Which cleansing and exfoliating products should be absolutely avoided on sensitive and rosacea-prone skin?

Rosacea-prone and sensitive skin has a damaged epidermal barrier and is very prone to dilated capillaries and redness. Glycolic acid (AHA), high concentrations of pure vitamin C (ascorbic acid), retinol (vitamin A), and mechanical peels (scrubs, harsh brushes, exfoliating scrubs) should absolutely not be used on this skin. Furthermore, irritants such as alcohol, perfume, menthol, eucalyptus, and witch hazel in product formulations further dilate capillaries, triggering rosacea flare-ups. Only very gentle, non-exfoliating “enzyme peels” (containing papain and bromelain) or PHAs (gluconolactone) should be used as exfoliants for this skin.