, and essential oils. Retinol, AHAs, and BHAs may also be too harsh for skin prone to rosacea. Also, fragrances often contain additives that can elevate skin sensitivity, potentially triggering inflammation and exacerbating symptoms. A fragrance-free product minimizes the risk of irritation and is ideal for those with sensitive skin or noses. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Caudalie Premier Cru Moisturizer at Nordstrom ($129) Jump to Review Best Budget: Bubble Slam Dunk Hydrating Moisturizer at Amazon ($15) Jump to Review Best for Rosacea and Seborrheic Dermatitis: Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré at Amazon ($29) Jump to Review Best for Dry Skin: BYOMA Moisturizing Gel Cream at Amazon ($15) Jump to Review Best for Redness: Drunk Elephant Lala Retro Whipped Refillable Moisturizer at Drunkelephant.com (See Price) Jump to Review Best for Sensitive Skin: Tatcha The Water Cream at Amazon ($72) Jump to Review Best Cream: Paula's Choice Omega+ Complex Moisturizer at Amazon ($38) Jump to Review Best Mask: Estee Lauder Soft Creme/Mask Moisturizer at Walmart ($38) Jump to Review Best Drugstore: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel at Walmart ($13) Jump to Review Best for Acne-Prone Skin: PCA Skin Clearskin at Amazon ($59) Jump to Review In This Article Expand Ingredients to Look for and Avoid in Moisturizers for Rosacea Our Picks We Also Tested What to Look for in a Moisturizer for Rosacea How We Tested the Moisturizers Our Experts FAQ Why Trust Verywell Health Best Overall Caudalie Premier Cru Moisturizer Sephora View On Nordstrom $129 View On Macy's $129 View On Dermstore $129 Our Ratings Feel 5/5 Absorption 4.9/5 Wear 5/5 Hydration 5/5 Appearance 5/5 Pros Plumps skin Repairs skin barrier Prevents signs of aging Cons Slightly greasy Not suitable for those sensitive to alcohols Key Specs Active Ingredients: Bio-ceramides, hyaluronic acid, shea butter | Size: 1.7 ounces | Dosage: Apply to neck and face up to twice daily | Scented: Yes Why We Recommend It Caudalie Premier Cru Skin Barrier Rich Moisturizer with Bio-Ceramides is an excellent choice for individuals with rosacea, as it is specifically designed to repair the skin barrier and provide ample hydration. Bio-ceramides are vital in retaining moisture and restoring the skin's natural barrier, which combats potential flares. Hyaluronic acid works in tandem to plump the skin and alleviate dryness while smoothing fine lines. During testing, we found this moisturizer deeply nourishing. It left our skin feeling soft and replenished. The shea butter amplified its moisturizing capabilities, as it’s renowned for its ability to soothe and condition the skin. The product also prevents signs of aging for a youthful, healthy glow. Keep In Mind It may not be the best option for those who prefer a non-greasy, matte finish due to its slightly dewy finish. Additionally, it contains cetearyl alcohol. While this type of fatty alcohol is more nourishing than its drying counterparts, some people may still experience sensitivity or breakouts. Verywell Health / Jhett Thompson Verywell Health / Jhett Thompson Verywell Health / Jhett Thompson Verywell Health / Jhett Thompson Verywell Health / Jhett Thompson Best Budget Bubble Slam Dunk Hydrating Moisturizer Ulta View On Amazon $15 View On Walmart $15 View On Walmart $15 Our Ratings Feel 5/5 Absorption 4.7/5 Wear 4.8/5 Hydration 5/5 Appearance 4.8/5 Pros Minimizes redness Maintains moisture balance Protects against blue light damage Cons Not suitable for oily skin Contains potential plant allergens Key Specs Active Ingredients: Aloe leaf juice powder, avocado oil, hydrolyzed pea protein | Size: 1.7 ounces | Dosage: Apply to clean, dry skin up to twice daily | Scented: No Why We Recommend It The Bubble Slam Dunk Hydrating Moisturizer contains aloe leaf juice powder, famous for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. This helps minimize redness, a common symptom of rosacea. Additionally, avocado oil, rich in vitamins A, D, and E, aids in moisturizing the skin and promotes healing to further reduce redness and imperfections. We also liked that this