If you have rosacea, you're not alone. Cameron Diaz, Sofia Vergara, and Prince William (he's across the pond, but you get my point) make the list—along with an estimated 14 million additional people in the United States. Incorporating the best skincare products for rosacea and paying a visit to your dermatologist are the best ways to actually calm inflammation, but the best foundations for rosacea will instantly conceal redness without further aggravating the skin condition.
While many turn to a good foundation to camouflage their symptoms, it's worth noting that certain makeup can aggravate your skin. "Certain ingredients that are commonly found in cosmetic products such as fragrance, alcohol, and other harsh chemicals can irritate sensitive skin and trigger a rosacea flare," explains Dr. Connie Yang, a dermatologist at PFRANKMD by Dr. Paul Jarrod Frank. “This includes fragrances, alcohol (found in toners and astringents), physical exfoliants or scrubs, and ingredients such as parabens, sulfates, and phthalates.”
So, what's the solution? Picking a dermatologist-approved product, of course. Ahead, the experts clue Marie Claire in on the best foundations for rosacea—powder, liquid, and stick formats included.
The Best Foundations for Rosacea
- The Best Foundation for Rosacea Overall: Chantecaille Future Skin Oil Free Foundation
- The Best Full-Coverage Foundation for Rosacea: Dermablend Smooth Liquid Foundation
- The Best Luxury Foundation for Rosacea: Westman Atelier Vital Skin Complexion Drops
- The Best Lightweight Foundation for Rosacea: Tower 28 Beauty SunnyDays SPF 30 Tinted Sunscreen Foundation
- The Best Moisturizing Foundation for Rosacea: IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Foundation
Yes, it's expensive, but Chantecaille's Future Skin Oil Free Foundation, which is made with 60 percent water, is basically perfect. "I love that this is a gel, so it feels ultra lightweight on your skin and that you can build up on the coverage as desired. I particularly like this for rosacea-prone skin because it is rich in skin-soothing botanical extracts such as chamomile and aloe," says Dr. Margarita Lolis, a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in Hackensack, New Jersey
Pros: Hydrating; Allergy-tested; Dermatologist-approved; Lightweight; Oil-free
Cons: Expensive; Darker shade selection is lacking
Dermablend excels at combining full coverage with a safe-for-senstive-skin formula, which makes it a dermatologist favorite. "Their products are allergy-tested and fragrance-free," notes Dr. Yang. This smooth liquid foundation will entirely conceal redness (it even covers tattoos) and holds up impressively during the day, even in major heat.
Pros: Impressive coverage; Fragrance-free; Dermatologist-approved
Cons: Some reviewers aren't impressed by the size
Makeup mastermind Gucci Westman has struggled with chronic rosacea throughout her life, which means she knows the drill when it comes to creating the perfect foundation. Vital Skin Complexion Drops are great for light coverage and actually soothe the skin thanks to calming actives that neutralize redness.
Pros: Weightless; Editor-approved; Skin-loving ingredients
Cons: More expensive than other options
Specially designed for sensitive skin, SunnyDays SPF 30 Tinted Sunscreen Foundation is a combination of mineral sunscreen and foundation that received the National Eczema Association’s Seal of Acceptance. With light-to-medium coverage, it contains protective, soothing ingredients like prickly pear extract, aloe vera, and white sage.
Pros: Wide color range; Buildable; Contains SPF
Cons: None found
Dr. Kseniya Kobets, Director of Cosmetic Dermatology at Montefiore, loves this full-coverage formula for its multi-purpose design. Not only is it a moisturizer with seven fermented ingredients for absorption and efficacy, but it also features SPF 50+ broad-spectrum physical sunscreen. You're covering all of your bases here.
Pros: Moisturizing; Good coverage
Cons: Some reviewers report creasing
Also Recommended
Dr. Kobets advises reaching for this CeraVe option if you're looking for lighter coverage. A mineral sunscreen first and foremost, this fragrance-free, non-comedogenic, sheer formula features ceramides and hyaluronic acid to protect the skin barrier and help you retain moisture. It's a great option for summer, too.
