Best Cleansers for Rosacea – 2023 Reviews and Top Picks
In our commitment to provide the best skin care tips and tricks, we have compiled five of the best cleansers for Rosacea that can definitely help ease your condition. This list was created through 15 hours of hard work so we’re sure you won’t have any reasons not to fall in love with it.
Doctor's Choice
Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser, Non-comedogenic
Other Products
Eau Thermale Avene XeraCalm A.D Lipid-Replenishing Cream
Other Products
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo
At A Glance: Our Choices for the Best Cleansers for Rosacea
NeoStrata’s Facial Cleanser PHA 4 comes last in our list of cleansers for Rosacea. It’s infused with anti-aging benefits and formulated for gentle exfoliation.
This facial cleanser is a bit pricey but a lot of its users agree that it’s definitely worth the price.
Gentle Skin Cleanser by Cetaphil is manufactured by one of the leaders in skin care. It’s effective for people with sensitive skin.
With its cleansing properties and added benefits, this product provides value for your hard-earned money.
Our third product for this list is the Hydrating Cleanser by CeraVe. It’s the cheapest one but it has effects and properties your acne prone skin will surely benefit from.
Sensitive Skin Redness Relief Soothing Cleanser by Eucerin is also a great product suitable for sensitive skin. It has an ingredient called Licocalhone which has oil control, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
Go with Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Hydrating Cleanser if you are looking for something that’s gentle yet effective in cleansing the skin. It’s formulated without the harmful SLS, parabens and dyes that can irritate your sensitive skin.
Now, let me explain in detail our top choices as the best cleanser for rosacea.
The first thing that can get your attention about this product is that it contains polyhydroxy acid gluconolactone, an ingredient known for its anti-aging and photoprotective properties. This is quite unusual for a facial cleanser but I’m glad NeoStrata decided to include it in their cleanser.
The product is recommended for all skin types, but it’s specifically recommended for Rosacea. It’s great for sensitive skin and can even leave you with baby soft skin.
As a cleanser, it works well in removing dirt and impurities. It’s even good for getting rid of makeup, with the exception of makeup products with waterproof formulation.
What We Like:
- Removes foundation well
- Worth the price
- A small amount goes a long way
What We Didn’t Like:
- A bit pricey
- Not recommended for daily use for those with oily skin
- Can cause breakouts
It is worth mentioning that Galderma Laboratories, the makers of Cetaphil, is one of the major benefactors of the Dermatology Foundation. That alone is a huge plus because it only goes to show that they are committed to offering only the best when it comes to things related to beauty.
This product is so mild and gentle that it feels like you aren’t using a cleanser at all. This cleanser’s low-lathering formula can even be used to cleanse even the most delicate skin type. Just think about baby’s skin.
This product is the brand’s best-seller.
It can be used on different parts of the body, which I think is a good thing since you’ll get more than what you pay for.
What We Like:
- Affordable
- Gentle even for sensitive skin
- Can be used even without water
What We Didn’t Like:
- Is animal tested
- Can’t thoroughly remove makeup
- Might leave your face with a “filmy” feeling
First and foremost, this product, in particular, was awarded the NEA Seal of Acceptance by the National Eczema Association. This is a huge plus point and it is only proof that you’ll be getting nothing but good quality.
Another great thing about this product is that it makes use of the MVE Delivery Technology. It’s a type of technology that ensures that your skin gets the hydration it needs at any time of the day.
It also contains Hyaluronic Acid, a highly beneficial ingredient that can help retain the natural moisture of the skin and prevent premature skin aging.
If you’re continuously asking what is the best face cleanser for Rosacea, then this is definitely it. One surprising thing about this product is how it can be used as a shaving cream.
Yes, you heard me right.
One particular man who happened to use this cleanser in lieu of his shaving cream actually experienced less breakouts. And it’s all after his dermatologist made the recommendation.
I’m not going to straight up tell you to do the same thing. But, if you’re hard-pressed on finding a product that can help make shaving easier and less likely to end with breakouts, then you can give it a try.
What We Like:
- Provides the greatest value for money
- Has ceramides to boost skin protection
- Mild and gentle
- Not animal tested
What We Didn’t Like:
- Can be a bit thick
- Can cause breakouts in some people
Knowing that this product comes from Eucerin is already a hint of how good it is. This company is one of the pioneers when it comes to skincare and its products have been trusted and recognized by most dermatologists.
Sensitive Skin Redness Relief Soothing Cleanser contains Licochalcone, a kind of extract that does not leave a dry feeling on the skin after use. It can help restore and even maintain the moisture balance of your skin.
