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41 Products That Do What They Promise For Under $25

41 Products That Do What They Promise For Under $25

Buzz Feed07-06-2025

A pack of stain-removing pads to obliterate all the unwanted pet-related stains in your home. Lay a pad on an unwanted blemish, stomp, toss the pad, and admire your pee-free carpet.
Medicube Deep Vitamin C Golden Capsule Face Moisturizer made up of tiny liposome capsules that pop and spread a vitamin C and niacinamide-boosted formula that works to brighten and smooth your complexion. Reviewers said they saw the brightening effects after just a few uses!
An Erase-A-Hole putty to fill in pesky cracks in drywall, plaster, and wood so you can actually get that security deposit back, no matter how many holes you put into the wall.
An airtight Deli ProKeeper people on FridgeTok (yes, real thing) are raving about. It offers a sleek-looking place for your cold cuts and cheese, keeping it fresh for longer so you can actually eat all of it. If you've ever lamented seeing condensation-soaked ham in your deli drawer, this one is for you.
And a Bluapple that extends the life of your produce without any extra work from you. Just toss it into your fridge or fruit bowl, and the packet inside will absorb ethylene gas (the main culprit behind mushy apples and overripe bananas). Produce could last two or three times longer, and you'll finally get to eat everything you buy.
L'Oréal Paris Collagen Daily Face Moisturizer who has been clearly cheating off Charlotte Tilbury's test paper. Like the Magic Cream, this cheaper alternative absorbs quickly and seals in moisture for smoother, plumper skin.
A lawn dog spot repair treatment to make your crispy, brown lawn look like it belongs in front of a house in Emerald City. Reviewers say they noticed results almost immediately — as in *days*!
A FlexiSnake with teeny-tiny hooks that latch onto hair, soap scum, and grime and a rotating handle that gives you 360-degree access to your gunked up drain. Just insert, spin, and pull up whatever hairy monster is lurking down there. Wizards don't have to call plumbers, and neither should you!
A powerful callus remover in case your heels are looking a little too much like a desert. Just marinate your feet in the gel for 5–10 minutes, then follow up with a foot rasp. The smooth result will make even babies jealous.
A pair of charcoal shoe deodorizers to help you reclaim your sneakers from the dreaded Stink. Just slip the cloth tubes into your shoes and let them save you from buying a new pair of shoes. To "recharge," leave them in the sun.
A smudge-correcting clear nail polish for the next time you do your nails and then realize you have to pee right away. Now you can risk a couple of crinkled nails and be rest assured that a solution is one swipe away.
Miss Mouth's Messy Eater Stain Treater Spray renowned in the parenting community thanks to its uncanny ability to erase stains from most fabrics in record time, all without harsh ingredients like chlorine, sulfates, or perfumes. Just spritz some on spilled juice, melted Popsicles, chocolate (hopefully), and more to watch them go *poof* and disappear.
Lottabody Wrap Me Curl Mousse, a whipped-cream-like delight that defines curls, moisturizes with shea and coconut oil, and tackles frizz. The foam makes it super easy to distribute throughout your hair, and the heavenly scent will make you feel like you're on a tropical vacation. 44,000 customers have given this budget-friendly find a thumbs up!
A toothbrush sporting two layers of bristles so even floss haters can feel like they just received a professional cleaning. The longer bristles get deep in between your teeth to push out any lingering bits of food. (How long ago did you eat lettuce???) These are great for sensitive teeth but can also be used to clean grout and other small areas of your home in need of a refresh.
A beeswax wood polish and conditioner for giving your furniture an impossibly lustrous shine previously never seen in your home. The conditioning oils will revitalize thirsty wood and prevent it from drying out or fading. Guests will be like, "Did you get a new table?"
A catnip wall mount with four different-flavored balls so your kitty can perform a taste test and decide their favorite. It's basically a bourbon flight for cats — that's so cool! They'll be too preoccupied sampling the goods to scream at you for treats for at least a solid 15 minutes (a century in hungry cat time). Reviewers confirm it sticks to the wall as expected, and their cats love it.
Good Molecules Yerba Mate Wake Up Eye Gel, in case you've always wanted to not only drink the energizing tea, but also wear it. This cult-fave can help quickly minimize eye puffiness and swelling using its combination of caffeine and hyaluronic acid. All for less than the price of a six-pack of White Label!
A pack of affordable carborundum sponges — YES, the stuff they make bulletproof vest plates out of — because tough jobs require tough solutions. Just dip one of these in water and start scouring — the nano-particles will get to work scraping off ancient stains in your kitchen, garage, or outdoors.
A pack of cold sore healing patches to zap painful blisters in record time. The hydrocolloid bandages keep the environment moist to speed up healing and prevent scabbing. They protect, conceal, and can lower the chance of you touching it and potentially giving yourself even more cold sores. 🤦‍♀️
A crack weeder tool if your home looks like it's trying out to star in the next season of The Last of Us. The stainless steel, L-shaped head can sneak into tight spaces and tear out the weeds, moss, and stubborn roots that have rudely taken up residence in your sidewalk.
