If you’ve ever dealt with redness that just won’t quit, skin that flares up at the most inconvenient times, or that distinctive flushed look that no amount of concealer seems to fix, you might be dealing with rosacea. Trust me, as someone who’s spent more time than I’d like to admit staring at my reflection under harsh bathroom lighting trying to figure out why my cheeks look like I’ve just run a marathon, I understand the frustration.
Rosacea is one of those skin conditions that can feel like a bit of a guessing game. What works for your best friend might send your skin into a full-blown flare, and products that promise to calm and soothe can sometimes do the complete opposite. That’s why I’ve put together this guide on the best products for rosacea available in Australia, so you don’t have to go through the trial-and-error phase I did.
What actually is rosacea?
Before we dive into the product recommendations, it’s worth understanding what we’re dealing with. Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that primarily affects the face, causing redness, visible blood vessels, and sometimes small, pus-filled bumps that can be mistaken for acne. It typically appears on the cheeks, nose, chin, and forehead.
The thing about rosacea is it’s not one-size-fits-all. There are actually four different subtypes, each with its own set of symptoms. Some people experience persistent redness and flushing, others deal with bumps and pimples, and some have thickened skin or eye irritation. The condition can also be triggered by various factors like sun exposure, spicy foods, alcohol, stress, and certain skincare products (which is why choosing the right products is so important).
What to look for in rosacea-friendly products
When you’re shopping for skincare with rosacea, there are a few golden rules to keep in mind. First up, you want to avoid anything that’s going to irritate your already sensitive skin. That means steering clear of harsh physical exfoliants, products with alcohol, synthetic fragrances, and ingredients like witch hazel or menthol that can cause further irritation.
Instead, look for products with gentle, soothing ingredients. Things like niacinamide, azelaic acid, ceramides, and centella asiatica are your friends. You also want products with a minimal ingredient list because the more ingredients in a formula, the higher the chance something might trigger a reaction.
The best cleansers for rosacea-prone skin
CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser
If there’s one cleanser I’d recommend for rosacea-prone skin, it’s the CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser. This gentle, non-foaming cleanser doesn’t strip the skin and contains ceramides and hyaluronic acid to help maintain the skin’s protective barrier. It’s fragrance-free, soap-free, and available at Chemist Warehouse and most Australian pharmacies.
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Dermo-Cleanser
French pharmacy brands know a thing or two about sensitive skin, and La Roche-Posay’s Toleriane Dermo-Cleanser is proof of that. This ultra-gentle milk cleanser removes makeup and impurities without disrupting the skin’s natural pH balance. It’s formulated with La Roche-Posay thermal spring water, which has soothing and anti-irritant properties.
QV Gentle Wash
For those on a budget, QV Gentle Wash is an Australian pharmacy staple that’s perfect for rosacea-prone skin. It’s soap-free, fragrance-free, and developed with dermatologists specifically for sensitive skin. Plus, you can find it at pretty much any chemist across Australia.
Top moisturisers for calming rosacea
Avène Antirougeurs Calm Soothing Repair Mask
Don’t let the word “mask” fool you—this product can be used as a daily moisturiser or as an intensive overnight treatment. The Avène Antirougeurs range is specifically designed for skin prone to redness and rosacea. It contains Avène thermal spring water and ingredients like dextran sulfate to help reduce visible redness and strengthen the skin barrier.
Cetaphil Redness Relieving Night Moisturiser
Cetaphil has a dedicated redness-relieving line that’s worth checking out if you have rosacea. Their night moisturiser contains licochalcone and allantoin to soothe irritation and reduce redness while you sleep. It’s fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, and works well under makeup if you need to use it during the day.
The Ordinary Natural Moisturising Factors + HA
If you want something basic and effective without breaking the bank, The Ordinary’s Natural Moisturising Factors is a solid choice. It mimics the skin’s natural hydrating elements and doesn’t contain any common irritants. It’s available at Adore Beauty and Priceline and won’t set you back more than $20.
Targeted treatments worth trying
The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%
Azelaic acid is one of the few active ingredients that’s actually recommended for rosacea. It helps reduce inflammation, targets redness, and can improve skin texture without the irritation that comes with other actives like retinol or strong acids. The Ordinary’s version is affordable and effective, though the silicone-based texture takes a bit of getting used to.
