Dermatologists Say These Are the Best Face Washes for Rosacea (2024)

Dermatologists Say These Are the Best Face Washes for Rosacea (1)

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Rosacea is a condition that causes flushing or redness for a long period, often on the face. It could also cause enlarged blood vessels and small pus-filled bumps, according to the Mayo Clinic. Some people experience flares, where symptoms come and go, and the products you use can play a big role in this. That’s why it’s important to use the best face wash for rosacea, as these are gentle enough for those with the skin condition, while still cleansing and fortifying.

Meet the experts: Janiene Luke, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist in Loma Linda, CA; and Marisa Garshick, M.D., F.A.A.D., a board-certified dermatologist based in New York

“People with rosacea tend to have sensitive skin that can be easily irritated in response to use of certain products or ingredients. The underlying inflammation in the skin due to rosacea may cause people to feel a burning, stinging, or tingling sensation when they use various products,” says Janiene Luke, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist in Loma Linda, CA. “Typically, I recommend using products formulated specifically for rosacea or products that are made for sensitive skin, contain fewer ingredients, or contain ingredients that can help hydrate or soothe the skin.”

Ahead, find the best face washes for rosacea, including drugstore options, ones for sensitive skin, oily skin, and more.

1

Best Overall Face Wash for Rosacea

Cetaphil Redness Relieving Foaming Face Wash for Sensitive Skin

Dermatologists Say These Are the Best Face Washes for Rosacea (8)

Pros
  • Dermatologists Say These Are the Best Face Washes for Rosacea (9)Soothes
  • Dermatologists Say These Are the Best Face Washes for Rosacea (10)Hydrates
  • Dermatologists Say These Are the Best Face Washes for Rosacea (11)Foaming lather
Cons
  • Dermatologists Say These Are the Best Face Washes for Rosacea (12)Some reviewers dislike the scent

A primary concern for those with rosacea is redness. While a cleanser can’t conceal discoloration, it can help target the cause of it. “This face wash is specifically formulated for redness-prone skin, containing soothing ingredients such as allantoin and hydrating ingredients like glycerin. It offers a light foaming lather that gently but effectively removes dirt and impurities,” explains Marisa Garshick, M.D., F.A.A.D., a board-certified dermatologist based in New York.

Active ingredientsLicorice extract, allantoin, and caffeine

2

Best Affordable Face Wash for Rosacea

Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser

Dermatologists Say These Are the Best Face Washes for Rosacea (13)

Dermatologists Say These Are the Best Face Washes for Rosacea (14)

Pros
  • Dermatologists Say These Are the Best Face Washes for Rosacea (15)Great for sensitive skin
  • Dermatologists Say These Are the Best Face Washes for Rosacea (16)Fragrance-free
  • Dermatologists Say These Are the Best Face Washes for Rosacea (17)Helps remove makeup
Cons
  • Dermatologists Say These Are the Best Face Washes for Rosacea (18)Some reviewers say it dries out skin

Dermatologists have been recommending Vanicream for some time thanks to its gentle formula that’s ideal for sensitive skin types. “This cleanser helps to get rid of makeup, dirt, and excess oil but is free of common irritants found in other cleansers such as fragrance, dyes, parabens, formaldehyde, and other preservatives, making it a great option for those with rosacea and sensitive skin. It’s gentle enough to be used every day and can remove makeup and excess oil, without drying the skin out,” says Dr. Garshick.

Active ingredientsGlycerine, coco-glucoside

3

Best Over-the-Counter Face Wash for Rosacea

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Lightweight Hydrating Facial Gel Cleanser

Dermatologists Say These Are the Best Face Washes for Rosacea (19)

Dermatologists Say These Are the Best Face Washes for Rosacea (20)

Pros
  • Dermatologists Say These Are the Best Face Washes for Rosacea (21)Affordable
  • Dermatologists Say These Are the Best Face Washes for Rosacea (22)Fragrance-free
  • Dermatologists Say These Are the Best Face Washes for Rosacea (23)Hydrating
Cons
  • Dermatologists Say These Are the Best Face Washes for Rosacea (24)Some reviewers dislike the scent

“This cleanser is formulated with hyaluronic acid and glycerin to hydrate the skin. It is fragrance-free and good for people with sensitive skin and is widely available over the counter or online,” says Dr. Luke. It’s a favorite for those without rosacea too. I have a sensitive, reactive complexion, and love this face wash. I use it at night and it also effectively removes my makeup.

