We’re here to share what we know — but don’t take it as medical advice. Talk to your medical provider if you have questions.
Summary
When selecting a foundation for acne-prone skin, choose one based on your skin type and stay away from pore-clogging ingredients.
Our favorite foundations for acne-prone skin include ILIA True Skin Serum Foundation, MAC Studio Fix Fluid SPF 15, and Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 20.
Make sure to use products that can help create a smooth base for your skin under your foundation, like face wash and spot treatments.
Don’t forget to apply sunscreen underneath your foundation, and make sure to re-apply throughout the day.
Avoid irritating ingredients in your skincare and cosmetic products, such as coconut oil and alcohol.
Anyone who’s dealt with acne is probably familiar with the catch-22 of makeup: You wear it to cover up pimples, but it can cause even more pimples. Well, we've got good news. It doesn’t have to be this way! Since so many Curology members come to us for help with acne, we're always on the lookout for the best products for acne-prone skin, including breakout-free makeup. We get that dealing with acne is tough, and we’ve got your back!
The most important thing to avoid the vicious breakout cycle is to pay attention to the ingredients in your makeup. To make it easier to find the right foundation for you, we’ve researched the best foundations for acne-prone skin and analyzed their ingredients. We’ll only ever recommend products that are unlikely to clog pores or irritate your skin! We aren’t affiliated with any of these brands, FYI. We just want to offer you all of the best options on the market that won’t clog your pores or irritate your skin!
How to choose the best foundation for your skin type
This is one of the trickiest things about choosing a foundation: knowing your skin type and which formulas work best for it. It really depends on the person, on the product, and even how you apply the product—if you use a primer first, your foundation will go on smoother and stay on longer. And before you get there, using an effective Acne Cleanser and Emergency Spot Patches on your pimples can help keep your skin as acne-free as possible.
Picking foundations is pretty intuitive. If you’ve got oily or combination skin, a lightweight foundation with a matte finish is likely your best bet; if you’ve got dry skin, either a tinted moisturizer or foundation with a natural, glowy, or dewy finish (i.e., one with moisturizing properties) would be a good place to start. If you want to cover up any skin concerns such as acne or redness, opt for a foundation with buildable, medium, or full coverage. The better coverage and finish your foundation has, the less concealer you’ll need to use to achieve your desired result. And, since concealer typically has a thicker or cakier texture, less is always more.
Finding an acne-safe foundation with the right texture, coverage, and finish for your skin can help you achieve whichever look you’re going for, whether it’s a natural, “no-makeup makeup” look or a super-polished, porcelain-like flawless finish. You do you! Without further ado, here are our favorite foundations for acne-prone skin (so far).
Best foundation makeup
These are your best bets for buildable coverage. They’ve got a decent amount of coverage with just one layer, but you can add on as needed in areas where you want more.
Fenty Beauty PRO FILT’R Soft Matte Longwear Foundation
Buildable, medium coverage
Oil-free, matte formulation
Comes in 50 shades
Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Invisible Cover Foundation
Non-comedogenic (good for acne-prone skin)
Buildable, medium-to-full coverage
Natural finish
Nars Sheer Glow Foundation
Sheer, buildable coverage to create a natural finish
Contains vitamin C for antioxidant protection
BECCA Ever-Matte Shine Proof Foundation
Creamy formula with medium coverage
Formulated for combination to oily skin
Features a microfine powder to deliver a matte, soft-focus effect
Best lightweight foundations
For those who don’t want to feel like they’re wearing foundation but want to conceal acne, make skin texture look smoother, or cover up redness: these foundations are for you. Some of them even double as tinted moisturizers with beneficial skincare ingredients, all while leaving your skin looking smooth and polished with a weightless finish.
ILIA True Skin Serum Foundation
Contains vitamin C to help protect the skin from sun damage
Aloe leaf, rosehip, jojoba, and marula oils soothe and hydrate the skin
Urban Decay Naked Skin Weightless Ultra Definition Liquid Makeup
Non-comedogenic (good for acne-prone skin)
Lightweight feel, per its name!
