The 24 Best Skincare Products for Neutralizing Redness
Red, inflamed skin can often feel uncomfortable and frustrating to treat. Fortunately, there are plenty of over-the-counter skincare products for redness that help alleviate this common sensitivity symptom, whether it's caused by rosacea, heat, sun exposure, acne, over exfoliation, or another inflammatory skin condition.
To come up with these recommendations, we spent hours researching the best skincare products for redness, considering ingredients, formulation, and more. We also tapped Dendy Engelman, MD, board-certified dermatologic surgeon at Shafer Clinic Fifth Avenue, for tips on what to look for in redness-reducing products. From soothing serums to overnight masks to color correctors, these anti-redness products will leave your complexion soothed, hydrated, and with an even tone.
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This redness-reducing spray can be used on all skin types.
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It’s fragrance free, but the smell may be off putting to some people.
Tower 28 Beauty’s SOS Daily Rescue Facial Spray has the National Eczema Association’s Seal of Acceptance, which is the ultimate sign a product is safe for sensitive skin. The power of this redness-relieving spray comes from hypochlorous acid: a compound naturally produced by the body’s immune system. It alleviates irritation thanks to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. This acid is blended with water and salt to ensure maximum delivery to the deepest layers of the skin.
Type: Mist | Size: 1 and 4 ounces | Key Ingredients: Hypochlorous acid
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This expert-approved mask can be used in three different ways.
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It can’t be worn under makeup, so it’s not ideal for daytime use.
The SkinCeuticals Phyto line should be a staple in any anti-redness skincare routine—and it comes highly recommended by Dr. Engelman. She says the blend of calming cucumber, olive, dipeptide, and hyaluronic acid effectively reduces redness and hydrates the skin. This product can be used as a leave-on, rinse-off, or overnight mask, making it versatile enough to fit into any skincare regimen. Plus, the gel is a vibrant green that instantly reduces redness on sensitized skin.
Type: Mask | Size: 2 ounces | Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, dipeptides, cucumber extract, thyme extract, and olive extract
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This gentle cleanser has a milky texture without any harsh ingredients.
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Those who have acne-prone skin may need something with active ingredients.
According to Dr. Engelman, using harsh skincare products can also cause the skin to become inflamed, making gentle cleansers a top pick for redness-prone skin. The Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser is recommended by most dermatologists for anyone with sensitive skin, predominantly for its milky texture and soothing ingredients. By combining glycerin and coconut-based surfactants, this face wash cleanses the skin without stripping the barrier from the essential moisture it needs to remain calm.
Type: Cleanser | Size: 8 ounces | Key Ingredients: Glycerin, coconut surfactants
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This oil contains vegan squalane, which is derived from sugarcane instead of sharks.
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We wish it absorbed into the skin faster.
“Squalane also helps reduce redness by repairing and strengthening the barrier, increasing skin’s moisture content and serving as an anti-inflammatory agent,” Dr. Engelman says. As the sole ingredient in this pick from Biossance, the vegan and cruelty-free topical sits lightweight on the skin, making it ideal for all skin types. (Although we wish it absorbed into the skin faster.) Plus, because squalane mimics sebum naturally produced by the skin, it’s one of the best oil varieties for acne-prone skin.
Type: Oil | Size: 3.3 ounces | Key Ingredients: Sugarcane-derived squalane
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