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Updated July 1, 2024: This guide to the best foundations for acne-prone skin was updated with new foundation selections after a round of product testing. Our editors are currently testing additional foundations for acne-prone skin from brands like Saie and Merit Beauty for consideration in this expert-approved guide.
We’ve all woken up on the wrong side of the bed — that is, with a breakout that’s seemingly emerged overnight. Acne is frustrating, and oftentimes, concealing it only adds to the headache. Some full-coverage options can clog pores and worsen the breakout, while others don’t provide enough camouflaging power. The best foundations for acne-prone skin, on the other hand, deliver coverage that doesn’t trigger breakouts or cause a flare-up in your existing problem areas.
If complexion products for oily skin call to mind a chalky matte finish, think again. The latest league of acne-friendly foundations don’t just conceal your acne and tamp down shine; they restore your skin barrier and lend a natural, skin-mimicking finish that you’ll feel comfortable wearing daily over your favorite non-comedogenic sunscreen and moisturizer for acne-prone skin. Yes, you can still find plenty of great powder foundations, but brands like Nars, Glossier, and Neutrogena have created liquid and cream options that feel luxurious as they give your complexion a uniform, healthy look.
Even better, many top foundations for acne-prone skin have pimple-fighting active ingredients, like salicylic acid or tea tree oil, which work to decrease your skin’s oil production. Instead of clogging your pores, these ingredient-enriched foundations will help to purge them similar to an acne serum or spot treatment. With summer here, it’s important to find a lightweight skin care and makeup routine that lets your complexion breathe, and today’s best foundations for acne-prone skin contain nourishing ingredients (and in some cases, SPF) that reduce the number of skin care products you have to layer on at once.
With the help of dermatologist Dr. Marnie Nussbaum and makeup artists Tonya Riner and Jamie Greenberg, we’ve selected the best foundations for acne-prone skin. From drugstore finds to luxury splurges, these provide enough coverage to even out your complexion without feeling heavy. You’ll sleep better knowing that when acne emerges, you have a solid plan to put it undercover.
Top Foundations for Acne-Prone Skin 2024
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Editor’s Choice: Top 3 Foundations for Acne-Prone Skin, Tested and Reviewed
There’s no one-size-fits-all foundation for acne-prone skin. Those with oily skin will want to seek out a formula that nourishes skin without causing excess shine, while dry and sensitive skin types may want to seek out calming ingredients. Personal preference also comes into play, whether you only shop for beauty at the drugstore or prefer the feel of a prestige foundation. Because foundations now come in more formulas than ever — including liquid to powder formulas with light to full-coverage payoff — we’re highlighting the top three foundations for acne-prone skin versus one best overall.
- Neutrogena SkinClearing Liquid Makeup: Our pick for the best drugstore foundation for acne-prone skin comes courtesy of Neutrogena. This buildable, breakout-proof foundation has all the key qualities dermatologists recommend seeking out, including pore-clearing salicylic acid, an oil-free formulation, and a breathable finish that doesn’t need reapplication.
- Haus Labs Triclone Skin Tech Foundation: For those who want a full-coverage foundation that delivers an airbrushed finish, Haus Labs’ is bar none. This TikTok-famous beauty product not only conceals discoloration and active breakouts, but it also contains fermented arnica that contributes to calmer, brighter skin with consistent use. For those with hard-to-camouflage problem areas, this formula is easy to build up to your desired coverage.
- Oxygenetix Oxygenating Acne-Control Foundation: Recommended by dermatologists for post-procedure care, it doesn’t get more gentle than Oxygenetix’s Acne-Control Foundation. Our editors rate this as the best foundation for active acne and sensitive breakouts, as it contains both salicylic acid and soothing aloe. If you have a hard time finding a foundation that doesn’t cause breakouts during summer’s most humid days, try this breathable option.
Courtesy of Amazon
editor’s choice
Neutrogena Skinclearing Liquid Makeup
Type: Liquid
Key ingredients: Salicylic acid
Size: 1 fluid ounce
Number of shades: 14
Dr. Nussbaum recommends this liquid formula from Neutrogena for its 0.5 percent salicylic acid — an acne-zapping ingredient that prevents future breakouts and treats current ones. You could almost think of this medicated foundation as an acne spot treatment with coverage. This top Amazon beauty product melts into skin for a medium-coverage finish while feeling featherweight on your complexion — perfect for summer months.
