To locate the right products for your rosacea sensitive skin, the first point you have to remember is that facial skin is more tender and reactive on account of this condition. In other words, rosacea is easily provoked by any irritation to the facial skin. A lot of acne products, anti-aging products, and alcohol contain irritants. Certain botanical products such as rosemary or tea tree can also irritate the skin further.
Rosacea means such products cannot be used. When they are applied to your skin, there may be flare-ups or breakouts. Use the products only when rosacea is under treatment, and opt for lower strengths and less frequent applications. When the skin begins to flare up, you need to stop anything that irritates the skin and return to gently healing skin care products till your skin is soothed.
Regardless of whether rosacea is active or in remission, skin is sensitive and carefully selected skin care products are needed to prevent aggravation of your skin condition. Certain skincare products can help in controlling rosacea but a whole lot more products can trigger and aggravate it. Knowing what to use and what to avoid gives a certain degree of control over skin issues.
Top 5 and Best Face Wash for Rosacea
Table of Contents
Picture | Product | Key Ingredient | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Dove Face Wash | NutriumMoisture Beauty Serum | 3.0/5 |
 | Eucerin Redness Relief Soothing Cleanser | Natural Licochalcone | 4.0/5 |
 | Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser | Water, Cetyl Alcohol, Propylene Glycol | 4.4/5 |
 | Aveeno Ultra Calm Foaming Cleanser | Calming Feverfew extract | 4.5/5 |
Skin Care Tips for Rosacea
The basic steps for a complete skincare regimen for rosacea patients are to clean, treat, protect from UV rays and moisturize.
#1 Cleaning the Skin
An obvious goal while cleansing the skin is to remove excess oil and dirt as well as previously applied debris and products. Medicine is needed to help and control acne rosacea. But cleaning the skin requires gentle products because harsh ingredients are irritating for rosacea-prone skins.
You need to be specific about your cleanser if you suffer from rosacea. Safest and effective cleaning requires mild and gentle cleansers like Calming Zinc Soap. For those allergic to zinc. A non-foaming glycerin cleaning product might work too.
All those with rosacea-prone skin need to avoid salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and glycol acid. Only those with extremely oily skin should use foaming cleansing products with sodium laurel sulfate kind of ingredients. Facial cleansing wipes leave a chemical residue on the skin. Gentle cleansing is needed to prepare your skin better for the next step.
Apply mild products after washing and before application of thicker substances like moisturizes. So after cleansing routine is very important. Experts suggest that calming products are a key therapeutic step with the best green tea products containing ingredients like caffeine and hyaluronic acid.
Creams can also soothe the facial inflammation from sun exposure and seborrheic dermatitis that people with rosacea also suffer from. Skin care products that are just as effective include those with green tea antioxidant skin therapy.
#2 Moisturizing the Skin
Providing the top level of hydration for a rosacea sufferer is important for preventing flare-ups and breakouts. Unlike regular acne, rosacea does not worsen if oil containing moisturizers are applied to the skin. If you have rosacea, opt for daily moisturizing. Excessively oily skin along with rosacea will require a more active moisturizer. For dry skin, a hydrating product needs to be selected.
The moisturizer should dial in the moisture the skin requires. Hydrated skin is less prone to irritation, therefore, rosacea-related gentle moisturizers are needed. Makeup is literally the last thing to apply for rosacea.
#3 Protection from the Sun
Sunscreen application is a critical skincare product for anti-aging skin care and health-inducing outcomes. Sunlight may trigger rosacea to flare up. Chemical sunscreens, however, can irritate the skin further. Therefore rosacea parents should use sunscreen with mineral sunscreen ingredients, as these do not aggravate the skin. These provide the best and widest spectrum UVA or UVB protection for skin cancer, sun spots, and wrinkles.
How to Choose the Right Beauty Care Products for Rosacea
Rosacea is not a condition that cannot be dealt with. If you take care of skin effectively, avoid triggers and tame the outbreak, you can enjoy trouble-free skin for the rest of your life. Rosacea skin care is not complex. You need to adjust the routine to prevent flare-ups. The right skin care routine can change your skin for the better.
#1 The Right Moisturizer
For any skincare routine, moisturizers are very important. These may be available at home! Some natural moisturizers you can use include green tea extract. A moisturizer blocks the irritants while giving your skin the ability to remain smooth and supple. Choose a moisturizer that is oil and fragrance-free and hypoallergenic.
