Finding a cleanser for perioral dermatitis is really frustrating and time-consuming especially when you wear makeup all day long. It is the most basic thing you need to get through the day.

Based on our findings, we found out that there wasn’t much content or information on cleansers 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 cleanser that was suitable for them and didn’t irritate their skin.

• You should choose a cleanser that is free from fragrance, dyes, mineral oil, sodium, sulfates, parabens lanolin, and formaldehyde.

• It should be non-greasy, non-allergic, and shouldn’t clog pores.

• Look for the term “Hydrating” and “Gentle” when choosing your cleansers. Foaming cleansers should also work.

• You can try using zinc and sulfur soaps for cleansing your face.

We chose each cleanser 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.

So, let’s check which these cleansers are and if you are using any of them.

The Spectro Gel cleanser is one of the common cleansers used by people with perioral dermatitis. It is made for sensitive skin and is free from fragrance, dyes, sodium, sulfates, parabens, and lanolin. If no cleanser has worked for you, then you must try this!

Price: $$

Rating: 10/10

• Made for sensitive skin.

• Penetrates pores to remove dirt, oil, and bacteria that can cause acne.

• Purifies and tones.

• Gentle, non-irritating.

• It is non-comedogenic.

• It is pH balanced for the skin.

• Free from potentially irritating ingredients such as fragrance, dyes, sodium, sulfates, parabens, and lanolin.

• Softens and smoothens skin.

It is a bit expensive.

Apply to wet or dry skin and massage for 30 secs before rinsing or wiping off. For best results, use the Spectro gel cleanser in the morning and at night. ,

Water, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Polysorbate 20, Cetyl Alcohol, Hydrated Silica, PEG-12 Dimethicone, Diazolidinyl Urea, Carbomer, Triethanolamine, Sorbitan Oleate.

The Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser is the 2nd most commonly used cleanser by people with perioral dermatitis. It helps remove makeup and excess skin oils without drying your skin and leaves the skin feeling clean and soft. 

Price: $

Rating: 10/10

• Great for people who have just been diagnosed with perioral dermatitis.

• Ideal for dry skin.

• It is dye-free, fragrance-free, lanolin-free, paraben-free, non-greasy, formaldehyde-free, won’t clog pores, gluten-free, and botanical extract-free.

None.

Apply a generous amount to wet skin, lather, rinse, and pat dry with a towel. Ideal for daily use.

Purified water, glycerin, coco-glucoside, sodium cocoyl glycinate, acrylates copolymer, caprylyl glycol, mica, sodium chloride, 1,2-hexanediol, titanium dioxide, sodium hydroxide, disodium EDTA.

The Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser is another cleanser you should definitely try using. It is a creamy, non-foaming cleanser, ideal for dry to normal skin. Removes dirt, makeup, and impurities. Formulated with a new blend of key ingredients, hydrates and soothes to reinforce the skin’s moisture barrier and provides 48 hours of hydration when wiped off.

Price: $

Rating: 10/10

• For dry to normal skin.

• Keeps skin’s natural pH balance in check.

• It soothes and preserves the skin barrier.

• Won’t clog pores.

• Leaves skin soft and smooth.

• This cleanser defends the skin from dryness, irritation, roughness, tightness, and a weakened skin barrier.

• Formulated without fragrance, soap, parabens, sulfates, hypoallergenic.

None.

• Directions for use with water: apply the cleanser and gently massage it into the skin and then rinse.

• Directions for use without water: apply a liberal amount of the cleanser to the face and gently massage it into the skin. Remove excess with a soft cloth, leaving a thin transparent film on the skin.

Water, Glycerin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Panthenol, Niacinamide, Pantolactone, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Sodium Benzoate, Xanthan Gum, and Citric Acid.

Key Ingredients are glycerin, niacinamide, and vitamin B5.

Osmia Organics Black Clay Facial Soap is a soap you should try using if you have acne-prone skin and perioral dermatitis simply because the company has claimed that it works based on the reviews they got. (you can check on their website)

Price: $$

Rating: 10/10

• 92.75% certified organic ingredients

• It is made with Black Australian clay and Dead Sea mud to balance and tone the skin. Organic almond, avocado, and castor bean oils condition the skin, leaving it soft and nourished. Coconut milk helps create a beautiful, white lather.