Editor testing and review notes: “As someone with breakout-prone combination skin, some foundations with salicylic acid can feel overly drying on my skin. Neutrogena’s never does — and it’s one of the best drugstore foundations I’ve tested, period. It has a light, creamy consistency that doesn’t turn splotchy or streaky when I blend it in, and it’s lasted me up to 10 hours of wear without requiring a touch up.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $13.69
editor’s choice
Haus Labs Triclone Skin Tech Foundation
Type: Liquid
Key ingredients: Fermented arnica, marine algae, squalane, and more
Size: 1 fl oz
Number of shades: 51
Lady Gaga’s Haus Labs foundation has become a bestselling foundation for acne-prone skin types courtesy of rave reviews on TikTok — over 52 million beauty lovers on the app have posted it. Most of the hype behind this foundation for acne-prone skin is courtesy of its instant skin-smoothing effect, however our editors also love it for its bevy of skin-nourishing ingredients. Key to the formula is fermented arnica, an ingredient that quickly tamps down redness and irritation with tone-evening and skin-brightening benefits in the long run.
Editor testing and review notes: “Haus Lab’s foundation has quickly become my favorite. It’s lightweight, extremely easy to blend, and melts in like butter even over active acne breakouts. It delivers a radiant, luminous, hydrating, healthy-looking complexion — what’s better than that?”
Price upon publish date of this article: $45
Courtesy of Dermstore
Editor’s choice
Oxygenetix Oxygenating Foundation Acne Control
Type: Gel cream
Key ingredients: Salicylic acid and aloe
Size: 0.5 ounces
Number of shades: 13
For persistent acne that just won’t go away, add this non-comedogenic foundation for acne-prone skin from Oxygenetix into your routine. The formula is tailor-made for compromised skin, helping it heal and breathe while concealing any pimples or problem spots. It also helps clear your skin of breakouts and redness via a powerful dose of salicylic acid to purge your pores and antibacterial aloe to soothe irritation.
Editor testing and review notes: “This foundation for acne-prone skin has a mousse-like texture that feels calming when I apply it. I’m always impressed by how lightweight and breathable this formula is — it’s my foundation of choice during summer when I’m more prone to pesky pimples after a sweaty day with sunscreen on.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $76
It Cosmetics CC+ Cream Full-Coverage Foundation
Type: Cream
Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and vitamin E
Size: 1.08 fl oz
Number of shades: 24
This CC cream from It Cosmetics is a great choice for dry to combination skin types dealing with acne, as it contains ingredients like vitamin E and hyaluronic acid that soften and hydrate skin without making it greasy. A longtime bestseller with over 19,000 five-star reviews on Target alone, it’s a great foundation for acne-prone skin as it acts as your base makeup, face sunscreen, and anti-aging serum all in one. Its SPF 50 protects skin from burns and helps to prevent acne scars, according to our experts. A dab will do — the concentrated pigments within the formula go a long way when you buff it on, starting at the center of your face out towards your ears.
What testers say: “This is the perfect full-coverage matte foundation — it goes on easy and smooth, stays, has great color options for different skin tones, doesn’t make my face break out, and best of all it has SPF 50. I love that I can put it on and that I don’t have to also worry about putting another layer of sunscreen on.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $47
Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation
Type: Liquid
Key ingredients: Glycerin
Size: 1 oz
Number of shades: 40
While pimple-fighting ingredients are important to look for in a foundation for acne-prone skin, an outstanding finish and comfortable coverage are also key factors. That’s where Armani’s Luminous Silk Foundation comes into play — this formula is a longtime makeup artist favorite for celebrity red carpet appearances for its believable results. Rather than looking painted on, this foundation for acne-prone skin melts onto your complexion to create the illusion of a flawless complexion, no matter what breakouts you might be concealing underneath.
Editor testing and review notes: “Armani’s Luminous Silk Foundation is one of select few that work with my skin in any season: It doesn’t make my complexion break out during summer, nor does it leave me dull in the doldrums of winter. The consistency is on the watery side, which makes it easy to apply thin layers I can build up to my desired level of coverage.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $69
Courtesy of Sephora
Nars Sheer Glow Foundation
Type: Liquid
Key ingredients: Glycerin, turmeric extract and vitamin C
Size: 1 fluid ounce
Number of shades: 40
Nars’ Sheer Glow foundation is dermatologist- and makeup artist-approved. Riner keeps it in her kit because it gives good coverage with an unparalleled, skin-like finish. And Dr. Nussbaum loves that this top soothing foundation for acne-prone skin packs turmeric extract and vitamin C to decrease inflammation in the skin. It delivers a light sheen to the skin that counteracts dullness for a healthy (but not greasy!) glow.