Lancôme Dual Finish Multi-Tasking Powder Foundation
Can be applied wet or dry, depending on the desired effect
Buildable, sheer-to-full coverage with a weightless feel
Convenient compact for on-the-go touch-ups
35 shades
Clinique Even Better Glow Light Reflecting Makeup SPF 15
Lightweight formula delivers a luminous, flawless finish
Includes SPF 15, plus vitamins C and E for antioxidant protection
Best full-coverage foundations
If you want full-on coverage that hides pores, pimples, and more, these foundations are right up your alley. Full-coverage foundations tend to be thicker or richer, so it’s important to make sure yours doesn’t contain pore-clogging ingredients! We’ve reviewed all of these to make sure they’re okay to try, but your (sk)individual results may vary.
Kat Von D Lock-It Foundation
Long-wearing, matte finish with buildable full coverage
Comes in 47 shades to find your perfect fit
Cruelty-free, vegan
Mac Studio Fix Fluid SPF 15
Non-comedogenic (good for acne-prone skin)
Medium-to-full coverage
Matte finish
Urban Decay All Nighter Liquid Foundation
Non-comedogenic (good for acne-prone skin)
Full coverage with a matte finish
Lancôme Teint Idole 24H Ultra Long Wear Foundation
Oil-free formulation
Buildable, natural-looking coverage stays matte for up to 24 hours
Available in 45 shades
Hourglass Vanish Seamless Finish Foundation Stick
Combines the coverage of a concealer with the blendability of a liquid
Long-wearing, waterproof coverage that blends seamlessly with skin
Convenient stick formula for travel and on-the-go touch-ups
Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra Longwear Foundation Stick
High coverage with a weightless texture for comfortable, all-day wear
Powder-cream texture glides onto skin and leaves a matte finish
Convenient stick formula for quick application and touch-ups
Don’t forget the sunscreen!
It’s important to wear sunscreen every day, no matter the weather or the season. It’s one of the best things to protect your skin from damage, premature aging (wrinkles are fine, but who wants them ahead of time?) and, of course, skin cancer. Especially if you use acne-fighting products with active ingredients that can sensitize your skin to the sun, you should be wearing at least SPF 30 during the daytime. Our broad-spectrum Everyday Sunscreen is ideal for acne-prone skin, as it features a quick-absorbing, non-greasy formula that’s tough on UV rays without clogging pores.
There is a variety of foundations on the market with built-in sunscreen, which is great. But if your foundation doesn't have SPF 30 or higher, you’ll definitely want to add additional sunscreen—and don’t forget the essential step: reapplying.
How to reapply sunscreen over your makeup
Powder sunscreens like Avène Mineral Tinted Compact SPF 50 are a great, easy way to re-up your sun protection throughout the day without messing up your makeup. Bonus: A little powder will also get rid of any oiliness that’s accumulated on your skin, making your makeup look fresh again!
Best foundations with sunscreen
Although these foundations contain SPF, remember: that alone might not be enough sun protection, especially if you don’t want to reapply your foundation throughout the day. You could start with a layer of face sunscreen underneath your makeup, or reapply sunscreen on top of your makeup throughout the day (we recommend reapplying sunscreen every 2 hours at least). We recommend SPF 30, at minimum.
IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC Cream with SPF 50+
Non-comedogenic (good for acne-prone skin)
Great built-in sun protection
Long ingredient list, so consider avoiding if you have sensitive skin
Nars Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30
Lightweight tinted moisturizer that imparts a natural, glowing finish
Contains a vitamin C derivative to reduce the appearance of dark spots
Combines hydration with SPF 30
Supergoop! CC Cream Daily Correct Broad Spectrum SPF 35 Sunscreen
Corrects uneven pigmentation and softens the look of fine lines and pores
Contains sodium hyaluronate to maintain long-lasting hydration, plus vitamins and minerals to protect from free radical damage
100% mineral-based SPF 35
Dermablend Smooth Liquid Camo Hydrating Foundation
Seamless coverage with hydration for dry skin
Added bonus of SPF 25
High-performance pigments allow you to build from medium to full coverage
YSL Touche Éclat All-in-One Glow Tinted Moisturizer
Eliminates dullness, evens complexion, and smooths fine lines
Protects with SPF 23
Includes hyaluronic acid and vitamin E to hydrate and protect skin
Physicians Formula Mineral Wear Talc-Free All-in-1 Cushion Foundation
Mineral-based liquid foundation formulated without talc
SPF 50 to protect skin from sun damage
Hydrates and brightens to leave a luminous finish
Best powder foundations
What’s the deal with mineral makeup? It typically contains ingredients like titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, mica, and iron oxides, which serve different purposes from giving the skin a matte finish, to hiding the appearance of pores, to blocking the sun’s harmful rays. Mineral foundation tends to have fewer ingredients, which is a good thing for people with sensitive skin. But if you have oily skin, sometimes the mineral powder combines with oil and can appear caked or clumpy.
Alima Pure Satin Matte Mineral Foundation
Light to medium coverage
45 shades
Vegan, nut-free, gluten-free, cruelty free
bareMinerals Blemish Rescue Loose Powder Foundation
Contains acne-fighting salicylic acid and soothing oat protein
Buildable formula allows for breathable, natural-matte finish
bareMinerals Original Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF 15
Contains only 5 ingredients
Lightweight, luminous coverage
Built-in SPF 15; loose powder formulation makes it easy to reapply throughout the day for added sun protection
Cover FX Pressed Mineral Foundation
Offers buildable, sheer-to-full coverage
Comes in 40 shades
Contains kaolin clay to absorb oil and maintain an all-day matte finish
Glo Skin Beauty Pressed Base Foundation
Safe even for sensitive skin
Contains vitamin C and vitamin E to provide antioxidant protection
Delivers customizable, sheer-to-full coverage with a semi-matte finish
MAC Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation
Delivers 12-hour, velvety matte coverage
Reduces the appearance of pores and controls oil
PÜR 4-in-1 Pressed Mineral Powder Foundation SPF 15
Long-lasting, matte finish
Contains vitamin B3 to treat uneven skin tone
Built-in SPF
Mineral Fusion Pressed Powder Foundation
Vitamins C and E for antioxidant protection against free radical damage
Aloe vera and cucumber to soothe irritated skin
Triple-milled minerals for silky, blendable coverage
Tarte Amazonian Clay Airbrush Foundation
12-hour, full-coverage formula with a weightless feel
Includes Amazonian clay to deliver matte coverage that fights redness and diffuses light to create an even finish
Best drugstore foundations
These are foundations you can buy at the drugstore (or online) as opposed to “high-end” foundations with higher price tags. We just want to make sure you can find the right product for you, whatever your preferred price point. Whether or not high-end foundations are worth the premium is totally up to your personal preference; as always, the quality of the foundation depends on the ingredients in each product. High-end makeup products aren’t necessarily “better,” and these foundations prove it.
Maybelline Fit Me Dewy + Smooth Foundation
Protects with SPF 18 (for better sun protection, remember to layer sunscreen beneath)
Hydrates and leaves a luminous finish
Formulated specifically for normal to dry skin
L'Oreal Infallible Pro-Matte Foundation
Long-wearing, semi-matte texture with a natural-looking finish
Lightweight formulation won't feel heavy on skin
e.l.f. Acne Fighting Foundation
Lightweight formula provides coverage to even skin tone and reduce redness from acne
Contains salicylic acid to combat acne while wearing makeup
Vegan and cruelty-free
Physicians Formula The Healthy Foundation SPF 20
Lightweight feeling with medium coverage
Satin finish that mimics the look of skin
SPF 20 with an antioxidant blend of vitamins C and E
e.l.f. BB Cream SPF 20
Non-comedogenic (good for acne-prone skin)
It does leave a sheen/glow, so it's probably not ideal for oily skin
e.l.f. Flawless Finish Foundation
Comes in 40 shades
Lightweight formula delivers an all-day, semi-matte finish
L'Oreal True Match Super Blendable Makeup
Wide range of shades to match skin color and undertone (cool vs. warm)
SPF 17 (you'll want to wear a higher-SPF face sunscreen underneath for full protection)
NYX Stay Matte But Not Flat Powder Foundation
Matte, flawless finish
Lightweight formula that's buildable to your preferences
Powder compact ideal for travel and touch-ups
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Tint
Oil-free formula
Contains hyaluronic acid for intense, 24-hour moisture
Natural finish that won't settle into fine lines due to hydrating formula
How to check if a product has pore-clogging or skin-irritating ingredients
Some common ingredients in makeup can clog your pores even if the product is labeled “non-comedogenic!” Because that term isn't regulated by the FDA, beauty products can (and often do) claim their products won't clog pores, even if they do contain pore-clogging ingredients. When you know how to check the ingredients list yourself, you can make better choices when choosing which makeup to use.
