Skincare ingredients for redness and irritation
Our research data links 18 ingredients to redness and irritation. Strongest evidence comes first, each with the studies behind it.
A research list, not medical advice. If a skin condition worries you, see a dermatologist.
Which ingredients have the most evidence for redness and irritation?
In our data, the strongest evidence for redness and irritation is behind Azelaic acid, Dexpanthenol, and Ectoine.
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| Ingredient | Evidence | Studied at | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Azelaic acid | 🧪 Clinical evidence | melasma 20%; papulopustular rosacea 15% | Moderate concern |
| Dexpanthenol | 🧪 Clinical evidence | clinical 5% | Low concern |
| Ectoine | 🧪 Clinical evidence | clinical 7% cream | Low concern |
| Niacinamide | 🧪 Clinical evidence | clinical 2-5%; Korean notice whitening 2-5% | Low concern |
| White Petrolatum | 📄 Literature evidence | pure base tested; universal range N/A | Low concern |
- Azelaic acidModerate concern
Studied at melasma 20%; papulopustular rosacea 15%
A 15% papulopustular rosacea study. Keep apart from stand-alone treatment efficacy for persistent erythema without lesions.
- Reference: Balina and Graupe, 1991
- Reference: DailyMed drug label, 2020
Pregnancy: not advised against on skin · Listed in 86 products
- DexpanthenolLow concern
Studied at clinical 5%
- Reference: Proksch and Nissen, 2002
Pregnancy: not advised against on skin · Listed in 51 products
- EctoineLow concern
Ectoin
Studied at clinical 7% cream
- Reference: Marini et al., 2014
- Reference: Bitop AG, 2010
Pregnancy: not rated yet · Listed in 596 products
- NiacinamideLow concern
Studied at clinical 2-5%; Korean notice whitening 2-5%
- Reference: Bissett et al., 2004
- Reference: Draelos et al., 2006
- Reference: Kimball et al., 2010
- Reference: Korea Ministry of Government Legislation, 2023
Pregnancy: not rated yet · Listed in 8,542 products
- White PetrolatumLow concern
Petrolatum
Studied at pure base tested; universal range N/A
- Reference: Ghadially et al., 1992
Pregnancy: not rated yet · Listed in 264 products
- MadecassosideLow concern
Studied at soothing stand-alone clinical N/A; photoaging combination study 0.1%
There is preclinical work on inflammation pathways, but a standard soothing concentration for this molecule was not found in this review.
- Reference: Haftek et al., 2008
Pregnancy: not rated yet · Listed in 2,284 products
- Phytosphingosine hydrochlorideLow concern
Studied at clinical 0.2%; small study
- Reference: Pavicic et al., 2007
Pregnancy: not rated yet · Not in our product list yet
- alpha-BisabololLow concern
Bisabolol
Studied at Korean notice whitening 0.5%; soothing stand-alone N/A
- Reference: Korea Ministry of Government Legislation, 2023
Pregnancy: not rated yet · Listed in 1,027 products
- Glycyrrhetinic acidLow concern
Studied at N/A
- Reference: Cameli et al., 2020
Listed in 71 products
- AllantoinLow concern
Studied at N/A
- Reference: Xia et al., 2025
- Reference: Xu et al., 2025
Pregnancy: not rated yet · Listed in 6,122 products
- β-(1→3)/(1→6)-D-GlucanLow concern
Studied at N/A
- Reference: Jesenak et al., 2016
Pregnancy: not rated yet · Not in our product list yet
- Dipotassium glycyrrhizateLow concern
Studied at N/A
- Reference: Xia et al., 2025
Pregnancy: not rated yet · Listed in 3,026 products
- AsiaticosideLow concern
Studied at N/A
- Reference: Witkowska et al., 2024
- Reference: Park, 2021
Pregnancy: not rated yet · Listed in 1,852 products
- Asiatic acidLow concern
Studied at N/A
- Reference: Diniz et al., 2023
- Reference: Witkowska et al., 2024
Pregnancy: not rated yet · Listed in 1,640 products
- Madecassic acidLow concern
Studied at N/A
- Reference: Witkowska et al., 2024
- Reference: Park, 2021
Pregnancy: not rated yet · Listed in 1,627 products
Which ingredients for redness and irritation need a doctor?
3 ingredients here are prescription-only or for in-clinic use in the US. We list them so you can look them up; they never go into a PERBETE routine.
Studied at drug 0.5% = free base 0.33%
- Reference: DailyMed drug label, 2024
Not in our product list yet
Studied at drug 1% = free base 0.88%
- Reference: DailyMed drug label, 2025
Not in our product list yet
Studied at drug 0.75%, 1%
- Reference: DailyMed, 2025
Not in our product list yet
Which ingredients for redness and irritation are advised against in pregnancy?
None of the 18 ingredients here carries an 'advised to avoid' verdict for pregnancy in our data.
Pregnant or breastfeeding? Check new products with your doctor or midwife.
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