What testers say: “The perfect everyday wear foundation. Extremely lightweight and non-cakey and truly does give a “glow.” Provides the desired airbrush effect we all dream of without clogging pores. Set with a powder and you’re good to go.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $47
Courtesy of Sephora
Bareminerals Original Loose Powder Mineral Foundation SPF 15
Type: Powder
Key ingredients: Mica, titanium dioxide, zinc oxide
Size: 0.28 ounces
Number of shades: 30
There’s a reason you won’t find another powder foundation on this list — BareMinerals’ is the holy grail of top powder foundations for acne-prone skin. It’s simple to apply: Just swoosh a fluffy makeup brush in the pigments, tap away the excess, and buff it onto your skin. You can build it up to your desired coverage level; two to three rounds is the sweet spot for full coverage. If it feels too powdery, be patient: The mineral pigments will settle in place (without clogging pores) and leave you with a radiant, even-toned complexion in a few minutes. It’s the best foundation for oily acne-prone skin you can find.
What testers say: “Best foundation ever! Especially for sensitive skin. I have tried so many other foundation brands and I always come back to this one. I tend to have a sensitive face so I get breakouts and hives very easily, this I never have problems and I can put a little or a lot of coverage, it depends on the day.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $38
Clinique Acne Solutions Liquid Makeup
Type: Cream
Key ingredients: Salicylic acid, lactobacillus ferment
Size: 1.01 oz
Number of shades: 24
Newly available in 24 shades, Clinique’s Acne Solutions Liquid Makeup includes salicylic acid to prevent pimple-causing buildup in your pores while you wear it. The sweat-proof, oil-free foundation for acne-prone skin stays put even on the most humid days without suffocating your skin, and it’s effective at reducing oiliness and shine in the long run, too. Greenberg likes matte foundations for active breakouts, so consider dabbing this on if you’re experiencing one.
What testers say: “I have really oily skin and by the end of the work day my forehead was always greasy and I had closed comedones. I would come home wash my face wake up and they were gone but by the end of the work day they were back. This make up fixed that! Super lightweight it’s like a tinted skin treatment with medium to full coverage. God send for oily girls like me!”
Price upon publish date of this article: $35
Courtesy of Sephora
Glossier Stretch Fluid Foundation
Type: Gel-cream
Key ingredients: Squalane, glycerin, plankton extract
Size: 1 ounce
Number of shades: 32
Like all Glossier products, the new Stretch Fluid Foundation is formulated for a skin-mimicking finish that won’t look caked on after hours of wear time. Ideal for sensitive skin types, this formula is non-comedogenic and fragrance-free. It’s also full of active ingredients, including squalane and glycerin that work to repair a weakened skin barrier (all too common for those with acne), as well as plankton extract that tamps down shine. Expect the gel to feel lightweight and stay put after application.
What testers say: “I like a more natural looking makeup, but still have acne scars and active pimples I want to cover up, and this does just that, and it looks so skin like and glowy, without looking oily. I have combination skin, and sometimes I did feel like this foundation clung to my dry spots. But when I tried applying the foundation when my face was more moisturized, I thought it wore beautifully on both the oiler and drier parts of my face. “
Price upon publish date of this article: $34
Courtesy of Sephora
Kosas Revealer Skin-Improving Foundation
Type: Liquid
Key ingredients: Niacinamide, caffeine, arnica, squalane, hyaluronic acid
Size: 1 ounce
Number of shades: 36
Those with acne know that layers upon layers of skin care and makeup can exacerbate breakouts. Kosas’ Revealer Skin-Improving Foundation takes the place of face serums, moisturizers, sunscreen, and coverage. That’s thanks to its supercharged formula that’s powered up with ingredients like pore-blurring niacinamide, calming arnica, and hydrating squalane and hyaluronic acid. As one of the best liquid foundations for acne-prone skin, it doesn’t cause excess shine and wears beautifully under other balmy makeup items like cream blush.
Price upon publish date of this article: $42
Courtesy of Sephora
Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Oil Free Natural Skin Perfector SPF 20
Type: Cream
Key ingredients: Vitamin E and licorice root extract
Size: 1.7 ounces
Number of shades: 20
This cult-favorite from Laura Mercier is technically a tinted moisturizer, but the formula builds up for foundation-caliber coverage. Its demi-matte finish flatters most skin types, as it doesn’t exacerbate shine or dryness. We consider it an Instagram filter in a tube — this top buildable foundation for acne-prone skin masterfully blurs blemishes and pores while imparting a believable glow.