moisturizer contains hydrolyzed pea protein, which is known to help maintain the skin's moisture balance. As a bonus, its blue light protection technology shields skin from potential damage caused by everyday digital exposure—think cell phones, laptops, tablets, and other digital devices that can alter skin cells and accelerate aging. Keep In Mind This product may not be suitable for those sensitive to plant extracts, as it contains potential allergens such as aloe leaf juice and hoya lacunose flower extract. If you already have oily skin, this moisturizer could worsen your condition due to its hydrating properties. Best for Rosacea and Seborrheic Dermatitis Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré Dermstore View On Amazon $29 View On Walmart $29 View On Dermstore $29 Our Ratings Feel 5/5 Absorption 5/5 Wear 5/5 Hydration 5/5 Appearance 4.8/5 Pros Doubles as a primer Minimizes signs of aging Contains fatty acids to repair skin barrier Cons No sun protection Lacks anti-inflammatory ingredients Key Specs Active Ingredients: Mineral oil, stearic acid, aloe vera, hydrolyzed soy protein | Size: 2.54 ounces | Dosage: Apply twice daily to clean, dry face | Scented: Yes Why We Recommend It Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré contains active ingredients like mineral oil, stearic acid, aloe vera, and hydrolyzed soy protein. Each of these works collectively to provide intense hydration, repair the skin barrier, and reduce signs of aging. Mineral oil helps lock in moisture and hydrate the skin, while aloe vera soothes and increases collagen production. The fatty acid content also aids in restoring and reinforcing the skin's barrier, which is crucial for managing skin conditions. In testing, we appreciated that this moisturizer doubles as a primer due to its lightweight, velvety texture. It absorbs quickly, leaving behind a silky smooth finish—perfect for concealing skin discoloration. Plus, it's free of parabens and sulfates so it's less likely to irritate your delicate face. Keep In Mind People with rosacea are sensitive to sunlight exposure because it can worsen symptoms. Unfortunately, Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré does not contain UV protection. Best for Dry Skin BYOMA Moisturizing Gel Cream Target View On Amazon $15 View On Target $10 View On Ulta $16 Our Ratings Feel 4.8/5 Absorption 4.7/5 Wear 5/5 Hydration 5/5 Appearance 5/5 Pros Vegan Oil-free Repairs skin barrier Cons No sun protection Lactic acid may be irritating Key Specs Active Ingredients: Niacinamide, green tea extract, tri-ceramide complex | Size: 1.6 ounces | Dosage: Apply up to two pumps to the skin twice daily | Scented: No Why We Recommend It The BYOMA Moisturizing Gel Cream boasts a unique blend of niacinamide, green tea extract, and a tri-ceramide complex that synergize to hydrate and restore the skin barrier. Niacinamide, a form of vitamin B3, is highly beneficial for those with rosacea, as it reduces inflammation and improves the skin's texture. This helps mitigate the roughness caused by dryness. Green tea extract, rich in antioxidants, provides anti-inflammatory benefits to reduce redness and irritation. This moisturizer impressed us during testing with its oil-free formulation that provides ample hydration. It was light and airy—the product absorbed in roughly ten minutes. It also stood out for being vegan, catering to the growing demand for cruelty-free skincare products. We were pleased that this moisturizer successfully targeted our rough patches while leaving a soft, dewy glow. Keep In Mind This pick also lacks SPF and won’t protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays. The lactic acid content can contribute to a burning sensation if your skin barrier is compromised. Verywell Health / Joy Kim Verywell Health / Joy Kim Best for Redness Drunk Elephant Lala Retro Whipped Refillable Moisturizer Amazon View On Drunkelephant.com View On Ulta View On Sephora $20 Our Ratings Feel/Consistency 3/5 Absorption 3/5 Dryness 4/5 Appearance 4/5 Value 3/5 Pros Balances skin pH Made with clean ingredients Clinically proven to improve hydration Cons Bottle can be