#2 The Right Face Wash
Much like a moisturizer, the perfect facial cleanser for people with rosacea should have very little harsh ingredients. The purpose of the cleanser is to destroy skin mites, oil, excess makeup, and bacteria. Damaging your skin can be the result of choosing the wrong type of cleanser. However good the cleanser is, if it does not have a mild or gentle action, it will only cause the symptoms to flare up. Choosing the right facial cleanser for the skincare routine is easy if you consider the following points:
- For oily skin: Pure, fragrance-free soaps that are mild are the best. There are also medicated soaps you can use.
- For dry skin: Non-soap cleansers are another good choice. They have a neutral pH that is closely linked to the skin’s pH value. Products designed for sensitive skin are essential.
- For overly dry skin: These people rarely have rosacea. But in case they do, a no-foam and creamy non-soap cleansing agent work best for them.
Why Limit Ingredients
While it may seem unusual at first, the number of ingredients applied to rosacea-prone skin should be limited. Over pampering the face is essential or rosacea will strike. The more ingredients skin care products have, the more they will irritate the skin. Line up all the products and read the labels with care.
The skin products rosacea patients use should be clear of alcohol, menthol, witch hazel, camphor, eucalyptus oil, peppermint, and propylene glycol. The next time you opt for a skin care product, you need to check the label before the purchase is made. Look for creams and cleansers designed for sensitive skin.
Reasons to Not Wash Your Face With Hot Water
Regardless of how cold a winter morning it is and you feel chilly, rosacea patients should not wash their face with hot water. While hot water does offer immediate relief, it can cause problems for the skin. All rosacea combating moves will be in vain if the face heats up since overheating is a common trigger. Check if you want to wash your face with cool water. If your water is cool, it will not trigger rosacea symptoms.
Why You Must Avoid Chemical Facials
Rosacea sufferers should avoid chemical based facials such as chemical peels, microdermabrasion, and simple scrubs. Facials can lead to initial soft and fresh skin which can soon turn into irritated and inflammation based flare up. Consult your skin specialist if you want to go in for a facial. Avoid treatments causing flare-ups.
Gentle cleansing is imperative for those with rosacea. Cleansers for rosacea should be mild. Cleansing twice a day will remove excess oil, environmental debris, and microbes like bacteria as well as residue from skin care and makeup products. This is an important step in soothing and treating the skin.
Choosing a Face Wash for Rosacea
To prevent irritation, use the fingertips. Do not opt for abrasive washcloths or sponges. Your cleanser should be chosen with care. Unless the skin is super oily, non-soap based cleansers are the best choice. This is because of the following reasons:
- They contain less than 10% soap
- They rinse off easily
- They have neutral pH closer to the natural acidity value of the skin
Dry to normal/combination skin needs a wide range of non-soap cleansers. This includes those that are specific to the sensitive or redness-prone skin. For very dry skin, what works perfectly is a creamy, low foaming, non-soap cleanser that is ideal for dry skin. This leaves behind a thin film that helps to hold moisture. For very oily skin, you need to wash with mild soap and avoid scrubbing. Aggressive over cleansing or rubbing can lead to irritation of the skin.
What Irritants to Avoid in a Face Wash For Rosacea
Face wash for rosacea should be selected with care. Some of the known irritants which you should avoid are:
- Sodium Laurel Sulfate
- Sodium Laureate Sulfate
- DEA (diethanolamine)
- MEA (monoethanolamine)
- TEA (triethanolamine)
- Parabens ( This includes butylparaben, propylparaben, methylparaben, and ethylparaben)
- Fragrance
- Triclosan
- Petrol and Mineral Oil Derived Ingredients
- Propylene Glycol
- Parrafin
- Mineral Oil
- Butylene Glycol
- Isopropyl Alcohol
- Petrolatum
List of Required Active Ingredients
This includes the following:
- Sodium Hydroxypropylphosphate
- Lauryl glucoside
- Cross polymer,
- Essential oil blends
- Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate (natural, plant-based surfactants)
- Sodium Coco-Glucoside Tartrate
- Natural plant oils
- Fruit and plant extracts
Rather than adding to any product containing water, you should find a product that contains aloe vera or natural ingredients as the first product.
First Important Ingredients
In any face wash for rosacea, the first 3 key ingredients are important. If the key ingredients are plant-based, bioactive compounds, you have a strong and potent product.
Understand your Skin Type
Knowing your skin type is essential in choosing the right product for your skin. If you lack an understanding of the types of skin or combination skin on your face, go through this guide to find the best face wash for rosacea
The 5 basic skin types are: dry, sensitive, oily, combination and normal.
Dry Skin
This has a dull, rough complexion and lack of elasticity. Small pores and red patches are common along with visible lines. When it is exposed to harsh chemicals or drying factors, dry skin itches, peels and becomes inflamed or irritated. Your skin may also become rough and scale-like.
