Rosacea and seborrheic dermatitis together can be tough to deal with, and treatment for one can exacerbate the other. In fact, there are many people who have both but unfortunately, without proper examination, the diagnosis of one or the other is missed.
Despite their different treatment approaches, one thing is for sure – skin barrier dysfunction. Both these skin conditions have some level of skin barrier function defect.
So, adding a good moisturizer to the routine can immensely help the skin. In addition, the topical treatments can be harsh and a moisturizer can help our skin tolerate them better.
An ideal moisturizer for rosacea and seborrheic dermatitis should help with both these issues.
Table of Contents
Best Picks
Below, you will find the list of 12 best moisturizers for rosacea and seborrheic dermatitis, why you need to use a moisturizer, and how to choose a moisturizer.
The list includes gel, lightweight, rich, and green-tinted moisturizers (all the moisturizers are free of fragrance and essential oils).
1. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel (Extra dry)
- Quick facts:
- Gel consistency.
- Free of oils.
- Price: $ (less than 20$/ 1.7oz).
This moisturizer is a perfect gel moisturizer. It comes in two versions, so make sure to pick the one labeled “Extra dry, fragrance-free”.
It has humectants like glycerin and sodium hyaluronate and an occlusive like dimethicone. Dimethicone is not good as petrolatum when it comes to occlusive properties but it is good enough for sealing in some moisture and giving a light feeling.
It is the perfect day moisturizer when you don’t want that heavy feeling which can trap heat and cause flushing and redness. It is easily available from online and physical stores.
Pros
- Lightweight formulation.
- Widely available.
Cons
- Not moisturizing enough.
Full ingredient list
Water, Dimethicone, Glycerin, Cetearyl Olivate, Polyacrylamide, Sorbitan Olivate, Phenoxyethanol, Dimethicone/Vinyl, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Chlorphenesin, Laureth-7, Carbomer, Sodium Hyaluronate, Ethylhexylglycerin, C12-14 Pareth -12, Sodium Hydroxide
2. Aveeno Calm + Restore Oat Gel Facial Moisturizer
- Quick facts:
- Based on oats.
- Gel consistency.
- Free of oils.
- Price: $ (less than 20$/ 1.7oz).
This is another gel moisturizer that feels very lightweight and at the same time is moisturizing enough for daytime or during hot humid days. Sometimes, I keep this in the refrigerator and like to apply it cool.
It has oat extract which has anti-inflammatory and anti-itch properties. Oats are also rich in beta-glucan which is a great humectant and antioxidant. It has panthenol which is a humectant and hydrates the skin. It also has emollient properties to make rough edges smooth.
It has feverfew extract which is a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory.
In rare cases, feverfew can cause contact dermatitis if the parthenolide component is not removed.
However, as per Aveeno, they use Purified Feverfew Extract, and the parthenolide component is removed. So, you don’t have to worry about that.
This is a great gel moisturizer for rosacea and seborrheic dermatitis.
Pros
- Lightweight formulation.
- Reduces redness.
Cons
- Not moisturizing enough for dry skin.
Full ingredient list
Water, Glycerin, Dimethicone, Cetearyl Olivate, Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Flour, Sorbitan Olivate, Polyacrylamide, Synthetic Beeswax, Phenoxyethanol, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Butylene Glycol, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Panthenol, Chlorphenesin, Dimethiconol, Carbomer, Laureth-7, Chrysanthemum Parthenium (Feverfew) Flower/Leaf/Stem Juice, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Hydroxide, Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract
3. La Roche-Posay Toleriane Sensitive Fluide
- Quick facts:
- Contains niacinamide.
- Free of oils.
- Price: $$ ($30.99 for 1.35 fl oz).
Although, you don’t have to exclude oils from your routine altogether if you have seborrheic dermatitis, if you are looking for an option that is free of oils and fatty esters – this is it.
It is a very simple formulation with few ingredients. It is very lightweight so won’t work if you have very dry skin. However, it works great as a daytime moisturizer or in hot and humid weather.
It has niacinamide which can enhance our skin barrier, decrease redness, and can also provide anti-aging benefits. Niacinamide can also help with skin texture which is a common issue with rosacea and seborrheic dermatitis.
Pros
- A simple formulation for very sensitive skin.
- Niacinamide can enhance the skin barrier
Cons
- Not moisturizing enough.
Full ingredient list
Water, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glycerin, Propanediol, Pentylene Glycol, Niacinamide, Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Caprylyl Glycol, Citric Acid, Xanthan Gum.
