Perioral dermatitis can cause a red bumpy rash around the mouth. Often, it appears all of a sudden, and one wonders what did I do? Sometimes it is just one wrong skin care product. So, it becomes important to include gentle skin care products in the routine.
When you think of gentle skincare, “The Ordinary” brand can be relied upon. Their products are free of a lot of unwanted ingredients which make them a perfect choice for perioral dermatitis.
The brand
The Ordinary brand has several skin care products which can target multiple skin concerns. You can easily make a skincare routine by choosing products just from this brand.
The products are also affordable which makes it easy to use them consistently. If you look at the list below, all the products are within $10.
Skincare for perioral dermatitis
Perioral dermatitis is a skin condition characterized by a red scaly rash, papules, and pustules around the mouth, eyes, or nose. It is commonly seen in young adult females.
It is associated with the use of topical steroids, inhaled steroids, heavy skin care products, hormones, and face masks.
If you are dealing with perioral dermatitis, your skin needs some love to heal. Simplify your routine and use what is necessary for your skin.
Ingredients to include
Include ingredients with hydrating, anti-inflammatory, skin soothing, and barrier-restoring properties.
Some of these are:
- Azelaic acid – antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant.
- Sulfur – antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory.
- Niacinamide – enhances barrier, and reduces redness.
- Panthenol – hydrating, enhances barrier, reduces redness.
- Ceramides – Restores skin barrier.
- Centella Asiatica extract – an antioxidant that can help in healing wounds, and decrease inflammation.
Ingredients to avoid
Perioral dermatitis is often aggravated by heavy skincare products especially when they are layered over each other.
One should avoid the following ingredients which may lead to perioral dermatitis in some people:
- Petrolatum or mineral oil-based moisturizers.
- Steroids or anti-itch lotion with steroids.
- Toothpaste with fluorides or sulfates.
- Essential oils.
- Retinoids including retinol, adapalene, or any other form.
- Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) serums.
- Exfoliating acids like glycolic acid, lactic acid, etc.
- High pH cleansers.
Best picks from The Ordinary
While the brand has many products, not all of them are suitable for perioral dermatitis. Below is a list of The Ordinary products that can help calm your skin and aid in recovery from perioral dermatitis. All these products are free of fragrance, dyes, parabens, and essential oils.
1. The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser
- Quick facts
- Price: $7.90 for 50 ml
- Key ingredient: Squalane
- Free of sulfates and fragrance
- pH: 5.5 to 6.5
Harsh cleansers can strip our skin of barrier lipids. With skin conditions like perioral dermatitis, it is important to keep the skin barrier safe.
This cleanser is based on squalane which is a great emollient. This is a gentle cleanser that cleans well and washes away completely without leaving behind any residue. At the same time, the skin is left soft.
While this can be a great evening cleanser to remove sunscreen or makeup, it can also be used in the mornings if needed.
It is pH-balanced and free of sulfates and fragrance.
Pros
- A gentle cleanser that cleans without stripping.
- Leaves no residue.
Cons
- May not remove water-resistant eye or 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.
2. The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%
- Quick facts
- Price: $10 for 30 ml
- Key ingredient: Azelaic acid
Read my full review on The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%.
If you want to choose just one product from this list, this is probably the best one!
This product has 10% azelaic acid. Azelaic acid is a dicarboxylic acid that is produced by the fungi – Malassezia furfur, which is part of our normal skin flora. It can also be obtained from certain grains like wheat, barley, and rye.
in comparison to alpha and beta hydroxy acids, this works at a pH close to that of our skin.
It has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. It also decreases the formation of melanin pigment in the skin and thus decreases the chances of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
In fact, sometimes prescription-strength azelaic acid (15%) is used to treat perioral dermatitis. This product does not have any other active, so it is a safe choice for perioral dermatitis.
It has a thick texture due to silicones. I find it works best when applied after serum or a moisturizer.
Pros
- Calms redness.
- Free of any other actives.
Cons
- Some may not like the 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.
