11 Best Esthetician-Approved Cleansers For Rosacea (2024)

Get one step closer to spotless skin without using chemically-induced formulas.

Reviewed by Vanessa Huerta, Licensed Esthetician Vanessa Huerta Vanessa HuertaLicensed Esthetician facebook_icontwitter_icon
Written by , MA (English Literature), Certified Skin Care Coach Shiboli Chakraborti MA (English Literature), Certified Skin Care Coach Experience: 4 years
Edited by , MA (English Literature), Diploma In Health & Wellness Aditi Naskar MA (English Literature), Diploma In Health & Wellness Experience: 5 years
Fact-checked by , BA (Literature & Psychology), PG Diploma Arshiya Syeda BA (Literature & Psychology), PG Diploma Experience: 7 years
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Redness, bumps, pustules, dilated blood vessels, and dry skin are some of the common concerns of rosacea. You can observe this inflammatory skin condition around your nose or the center of your forehead or chin. While you can not alleviate rosacea completely, you can reduce the symptoms with the best cleansers for people with rosacea that are expert-recommended. Washing your face with these cleansers helps remove dirt, irritants, and germs from the skin and keep your skin irritation- and redness-free. In addition, these cleansers are gentle on the skin and keep the skin hydrated. In this article, we compile a list of the 11 ideal cleansers for rosacea that can help to soothe your rosacea. Scroll down to check them out!

11 Best Cleansers For Rosacea That Gently Clean Your Face (2024)

1. Best Hypoallergenic:Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Hydrating Cleanser

4.3
Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Hydrating Cleanser Image: Neutrogena
This effective yet mild cleanser from Neutrogena is clinically proven to be gentle on sensitive skin. It keeps your rosacea-prone skin clean without stripping it dry. The glycerin-derived polyglyceryl-10 laurate is a gentle cleanser that washes off dirt, grime, and makeup from the skin, without drying it out. And this specially formulated oil-free cleanser for rosacea is suitable for extremely sensitive skin types. Take a look at the reviewer’s demo of using the Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Hydrating Cleanser.
Skin Type: Dry,sensitive skin | Product Dimensions: 1.72 x 3.45 x 6.7 inches | Weight: 12 Ounces

Key Ingredients: Polyglyceryl-10 laurate and glycerin

Pros

  • Creamy cleanser
  • Non-greasy
  • Hydrating
  • Hypoallergenic
  • Lathers up well
  • Non-comedogenic
  • Developed by dermatologists
  • Oil-free
  • Soap-free
  • Fragrance-free
  • Paraben-free

Cons

  • Leaves a film over skin

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

With over 1,312 reviews, this product has become a fan favorite among users.

2. Best Dermatologist-Tested:La Roche-Posay Toleriane Dermo-Cleanser

4.3
laroche-posay Image: La Roche-posay Toleriane Dermo-cleanser
This clinically-tested, hydrating, milky cleanser from La Roche-Posay, specially created for sensitive skin types, is formulated with the brand’s patent thermal spring water rich in selenium and antioxidants. They help in soothing irritation and redness, keeping the skin flare-free. The dermatologist-recommended cleanser is proven to deliver visible results as it gently melts your makeup, dirt, grime, and traces of pollution from your face, leaving it soft and hydrated. Glycerin present in this cult-favorite product provides intense moisturization to the delicate skin and soothes irritated patches of rosacea.Here’s this video of a personal review of the La Roche-Posay Toleriane Dermo-Cleanser, testing its effectiveness and benefits.
Skin Type: Combination, Sensitive, Normal | Product Dimensions: 1.8 x 1.8 x 6.75 inches | Weight: 7.05 Ounces

Key Ingredients: Glycerin and La Roche-Posay thermal spring water

Pros

  • Creamy, milky texture
  • Can be used around eyes
  • Dermatologist-tested
  • Oil-free
  • Works as a makeup remover
  • Non-comedogenic
  • Fragrance-free
  • Paraben-free
  • Preservative-free

Cons

  • Greasy
  • May cause breakouts

protip_icon Quick Tip
Do not use a towel or cloth to remove the cleanser. Instead, gently rinse it out of your face or use cotton pads for removal.

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

This product has made it to our top favorite list with more than 1,485 rave reviews on Amazon.

