Blog15 Best Face Washes for Rosacea in the U.S. [August, 2024]
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Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that causes facial redness, visible blood vessels, bumps, and irritation. Finding a gentle face wash is crucial for rosacea-prone skin, as many products can further aggravate symptoms. In this blog, we review the top 15 face washes for relieving rosacea flare-ups and recommend our top picks.
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- CETAPHIL Redness Relieving Foaming Face Wash For Sensitive Skin
- Paula’s Choice CALM Ultra-Gentle Cleanser for Sensitive Skin
- Paula’s Choice SKIN RECOVERY Cream Cleanser
- e70 Rosacea Solve Moisturizing Face Wash
- Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser with Pump Dispenser
- Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Hydrating Facial Cleanser
- TriDerma Facial Redness Cleanser Face Wash
- OVANTE Rosacea Redness Control Natural Face Cleanser Wash for Dry...
- Cetaphil Face Wash, Daily Facial Cleanser for Sensitive, Combinat...
- Cetaphil Face Wash, Hydrating Gentle Skin Cleanser for Dry to Nor...
- Pyrithione Zinc Soap Bar for Face & Body, 4oz
- CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser | Daily Face Wash for Oily Skin wi...
- Cetaphil Face Wash, Healthy Radiance Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser,
- Replenix Green Tea Gentle Soothing Cleanser,
- Herblov Pyrithione Zinc Soap Bar for Face & Body, 4oz
- Comparison for Best Face Wash for Rosacea
- How to Choose the Best Face Wash for Rosacea
- Different Types of Face Washes for Rosacea
- Tips for Caring for Rosacea-Prone Skin
- FAQs about Best Face Wash for Rosacea
1. CETAPHIL Redness Relieving Foaming Face Wash For Sensitive Skin
Key Features
- Specially formulated for rosacea-prone and sensitive skin
- Helps calm redness and irritation
- Gentle foaming action cleans without stripping skin
Our Expert Review
Cetaphil’s redness relieving foam wash is a top choice for rosacea sufferers. It contains soothing ingredients like aloe vera and allantoin to help hydrate and calm inflamed skin. The mild foaming cleanser removes dirt, makeup, and impurities without over-drying. It’s fragrance-free and non-irritating. While it may not completely eliminate redness, consistent use can help control flare-ups.
2. Paula’s Choice CALM Ultra-Gentle Cleanser for Sensitive Skin
Key Features
- Specifically formulated for sensitive, rosacea-prone skin
- Rich, creamy texture gently cleanses without irritation
- Packed with soothing and hydrating ingredients
Our Expert Review
Paula’s Choice Calm cleanser is an exceptional option for rosacea. It has a luxurious, creamy formula that cleanses skin without causing redness or stinging. The star ingredients are oat extract, meadowfoam seed oil, and niacinamide which work together to soothe inflammation, strengthen skin’s moisture barrier, and minimize redness over time. It rinses clean without residue. This is one of the most gentle and effective cleansers we found for rosacea and easily earns our top recommendation.
3. Paula’s Choice SKIN RECOVERY Cream Cleanser
Key Features
- Rich, creamy texture
- Designed for sensitive and easily irritated skin
- Infused with calming plant oils and ceramides
Our Expert Review
Another winner from Paula’s Choice, this skin recovery cream cleanser is specially formulated for rosacea and easily inflamed complexions. The gentle creamy formula efficiently melts away makeup, sunscreen, and impurities without stripping the skin. It contains a host of anti-redness ingredients like oat extract, licorice extract, aloe, and ceramides. With continued use, it visibly minimizes redness and sensitivity while keeping skin calm and moisturized. It’s an excellent option for very dry and flaky rosacea-prone skin.
4. e70 Rosacea Solve Moisturizing Face Wash
Key Features
- Made specifically for rosacea-prone skin
- Hydrating gel-cream formula
- Infused with soothing botanicals
Our Expert Review
The e70 Rosacea Solve cleanser is a hydrating, soap-free gel wash that gently cleanses sensitive skin prone to redness. It contains cucumber extract, wheat protein, apple fruit extract, and vitamin B5 to moisturize, calm irritation, and strengthen the skin barrier. Many users find it effectively cleanses without causing stinging or dryness. While it may not treat all rosacea symptoms, it’s a solid basic face wash for maintaining and soothing easily inflamed complexions.
5. Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser with Pump Dispenser
Key Features
- Free of fragrances, dyes, parabens, formaldehyde
- Gentle creamy formula
- Rinses clean without residue
Our Expert Review
Vanicream’s gentle facial cleanser is purposefully designed for the most sensitive skin types prone to reactions. It has an incredibly minimal, no-fuss formula free of common irritants and harsh cleansing agents. The light creamy texture effortlessly removes dirt, oil, and makeup without leaving any residue. It’s fragrance-free, dye-free, and soap-free. While it doesn’t actively treat rosacea, it’s an excellent maintenance cleanser that won’t further aggravate easily inflamed complexions. It’s a solid basic face wash.
6. Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Hydrating Facial Cleanser
Key Features
- Extra-gentle creamy gel formula
- Rinses clean without irritating sensitive skin
- Hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic
Our Expert Review
Neutrogena’s Ultra Gentle cleanser is a popular choice for rosacea sufferers because of its mild, fragrance-free formula. It has a light gel-cream texture that effortlessly dissolves dirt and impurities without stripping the skin’s natural oils. The formula includes skin conditioners and is clinically proven to cleanse gently without over-drying. While it won’t treat rosacea bumps and pustules, it’s an excellent maintenance cleanser that won’t exacerbate irritation or flushing. It’s a solid basic face wash option.
7. TriDerma Facial Redness Cleanser Face Wash
Key Features
- Helps visibly reduce facial redness
- Creamy lathering texture
- Infused with raspberry stem cells
Our Expert Review
TriDerma’s facial redness cleanser is specifically formulated to both cleanse sensitive skin prone to rosacea as well as actively minimize visible redness. The key ingredient is raspberry stem cells which help calm and strengthen irritated skin. It also contains natural humectants to boost hydration. Users report the creamy lather rinses cleanly without drying out the skin. With regular use, it can lessen facial redness. Note it does contain fragrance which may irritate some. Overall, it’s one of the few face washes that goes beyond cleansing to also treat rosacea symptoms.
8. OVANTE Rosacea Redness Control Natural Face Cleanser Wash for Dry Sensitive Skin
Key Features
- Natural botanical ingredients
- Soothes irritation and inflammation
- Designed for rosacea and easily flushed skin
Our Expert Review
Ovante’s natural redness control cleanser is specially formulated to both cleanse and treat rosacea-prone complexions. It contains a blend of calming botanicals like aloe, chamomile, oats, green tea, and gotu kola extract which work together to minimize redness and sensitivity. The gel-cream lathers into a nice foam and rinses cleanly. With continued use, it can help strengthen the skin barrier and reduce flare-ups. Note that it does have added fragrance. If your skin tolerates fragrances, it’s a great natural face wash that goes beyond basic cleansing to also soothe rosacea.
9. Cetaphil Face Wash, Daily Facial Cleanser for Sensitive, Combination to Oily Skin,
Key Features
- Gentle foaming cleanser for sensitive skin
- Removes excess oil without over-drying
- Non-irritating, hypoallergenic formula
Our Expert Review
Cetaphil’s daily facial cleanser is a dermatologist-recommended face wash suitable for many sensitive and rosacea-prone skin types. It has an oil-controlling foaming gel formula that dissolves impurities without aggravating the skin. Free of fragrances and soap, it rinses cleanly without leaving residue. While it won’t treat bumps or pustules, it’s an excellent maintenance cleanser proven to be non-irritating. It keeps skin balanced without causing redness or stinging. A solid basic face wash for sensitive complexions.
10. Cetaphil Face Wash, Hydrating Gentle Skin Cleanser for Dry to Normal Sensitive Skin,
Key Features
- Extra-gentle, non-foaming gel cleanser
- Hydrates dry, sensitive skin as it cleans
- Fragrance-free and non-irritating
Our Expert Review
Cetaphil’s hydrating cleanser is an excellent choice for those with dry, sensitive skin prone to rosacea. The slick gel formula removes dirt, oil, and makeup without stripping moisture from the skin. It contains hydrating glycerin along with other emollients that leave skin soft and smooth. Unlike typical foaming cleansers, it doesn’t produce suds. It’s fragrance-free, soap-free and rinses clean. For very dry and easily irritated complexions, this non-foaming Cetaphil cleanser is a great pick.