4. ISDIN Nutradeica Facial Gel Cream
- Quick facts:
- Free of oils
- Contains piroctone olamine
- Price: $ (less than 20$ for 50ml)
This moisturizer has an antifungal – piroctone olamine. It can benefit seborrheic dermatitis by decreasing Malassezia.
It has some ingredients to decrease inflammation which can benefit both rosacea and seborrheic dermatitis:
- Licorice extract (stearyl glycyrrhetinate).
- Hydroxyphenyl Propamidobenzoic Acid (it also decreases itching).
- Biosaccharide gum-2.
It also has Zinc PCA which decreases redness and helps in skin healing.
It is a lightweight formulation and can be perfect as a daytime moisturizer or a moisturizer for oily skin type.
Pros
- Piroctone olamine to target Malassezia.
- Anti-inflammatory ingredients.
Cons
- Not moisturizing enough for drier skin types.
Full ingredient list
Aqua (Water), Glycerin, Acetamide Mea, Isodecyl Neopentanoate, Cyclopentasiloxane, Pentylene Glycol, Cetyl Alcohol, Cyclohexasiloxane, Sclerotium Gum, Zinc Pca, Piroctone Olamine, Polyacrylamide, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Butylene Glycol, Stearyl Glycyrrhetinate, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Glyceryl Stearate, Peg-100 Stearate, Acrylates/c10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Dimethicone/vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Sodium Hydroxide, Laureth-7, Biosaccharide Gum-2, Disodium Edta, Hydroxyphenyl Propamidobenzoic Acid, Ascorbyl Palmitate
5. CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion
- Quick facts:
- Ceramide based.
- Contains niacinamide.
- Free of oils.
- Price: $ (13.99 for 3oz).
This is a lightweight moisturizer that comes out as a lotion. It can be used as a nighttime moisturizer when the weather is not extremely cold. Once applied, it absorbs instantly with no greasy finish. The finish is indeed matte and can be the perfect base for makeup.
It has ceramides and niacinamide both of which can enhance the skin barrier. Niacinamide can help in reducing redness due to rosacea and seborrheic dermatitis. In fact, in one study niacinamide improved seborrheic dermatitis.
However, some people also experience stinging with niacinamide. So, make sure you patch-test this product if you are new to niacinamide.
In addition, it has fatty alcohols, emollients, hydrators, and occlusives to seal in moisture. It also has licorice extract which can decrease inflammation.
Pros
- Matte finish.
- Decreases redness.
- Ingredients to restore the skin barrier.
Cons
- Not moisturizing enough for dry skin.
Full ingredient list
Water, Glycerin, Capric Triglyceride, Niacinamide, Cetearyl Alcohol, Potassium Phosphate, Ceramide Np, Ceramide Ap, Ceramide Eop, Carbomer, Dimethicone, Ceteareth-20, Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Cholesterol, Phenoxyethanol, Disodium Edta, Dipotassium Phosphate, Caprylyl Glycol, Phytosphingosine, Xanthan Gum, Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate, Ethylhexylglycerin
6. Uriage DS Regulating Soothing Emulsion
- Quick facts:
- Has oil/butter – shea butter.
- Contains piroctone olamine which can target Malassezia.
- Price: $ ($19 for 1.35 fl oz)
This is a lightweight moisturizer but still feels rich and moisturizing on the skin. It has shea butter which has antioxidant and barrier-restoring properties.
This has piroctone olamine which has antifungal properties so it can decrease Malassezia which is associated with seborrheic dermatitis.
It has asiaticoside, an extract of Centella Asiatica, which has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Phytosphingosine is part of our skin ceramides and has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. This is perfect for both rosacea and seborrheic dermatitis.
Pros
- Piroctone olamine to target Malassezia.
- Lightweight.
- Targets inflammation
Cons
- Not moisturizing enough for very dry skin type
Full ingredient list
Water, glycerin, octyldodecanol, butylene glycol, butyrospermum parkii (shea butter), sodium polyacrylate, pentylene glycol, polysorbate 60, piroctone olamine, xanthan gum, 1-2 hexanediol, caprylyl glycol, dimethicone, phytosphingosine, citric acid, asiaticoside.
7. Cetaphil Redness Relieving Night Moisturizer
- Quick facts:
- Contains oils.
- Has niacinamide (very low concentration) and sorbitol.
- Price: $ ($13.99 for 1.7 fl oz).