What testers say: “I have sensitive skin and this causes zero irritation and covers nicely over a color corrector as well. This goes on evenly with your fingertips, beauty blender or brush. I especially love the subtle glow this gives. If your face ever gets sweaty, the product maintains a natural look.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $53
Courtesy of Amazon
Ilia True Skin Serum Foundation
Type: Liquid
Key ingredients: Allantoin, aloe and niacinamide
Size: 1 fluid ounce
Number of shades: 30
Breathability is something we all want from our makeup and Ilia’s foundation feels like nothing on your skin, courtesy of its aloe base. But don’t be fooled — it’s working hard. The liquid foundation includes niacinamide to smooth texture and even out tone, as well as allantoin to calm irritated skin. The medium coverage, dewy finish leaves any skin type looking fresh, not overdone.
What testers say: “The color and texture are beautiful. There is no added scent so it is a little funky. It applies easily over serums and my prescription. I have awful rosacea from a laser mishap and this foundation is one of the very few that don’t irritate my skin.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $54
Courtesy of Ulta
Bobbi Brown Skin Long-Wear Weightless Foundation
Type: Liquid
Key ingredients: Glycerin
Size: 1 ounce
Number of shades: 43
Finding a foundation for combination skin is complicated. Dewy formulas can exacerbate shine in the T-zone, but matte options can feel flaky on dry patches. Bobbi Brown’s liquid formula works magic by evening out those inconsistencies. It tamps down excess oils while hydrating dry areas with glycerin. We love it because it looks freshly applied all day long and it won’t oxidize or change colors on your skin.
What testers say: “I’m so impressed by this foundation and have told all my friends about it. My skin looks incredible with it on and it applies so nicely, very light but great coverage! I don’t even wear concealer with it! I put on a light moisturizer and then apply the foundation with a brush.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $50
Pat McGrath Labs Sublime Perfection Foundation
Type: Liquid
Key ingredients: Glycerin and amino acids
Size: 1.18 fluid ounce
Number of shades: 36
Look no further for coverage that looks just like healthy skin. This foundation for acne-prone skin offers a dewy finish that has a light-reflective quality, according to Riner, meaning you’ll get a natural luminosity once you stipple it onto your complexion. Our editors favor it for covering post-acne hyperpigmentation, and it’s also a top foundation for acne scars. Oh, and did we mention that it’s rumored to be one of the makeup products Taylor Swift wears during her Eras Tour?
Editor testing and review notes: “This formula doesn’t budge — it showed no signs of separation, creasing, or transferring throughout long days of testing. I’d recommend this foundation for oily or combination skin, although it’s suitable for dry skin types when layered atop a moisturizing primer or finished with a dewy setting spray.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $69
Il Makiage Woke Up Like This Flawless Base Foundation
Type: Liquid
Key ingredients: Vitamin E and hyaluronic acid
Size: 1 fluid ounce
Number of shades: 50
Greenberg’s favorite liquid foundation for acne-prone skin comes in a laundry list of shades with warm, neutral, and cool undertone options — but don’t be overwhelmed. Il Makiage has a quiz to help you find one that’s just right, factoring in things like your skin type, the level of coverage you prefer and concerns like dark spots, acne, or fine lines.
Price upon publish date of this article: $45
Is It Bad to Wear Foundation for Your Acne-Prone Skin?
In short, no. However, “many foundations can worsen acne and further clog pores,” says New York City-based dermatologist, Dr. Marnie Nussbaum. “So it’s crucial to find a product that not only conceals the breakout but also helps it resolve.” She recommends that those with acne go makeup-free for few days each week, like if you’re working from home or have a clear schedule, so your skin can breathe and recover. If you can’t leave the house without a little coverage, a tinted BB cream or CC cream are terrific alternatives to foundation.
What to Look for in the Best Foundations to Prevent Acne Breakouts
When it comes to finding the best foundation for acne-prone skin, there are two key descriptors to seek out: Non-comedogenic and oil-free. On a basic level, acne is a result of congested pores and the last thing you want to do is clog them even further with goopy products. It’s important that your foundation has at least one of the two below labels to ensure your pores are safe and sound.
- Non-comedogenic: This term indicates that the foundation is free of potentially pore-clogging ingredients, like petrolatum, mineral oil, and lanolin, says Dr. Nussbaum. This means that non-comedogenic formulas are unlikely to trigger pimples, whiteheads, or blackheads.
- Oil-free: Looking for the oil-free label is crucial for those with combination or oily skin, which are usually most prone to acne, says Dr. Nussbaum. Regular application of additional oils can prevent our pores from breathing, which can snowball into more breakouts. “Some clean options contain essential oils, which are extremely pore-clogging,” says Dr. Nussbaum, who suggests reading the ingredients list before making a purchase.
The Different Types of Foundations for Acne-Prone Skin
There are three main types of foundation textures — liquid, cream and powder — and each offers a different finish, be it matte, dewy or somewhere in between. Selecting the right type of foundation will depend on your personal preference and also your skin type.