3. Best For Ocular Rosacea:Cliradex Light Advanced Foaming Cleanser With 4-Terpineol

4.2
cliradex Image: Cliradex Light Advanced Foaming Cleanser With 4-terpineol
Sometimes, rosacea can affect your eyes, leading to redness, swelling, and styes. Ophthalmologists recommend cleansing the eyelids regularly to keep the rosacea under control. And you can trust this advanced gentle foaming cleanser from Cliradex for the job. This vegan and cruelty-free cleanser removes dirt or oil around the eyelids, keeping it irritation- and inflammation-free. The 4-Terpineol extracted from tea tree oil neutralizes demodex mites that irritate the eyes, causing multiple eye concerns including ocular rosacea, blepharitis, MDG, and dry eyes. This formula is chemical-free, artificial fragrance-free, and artificial color-free.
Skin Type: Dry | Product Dimensions: 4.9 x 1.38 x 1.38 inches | Weight: 2.29 Ounces

Key Ingredients: Tea tree oil

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Prevents blepharitis
  • Can be used as a facial cleanser
  • Vegan
  • Cruelty-free
  • Paraben-free
  • Sulfate-free
  • Fragrance-free
  • Artificial color-free
  • Alcohol-free
  • Fillers-free

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Makes skin dry
  • Stings on application

protip_icon Pro Tip
Apply this cleanser gently with your fingertips using circular motions. Rinse off the cleanser with lukewarm water to avoid irritating the rosacea-affected areas.
Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Hydrating Cleanser
Best Hypoallergenic
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Dermo-Cleanser
Best Dermatologist-Tested
Cliradex Light Advanced Foaming Cleanser With 4-Terpineol
Best For Ocular Rosacea
Skin Type Dry,sensitive skin Combination, Sensitive, Normal Dry
Dimensions 1.72 x 3.45 x 6.7 inches 1.8 x 1.8 x 6.75 inches 4.9 x 1.38 x 1.38 inches
Weight 12 Ounces 7.05 Ounces 2.29 Ounces
Rating
Reviews1,3121,485854
Price$9.79$25.99$29.99

4. Best Fragrance-Free:Derma-E Sensitive Skin Cleanser

4.2
dermae Image: Derma-e Sensitive Skin Cleanser
Rosacea-prone skin is extremely sensitive and demands an extra amount of care. This sensitive skin cleanser for rosacea, infused with antioxidant-rich pycnogenol, keeps your rosacea-battered skin happy while providing antiaging benefits. Hydrating aloe extract and antioxidant-rich green tea calm your inflammation, reduce redness, and safeguard your skin from environmental stressors. The provitamin B5 in the formula hydrates your skin, smoothes bumpy texture, and keeps it soft and plump. Besides, nutrients from lemongrass and chamomile fade fine lines and wrinkles, rendering a glowing and youthful appearance. Plus, the formula maintains the skin’s pH balance and leaves it satiny-smooth.
Skin Type: Combination, Dry | Product Dimensions: 6 x 5 x 4 inches | Weight: 4.6 Ounces

Key Ingredients: Pycnogenol, Aloe vera, Provitamin B5, Chamomile, and Lemongrass

Pros

  • Fades fine line
  • Maintains pH balance
  • Shields from environmental stressors
  • Dermatologist tested
  • Benzene-free
  • BPA-free
  • Sulfate-free
  • Fragrance-free

Cons

  • Leaves a film on the skin
  • Can trigger allergies

protip_icon Remember
Avoid using cleansers with alcohol, camphor, or added fragrances as these ingredients may dry out rosacea-infected skin.

5. Best For Acne-Prone Skin:Kidskin Gentle Skin Cleanser

4.4
paulaschoice Image: Kidskin Gentle Skin Cleanser
Skin care for kids and pre-teens can be tricky. Hormonal changes can trigger acne and worsen existing rosacea. They need an effective yet safe facial cleanser that keeps their face clean without aggravating the acne. The Gentle Skin Cleanser from Kidskin is recommended by pediatricians for its proven efficacy and positive reviews. Its antioxidant-rich peptides soothe inflammation and redness, calming the rosacea flares and keeping the skin hydrated. Skin-loving botanical extracts like white birch, plantago lanceolata leaf, and olive extracts condition the skin, halting rosacea or acne flares.
Skin Type: All | Product Dimensions: 2 x 2 x 7 inches | Weight: 3.2 Ounces

Key Ingredients: Ginkgo biloba leaf, Olive leaf, Plantago lanceolata leaf, White birch leaf, and Horse chestnut seed extract

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Dermatologist recommended
  • For all skin types
  • Cruelty-free
  • Paraben-free
  • Sulfate-free
  • Fragrance-free
  • Gluten-free
  • Benzoyl-free