Pros: Dermatologist-recommended; A little goes a long way
Cons: Some reviewers report a white cast
This is a classic powder (it's been around for nearly two decades) that's free of parabens, fillers, and binders. "It’s a pretty pure product, so there is less irritation potential and it is oil-free, so it does not clog pores," Dr. Lolis shares. "It provides lasting, good coverage and has built-in sun protection from the titanium and zinc oxide minerals."
Pros: Lightweight; Oil-free; Built-in sun protection; Wide shade range
Cons: Can be messy to apply; Some reviewers find the product cakey
It hasn't been around long, but ILIA's Skin Rewind is already a holy grail beauty item. Available in 42 shades, this fragrance-free, medium-coverage foundation stick boasts a ceramide-peptide complex to visibly firm and strengthen your skin barrier and butterfly lavender extract to smooth the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Pros: Impressive shade range; Easy to apply; Moisturizing
Cons: None found
Like many in her profession, Dr. Yang is a big fan of Clinique, a brand whose offerings are all developed by dermatologists and suitable for sensitive skin. While every single foundation in the range is a safe bet, this one was specially formulated to cover redness. The biggest downside? It only comes in six shades, all of which are quite light.
Pros: Calming ingredients; Oil-free; Color-correcting; Lightweight
Cons: No shades for darker skin tones
L'Oréal True Match was my first foundation, and it still holds up. But now it's even better because the packaging has been updated to have a pump for mess-free application. Super blendable with medium coverage, this alcohol-free, oil-free, fragrance-free, and non-comedogenic selection is available in a whopping 47 shades, so you can find exactly what suits you.
Pros: Affordable; Impressive shade selection
Cons: No longer contains SPF
It's not technically a foundation, but Dr. Jart+'s Cicapair Tiger Grass Color Correcting treatment is a rosacea-prone skin must-have, according to Erica Marie Gatt, an aesthetician and founder of EM Skin. Because green and red are opposites on the color wheel, the minty colored cream neutralizes a rosy complexion. "On days when I don’t want to wear a full-fledged foundation but still want to tone down redness, this Dr. Jart cream is my go-to," Marie Claire beauty editor Samantha Holender previously wrote. A bonus? It includes SPF 30.
Pros: Aesthetician-approved; Neutralizes redness; Contains SPF
Cons: Some reviewers find it greasy
What Is Rosacea?
While doctors don't know exactly what causes rosacea, they do know that it's an inflammatory disease and that it comes in different forms. Erythematotelangiectatic rosacea is accompanied by redness, flushing, and dilated blood vessels, whereas pupulopustular rosacea has acne-like features, shares Dr. Kobets. There's also the phymatous type, where extra-dilated pores and thickened skin are accompanied by bumpy sebaceous hyperplasia.
What to Look For in a Foundation for Rosacea
- Labels
When searching for a foundation for rosacea, look for labels like hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, non-comedogenic (that means it's been formulated to not cause blocked pores!), and fragrance-free.
- Hydration
Dr. Lolis says a hydrating foundation is best because it can "help calm the skin and make the foundation feel more comfortable." Look for moisture-loving ingredients like hyaluronic acid, centella asiatica, niacinamide, or ceramides.
- Weight
Depending on their consistency and formulation, foundations can clog your pores. Dr. Lolis recommends lightweight, water-based formulations if you're looking to prevent occlusion and breakouts.
Ingredients to Avoid
Our experts have a list of ingredients they recommend their patients avoid. "Steer clear of fragrances, plus chemical SPF ingredients like avobenzone and oxybenzone in such foundations, which can not only cause allergic or irritant contact dermatitis but also exacerbate the [acne form of rosacea]," says Dr. Kobets. She also recommends that those with acne-type rosacea avoid foundations with dimethicone as the first ingredient.
Dr. Lolis adds lanolin, almond oil, coconut oil, and mineral oil to the list, as they can "sit and emulsify in your sebaceous glands and increase the oiliness of your skin." That means oil-based foundations are generally a no-go.