A pet brush with thin, long teeth capable of getting to the undercoat. A good brushing means a silkier coat — and best of all, less shedding.
E.l.f Lash XTNDR Tubing Mascara, which creates tubing around your lashes to make them appear longer, thicker, and darker. The lightweight "extensions" won't smudge or weigh down your actual lashes and — best of all — they fall right off when you wash your face. No one likes having to scrub their eyes raw trying to get off waterproof makeup. :(
A Pikk-it tool offering a quick solution to one of life's little miseries: wondering why your vacuum isn't sucking (in a good way) and discovering that the brush is completely cocooned in loose hair. This handy tool will free your roller from its hairy prison so it can proceed with...picking up more hair. Sorry, "vacuum doesn't work" isn't an excuse to avoid cleaning anymore!
A Medix retinol body lotion because if retinol works so well for your face, it's gotta do wonders for the rest of your body too. With the help of ferulic acid, it encourages skin cell turnover to help tighten and firm skin. One 5-star reviewer (out of 4,700+) says they're obsessed with Medix's whole line of lotions.
Or a lightweight gel cream from Nivea with powerful Q10 that helps plump, firm, and moisturize skin in as little as two weeks with consistent use. Over 1,400 reviewers are happy with their results!
A pack of Miracle-Gro water storing crystals that'll prevent both under- *and* over-watering, which I believe are the top two killers of plants. When you water your houseplants, the crystals retain the moisture and release it as the soil dries.
L'Oréal Paris BB Cream, a green-tinted formula that combats redness through the power of color theory. It doesn't stop there — it also works to even complexion, hydrate with vitamin E, and set the perfect stage for you to apply your makeup on. Turns out you don't have to drop $50+ on Dr Jart+'s Cicapair Color Correcting Cream!
An ultra-affordable E.l.f. color corrector that comes in a ton of shades to help counteract different types of discoloration, like redness and dark spots. Mix and match to create the perfect foundation for the rest of your makeup routine.
A box of Color Catcher sheets to prevent the dreaded "all my clothes are now pink from this one stray red sock" debacle. These handy sheets are designed to grab any dye that leaks or bleeds so you can keep enjoying your white tees even if you can't be bothered to sort clothes into lights and darks.
A heat-activated anti-frizz treatment sure to be a total game changer for people who straighten or blow dry their hair straight only for it to go *poof* when they step outside. This humidity-fighting formula "waterproofs" your hair to help protect it from 'do-ruining weather.
A pack of handy snaps you can iron onto your bedding to ease a little of the agony that is making your bed. Use 'em to keep your comforter firmly in place for a tidier appearance OR your duvet cover and sheets together so making the bed is...wait for it...A SNAP! A certain luxury bedding brand used to charge top dollar for this feature...
Mosquito Dunks to kill mosquitoes before they're even big enough to bite you. We're playing 4D chess against pests this summer! The lil' doughnuts are made with a bacteria that's only toxic to mosquito larvae, so you don't have to worry about pets or wildlife.
A Burt's Bees sunburn soother crafted with aloe and coconut oil to hydrate skin and turn back time to before you stayed out in the sun a little too long. It's nongreasy and absorbs quickly, so you can go from "AHHH" to ahhhh.
Washable bra liners to absorb under-boob sweat before it has a chance to bleed through your shirt. Reviewers note that it does the impossible and actually makes wearing a wire bra more tolerable!
A No Pore Blem primer that works like the Photoshop smudge tool, but IRL. The lightweight formula is made with collagen and green tea extract and helps blur the appearance of fine lines and pores, giving you that "no makeup makeup" look.
A pack of paw protection cream with vitamin E to keep paw pads nice and soft. Most dogs hate shoes, so this helps keep their tootsies safer from the elements (salt and ice in the winter and hot sidewalks in the summer).
A butter container that helpfully slices two sticks as you insert them. Speaking as someone who is sick of seeing a half stick of ragged, loosely-wrapped butter in the fridge, this is a need — not a want!
A reviewer-loved scar gel made with panthenol to encourage skin regeneration and allantoin to moisturize and help speed up the healing process. The formula even works on older scars and can also be used to soothe burns, sunburns, and tattoos.
A Tibet Almond scratch remover stick that you can apply like ChapStick for your furniture. The colorless balm can help hide light scratches, watermarks, and water stains from wood, bamboo, glass, and more. Just open the can, remove the wrapper, and start rubbing the stick on unsightly marks.
Veet sensitive hair removal gel kindly providing a soothing, gentle alternative to razors or waxing. The aloe-infused formula works in under 10 minutes (!!!) by dissolving hair on your legs, arms, back, and bikini area. It's designed to be more efficient and reduce the risk of in-grown hairs — imagine a world without those annoying bumps!
All-in-one decor paint for an Extreme Makeover: Home Edition-worthy transformation. The chalk-like paint comes with a built-in primer to help it cling to most surfaces, from upholstery and wood to metal and glass. With over 50 colors to choose from, this paint can help you revitalize every room in the house. Aaand it dries in just 30 minutes!

