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12 Best Moisturizers for Perioral Dermatitis

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Finding a moisturizer for perioral dermatitis is really frustrating and time-consuming especially when you get flare-ups from time to time. It is the most basic skincare product you need to get through the day.

Based on our findings, we found out that there wasn’t much content or information on moisturizers for perioral dermatitis (PD).

So, we searched the internet to learn about people’s experiences with PD and how they were able to find a moisturizer that was suitable for them and didn’t irritate their skin.

If you have perioral dermatitis, you will have to look for moisturizers that are oil-free, non-greasy, dye-free, preservative-free, fragrance-free, lanolin-free, paraben-free, formaldehyde-free, and non-comedogenic.

The moisturizers should contain soothing and moisturizing skincare ingredients.

Our product review contains moisturizers that are safe for all skin types, including perioral dermatitis.

How did we choose?

We chose each moisturizer not based on the price or brand but based on how commonly it was used by people with PD and how many times it popped up on our radar.

Note: we couldn’t fit all the moisturizers in this list, so make sure to check the end of this post for more moisturizers.

Our Pick:

We found a total of 12 (and more) moisturizers that would be suitable for people with perioral dermatitis. We have divided it into 2 sections so you won’t be confused about what product is suitable for you.

1. Avene’s Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream

The Avene’s Cicalfate is one of the most popular creams used to treat and heal perioral dermatitis and other eczema or dermatitis-related skin conditions. This cream is commonly used by people suffering from perioral dermatitis, and they highly recommend it.

Price: $$$

Rating: 10/10

Colour and texture: white and has a thick texture.

So, why this cream?

Pros:

  • Great to use for perioral dermatitis and dermatitis under your eyes.
  • Helps restore skin 4X faster for visible improvement in 2 days. 
  • 80% reduction in skin discomfort after 48 hours of application.
  • It maintains proper hydration levels for skin restoration.
  • It helps reduce redness.
  • It promotes skin restoration while preserving the skin’s natural barrier.

Cons:

  • It is expensive but is effective and proven to get the job done.

How to use it?

You can apply it twice a day or more.

What ingredients does it contain?

Water, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Mineral Oil, Glycerin, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, Zinc Oxide, Propylene Glycol, Polyglyceryl-2-Sesquiisostearate, PEG-22/Dodecyl Glycol Copolymer, Aluminum Stearate, Beeswax, Aquaphilus Dolomiae Ferment Filtrate, Copper Sulfate, Arginine, Magnesium Stearate, Microcrystalline Wax, Tromethamine, Zinc Sulfate.

Key ingredients are C+restore (Postbiotic restorative ingredient to help skin restoration), Copper-zinc sulfate complex, and Avene Thermal Spring Water.

2. La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5

This is another popular moisturizer that is commonly used and recommended by people suffering from perioral dermatitis.

La Roche-Posay CICAPLAST Baume B5 is a multi-purpose balm to soothe and protect irritated skin, for the entire family (babies, children, and adults). It nourishes, soothes, and protects your dry skin to aid repair barrier function.

Price: $$

Rating: 10/10

Colour and texture: Soothing balm, non-greasy, and no white marks texture.

So, why this cream?

Pros:

  • It provides optimal skin barrier recovery, helps in soothing dry, irritated areas, and gives skin protection.
  • This balm is specifically made for people with really dry skin or dry sensitive skin. If you have perioral dermatitis then it can help with redness, dry skin and lips, and peri-oral irritations. We highly recommend you try this product.

Cons:

  • It is expensive but is effective and proven to get the job done.

How to use it?

You can apply it to clean and dry skin, twice a day. Apply it generously to the body, face, and lips. Avoid the eye contour area. Do not swallow it and keep it out of reach from babies and young children.

What ingredients does it contain?