This is a nourishing moisturizer although it’s not heavy-duty. It has sunflower seed oil and shea butter, which can enhance the skin barrier.
It has licorice extract and allantoin which can soothe skin. It also has caffeine which can decrease the redness by vasoconstriction (decreasing the lumen of blood vessels). Panthenol and ceramide can restore the skin barrier.
The other great thing is that it has sorbitol. Sorbitol is a great humectant and can also disrupt fungal biofilms.
Fungi can multiply and form an extracellular matrix around them which is called a biofilm. This makes these fungi more resistant to treatment. Sorbitol is one of the ingredients that can disrupt it.
This moisturizer can benefit both rosacea and seborrheic dermatitis.
Pros
- Can strengthen the skin barrier.
- Decreases redness.
- Contains sorbitol which can disrupt fungi biofilm.
Cons
- None!
Full ingredient list
Water, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glycerin, Propanediol, Pentylene Glycol, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Sorbitol, Dimethicone, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Cetearyl Alcohol, Behenyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Allantoin, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Ceramide NP, Panthenol, Caffeine, Citric Acid, Cetyl Alcohol, Ceteareth-20, Glyceryl Stearate Citrate, Disodium Ethylene Dicocamide PEG-15 Disulfate, Niacinamide, Caprylyl Glycol, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Disodium EDTA, Xanthan Gum, BHT, Sodium Hydroxide.
8. Atopiclair cream
- Quick facts:
- Shea butter-based.
- Contains piroctone olamine.
- Price: $ (around 20$ for 100 ml).
This is a rich nourishing moisturizer. Though it is not based on petrolatum, it feels intense. I usually don’t use it during the day as it is too rich, even in cold dry weather.
This has several ingredients that can decrease inflammation and help both rosacea and seborrheic dermatitis (like licorice extract, shea butter, and telmesteine).
It also has piroctone olamine to target Malassezia which causes redness and scaliness in seborrheic dermatitis.
It is very soothing, smells like licorice root, and helps when my skin is sensitized.
In fact, the ingredients in this are very similar to Promiseb. Promiseb is a prescription moisturizer for seborrheic dermatitis in the US.
Pros
- Piroctone olamine can decrease Malassezia
- Rich formula
- Decreases redness
Cons
- Too heavy for oily skin type or daytime use
Full ingredient list
Aqua, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Butyrospermum Parkii, Pentylene Glycol, Arachidyl Alcohol, Behenyl Alcohol, Arachidyl Glucoside, Glyceryl Stearate, Peg-100 Stearate, Butylene Glycol, Glycyrrhetinic Acid, Capryloyl Glycine, Bisabolol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Carbomer, Ethylhexylglycerin, Piroctone Olamine, Sodium Hydroxide, Allantoin, Dmdm Hydantoin, Vitis Vinifera Seed Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Disodium Edta, Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate, Propyl Gallate, Telmesteine
9. CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
- Quick facts:
- Ceramide based
- Price: $ ($17.78 for 13 oz)
Some people with rosacea don’t like using very heavy-duty or occlusive moisturizers. However, if you like them, Cerave moisturizing cream is a good affordable choice.
You get a huge tub at a great price which goes on for a long time.
It has ceramides and cholesterol to help restore the skin barrier. It has petrolatum which is a perfect occlusive and forms a barrier on the skin.
Also, it doesn’t have niacinamide – if that causes stinging on your skin.
Pros
- Very moisturizing.
- Affordable and widely available.
Cons
- Too thick for oily skin type
Full ingredient list
Aqua / Water / Eau, Glycerin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cetyl Alcohol, Ceteareth-20, Petrolatum, Potassium Phosphate, Ceramide Np, Ceramide Ap, Ceramide Eop, Carbomer, Dimethicone, Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Cholesterol, Phenoxyethanol, Disodium Edta, Dipotassium Phosphate, Tocopherol, Phytosphingosine, Xanthan Gum, Ethylhexylglycerin
10. Avene XeraCalm A.D Lipid-Replenishing Cream
- Quick facts:
- Mineral oil-based.
- Contains oils.
- Price: $$ ($34 for 6.76 fl oz).
This is another heavy-duty moisturizer with Avene’s soothing thermal spring water. It is a mineral oil-based formula.
It also has evening primrose oil which is rich in essential fatty acids which can help in restoring the skin barrier. In particular, it is one of the few oils with gamma-linolenic acid which has anti-inflammatory properties.
This product also features a postbiotic complex (Aquaphilus Dolomiae extract) from Avene’s thermal spring water which can decrease itching.