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I Tested 30+ Lip Balms and These Are the Top 5 I Swear By
I Tested 30+ Lip Balms and These Are the Top 5 I Swear By

WIRED

time5 days ago

  • WIRED

I Tested 30+ Lip Balms and These Are the Top 5 I Swear By

Burt's Bees Beeswax Lip Balm for $4: If you're ingredient-conscious, Burt's Bees has probably been in your tote at some point. The original formula blends beeswax, coconut oil, sunflower seed oil, and peppermint oil. No petroleum, no parabens, and you can find it just about everywhere. That said, the beeswax forms a solid barrier but is not the most hydrating, especially during the dead of winter. The balm coats but doesn't penetrate, which means it won't do much for lips that are already cracked. The peppermint oil can also be a little too spicy for sensitive lips. Still, if you're in a pinch and standing in front of the CVS self-checkout, it's a smarter purchase than Blistex (more on that later). Glossier Balm Dotcom for $16: The Glossier Balm Dotcom walked so the Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask could run. It's a multipurpose salve that blends lanolin, castor oil, and beeswax for ultimate moisture retention. Plus, it comes in a handful of sheer tints that play well with no-makeup makeup days. But the thick, waxy texture can feel a bit clumpy, especially if you're layering over flaky lips. Courtesy of Goop Goop Beauty Nourishing Lip Repair Mask for $30: This buttery lip mask from Goop is loaded with ceramides to help restore your lip barrier, along with fig seed oil and acai fruit that smells just as tropical as it sounds. While it's free from silicones, parabens, and synthetic fragrances, those botanical oils and fruit extracts can still trigger a reaction. Patch test first. Also, at $30 for just 0.3 fluid ounces, it's not the most cost-effective balm on my list. Omorovicza Budapest Perfecting Lip Balm for $46: Omorovicza's Perfecting Lip Balm's texture leans gritty, almost like a lip polish or a micro-exfoliator. There are some goodies in here, like hyaluronic acid and omega fatty acids. But, there are also some unnecessary (potentially irritating) extras—eucalyptus oil, parfum, and benzyl alcohol. Avoid These Lip Balms Blistex Lip Medex 3-Pack for $6: It gives you that instant tingle thanks to menthol and camphor, plus a cocktail of synthetic flavors and fragrances, but that sting is a red flag. A general note: 'Medicated' lip balms often do more harm than good. Carmex Classic Lip Balm 3-Pack for $3: For similar reasons to Blistex, skip Carmex. It contains camphor and benzocaine, which are ingredients that can irritate the skin and make chapped lips worse over time. What Causes Chapped Lips? AccordionItemContainerButton There are a lot of triggers, and here are some of the most common causes of chapped lips: Cold weather and dry air: Both cold and dry air zap moisture from your skin and stiffen keratin, which is the protein that keeps your lips moisturized. Both cold and dry air zap moisture from your skin and stiffen keratin, which is the protein that keeps your lips moisturized. Lip licking: The more you lick, the drier they get. Licking your lips breaks down your lip's natural barrier, leading to irritation and even hyperpigmentation. The more you lick, the drier they get. Licking your lips breaks down your lip's natural barrier, leading to irritation and even hyperpigmentation. Allergic reactions: Some lip balms contain ingredients that trigger allergic reactions, making dryness and peeling worse. Usual suspects include castor oil, fragrance, dyes, and preservatives. Some lip balms contain ingredients that trigger allergic reactions, making dryness and peeling worse. Usual suspects include castor oil, fragrance, dyes, and preservatives. Sun exposure: Your lips are thinner and have less pigment than the rest of your skin, which means less protection from UV rays. Unprotected exposure can lead to painful dryness or precancerous spots called actinic cheilitis. Your lips are thinner and have less pigment than the rest of your skin, which means less protection from UV rays. Unprotected exposure can lead to painful dryness or precancerous spots called actinic cheilitis. Tobacco smoke: If you smoke, your lips are at a higher risk for a condition called glandular cheilitis, which causes swelling, rough texture, and cracks. It can also raise your risk for infections and lip cancer. If you smoke, your lips are at a higher risk for a condition called glandular cheilitis, which causes swelling, rough texture, and cracks. It can also raise your risk for infections and lip cancer. Medications: Certain meds come with dry mouth as a side effect, including but not limited to retinoids, antihistamines, antidepressants, and benzodiazepines. Certain meds come with dry mouth as a side effect, including but not limited to retinoids, antihistamines, antidepressants, and benzodiazepines. Underlying conditions: Autoimmune conditions like lupus, eczema, or lichen planus can all show up on your lips first. If your symptoms don't budge after trying the usual suspects, talk to your dermatologist. Ingredients to Look for (and Avoid) AccordionItemContainerButton Here's what to look for on the label: Emollients: These are moisturizing ingredients that help repair and smooth flaky, chapped lips. Some common ones include: 1. Castor oil : Thick, nourishing, and packed with ricinoleic acid that helps smooth rough texture. It is ever so slightly comedogenic, meaning it can clog pores. 2. Cocoa butter or shea butter: These rich butters toe the line between emollient and occlusive. They hydrate and help rebuild the lip's natural barrier without clogging pores. 3. Coconut oil: Naturally anti-inflammatory, but if you're acne-prone, it can be too much for the skin around your lips. 4. Jojoba oil: Mimics the skin's natural sebum. Super lightweight, non-greasy, and unlikely to clog pores. These are moisturizing ingredients that help repair and smooth flaky, chapped lips. Some common ones include: 1. : Thick, nourishing, and packed with ricinoleic acid that helps smooth rough texture. It is ever so slightly comedogenic, meaning it can clog pores. 2. These rich butters toe the line between emollient and occlusive. They hydrate and help rebuild the lip's natural barrier without clogging pores. 3. Naturally anti-inflammatory, but if you're acne-prone, it can be too much for the skin around your lips. 4. Mimics the skin's natural sebum. Super lightweight, non-greasy, and unlikely to clog pores. Occlusives: These ingredients form a protective barrier to seal in moisture and block out environmental aggressors. Look for petroleum jelly (aka petrolatum), a tried-and-true moisture sealant, or beeswax for a natural alternative. These ingredients form a protective barrier to seal in moisture and block out environmental aggressors. Look for (aka petrolatum), a tried-and-true moisture sealant, or for a natural alternative. Humectants: These ingredients attract water to keep lips plump and hydrated; they work best when paired with emollients and occlusives to trap moisture. The standout is hyaluronic acid , which hydrates without leaving a greasy residue, but you'll also benefit from glycerin , aloe vera , or honey . These ingredients attract water to keep lips plump and hydrated; they work best when paired with emollients and occlusives to trap moisture. The standout is , which hydrates without leaving a greasy residue, but you'll also benefit from , , or . Antioxidants: Ingredients like vitamin E , vitamin C , niacinamide , and polyphenols help defend against free radicals and aid in repairing damaged skin cells over time. Ingredients like , , , and help defend against free radicals and aid in repairing damaged skin cells over time. SPF protection: Lips are especially vulnerable to sun damage, so opt for mineral sunscreens utilizing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. They're effective, gentle enough for sensitive skin, and don't leave a white cast. Here's what to avoid: Synthetic fragrances and flavors: Yummy scents, including but not limited to peppermint, cinnamon, and citrus, can irritate your lips. Yummy scents, including but not limited to peppermint, cinnamon, and citrus, can irritate your lips. Menthol, camphor, and other cooling agents: These make dryness worse over time. When to See a Dermatologist AccordionItemContainerButton According to the American Academy of Dermatology, if your lips are still chapped after two to three weeks of consistent balm use, you should consult your dermatologist. A professional can help you figure out if there's something more serious going on—like an allergic reaction or fungal infection—and treat it before it exacerbates.