Cons

  • Can trigger allergies

6. Best Organic:pHat 5.5 Manuka Honey Rosacea Wash

Persistent redness signifies rosacea, and it could worsen due to lack of treatment. And nourishing skin care is essential for your rosacea-battered skin. Start your skin care routine with the nourishment of manuka honey and hemp seeds available in this organic cleanser from pHat 5.5. Nutrient-rich manuka honey and aloe vera are incredibly moisturizing and soothing to the skin. Mineral-rich ingredients, such as coconut, cehami, plumeria, hemp seed, and olive oil repair your damaged skin and heal the red flares. The formula is non-comedogenic and non-allergenic, making it safe for infantile pityriasis rosea as well.
Skin Type: Oily, Combination, Dry, Normal | Product Dimensions: 1.75 x 1.75 x 5 inches | Weight: 4 Ounces

Key Ingredients: Manuka honey, Aloe vera, Cehami, Plumeria, Olive, Coconut, and Hemp Seed oils

Pros

  • pH balance
  • Non-comedogenic
  • Non-irritating
  • Lightweight
  • Cruelty-free
  • Paraben-free
  • Sulphate-free
  • Gluten-free
  • Fragrance-free
  • Non-allergenic
  • Organic

Cons

  • May cause breakouts

7. Best Anti-Aging:NAELI Gentle Face Wash & Makeup Remover

4.1
naelinaturals Image: Naeli Gentle Face Wash & Makeup Remover
The ultra-gentle, soothing gel cleanser from Naeli combines 10 superberry antioxidant extracts, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin C to clean your rosacea-battered skin. This 3-in-1 facial cleanser removes dirt, oil, and face and eye makeup to purify, hydrate, and revitalize your skin. Its antioxidant-rich formula ensures optimal moisture retention and pH balance. Additionally, the phytonutrients in this multitasking product protect your skin from environmental aggressors, boost collagen production, and promote cellular regeneration.
Skin Type: All, Combination, Sensitive, Dry

Key Ingredients: Aloe vera, Hyaluronic acid, SuperBerry, and Vitamin C

Pros

  • Non-comedogenic
  • pH balanced
  • Brightens skin
  • Protect from environmental aggressors
  • Antiaging benefits
  • Vegan
  • Cruelty-free
  • Paraben-free
  • Sulphate-free
  • Phthalate-free
  • Dimethicone-free
  • Silicone-free
  • PEG-free
  • TEA-free
  • Dye-free
  • Alcohol-free
  • Soap-free
  • Unscented

Cons

  • None

8. Best Fragrance-Free:Rosadyn Daily Cleanser

4.2
rosadyn Image: Rosadyn Daily Cleanser

Untreated rosacea can cause irreversible cellular damage to your skin. Along with a dedicated rosacea and related acne treatment plan, you need a gentle, ragrance-free cleanser that cleans your face without damaging the already impaired skin. The Daily Cleanser from Rosadyn is a result-driven, mild, soap-free cleanser that removes dirt and grime clogging the pores. It is infused with buckthorn extract and organic lavender that reduce inflammation, diminish redness, and rejuvenate skin. Laden with star ingredients such as antioxidant-rich organic honey, vitamins B5 and E, colloidal oats, and aloe vera, this formula soothes irritated skin, provides antibacterial protection, and strengthens the skin’s barrier. Plus, the polyphenol in the skin care product provides anti-aging benefits.

Skin Type: Oily | Product Dimensions: 2 x 3 x 8 inches | Weight: 10 Ounces.

Key Ingredients: Organic honey, Buckthorn extract, Colloidal oat, Aloe vera, Vitamins B5 and E

Pros

  • Anti-inflammatory
  • Antiaging benefits
  • Moisturizing
  • Antibacterial formula
  • Cruelty-free
  • Paraben-free
  • Phthalate-free
  • Sulfate-free
  • Fragrance-free
  • Petroleum-free
  • Non-allergenic

Cons

  • None

9. Best For Eczema:Lemyka Naturals Ultra Gentle Cleanser

4.2
lemyka Image: Lemyka Naturals Ultra Gentle Cleanser
Looking for a gentle cleanser for rosacea? This product from Lemyka can help you get rid of dirt, blemishes, and blackheads, without drying your skin. It is a foaming natural cleanser infused with plant-derived actives that soothe inflamed skin and clams rosacea-flares. Plus, aloe vera protects the skin against infection, while calendula and panthenol neutralize hydrate and improve skin elasticity. Plus, this hypoallergenic cleanser maintains the skin’s pH balance, making it suitable for patients dealing with eczema, dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, heat rash, as well.
Skin Type: Eczema-prone, Dry, Sensitive Skin, Combination, or Acne-prone skin, Kids, Teens, Adults, Red, bumpy, uneven skin See more