- Liquid foundation for acne: For a skin-like finish in a flash, reach for watery formulas. “These will help your skin look healthy and luminous while covering your blemishes,” explains Houston-based celebrity makeup artist, Tonya Riner. Demi-matte or natural finishes are best for achieving a healthy glow. If you have shiny skin, a matte finish is a great option as a foundation for oily skin, as it will melt into your skin while tamping down excess shine.
- Cream foundation for acne: If you find a liquid fussy to work with, a cream-based foundation — often packaged in a stick or tube — is your solution. A creamy formulation is one of the best foundations for dry skin types and anyone who want to spot-conceal problem areas instead of applying a full face of foundation. Riner recommends starting with a small amount in the area you want to neutralize, and build up with more layers as needed until your tone looks even.
- Powder foundation for acne: “This works well on oily skin,” says Los Angeles makeup artist, Jamie Greenberg, who counts Kaley Cuoco as a regular client. Powder pigments absorb excess oil while giving you coverage, meaning you won’t have to whip out the blotting papers on your lunch break to tamp down shine. These foundations are also gentle on sensitive skin and are least likely to clog pores.
How to Apply Foundation for Acne-Prone Skin
- Prep the skin: Always apply foundation on freshly cleansed skin so you aren’t trapping overnight dirt and oils on your complexion, Dr. Nussbaum says. Too many layers of skincare products will prevent foundation from staying put, so think less is more: Stick with an oil-free moisturizer with hyaluronic acid to give your skin lightweight hydration.
- Start small: “A lot of times, people pile on the foundation to cover breakouts,” says Greenberg, but this often adds unnecessary texture. Instead, start with a tiny amount of foundation and press it onto your skin with freshly washed fingers or a clean makeup sponge. “This helps it melt into your skin and look real,” explains Greenberg.
- Build it up: Work in layers, increasing the coverage level as you go. If you have a raised blemish that the foundation just won’t conceal, Riner suggests using a clean eyeliner or lip liner brush to apply a dot of foundation directly onto it, then stipple it in place with a makeup sponge, taking care not to smear the pigments.
- Set it: A coat of translucent powder, like the hero powder from Hourglass, or a few spritzes of setting spray, like the best-selling option from Urban Decay, will lock the foundation in place, preventing the pigments from smearing or sliding on your complexion throughout the day. Riner says to apply powder with a small brush, dusting it onto your T-zone and other areas prone to shine.
Tips for Removing Foundation to Avoid Acne Breakouts
Even non-comedogenic foundations can trigger breakouts if you sleep in them, so make a habit of washing your face every night. Start with an oil-free makeup remover to dissolve the pigments and setting powder or spray. Next, do a full cleanse using a gentle wash that’ll remove any leftover makeup without stripping your skin. Rinse well with water, then pat dry before applying one of the best serums for clear skin, says Dr. Nussbaum. And finally apply a thin layer of oil-free moisturizer to nourish your skin overnight so you can rise and shine in the morning.
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Meet the Experts
Courtesy
Jamie Greenberg is a Los Angeles-based celebrity makeup artist and the creator of JamieMakeup. She’s the mastermind behind some of our favorite beauty looks, including Kaley Cuoco, Rashida Jones, Chelsea Handler and Kristen Stewart.
Dr. Marnie Nussbaum is a board-certified dermatologist specializing in non-invasive aesthetic rejuvenation. In addition to running her private practice, Dr. Nussbaum is a Clinical Instructor of Dermatology at Weill Cornell Medical College and has served as a consulting dermatologist to the Melanoma Research Alliance. She is a member of the American Academy of Dermatology, the American Society of Dermatologic Surgery, and the Women’s Dermatologic Society.
Courtesy
Tonya Riner is a celebrity makeup artist based in Houston, Texas. Her roster reads like a who’s who of Hollywood, and includes Kate Upton, Heidi Klum, Elle McPherson and Simone Biles.
Meet the Author
Claire Sullivan is the Senior Beauty and Lifestyle Commerce Editor for Footwear News and WWD, where she writes and edits beauty, fashion and lifestyle stories. She has over eight years of experience as a writer and editor for national media outlets including Martha Stewart Living, Martha Stewart Weddings, InStyle, and Byrdie. She keeps her finger on the pulse of all things related to beauty and wellness, as well as the latest shopping trends and clothing brands. She deals with breakouts on a monthly basis, so she knows what makes a standout foundation for acne-prone skin. Sullivan wrote the original version of this foundations for acne guide and updated it after a round of product testing in July 2024.