wasteful Leaves a slight residue Key Specs Active Ingredients: Ceramides, African-oil blend, fermented green tea seed extract, sodium hyaluronate crosspolymer | Size: 1.69 ounces | Dosage: Apply anytime to clean, dry skin | Scented: No Why We Recommend It Drunk Elephant's Lala Retro Whipped Cream's ingredients work harmoniously to deliver intense hydration, balance the skin's pH, and reduce inflammation. The ceramides and blend of African oils reinforce the skin's natural barrier to prevent moisture loss. Fermentoil green tea seed, rich in antioxidants, adds a layer of protection against environmental stressors. This pick also contains hyaluronic acid (sodium hyaluronate crosspolymer) to hydrate the skin by drawing water to the surface from the deeper layers of skin. We noticed an immediate improvement in moisture content within minutes of applying. A small dab is enough to cover your entire face for all-day moisture. Keep In Mind While the packaging of Drunk Elephant's Lala Retro Whipped Cream is visually appealing, it may dispense more product than necessary, leading to potential waste. Also, we recommend pairing it with a high-SPF sunscreen during the day. Verywell Health / Jessica Juliao Verywell Health / Jessica Juliao Verywell Health / Jessica Juliao Verywell Health / Jessica Juliao Verywell Health / Jessica Juliao Verywell Health / Jessica Juliao Best for Sensitive Skin Tatcha The Water Cream Amazon View On Amazon $72 View On Walmart $64 View On Kohls.com $72 Our Ratings Feel/Consistency 5/5 Absorption 5/5 Oiliness 5/5 Appearance 5/5 Value 4.5/5 Pros Lightweight Won't clog pores Delivers balanced hydration Cons Not for severely dry skin Scent may be triggering Key Specs Active Ingredients: Spec | Size: 1.7 ounces | Dosage: Scoop a small amount of cream with the included spoon and massage into neck and face | Scented: Yes Why We Recommend It This luxurious yet lightweight cream is free of mineral oil, synthetic fragrances, and parabens to reduce the risk of irritation for sensitive skin. Its water-based formula balances skin texture and tone by infusing it with essential nutrients and vitamins. One of the things we love about The Water Cream is that it provides an instant, healthy glow without making our T-zone oily. It didn't transfer from face to pillow after bedtime application. It absorbed quickly, didn't need to be reapplied during the day, and minimized the dreaded end-of-day shine. And, as the name suggests, its water-like texture is the perfect base for applying makeup. Keep In Mind Though this water-based cream is compatible with all skin types, it may be too lightweight to combat severely dry skin. Additionally, the minor floral scent may trigger those with sensitive noses. Verywell Health / Jhett Thompson Best Cream Paula's Choice Omega+ Complex Moisturizer Sephora View On Amazon $38 View On Paulaschoice.com $31 View On Sephora $38 Our Ratings Feel/Consistency 4/5 Absorption 5/5 Dryness 5/5 Appearance 5/5 Value 4/5 Pros Prevents water loss Improves skin health Targets uneven texture Cons No sun protection May feel too heavy for some Key Specs Active Ingredients: Omega fatty acids, shea butter, borage seed oil, ceramides | Size: 1.7 ounces | Dosage: Apply up to two pumps onto face and neck | Scented: No Why We Recommend It This moisturizer is designed with dry and sensitive skin types in mind, which often aligns with the needs of those managing rosacea. It provides immediate nourishment while reinforcing the skin's moisture barrier to help maintain skin health and manage unpleasant symptoms. The combination of omegas 3, 6, and 9 and barrier-strengthening ceramides replenishes and soothes inflamed skin for a less irritated complexion. We were impressed by how quickly and effectively it relieved dry, irritated skin during testing. After several uses, we noticed a significant decrease in redness and inflammation. This moisturizer's rich, creamy texture makes an excellent cold-season base if you want plump and noticeably hydrated skin. Keep In Mind If you prefer an airy product, consider using this moisturizer at night and something lighter during the day. Daytime users will