3. The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
- Quick facts
- Price: $7.50 for 30 ml
- Key ingredients: Sodium hyaluronate, panthenol
Perioral dermatitis does better with light layers of skincare products than thick occlusive skin care products. This is where the role of this serum comes in.
Using this serum in combination with a light moisturizer can give intense hydration to the skin.
This serum has hyaluronic acid which is a great humectant. It can hold onto water and plumps the top layer of skin.
In addition, it has panthenol which is a humectant like hyaluronic acid. It also has emollient properties and can smoothen the rough edges. It can enhance our skin barrier.
It can feel sticky in very humid climates or when you apply too much.
Pros
- Lightweight.
- Hydrates skin.
- Can help in skin barrier repair.
Cons
- Can 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.
4. The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
- Quick facts
- Price: $6.50 for 30 ml
- Key ingredients: Niacinamide, Zinc PCA
Niacinamide is a multitasker and has numerous benefits for our skin.
- It can enhance our skin barrier by stimulating the formation of ceramides.
- It can decrease redness via its anti-inflammatory properties.
- It can refine the appearance of pores.
- It can give a pink glow to the skin.
- It has anti-aging benefits.
In addition, it plays nicely with many ingredients and can be safely used in combination with other ingredients. This makes it perfect for calming down perioral dermatitis.
It also has zinc PCA which can benefit the skin with its anti-inflammatory and skin-healing properties.
This serum has a high concentration of niacinamide which may cause stinging and burning. So, instead of using this straight on your skin, mix a few drops with your moisturizer.
If it still stings, it’s better to stop using this.
Pros
- Niacinamide can reduce redness and repair the skin barrier.
- Zinc PCA can aid in skin healing.
Cons
- May cause stinging or burning in some people.
Full ingredient list
Aqua (Water), Niacinamide, Pentylene Glycol, Zinc PCA, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Tamarindus Indica Seed Gum, Xanthan Gum, Isoceteth-20, Ethoxydiglycol, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin.
5. The Ordinary 100% Plant-Derived Squalane
- Quick facts
- Price: $9 for 30 ml
- Key ingredient: Squalane
Squalane is the new favorite ingredient of so many. It is lightweight and can moisturize the skin well.
Squalane is different from squalene which is part of our sebum. Squalane is formed by the hydrogenation of squalene and is more stable.
Squalane has antioxidant properties and can protect our skin from free radicals. It is an emollient and can give a smooth appearance to the skin.
It also has anti-inflammatory properties and can decrease skin inflammation. This can calm down perioral dermatitis. This makes it a perfect choice to moisturize the skin.
In addition, I love the fact that it is derived from plants (sugar cane in this case) and not sharks (by the way the Ordinary brand is cruelty-free).
Should you use oil on your face straight away? I would say it is better to mix a few drops of this in your serum or moisturizer. Directly applying oil may be too much for some people.
Pros
- Lightweight.
- Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Cons
- None!
Full ingredient list
Squalane.
Summary
In today’s beauty market, you can find many gentle products that can be beneficial for perioral dermatitis. However, ‘The Ordinary” brand stands out to me as an affordable choice. You can get many great products at great prices.
When our skincare products are easily available and affordable, it is easy to stay consistent with our skincare routine. A consistent simple skincare routine is the key to healthy skin!
Read more:
- Best Products for Perioral Dermatitis: Face Wash, Moisturizer, Sunscreen
- Is perioral dermatitis contagious? & Perioral dermatitis vs Cold sore
- Is Perioral Dermatitis Fungal or Bacterial?
- Perioral Dermatitis vs Acne: How to Tell the Difference
References
- Kim SK, Karadeniz F. Biological importance and applications of squalene and squalane. Adv Food Nutr Res. 2012;65:223-33. doi: 10.1016/B978-0-12-416003-3.00014-7. PMID: 22361190.
- Wołosik K, Knaś M, Zalewska A, Niczyporuk M, Przystupa AW. The importance and perspective of plant-based squalene in cosmetology. J Cosmet Sci. 2013 Jan-Feb;64(1):59-66. PMID: 23449131.
Disclaimer: The ingredient list/ price is subject to change over time, so make sure you check them before buying any product.