Tester notes: “I’ve been so impressed with this serum in the short time I’ve been using it. It’s runnier than I expected – but then I’m used to using prescription-strength azelaic acid—and it absorbs so quickly. It leaves my skin smooth and doesn’t pill when I put sunscreen and makeup on top of it. It’s not cheap but stay consistent and the results will be good,” says Lucy Partington, Glamour contributor.
Best for Dry Skin: Anua Azelaic Acid 10 Hyaluron Redness Soothing Serum
Why we love it: You can always rely on Korean skin care to be gentle and soothing, and this Korean serum by Anua is no different. Formulated with an effective blend of 10% azelaic acid alongside hyaluronic acid, regular use will gradually help reduce the telltale signs of redness. Hyaluronic acid will help hydrate skin, plus added niacinamide will help balance out any excess oil—all while evening out your skin tone.
Tester notes: “Consider this to be something of a magic potion: a hardworking blend of three of my all time favorite ingredients means this hydrating serum really delivers on every level. I found it easy to incorporate into my routine and before I started using it I expected it to leave my face feeling sticky but it didn’t do that all—instead it was a joy to apply both morning and night, it didn’t cause any pilling, either,” says Partington.
Best for Hydration: Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte’s Magic Serum Crystal Elixir
Charlotte Tilbury’s Magic Serum is packed with hardworking ingredients, including soothing niacinamide, hydrating polyglutamic acid, brightening vitamin C and soothing peptides. It works to visibly soothe redness, refine pores and smooth texture.
Tester notes: “Expensive, yes, but my skin loves this serum so much that I’ve been through multiple bottles—and I credit it as the product that saved my dry, irritated, stressed-out skin during lockdown. It’s a real luxe treat, a bit like the Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream, but it gets to work quickly and helps to give my skin back its glow, all whilst being barrier-friendly and soothing to boot,” says Partington.
Best for Irritated Skin: Avène Cicalfate+ Intensive Restorative Serum
Courtesy of brand
Avene Cicalfate+ Intensive Skin Restorative Serum
Why we love it: If your skin flares at even the slightest touch, Avène’s intensive serum could be your new holy grail. Specifically formulated for sensitive, rosacea-prone complexions, this lightweight serum helps to calm visible redness and irritation while helping to reinforce the skin’s natural barrier. It’s infused with the brand’s iconic thermal spring water and promises to soothe and hydrate skin whilst making it feel visibly more comfortable, even on the most reactive days. It’s a true savior for skin that craves calm.
Best for Dull Skin: Paula’s Choice 7% Ectoin Milky Hydrating Serum
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Paula’s Choice 7% Ectoin + Hyaluronic Acid Milky Hydrating Serum
A new one from Paula’s Choice, this is a soothing powerhouse ideal for stressed, easily-flushed skin. It’s formulated with ectoin—a cutting-edge ingredient known and loved for its protective, barrier-repairing abilities. It helps to calm visible redness while protecting skin against environmental damage. We love that it sinks into skin quickly and easily but never feels greasy, plus, added ceramides and probiotics help to brighten skin, leaving it feeling hydrated and looking glowy.
Frequently asked questions
As Dr Anjali Mahto, consultant dermatologist and founder of Self London says, the exact causes of rosacea are unknown, but multiple trigger factors have been identified. “The most common triggers include heat, alcohol, spicy foods, stress and UV exposure,” she explains. “An overactive immune response, increased skin sensitivity and changes in the skin’s microbiome also play a role. It’s not something caused by poor hygiene or infection.”
Dr Shotter concurs, adding: “Over time, untreated rosacea can lead to persistent redness, skin thickening (particularly around the nose), and sensitivity. It most commonly affects adults with fair skin types, especially women aged 30–60, though it can occur in anyone.”
“Treatment depends on the severity, but usually involves prescription creams or gels to reduce inflammation,” says Dr Mahto.
“Oral antibiotics and low dose isotretinoin are used for more persistent cases. Some clinics, including Self London, have specific rosacea protocols which include laser therapy – something we’ve found to be extremely effective in targeting redness and visible blood vessels.”
Dr Shotter agrees, adding that LED light therapy–usually red/near infrared–can also help soothe inflammation, while some skin injectables can be helpful, too. “Skinvive by Juvéderm is a micro-droplet hyaluronic acid injectable that improves skin hydration, smoothness and barrier function, which can be helpful in some rosacea patients when used carefully by a clinician because hydrated, resilient skin tends to flush less and recover better.
So while it’s not a rosacea medication, it can enhance skin quality and tolerance as part of an overall regimen. Holistic support is helpful too, so learning to manage stress, limiting alcohol and spicy foods, and supporting gut health may also help reduce flare-up frequency” she says.
Rosacea tends to be more associated with burning, stinging or a sensation of heat rather than itchiness, explains Dr Mahto. “However, mild itch can occur, particularly if the skin barrier is dry or irritated by harsh products,” she says.
That’s why it’s particularly important to keep the skin well hydrated, using non-irritating cleansers can also help to reduce any discomfort. “A persistent itch may suggest another skin condition alongside rosacea, so it’s worth a professional review with a consultant dermatologist,” adds Dr Mahto.
What serums should I avoid with rosacea?
“Avoid facial serums containing alcohol, fragrance, menthol or strong exfoliating acids like glycolic or salicylic, which can all aggravate redness and sensitivity,” says Dr Mahto.
“High-strength retinol or vitamin C can also cause irritation in some individuals. Instead, choose soothing formulas with niacinamide, ceramides and peptides to strengthen the skin barrier and calm inflammation.” You can shop the best niacinamide serums, ceramide serums and peptide serums here.
Which is better for rosacea, niacinamide or vitamin C?
Niacinamide is generally better tolerated for rosacea. “It helps to reduce redness, strengthen the skin barrier and calm inflammation without causing irritation,” explains Dr Mahto.
“Vitamin C can be beneficial for brightening and protecting the skin, but strong formulations or acidic forms (like L-ascorbic acid) may sting or worsen flushing. If you’d like to try vitamin C, opt for a low-strength, stabilized version and patch-test first.”
Is hyaluronic acid bad for rosacea?
Generally speaking, hyaluronic acid serums are typically very safe and can be beneficial for rosacea-prone skin.
“It helps to hydrate and soothe without clogging pores or causing irritation. Using it after gentle cleansing and before a barrier-repairing moisturizer can help reduce dryness and flare-ups,” says Dr Mahto.