• It can be used for normal, problem, and combination skin. For extremely sensitive skin, try a test patch on your inner arm first – the dead sea mud can be mildly tingly.

None.

Use one to two times daily. Rinse skin well and gently pat dry.

Saponified oils/butter of Olea Europaea (olive), responsibly-sourced Elaeis guineensis (palm kernel), Mangifera indica (mango), Cocos Nucifera (coconut) milk; saponified Persea gratissima (avocado) oil, and Simmondsia Chinensis (jojoba) oil, Cocos Nucifera (coconut), Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (sweet almond), and Ricinus communis (castor), Maris limus (sea silt) extract, iron oxide, Cedrus Atlantica (Atlas cedarwood) essential oil, citrus Aurantium var. bergamia (bergapten-free bergamot) essential oil, citrus Limon (lemon) essential oil, Juniperus virginiana (Virginia cedarwood) essential oil, Myroxylon Pereira (balsam of Peru), non-GMO mixed tocopherols, Rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary) CO2 extract.

Now if you have checked online you would have seen positive reviews on squalane being able to treat perioral dermatitis.

The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser is one product we saw working for people with PD especially when some Ordinary products can make you breakout.

It is a gentle cleansing product formulated to target makeup removal whilst leaving the skin feeling smooth and moisturized.

Price: $$

Rating: 10/10

• Dissolves and removes makeup and facial impurities while respecting the skin’s moisture barrier. It has a pH of 5.50 – 6.50.

• Formulated without fragrance, vegan, alcohol, gluten, nuts, oil, silicone, parabens, sulfates, mineral oil, methylchloroisothiazolinone, methylisothiazolinone, animal oils, coal tar dyes, formaldehyde, mercury, and oxybenzone.

None.

• Rub together to warm the product, allowing it to melt into an oil. 

• Massage well onto dry face and rinse with warm water. 

Squalane, Aqua, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Glycerin, Sucrose Stearate, Ethyl Macadamiate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Sodium Polyacrylate, Tocopherol, Hydroxymethoxyphenyl Decanone, Hydrogenated Starch Hydrolysate, Sucrose Laurate, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Isoceteth-20, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Malic Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Chlorphenesin.

• If you’re who has recently been diagnosed with perioral dermatitis: then go for a simple and budget-friendly cleanser like Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser, The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser, and Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser.

• If you are someone who has had perioral dermatitis for quite some time: then try using Spectro Gel Cleanser for Blemish Prone Skin.

• If nothing has worked: try using Osmia Organics Black Clay Facial Soap.

The Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser is a daily face wash for normal to dry, sensitive skin. It is formulated with niacinamide, La Roche-Posay prebiotic thermal spring water, and ceramide-3, which gently cleanses the skin of dirt, makeup, and impurities while maintaining the skin’s natural moisture barrier and pH.

Its gentle cream formula helps restore skin comfort and retains essential moisture, leaving the skin feeling comfortable and hydrated.

Price: $$

Rating: 7/10

• Cleanses skin of dirt, makeup, and impurities.

• Maintains the natural moisture barrier and pH.

• Restores skin comfort and essential moisture.

• Leaves skin feeling clean, comfortable, and hydrated.

None.

Step 1: Use lukewarm water to wet the face

Step 2: Apply in circular motions

Step 3: Rinse with water and tap skin dry to avoid friction

WATER, GLYCERIN, PENTAERYTHRITYL TETRAETHYLHEXANOATE, PROPANEDIOL, AMMONIUM POLY ACRYLOYL DIMETHYL TAURATE, DISODIUM EDTA CAPRYLYL GLYCOL, PANTHENOL, POLYSORBATE 60, CERAMIDE NP, NIACINAMIDE, SODIUM CHLORIDE, COCO-BETAINE, TOCOPHEROL.

Key ingredients are Ceramide-3, Glycerin, Niacinamide, and La Roche-Posay Prebiotic Thermal Water.

The Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Hydrating Cleanser effectively cleanses, gently removing excess oil, dirt, and makeup, so your skin feels clean and moisturized every day.

It is available in a creamy and foaming formula.

Price: $

Rating: 10/10

• Cleanses away oil, grime, dirt, impurities, and bacteria.

• Dermatologist-developed.

• It can be used with most sensitive skin conditions including eczema and rosacea.

