Foundation and acne sometimes don't mix. If you've ever dealt with any form of acne, you know what I mean. As someone who has struggled quite a bit with it, I've gotten in the habit of double-checking the ingredients in any formula before I buy to make sure nothing is super comedogenic (Comedogenic products will clog your pores big time.) Foundation can be especially tricky, though. To get more insight into the matter, I called in the experts. Two dermatologists and a makeup artist provided me with a well-rounded perspective. Keep reading for tips on how to choose the best foundation for acne-prone skin and product recs.
How to Choose the Best Foundation for Acne-Prone Skin
With many foundation formulas now boasting skincare ingredients like hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, it's a good idea to seek those out if you have acne-prone skin. Niacinamide can help control oil production if you have oilier skin and curb breakouts. Hyaluronic acid provides light hydration without being heavy or clogging pores. Soothing and moisturizing ingredients like aloe vera can also be good for redness. Additionally, if your skin can tolerate it, some foundations even have acne-fighters like salicylic acid in them. Dermatologists and makeup artists have a few other tips.
"[Certain] foundations can trigger acne breakouts. But don't despair. With the right products and skincare regimen, you can wear makeup," says board-certified dermatologist Snehal Amin, MD. "Look for labels that say 'oil-free' and 'noncomedogenic.' The same rules apply to makeup removers—choose oil-free products and avoid scrubbing the skin. Sometimes, it's not the actual skincare product or makeup that is triggering your acne but rather the makeup brushes and applicators you're using. They can harbor acne-causing bacteria, dead skin cells, and oils. Clean frequently and don't share them."
Makeup artist Alexa Persico also says there are a few things to keep in mind when selecting the best foundation for acne-prone skin. "Don't pick up the moisture-targeted foundation formulas. Most of these contain a high percentage of mineral oil, which can cause breakouts," she shares.
Finally, our third expert, board-certified dermatologist Azadeh Shirazi, MD, has one last piece of advice. "Avoid heavy formulas—particularly ones with petrolatum, mineral oil, lanolin, coconut oil, avocado oil, and silicones—as these tend to clog pores," she says. "Avoid added fragrances that can cause new pimples to form and irritate existing pimples. You'll also want to steer clear of foundations with a waxy emollient like myristyl myristate, as they tend to cause buildup and congestion in pores. Go for oil-free, lighter foundations that have hyaluronic acid."
Best Overall: Clinique Acne Solutions Liquid Makeup
Experts seem to agree—this is the best overall pick.
"A tried-and-true classic! Formulated with salicylic acid, this foundation will work to kill acne-causing bacteria. On top of that, it is also formulated with caffeine, which is excellent for reducing inflammation caused by spots. It's an oil-free formula and is great for acne sufferers. It is also noncomedogenic, so you don't have to worry about clogged pores." — Persico
"This is a great option that contains the active acne-fighting ingredient salicylic acid. This will exfoliate and clear dead skin cells to prevent breakouts. Unfortunately, it has a limited shade range. It may also not be ideal for summertime use since salicylic acid can make the skin more sensitive to the sun." — Amin
Customer Review: "Perfect for my menopausal skin and doesn't cause me to break out, but has nice medium-to-full coverage."
Best Drugstore: Neutrogena SkinClearing Liquid Foundation
"This foundation is infused with my favorite acne-fighting ingredient: salicylic acid. It's known to treat mild acne, blackheads, and whiteheads. Having this ingredient in a foundation is a great add-on! Since it's an oil-free formula, it will also prevent pores from getting clogged like traditional makeup and can help reduce the chance of more pimples popping up!" — Persico
Customer Review: "Never really wore foundation products before trying this. Covers well without feeling thick on my face. Lightweight and does not cause blemishes even when worn daily."
Best Luxury: Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Foundation
"This is one of my all-time favorites. If you want a foundation that will last all day without clogging pores, then this is it. This formula is oil-free, waterproof, and dermatologist approved. It's one that I have kept in my makeup kit for years." — Persico
Customer Review: "The. Best. Foundation. I. Have. Ever. Tried. I pair it with a glow base routine, and it's literally to die for."
Best Lightweight: Oxygenetix Oxygenating Breathable Foundation
This is my favorite lightweight formula. It truly feels like a second skin when you apply it because it barely feels like you're wearing anything. Despite its lightweight feel, it provides great coverage. It's noncomedogenic and looks lovely when dry. My skin truly looks airbrushed about 10 minutes after applying.