Therefore, if you have rosacea + dry skin, you need to use a face wash that is moisturizing and does not dry out your skin. Cream-based face washes are wonderful for adding moisture and foaming cleansers tend to dry out the skin. Avoid hard chemicals, artificial fragrances, and alcohol, as these lead to stress. Check for a face wash that is rich in glycerin and hyaluronic acid. These ingredients hydrate the skin.
Sensitive Skin
This type of skin is known to have redness, burning, itching, and dryness. Sensitive skin responds to certain triggers which are different for everyone. Cleansers or face wash for rosacea for those with sensitive skin should be free of parabens and perfumes. A gentle face wash is very important. Those with rosacea should aim for gentle solutions, as they are most likely to have sensitive skin.
Oily Skin
This type of skin gets worse when there are warm weather and rising humidity. Stress can cause the skin to break out into blemishes. Look for a gel formula to eliminate oil without excessive stripping of the nutrients in the skin. This skin type is characterized by dull, shiny thick complexion, enlarged pores, pimples, and blackheads. Oily skin often worsens in warm weather and increases in humidity. Stress can cause blemishes on the skin.
So, look for a face wash for rosacea with non-comedogenic or non-pore clogging ingredients for the best results, if you have oily skin. Nice foaming face wash that does not over dry or irritates the skin, works well. Check for antibacterial ingredients such as tea tree oil or lavender, however.
Combination Skin
People with combination skin have a shiny and oily t-zone namely the nose, chin, and forehead. Dilated pores are also a feature of this type of skin, where the rosacea patient may have patches of normal or dry skin along with blackheads. Combination skin can be dry in some areas, normal in others. Stick to a face wash that is non-drying, but not too harsh. Soap and water can be excessively drying. A gel cleanser creates a good impact without the additional harshness.
Normal Skin
This has few or no problems. Rosacea sufferers rarely have normal skin. They have few or no visible pores or sensitivity in the rare occurrence that they do have normal skin. Face wash for normal skin offers a wider range of products and brands for rosacea sufferers.
Is Your Face Wash Working?
If the face feels taut, dry or itchy after a face wash, the cleanser may be too strong. The face should feel the same before it was washed, only lighter. Rubbing your skin after cleansing may make a squeaky sound if your face wash is too potent.
Ensure that you wash your face just twice in a day. Excessive washing contributes to dryness and irritation. There are some ways you can tell if the face wash is working properly.
Once the face is washed, use a cotton pad for rubbing non-alcohol based toner or cleansing oil to the skin. In case the cotton ball contains lots of makeup or grime, this is an indication that your face wash is not working. You may need a stronger face wash or a makeup remover.
Once the skin is cleansed, you need to touch the wet skin with the fingertips gently. Drag the fingers across the mirror. If the droplets of water are clear, only then is your face wash working properly.
Many cleansers are formulated especially for rosacea. These are gentle and free of irritating ingredients.
Steps to Follow
For minimizing skin irritation, try this gentle, step-by-step cleansing routines evolved by leading skin specialists.
Step 1
With your fingertips, wash skin gently with a face wash meant for rosacea. Do not use rough washcloth or sponges for this purpose.
Step 2
Rinse away the face wash with lukewarm water. Hot or cold water can lead to flushing and irritation. If the face is irritated by water at any degree, try using a cream cleanser to tissue the dryness.
Step 3
Blot your face with a cotton towel that is thick and gentle. Avoid rubbing your skin as the friction can aggravate the skin condition.
Step 4
As the stinging takes place in a skin which is wet, rosacea patients should wait for the facial dryness before application of makeup or topical medications. Reduce the drying time till the least amount of skin is dry. This prevents the skin from stinging. Once the topical medication has been applied, wait around 5-10 minutes before application of sunscreen, makeup or moisturizer.
In case there is ocular rosacea, eyelid scrubs and medication for the same should always be under medical supervision. A red face indicates rosacea but there are a lot of other similar conditions like acne, allergy or eczema. So if you are looking for the best face washes for rosacea, check out the products listed here and get the look you always wanted.
5 Top and Best Face Wash For Rosacea
#1 Dove Face Wash
A product the Mayo Clinic also recommends for rosacea is Dove. This gentle face wash has a lot of positive features which makes it the right choice.
Pros
- Non-Comedogenic
The first plus point of Dove gentle soap is that the cleanser is non-comedogenic. This means that the product does not block pores. As per the Dove website, other soap has harsh ingredients that cause skin irritation and leave behind a dry residue. This is in contrast to Dove which offers gentle cleansing in this regard.
