The best face moisturizer for seborrheic dermatitis should not only be gentle on the skin to prevent irritation but also target the underlying factors associated with this condition, thereby promoting healthier skin.
When choosing a moisturizer for seborrheic dermatitis, look for ingredients that can decrease the inflammation, boost the skin barrier, and have antifungal or keratolytic agents that can decrease the flakiness and burden of Malassezia (fungi – part of the normal flora of our skin).
Table of Contents
Overview
Skin barrier dysfunction, excessive oiliness, and Malassezia overgrowth are some of the important factors associated with seborrheic dermatitis. A well-formulated moisturizer can improve the skin barrier and decrease Malassezia, which may prevent (or decrease) the flares of seborrheic dermatitis.
In my last post on the best face washes for seborrheic dermatitis, you will notice that under some of these, I have mentioned that they can dry the skin. So, this gives us an additional reason to use a good face cream or lotion to avoid sensitivity or irritation.
Also, read my detailed post on seborrheic dermatitis and skincare routine for facial seborrheic dermatitis to get in-depth information about this skin problem.
Best Picks
Below, you will find a list of the best moisturizers for seborrheic dermatitis on the face. Some of the moisturizers mentioned below come in large packaging and can be an affordable choice for use on the body as well.
1. Uriage Cica-Daily Repairing Gel-Cream
I had known about the Cica-Daily Gel-Cream for a while, but I don’t know why it took me so long to try it. It’s an amazing lightweight moisturizer, perfect for summer or for morning use. It contains several skin-repairing ingredients such as Centella Asiatica, Vitamin B5, and copper-zinc compounds.
I find it very soothing, and it’s a great option for people with seborrheic dermatitis who want to completely avoid oils and fatty esters. It may feel a bit light if you live in a very dry climate or have very dry skin, but for me, it’s the perfect summer and daytime moisturizer. The gel-cream texture melts into the skin and leaves it feeling soft and comfortable.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Free of oils and fatty esters, so it’s not overly occlusive
- Contains multiple anti-inflammatory and skin-repairing ingredients
- Fragrance-free
Cons
- May not be moisturizing enough for very dry skin types
Full Ingredient list
Aqua, Dicaprylyl Ether, Glycerin, Diglycerin, Squalane, 1,2-Hexanediol, Inulin, Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Panthenol, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Hydroxide, Copper Gluconate, Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract, Zinc Gluconate, Citric Acid, Tocopherol
2. Atopiclair Cream
Atopiclair cream is a great seborrheic dermatitis moisturizer as it has piroctone olamine, which can decrease Malassezia. In addition, it has several ingredients with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties like licorice extract, shea butter, and telmesteine.
If you look up Promiseb, which is a prescription cream for seborrheic dermatitis in the US, you will see a lot of similarities in the ingredient list.
This is a rich moisturizer that feels very nourishing (probably due to shea butter being higher on the ingredient list), and it’s actually too rich for me to use on my face during the day in the summer.
However, it’s great as a night recovery face cream for seborrheic dermatitis. It soothes and heals my skin. It smells just like licorice, but it’s not too overpowering.
Pros
- Piroctone olamine can decrease Malassezia
- Nourishing thick moisturizer
- Several anti-inflammatory ingredients
- Fragrance-free
Cons
- Too heavy for oily skin type
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
3. Bioderma Sensibio DS+ Soothing Purifying Cream
Bioderma Sensibio DS+ Soothing Purifying Cream has a combination of two antifungal ingredients to take care of Malassezia – Climbazole and Piroctone olamine. In addition, it has some ingredients that may decrease inflammation. This makes this cream an ideal choice for seborrheic dermatitis.
Bioderma Sensibio DS+ Soothing Purifying Cream was also part of a study in which it improved facial seborrheic dermatitis.
This moisturizer has a medium consistency and feels nourishing. It does have coconut oil high in the ingredient list, and if that breaks you out, you might want to skip this.
