When choosing the best products for perioral dermatitis, look for skincare with ingredients that can repair the skin barrier, decrease inflammation, and moisturize the skin without being overly occlusive.
This detailed guide includes a skincare routine for perioral dermatitis, recommendations for the best products, and a list of ingredients to avoid if you have perioral dermatitis.
Sometimes less is more in skincare, especially with skin conditions like perioral dermatitis. A simple skincare routine with gentle products can calm down perioral dermatitis and aid in its healing process.
While there are many great products in the beauty market, there are a few things to keep in mind when choosing products for perioral dermatitis.
Skincare for Perioral Dermatitis
Perioral dermatitis is a skin condition commonly seen in young adult females. It has been associated with topical use of steroids, hormones, certain cosmetics, and heavy skin care products.
When choosing skin care for perioral dermatitis, it’s important to include ingredients that can help repair the skin barrier, decrease inflammation, and hydrate and moisturize skin.
In addition, choose products that do not feel too occlusive or heavy.
Instead of applying multiple layers of thick products, go for fewer layers of lightweight serums and moisturizers.
Ingredients to include
- Niacinamide
- Azelaic acid
- Ceramides
- Sulfur
- Beta-glucan
- Hyaluronic acid
- Centella Asiatica
- Panthenol
- Squalane
Ingredients to avoid
- Fragrance
- Essential oils
- Dyes
- Occlusives like petrolatum
- Ointments
- Steroids
Also, avoid toothpaste with fluorides and sulfates especially sodium lauryl sulfate.
Skincare Routine
Below you can find morning and evening skincare routines for perioral dermatitis.
Morning skincare routine
- Step 1: Washing your face in the morning is not compulsory especially if you have dry skin. But if you want to get rid of surface oils, use a gentle cleanser (see the list below).
- Step 2: This is not necessary but you can add hydrating and anti-inflammatory serums to hydrate and calm down the skin.
- Step 3: Use a lightweight moisturizer during the day. If your sunscreen is very moisturizing you can skip this step.
- Step 4: Sunscreen is important to protect your skin from the effects of sun rays and avoid hyperpigmentation. By including sunscreen with a green tint, you can avoid multiple layers of makeup products. A lot of people with perioral dermatitis find that chemical sunscreens sting their skin. So in that situation, you can try a mineral or physical sunscreen.
Evening skincare routine
- Step 1: Cleanse your face to remove any makeup or layers of sunscreens with a gentle yet effective cleanser. If needed you can include a gentle oil-based cleanser which rinses off clean.
- Step 2: Anti-inflammatory serum can be a great addition to the evening routine. These can help in healing your skin as you sleep.
- Step 3: End your evening skincare routine with a good moisturizer. Avoid using thick ointments and plain oils.
Best Picks
The best products for perioral dermatitis are those that don’t aggravate the condition, are easily accessible, and are affordable for consistent use in the skincare routine.
Moreover, everyone’s skin is different, so what works for one person may not work for another.
Below, you’ll find some gentle and affordable options to consider for managing perioral dermatitis.
1. Best Face Wash for Morning: CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser
- Quick facts
- Price: $14.99 for 12 fl oz
- Based on ceramides
- Non-foaming
- pH balanced
Any type of facial cleansing removes some part of our skin barrier. So, if you don’t need a morning cleanse, just skip it.
If you want to get rid of surface oils, especially with combination and oily skin or if you sweat heavily after a workout in the morning, choose a gentle cleanser to wash your face.
Cerave hydrating face wash can be great for morning cleansing. It is gentle and free of fragrance and sulfates. It is pH-balanced and respects our skin’s acid mantle.
It is based on ceramides which can leave our skin moisturized. In addition, it has fatty alcohols – don’t be alarmed, these are moisturizing types of alcohol.
It has a creamy gel consistency which feels cushiony as you massage it on your skin. It washes off completely without leaving behind any residue.
Pros
- Gentle pH-balanced formula.
- Ceramides protect the skin barrier.
- Free of sulfates.
Cons
- Not efficient in removing makeup.
Full ingredient list
Aqua / Water / Eau, Glycerin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Peg-40 Stearate, Stearyl Alcohol, Potassium Phosphate, Ceramide Np, Ceramide Ap, Ceramide Eop, Carbomer, Glyceryl Stearate, Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Cholesterol, Phenoxyethanol, Disodium Edta, Dipotassium Phosphate, Tocopherol, Phytosphingosine, Xanthan Gum, Cetyl Alcohol, Polysorbate 20, Ethylhexylglycerin.