- Deep Cleansing
Dove soap offers gentle cleansing without irritating the skin. Every Dove product is 1/4 moisturizing cream, so this hydrates the skin and helps to maintain its natural moisture.
- A Wide Variety of Options
Dove can be unscented or scented. Dove offers facial lotions too.
- Award Winning Product
This product was awarded the NEA Seal of Acceptance by the National Eczema Association. This ensures that you get a huge saving and good quality in the bargain.
- MVE Delivery
Another wonderful aspect of this product is the use of MVE delivery technology. This technology ensures the skin gets hydrated properly any time during the day or night.
- Hyaluronic Acid
This product also contains hyaluronic acid. This is very beneficial for retaining the natural skin moisture and preventing premature aging.
- Best Face Wash
This is an all-rounder when it comes to a rosacea face wash. The product can also be used as a shaving cream, it is so rich in a lather.
- Great Value for Money
If you are looking for a face wash that offers the best returns for your money, the product you need to zero in on is the Dove face wash. Ceramics boost skin production and this mild and gentle face wash is the perfect way to improve your skin quality.
- Not Animal Tested
If you want an eco-friendly product, this is it. The product is not tested on animals.
Cons
- A Bit Thick
This lather can be a little too creamy for the user. If you have rosacea, you may need an even milder product.
- Can Lead to Breakouts
Although this product is gentle, it can lead to breakouts in some persons. This product needs to be purchased keeping in mind that you don’t have any allergies to its raw ingredients.
#2 Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser
Cetaphil is another mild facial cleanser. This is proposed as one of the perfect face wash for Mayo Clinic. The Cetaphil website depicts this product as ideal for everyday use. Here are the reasons why it is so popular with rosacea patients.
Pros
- Natural Balance
This product supports the natural pH balance of the skin and does not strip it of its natural protective ingredients.
- Non-Comedogenic
Cetaphil gentle skin cleanser offers non-comedogenic and fragrance-free balance. It is used for various conditions such as rosacea, acne, and eczema. It is gentle for the child to use, even.
- Committed to Offering Quality Products
Galderma Labs offers the quality product which is a huge plus as they are committed to offering only the top beauty items. The product feels mild and gentle on the skin. You get the feeling that you are using the mildest face wash.
- Low-Lathering Formula
The low-lathering formula can be used for cleansing the most delicate type of skin, including those of babies. However, this product has been designed for adults only, keeping the needs of baby soft skin in mind.
- Affordable
Another moot point on which the cleanser scores is its affordability. The face wash comes at a reasonable price tag and is so gentle it can be used for sensitive skin that most rosacea sufferers have.
- Can Be Used Alone
This face wash does not even need water for its use. The product can be used easily especially if water has a drying effect on your skin.
Cons
- Tested on Animals
This product has been tested on animals, making it tough to reconcile for those who are vegan or follow certain ethics and lifestyle choices.
- Does not Remove Makeup
This product also does not remove makeup. It can create a real problem for the user who wants to thoroughly cleanse their skin.
#3 Eucerin Redness Relief Soothing Face Wash
This cleanser is safe for sensitive skin, making it the ideal face wash for rosacea. The gel cleanser does not have any soap content. Here are some of its other benefits.
Pros
- Fragrance-Free
The cleanser is fragrance-free which is a big plus point for rosacea sufferers. This is because its non-irritating formula does not react with your skin, nor does it contain any chemicals to impart its distinctive smell.
- Non-Comedogenic
This means this face wash does not clog the pores. Sensitive skin offers a certain kind of requirement and this includes non-comedogenic cleansing which does not block the pores. It permits the skin to breathe, which is a big plus point.
- No Dryness
The sensitive skin redness relief soothing face wash contains a type of extract called Licochalcone which leaves a moisturized feeling on the skin after use. This helps to restore and maintain the moisturizing balance of the skin.
- Gel-Like Form
The formula is non-comedogenic and soap as well as fragrance-free. This is one of the best drugstore cleansers for rosacea. The reason why it has skin redness in its title is on account of the fact that this face wash promises improvement from rosacea in just under 4 weeks.
- Lightweight and Easy to Apply
This product comes in gel-type form and is not messy to use. It is lightweight and easy in terms of application.
Cons
- Costly
This product is quite expensive and it is not cost effective. If you are looking for bargain prices and best deals, this is not the best face wash for rosacea.
- Paraben Rich
This product is also brimming with parabens, and this is a very bad deal for those suffering from rosacea.
- A Burning Sensation
Some users also report a burning or stinging sensation following the use of the face wash. Individual allergies need to be considered before the gel can be used.
