Skincare ingredients for rosacea
Our research data links 23 ingredients to rosacea. 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 rosacea?
In our data, the strongest evidence for rosacea is behind Azelaic acid, Dexpanthenol, and White Petrolatum.
Get a free rosacea routine matched to your skin
Answer 5 questions, skip the rest. Free, and no sign-up to see it.
| Ingredient | Evidence | Studied at | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Azelaic acid | 🧪 Clinical evidence | melasma 20%; papulopustular rosacea 15% | Moderate concern |
| Dexpanthenol | 🧪 Clinical evidence | clinical 5% | Low concern |
| White Petrolatum | 📄 Literature evidence | pure base tested; universal range N/A | Low concern |
| Niacinamide | 🧪 Clinical evidence | clinical 2-5%; Korean notice whitening 2-5% | Low concern |
| Ectoine | 🧪 Clinical evidence | clinical 7% cream | Low concern |
- Azelaic acidModerate concern
Studied at melasma 20%; papulopustular rosacea 15%
For papulopustular rosacea at 15%. The effect on persistent erythema without lesions alone is not assessed on the label.
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- Ceramide APLow concern
Studied at N/A; a stand-alone % cannot be fixed from finished-product mixed-lipid evidence alone
Indirect evidence for a barrier-support purpose. The clinical effective % of this single molecule for treating chronic inflammation in rosacea is N/A.
- Reference: CIR, 2015
Pregnancy: not rated yet · Listed in 747 products
- Ceramide ASLow concern
Studied at N/A; a stand-alone % cannot be fixed from finished-product mixed-lipid evidence alone
Indirect evidence for a barrier-support purpose. The clinical effective % of this single molecule for treating chronic inflammation in rosacea is N/A.
- Reference: CIR, 2015
Pregnancy: not rated yet · Listed in 422 products
- Ceramide EOPLow concern
Studied at N/A; a stand-alone % cannot be fixed from finished-product mixed-lipid evidence alone
Indirect evidence for a barrier-support purpose. The clinical effective % of this single molecule for treating chronic inflammation in rosacea is N/A.
- Reference: CIR, 2015
Pregnancy: not rated yet · Listed in 722 products
- Ceramide NPLow concern
Studied at N/A; a stand-alone % cannot be fixed from finished-product mixed-lipid evidence alone
Indirect evidence for a barrier-support purpose. The clinical effective % of this single molecule for treating chronic inflammation in rosacea is N/A.
- Reference: CIR, 2015
Pregnancy: not rated yet · Listed in 5,243 products
- Ceramide NSLow concern
Studied at N/A; a stand-alone % cannot be fixed from finished-product mixed-lipid evidence alone
Indirect evidence for a barrier-support purpose. The clinical effective % of this single molecule for treating chronic inflammation in rosacea is N/A.
- Reference: CIR, 2015
Pregnancy: not rated yet · Listed in 485 products
- GlycerolLow concern
Glycerin
Studied at combination clinical 20%; general stand-alone range N/A
Indirect evidence for a barrier-support purpose. The clinical effective % of this single molecule for treating chronic inflammation in rosacea is N/A.
- Reference: Danby et al., 2022
Pregnancy: not advised against on skin · Listed in 21,696 products
- alpha-BisabololLow concern
Bisabolol
Studied at Korean notice whitening 0.5%; soothing stand-alone N/A
Indirect evidence for a barrier-support purpose. The clinical effective % of this single molecule for treating chronic inflammation in rosacea is 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
Indirect evidence for a barrier-support purpose. The clinical effective % of this single molecule for treating chronic inflammation in rosacea is N/A.
- Reference: Cameli et al., 2020
Listed in 71 products
- Hyaluronan 2000 kDaLow concern
Studied at clinical 0.1%
Indirect evidence for a barrier-support purpose. The clinical effective % of this single molecule for treating chronic inflammation in rosacea is N/A.
- Reference: Pavicic et al., 2011
Not in our product list yet
- MadecassosideLow concern
Studied at combination clinical 0.1% + LAA 5%; stand-alone N/A
Indirect evidence for a barrier-support purpose. The clinical effective % of this single molecule for treating chronic inflammation in rosacea is N/A.
- Reference: Haftek et al., 2008
Pregnancy: not rated yet · Listed in 2,284 products
- AllantoinLow concern
Studied at N/A
- Reference: Xu et al., 2025
Pregnancy: not rated yet · Listed in 6,122 products
- PhytosphingosineLow concern
Studied at N/A
Indirect evidence for a barrier-support purpose. The clinical effective % of this single molecule for treating chronic inflammation in rosacea is N/A.
- Reference: Pavicic et al., 2007
- Reference: CIR, 2015
Pregnancy: not rated yet · Listed in 1,214 products
Which ingredients for rosacea need a doctor?
6 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 mixed drug ivermectin 1%; stand-alone N/A
The 9.0 is attributed to the papulopustular effect of the approved ivermectin 1% mixed cream. The stand-alone clinical efficacy and concentration of this homologue are N/A.
- Reference: DailyMed drug label, 2024
Not in our product list yet
Studied at mixed drug ivermectin 1%; stand-alone N/A
The 9.0 is attributed to the papulopustular effect of the approved ivermectin 1% mixed cream. The stand-alone clinical efficacy and concentration of this homologue are N/A.
- Reference: DailyMed drug label, 2024
Not in our product list yet
Studied at drug, equivalent 0.33%
Temporary vasoconstriction of persistent erythema. Different from treating papulopustular, barrier or ocular rosacea; follow the product label and doctor's prescription.
- Reference: DailyMed drug label, 2024
Not in our product list yet
Studied at drug 0.5% = free base 0.33%
Temporary vasoconstriction of persistent erythema. Different from treating papulopustular, barrier or ocular rosacea; follow the product label and doctor's prescription.
- Reference: DailyMed drug label, 2024
Not in our product list yet
Studied at drug 0.75%, 1%
- Reference: DailyMed, 2025
Not in our product list yet
Studied at drug 1% = free base 0.88%
Temporary vasoconstriction of persistent erythema. Different from treating papulopustular, barrier or ocular rosacea; follow the product label and doctor's prescription.
- Reference: DailyMed drug label, 2025
Not in our product list yet
Which ingredients for rosacea are advised against in pregnancy?
None of the 23 ingredients here carries an 'advised to avoid' verdict for pregnancy in our data.
Pregnant or breastfeeding? Check new products with your doctor or midwife.
Trending now
Ingredients more people are searching for this season. Trending is not the same as proven: tap one to see its evidence.
Get a routine for your skin
A free quiz picks products for your concerns and leaves out ingredients you tell it to avoid. Answer 5 questions, skip the rest.