Pros
- Climbazole and Piroctone olamine can reduce Malassezia
- Fragrance-free
Cons
- Coconut oil may be problematic for some skin types
Full ingredient list
Aqua/Water/Eau, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Propylene Glycol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Dimethicone, Glycyrrhetinic Acid, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Piroctone Olamine, Glyceryl Undecylenate, Climbazole, Mannitol, Xylitol, Rhamnose, Fructooligosaccharides, Laminaria Ochroleuca Extract, Cetyl Alcohol, Carbomer, Sclerotium Gum, Sodium Hydroxide, Phenoxyethanol
4. ISDIN Nutradeica Facial Gel Cream
ISDIN Nutradeica Facial Gel Cream is another moisturizer that has piroctone olamine along with several anti-inflammatory ingredients – Stearyl Glycyrrhetinate (derived from licorice), Hydroxyphenyl Propamidobenzoic Acid (SymCalmin, which can reduce redness and itching), and zinc PCA, which can heal the skin.
In comparison to the Atopiclair moisturizer, this feels lighter on the skin, so it might be great for normal to oily skin types. It by itself might not be enough for very dry skin types.
Pros
- Piroctone olamine can decrease Malassezia
- Several ingredients with anti-inflammatory properties
- Fragrance-free
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. Uriage DS Regulating Soothing Emulsion
Uriage Brand is well known for the soothing properties of its thermal water. This moisturizer feels very light yet rich. It has shea butter for nourishing the skin.
In addition, it has piroctone olamine, which has antifungal properties and can decrease Malassezia.
Pros
- Piroctone olamine can decrease the amount of Malassezia
- Fragrance-free
Cons
- Not moisturizing enough for the 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.
6. Uriage Xemose Lipid-Replenishing Anti-Irritation Cream
This moisturizer features Cerasterol 2F (which are omega ceramides with phytosterols) and TLR2-Regul (which may help with skin inflammation). In addition, it has piroctone olamine, which can decrease the amount of Malassezia.
This is a rich moisturizer, and you will love it as a night moisturizer or if you have very dry skin. Mineral oil and shea butter can lock in all the hydration.
Pros
- Thick moisturizer
- Piroctone olamine with antifungal properties
- Fragrance-free
Cons
- Too rich for oily skin type
Full ingredient list
Water, Paraffinum Liquidum (Mineral Oil), Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Dicaprylyl Ether, Glycerin, Polysorbate 60, Butylene Glycol, Cetyl Alcohol, Squalane, Sodium Polyacrylate, Glyceryl Stearate, Peg-100 Stearate, Brassica Campestris (Rapeseed) Sterols, Dimethicone, Chlorphenesin, Tocopheryl Acetate, Cetrimonium Bromide, O-Cymen-5-Ol, Piroctone Olamine, Xanthan Gum, Raspberry Seed Oil/Palm Oil Aminopropanediol Esters, Asiaticoside, Phytosphingosine, Borage Seed Oil, Aminopropanediol Amides
7. Avene Tolerance Control Soothing Skin Recovery Cream
If you were previously using Avene tolerance extreme emulsion, the brand recommends this cream as the extreme emulsion is discontinued.
Avene tolerance control skin recovery cream comes in a pump packaging, which is so much easier to use than the previous squeeze tube.
This cream is more moisturizing than Avene tolerance extreme emulsion. It has moisturizing ingredients like squalane and fatty alcohol. In addition, it has Aquaphilus Dolomite extract filtrate, which has anti-inflammatory properties.
It does have beeswax, and if you are allergic to bee products, it’s best to avoid this.
I have used it under my sunscreen during the day, and it does not feel heavy.
Pros
- Moisturizing formula (although it may not be enough for very dry skin).
- Fragrance-free
Cons
- Pricey
Full ingredient list
Avène Thermal Spring Water, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Glycerin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Squalane, Cetearyl Glucoside, Cetyl Esters, Aquaphilus Dolomiae Extract Filtrate, Arginine, Beeswax, Citric Acid, Tromethamine, Water, Xanthan Gum.
8. Avene Tolerance Control Soothing Skin Recovery Balm
This balm is Avene’s recommendation for replacing my beloved Avene Tolerance Extreme Cream, which has been discontinued.
Avene tolerance control balm comes in a pump packaging. Sometimes, the pump gets clogged, and I have to pump multiple times to get the product out.