#4 Aveeno Ultra Calm Foaming Cleanser
This product contains a unique herbal formulation. This is feverfew, a herb associated with chamomile which causes the skin to be soothed easily. The product reduces your redness and calms the irritation in the skin. It is gentle for everyday use.
Pros
- Fragrance and Soap Free
This face wash does not offer any fragrance or soaps. This means it is more natural and less likely to contain chemicals that are tough for everyday use.
- Non-Comedogenic
This product is non-comedogenic and does not block pores. It is hypoallergenic and offers easy removal of makeup and grime without drying the skin too much.
- Maintains Proper Moisture Balance
This product also maintains the skin’s proper moisture balance. It does not cause the skin to be taut, dry or itchy, unlike soaps. The system provides immediate relief and contributes to the general improvement of the skin in 4 weeks.
- Beneficial to the Skin
This product is rich in feverfew which lowers a headache and reduces fever. Recent studies have found pure feverfew extract also benefits the skin.
- Safe for Sensitive Skin
The extract also soothes irritation making it safe for sensitive skin. It also alleviates skin redness.
- Perfect Face Wash
This cleanser is an all-rounder. Though gentle, it rids of makeup, dirt, and oil without over-drying the skin.
- Free of Chemicals
The product is hypoallergenic, soap and fragrance-free. This offers a cleanser safe for daily use.
- Money’s Worth
This product gives you your money’s worth. This cleanser is the best price product for the tag it comes in.
- Foamy Consistency
This face wash shows results after just a few washes. This comes in the form of foamy consistency which offers the perfect hydrating balance for the skin.
Cons
- Limited Applications
This face wash only removes blush and foundation. It yields a burning sensation following use for some.
- Tested on Animals
It also offers a product tested on animals which may be seen as unethical by vegan and vegetarian individuals.
#5 Neutrogena Extra Gentle Face Wash
This is an excellent facial cleanser for combating rosacea.
Pros
- Soap and Fragrance-Free
Neutrogena offers a soap and fragrance-free option. This cleanser moisturizes the skin with easy use.
- Non-Comedogenic
Non-comedogenic properties add further to the product. The cleanser does not clog pores. It retains suppleness and resiliency following cleansing.
- Anti-Irritant benefits
Chamomile and Vitamin E add anti-irritant benefits for gently and efficiently cleaning without leaving a residue.
- Superior Cleaning, Maximum Gentleness
This gel technology offers maximum cleansing along with sensitive and gentle cleansing. Its patented technology removes oil, dirt, and makeup. Natural moisture barriers leave the feeling too soft, never dry or tight.
- Rinses Completely Clean
Ultra Gentle rinses the face completely. It is formulated with hypoallergenic fragrance which is sans any skin allergies and essential oils. This cleanser is perfect for those with sensitive skin like rosacea.
- Ultra Gentle Hydrating Cleanser
This formula is housed in a pump bottle and offers a lightweight, lotion-like texture that does not yield lather or foam. It is a winning formula for dry to sensitive skin.
Cons
- Cannot Remove Full Face Makeup
This is an affordable cleanser but the only place it fails is if heavy makeup is applied. If the minimal light makeup is worn, the face wash will work well. Long-wearing formulas are perfect for separate makeup removers.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q. What is the cleansing routine rosacea patients should follow?
Rosacea is most common in the center part of the face. While redness may be transient initially, it later becomes persistent. Wash your face with a gentle face wash and lukewarm water. Infused with ceramics, natural oils hydrate the skin and offer relief from the irritation and swelling.
Q. What is the next step after washing the skin?
Apply treatment creams and sunscreens with SPF 15 or more. A 100 percent oil-free, fragrance and paraben free does not lead to blocking of the pores. Cleanse and moisturize the skin again.
Q. What are the common triggers for rosacea?
Some triggers include warm weather and excessive sweat. Stress can cause a flare up too. Cleansers that contain alcohol, fragrance or menthol can pose a problem too. Broad spectrum SPF is important.
Q. What are the benefits of organic products for a face wash for rosacea?
The organic and natural products are gentler and milder. These have natural and herbal ingredients in them, leading to faster healing and less irritation on the skin.
Conclusion
Rosacea requires a certain amount of care. But it is possible to get a lustrous skin with a sheen that is amazing if you opt for rosacea. Rosacea face wash offers the benefits that come with mild, gentle cleansing only if you choose natural, organic or mild products. So, make the right choice to prevent a flare-up or a breakout. These amazing face wash for rosacea offer a plethora of benefits. In general, look for a light lather face wash that offers mild action, easy non-comedogenic properties and fragrance, oil and paraben free action.
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