I tossed my expensive makeup to get rid of my acne. Here are the noncomedogenic products I use now
I tossed my expensive makeup to get rid of my acne. Here are the noncomedogenic products I use now

CNN

time20-06-2025

  • CNN

I tossed my expensive makeup to get rid of my acne. Here are the noncomedogenic products I use now

Noncomedogenic makeup quick picks Skin tint: Make Beauty Diffusion Dew Radiant Skin Tint Highlighter: Haus Labs by Lady Gaga Bio-Radiant Gel-Powder Illuminating Highlighter Setting powder: RMS Beauty Un Powder Brow gel: Kimiko The Brow Sensei In my mid-twenties, I was hit with a wave of stubborn cystic acne that covered my face seemingly overnight. After trying countless products, the real shift came when I switched to Clearstem — a noncomedogenic (aka non-pore-clogging) skin care line designed to tackle breakouts and wrinkles. While my skin finally started to clear, I still couldn't shake some breakouts — until I realized my makeup products might be the culprit. It turns out even beauty products can clog pores! So, I did something dramatic and expensive: I cross-checked my makeup ingredients using Clearstem's Pore-Clogging Ingredients Checker, tossed everything I owned and started fresh. After lots of trial and error, I finally found the best noncomedogenic makeup, from Charlotte Tilbury to Rare Beauty and more. Merit Great Skin Instant Glow Serum There's a reason this serum has 'glow' in its name. Worn with makeup or by itself, it leaves my skin looking lit from within, thanks to ingredients like hyaluronic acid and niacinamide. Make Beauty Diffusion Dew Radiant Skin Tint This lightweight foundation features skin-mimicking pigments that blur, smooth and brighten. It's sheer yet buildable, making it perfect for a second-skin or full-coverage glam look. Rare Beauty Warm Wishes Effortless Cream Bronzer Stick You may have seen this bronzing stick all over TikTok, and I can confirm it's worth the hype! It glides on effortlessly and melts into my skin for the most natural, sun-kissed glow. Huda Beauty Easy Blur Primer My colleague, associate testing writer Carolina Gazal, also has acne-prone skin and said she's "extremely careful when it comes to [her] makeup choices." She swears by this silicone-free, noncomedogenic primer. "I love this jelly-like, antioxidant-rich formula that blurs pores instantly," she said. "It's also made with glycerin to control oil, making foundation last longer without that dreaded T-zone shine." Haus Labs by Lady Gaga Bio-Radiant Gel-Powder Illuminating Highlighter Leave it to Lady Gaga to create the best highlighter on the market. This pressed-powder formula is packed with glow-boosting ingredients that make my cheekbones truly shine. Priia Lip Butter Balm Summer Fridays, who? This under-$10, buildable vegan lip butter balm is infused with acne-safe botanicals and leaves my lips looking and feeling hydrated and plump. Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray Good news: Not all Charlotte Tilbury products include pore-clogging ingredients! That includes the brand's ultra-viral setting spray, which locks in makeup all day long. RMS Beauty Un Powder Formulated with silica, this nontoxic setting powder instantly absorbs oil and minimizes the appearance of pores. Best of all, it's never drying, so it's great for all skin types. Kimiko The Brow Sensei Not only does this clear gel style and keep my brows in place but it's made with growth- and hair-enhancing peptides. I swear, my brows have never looked fuller! Olio E Osso Tinted Balm Associate deals editor Elena Matarazzo said she stocks up on these sensitive skin-friendly multisticks for friends and family. They're made with natural oils and waxes but none that are flagged as pore cloggers. "The clear one is great for chapped hands, cheeks and other areas that need a bit of hydration, while the tinted version doubles as a lip balm and blush," she said. Know how pore cloggers work Your first step to putting your best face forward? Staying up to date on what might actually be clogging your pores in the first place. Danielle Gronich, co-founder and CEO of Clearstem, suggests 'thinking of pore cloggers as ingredients that create a sticky, occlusive film on your skin. This film traps dead skin cells, oil and bacteria inside your pores, leading to congestion, blackheads, whiteheads and, ultimately, pimples.' Look for the right products When sourcing the right noncomedogenic products for your skin, it helps to know which ingredients are worth prioritizing. 'We want ingredients that are both skin-loving and noncomedogenic,' Gronich said. 'Look for hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, zinc oxide, green tea extract and kaolin clay.' While sourcing the best noncomedogenic ingredients is a solid place to start, it's only part of the equation. Consider steering clear of what our experts deem pore-clogging ingredients as well. 'Some ingredients that may be considered pore clogging include cocoa butter, isopropyl myristate, coconut oil and ethylhexyl palmitate,' Dr. Marisa Garshick, a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology, said. Learn more about your own skin What works for one person's skin might yield a breakout in another, so it helps to track patterns in your own skin or book a consultation with a skin specialist or dermatologist to gain tangible insights into what might fare best for you. 'Just because ingredients may be pore clogging, it doesn't mean everyone who uses them will necessarily experience breakouts,' Garshick said. The following FAQs have been answered by Dr. Marisa Garshick and Clearstem co-founder and CEO Danielle Gronich. What is noncomedogenic makeup? What is noncomedogenic makeup? 'Noncomedogenic makeup is formulated without the heavy, occlusive ingredients that are known to clog pores,' Gronich said. 'It allows your skin to 'breathe' and function properly, helping minimize the risk of breakouts. It's designed to be gentler and more compatible with acne-prone skin.' However, Gronich also said that just because 'noncomedogenic' is on the label, that doesn't guarantee that a product is truly acne-safe. 'The term isn't tightly regulated, so some products may still contain ingredients that can clog pores — especially for those with sensitive or acne-prone skin,' she said. 'Always check the full ingredient list for pore cloggers. What works for one person may trigger breakouts in another, so being your own skin detective is key!' How do I check for pore-clogging ingredients in makeup? How do I check for pore-clogging ingredients in makeup? 'I always tell people to check the ingredient list,' Gronich said. 'We created an online resource, Clearstem's Pore-Clogging Ingredients Checker, where you can input your products and see if they have pore cloggers.' In addition to checking new products you want to try, Garshick said to check for pore-clogging ingredients every time you repurchase a product too. 'Brands can change their formulations for a variety of reasons at any time, so it's always best to double-check,' she said. Besides impacting acne-prone skin, how else do pore-clogging ingredients negatively affect skin? Besides impacting acne-prone skin, how else do pore-clogging ingredients negatively affect skin? 'In some cases, pore-clogging ingredients may lead to milia formation, even in those who are not acne-prone,' Garshick said. 'Some ingredients may also be irritating on the skin, which should be considered for those with sensitive skin.' The dermatologist also said that pore-clogging ingredients may even create a barrier on the skin, which can make other products less effective since they won't penetrate as well. For this article, we consulted the following experts to gain their professional insights. Dr. Marisa Garshick, board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in New York and New Jersey Danielle Gronich, co-founder and CEO of Clearstem Here at CNN Underscored, we make it our job to stay up to date on all the latest products, but we don't just find them; we also rigorously test products from hundreds of brands to make sure every product we recommend is worthy of your money. In addition to hands-on testing many of the products we feature, we also consult top experts to understand what qualities, benefits and possible downsides each item offers. We also seek out important considerations and advice from our experts to help give you the information you need to make smarter shopping decisions. For this article, our director of social, Stephanie Griffin, shared her favorite noncomedogenic makeup and tips for finding products that won't clog your pores.