Aqua/​Water, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Dimethicone, Glycerin, ​Shea Butter, Panthenol, Butylene Glycol, Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate, Propanediol, Cetyl PEG/​PPG-10/​1 Dimethicone, Trihydroxystearin, Zinc Gluconate, Madecassoside, Manganese Gluconate, Silica, Magnesium Sulfate, Disodium EDTA, Citric acid, Aluminum Hydroxide, Copper Gluconate, Acetylated Glycol Stearate, Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate, Ci 77891/​Titanium Dioxide, Tocopherol, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate.

Key ingredients are Panthenol (repairs barrier function), Madecassoside (a soothing agent), and CU-ZN Gluconate-Manganese (An anti-microbial active that decreases bacterial adhesion).

3. Vanicream Daily Face Moisturizer

Now if you’re someone who has just been diagnosed with perioral dermatitis and is looking for a simple, budget-friendly moisturizer then this must be the right one for you.

Price: $

Rating: 10/10

Colour: white

So, why this cream?

Pros:

  • Great for people who have just been diagnosed with perioral dermatitis.
  • It is dye-free, fragrance-free, lanolin-free, paraben-free, non-greasy, formaldehyde-free, won’t clog pores, gluten-free, and botanical extract-free.
  • It is formulated with hyaluronic acid and 5 key ceramides which help to hydrate and retain the skin’s moisture
  • It is a lightweight lotion that you can wear under your makeup.

Cons:

  • None.

How to use it?

Apply as needed day or night.

What ingredients does it contain?

Purified water, squalane, glycerin, pentylene glycol, ceramide EOP, ceramide NG, ceramide NP, polyglyceryl-2 stearate, glyceryl stearate, stearyl alcohol, hyaluronic acid, ceramide AS, ceramide AP, carnosine, hydrogenated lecithin, phytosterols, caprylyl glycol, polyacrylate crosspolymer-11, 1,2-hexanediol.

4. Cerave PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion

Cerave PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion is also a great moisturizer for someone who is a beginner with perioral dermatitis. It is simple and budget-friendly.

Price: $

Rating: 10/10

Colour and texture: white and light texture.

So, why this cream?

Pros:

  • It is an ultra-lightweight night cream that moisturizes the skin while you sleep.
  • Helps restore the skin barrier with three essential ceramides.
  • Formulated without fragrance, oil-free, and parabens.
  • Helps attract moisture to the skin with hyaluronic acid.
  • Helps soothe the skin with niacinamide.
  • Ideal for normal to oily skin.
  • Gentle, non-irritating, and non-comedogenic formula.
  • Developed with dermatologists.

Cons:

  • None.

How to use it?

Apply liberally to the face and neck at night, or as directed by a physician.

What ingredients does it contain?

Purified Water, Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglycerides, Niacinamide, Behentrimonium Methosulfate, and Cetearyl Alcohol, Ceteareth-20 and Cetearyl Alcohol, Ceramide 3, Ceramide 6-II, Ceramide 1, Phytosphingosine, Hyaluronic Acid, Potassium Phosphate, Dipotassium Phosphate, Cholesterol, Dimethicone, Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Disodium EDTA, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Carbomer, Xanthan Gum.

Key ingredients are hyaluronic acid, ceramides, niacinamide, and MVE Technology (a patented delivery system that continually releases moisturizing ingredients).

5. Boudreaux’s Butt Paste Maximum Strength

Diaper rash creams have been known to work with perioral dermatitis and Boudreaux’s Butt Paste Maximum Strength should be the perfect one because it contains 40% zinc oxide!

You can also try the normal butt paste (16% zinc oxide) before trying this product.

Price: $

Rating: 10/10

Colour and texture: white and thick texture.

So, why this cream?

Pros:

  • Provides overnight protection.
  • It is free from dyes, preservatives, parabens, and talc.
  • Maximum strength treatment (40% zinc oxide) and protection.
  • Pediatrician-recommended brand

Cons:

  • None.

How to use it?

Apply to the affected areas of the skin as needed or as directed on the label or by your doctor.

What ingredients does it contain?

Zinc Oxide 40%, Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Mineral Oil, Paraffin, Myroxylon Balsamum (Balsam Tolu) Resin, and Petrolatum.

So, which of these 5 moisturizers would be suitable for you?