This can help with both rosacea and seborrheic dermatitis. However, if your rosacea doesn’t go well with an occlusive moisturizer, skip this one.
This comes in Avene’s unique airless packaging.
Pros
- Very moisturizing
- Preservative free
Cons
- May feel heavy for oily skin types
Full ingredient list
Avene Thermale Spring Water (Avene Aqua), Glycerin, Mineral Oil (paraffinum Liquidum), Cetearyl Alcohol, Oenothera Biennis (evening Primrose) Oil (oenothera Biennis Oil), Caprylic/capric Triglyceride, Cetearyl Glucoside, Aquaphilus Dolomiae Extract, Arginine. Carbomer, Evening Primrose Oil/palm Oil Aminopropanediol Esters, Glycine, Sodium Hydroxide, Tocopherol, Water (aqua).
11. Cetaphil Redness Relief Facial Moisturizer SPF 20
- Quick facts:
- Tinted moisturizer with green pigment.
- Has both iron oxides and chromium oxide greens.
- Good for medium to dark skin tones.
- Price: $ (Less than $20 for 1.7 fl oz).
This is a tinted moisturizer with green pigment that can moisturize the skin and hide the redness from rosacea or seborrheic dermatitis.
In addition, this has iron oxides which can protect our skin from high-energy visible light. HEVL or blue light can lead to skin erythema or redness.
This moisturizing sunscreen is a mineral or physical formula with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. It doesn’t have a high SPF so I would pair it with another sunscreen. I mainly use it as a tinted moisturizer rather than a sunscreen.
The tint may not work for someone with a lighter skin tone.
It has caffeine and licorice extract to decrease redness.
Pros
- Hides and treats redness
- Has iron oxides to protect it from visible light
Cons
- The tint may not work for lighter skin tones.
- Lower SPF.
Full ingredient list
Active Ingredients: Titanium Dioxide 10.1%, Zinc Oxide 7.8%
Inactive Ingredients: Allantoin, Benzyl Alcohol, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Caffeine, Caprylyl Methicone, Cetyl Diglyceryl Tris(Trimethylsiloxy)silylethyl Dimethicone, Chromium Oxide Greens, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Dimethicone, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Glycerin, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Iron Oxides, Isohexadecane, Magnesium Sulfate, Methylpropanediol, Silica, Tocopherol, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Trisiloxane, Water.
12. Colorescience All Calm Clinical Redness Corrector SPF 50
- Quick facts:
- Tinted moisturizer with green pigment.
- Has both iron oxides and chromium oxide greens.
- Contains niacinamide.
- Good for light to medium skin tones.
- Price: $$$$$ ($145 for 30ml).
This is an all-mineral sunscreen with green pigment and iron oxides to provide coverage. It has a higher SPF than Cetaphil sunscreen but it is thicker in consistency.
When applied in full amount, it may work for light to medium skin tones. It may be too light for darker skin tones. It can balance out any redness from rosacea and seborrheic dermatitis.
It has a silicone texture probably due to dimethicone being high on the ingredient list.
It has niacinamide high in the ingredient list which can help in barrier restoration. In addition, it has several ingredients with skin-soothing properties like beta-glucan, bisabolol, and ginger root extract.
Pros
- Hides and treats redness
- Has iron oxides to protect it from visible light
Cons
- The tint may not work for darker skin tones.
- Pricey
Full ingredient list
Active: Titanium Dioxide 11.6%; Zinc Oxide 8.6%.
Inactive: Cyclopentasiloxane, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Water/Aqua/Eau, Niacinamide, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Propylene Carbonate, Disodium Lauriminodipropionate Tocopheryl Phosphates, Crithmum Maritimum Extract, Magnolia Officinalis Bark Extract, Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root Extract, Magnesium Carboxymethyl Beta-Glucan, Jojoba Esters, Bisabolol, Silica, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Dimethiconol, Alumina, Glyceryl Behenate/Eicosadioate, Phenoxyethanol, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tocopherol, Dehydroacetic Acid, Benzoic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Chloroacetic Acid, Chromium Oxide Greens (CI 77288), Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499).
Why should you use a moisturizer?
Skin barrier protects our skin from outside elements. Skin barrier dysfunction is associated with both rosacea and seborrheic dermatitis.
Rosacea treatments can be drying and a moisturizer can help us tolerate them.
Similarly, it is often recommended to use anti-dandruff ingredients in our cleanser to manage seborrheic dermatitis. Some of these cleansers can leave our skin dry. A moisturizer can replenish the lost skin barrier lipids.