This is much thicker in consistency than the previous Avene Tolerance Extreme cream. But at the same time, it is very moisturizing. It has shea butter and squalane to moisturize any rough patches.
Shea butter also has occlusive properties, meaning it can trap all the moisture in our skin.
Just like the cream above, the balm also has Aquaphilus Dolomiae extract filtrate, which can soothe skin and reduce inflammation.
I still miss the old formulation, but this has become my daily night moisturizer.
Pros
- Very nourishing formulation
- Fragrance-free
Cons
- Pricey
- The pump gets clogged sometimes
Full ingredient list
Avène Thermal Spring Water, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glycerin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Squalane, Beeswax, Cetearyl Glucoside, Cetyl Esters, Aquaphilus Dolomiae Extract Filtrate, Arginine, Citric Acid, Tromethamine, Water, Xanthan Gum.
9. Avene Cicalfate+ Hydrating Skin Recovery Emulsion
Avene has several products in the Cicalfate range. There are two emulsions in this range: one is Cicalfate Post-Procedure Emulsion, and the second one is Cicalfate+ Hydrating Skin Recovery Emulsion.
I am referring to the second version, which is a relatively new addition to the family. It comes in a squeeze tube.
This emulsion has a consistency of medium-weight cream and is very moisturizing, more than the Avene tolerance control cream mentioned above.
It has ingredients like squalane and shea butter for moisturizing. Niacinamide can help decrease any inflammation and aid in skin barrier repair. It has copper and zinc sulfate, which can help in skin healing.
It also has a unique ingredient, Aquaphilus Dolomiae ferment filtrate, which can help in promoting skin healing.
This moisturizer can be used both day and night and can be great for seborrheic dermatitis.
Pros
- Several ingredients to boost the skin barrier
- Fragrance-free
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. Cerave PM Facial Moisturizer
Cerave PM facial moisturizer is a light moisturizer that can be used by any skin type. It has ceramides and niacinamide, which can aid in skin barrier repair.
It leaves a matte finish and can also act as a great makeup base. In addition, it doesn’t contain any oil – if you prefer an oil-free moisturizer.
Pros
- Ceramides and niacinamide for barrier repair
- Lightweight texture
- Great makeup base
- Fragrance-free
Cons
- Not moisturizing enough for drier skin types
Full ingredient list
Aqua / Water / Eau, Glycerin, Caprylic/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
11. La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5
Well, this is not a new one; probably you have already heard about this gem. Cicaplast Baume B5 can be perfect for aiding in skin barrier repair.
It has several ingredients like panthenol, madecassoside, copper, zinc, and manganese to soothe irritated skin. Dimethicone and shea butter can trap all the moisture in the skin, making it soft.
I usually find it a little too thick for daytime use, but love it as a night moisturizer or in extremely cold weather.
Pros
- Thick nourishing texture
- Multiple ingredients for soothing and healing irritated skin
- Fragrance-free
Cons
- Too occlusive for oily skin type
Full ingredient list
Aqua/ Water, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Dimethicone, Glycerin, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter / Shea Butter, Panthenol, Propanediol, Butylene Glycol, Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate, Cetyl Peg/Ppg-10/1 Dimethicone, Trihydroxystearin, Zinc Gluconate, Madecassoside, Manganese Gluconate, Silica, Aluminum Hydroxide, Magnesium Sulfate, Disodium Edta, Copper Gluconate, Capryloyl Glycine, Citric Acid, Acetylated Glycol Stearate, Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate, Tocopherol, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Ci 77891 / Titanium Dioxide
12. Eucerin Dry Skin Replenishing Face Cream Night 5% Urea
This is a urea-based moisturizer with a concentration of 5% urea. Urea can help with the flakiness associated with seborrheic dermatitis and can also enhance barrier function.
This has several emollients in it, giving it a rich feeling. It is also free of any fragrance, making it perfect for someone with sensitive skin.