The Best Moisturizer for Rosacea Soothes Flush and Restores Your Skin Barrier
The Best Moisturizer for Rosacea Soothes Flush and Restores Your Skin Barrier

Vogue

time13-06-2025

  • Vogue

The Best Moisturizer for Rosacea Soothes Flush and Restores Your Skin Barrier

If you're searching for the best moisturizer for rosacea, I can relate—those red, rosy cheeks (and not the kind from blush) can be frustrating. While I can't always stop the flare-ups, a great cream can soothe the irritation and help repair your skin barrier. 'Rosacea is a skin condition associated with redness, dryness and irritation—and anyone with rosacea should look for a moisturizer with calming ingredients to reduce inflammation,' board-certified dermatologist Dr. Dara Spearman tells Vogue, noting that moisturizers act as a protective barrier and should soothe while adding much needed hydration. I'm fairly new to the rosacea club myself and didn't receive a diagnosis until just a year ago. After months of dealing with flare-ups on my cheeks, I went through a frustrating cycle of thinking it was just acne, applying various pimple creams, and finding no relief. Eventually, I visited my new dermatologist, who took one look at my cheeks and spoted those annoying red speckles as a case of rosacea. Vogue's Favorite Moisturizer for Rosacea In This Story Step one to soothing rosacea is removing any irritants from you skin-care regimen that could be making your flareups worse. Dr. Spearman advises avoiding drying and irritating ingredients all together—with alcohol, fragrances, and harsh exfoliants, being at the top of a non-negotiable no-no's list. Ahead, a look at the best moisturizers to consider to gently soothe and restore your rosacea prone skin—with picks from expert dermatologists. Best Color-Correcting: Skinceuticals Redness Neutralizer Why We Love It: Whether you have dry, sensitive, combination, or mature skin—New York-based, board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Noah Gratch says this SkinCeuticals pick is an excellent choice for those dealing with rosacea on top of their usual skin type. 'The formula features skin soothing ingredients like eperua falcata bark extract, palmitoyl tripeptide-8 and bisabolol, as well as hydrating glycerin—all of which help to soothe irritation immediately,' he explains, adding that it color corrects while treating an inflamed complexion. Whether you have dry, sensitive, combination, or mature skin—New York-based, board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Noah Gratch says this SkinCeuticals pick is an excellent choice for those dealing with rosacea on top of their usual skin type. 'The formula features skin soothing ingredients like eperua falcata bark extract, palmitoyl tripeptide-8 and bisabolol, as well as hydrating glycerin—all of which help to soothe irritation immediately,' he explains, adding that it color corrects while treating an inflamed complexion. Key Ingredients: Palmitoyl tripeptide-8, eperua falcata bark extract, bisabolol, zinc gluconate, glycerin, shea butter Palmitoyl tripeptide-8, eperua falcata bark extract, bisabolol, zinc gluconate, glycerin, shea butter Size: 1.67 oz Best Rich Moisturizer: Clinique Redness Solutions Daily Relief Face Cream Why We Love It : For those with super dry, irritated skin, Dr. Gratch cosigns this face cream—this formula gets it's rich texture from shea butter (though, keep in mind shea butter is a no-no for acne-prone skin types). The true star ingredient of this formula is lactobacillus—a probiotic extract that helps repair the microbiome to rapidly calm redness and irritation. Meanwhile, bisabolol provides additional soothing benefits as well as protection from free radical damage. 'Clinique's hydrates without feeling heavy or greasy, which is key for comfortability. The formula is also fragrance-free, making it a good choice for sensitive skin,' says Dr. Gratch. : For those with super dry, irritated skin, Dr. Gratch cosigns this face cream—this formula gets it's rich texture from shea butter (though, keep in mind shea butter is a no-no for acne-prone skin types). The true star ingredient of this formula is lactobacillus—a probiotic extract that helps repair the microbiome to rapidly calm redness and irritation. Meanwhile, bisabolol provides additional soothing benefits as well as protection from free radical damage. 'Clinique's hydrates without feeling heavy or greasy, which is key for comfortability. The formula is also fragrance-free, making it a good choice for sensitive skin,' says Dr. Gratch. Key Ingredients : Shea butter, lactobacillus extract, bisabolol : Shea butter, lactobacillus extract, bisabolol Size: 1.7 oz Best Viral: Cicapair Intensive Soothing Relief Cream Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Intensive Soothing Repair Cream $54 SEPHORA Why we love it: This TikTok Viral K-beauty is Dr. Blair Murphy-Rose's go-to pick for soothing and repairing inflamed skin. 'Its namesake ingredient cica, or centella asiatica, is rich in fatty acids, vitamins, and amino acids,' she previously told Vogue, noting it's also a great choice for mature skin. 'Centella asiatica is awesome for calming redness and helping your skin heal—this is a popular choice for patients with rosacea,' adds Dr. Gratch. This TikTok Viral K-beauty is Dr. Blair Murphy-Rose's go-to pick for soothing and repairing inflamed skin. 