Key Ingredients: Pathenol, Calendula, Chamomile, Aloe vera, and Algae

Pros

  • Hypoallergenic
  • Maintains skin’s pH balance
  • Improves skin elasticity
  • Eczema-friendly
  • Vegan
  • Cruelty-free
  • Paraben-free
  • SLS/SLES-free
  • Artificial color-free
  • Fragrance-free
  • Sulphate-free
  • Comes with money back guarantee

Cons

  • None

10. Best Vegan:Face ‘n’ Earth Skin Care Silver Green Tea Chamomile Cleanser

4.2
facenearth Image: Face ‘n’ Earth Skin Care Silver Green Tea Chamomile Cleanser

Acnes can pop up anytime and can be annoying at any stage. It can worsen with existing rosacea or maskne, but thankfully this gentle vegan cleanser from Face ‘n’ Earth can save the day. This professional-grade, non-irritating cleanser for rosacea targets impurities, dirt, excess oil without stripping your skin dry. It is packed with colloidal silver that provides antibacterial protection against acne and rosacea. The soothing ingredients like chamomile, aloe vera, and green tea extract fight inflammation, redness, and even dryness. Additionally, the formula brightens the skin complexion, giving you a youthful glow.

Product Dimensions: 6.5 x 2.1 x 1.2 inches | Weight: 6.56 Ounces

Key Ingredients: Aloe vera, Colloidal silver, Green tea extract, and Chamomile extract

Pros

  • Controls cystic acnes
  • Antibacterial properties
  • Maintains pH balance
  • Vegan
  • Fragrance-free
  • Paraben-free
  • Sulphate-free
  • Alcohol-free
  • Nitrates-free
  • Artificial color-free
  • Artificial fragrance-free

Cons

  • None

11. Best Multipurpose:Rosacea Care Ultramild Cleanser

3.8
rosaceacare Image: Rosacea Care Ultramild Cleanser
This cleanser from Rosacea Care is one of the gentlest face washes you can find online with proven efficacy and positive reviews. The antioxidant-rich cranberry extract, moisturizing shea butter, and meadowfoam oil hydrate your skin while mild, non-irritating disodium laureth sulfosuccinate wash off dirt and grime from your face. The foamy cleanser works as a makeup remover and a shampoo as well.
Skin Type: Sensitive

Key Ingredients: Disodium laureth sulfosuccinate, Shea Butter, Meadowfoam Oil, and Cranberry extract

Pros

  • Foaming cleanser
  • Works as a shampoo as well
  • Can be used as a makeup remover
  • Lathers up well
  • Paraben-free
  • Refreshing fragrance

Cons

  • Expensive

*The prices provided in this article are based on the latest available information. However, they may vary due to changes in pricing by the seller and/or promotional offers.
When you have rosacea, it is important to choose a cleanser that will not aggravate your condition. The wrong cleanser can cause redness, burning, and stinging. It can also make your skin feel dry and tight. Here are a few key things to look for in a rosacea-friendly cleanser.

Things To Look For In Cleansers For Rosacea

Gentle Formula: First and foremost, you want to find a cleanser that is gentle enough for your skin type. Rosacea is a condition that can be exacerbated by harsh ingredients, so it is important to find a cleanser that will be gentle on your skin. Choose a non-foaming, gel-based, and a non-abrasive cleanser. You don’t want to scrub your face too hard, as this can aggravate your skin condition. Foam and soap can be too harsh for rosacea-prone skin. A pH-balanced formula will help gently clean your face without stripping away the natural oils that keep your skin healthy.

Non-Comedogenic: Look for a cleanser that will not clog your pores, especially if you have oily skin. This is important for preventing breakouts. Non-comedogenic cleansers also allow your skin to breathe and keep it hydrated.

Ingredients: Avoid cleansers with fragrances, dyes, or other harsh ingredients. These can irritate your skin and make rosacea worse. Look for a cleanser that contains soothing ingredients like chamomile or aloe vera. These can help calm your skin and reduce redness.

Frequency of Use: Another important consideration is how often you should use your cleanser. If your skin is particularly sensitive, you may only need to use it once or twice per week. However, if your symptoms are more severe, you may need to use it daily or even multiple times per day. Look for a cleanser that can be used daily, as this will help prevent flare-ups. Though you can have ample over-the-counter products to treat your rosacea, keeping it under control might be quite challenging without a proper skin care routine. Here’s what you need to follow!