Luckily, there's a (free!) tool that makes it easy to check any product for ingredients that can clog pores or irritate your skin. It’s called CosDNA.com, and it’s a must-have for your bookmarks.
Check out our quick-and-easy guide to checking products for pore-clogging ingredients!
How to find out if a foundation is safe for your skin
Step 1:Head on over to CosDNA.com and search the product name.
Step 2: If it isn’t on there, have the ingredients list handy. The manufacturer’s website should have an ingredient list. Alternatively, you can check makeup resources like MakeupAlley or websites that sell the product, such as Ulta or Sephora.
Step 3: Copy the ingredients, then paste them into the text box under “Analyze Cosmetics,” and click “Analysis.” Look in the “acne” column—if there are any 3’s, 4’s, or 5’s, we’d recommend avoiding it if you have acne-prone skin. If there are only 0’s, 1’s, or 2’s, the product can be used on acne-prone skin, and is considered likely fine. We’d also recommend avoiding any products with 3’s, 4’s or 5’s in the irritant column if you have acne (or sensitive skin).
Irritation can lead to acne
One rule of thumb: avoid foundations and any product that contains denatured alcohol. Denatured alcohol doesn’t clog pores (it's non-comedogenic), but it can be very irritating and drying—especially to pimples that are already red and inflamed. Denatured alcohol is rated a “5” under the irritant column on CosDNA.com. As with the acne column, we’d recommend avoiding any products with 3’s, 4’s or 5’s in the irritant column if your skin is acne-prone or sensitive. When it comes to removing your makeup at the end of the day (which is very important!), you may want to start off with a gentle Micellar Makeup Remover, which can break down makeup without irritating your skin.
Ingredients to avoid
Some ingredients found in foundation makeup can irritate the skin or clog pores, so here are the key ones to avoid.
Coconut oil: Coconut oil is a popular ingredient in skincare and cosmetics, but if your skin is prone to pimples and clogged pores, you’ll want to avoid it. It’s also called “cocos nucifera oil,” so keep an eye on those ingredient lists. Coconut oil clogs pores slowly but surely for some, so you might not notice right away, but it’s best to avoid it altogether.
Alcohol: If you’ve got dry skin, take care to avoid ingredients that can dry it out even more! Alcohol is unfortunately used in a lot of skincare products, even though it dries out the skin and can damage its protective barrier. Watch out for alcohol (usually listed as “denatured alcohol” or “alcohol denat.”) on the ingredients list of your products, especially if your skin seems dry, red, tight, itchy, or irritated after using it. However, some products have alcohol at the end of the ingredients list, likely meaning there's not too much of it in that case, it may not irritate the skin as much. But it's best to avoid it whenever possible.
The exception—coconut alcohol: Even though coconut oil is not good for acne-prone skin, and alcohol (usually labeled denatured alcohol) can be irritating, coconut alcohol is actually fine. Coconut alcohol is a gentle surfactant (i.e., emulsifier) that the skin tolerates just fine (unlike sodium laureth sulfate, a surfactant that can cause breakouts). Coconut alcohol comes from coconut acid, which is derived from coconut oil; but unlike coconut oil, coconut alcohol doesn’t clog pores because it’s a smaller molecule. It’s so safe, in fact, that we use coconut alcohol in our Gentle Cleanser—it was tested for comedogenicity (pore-clogging potential) and passed with flying colors!