'Its namesake ingredient cica, or centella asiatica, is rich in fatty acids, vitamins, and amino acids,' she previously told Vogue, noting it's also a great choice for mature skin. 'Centella asiatica is awesome for calming redness and helping your skin heal—this is a popular choice for patients with rosacea,' adds Dr. Gratch. Key ingredients : Cica complex, allantoin : Cica complex, allantoin Size: 1.69 oz Best French Pharmacy: La Roche Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer La Roche-Posay Toleraine Double Repair Face Moisturizer $24 AMAZON Why We Love It : This La Roche-Posay moisturizer is beloved by dermatologists for a good reason: it does exactly what it promises. The lightweight, oil-free cream sinks in effortlessly, instantly soothing skin with a refreshing dose of prebiotic thermal water and barrier-repairing ceramides. Niacinamide adds a layer of calm (redness, be gone), while glycerin locks in hydration for the long haul. Fragrance-free and non-comedogenic, it plays well with everything from exfoliants to actives, making it a true staple for even the most sensitive complexions. : This La Roche-Posay moisturizer is beloved by dermatologists for a good reason: it does exactly what it promises. The lightweight, oil-free cream sinks in effortlessly, instantly soothing skin with a refreshing dose of prebiotic thermal water and barrier-repairing ceramides. Niacinamide adds a layer of calm (redness, be gone), while glycerin locks in hydration for the long haul. Fragrance-free and non-comedogenic, it plays well with everything from exfoliants to actives, making it a true staple for even the most sensitive complexions. Key Ingredients: Ceramide-3, niacinamide, glycerin, prebiotic thermal water Ceramide-3, niacinamide, glycerin, prebiotic thermal water Size: 3.38 fl oz Best With Niacinamide: EltaMD Barrier Renewal Complex EltaMD Barrier Renewal Complex $62 AMAZON Why We Love It: Formulated with a blend of ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and squalane, this moisturizer provides deep hydration and strengthens the skin's natural defenses. Its lightweight, non-greasy texture makes it suitable for daily use, even under makeup. 'This pick from EltaMd has niacinamide to reduce redness, and includes antioxidants and barrier support— it's an all around a solid choice for rosacea,' says Dr. Gratch. Formulated with a blend of ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and squalane, this moisturizer provides deep hydration and strengthens the skin's natural defenses. Its lightweight, non-greasy texture makes it suitable for daily use, even under makeup. 'This pick from EltaMd has niacinamide to reduce redness, and includes antioxidants and barrier support— it's an all around a solid choice for rosacea,' says Dr. Gratch. Key Ingredients: Ceramide blend, hyaluronic acid, squalane, niacinamide, vitamin E (tocopherol) Ceramide blend, hyaluronic acid, squalane, niacinamide, vitamin E (tocopherol) Size: 1.7 oz Best With Colloidal Oatmeal: Aveeno Calm + Restore Oat Gel Moisturizer Aveeno Calm + Restore Oat Gel Moisturizer $27 AMAZON Why We Love It: Looking for a solid drugstore gel moisturizer? 'Aveeno's star ingredient used in this formula is colloidal oatmeal, a classic calming ingredient. The gel texture is lightweight but still soothing and hydrating, perfect if your skin feels irritated,' says Dr. Gratch. This hypoallergenic formula is free from parabens, alcohols, dyes, and phthalates, making it ideal for those with reactive skin. Looking for a solid drugstore gel moisturizer? 'Aveeno's star ingredient used in this formula is colloidal oatmeal, a classic calming ingredient. The gel texture is lightweight but still soothing and hydrating, perfect if your skin feels irritated,' says Dr. Gratch. This hypoallergenic formula is free from parabens, alcohols, dyes, and phthalates, making it ideal for those with reactive skin. Key Ingredients: Prebiotic oat, feverfew Prebiotic oat, feverfew Size: 1.7 oz Best With Peptides: Skinfix Triple Lipid-Peptide Cream Skinfix Barrier+ Moisturizing Triple Lipid-Peptide Cream $54 AMAZON Why We Love It : 'This hydrating face cream works to brighten, firm, plump and moisturize using key ingredients such as lipids, peptides, hyaluronic acid, and shea butter,' Dr. Garshick. previously told Vogue. Not to mention, it's this beauty writer's go-to moisturizer during a particularly angry rosacea flair up, when in need of extra TLC for irritated skin. Best of all, it's a super hygienic choice, given the pump cap (i.e., no digging your fingers into the jar to scoop product!). : 'This hydrating face cream works to brighten, firm, plump and moisturize using key ingredients such as lipids, peptides, hyaluronic acid, and shea butter,' Dr. Garshick. previously told Vogue. Not to mention, it's this beauty writer's go-to moisturizer during a particularly angry rosacea flair up, when in need of extra TLC for irritated skin. Best of all, it's a super hygienic choice, given the pump cap (i.e., no digging your fingers into the jar to scoop product!). Key ingredients : Triple lipid complex, nutri-peptide blend, glycerin : Triple lipid complex, nutri-peptide blend, glycerin