Active ingredientsHyaluronic acid

4

Best soothing face wash for rosacea

Aveeno Calm + Restore Nourishing Oat Face Cleanser for Sensitive Skin

Dermatologists Say These Are the Best Face Washes for Rosacea (25)

Dermatologists Say These Are the Best Face Washes for Rosacea (26)

Pros
  • Dermatologists Say These Are the Best Face Washes for Rosacea (27)Contains calming ingredients
  • Dermatologists Say These Are the Best Face Washes for Rosacea (28)Fragrace-free
  • Dermatologists Say These Are the Best Face Washes for Rosacea (29)Made without alcohols
Cons
  • Dermatologists Say These Are the Best Face Washes for Rosacea (30)Some reviewers wish it offered a more thorough cleanse

Dr. Luke recommends this pick from Aveeno. “This cleanser is formulated with oat and feverfew to help calm, hydrate, and gently cleanse the skin. This cleanser is non-comedogenic and made without dyes, fragrance, or alcohols, and is a good affordable option that is available in most drug stores or online,” she says.

Active ingredientsOat and feverfew

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5

Best face wash for rosacea and oily skin

Cetaphil Pro Oil Removing Foam Wash

Dermatologists Say These Are the Best Face Washes for Rosacea (31)

Dermatologists Say These Are the Best Face Washes for Rosacea (32)

Pros
  • Dermatologists Say These Are the Best Face Washes for Rosacea (33)Contains Zinc oxide
  • Dermatologists Say These Are the Best Face Washes for Rosacea (34)Hydrating
  • Dermatologists Say These Are the Best Face Washes for Rosacea (35)Non-drying
Cons
  • Dermatologists Say These Are the Best Face Washes for Rosacea (36)Some Amazon reviewers noted buying a three pack but only receiving one product

Another cleanser recommended by dermatologists for those with sensitive skin, this Cetaphil option is great for those with rosacea, according to Dr. Luke. “This cleanser is pH balanced and formulated with zinc to reduce oil on the surface of the skin. It is also non-comedogenic and contains glycerin to help hydrate skin,” she says.

Active ingredientsAloe vera, chamomile, and green tea

6

Best Face Wash for Rosacea and Dry Skin

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Dermo Face Cleanser

Dermatologists Say These Are the Best Face Washes for Rosacea (37)

Pros
  • Dermatologists Say These Are the Best Face Washes for Rosacea (38)Non-stripping formula
  • Dermatologists Say These Are the Best Face Washes for Rosacea (39)Soothing
  • Dermatologists Say These Are the Best Face Washes for Rosacea (40)Removes makeup
Cons
  • Dermatologists Say These Are the Best Face Washes for Rosacea (41)Some reviewers found it did not satisfactorily remove makeup

“This milky cleanser is formulated with glycerin to gently clean the skin without stripping it as well as thermal spa water to soothe the skin,” Dr. Luke notes. The brand also notes the product’s ability to remove waterproof makeup, which is notoriously difficult to come off—which can be a problem for sensitive, already-red skin.

Active ingredientsGlycerin, La Roche-Posay thermal spring water

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7

Best Face Wash for Rosacea and Very Sensitive Skin

CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser

Dermatologists Say These Are the Best Face Washes for Rosacea (42)

Dermatologists Say These Are the Best Face Washes for Rosacea (43)

Pros
  • Dermatologists Say These Are the Best Face Washes for Rosacea (44)Over 110,000 ratings on Amazon
  • Dermatologists Say These Are the Best Face Washes for Rosacea (45)Hydrating
  • Dermatologists Say These Are the Best Face Washes for Rosacea (46)Helps replenish skin barrier
Cons
  • Dermatologists Say These Are the Best Face Washes for Rosacea (47)Some reviewers wished it lathered

CeraVe is beloved by people with all sorts of skin conditions, rosacea included. “This cleanser is great for sensitive skin but is also very hydrating. It contains ceramides and hyaluronic acid which help replenish the skin’s barrier and draws moisture into the skin. This cleanser is fragrance-free and non-comedogenic,” explains Dr. Luke.