Customer Review: "I have been using this foundation for years. It provides great coverage, especially with melasma spots. My dermatologist recommended it years ago, and I've been using it ever since."
Best Matte: Tarte Amazonian Clay Full Coverage Foundation
"This is great for oily complexions, as it offers mattifying ingredients like oil-absorbing kaolin clay. It also has a mousse-like, matte texture to help camouflage active breakouts while controlling oil and blurring the appearance of pores." — Shirazi
Customer Review: "This is an amazing product!!! Full coverage with no concealer needed!!! I LOVE it!"
Best Stick: Tom Ford Traceless Foundation Stick
This completely noncomedogenic foundation stick from Tom Ford is an absolute dream. It's creamy, provides an ultra-smooth finish, and looks natural on the skin. The formula is also customizable, meaning you can create light, medium, or full coverage with it.
Customer Review: "I'm that girl with numerous foundations because I'm always looking for a better one. Not this time. I bought this on sale at Nordstrom on a whim, and I'm completely blown away. The color match is perfect for my light/medium cool skin. It blends flawlessly (which I've found to be rare with a stick foundation), it doesn't sink into fine lines, skin looks fresh and awake. I've used it with cheap primers (E.l.f.) all the way to high-end (Laura Mercier, etc), and it works well with all of them (water based). I will forever buy this foundation."
Best Powder: The Good Mineral Loves You Back 3-in-1 Powder Foundation
I'm not usually one for powder foundations, but I love this option from The Good Mineral. It's so breathable and never irritates my sometimes sensitive skin. It acts as a concealer, foundation, and powder in one. It saves a ton of time if you're in a rush.
Customer Review: "Just ordered my second pot. I'm addicted. I've not been able to find any other powder (and I've tried many top name brands over the years) that does what this does, which is to make my skin look flawless, fresh, bright, and glowing all day long. Plus, it feels light on. Massive bonus—I've had comments from people about my skin looking glowing. Definitely recommend!"
Best Liquid: Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Perfect Glow Oil-Free Foundation
"This is totally oil-free and noncomedogenic and gives a natural airbrushed finish." — Amin
Customer Review: "This product is so good. So expensive, but worth it. I have tried 20 other foundations and nothing compares yet. Medium coverage, buildable, skin-like finish. Does not break out my oily, acne-prone skin."
Best Dewy: Nars Sheer Glow Foundation
"If you want a foundation with a more radiant finish, then this is a keeper! This glow formula has airbrush technology that gives off an instant real-life 'Facetune' effect. Formulated without alcohol, this foundation is fragrance-free and mineral oil–free, which means it's safe for acne-prone skin." — Persico
Customer Review: "This stuff is awesome, wish I had found it years ago. I have rosacea, sensitive skin and it covers, surprisingly well for a very light foundation, but it is also buildable. But it gives this lovely subtle glow, not shiny, disco at all, and it lets your real skin peak out, so it is just gorgeous. LOVE IT!!!!!! It does not clog pores, nor smell ( no perfume or fruit, flower smell-—like no lavender, nothing)and it makes your skin just look better. It lasts well, doesn't cake at all."
Best for Sensitive Skin: Ilia True Skin Medium Coverage Serum Foundation
Ilia's formula is great for sensitive skin, as it contains soothing ingredients like niacinamide, hydrating aloe, and allantoin to calm redness and irritation. It's silky and melts into the skin, creating a naturally radiant finish.
Customer Review: "This was a light coverage, which I loved. I would recommend this if you have sensitive skin."
Best Shade Range: Fenty Beauty Pro Filt'r Soft Matte Longwear Liquid Foundation
No other brand's shade range is quite as impressive as Fenty Beauty's. Coming in at a whopping 50 shades, this soft-matte formula is noncomedogenic, so it's safe for acne-prone skin. It's also designed to be sweat- and humidity-resistant.
Customer Review: "I used this foundation and tried others and came back to this. It’s the best. Not drying or cakey or yellow-looking."
Best Waterproof: MAC Pro Longwear Nourishing Waterproof Liquid Foundation
"This oil-free formula with hyaluronic acid has a light, hydrating texture rich in antioxidants and caffeine to fight free radical damage." — Shirazi
Customer Review: "I absolutely love this foundation! The first thing I love about it is the fact that every other foundation separated on my nose, and this one didn't! Then the coverage is perfection, and it lasts all day! Looks gorgeous on the skin! I love it!!! My favorite MAC foundation by far!!"
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This article was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
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