2. Best Face Wash for Evening: Paula’s Choice RESIST Optimal Results Hydrating Facial Cleanser
- Quick facts
- Price: $22 for 6.4 fl oz
- Non-foaming
- pH balanced
While a gentle cleanse can be all one needs for mornings, in the evening one needs a gentle yet effective cleanse.
Not every gentle face wash is good for removing sunscreen and makeup.
Paula’s Resist hydrating cleanser is a gentle cleanser that can effectively remove sunscreen and makeup. This is free of sulfates, fragrance, and essential oils making it perfect for perioral dermatitis.
It is pH-balanced and will likely do minimal damage to our skin barrier.
It has a creamy consistency and takes off makeup and sunscreen as you gently massage it on your face. It washes off completely.
If you wear water-resistant eye and lip makeup, you may need micellar water or another cleanser meant to remove waterproof makeup.
Pros
- Gentle and effective cleanser.
- Free of sulfates
Cons
- May not remove water-resistant eye and lip makeup.
Full ingredient list
Water, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Decyl Glucoside, Glycerin, PEG-20 Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate, PPG-20 Methyl Glucose Ether, Methyl Gluceth-20, Glyceryl Stearate, Stearyl Alcohol, Polyacrylamide, Camellia Oleifera, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Sapindus Mukurossi Peel Extract, Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Laureth-7, Xanthan Gum, Disodium EDTA, Citric Acid, Caprylyl Glycol, Hexylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin
3. Best Face Cleanser to Remove Makeup: The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser
- Quick facts
- Price: $7.9 for 50 ml
- Based on squalane
- Non-foaming
- pH balanced
This is actually an all-rounder cleanser that can be used both in the morning and evening. In addition, it can be a better choice to remove makeup with less rubbing.
It is a creamy cleanser based on squalane which is a lightweight moisturizer. It can protect our skin from free radicals and also has anti-inflammatory properties.
It is free of sulfates, essential oils, and fragrances.
Compared to some other balm and oil cleansers, this rinses off completely without leaving any residue.
Pros
- Effective in removing makeup and sunscreen.
- Washes off without leaving residue.
Cons
- May not remove water-resistant eye and lip makeup.
Full ingredient list
Squalane, Aqua (Water), Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Glycerin, Sucrose Stearate, Ethyl Macadamiate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Hydrogenated Starch Hydrolysate, Sucrose Laurate, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Isoceteth-20, Sodium Polyacrylate, Tocopherol, Hydroxymethoxyphenyl Decanone, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Malic Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Chlorphenesin.
4. Best Azelaic Acid Serum: The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%
- Quick facts
- Price: $10 for 30ml
- Based on azelaic acid concentration (10%)
Read my full review on The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%.
Azelaic acid is a great ingredient to include in your routine if you are dealing with perioral dermatitis. It can decrease inflammation and calm down the redness.
This serum has only azelaic acid as an active ingredient. It doesn’t have any other fancy ingredients. While many other ingredients are useful for our skin, skin with perioral dermatitis needs minimal active ingredients to avoid further irritation.
Azelaic acid is also an antioxidant and can decrease the formation of melanin pigment. This further decreases the chances of residual hyperpigmentation.
It has a thick texture with silicones and leaves a matte finish on the skin.
Pros
- Simple ingredient list with one active.
- Calms down redness.
Cons
- Thick silicone texture.
Full ingredient list
Aqua (Water), Isodecyl Neopentanoate, Dimethicone, Azelaic Acid, Dimethicone/Bis-Isobutyl Ppg-20 Crosspolymer, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Polysilicone-11, Isohexadecane, Tocopherol, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Isoceteth-20, Polysorbate 60, Triethanolamine, Ethoxydiglycol, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin.
5. Best Serum for Redness: Cos de BAHA Azelaic Acid 10% Facial Serum with Niacinamide
- Quick facts
- Price: $14.45 for 30 ml
- Based on azelaic acid and niacinamide
This is another gem that can be great for perioral dermatitis. It has azelaic acid at a 10% concentration which can calm down inflammation in the skin.
This has niacinamide which can restore the skin barrier by increasing the production of ceramides in the skin. It can decrease inflammation and redness as well.
This is a double dose to decrease redness.
In addition, it has panthenol which can soothe skin, repair the skin barrier, and moisturize skin. Sodium hyaluronate can hydrate the skin.
It is a simple formula with some great barrier-restoring and anti-inflammatory ingredients.
Note: Some people get a burning or stinging sensation with niacinamide. If that happens, The Ordinary azelaic acid may be a better option.