  • If you’re who has recently been diagnosed with perioral dermatitis: then go for a simple and budget-friendly moisturizer like Vanicream Daily Face Moisturizer and Cerave PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion. Then proceed to try out other popular moisturizers.
  • If you are someone who has had perioral dermatitis for quite some time: then try using Avene’s Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream or Cicaplast Baume B5. Both of these moisturizers contain zinc, repair the skin barrier, and help with flare-ups (irritation, dryness, scaling, redness, acne-like breakouts).
  • If nothing has worked: try using Boudreaux’s Butt Paste Maximum Strength. Diaper rash creams might help with your condition as it contains high amounts of zinc oxide.

6. California Baby Calendula Cream

Calendula has been used to treat perioral dermatitis for a long time so this cream had to make the list. California Baby Calendula Cream is excellent for use against eczema, perioral dermatitis, and other skin sensitivities.

Price: $

Rating: 10/10

Colour: white

So, why this cream?

Pros:

  • It is 100% plant-based.
  • Instant soothing hydration, goes on smoothly, and doesn’t make skin look or feel greasy.
  • Allergy tested: gluten-free, soy-free, oat-free, dairy-free, and nut-free (except for coconut).
  • No synthetic fragrance.

Cons:

  • None.

What ingredients does it contain?

Water, Caprylic Capric Triglyceride (Sourced from Coconut or Olive), Cetyl Alcohol (Sourced from Coconut or Olive), Stearic Acid (Sourced from Coconut or Olive), Glycerin USP (Sourced from Coconut or Olive), Cetearyl Olivate and Sorbitan Olivate (Sourced from Coconut or Olive), Canola Oil (Certified Organic), Calendula Officinalis Extract (Calendula) (Certified Organic), Viola Tricolor Extract (Pansy) (Certified Organic), Yucca Schidigera Extract (Yucca), Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice (Aloe Vera) (Certified Organic), Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract (Rosemary) (Antioxidant), Pure Essential Oils of Lavandula Angustifolia (French Lavender) and Salvia Sclarea (Clary Sage), Caprylhydroxamic Acid (Amino Acid) (and) Glyceryl Caprylate.

7. Avene Tolerance Control Soothing Skin Recovery Cream

This cream can be used if you experience flare-ups from time to time. It will help with discomforts like burning sensations, tingling, and tightness.

Price: $$$$

Rating: 10/10

Colour and texture: white and Lightweight milky lotion

Pros:

  • Soothes sensations of discomfort, like burning sensation, tingling, and tightness.
  • Calms skin in 30 seconds.
  • Helps restore the skin barrier in 48 hours.
  • It is suitable for normal to combination skin types.
  • It is preservative-free, fragrance-free, paraben-free, mineral oil-free, and silicone-free.
  • It contains D-sensinose (a postbiotic innovation that helps immediately calm all sensations of skin discomfort)

Cons:

  • It is expensive.

How to use it?

Twice daily after cleansing.

What ingredients does it contain?

AVÈNE THERMAL SPRING WATER, CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE, CETEARYL GLUCOSIDE, CETYL ESTERS, AQUAPHILUS DOLOMIAE EXTRACT FILTRATE, ETHYLHEXYL PALMITATE, GLYCERIN, CETEARYL ALCOHOL, SQUALANE, ARGININE, BEESWAX, CITRIC ACID, TROMETHAMINE, WATER, XANTHAN GUM.

8. First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream Intense Hydration

A nourishing cream to relieve dry, distressed skin, even eczema

Price: $

Rating: 10/10

Colour and texture: white and absorbs quickly into the skin.

So, why this cream?

Pros:

  • It relieves dehydrated skin, is safe for sensitive skin, and is suitable for all skin types.
  • It is dermatologist tested, gluten-free, nut-free, soy-free, suitable for sensitive skin, vegan, and nano-free.
  • It contains colloidal oatmeal, shea butter, and allantoin which are the perfect ingredients for battling perioral dermatitis.
  • It provides more than a 2x increase in skin hydration.
  • It is free from drying alcohols, propylene glycol, sulfates, talc, formaldehyde, artificial colorants, artificial fragrance, lanolin, mineral oil, parabens, petrolatum, phthalates, oxybenzone, coal tar, hydroquinone, triclocarban, and ethanol.