More ingredients to avoid:
Isopropyl myristate (pore-clogging)
Sodium laureth sulfate (pore-clogging)
Myristyl myristate (pore-clogging)
Laureth-4 (pore-clogging)
Ethylhexyl palmitate (pore-clogging)
Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) (drying and pore-clogging)
Products not labeled with terms “non-comedogenic,” “non-acnegenic,” “does not clog pores,” or “won’t cause breakouts.”
The label “non-comedogenic” (or similar) indicates that the product has been designed with acne-prone people in mind. It’s no guarantee of safety, but it can be a useful guideline! We still recommend checking products labeled “non-comedogenic” for pore-clogging or irritating ingredients, since they can still contain potentially pore-clogging ingredients.
Don’t be afraid to break up with your makeup
We know it isn’t easy to choose a foundation that checks all the boxes: the right texture, color, consistency, finish (matte or glowy?), and ingredients that won’t clog your pores or irritate your skin. Each and every one of the foundations we recommend here has a unique look and feel, so you’ll probably want to try out a few to find what works best for you. But take it from the experts: a product's ingredients should be your #1 concern before putting anything on your skin.
Of course, if your acne clears up, you probably won’t have as much need for foundation. That’s where we come in! You’ll get your own Custom Formulaᴿˣ for acne prescribed by one of our dermatology providers when you sign up for a 30-day trial of Curology. The cruel irony of makeup is that acne-free, smooth skin actually wears makeup better so getting any skin condition under control should be priority numero uno.
If you’ve gotten this far and you feel ready to break up with makeup altogether, we salute you! Even if you’ve got pimples, there’s absolutely no shame in owning them while your acne heals. It can be beneficial to give your skin a break from makeup (even non-comedogenic makeup). You could always use a little concealer here and there, just to cover up any spots. Or use a tinted sunscreen for a one-and-done daytime makeup routine that will even out your skin’s appearance while protecting it from the sun at the same time. For a truly minimalist approach, just slap on a non-comedogenic sunscreen in the AM, and you’ll be golden. Your skin will thank you (and you’ll have more time to hit the snooze button).
FAQs
What type of foundation is best for acne-prone skin?
The right type of foundation for acne-prone skin depends on your skin type! If you have oily or combination skin, a lightweight foundation with a matte finish is likely your best bet; but if you have dry skin, either a tinted moisturizer or foundation with a natural, glowy, or dewy finish (like one with moisturizing properties) would be a good place to start. If you want to cover up any skin issues such as acne or redness, opt for a foundation with buildable, medium, or full coverage.
What makeup does not clog your pores?
Look for labels like “non-comedogenic,” and head to CosDNA.com to check if your makeup product has any pore-clogging ingredients.
What is the best foundation for acne-prone skin?
A variety of foundations may help your acne-prone skin, but some of our favorites include Clinique Even Better Glow Light Reflecting Makeup SPF 15 and e.l.f. Flawless Finish Foundation.
Is it bad to wear foundation if you have acne-prone skin?
The ingredients in the foundation you choose can make all the difference in how the product affects your skin. Choose a foundation—without pore-clogging or irritating ingredients—that benefits your skin type for the best results.
What foundation should I use for my skin type?
First determine if your skin type is oily, combination, or dry, or if your main mission is to cover up acne or redness. Then browse our lists of recommended foundations for each type above.
Melissa Hunter is a board certified family nurse practitioner at Curology. She received her MSN from George Washington University in Washington, DC.
Restrictions apply. See website for full details and important safety information.
• • •
Our medical review process: We’re here to tell you what we know. That’s why our information is evidence-based and fact-checked by medical experts. Still, everyone’s skin is unique—the best way to get advice is to talk to your healthcare provider.
Our policy on product links: Empowering you with knowledge is our top priority. Our reviews of other brands’ products in this post are not paid endorsements—but they do meet our medically fact-checked standards for ingredients (at the time of publication).
Curology Team
Melissa Hunter, NP-C
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