Pros
- Decreases redness.
- Very light consistency.
Cons
- None!
Full ingredient list
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Propylene Glycol, Azelaic Acid (10%), Polysorbate 20, 1,2-Hexanediol, Propanediol, Panthenol, Niacinamide, Sodium Hyaluronate, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Momordica Charantia Fruit Extract, Sambucus Nigra Flower Extract, Leontopodium Alpinum Extract.
6. Best Hydrating Serum: The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
- Quick facts
- Price: $7.5 for 30 ml
- Based on panthenol and hyaluronic acid
Light hydrating serum can be great in adding moisture to skin instead of using thick ointments which can actually make perioral dermatitis worse.
This serum has two great humectants – hyaluronic acid and panthenol to add hydration to the top layer of the skin. Panthenol also has emollient properties which can lubricate any rough edges of the skin.
This is best used in combination with a light moisturizer.
Pros
- Very hydrating.
Cons
- May feel sticky sometimes.
Full Ingredient list
Aqua (Water), Sodium Hyaluronate, Pentylene Glycol, Propanediol, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Panthenol, Ahnfeltia Concinna Extract, Glycerin, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Citric Acid, Isoceteth-20, Ethoxydiglycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hexylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol.
7. Best Mask: De La Cruz Acne Treatment Ointment with 10% Sulfur
- Quick facts
- Price: $4.39 for 2.6 fl oz
- Based on sulfur
This is an acne ointment meant to be used like a mask. This has 10% sulfur which has anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties. It can calm down perioral dermatitis by reducing inflammation.
It has a thick texture and is yellow in color. It has a typical sulfur odor (not pleasant).
You can apply it as a mask for 15 minutes. It washes off completely leaving behind no residue.
Note: Sulfur can bleach and stain clothes.
Pros
- Decreases redness.
Cons
- May stain clothes or hair.
- Unpleasant smell.
Full ingredient list
Active Ingredients: Sulfur – 10 % (Acne medication)
Inactive Ingredients: polyethylene glycol
8. Best Gel Moisturizer: Aveeno Calm + Restore Oat Gel Facial Moisturizer
- Quick facts
- Based on oats
- Gel consistency
- Price: $19.69 for 1.7oz
This is a gel moisturizer that has oat extract. Oats are rich in beta-glucan which is a humectant and antioxidant. Oats also have several other compounds which have anti-inflammatory and anti-itch properties.
Panthenol can soothe skin and has emollient properties to smooth rough patches. Dimethicone can seal in moisture.
This feels very lightweight on the skin and also moisturizes the skin.
Pros
- Feels light on the skin.
Cons
- May not be moisturizing enough for drier skin types.
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.
9. Best Light to Medium Weight Moisturizer: Avene Cicalfate+ Hydrating Skin Recovery Emulsion
- Quick facts
- Price: $38 for 1.3 fl oz
- Based on squalane
Avene Cicalfate+ Hydrating Skin Recovery Emulsion comes in a squeeze tube. Although labeled as an emulsion, it feels more like a light- to medium-weight cream.
It contains ingredients like squalane and shea butter for moisturization. Niacinamide can help reduce redness, calm inflammation, and assist in skin barrier repair.
This moisturizer also features copper and zinc sulfate, along with a unique ingredient, Aquaphilus Dolomiae ferment filtrate, which can aid in promoting skin healing.
This moisturizer can be used both as a day and night moisturizer.
Pros
- Several ingredients which can boost the skin barrier and promote skin healing.
- Free of fragrance and preservatives.
Cons
- Pricey.
Full ingredient list
Avene Thermal Spring Water (Avène Aqua), Caprylic/Capric Triglycerids, Glycerin, Pentaerythrityl Teracaprylate/Tetracaprate, Triethylyhexanoin, Squalane, Cetearyl Alcohol, Behenyl Alcohol, Niacinamide, C20-22 Alykyl Phosphate, C20-22 Alcohols, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter (Butryospermum Parkii Butter), Aquaphilus Dolomiae Ferment Filtrate, Arginine, Caprylyl Glycol, Cetearyl Glucoside, Copper Sulfate, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Hydroxide, Tocopheryl Acetate, Tromethamine, Xanthan Gum, Zinc Sulfate.
10. Best Ceramide Moisturizer: Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer
- Quick facts
- Price: $14.99 for 3 fl oz
- Based on squalane and ceramides
This is a light moisturizer but moisturizes really well. If you have dry to normal skin and you deal with perioral dermatitis, this might be a good choice for you.
