The Top 10 Best Cleansers For Perioral Dermatitis

What is Perioral Dermatitis?

We are sure you know the answer to this, but understanding your condition better will help you in the long run. 

So what is perioral dermatitis? 

Perioral Dermatitis is marked with itchy red bumps around the mouth region and the nose. It can resemble acne or rosacea and may be triggered by hormonal changes, topical steroid use, or certain skincare products. 

You need to be careful while choosing makeup. Tinted lipsticks, heavy moisturizers, or your previous facewash lacking key ingredients can cause inflamed skin.

When choosing the best face wash for perioral dermatitis, you must ensure it is gentle and effective. This is exactly what we’ve done in this guide!

We understand that the treatment of the skin condition varies for different skin types. Hence, our research for this guide has included products for normal skin, dry skin, sensitive skin, and oily skin for a desirable skincare routine.

Do You Need Cleansers To Treat Perioral Dermatitis?

The answer is a resounding yes!

In this condition, your inflamed skin requires proper cleansing, and using perioral dermatitis face washes is critical for your skin’s health. 

Soaps and cleansers are suitable for cleansing your skin. However, overusing products like steroid creams, topical creams, and ointments to treat perioral dermatitis can leave residues on the skin that must be washed off with a gentle face cleanser.

You must pair your cleansers with the best moisturizers for perioral dermatitis. 

The Top 3 Soaps For Perioral Dermatitis

Below, you’ll find our top picks of soaps and cleansers with anti-inflammatory properties to help you fight perioral dermatitis. 

1. JOESOEF SKIN CARE Sulfur Soap for Acne

Joesoef Anti-Acne Soap with volcanic sulfur is a popular skincare product designed to treat and combat acne. It is formulated with key ingredients such as precipitated sulfur (10%) and salicylic acid (0.25%) to target acne-causing bacteria and unclog pores effectively. 

It is best suited for acne-prone skin with a weakened skin barrier.

Benefits:

• Fights acne effectively eliminates blemishes, blackheads, whiteheads, and clogged pores.
• Contains sulfur and salicylic acid, combating bacteria and unclogging pores.
• Suitable for normal to oily skin, promoting clearer and healthier skin.

Drawbacks or Side Effects:

There are no known drawbacks associated with Joesoef Anti-Acne Soap. Users have reported positive experiences and highlighted no significant drawbacks or adverse effects.

How to Use:

• Use on face and body 2-3 times daily.
• Gently massage onto wet skin, allowing it to lather and penetrate affected areas.
• Rinse thoroughly and pat dry.
• Follow up with a lightweight moisturizer if desired.

Key Ingredients:

• The soap features 10% Precipitated Sulfur, known for its natural antibacterial and antifungal properties.
• It also contains 0.25% Salicylic Acid, which helps exfoliate the skin and unclog pores.

These ingredients work synergistically to combat acne, reduce inflammation, and promote clearer, healthier skin.

2. Noble Formula Zinc Soap – 2% Pyrithione Zinc (ZnP)

The Noble Formula Zinc Soap – 2% Pyrithione Zinc holds great significance for perioral dermatitis due to its active ingredient, pyrithione zinc. 

This ingredient has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, helping to combat the underlying causes of perioral dermatitis and reduce symptoms such as redness and irritation.

If you have already incorporated zinc-containing sunscreens and moisturizers into your perioral dermatitis skincare routine, it is worth exploring the benefits of zinc soaps, such as the Noble Formula 2% Pyrithione Zinc soap. 

Its gentle formula makes it suitable for regular use, offering relief and promoting healthier skin.

Benefits:

• Free from mineral oils.
• Suitable for all skin types, including acne-prone, psoriasis, and eczema-affected skin.
• Effectively eliminating dirt, oil, and debris, this product relieves redness, itching, flaking, and irritation, leaving your skin feeling calm and refreshed.
• Enriched with nourishing components such as calendula-infused olive oil, emu oil, and milled oats, this formula provides deep hydration and rejuvenation for your skin.
• Provides deep moisturization and gentle exfoliation.
• Minimal lathering due to the absence of foaming agents.

Drawbacks or Side Effects:

No known drawbacks are associated with the Noble Formula 2% Pyrithione Zinc soap.

How to Use:

• Make the affected area wet with water and work the soap into a lather.
• Gently massage onto the skin, allowing it to sit for a few minutes.
• Rinse thoroughly and incorporate it into your daily skincare routine.