• It is non-comedogenic, hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, paraben-free, and dye-free.

• Effective for cleansing before and after wearing your mask.

None.

• Wet face.

• Pump cleanser into hands and massage face gently.

• Rinse.

Water, Glycerin, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Cetearyl Glucoside, Caprylyl Glycol, Carbomer, Sodium Hydroxide, Cetearyl Alcohol, Phenoxyethanol.

The CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser can remove makeup, dirt, and other debris without disrupting the skin’s natural protective barrier. It is a gentle face wash with ingredients like ceramides and hyaluronic acid that work to restore the skin’s natural barrier to help the skin lock in moisture.

Price: $

Rating: 10/10

• Suitable for normal to dry skin.

• Gently removes dirt, oil, and makeup without leaving skin tight or dry.

• It uses MVE Technology: This patented delivery system continually releases moisturizing ingredients for all-day hydration.

• It contains ceramides and hyaluronic acid.

• It is non-comedogenic, non-irritating, and fragrance-free.

• Developed with dermatologists, and

• Accepted by the National Eczema Association.

None.

• Wet skin with lukewarm water

• Massage cleanser into the skin in a gentle, circular motion

• Rinse

AQUA / WATER / EAU, GLYCERIN, CETEARYL ALCOHOL, PEG-40 STEARATE, STEARYL ALCOHOL, POTASSIUM PHOSPHATE, CERAMIDE NP, CERAMIDE AP, CERAMIDE EOP, CARBOMER, GLYCERYL STEARATE, PHENOXYETHANOL, DISODIUM EDTA, DIPOTASSIUM PHOSPHATE, BEHENTRIMONIUM METHOSULFATE, CETYL ALCOHOL, POLYSORBATE 20, SODIUM LAUROYL LACTYLATE, SODIUM HYALURONATE, CHOLESTEROL, TOCOPHEROL, PHYTOSPHINGOSINE, XANTHAN GUM, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN.

If you haven’t tried sulfur soap for perioral dermatitis, then you should look into this as it has many positive reviews.

Price: $$$

Rating: 10/10

• Treats and combats acne at the root.

• Eliminates blackheads, whiteheads, clogged pores, dermatitis, and skin blemishes.

• It contains sulfur which is a natural anti-bacterial, antiseptic, and anti-fungal ingredient, and salicylic acid that exfoliates dead skin cells and unclogs pores.

• Can be used for normal to oily skin.

None.

It can be used on the face & body 2-3 times per day.

Precipitated Sulfur 10%, Salicylic Acid 0.25%.

If you use zinc sunscreens and moisturizers for perioral dermatitis, then you should try using zinc soaps like the Noble Formula 2% Pyrithione Zinc as it has many positive reviews.

Price: $

Rating: 10/10

• It does not contain mineral oils.

• It is safe for all skin types, including those with acne, psoriasis, and eczema (dermatitis).

• Relieves redness, itching, flaking, and irritation while removing dirt, oil, and debris.

• Formulated with antioxidant-rich olive oil infused with calendula, moisturizing and penetrating emu oil, and gently calming and exfoliating milled oats.

• There are no foaming agents, so lathering is minimal.

None.

Olive oil infused with Calendula, Emu oil, Milled oats, and 2% Pyrithione Zinc.

• If you haven’t tried sulfur or zinc soaps for perioral dermatitis: then try using Joesoef Anti-Acne Soap with volcanic sulfur 10% and Noble Formula 2% Pyrithione Zinc.

• If Cetaphil or Vanicream didn’t work: try using Neutrogena, Cerave, or La Roche-Posay facial cleansers mentioned above.

• DCH deep cleansing oil

• Cetaphil:
  • Cetaphil Gentle Cleansing Bar (for dry to normal, sensitive skin).  
  • Cetaphil Gentle Foaming Cleanser (for dry to normal, sensitive skin).

• CeraVe:
  • CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser (for normal to oily skin)
  • CeraVe Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser (for normal-to-dry skin)

• La Roche-Posay Toleriane Softening Foaming Gel

• Sulfo-Lo Cleansing Bar Soap with 3% Sulfur

• Vanicream Cleansing Bar (Ideal for dry skin associated with atopic dermatitis (eczema), psoriasis, and winter itch).