Ask an Expert: Rosacea
Beauty
February 06, 2026
Author: Doré
Beauty
February 06, 2026
Ask an Expert: Rosacea
Author: Doré
I have been battling with rosacea for several years and I’ve always read that I should avoid using salicylic acid and witch hazel in my skincare routine. As your products are also meant to be used by sensitive skin types, can you explain why some of them include salicylic acid and witch hazel?-CarolRosacea is one of those skin conditions that gets talked about a lot and understood very little. It’s often confused with sensitive skin, frequently misdiagnosed, and surrounded by long lists of ingredients people are told to avoid at all costs. Let’s break down what rosacea is and how you can best support your skin if you have rosacea.
What Is Rosacea?
Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that primarily affects the face. It commonly shows up as persistent redness, especially on the cheeks, nose, chin, or forehead, along with flushing, visible blood vessels, and sometimes small bumps that resemble acne.Unlike a temporary reaction or irritation, rosacea is ongoing and tends to flare in response to triggers such as temperature changes, spicy foods, alcohol, stress, or certain skincare products. There is also a vascular component, which is why redness and flushing are such defining features.It’s important to know that rosacea is not caused by poor skincare, over-exfoliation, or “doing something wrong.” It is a condition with genetic, immune, and environmental factors at play.Rosacea vs. Sensitive Skin: What’s the Difference?
Sensitive skin is a skin type. It describes skin that reacts easily by stinging, burning, itching, or becoming red when exposed to certain ingredients, weather, or friction. Sensitive skin can be temporary or lifelong, and it does not necessarily come with visible redness or inflammation.Rosacea, on the other hand, is a medical condition. It involves chronic inflammation and vascular changes, not just reactivity. You can have rosacea and sensitive skin at the same time, but not all sensitive skin is rosacea.A simple way to think about it is this:Sensitive skin reacts.Rosacea flares.If redness is persistent, symmetrical, and paired with flushing or visible blood vessels, it’s worth speaking to a dermatologist for a proper diagnosis.Should You Avoid Witch Hazel If You Have Rosacea?
This one depends on the formula.Witch hazel itself isn’t inherently bad. It is a plant extract with soothing, antioxidant, and mild astringent properties. The issue is how it’s formulated. Traditional witch hazel toners are often alcohol-based, which can be extremely drying and irritating for rosacea-prone skin.Alcohol-free witch hazel, used in low concentrations and buffered with hydrating or calming ingredients, can actually be well tolerated by some people with rosacea. It may even help calm surface inflammation and reduce the appearance of redness.The takeaway is simple. It’s not witch hazel that’s the problem. It’s harsh, stripping formulas. If your skin flares, patch test first and pay attention to how your skin responds over time, not just immediately.What About Salicylic Acid?
Salicylic acid has a reputation for being too harsh for rosacea, but context matters.Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid that exfoliates inside the pore and has anti-inflammatory properties. In higher concentrations or with frequent use, it can disrupt the skin barrier and trigger flares. That is where the concern comes from.However, in very low concentrations or in rinse-off products, some people with rosacea can tolerate it well, especially if they also deal with congestion or breakouts.That said, many people with rosacea do better avoiding leave-on exfoliating acids altogether and focusing instead on barrier repair and inflammation control. There is no rule that says you must exfoliate to have healthy skin.Ingredients That Are Rosacea-Friendly
When rosacea is in the picture, the goal is simple. Calm inflammation, support the skin barrier, and keep things predictable.Some ingredients that tend to work well for rosacea-prone skin include:- Niacinamide (low concentrations) helps strengthen the barrier and reduce redness
- Glycerin is a gold-standard humectant that hydrates without irritation
- Ceramides are essential for repairing and maintaining the skin barrier
- Colloidal oatmeal calms itching, redness, and inflammation
- Allantoin soothes and supports healing in reactive skin
- Panthenol (pro-vitamin B5) supports barrier recovery and hydration
- Azelaic acid is often recommended by dermatologists for rosacea due to its anti-inflammatory and redness-reducing properties
The Bottom Line
Rosacea isn’t about avoiding every ingredient forever. It’s about understanding your skin’s thresholds and prioritizing calm, consistent care. If an ingredient is often labeled as bad but works for your skin without triggering flares, that matters. If something gentle still causes redness, that matters too.When in doubt, less is more. Fewer products. Fewer actives. More barrier support. And always patch test.If you have a question you’d like answered in our Ask an Expert column, we’d love to hear from you. Skin is personal, and good skincare advice should be too. E-mail us at hello@wearedore.com.I have been battling with rosacea for several years and I’ve always read that I should avoid using salicylic acid and witch hazel in my skincare routine. As your products are also meant to be used by sensitive skin types, can you explain why some of them include salicylic acid and witch hazel?-CarolRosacea is one of those skin conditions that gets talked about a lot and understood very little. It’s often confused with sensitive skin, frequently misdiagnosed, and surrounded by long lists of ingredients people are told to avoid at all costs. Let’s break down what rosacea is and how you can best support your skin if you have rosacea.
