Natural Skincare for Rosacea

Which natural skincare is best for rosacea?

UPDATED JUNE 1st 2022

This post aims to shed light on the best natural skincare for rosacea and give you some pointers to help you shop smarter.

As someone healing rosacea naturally and holistically, finding the right natural and organic skincare has been a little tricky to say the least. Over the years I’ve learned to read labels and run ingredients in the EWG.org database to avoid harsh chemicals but also to avoid falling prey to greenwashing. (Greenwashing is when a company uses tactics to make you think their products are safe and natural such as using the color green on their packaging and using words such as “natural” which really doesn’t mean much…We talk about greenwashing in this podcast episode.)

Over the years I’ve also accumulated a counter full of products that I couldn’t return and couldn’t use either because my skin reacted to it! What a waste of money!

So hopefully this rosacea skincare guide will help you save time, money and give you some pointers on how to shop smartly if you have sensitive, rosacea-prone skin.

PS: I will update this post with new products, bookmark it or sign up to the Glowletter at the bottom of the page so you don’t miss the updates!

Natural Skincare for Rosacea

When shopping for natural rosacea skincare products (or anything really) I try to find as much information as possible about the brand to make sure our values align. I believe that as consumers, we are voting with our dollars and what we choose to invest in or purchase impacts the environment, farmers, communities and ultimately our health.

Becoming a health advocate and demanding that companies become transparent in their practices / sourcing won’t happen at the government level, it must be a grassroots movement lead by empowered humxns. 

Here are some questions I like to ask before purchasing a product:

1. Is the product sustainably made or does the company have sustainable practices?
2. Are the ingredients organic or wildcrafted?
3. Is the company transparent about its sourcing, testing, manufacturing process?
4. Does the brand’s mission contribute to a better world?
5. Do they have stellar customer service?
6. Are they cruelty-free?
7. Are the products endorsed by non-affiliated experts?
8. Is the company doing anti-racist work and highlighting brands from the BIPOC community?
9. Are they using plastic or glass?
10. Do they offset carbon production by planting trees?
11. Are the workers — especially in third world countries — paid BEYOND fair wages?
12. Are the products made in China / Asia or locally? If made in China, why?

Note that companies don’t have to hit ALL these key points but as a consumer and advocate for change + a new earth, I do look for these values before giving/investing my dollars in a product/brand.

Learn how Functional Nutrition and Herbal Medicine can support your rosacea healing journey.

Learn how Functional Nutrition and Herbal Medicine can support your rosacea healing journey.

Quick tips when shopping for natural rosacea skincare:

• Look for anti-inflammatory + soothing ingredients such as blue tansy, calendula, chamomile
• Look for organic or wild crafted plants
• Avoid overly processed coconut oil which can clog pores
• Avoid harsh chemicals and alcohols
• Water-based products contain emulsifiers, read the label carefully
• In doubt, run ingredients through the Skin Deep database
• Avoid the following: petrochemicals (mineral oil, petroleum), parabens, SLSs, synthetic fragrances

Ingredients that are beneficial for rosacea-prone skin:

• Niacinamide (see a list of products further down)
• Aloe vera
• Helichrysum Italicum, Blue Tansy, Rose and Frankincense essential oils 
• Cooling and calming hydrosols such as Rose, Immortelle (Helichrysum Italicum) or Melissa (learn more about hydrosols)

Quick links:

In this post I share some of my favorite balms for rosacea-prone skin.

And this is a comprehensive post on suncare / sunscreen products + tips if you have rosacea.

A note on Witch Hazel (Hammamelis virginiana)

Many dermatologists and skincare formulators are quick to dismiss our beautiful plant ally Witch Hazel saying that it’s too harsh for rosacea-prone skin, but I have found the opposite to be true.

Witch Hazel which is a natural astringent helps remove excess oil from pores without drying out the skin. Personally, Witch Hazel hydrosol has helped heal break outs faster and tighten pores and we know that one of the symptoms of rosacea is enlarged pores!)

So, why dismiss Witch Hazel?

Some people say that the tannins found in Witch Hazel are sensitizing to rosacea skin. But tannins ALSO contain anti-inflammatory properties that can help minimize redness and inflammation. Tannins also act as an antioxidant against free radicals.

The real issue n my opinion is that most Witch Hazel hydrosols you’ll find on the market has been distilled using denatured alcohol (ethanol) AND the final product will ALSO contain ADDED alcohol to extend its shelf life, otherwise the hydrosol would only last a few months.

I was able to find 100% pure, organic Hammamelis virginiana hydrosol from a local master herbalist so it did not contain any alcohol or preservative.

Another tip is to blend Witch Hazel with Rose to make a hydrofoil that is both healing and hydrating.

Learn more about hydrosols for sensitive, rosacea-prone skin.

Nontoxic & Organic Rosacea Skincare

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Products containing niacinamide