Best Skin Care Routine For Rosacea

  • Clean Your Face Twice: Cleansing your face twice a day – once when you wake up and before going to bed – is essential for keeping the rosacea under control. Apply mild, rosacea-friendly cleanser to eliminate dirt and grime. Then, rinse it off with lukewarm water and pat it gently with a cotton towel. Do not opt for cleansers that can dry your skin or scrub off your skin’s natural oils, leading to excessive dryness or inflammation. Also, stay away from cleansers with alcohol, camphor, fragrance, menthol, fragrance, etc.
  • Treatment: Salicylic acid is a gentle exfoliant that scrubs off dirt and grime from the pores, removes dead skin cells, and prevents breakouts or rosacea flares. Plus, it shrinks enlarged pores and deals with pustules. As per dermatologists, for sensitive, rosacea-prone skin, as low as 2% salicylic is enough. But before starting with exfoliants, The National Rosacea Society recommends a patch test.
  • Moisturize: Fragrance-free, non-irritating moisturizers are great for rosacea. They moisturize and soften dry skin and keep rosacea under control.
  • Add Azelaic Acid Face Cream In Skin Care Regimen: As per dermatologists, face serum or face cream infused with azelaic acid would be a great addition to your cleansing-toning-moisturizing routine. This ingredient, rich in antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties can reduce redness, treat breakouts, eliminate the appearance of blemishes, and even control acne.
  • Use Sunscreen: UV rays are a common aggressor for a rosacea skin condition. Plus, exposure to sunlight triggers redness, and therefore a mineral sunscreen would be a great option. As per dermatologists, broad-spectrum sunscreen with 30 or higher SPF and zinc oxide is ideal. Additionally, try to add these pointers to your skin care routine as well.
  • Opt For Non-Comedogenic, Fragrance-Free, Water-Based Products: Hydration is a must for rosacea-prone skin. Hence, make sure you add in some quality water-based products that are non-comedogenic. These products won’t clog your pores and would reduce irritation. Hyaluronic acid and ceramides are incredibly effective ingredients that boost moisture, nourish, and fortify your skin barrier, keeping them hydrated for a longer duration.
  • Be Gentle On Your Skin: Rosacea-prone skin demands extra care. Avoid rubbing or scrubbing as it can increase skin sensitivity. You can reduce irritation by stopping the use of washcloths or facial sponges from your daily skin care routine to avoid developing a chronic skin condition.

Infographic: Tips To Wash Your Face To Prevent Rosacea Flare-Ups

If you have rosacea, using an ordinary face wash can turn your skin flaky and develop redness. You will need a mild cleanser that is specially designed to soothe your skin. Check out the infographic below for a tips to wash your face if you have rosacea to soothe inflammation and redness.

Tips To Wash Your Face With Rosacea To Prevent Flare-Ups (infographic)

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

The Bottom Line

Taking care of rosacea-affected skin can be a tricky task. It needs products that will not aggravate the redness or irritation and yet provide the required hydration to the skin. Vanessa Huerta, Licensed Esthetician and Co-Founder of The Switch Suites explain, “While rosacea is an autoimmune response, the best way to treat rosacea is to start internally with your gut health, and internal and external stressors.” With the disrupted barrier that comes with rosacea, cleansing the skin is extremely important to maintain a healthy skin microbiome. We recommend sticking with pre-cleansing oil and creamy cleansers to assist in only cleansing the surface debris while nourishing the skin at the same time. Creamy cleansers tend to have botanical herbs that will help soothe, hydrate, and heal the skin without stripping what’s left of your natural barrier function.” The best cleansers for rosacea are results-driven and scientifically formulated, made with skin-loving ingredients like tea tree oil, aloe vera, chamomile, etc., that reduces inflammation and relieves irritation. The Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Hydrating Cleanser is perfect for those with dry and very sensitive skin, while the La Roche-Posay Toleriane Dermo-Cleanser is oil-free and keeps your skin moisturized without drying your skin. The aloe-rich Derma-E Sensitive Skin Cleanser helps to fade wrinkles and protect your skin from environmental pollutants. The majority of cleansers mentioned in our list are dermatologist-tested, hypoallergenic, and non-comedogenic, and cleanse the skin gently. They work well as makeup removers and have creamy textures. However, steer clear of cleansers that are greasy or trigger allergies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will cleanser help rosacea?

Gentle and mild cleansing twice a day is vital to keep impurities, dirt, oil, and grime at bay. It controls rosacea-flare and helps your skin care products to reach deep into the skin to provide nourishment and hydration crucial for sensitive skin.

Why Trust StyleCraze?

Shiboli Chakraborti, the author, is a certified skin care coach. She takes it upon herself to help her readers pick suitable skin care products. After conducting thorough research, she curated this list of the best cleansers for rosacea. These listed products are gentle on your skin and can clean all the impurities perfectly.

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