Key Ingredients:

• The soap contains olive oil infused with the soothing properties of Calendula.
• It also includes Emu oil, known for its moisturizing benefits.
• Milled oats are incorporated into the soap for gentle exfoliation and calming effects.
• The soap is enriched with 2% Pyrithione Zinc, which offers additional benefits for the skin.

This combination provides effective relief, moisturization, gentle exfoliation, and antimicrobial properties to support healthier skin.

3. Osmia Organics’ Black Clay Facial Soap

This best-selling soap, featuring Black Australian Clay and Dead Sea Mud, effectively balances and tones the skin, making it especially beneficial for individuals with perioral dermatitis.

The clay helps detoxify and remove impurities, while the mud provides nourishment, resulting in healthier and more balanced skin.

Benefits:

• 92.75% certified organic ingredients
• Achieve skin balance and toning with the powerful combination of Black Australian clay and Dead Sea mud, which synergistically promote a harmonious complexion.
• Creates a beautiful white lather with coconut milk
• Suitable for normal, problem, and combination skin

Drawbacks:

The users have reported no drawbacks.

How to Use:

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

Key Ingredients:

• The soap contains saponified oils and butter, including olive, palm kernel, mango, and coconut milk.
• Avocado oil and jojoba oil are also included in the soap’s formulation.
• The soap combines coconut, sweet almond, and castor oils.
• Sea silt extract and iron oxide are added to enhance the soap’s properties.
• The soap is infused with essential oils such as cedarwood, bergamot, lemon, and Virginia cedarwood.
• Additional ingredients include balsam of Peru, non-GMO mixed tocopherols, and rosemary CO2 extract.

The 7 Best Cleansers For Perioral Dermatitis

Not a fan of soaps? That’s alright! We have handpicked the top 7 cleansers for perioral dermatitis, so let’s get into it. 

1. Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Hydrating Cleanser

Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Hydrating Cleanser is a gentle and hydrating cleanser that holds significance for individuals with perioral dermatitis. 

This cleanser removes impurities and makeup without stripping the skin’s natural moisture, helping maintain a healthy skin barrier. Its gentle formula is suitable for sensitive skin, making it an ideal choice for those with perioral dermatitis.

Benefits:

• It is gentle and hydrating 
• Removes impurities and makeup without stripping moisture.
• Maintains a healthy skin barrier.
• Suitable for sensitive skin.
• Non-comedogenic and fragrance-free.

Drawbacks:

Believe it or not, users have reported no drawbacks.

How to Use:

• Wet your face.
• Pump a small amount of the cleanser into your hands.
• Gently massage the cleanser onto your face.
• Rinse thoroughly.

Key Ingredients:

• Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Hydrating Cleanser contains a combination of water, glycerin, and polyglyceryl-10 laurate to provide effective hydration and moisture to the skin.
• Ingredients like ethylhexylglycerin, cetearyl glucoside, and caprylyl glycol helps enhance the product’s texture and performance.
• It also includes carbomer, sodium hydroxide, Cetearyl alcohol, and phenoxyethanol to ensure the stability and effectiveness of the cleanser.

2. Spectro Gel Cleanser for Blemish Prone Skin

Spectro Gel Cleanser for Blemish Prone Skin is a suitable option for individuals with perioral dermatitis who are also prone to blemishes. 

This cleanser is specifically formulated to effectively cleanse the skin, targeting blemishes while being gentle and non-irritating. It helps to remove excess oil and unclog pores, promoting a clearer and healthier complexion.

Benefits:

• Specifically formulated for individuals with perioral dermatitis and blemish-prone skin.
• Effectively cleanses the skin, removing excess oil and unclogging pores.
• It helps prevent blemishes and breakouts.
• Gentle and non-irritating formula, suitable for sensitive skin.
• It leaves the skin feeling clean and refreshed.

Drawbacks:

• Costly
• Individual experiences may vary

How to Use:

• Apply Spectro Gel Cleanser to wet or dry skin.
• Massage the cleanser onto the skin for 30 seconds.
• Rinse off with water or wipe off with a soft cloth.
• Use the Spectro Gel Cleanser in the morning and evening for optimal results as part of your daily skincare routine.

Key Ingredients:

• Spectro Gel Cleanser for Blemish Prone Skin contains purified water, glycerin, and polysorbate 20 to provide a gentle and hydrating cleansing experience.
• Adding triethanolamine and sodium lauryl sulfate helps effectively remove excess oil and impurities from the skin, promoting a clearer complexion.
• This cleanser is specifically formulated for blemish-prone skin, targeting acne and preventing future breakouts.

3. Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser

Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser is a mild and gentle cleanser suitable for individuals with perioral dermatitis. 

This soap-free and oil-free formula effectively cleanses the skin without causing irritation or dryness. It is free from common irritants, making it a safe choice for sensitive skin, including those with perioral dermatitis.

Benefits:

• Specifically formulated for individuals with perioral dermatitis and sensitive skin.
• Gentle and non-irritating formula.
• Effectively cleanses the skin without stripping its natural moisture.
• Soap-free and oil-free.
• Free from common irritants, such as fragrance, dyes, and parabens.

Drawbacks:

The users have reported no drawbacks.

How to Use:

• Apply a generous amount of Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser to wet skin.
• Lather the cleanser on your skin.
• Rinse off thoroughly.
• Gently pat dry with a towel.
• Ideal for daily use to maintain clean and healthy skin.

Key Ingredients:

• Vanicream Gentle Face Cleanser is formulated with purified water, glycerin, and coco-glucoside to provide gentle yet effective cleansing.
• Including ingredients like sodium cocoyl glycinate and acrylates copolymer helps maintain the skin’s natural moisture balance and prevent dryness.
• Other key components, such as caprylyl glycol, mica, and sodium chloride, contribute to the cleanser’s overall texture, stability, and sensory experience.
• The presence of 1,2-hexanediol, titanium dioxide, sodium hydroxide, and disodium EDTA ensures product effectiveness and stability.

4. The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser

The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser has received positive reviews for its effectiveness in treating perioral dermatitis. It stands out among other products from The Ordinary, as it has been reported to work well without causing breakouts. 

This gentle cleanser is designed for effective makeup removal, leaving skin smooth and moisturized.

Benefits:

• Dissolves and removes makeup and facial impurities while maintaining the skin’s moisture barrier.
• It has a pH level of 5.50 – 6.50, suitable for maintaining a balanced skin environment.
• Formulated without fragrance, making it suitable for those with sensitivity.
• Vegan and free from alcohol, gluten, nuts, oil, silicone, parabens, sulfates, mineral oil, methylchloroisothiazolinone, methylisothiazolinone, animal oils, coal tar dyes, formaldehyde, mercury, and oxybenzone.

Drawbacks:

The users have reported no drawbacks.

How to Use:

• Rub the product between your palms to warm it, allowing it to melt into an oil consistency.
• Massage the oil onto a dry face, ensuring thorough coverage.
• Rinse with warm water to emulsify the oil and remove impurities.

Key Ingredients:

• The key ingredients of The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser include Squalane, Glycerin, and Tocopherol, which help to nourish and moisturize the skin.
• Aqua, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, and Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride contribute to the formulation’s texture and emollient properties, ensuring a smooth and gentle cleansing experience.
• Other ingredients such as Sodium Polyacrylate, Hydroxymethoxyphenyl Decanone, and Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6 aid in stabilizing the formula and enhancing its performance in removing impurities from the skin.

5. La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser

The La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser is a highly effective daily face wash specially formulated for individuals with perioral dermatitis. Designed for normal to dry, sensitive skin, this cleanser combines the power of niacinamide, La Roche-Posay prebiotic thermal spring water, and ceramide-3 to gently cleanse the skin, removing dirt, makeup, and impurities.

It maintains the skin’s natural moisture barrier and pH and provides essential hydration, promoting skin comfort and alleviating the symptoms of perioral dermatitis. Experience the effectiveness of this gentle cleanser for a healthier, more balanced complexion.

Benefits:

• Banishes dirt, makeup, and impurities, revealing a clean and revitalized complexion.
• Safeguards your skin’s natural moisture barrier and pH balance for optimal health.
• Restores skin comfort and delivers essential hydration, leaving your skin feeling nourished and refreshed.
• Enjoy the sensation of clean, comfortable, and perfectly hydrated skin after each use.

Drawbacks:

The users have reported no drawbacks.

How to Use:

• Wet your face with lukewarm water, preparing it for a revitalizing cleanse.
• Apply the cleanser in gentle circular motions, enjoying the soothing sensation on your skin.
• Rinse off the cleanser with water, bidding farewell to impurities and revealing a fresh complexion.
• Pat your skin dry, embracing the effortless joy of a smooth and clean face.