Most importantly, its formula is non-comedogenic, soap and fragrance-free which are exactly what make it one of the best drugstore cleansers for Rosacea. It also promises improvement from skin redness in a span of 4 weeks- something that we, too, are excited about.
What We Like:
- Comes in a gel-like form
- Lightweight
- Not messy to use
What We Didn’t Like:
- Quite expensive
- Contains parabens
- Some felt a burning sensation
Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Hydrating Cleanser is another great product for those who have dry and sensitive skin. It’s fragrance-free and formulated without dyes, SLS and parabens, too.
The cleanser has a creamy formula. But don’t worry, it doesn’t feel too greasy or oily on the skin.
As for its cleansing properties, I’d say this one really does a great job. It can cleanse your skin without leaving it taut or dry.
It’s able to remove not just dirt, but oil and makeup as well. It’s noncomedogenic which means that even those who have acne-prone skin can benefit from this cleanser.
Take note that the product doesn’t lather as much as other cleansers do. Despite that, you shouldn’t underestimate what it can do.
Things We Liked
- Packaging comes with a pump
- Noncomedogenic
- Has no parabens or SLS
- Doesn’t leave skin dry
- Affordable
Things We Didn't Like
- Creamy formula might not be for everyone
- Doesn’t completely remove makeup, especially waterproof ones
Reviews and Comparisons of The Best Cleansers for Rosacea
Rankings | Doctor Choice | 2nd choice | 3rd choice | 4th choice |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Top-Rated Cleansers for Rosacea 2021 |
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Brand | ||||
Fragrance | Fragrance-free | Fragrance-free | Fragrance-free | Fragrance-free |
Type | Soap-free cleanser | Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate | Soap-free cleanser | Soap-free cleanser |
Helps with makeup removal | Slightly | Slightly | Slightly | Yes |
Content | 6 ounces | 16 ounces | 12 ounces | 6.8 ounces |
Packaging | Bottle with pump | Bottle with pump | Bottle with pump | Tube with flip-open cap |
Get Started |
Why You Should Avoid Soap-Based Cleansers For Rosacea
One of the most common reasons why you should stop using soaps or soap-based cleansers for your face is because of the harsh chemicals they may contain. As your facial skin is thinner than the rest of the skin on your body, you wouldn’t want to use anything harsh on it.
There are a lot of benefits to using soap-free cleansers, like preventing your face from overdrying and maintaining your face’s moisture. These are two things that can help prevent your Rosacea from flaring up.
Best Tips In Cleansing Rosacea-Affected Skin
A rule of thumb is to pick a cleanser that fits your skin type. However, since you have extra sensitive skin, you have to be very careful when trying out new products.
Take note that this is exactly why this roundup was created in the first place- so you can stop trying out products after products.
After you’ve selected the right product, the first thing you have to keep in mind is to avoid using sponges and washcloths since they can cause more irritation. For your skin, stick with using your fingertips.
Make sure that you always wash with lukewarm water. After cleansing, dry your face using patting motions. Never rub your skin as this may only worsen the problem.
When your face is completely dry, you can apply a topical medication to help with the sting. For this step, I suggest you talk to your dermatologist first to avoid the nasty adverse reactions that can come with the wrong products.
Applying makeup is completely up to you. But, if and when you do, see to it that your medication is completely dry before doing so.
Conclusion
Whatever your skin type is, finding the right cleanser for you can be a challenge. Aside from finding the right mix of ingredients, you must also assess if the product is actually worth its price.
The same thing goes for people with sensitive skin. Out of the five products we reviewed, we have chosen Facial Cleanser PHA 4 by NeoStrata as the best cleanser for Rosacea.
We also have a detailed buying guide about Best Face Washes for Combination Skin and Best Face Washes for Eczema in case you want to check out
Aside from that it’s the perfect balance between quality and affordability, it really does get the job done.
Recommended by Doctor
Product Recommendation
One of the best cleansers for individuals with rosacea is Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser. It is a soap-free, hypoallergenic cleanser that is dermatologist-recommended. It is non-irritating (sting-free) and is ideal not just for individuals with dry skin but also for those with rosacea. It preserves the skin’s natural barrier. Studies have shown that it did not worsen redness, scaling dryness, stinging , burning , and roughness (lack of smoothness) in those who have rosacea. It is packaged in a pump bottle so it is more hygienic to use. Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser is scientifically proven that it is safe for individuals with rosacea.
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