For my face the best cream I’ve used is ‘Aveeno Dermexa Daily Emolient Cream’. For years I also used ‘Aveeno Triple Oat Serum’. This helped with my skin barrier.
After years of topical steroid use on my face, it has thinned my skin so it becomes irritated when I exercise too hard (and forget to breathe), sunburn, not consistently washing my face.
It is far, far better than it used to be!
When it comes to facial creams for seborrheic dermatitis, the type of ingredients matters more than the texture. Many common face creams contain fatty acids and oils (like certain esters, plant oils, and butters) that can actually feed Malassezia, the yeast linked to seb derm. That’s why some “rich” or “soothing” creams feel good at first but make redness and flakes worse over time.
In general, the best option is a lightweight, non-occlusive moisturizer that avoids Malassezia-feeding ingredients and focuses on barrier support and calming inflammation. Ingredients like MCT oil (C8/C10 only), squalane, glycerin, and soothing botanical extracts tend to be better tolerated. Antifungal support also helps, especially if facial flares are persistent.
Personally, I’ve had better results using products designed specifically with seb derm in mind rather than regular face creams. The Epicderma approach, for example, combines a non-feeding moisturizer with an antifungal treatment instead of relying on a heavy cream alone. That combo made a big difference for keeping my face calm without triggering flare-ups.
What are the best creams for seborrheic dermatitis on the face?
When choosing creams for facial seborrheic dermatitis, it's important to look for products that are gentle and won't irritate your sensitive skin. Here are some effective options:
Over-the-Counter Antifungal Creams
* Ketoconazole cream - helps reduce Show Full Answer