Cons:

  • It is expensive.

How to use it?

Apply as needed.

What ingredients does it contain?

Colloidal oatmeal — 0.50%, water, glyceryl stearate se, cetearyl alcohol, Butyrospermum parkii (shea) butter, dimethicone, stearic acid, glycerin, c12-15 alkyl benzoate, caprylic/capric triglyceride, glyceryl stearate, squalane, phenoxyethanol, caprylyl glycol, sodium hydroxide, disodium EDTA, feverfew extract, camellia sinensis leaf extract, licorice root extract, xanthan gum, allantoin, ceramide np, eucalyptus globulus leaf oil.

9. La Roche-Posay Toleriane Ultra Intense Soothing Moisturizer for Very Sensitive Skin

La Roche-Posay’s skincare line Toleriane is what every person with perioral dermatitis should try using and has a lot of benefits. This moisturizer is formulated with La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water and Neurosensine which provides instant and long-lasting comfort, soothes dry skin, and helps restore skin’s hydration level.

Price: $$$

Rating: 8/10

Colour: white

So, why this cream?

Pros:

  • It is dermatologist tested and tested on sensitive and allergy-prone skin. 
  • It is preservative-free, fragrance-free, paraben-free, alcohol-free, allergy-tested, and non-comedogenic.
  • It is recommended for ultra-sensitive, dry, uncomfortable skin.

Cons:

  • It is expensive.

What ingredients does it contain?

Aqua/Water/Eau. Isocetyl Sterate, Pentylene Glycol, Peg-100 Stearate, Glyceryl Stearate, Squalane, Butyrospermum Park, Butter / Shea Butter, Dimethicone, Glycerin, Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate, Cetyl Alcohol, Sodium Hydroxide, Acetyl Dipeptide-1, Cetyl Ester, Toluene Sulfonic Acid, Dimethiconol, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Citric Acid.

10. Lyons Leaf Zinc and Calendula Cream

This is another calendula cream that we saw online and decided to add to the list.

Price: $

Rating: 10/10

Colour: white and quite thick.

So, why this cream?

Pros:

  • It forms a breathable, protective, and moisture-repellent barrier.
  • It contains non-nano zinc oxide at 18%.
  • It is perfect for hands that are often in water or to protect fragile skin when bathing. If you have perioral dermatitis then you can use this cream to protect your fragile skin from water.
  • Can be used as a barrier cream when washing up, cleaning or hairdressing, etc.
  • It is free from preservatives, emulsifiers, colourants, fragrances, declarable allergens, and artificial chemicals.

Cons:

  • It can dry the skin if used often or liberally and it will show white on the skin if applied too heavily or not rubbed in.
  • It is more suitable for oily skin but can still be used for all skin types.

How to use it? 

You can apply it to the skin as required up to 6 times a day. For best results use sparingly and frequently. Use more often when skin is oily and less often if the skin is dry until you find the perfect daily routine for your skin.

Important Tip: if you have perioral dermatitis use sparingly and less frequently (this depends on how dry your skin is) as using too much may cause breakouts or worsen your perioral dermatitis.

What ingredients does it contain?

Helianthus annuus oil, Orbignya oleifera oil, CI77947 non-nano zinc oxide (18%), beeswax, borage oil, tocopherol, calendula officinalis extract, althaea officinalis.

11. Sudocrem

Sudocrem is a zinc-based emollient cream that soothes and protects the skin. It provides a barrier between the skin and substances known to cause irritation such as all forms of moisture. It is a cream that is mainly used for nappy rash but can also be used on the face.

Price: $

Rating: 10/10

Colour and texture: white and has a thick texture.

So, why this cream?

Pros:

  • It is an antibacterial and antifungal cream that can treat a range of skin conditions including nappy rash, cuts & grazes, minor burns, sunburn, eczema, acne, bedsores & chilblains. This makes it great to use for perioral dermatitis.

