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 | Study dose: not found yet | Moderate concern |
| Dexpanthenol | 🧪 Clinical evidence | 5% | Low concern |
| Ectoine | 🧪 Clinical evidence | 7% | Low concern |
| Niacinamide | 🧪 Clinical evidence | 2-5% | Low concern |
| White Petrolatum | 📄 Literature evidence | Study dose: not found yet | Low concern |
- Azelaic acidModerate concern
Study dose: not found yet
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: use with care · Listed in 89 products
- DexpanthenolLow concern
Studied at 5%
- Reference: Proksch and Nissen, 2002
Pregnancy: not advised against on skin · Listed in 127 products
- EctoineLow concern
Ectoin
Studied at 7%
- Reference: Marini et al., 2014
- Reference: Bitop AG, 2010
Pregnancy: – · Listed in 847 products
- NiacinamideLow concern
Studied at 2-5%
- Korea approved amount: 2-5%
A limit is the most a product may hold, not the amount that works.
- Reference: Bissett et al., 2004
- Reference: Draelos et al., 2006
- Reference: Kimball et al., 2010
- Reference: Korea Ministry of Government Legislation, 2023
Pregnancy: – · Listed in 12,904 products
- White PetrolatumLow concern
Petrolatum
Study dose: not found yet
- Reference: Ghadially et al., 1992
Pregnancy: – · Listed in 345 products
- MadecassosideLow concern
Studied only mixed with other actives
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: – · Listed in 3,532 products
- Phytosphingosine hydrochlorideLow concern
Studied at 0.2%
- Reference: Pavicic et al., 2007
Pregnancy: – · Not in our product list yet
- alpha-BisabololLow concern
Bisabolol
Study dose: not found yet
- Korea approved amount: 0.5%
A limit is the most a product may hold, not the amount that works.
- Reference: Korea Ministry of Government Legislation, 2023
Pregnancy: – · Listed in 1,378 products
- Glycyrrhetinic acidLow concern
Study dose: not found yet
- Reference: Cameli et al., 2020
Listed in 88 products
- AllantoinLow concern
Study dose: not found yet
- Reference: Xia et al., 2025
- Reference: Xu et al., 2025
Pregnancy: – · Listed in 9,420 products
- β-(1→3)/(1→6)-D-GlucanLow concern
Study dose: not found yet
- Reference: Jesenak et al., 2016
Pregnancy: – · Not in our product list yet
- Dipotassium glycyrrhizateLow concern
Study dose: not found yet
- Reference: Xia et al., 2025
Pregnancy: – · Listed in 4,377 products
- AsiaticosideLow concern
Study dose: not found yet
- Reference: Witkowska et al., 2024
- Reference: Park, 2021
Pregnancy: – · Listed in 2,957 products
- Asiatic acidLow concern
Study dose: not found yet
- Reference: Diniz et al., 2023
- Reference: Witkowska et al., 2024
Pregnancy: – · Listed in 2,558 products
- Madecassic acidLow concern
Study dose: not found yet
- Reference: Witkowska et al., 2024
- Reference: Park, 2021
Pregnancy: – · Listed in 2,538 products
– = no pregnancy research data yet
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.
Study dose: not found yet
- Reference: DailyMed drug label, 2024
Not in our product list yet
Study dose: not found yet
- Reference: DailyMed drug label, 2025
Not in our product list yet
Study dose: not found yet
- 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.
Use with care (the reason is on each ingredient page): Azelaic acid.
Pregnant or breastfeeding? Check new products with your doctor or midwife.
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