Active ingredientsCeramides 1, 3, 6-II; hyaluronic acid; niacinamide

8

Best Gel Face Wash for Rosacea

Solawave Solabiome Hydrating Gel Cleanser

Pros
  • Dermatologists Say These Are the Best Face Washes for Rosacea (49)Removes excess oil
  • Dermatologists Say These Are the Best Face Washes for Rosacea (50)Hydrates
  • Dermatologists Say These Are the Best Face Washes for Rosacea (51)Removes makeup
Cons
  • Dermatologists Say These Are the Best Face Washes for Rosacea (52)Some reviewers wish the bottle contained more product

For those who prefer a gel consistency, this is the product for you. Dr. Garshick says it combines “a gentle yet effective surfactant with vitamin B5, also known as panthenol, and the proprietary 1.2% Solabiome complex.” She says, “This cleanser is both gentle and effective at removing excess oil. It helps to remove excess oil and makeup while still being gentle on the microbiome and strengthening the skin barrier.”

According to the Cleveland Clinic, vitamin B5 helps moisturize, hydrate, and repair skin.

Active ingredientsWater, lactobacillus ferment lysate, panthenol

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9

Best Face Wash for Rosacea With Probiotics

Clinique Redness Solutions Soothing Face Cleanser With Probiotic Technology

Pros
  • Dermatologists Say These Are the Best Face Washes for Rosacea (54)Formulated for those with redness-prone skin
  • Dermatologists Say These Are the Best Face Washes for Rosacea (55)Gentle
  • Dermatologists Say These Are the Best Face Washes for Rosacea (56)Hydrates
Cons
  • Dermatologists Say These Are the Best Face Washes for Rosacea (57)Pricier than other options on this list

“Specifically formulated for those with redness-prone skin, this cleanser is gentle...and helps to remove makeup and impurities without drying,” explains Dr. Garshick. “In addition to probiotic technology, it contains squalane and glycerin, keeping the skin soft and smooth.”

Active ingredientsLactobacillus extract

How to choose the best face wash for rosacea

Dermatologists Say These Are the Best Face Washes for Rosacea (58)

Try products for “sensitive skin.” Dr. Luke says she tends to “recommend products that are for people with ‘sensitive skin’ since these tend not to cause rosacea flares and people are often able to tolerate them.”

Consider the formula. Dr. Luke says to look for products that contain niacinamide, glycerin, and/or ceramides. Dr. Garshick says to seek out “calming ingredients like allantoin and niacinamide,” which she says “can also help to calm redness and reduce inflammation. ”

Avoid fragrance. “It is best to avoid fragrances that may trigger rosacea flares or be irritating on the skin,” explains Dr. Garshick.

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Should I avoid certain ingredients if I have rosacea?

Dermatologists Say These Are the Best Face Washes for Rosacea (59)

“Those with rosacea should avoid heavy fragrance or oils that can trigger skin sensitivity. It is also best to avoid drying alcohols, harsh soaps, abrasive scrubs, or ingredients that may be irritating such as benzoyl peroxide and exfoliating acids,” Dr. Garshick says.

How we chose the best face wash for rosacea

Dermatologists Say These Are the Best Face Washes for Rosacea (60)

We spoke with Janiene Luke, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist in Loma Linda, CA; and Marisa Garshick, M.D., F.A.A.D., a board-certified dermatologist based in New York for their recommendations on the best face wash for rosacea. We also scoured countless online reviews and ratings to find the best options.

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Why trust us

Dermatologists Say These Are the Best Face Washes for Rosacea (61)

For more than 70 years, Prevention has been a leading provider of trustworthy health information, empowering readers with practical strategies to improve their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Our editors interview medical experts to help guide our health-focused product selections. Additionally, Prevention also examines hundreds of reviews—and often conducts personal testing done by our staff—to help you make informed decisions.

Dermatologists Say These Are the Best Face Washes for Rosacea (62)

Emily Goldman

Deputy Editor

Emily Goldman is the deputy editor at Prevention. She’s spent her career editing and writing about health, wellness, beauty, fashion, and food for Martha Stewart Living, Martha Stewart Weddings, Bridal Guide, Good Housekeeping, and more. She’s loved all things health and wellness since starting her bi-weekly podcast Pancreas Pals—a series all about the highs and lows of living life with type 1 diabetes. When not podcasting, she spends most of her time curled up with a good book or watching a period piece on BBC.

Dermatologists Say These Are the Best Face Washes for Rosacea (2024)
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