Cons:

  • It might give you a white cast.

How to use it?

Apply a thin, translucent film to the skin. If the white cream is still visible then you may have used too much.

What ingredients does it contain?

It contains 15.25% Zinc Oxide.

12. Amperna’s Soothing Duo

Amperna’s Soothing Duo consists of a serum and a moisturizer and is specifically made for people with perioral dermatitis.

Probiotic+ DS Soothing Serum

This serum cools and helps soothe irritated skin and calm redness. The copper and zinc gluconates help to limit the spread of harmful bacteria and replenish the skin barrier.

Lightweight Soothing+ Emulsion

This moisturizer contains a probiotic, ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and emollients to help nourish the skin and protect it from free radical damage.

Price: $$$$

Rating: 10/10

So, why this duo?

Pros:

  • It is made specifically for perioral dermatitis and has a lot of positive reviews.
  • It repairs the skin’s barrier function, allows the skin to heal, and prevents further POD flare-ups.

Cons:

  • It is really really expensive but you can buy the serum and moisturizer separately and try them out.

How to use it?

AMPERNA Lightweight Soothing+ Emulsion
After cleansing, take 1-2 pumps of the lotion and gently pat it onto your face and/or body. Suitable for everyday use.

AMPERNA Probiotic+ DS Soothing Serum
Take 1-2 pumps of the serum and gently pat it onto the face and/or body. Apply morning and night or as needed. For targeted treatment, apply to problem areas three times a day.

What ingredients does it contain?

AMPERNA Lightweight Soothing+ Emulsion
Aqua, Cyclopentasiloxane, Butylene Glycol, Ceramide 3, Ceramide 6 II, Ceramide 1, Phytosphingosine, Cholesterol, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Carbomer, Cyclohexasiloxane, Lactococcus Ferment Lysate, Cetyl Alcohol, Sodium-L-Lactate, Panthenol, Allantoin, Urea, Hyaluronic Acid, Sage Oil, DMDM Hydantoin, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate, Xanthan Gum.

AMPERNA Probiotic+ DS Soothing Serum
Aqua, Cyclopentasiloxane, Cyclohexasiloxane, Magnesium aspartate, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Ceramide 3, Ceramide 6 II, Ceramide 1, Sodium Polyacrylate, Phytosphingosine, Sorbitan Stearate, Cholesterol, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Lactococcus Ferment Lysate, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Sodium-L-Lactate, Zinc gluconate, Copper gluconate, Calcium gluconate, Panthenol, Allantoin, Urea, Hyaluronic Acid, Menthyl Lactate, Titanium Dioxide, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Sage Oil, DMDM Hydantoin, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate, Carbomer, Xanthan Gum.

Which of these 7 moisturizers would be suitable for you?

  • If you want to try products containing calendula and zinc: then you can go for Lyons Leaf Zinc and Calendula Cream and California Baby Calendula Cream.
  • If you need a cream that is antibacterial and antifungal: then try using Sudocrem
  • If you want a product that is made specifically for perioral dermatitis: then try using Amperna’s Soothing Duo.
  • If you need a cream for eczema or to relieve parched skin: then go for First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream Intense Hydration.
  • If you need a cream to soothe flare-ups from time to time: then go for Avene Tolerance Control Soothing Skin Recovery Cream.
  • If you need a skincare line made for very sensitive skin: then go for La Roche-Posay Toleriane Soothing moisturizer.

The Women’s Alley would also love it if you would take a look at these other products:

  • De La Cruz Sulfur Ointment Cream 10% (the holy grail for PD sufferers)
  • Malezia 5% Urea Moisturizer
  • La Roche-Posay Lipikar Balm AP+
  • Weleda Calendula Nappy Change Cream
  • E45 cream
  • Aveeno Dermexa Daily Emollient 
  • La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Moisturizer
  • Avène Tolerance Extreme Emulsion
  • Mustella 1 2 3 Vitamin barrier cream