11. Pyrithione Zinc Soap Bar for Face & Body, 4oz
Key Features
- Contains 2% pyrithione zinc
- Reduces redness and inflammation
- Can be used on face, body, and scalp
Our Expert Review
This pyrithione zinc soap bar is formulated specifically to treat inflammatory skin conditions like rosacea. The active ingredient, pyrithione zinc, has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties shown to help calm redness, stinging, and irritation. In addition to cleansing skin, this medicated soap bar helps control acne breakouts, seborrheic dermatitis, and dandruff flakes. It has a mild, pleasant scent. If OTC treatments haven’t improved your rosacea, give this therapeutic zinc soap a try. It may help reduce overall facial redness and papules with continued use.
12. CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser | Daily Face Wash for Oily Skin with Hyaluronic Acid
Key Features
- Foaming gel for oily, acne-prone skin
- Contains hydrating ceramides and hyaluronic acid
- Fragrance-free, non-irritating formula
Our Expert Review
CeraVe’s foaming facial cleanser is a great pick for those with both oily, acne-prone skin as well as rosacea. The gentle foaming action dissolves dirt and excess oil without stripping the skin. It contains three essential ceramides along with hyaluronic acid to hydrate and strengthen the protective skin barrier. The oil-free formula won’t clog pores. It’s fragrance-free and non-comedogenic. While it won’t treat bumps or pustules, it’s an excellent maintenance cleanser proven suitable for sensitive skin. It keeps skin clean and balanced without worsening redness.
13. Cetaphil Face Wash, Healthy Radiance Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser,
Key Features
- Gentle exfoliating cleanser with micro pearl
- Helps fade dark spots and discoloration
- Non-irritating formula good for sensitive skin
Our Expert Review
Cetaphil’s healthy radiance cleanser is a unique face wash that exfoliates while also treating hyperpigmentation. Micro-pearl particles gently buff away dull surface cells revealing brighter, more even-toned skin over time. It’s fortified with licorice root extract and vitamin C which help fade dark spots and post-acne marks. Despite the exfoliation, the formula remains gentle enough for rosacea-prone skin. It’s fragrance-free and non-irritating. Use 2-3 times per week to retexturize skin while minimizing redness and hyperpigmentation.
14. Replenix Green Tea Gentle Soothing Cleanser,
Key Features
- Contains antioxidant green tea polyphenols
- Soothes irritation and inflammation
- Creamy, residue-free formula
Our Expert Review
Replenix’s green tea cleanser is a medical-grade face wash that both cleanses and actively calms rosacea. The key ingredient is green tea polyphenols which are potent antioxidants that reduce redness and reactivity in sensitive skin. The creamy formula gently removes impurities without stripping the skin. It rinses clean without leaving residue. With regular use, it strengthens the skin barrier and minimizes flare-ups. Users report less stinging, improved texture, and reduced papules over time. It’s on the pricier side but highly effective.
15. Herblov Pyrithione Zinc Soap Bar for Face & Body, 4oz
Key Features
- Medicated soap with 2% pyrithione zinc
- Reduces redness, irritation, inflammation
- Can be used on face, body and scalp
Our Expert Review
Like our #11 pick, this Herblov soap bar contains pyrithione zinc to help treat inflammatory skin conditions like rosacea. The zinc acts as a mild astringent to calm stinging and minimize redness over time. It also has antibacterial properties to help prevent acne breakouts. In addition to the face, this soap can be used on the body and scalp too. Lather it up directly on affected areas in lieu of regular soap. While drying for some, it’s effective at controlling symptoms if OTC treatments haven’t worked well enough.
Comparison for Best Face Wash for Rosacea
| Product | Type | Key Ingredients |
|---|---|---|
| CETAPHIL Redness Relieving Foaming Face Wash | Foaming Gel | Aloe Vera, Allantoin |
| Paula’s Choice CALM Cleanser | Creamy Gel | Oat Extract, Niacinamide |
| Paula’s Choice Skin Recovery Cream Cleanser | Creamy Gel | Plant Oils, Ceramides |
| e70 Rosacea Solve Cleanser | Gel-Cream | Cucumber, Apple Extract |
| Vanicream Gentle Cleanser | Creamy Gel | None – Free of common irritants |
| Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Cleanser | Gel-Cream | Glycerin |
| TriDerma Facial Redness Cleanser | Creamy Gel | Raspberry Stem Cells |
| Ovante Rosacea Cleanser | Gel-Cream | Botanical Extracts |
| Cetaphil Daily Cleanser | Foaming Gel | None – Fragrance-free |
| Cetaphil Hydrating Cleanser | Non-Foaming Gel | Glycerin |
How to Choose the Best Face Wash for Rosacea
When choosing a face wash for rosacea, look for formulas described as gentle, calming, or soothing. Avoid products with fragrance, menthol, and exfoliating beads or acids as these tend to aggravate sensitive skin. Opt for creamy, gel-based cleansers without sulfates which can strip the skin. Ingredients like colloidal oatmeal, feverfew, aloe vera, green tea, chamomile, and niacinamide can help calm redness and irritation. Medicated cleansers with pyrithione zinc may also help control flare-ups.
