What makeup product ingredients can irritate rosacea?

Dr. Mehmet Oz, MD

Cardiology (Cardiovascular Disease)

Some fragrances and preservatives in makeup products may cause allergic or irritant reactions that could worsen symptoms of rosacea. Examples of preservatives include parabens, imidazolidinyl urea, Quaternium-15, and formaldehyde. Not everyone with rosacea will react to these ingredients. If you have rosacea, test any new makeup on a small area of your neck and wait a day or so before applying it to your face. If the product stings or causes redness, swelling, or itching, don’t use it.

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Dr. Mehmet Oz, MD

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Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.

Rosacea

This chronic skin condition causes swelling of the blood vessels beneath the facial skin, causing redness, spider-like blood vessels or acne-like blemishes. Fair-skinned people, people between ages 30 and 50, and women are more prone to developing rosacea, which is physically harmless but often embarrassing. Other symptoms include a tendency to blush easily, bloodshot or watery eyes, and a red, bulbous nose. Although there is no cure, oral or topical antibiotics can control flare-ups. So can wearing sunscreen daily, reducing stress and limiting your intake of hot beverages, alcohol and spicy foods.

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