Size: 1.7 oz Best for Reactive Skin: Etude House SoonJung 2x Barrier Intensive Cream Etude SoonJung 2x Barrier Intensive Cream $17 AMAZON Why We Love It : Made for very sensitive skin types (we're looking at you too, eczema girlies!), this pick is formulated without mineral oil, fragrance, and other common allergens. For added assurance, the formula is dermatologist tested to ensure that it won't irritate reactive skin or lead to hypersensitivity. A combination of panthenol (which boosts skin's ability to retain moisture) and madecassoside (from which redness-reducing cica is derived) power its soothing benefits. : Made for very sensitive skin types (we're looking at you too, eczema girlies!), this pick is formulated without mineral oil, fragrance, and other common allergens. For added assurance, the formula is dermatologist tested to ensure that it won't irritate reactive skin or lead to hypersensitivity. A combination of panthenol (which boosts skin's ability to retain moisture) and madecassoside (from which redness-reducing cica is derived) power its soothing benefits. Key Ingredients : Panthenol, madecassoside, green tea extract : Panthenol, madecassoside, green tea extract Size: 2.02 fl. oz. Best for Healing: Tower 28 SOS Barrie Recovery Cream Tower 28 SOS Recovery Cream $24 AMAZON Why We Love It: You've probably heard of Tower 28's popular SOS Daily Rescue Facial Spray. Well, now, there's a moisturizer formula to complement it. This rich formula is filled with skin-soothing ingredients like oat extract and ceramides, which help calm irritation and strengthen your skin's natural defenses. It's ideal for post-treatment care, or everyday hydration. The formula instantly soothes redness and discomfort while locking in moisture throughout the day. It's lightweight enough to wear under makeup but nourishing enough to use overnight. You've probably heard of Tower 28's popular SOS Daily Rescue Facial Spray. Well, now, there's a moisturizer formula to complement it. This rich formula is filled with skin-soothing ingredients like oat extract and ceramides, which help calm irritation and strengthen your skin's natural defenses. It's ideal for post-treatment care, or everyday hydration. The formula instantly soothes redness and discomfort while locking in moisture throughout the day. It's lightweight enough to wear under makeup but nourishing enough to use overnight. Key Ingredients: Oat extract, ceramides, squalane, shea butter, vitamin E Oat extract, ceramides, squalane, shea butter, vitamin E Size: 1.7 oz (50 mL) Best Water Cream: The Inkey List Omega Water Cream The Inkey List Omega Water Cream $12 AMAZON Why We Love It: Another affordable, gel-cream formula, this Inkey List pick transforms into a water-like texture upon contact with the skin, providing a lightweight veil of moisture. Formulated with a blend of omega fatty acids, niacinamide, and glycerin, it helps strengthen the skin barrier, lock in moisture, and promote a smooth, balanced complexion Another affordable, gel-cream formula, this Inkey List pick transforms into a water-like texture upon contact with the skin, providing a lightweight veil of moisture. Formulated with a blend of omega fatty acids, niacinamide, and glycerin, it helps strengthen the skin barrier, lock in moisture, and promote a smooth, balanced complexion Key Ingredients: Omega fatty acids,niacinamide, glycerin Omega fatty acids,niacinamide, glycerin Size: 1.7 oz Best Classic: Vanicream Moisturizing Skin Cream Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer $14 AMAZON Why We Love It: Vanicream is another classic skin-care choice in any dermatologist's office, thanks to its no-nonsense formulation. This fragrance-free formula is specifically for sensitive skin types. Its lightweight, non-greasy texture provides long-lasting hydration with a blend of hyaluronic acid and five essential ceramides, to restore and maintain the skin's natural moisture barrier. 'This is a great simple option. It's free from dyes and irritants—just pure, effective moisturizing,' says Dr. Gratch. Vanicream is another classic skin-care choice in any dermatologist's office, thanks to its no-nonsense formulation. This fragrance-free formula is specifically for sensitive skin types. Its lightweight, non-greasy texture provides long-lasting hydration with a blend of hyaluronic acid and five essential ceramides, to restore and maintain the skin's natural moisture barrier. 'This is a great simple option. It's free from dyes and irritants—just pure, effective moisturizing,' says Dr. Gratch. Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, ceramides (EOP, NG, NP, AS, AP), squalane, glycerin Hyaluronic acid, ceramides (EOP, NG, NP, AS, AP), squalane, glycerin Size: 3 fl oz Best Night Cream: Cetaphil Redness Relieving Night Moisturizer for Face Why We Love It: Another tried-and-true choice for anyone battling skin concerns—Cetaphil's night cream delivers no fluff, just high performing ingredients. It features anti-inflammatory licorice extract and nourishing allantoid, plus caffeine to supercharge skin healing overnight. While beverages containing the substance can trigger rosacea flare-ups, topical caffeine helps instantly fade redness for a more even-toned complexion. Another tried-and-true choice for anyone battling skin concerns—Cetaphil's night cream delivers no fluff, just high performing ingredients. It features anti-inflammatory licorice extract and nourishing allantoid, plus caffeine to supercharge skin healing overnight. While beverages containing the substance can trigger rosacea flare-ups, topical caffeine helps instantly fade redness for a more even-toned complexion. Key Ingredients: Licorice extract, allantoin, caffeine Licorice extract, allantoin, caffeine Size: 8 fl oz Best With Azelaic: The Ordinary Azelaic Acid 10% Suspension Brightening Cream The Ordinary Azelaic Acid 10% Suspension Brightening Cream $12 AMAZON Why We Love It: Azelaic acid, a dicarboxylic acid derived from yeast, is often prescribed as a topical treatment to address acne-like rosacea at a concentration of 15% or 20%. This budget-friendly, over-the-counter pick features the active at a potent 10% concentration in a silky, primer-like base. 'In addition to gently exfoliating away rough texture and decongesting pores, azelaic acid has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that make it great for rosacea,' says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Morgan Rabach. Azelaic acid, a dicarboxylic acid derived from yeast, is often prescribed as a topical treatment to address acne-like rosacea at a concentration of 15% or 20%. This budget-friendly, over-the-counter pick features the active at a potent 10% concentration in a silky, primer-like base. 'In addition to gently exfoliating away rough texture and decongesting pores, azelaic acid has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that make it great for rosacea,' says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Morgan Rabach. Key Ingredients: Azelaic acid, tocopherol, dimethicone Azelaic acid, tocopherol, dimethicone Size: 1 oz Best Brightening: Eadem Cloud Cushion Airy Brightening Moizturizer EADEM Cloud Cushion Airy Brightening Moisturizer $58 AMAZON Why We Love It: Eadem's moisturizer features a lightweight texture rich in powerful ingredients. Infused with ceramides, this formula strengthens the skin and retains moisture in essential areas. Additionally, peptides and niacinamide help protect against dark spots while brightening the skin and refining pores. Plus, this formula has been dermatologist-tested. Eadem's moisturizer features a lightweight texture rich in powerful ingredients. Infused with ceramides, this formula strengthens the skin and retains moisture in essential areas. Additionally, peptides and niacinamide help protect against dark spots while brightening the skin and refining pores. Plus, this formula has been dermatologist-tested. Key Ingredients: Snow mushroom extract, peptides, ceramides, squalane Snow mushroom extract, peptides, ceramides, squalane Size: 1.7 oz Best Whipped: Youth To The People Superfood Air Whip Moisture Cream Why We Love It: If you're a fan of clean beauty, you'll love Youth To The People's gel cream, which is enriched with leafy greens such as kale and spinach, and bolstered by a moisturizing dose of hyaluronic acid—all of which boast anti-inflammatory properties. Think of it as a green juice smoothie, but for your face—it's both refreshing and packed with antioxidants from superfood ingredients. If you're a fan of clean beauty, you'll love Youth To The People's gel cream, which is enriched with leafy greens such as kale and spinach, and bolstered by a moisturizing dose of hyaluronic acid—all of which boast anti-inflammatory properties. Think of it as a green juice smoothie, but for your face—it's both refreshing and packed with antioxidants from superfood ingredients. Key Ingredients: Sunflower seed oil, glycerin, vitamin B5, vitamin E, vitamin C, kale leaf extract, green tea leaf extract Sunflower seed oil, glycerin, vitamin B5, vitamin E, vitamin C, kale leaf extract, green tea leaf extract Size: 2 oz Best with Honey: Farmacy Honey Halo Ultra-Hydrating Ceramide Moisturizer Farmacy Honey Halo Ultra-Hydrating Ceramide Moisturizer $25 Shop Now Why We Love It : Farmacy's honey-infused moisturizer offers clean, cruelty-free nourishment to lock in hydration for glowing skin. Another TikTok-darling on our list, this is exceptionally hydrating without weighing skin down (and almost 4,000 glowing Amazon reviews back that claim). With consistent use, skin appears brighter and fine lines look smoother. What's more, Honey Halo is gentle enough for day or night. : Farmacy's honey-infused moisturizer offers clean, cruelty-free nourishment to lock in hydration for glowing skin. Another TikTok-darling on our list, this is exceptionally hydrating without weighing skin down (and almost 4,000 glowing Amazon reviews back that claim). With consistent use, skin appears brighter and fine lines look smoother. What's more, Honey Halo is gentle enough for day or night. Key Ingredients : Ceramide NP, buckwheat honey, royal jelly extract, fig fruit extract, osmolytes, and panthenol : Ceramide NP, buckwheat honey, royal jelly extract, fig fruit extract, osmolytes, and panthenol Available size : 0.3 oz, 0.5 oz, 0.84 oz, 1.7 oz, 3.4 oz : 0.3 oz, 0.5 oz, 0.84 oz, 1.7 oz, 3.4 oz Type : Cream : Cream Fragrance: Yes, natural fragrance Everything You Need To Know

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