Key Ingredients:

• Ceramide-3: Strengthens the skin’s natural barrier, reducing moisture loss and protecting against irritants.
• Glycerin: Provides hydration and moisture, improving the skin’s overall condition and preventing dryness.
• Niacinamide: Soothes inflammation, reduces redness, and regulates sebum production for better oil control.
• La Roche-Posay Prebiotic Thermal Water: Nourishes and hydrates the skin, supporting a balanced and healthy skin environment.

6. Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser

Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser is a game-changer for perioral dermatitis. Its gentle formula effectively removes dirt and makeup without irritating. With its soothing properties, Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser becomes a go-to solution for perioral dermatitis. 

This gentle yet effective formula effortlessly removes dirt and makeup while providing a calming sensation to your skin.

Benefits:

• Suitable for dry to normal skin types
• Maintains the skin’s natural pH balance
• Soothes and preserves the skin barrier
• The non-comedogenic formula won’t clog pores
• Leaves skin feeling soft and smooth
• Defends against dryness, irritation, roughness, and tightness
• Fragrance-free, soap-free, and paraben-free
• A hypoallergenic formulation for gentle and safe skincare.

Drawbacks:

Users have not reported any drawbacks to this cleanser.

How to Use:

1. Directions for use with water:

• Wet the face with water.
• Apply the cleanser and gently massage it into the skin.
• Rinse thoroughly with water.

2. Directions for use without water:

• Apply a liberal amount of the cleanser to the face.
• Gently massage it into the skin.
• Remove excess with a soft cloth, leaving a thin transparent film on the skin.

Key Ingredients:

• Glycerin: Glycerin is a powerful humectant that helps attract and retain skin moisture. It helps to hydrate and nourish the skin, making it beneficial for those with perioral dermatitis, as it can help restore moisture balance and alleviate dryness and irritation.
  
  
• Niacinamide: Niacinamide, also known as vitamin B3, is a multitasking ingredient with various benefits for the skin. It has anti-inflammatory properties that help calm redness and irritation associated with perioral dermatitis. Niacinamide also helps to regulate sebum production, improving the overall health and appearance of the skin.
  
  
• Vitamin B5 (Panthenol): Vitamin B5 is known for its soothing and moisturizing properties. It helps hydrate and strengthen the skin barrier, which is essential for individuals with perioral dermatitis. By supporting the skin’s natural defense mechanisms, vitamin B5 can aid in reducing inflammation and promoting skin healing.
  
  

These key ingredients play a significant role in addressing the symptoms of perioral dermatitis by hydrating the skin, reducing inflammation, and supporting the skin’s natural protective barrier.

7. CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser

The CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser gently removes makeup while preserving the skin’s natural protective barrier. It is enriched with ceramides and hyaluronic acid to restore and lock in moisture, promoting a hydrated and healthy complexion. 

Experience the transformative power of this cleanser as it nourishes your skin, leaving it refreshed and revitalized.

Benefits:

• Ideal for normal to dry skin types, the CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser effectively eliminates dirt, oil, and makeup without causing tightness or dryness.
• Powered by MVE Technology, this cleanser ensures long-lasting hydration by delivering moisturizing ingredients throughout the day.
• Enriched with ceramides and hyaluronic acid, it promotes a healthy skin barrier while being non-comedogenic, non-irritating, and fragrance-free. Dermatologist-developed and accepted by the National Eczema Association.

Drawbacks:

The users have reported no drawbacks.

How to Use:

• Begin by wetting your skin with lukewarm water.
• Use circular motions to gently massage a small amount of the cleanser into your skin.
• Once you’ve thoroughly cleansed your skin, rinse it off with water.

Key Ingredients:

• Ceramides (Ceramide NP, Ceramide AP, Ceramide EOP): These lipid molecules strengthen the skin barrier, which is crucial in perioral dermatitis, as they restore and protect the skin’s natural moisture balance.
• Glycerin: With its excellent hydrating properties, glycerin helps moisturize the skin, preventing dryness and maintaining skin comfort in perioral dermatitis.
• Sodium Hyaluronate (Hyaluronic Acid): This ingredient attracts and retains moisture in the skin, promoting hydration and improving the overall appearance of the skin affected by perioral dermatitis.

Wrapping it Up 

In conclusion, dealing with perioral dermatitis can be a challenging experience, but finding the right cleanser can make a significant difference in managing this condition. 

We have compiled a list of the top 10 best cleansers designed explicitly for perioral dermatitis, taking into consideration ingredient lists, effectiveness, and customer reviews. 

Say goodbye to the previous face wash and hassle of finding the right cleanser and discover the ones that will relieve and balance your irritated skin.