As someone who’s experienced perioral dermatitis firsthand, I know how difficult it can be to recognise and treat. That’s why I’ve delved into what the skin condition is, how to properly identify it and curated a list of the best treatments for perioral dermatitis, all of which are tried, tested and dermatologist-approved, to help others who might be battling the stubborn skin rash.
What makes perioral dermatitis (PD for short) so bothersome is that its symptoms typically resemble acne, which often leads to misdiagnosis but, according to Dr Aiza Jamil, consultant dermatologist, there’s a few things to look out for: “It’s characterised by often-chronic small red bumps, pustules and irritation on the skin. The small red bumps are generally uniform and centered around the mouth, nose or eyes, whereas acne is more scattered across the skin and will vary in size.”
Once you’ve identified PD, the good news is that there are ways to tackle it. “Firstly stop any topical steroids and heavy creams which are being used,” explains Dr Sharon Wong, consultant dermatologist and co-founder of Dose. “Day-to-day skincare needs to be pared back and kept very simple.” This means avoiding any irritants in the form of actives such as vitamin C, acids, retinols, exfoliants etc. Stick to a simple cleanser, moisturiser and SPF.
For most cases of PD this will be enough to solve the problem but if your PD is moderate to severe or not responding to a simplified routine, prescription treatments like topical creams and oral antibiotics might be necessary. In my case, a streamlined skincare routine plus prescription strength azelaic acid and six weeks of oral doxycycline did the trick and my skin soon cleared up.
Although my PD is now under control, I occasionally experience flare ups when introducing new products into my routine, which is why I’ve devised a list of dependable, low-irritation staples I turn to when my skin’s out of whack. Ahead you’ll find the cleansers, moisturisers and SPFs I trust most when perioral dermatitis rears its ugly head.
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The best treatments for perioral dermatitis in 2026 are:
- Best overall – Avène cicalfate+ restorative protective cream: £13.55, Amazon.co.uk
- Best cleanser – Cetaphil gentle skin cleanser: £11.49, Superdrug.com
- Best budget buy – CeraVe advanced repair ointment: £11.50, Lookfantastic.com
- Best SPF – La Roche-Posay anthelios UVair SPF50+: £25, Lookfantastic.com
How I tested
During a perioral dermatitis flare-up, I introduced a selection of products into my daily skincare routine. Knowing that simple, basic formulas are key when treating PD, I used a mix of serums, cleansers, moisturisers and SPFs that are specifically designed for sensitive skin. I steered clear of any products containing active ingredients, irritating preservatives or added fragrances and used each product several times to determine whether it was ‘safe’ for use while experiencing a flare up and if it actually helped soothe my skin. You can read more about my in-depth testing process at the end of this guide.
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