How to Test Foundations for Rosacea
Gatt recommends you patch-test new products before smearing your whole face. Apply a small drop to your neck or a small portion of your face to see how it will react with your skin and reduce your risk of irritation.
How to Remove Foundations for Rosacea-Prone Skin
"Just like any cream, lotion or product applied on the face, foundations are composed of chemicals that can also potentially irritate the skin," adds Dr. Lolis. "To minimize any negative effects of foundation, it's important to double cleanse to fully remove all the potential irritants as well as the oil, trapped dirt, and grease from the foundation."
Meet the Experts
Dr. Yang is a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City, known for her dedication to helping patients achieve and maintain healthy, beautiful skin.
She attended Northwestern University for her undergraduate studies, building a strong foundation in the sciences. She pursued her medical degree at Boston University School of Medicine and spent a dedicated research year at Massachusetts General Hospital, Department of Dermatology where she worked in the clinic for pigmentary disorders and served as the administrative director for Project Phoenix, MGH’s pro-bono tattoo removal clinic. She completed her dermatology residency at Mount Sinai Hospital, where she served as Chief Resident of Cosmetics in her final year of residency.
Dr. Yang is certified by the American Board of Dermatology and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology.
Dr. Kseniya Kobets’ clinical focus is on the cosmetic treatment of patients using cutting-edge modalities for rejuvenation, acne, rosacea, acne scarring and hair restoration. After earning her Bachelor of Arts from City University of New York in 2005, Dr. Kobets attended Yale University School of Medicine. There, she pursued a dual degree program, earning her Doctor of Medicine and Master of Health Science in 2011. Her postdoctoral training began with a yearlong internship at Yale New Haven Hospital. She then went to University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, completing a three-year dermatology residency in 2015, followed by a cosmetic dermatologic surgery fellowship at the institution’s Cosmetic Surgery and Skin Health Center in 2016. Dr. Kobets’ research focus is on the development of an institutional review board for evaluating hair restoration with non-ablative laser and topical growth factors. She has shared her research through peer-reviewed publications and book chapters, as well as oral presentations. A leading board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Kobets is a member of the American Academy of Dermatology, the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery and the American Society for Laser, Medicine, and Surgery. Dr. Kobets practices at The Cosmetic Dermatology Center at Montefiore Einstein Advanced Care Westchester, a cosmetic dermatology center setting a new standard for state-of-art skin care services. Here, she uses the latest tools and techniques, supported by advanced technologies and clinical research for personalized treatment plans for all patients with the goal of achieving a naturally beautiful appearance. Services range from acne scar treatment, injectables, chemical peels, hair restoration, laser treatments, microneedling, Photodynamic treatment, Platelet-rich plasma, thread lifts and other pro-aging and healthy skin therapies.
Dr. Lolis is a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group. She is fellowship-trained in Mohs surgery, cosmetic dermatology, and laser surgery. Her areas of expertise include skin cancer, Mohs micrographic surgery, cosmetic procedures, and laser surgery.
Dr. Lolis received a Bachelor of Science with honors at Yale University and a medical degree from Mt. Sinai School of Medicine in NYC. She is passionate about education and research and is very involved in training cosmetic and procedural fellows as well as physician extenders. Dr. Lolis has published many book chapters and articles in leading dermatology journals and is active in the Schweiger Dermatology Group clinical research department.
Skin health guru Erica Marie Gatt's decades worth of experience working as an aesthetician and makeup artist has shaped her foolproof, fuss-free beauty philosophy. She believes that curating thoughtful, streamlined skincare regimens for her clients is key to achieving effortless natural beauty and an overarching sense of empowerment, confidence and well-being. As someone who loves the outdoors and being active, Erica recognizes the link between health, wellness and beauty and embraces a holistic approach that puts equal emphasis on both an inner and outer glow.
Erica honed her talent and channeled her passion under the tutelage of celebrated Los Angeles esthetician Gina Mari after having spent years as a makeup artist. Acknowledging that the optimal canvas for makeup is clear, toxin-free skin, Erica gained invaluable experience working on a myriad of skin types with a range of needs, while learning from the industry’s top beauty mavens.
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