So, if someone is dealing with both these skin conditions, moisturizing skin is crucial.
How to choose
A gel moisturizer can be enough for some people, however, some need a rich moisturizer.
Personally, I use a gel or lightweight moisturizer during the day but need a nourishing moisturizer in my evening routine to avoid dryness due to azelaic acid.
Many people with seborrheic dermatitis are worried about using moisturizers with oils. It is thought that it can feed Malassezia, the fungi which are associated with seborrheic dermatitis.
Malassezia likes to feed on oleic acid, so oleic acid-rich oils may be one thing to avoid when present high in the ingredient list in a moisturizer.
If you take a look at the ingredients in Promiseb which is a prescription moisturizer for seborrheic dermatitis, it has shea butter and ethylhexyl palmitate – a fatty acid ester. It also has piroctone olamine which might be benefitting seborrheic dermatitis as well.
If you are worried about oils in a moisturizer, go for a moisturizer that also has piroctone olamine to balance things.
But otherwise what happens in a petri dish in a lab cannot be applied directly to human skin. Our skin is much more complex than that. So, you don’t need to completely avoid oils in your skincare routine.
If you react to a product, definitely stop using it and try something else.
If you still want a rich moisturizer but without oils, look for a product with ceramides and petrolatum.
Many people with rosacea don’t like heavy occlusive moisturizers as these can trap heat and cause flushing. So, in such a case choose a lighter formulation.
Ingredients to include
- Niacinamide – Decreases inflammation and restores the skin barrier.
- Panthenol – Can help in skin barrier repair.
- Ceramides – can help the skin barrier and function as emollients.
- Centella Asiatica – Decreases inflammation and helps in skin healing.
- Green tea – Potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory.
- Piroctone olamine – Antifungal and decreases the burden of Malassezia.
Ingredients to avoid
- Oleic acid-rich oils – Malassezia, the fungi associated with seborrheic dermatitis, is very fond of oleic acid. So, try to avoid moisturizers that have oleic acid-rich oils (like olive oil) very high in the ingredient list. If it’s lower down in the list or the moisturizer is working for you, then you don’t need to change anything in your routine. Just remember, there are multiple factors associated with seborrheic dermatitis and oily skin is just one of them.
- Fragrance – Potential irritant.
- Essential oils – Potential irritants.
- Dyes – Potential irritants.
FAQs
Can you have both rosacea and seborrheic dermatitis?
Yes, one can have both rosacea and seborrheic dermatitis. If you are not sure what is causing your symptoms, it’s best to see a doctor for examination and diagnosis.
What is the difference between rosacea and seborrheic dermatitis
Rosacea can result in flushing and papules and pustules on the cheeks and other areas of the face. Seborrheic dermatitis can lead to patches of skin with redness and greasy yellow scales, usually between the eyebrows and the area next to the nose (nasolabial folds). They can be itchy.
Both skin conditions can result in dry and flaky skin.
Further reading
- Seborrheic Dermatitis on Nose: Treatment, Causes, Symptoms
- The 10 Best Face Washes For Seborrheic Dermatitis
- Products to Avoid with Seborrheic Dermatitis
- The 12 Best Seborrheic Dermatitis Moisturizers and Creams
- The 9 Best Serums and Toners for Facial Seborrheic Dermatitis
- Skin Care Routine for Seborrheic Dermatitis
References
- McFalda WL, Roebuck HL. Rational management of papulopustular rosacea with concomitant facial seborrheic dermatitis: a case report. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2011 Jan;4(1):40-2. PMID: 21278898; PMCID: PMC3030215.
- Feverfew. Dr. David LIm. 2012. DermNet.
- Martin K, Sur R, Liebel F, Tierney N, Lyte P, Garay M, Oddos T, Anthonavage M, Shapiro S, Southall M. Parthenolide-depleted Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) protects skin from UV irradiation and external aggression. Arch Dermatol Res. 2008 Feb;300(2):69-80. doi: 10.1007/s00403-007-0818-x. Epub 2007 Dec 11. PMID: 18071724.
- Killoran CE, Crawford GH, Pedvis-Leftick A. Two cases of compositae dermatitis exacerbated by moisturizer containing feverfew. Dermatitis. 2007 Dec;18(4):225-9. doi: 10.2310/6620.2007.06063. PMID: 18021604.
Disclaimer: This blog post is for information purposes only and does not replace medical advice.