What Is Rosacea?
Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that primarily affects the face. It commonly shows up as persistent redness, especially on the cheeks, nose, chin, or forehead, along with flushing, visible blood vessels, and sometimes small bumps that resemble acne.Unlike a temporary reaction or irritation, rosacea is ongoing and tends to flare in response to triggers such as temperature changes, spicy foods, alcohol, stress, or certain skincare products. There is also a vascular component, which is why redness and flushing are such defining features.It’s important to know that rosacea is not caused by poor skincare, over-exfoliation, or “doing something wrong.” It is a condition with genetic, immune, and environmental factors at play.Rosacea vs. Sensitive Skin: What’s the Difference?
Sensitive skin is a skin type. It describes skin that reacts easily by stinging, burning, itching, or becoming red when exposed to certain ingredients, weather, or friction. Sensitive skin can be temporary or lifelong, and it does not necessarily come with visible redness or inflammation.Rosacea, on the other hand, is a medical condition. It involves chronic inflammation and vascular changes, not just reactivity. You can have rosacea and sensitive skin at the same time, but not all sensitive skin is rosacea.A simple way to think about it is this:Sensitive skin reacts.Rosacea flares.If redness is persistent, symmetrical, and paired with flushing or visible blood vessels, it’s worth speaking to a dermatologist for a proper diagnosis.Should You Avoid Witch Hazel If You Have Rosacea?
This one depends on the formula.Witch hazel itself isn’t inherently bad. It is a plant extract with soothing, antioxidant, and mild astringent properties. The issue is how it’s formulated. Traditional witch hazel toners are often alcohol-based, which can be extremely drying and irritating for rosacea-prone skin.Alcohol-free witch hazel, used in low concentrations and buffered with hydrating or calming ingredients, can actually be well tolerated by some people with rosacea. It may even help calm surface inflammation and reduce the appearance of redness.The takeaway is simple. It’s not witch hazel that’s the problem. It’s harsh, stripping formulas. If your skin flares, patch test first and pay attention to how your skin responds over time, not just immediately.What About Salicylic Acid?
Salicylic acid has a reputation for being too harsh for rosacea, but context matters.Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid that exfoliates inside the pore and has anti-inflammatory properties. In higher concentrations or with frequent use, it can disrupt the skin barrier and trigger flares. That is where the concern comes from.However, in very low concentrations or in rinse-off products, some people with rosacea can tolerate it well, especially if they also deal with congestion or breakouts.That said, many people with rosacea do better avoiding leave-on exfoliating acids altogether and focusing instead on barrier repair and inflammation control. There is no rule that says you must exfoliate to have healthy skin.Ingredients That Are Rosacea-Friendly
When rosacea is in the picture, the goal is simple. Calm inflammation, support the skin barrier, and keep things predictable.Some ingredients that tend to work well for rosacea-prone skin include:- Niacinamide (low concentrations) helps strengthen the barrier and reduce redness
- Glycerin is a gold-standard humectant that hydrates without irritation
- Ceramides are essential for repairing and maintaining the skin barrier
- Colloidal oatmeal calms itching, redness, and inflammation
- Allantoin soothes and supports healing in reactive skin
- Panthenol (pro-vitamin B5) supports barrier recovery and hydration
- Azelaic acid is often recommended by dermatologists for rosacea due to its anti-inflammatory and redness-reducing properties
The Bottom Line
Rosacea isn’t about avoiding every ingredient forever. It’s about understanding your skin’s thresholds and prioritizing calm, consistent care. If an ingredient is often labeled as bad but works for your skin without triggering flares, that matters. If something gentle still causes redness, that matters too.When in doubt, less is more. Fewer products. Fewer actives. More barrier support. And always patch test.If you have a question you’d like answered in our Ask an Expert column, we’d love to hear from you. Skin is personal, and good skincare advice should be too. E-mail us at hello@wearedore.com.Shop the Story
And get free shipping on all orders over $60
Shop the Story
And get free shipping on all orders over $60