It has multiple ingredients to boost the skin barrier and calm down the skin.
- Squalane: Moisturizes skin, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Ceramides: Moisturizes skin and helps in building skin barrier.
This moisturizer doesn’t have niacinamide. Though most people tolerate it well, some can get a burning sensation from using it.
Pros
- Light and effective moisturizer.
Cons
- None!
Full ingredient list
Purified Water, Squalane, Glycerin, Pentylene Glycol, Polyglyceryl-2 Stearate, Glyceryl Stearate, Stearyl Alcohol, Hyaluronic Acid, Ceramide Eop, Ceramide Ng, Ceramide Np, Ceramide As, Ceramide Ap, Carnosine, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Phytosterols, Caprylyl Glycol, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-11, 1,2-Hexanediol
11. Best Rich Moisturizer: Cetaphil Redness Relieving Night Moisturizer
- Quick facts
- Price: $13.99 for 1.7 fl oz
- Contains plant oils
Among the moisturizers mentioned in this list, this is the most nourishing. It can be perfect if you’re dealing with dry skin along with perioral dermatitis.
It doesn’t feel too occlusive or heavy. It has sunflower seed oil and shea butter to moisturize skin and replenish skin barrier lipids. It has multiple ingredients to calm down the skin.
- Ingredients that can decrease redness: Licorice extract, caffeine, and niacinamide
- Ingredients that can moisturize and repair skin barrier: Shea butter, sunflower seed oil, ceramide, and panthenol
Pros
- Tones down redness.
- Nourishing moisturizer.
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.
12. Best Tinted Sunscreen: Drmtlgy Physical Universal Tinted Moisturizer SPF 44
- Quick facts
- Price: $28 for 2.1 oz
- Mineral sunscreen with iron oxides
Read my full review on Drmtlgy Physical Universal Tinted Moisturizer SPF 44.
This is an all-mineral sunscreen with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. In addition, it has sodium hyaluronate to hydrate the skin and antioxidants like tocopherol and vitamin C derivative.
I like this formula as it does not have many other active ingredients or plant extracts which can sometimes irritate the skin if you are dealing with perioral dermatitis.
Iron oxides in this can protect skin from blue light which can lead to redness and hyperpigmentation.
This is moisturizing and depending on your skin type you may or may not need a moisturizer under this. It does not feel heavy or too suffocating.
The tint in this may not work for lighter skin tones.
Pros
- Light and moisturizing with lotion texture.
- Iron oxides can protect from blue light.
Cons
- The tint is not universal.
Full ingredient list
Zinc Oxide 10%, Titanium Dioxide 5.5%
Water, Cyclopentasiloxane, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Caprylyl Methicone, Iron Oxides, Glycerin, Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Octyldodecyl Neopentanoate, Dimethicone, Alumina, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Ascorbyl Palmitate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Methicone, Triethoxysilylethyl, Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Hexyl Dimethicone, Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Propylene Carbonate, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Phenoxyethanol.
13. Best Sunscreen to Cover Redness: Cetaphil Redness Relief Facial Moisturizer SPF 20
- Quick facts
- Price: $15.99 for 1.7 fl oz
- Mineral sunscreen with iron oxides and chromium oxide greens
A tinted moisturizer with green pigment can come in handy in balancing out any redness due to perioral dermatitis.
Since multiple layers of thick skincare and makeup products like primer, foundation, and concealer may be too much for someone with perioral dermatitis, it’s best to choose a tinted moisturizer or sunscreen with green pigment.
It is labeled as SPF 20 which may not be enough if you are going to spend a lot of time outdoors in direct sunlight.
You can pair it with another sunscreen for more solid protection for outdoor activities.
The iron oxides in this give an added bonus of protection from blue light or high-energy visible light. Blue light can lead to erythema or redness.
The tint in this may not work for everyone, especially lighter skin tones.
Pros
- Ingredients to calm down redness.
- The green pigment can balance red areas.
- Iron oxides protect from blue light.
Cons
- The tint is not universal.
Full ingredient list
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.
I hope this list helps you find a product or gives you a general idea of what to look for when choosing products for perioral dermatitis.
Read more:
- The Ordinary Products for Perioral Dermatitis
- Is perioral dermatitis contagious? & Perioral dermatitis vs Cold sore
- Is Perioral Dermatitis Fungal or Bacterial?
- Perioral Dermatitis vs Acne: How to Tell the Difference
Disclaimer: The ingredient list/ price is subject to change over time, so make sure you check them before buying any product.