Paula’s Choice 10% Azelaic Acid Booster
If you find The Ordinary’s texture a bit too silicone-heavy, Paula’s Choice offers an alternative azelaic acid treatment with a lighter, more cosmetically elegant formula. It absorbs quickly and can be mixed with your moisturiser or used alone as a targeted treatment.
Finacea Gel
For something prescription-strength, Finacea Gel contains 15% azelaic acid and is available through Australian dermatologists and GPs. While it’s a bit pricier and requires a prescription, many people with rosacea find it makes a significant difference in managing their symptoms.
Sunscreen is non-negotiable
If there’s one product that absolutely everyone with rosacea needs, it’s a good sunscreen. UV exposure is one of the most common rosacea triggers, and protecting your skin from the harsh Australian sun is crucial for managing the condition.
Ultra Violette Lean Screen SPF50+
Ultra Violette is an Australian brand that’s become cult-favourite for good reason. Their Lean Screen formula is lightweight, doesn’t leave a white cast, and is packed with antioxidants. It sits well under makeup and doesn’t irritate sensitive skin.
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Ultra-Light Invisible Fluid SPF50+
This sunscreen is specifically formulated for sensitive skin and offers broad-spectrum protection without feeling heavy or greasy. It’s got thermal spring water for soothing properties and is fragrance-free.
Invisible Zinc Sheer Defence Tinted Moisturiser SPF50
For those who prefer a mineral sunscreen, Invisible Zinc is an Aussie brand that offers great protection without the typical zinc oxide white cast. The tinted version provides light coverage while protecting your skin, which is perfect if you want to simplify your routine.
Products to avoid when you have rosacea
Just as important as knowing what to use is understanding what to avoid. Here are some ingredients and product types that can trigger rosacea flares:
Alcohol and astringents: Anything with a high alcohol content will dry out and irritate your skin. Check ingredient lists for alcohol denat, isopropyl alcohol, and SD alcohol.
Fragrance: Both synthetic fragrances and essential oils can be irritating. Even if a product smells lovely, if you have rosacea, fragrance-free is the way to go.
Physical exfoliants: Scrubs, cleansing brushes, and anything abrasive can cause micro-tears in the skin and trigger inflammation. If you want to exfoliate, stick to gentle chemical exfoliants in low concentrations.
Witch hazel and menthol: These ingredients might feel cooling and refreshing, but they’re actually quite irritating for rosacea-prone skin.
Building a rosacea-friendly routine
Having the right products is only half the battle, you also need to use them correctly. Here’s a simple routine that works for most people with rosacea:
Morning: Start with your gentle cleanser, follow with a soothing moisturiser, and finish with sunscreen. If you’re using an azelaic acid treatment, apply it after cleansing and before your moisturiser.
Evening: Double cleanse if you’ve been wearing makeup or sunscreen (start with a cleansing oil or balm, then follow with your regular cleanser). Apply your treatment products, then seal everything in with your night moisturiser.
Remember, less is often more when it comes to rosacea. Overloading your skin with too many products or introducing new ones too quickly can backfire. Introduce new products one at a time and give your skin at least two weeks to adjust before adding anything else.
When to see a dermatologist
While over-the-counter products can help manage rosacea symptoms, sometimes you need professional help. If your rosacea is severe, getting progressively worse, affecting your eyes, or significantly impacting your quality of life, it’s time to book an appointment with a dermatologist.
Australian dermatologists can prescribe stronger treatments like topical antibiotics, oral medications, or even laser therapy to reduce visible blood vessels. They can also help you identify your specific triggers and create a tailored treatment plan.
Final thoughts on managing rosacea
Living with rosacea isn’t always easy, but with the right products and a bit of patience, you can definitely keep it under control. The key is finding what works for your specific skin type and triggers, which admittedly takes some time and experimentation.
The products I’ve listed above are all readily available in Australia, whether through pharmacies, online retailers like Adore Beauty and Mecca, or directly from dermatologists. Start with the basics, a gentle cleanser, a good moisturiser, and a reliable sunscreen, and build from there.
And remember, everyone’s skin is different. What works wonders for someone else might not work for you, and that’s completely normal. Be patient with your skin, keep a diary of what triggers your flares, and don’t be afraid to seek professional help if you need it.