Pros
- Urea can aid in skin barrier repair and decrease flakiness
- Fragrance-free
Cons
- May not be moisturizing enough for very dry skin
Full ingredient list
Aqua, Glycerin, Urea, Cyclomethicone, Ethylhexyl Cocoate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Helianthus Annuus, Isopropyl Stearate, Polyglyceryl-2 Dipolyhydroxystearate, Squalane, Sodium Lactate, Butyrospermum Parkii, Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate, Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Benzyl Alcohol, Magnesium Sulfate, Sodium Starch Octenylsuccinate, Lactic Acid, Methylparaben, Disodium EDTA, Ceramide 3, BHT
13. Rohto Mentholatum – Hada Labo Koi-Gokujyun Perfect Gel
Hado Labo has several products that are holy grails for so many people. This moisturizer can be used by any skin type. As the name suggests, it has a gel consistency that deeply hydrates the skin.
If you have dry skin, this might not be enough, and you might need an additional layer of a heavier moisturizer on top. Hydroxyethyl urea can help in getting rid of dead skin cells and can also enhance the skin barrier.
Pros
- Hydroxyethyl urea can help with flakiness and the skin barrier
- Different forms of hyaluronic acid can plump the skin
- Fragrance-free
Cons
- Not moisturizing enough for combination to dry skin type
Full ingredient list
Water, Butylene Glycol, Hydroxyethyl Urea, Pentylene Glycol, Glycerin, Squalane, PEG/PPG/Polybutylene Glycol-8/5/3 Glycerin, Triethylhexanoin, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer, Agar, Arginine, Dextrin, Dimethicone, Disodium EDTA, Disodium Succinate, Glucosyl Ceramide, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Methylparaben, Phenoxyethanol, Propylparaben, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Succinic Acid, Triethyl Citrate
14. CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
Cerave moisturizing cream is an old favorite that is easily available. You can get a huge tub that lasts forever.
If the cleanser you are using for seborrheic dermatitis is drying out your skin, this can act like a band-aid to heal your skin with a mixture of skin goodies like petrolatum and ceramides.
Pros
- Very moisturizing
- Fragrance-free
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
Ingredients to include
When buying a moisturizer for seborrheic dermatitis, make sure that it has a combination of:
- Humectants like glycerin.
- Emollients like panthenol.
- Occlusives like shea butter or petrolatum.
In addition, it is very useful to have ingredients that can decrease the burden of Malassezia on the skin, like piroctone olamine. You can also include these ingredients in a face wash for seborrheic dermatitis.
Also include ingredients that have soothing or anti-inflammatory properties like Centella Asiatica extract, licorice extract, or panthenol.
Ingredients that boost the skin barrier, like niacinamide, ceramides, or shea butter, can help in the repair of the skin barrier.
FAQs
Should I moisturize my face if I have seborrheic dermatitis?
Yes, definitely! Skin barrier dysfunction is one of the main factors associated with seborrheic dermatitis. One of the ways to heal a damaged skin barrier is by using a good moisturizer.
What ingredients should I avoid with seborrheic dermatitis?
One should avoid ingredients like:
- Fragrance
- Essential oils
- Dyes
- Harsh cleansers with high pH
In addition, one should be careful when using strong actives like retinoids and exfoliants.
Is seborrheic dermatitis curable?
Unfortunately, seborrheic dermatitis cannot be cured. However, with a proper treatment plan, the active or flare episodes can be decreased.
Further reading
- Seborrheic Dermatitis on Face: Treatment, Causes, Symptoms
- Products to Avoid with Seborrheic Dermatitis
- The 14 Best Moisturizers for Rosacea and Seborrheic Dermatitis
- The 10 Best Serums and Toners for Facial Seborrheic Dermatitis
Disclaimer: This blog post is for information purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
can you recommend any that are in glass? The plastic chemicals that leach into all these products also exacerate my SD. I’d love to know if there are any you might recommend that are plastic free.
Hi Anna,
Biossance moisturizers – squalane omega repair cream and squalane probiotic gel moisturizer, are in glass jar. I have used them and they worked fine. They are somewhat pricey though.
If you don’t like jar packaging, you can mix few drops of squalane (Amara Beauty squalane oil comes in glass bottle with glass dropper) in your serum and use it as a moisturizer. However, it may not be moisturizing enough if you have dry skin.
Jaspreet