need an additional SPF product. Best Mask Estee Lauder Soft Creme/Mask Moisturizer Estee Lauder View On Walmart $38 View On Walmart $38 View On Esteelauder.com Our Ratings Feel 4.9/5 Absorption 4.8/5 Wear 5/5 Hydration 5/5 Appearance 4.7/5 Pros Shrinks pores Calms irritated skin Good for oily skin Cons Small container May be heavy for everyday use Key Specs Active Ingredients: Shea butter, niacinamide, green tea leaf extract, caffeine | Size: 1.7 ounces | Dosage: Apply a small amount to clean face | Scented: No Why We Recommend It The Nutritious Melting Soft Creme/Mask by Estee Lauder feels very natural and light. This moisturizer, part of the Nutritious Collection, is intended to help your skin thrive by bringing out its natural glow. The Nutritious Collection boasts an impressive 92%+ naturally derived formula, which means you're treating your skin with ingredients primarily sourced from nature. It’s also EWG verified, a third-party endorsement given to products that meet some of the strictest ingredient standards in the market. What sets this moisturizer apart is its pillowy-soft texture and ability to provide a neutral finish. It quenches dry skin, calms redness, and renews the skin without looking greasy. Our skin texture improved within four weeks—results we were pleasantly surprised by. It also didn't clog our pores or contribute to an acne breakout. Keep In Mind Since it's a cream-based product, some may find it a bit heavy for everyday use. It's also easy to use too much product; the small container goes fast. Best Drugstore Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Neutrogena View On Walmart $13 View On Ulta $28 View On Target $20 Our Ratings Feel/Consistency 3/5 Absorption 4/5 Dryness 4/5 Appearance 4/5 Value 4/5 Pros Oil-free Lasts all day Can be worn under makeup Cons Contains dye Fragrance may be irritating to some Key Specs Active Ingredients: Sodium hyaluronate, dimethicone, ethylhexylglycerin | Size: 1.7 ounces | Dosage: Apply thin layer to clean neck and face | Scented: Yes Why We Recommend It If you're looking for an effective moisturizer you can buy at your local pharmacy or supercenter, Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Gel-Cream is a worthwhile option. This moisturizer can help soothe and protect your skin, reducing the redness and sensitivity often associated with rosacea. What we love about this product is its oil-free and non-comedogenic formula. It won't clog pores or cause further irritation. It's lightweight enough to be worn alone or under makeup as a moisturizer, but let's not forget its key ingredient—hyaluronic acid (sodium hyaluronate). This ingredient works wonders to attract and lock in moisture, leaving your skin feeling soft, supple, and hydrated. We also appreciate that we don't end up with a shiny face when using this product. Keep In Mind While the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel-Cream is generally well-tolerated, it does contain added dye that can occasionally trigger skin irritation. It also has added fragrance. Verywell Health / Jhett Thompson Verywell Health / Jhett Thompson Verywell Health / Jhett Thompson Best for Acne-Prone Skin PCA Skin Clearskin Dermstore View On Amazon $59 View On Ecosmetics.com $59 View On Saynbeauty.com Our Ratings Feel 5/5 Absorption 4.9/5 Wear 4.5/5 Hydration 4.8/5 Appearance 4.3/5 Pros Calms irritated skin Minimizes breakouts Good for sensitive skin Cons Doesn’t control redness Some users may find it pricey Key Specs Active Ingredients: Niacinamide, bisabolol, vitamin A | Size: 1.7 ounces | Dosage: Apply a small amount to clean face twice daily | Scented: No Why We Recommend It We are big fans of the Clearskin moisturizer from PCA Skin for several reasons. First, it balances complexion and improves texture. Secondly, it helps maintain an optimal hydration level to keep moisture where it belongs—minimizing dry and rough patches. It's perfect for those with rosacea who need an all-day moisturizer that won't feel heavy or exacerbate the condition. The niacinamide content helps reduce inflammation and minimize breakouts, while vitamin A encourages cell turnover for a