Different Types of Face Washes for Rosacea
There are a few main types of face washes suitable for rosacea:
Gentle Milk/Cream Cleansers: These provide hydration while lightly cleansing. Great for dry skin.
Non-Foaming Gels: Gently cleanse without foam, soap or fragrance. Good for sensitive skin.
Foaming Gels: Gently foam away dirt. May contain soothing ingredients like feverfew or oatmeal.
Medicated Cleansers: Contain ingredients like sulfur or pyrithione zinc to treat symptoms.
Exfoliating Cleansers: Gently buff away dead skin with soft microbeads. Use 2-3 times per week.
Tips for Caring for Rosacea-Prone Skin
- Always wear SPF 30+ broad spectrum sunscreen to minimize redness and flushing.
- Use lukewarm water and pat dry; avoid hot showers.
- Opt for fragrance-free skin care products labeled non-irritating or for sensitive skin.
- Be gentle; don’t scrub or use abrasive brushes/tools.
- Try a cool compress to instantly soothe irritation and redness.
- Identify and avoid personal skin triggers like spicy foods, alcohol, stress, etc.
- See a dermatologist for prescription treatments if OTC options don’t relieve symptoms.
FAQs about Best Face Wash for Rosacea
Q. What face wash is best for rosacea?
There are several excellent face washes for rosacea. Gentle, non-foaming gel cleansers are typically best, as well as creams and milks designed for sensitive skin. Some top options include Cetaphil Redness Relieving Cleanser, Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser, Paula’s Choice Calm Cleanser, and Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser. Look for formulas free of fragrance, menthol, and harsh surfactants like sulfates. Soothing ingredients like feverfew, oat extract, green tea, aloe, and niacinamide can help calm redness.
Q. What is the best face wash for rosacea dry skin?
If you have rosacea and dry skin, opt for an extra gentle, hydrating cleanser. Great options include Cetaphil Hydrating Face Wash, Paula’s Choice Skin Recovery Cream Cleanser, La Roche Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser, CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser, and Avène Extremely Gentle Cleanser. Choose non-foaming cream or milk-based cleansers packed with skin conditioners like glycerin, ceramides, oils, and phospholipids. Avoid harsh foaming cleansers with sulfates. The best face washes for dry, rosacea-prone skin cleanse while locking in moisture.
Q. What is the best medicated face wash for rosacea?
Some of the best medicated face washes for treating rosacea contain soothing anti-inflammatory ingredients like feverfew, sulfur, or pyrithione zinc. Good options include Prosacea Medicated Rosacea Gel, Avène Antirougeurs Cleanser with Green Tea Extract, and Pyrithione Zinc Soap Bars. These medicated cleansers go beyond gentle cleansing to treat symptoms like redness, stinging, bumps, and pustules. Use them as directed in conjunction with other rosacea treatments. Check with a dermatologist first before trying new actives.
Q. How often should I wash my face if I have rosacea?
A. Cleanse your face just once or twice daily. Over-washing can strip natural oils and worsen redness and flaking.
Q. Can I use a scrub or exfoliator if I have rosacea?
A. Physically exfoliating scrubs are too harsh for sensitive, rosacea-prone skin. But some gentle cleansers contain chemical exfoliants like glycolic acid that can help. Use them 2-3 times per week max.
Q. Are foaming cleansers too harsh for rosacea?
A. Not necessarily. Look for foam cleansers with added skin conditioners and oils. Avoid sulphate-heavy sudsy formulas as these can irritate.
Q. Can rosacea cleansers treat bumps and pimples too?
A. Not usually. Opt for dedicated acne treatments for breakouts. Cleansers can help maintain and soothe skin. Some medicated formulas may help reduce papules.
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