healthier-looking glow. After trying this product for a month, we think it's best suited for combination-oily skin since the acne-targeting ingredients can be a bit drying. Keep In Mind Though it contains niacinamide—an ingredient for reducing redness—we didn't notice much change to our hyperpigmentation and red-tinged skin. We also found it a bit pricey compared to other moisturizers in the same category. Verywell Health / Jhett Thompson Best for Mature Skin SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore Dermstore View On Skinstore.com $155 View On Skinceuticals.com $155 View On Dermstore $155 Our Ratings Feel 4.5/5 Absorption 4.8/5 Wear 5/5 Hydration 4.8/5 Appearance 4.4/5 Pros No residue Targets uneven texture Restores skin’s lipid content Cons May require adjustment period Pricier than other options Key Specs Active Ingredients: Ceramide 3, crosspolymer, cholesterol | Size: 1.6 ounces | Dosage: Apply twice daily to face, neck, and chest | Scented: Yes Why We Recommend It SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore 242 is a powerhouse of skin-revitalizing products. This potent formula contains ceramide 3, cholesterol, and other nourishing elements that work in unison to restore the skin's lipid content, a critical factor in maintaining a healthy skin barrier. A strong skin barrier is essential for managing rosacea symptoms, as it protects against environmental stressors and locks in essential moisture. We noticed improvement in our skin's texture and suppleness over the four-week testing period. The cream absorbs within minutes without leaving behind a residue. It doesn't leave behind the dewy effects, but you can easily combine it with a serum if you prefer that look. Keep In Mind People with sensitive skin may need to adjust to the product by using it every other day for the first week. It also contains fragrances like peppermint oil, rosemary leaf oil, and lavender oil, which some may be sensitive to. Verywell Health / Jhett Thompson Verywell Health / Jhett Thompson Verywell Health / Jhett Thompson Verywell Health / Joy Kim Best for Daytime REN Clean Skincare Day Cream Sephora View On Amazon $52 View On Renskincare.com View On Dermstore $52 Our Ratings Feel 4.5/5 Absorption 4.5/5 Wear 4.5/5 Hydration 4.5/5 Appearance 4/5 Pros Vegan Repairs skin barrier Rich and cream texture Cons Somewhat strong scent Not for severely dry skin Key Specs Active Ingredients: Blackcurrant seed oil, sea buckthorn oil, antioxidants | Size: 1.7 ounces | Dosage: Massage two pumps onto clean face and neck in the mornings | Scented: Yes Why We Recommend It This cream is not only cruelty-free and vegan-friendly, but its recycled packaging also champions sustainability. Beyond its eco-credentials, what really makes this moisturizer shine is its efficacy. The secret behind its success lies in the potent bioactive ingredients. Blackcurrant seed oil is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, while sea buckthorn oil packs in nourishing fatty acids, vitamins, and additional antioxidants. We recommend this product to those with mild dryness, as it wasn't quite hydrating enough for severely dry skin. That said, it's great for sensitive skin or as a daytime option. You can pair it with a thicker, spot treatment for any flakey, exacerbated patches. Keep In Mind Though this product contains only natural fragrances, it's somewhat strong. It also didn't target our more challenging dry skin patches as we hoped. Verywell Health / Jhett Thompson Verywell Health / Jhett Thompson Verywell Health / Joy Kim Verywell Health / Joy Kim Best for Nighttime Tula 24/7 Moisture Intense Ultra Hydrating Day & Night Cream Tula View On Amazon $56 View On Tula.com $58 View On Ulta $58 Our Ratings Feel 4.8/5 Absorption 4.5/5 Wear 4/5 Hydration 4.9/5 Appearance 4.5/5 Pros Targets fine lines Won’t clog pores Restores moisture content Cons Smaller container than competitors May cause breakouts Key Specs Active Ingredients: Shea butter, lactic acid, Lactococcus ferment lysate, hyaluronic acid | Size: 1.48 ounces | Dosage: Apply to clean face twice daily | Scented: Yes Why We Recommend It The Ultra Hydrating Day & Night Cream from TULA contains a blend of prebiotics and probiotic extracts that work together to maintain a healthy balance of microbiomes. Additionally, this cream provides intense hydration and helps smooth the look of fine lines and wrinkles, thanks to nourishing oil blends of camellia seed and argan oils. Beyond its moisturizing capabilities, it's free from potentially irritating ingredients such as parabens, sulfates, phthalates, and mineral oil. After using this product daily for a month, we noticed an improvement in our skin's texture and overall suppleness. Our skin felt super hydrated, and the natural scent was pleasant without being overpowering. Despite its oil content, it never felt greasy and didn't contribute to evening shine. We wouldn't recommend this pick for those with acne-prone skin, as the oil content might trigger breakouts. Keep In Mind The container is slightly smaller than other options and won’t last as long. Best for Oily Skin Shani Darden Hydration Peptide Cream Amazon View On Amazon $60 View On Shanidarden.com View On Violet Grey $60 Our Ratings Feel 4.9/5 Absorption 4.9/5 Wear 4.3/5 Hydration 4.9/5 Appearance 4.7/5 Pros Protect skin barrier Targets uneven texture Larger bottle size Cons Leaves a slight residue May be too thick for some Key Specs Active Ingredients: Squalane, ceramide NG, hydrolyzed sodium hyaluronate, shea butter, niacinamide | Size: 2.5 ounces | Dosage: Apply small amount to clean face up to twice daily | Scented: No Why We Recommend It Formulated to deliver sustained hydration for up to 72 hours, we were impressed with Shani Darden’s Hydration Peptide Cream. This gentle yet effective cream draws moisture into the skin without clogging your pores. It incorporates plumping peptides that support healthy collagen production to help maintain skin elasticity and firmness. While the niacinamide minimizes pores and smooths skin texture, it also targets rosacea’s redness and inflammation. We love the creamy texture; it glides on easily without caking or causing makeup to crease. If you're looking for that dewy look, this product may not be the right fit. Otherwise, the active ingredients in this pick complement oily skin while giving it a natural, plump appearance. As a bonus, it’s compatible with other skincare actives like retinol. Keep In Mind We noticed some leftover residue after application, likely due to its rich texture. Opt for a different product if you favor a lightweight base. Verywell Health / Jessica Juliao Verywell Health / Jessica Juliao Verywell Health / Jessica Juliao We Also Tested While the below products didn’t make our top recommendation, they may have the features you’re looking for in a moisturizer: belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb: We enjoyed the airy feel, but our skin felt dry by the end of the day.SK II SKINPOWER Cream: The ingredients wonderfully target uneven complexion, but it’s an investment of $255 per 2.7 ounces.Aestura ATOBARRIER365 Lotion (light): Our skin was glowing in the best way possible after consecutive use, but it has an initial tackiness some may not like. What to Look for in a Moisturizer for Rosacea Here are some important things to consider when shopping for a rosacea-friendly moisturizer: Protection and Coverage: Thicker formulas may hydrate exceptionally dry and irritated skin. However, some prefer a lighter moisturizer that’s seemingly invisible after application. Consider your preferred level of coverage before choosing a product. Price: High-quality ingredients often have a higher price tag, but balancing cost and effectiveness is crucial to ensure consistent use. Consider your budget and look for products with the highest value within that price range. How We Tested the Moisturizers In our rigorous testing process, we put a strong emphasis on evaluating the key characteristics that define a moisturizer's effectiveness for rosacea-prone skin. A team of credentialed dermatologists and skincare enthusiasts participated in the testing process, where they meticulously evaluated products based on specific attributes. Here are the attributes we evaluated: Feel/Consistency: We examined the texture and consistency of each moisturizer, looking for a balance between lightweight and nourishing. It needed to feel comfortable on the skin without being overly greasy or sticky.Absorption: Our staffers applied each moisturizer and waited 10 minutes to see how quickly it absorbed into the skin without leaving a residue. Rapid absorption was important, especially for users planning to layer other skincare products or makeup on top.Wear: The products were worn throughout the day under different conditions (indoors, outdoors, under makeup, etc.) to evaluate their performance and longevity.Hydration: We used moisture readers to objectively measure the moisturizing effect of each product over specific time intervals. The goal was to identify products that improved hydration levels over the four-week testing period.Appearance: Lastly, we assessed how each moisturizer affected the skin's overall appearance. The ideal product would offer a natural, healthy glow, diminish redness, and improve skin texture. Our Experts Ava Shamban, MD, board-certified dermatologist, researcher, and clinician founder of Ava MD and Skin Five, a skincare clinic and medical spa in Los Angeles Brittaney Trent, licensed esthetician and New York City-based beauty marketing and creative director Jolie De Feis, New York-based licensed esthetician at Ställe Studios, creator, and writer David Li, MD, MBA, a Harvard-trained dermatologist practicing in downtown Boston and chief operator at Boston Derm Advocate Samuel Hetz, MD, GPDerm, physician and medical director of Concept Medical, an advanced cosmetic clinic in Ottawa, Canada Janiene Luke, MD, dermatologist at Loma Linda University Faculty Medical Group Erum Ilyas, MD, FAAD, dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology in Pennsylvania Cynthia Robinson, MD, FAAD, dermatologist at Dermatology Associates of Uptown in Texas Frequently Asked Questions What type of moisturizer is best for rosacea? David Li, MD, MBA, a Harvard-trained dermatologist practicing in downtown Boston and chief operator at Boston Derm Advocate, recommends using cream-based products over lotions or gels to provide a better barrier and more hydration for rosacea-prone skin. He also recommends seeing a dermatologist to discuss prescription medications such as metronidazole cream, which may help reduce the overall bumpiness of the skin. How often should I moisturize my face if I have rosacea? Dermatologists recommend moisturizing at least twice daily—once in the morning and once at night. Always apply the moisturizer on clean skin, ideally after bathing when your skin is still slightly damp to help lock in moisture. What ingredients can make rosacea worse? According to Dr. Palm, the ingredients that could irritate rosacea-prone skin include lactic and glycolic acids, added fragrances, alcohol, and menthol, as well as harsh active ingredients like retinol, AHAs, BHAs, and essential oils. Why do I suddenly have rosacea? Rosacea's sudden appearance can often be attributed to a combination of genetic and environmental factors. These can include exposure to extreme temperature changes, stress, consumption of spicy foods or alcohol, or certain types of medication. Some people don't recognize the early signs of rosacea and become aware of the condition only after symptoms worsen. Why Trust Verywell Health Lindsay Modglin has encountered numerous patients with skin conditions like rosacea during her career as a nurse. As a writer, she has published bylines in Insider, Forbes, Healthline, Yahoo, and many more. She holds a professional certificate in scientific writing from Stanford University, further helping her break down complex health concepts into easy-to-understand language. Her number-one priority is ensuring that readers have access to accurate and actionable information so they can make the best decisions for their health. By Lindsay Modglin Lindsay is a nurse-turned professional health and wellness writer with 9+ years of clinical healthcare experience. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Medical Expert Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit