These Foundations Actually Treat Your Acne While You Wear Them
These Foundations Actually Treat Your Acne While You Wear Them
Foundation is often the key to unlocking a flawless, filter-worthy makeup look, but when you have acne-prone skin, finding the perfect one can be a bit tricky. Some foundations boast formulas that clog pores, and trigger new outbreaks, while others dry out the skin, making it difficult to find a foundation that doesn't irritate. The good news is there are foundations for acne-prone skin that not only conceal blemishes but deliver a flawless finish, too.
When it comes to foundations for acne-prone skin, it's all about formulation. According to board-certified dermatologist Lauren Penzi, the best foundations for acne-prone skin are non-comedogenic and oil-free because they don't clog pores. Dr. Penzi recommends mattifying or powder-based foundations for those with oily skin. If your skin tends to be on the drier side, she suggests a hydrating foundation enriched with nourishing ingredients like hyaluronic acid. If your skin is sensitive, Dr. Penzi suggests a mineral foundation because they "tend to have less irritating ingredients."
Skin prep also goes a long way to ensure that your foundation doesn't irritate your acne-prone skin and that it delivers a flawless finish. Celebrity makeup artist Katie Mellinger suggests following your traditional skincare routine and ensuring that your moisturizing products are fully absorbed into the skin before applying foundation. Beauty HAC founder, licensed esthetician, and makeup artist Hillary Clark agrees. She suggests not over-cleansing or over-exfoliating, as both can lead to dryness and inflammation. Instead, try cleansing, moisturizing, then following up with a serum to prep the skin before applying foundation. If you have active breakouts, apply ingredients like Centella Asiatica, Aloe, prickly pear, algae, peptides, and anti-microbial oils to soothe inflammation and irritation.
Before you get lost in a sea of ingredients, skim this list first. These foundations for acne-prone skin will give you flawless coverage without clogging your pores.
1) Revealer Skin-Improving Foundation SPF 25
Kosas
sephora.com
$42.00
Enriched with hydrating niacinamide, this doctor-approved foundation delivers a smooth, even skin tone. It's also enriched with SPF 25 to protect the skin from sun exposure.
2) Loves You Back 3in1 - Powder Foundation
thegoodmineral.com
$39.00
Looking for a good multi-purpose product? The Good Mineral's 3-in-1 serves as a foundation, concealer, and powder. This weightless powder delivers coverage without the risk of enhancing pores or irritating sensitive skin.
3) SkinClearing Liquid Makeup
neutrogena
neutrogena.com
$14.59
Enriched with 0.5 salicylic acid, this foundation boasts a MicroClear Technology that's proven to dissolve oil, and it's available in 14 shades. This derm-approved foundation provides natural coverage and helps treat breakouts.
4) Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Liquid Foundation
Fenty Beauty by Rihanna
sephora.com
$39.00
If you're looking to find a foundation that doesn't clog your pores, grab this one. Dr. Penzi recommends this lightweight foundation because it's enriched with an oil and shine control formula.
![5) CC+ Cream with SPF 50+ [variation_tag_finish:Natural]](https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/P.6XoxodgJoVj7kk1C.fWQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTE1MDc-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/seventeen_632/5eee41fa8710b09bb0d52bbe4b81a1f1)
5) CC+ Cream with SPF 50+ [variation_tag_finish:Natural]
IT Cosmetics
sephora.com
$42.00
This derm-approved full-coverage CC cream conceals dark spots and works as a hydration serum.
6) Amazonian clay 16-hour full coverage foundation
Amazonian clay
tartecosmetics.com
$39.00
Amazonian clay is the secret oil-absorbing ingredient that helps this control oil production. Anti-inflammatory vitamin E is mattifying and delivers a flawless airbrush finish.
7) Even Better Clinical? Serum Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF 25
Clinique
clinique.com
$43.00
Calling all besties with oily skin. Hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, and salicylic acid are the trio that helps this foundation hydrate while combating acne and oil production.
8) Best Skin Days SPF 25
irisandromeo.com
Not only does this lightweight foundation deliver a dewy, glowing finish, but it also protects against harmful UVA and UVB rays and stresses from blue light exposure.
9) Maifanshi Aqua Foundation
Koh Gen Do
kohgendocosmetics.com
$96.00
Mellinger recommends this light-coverage foundation because it minimizes pores and resists sweat and excess oil.
10) Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40
iliabeauty.com
$48.00
Along with protecting skin from harmful sun rays, courtesy of SPF 45, this clean beauty foundation is enriched with hyaluronic acid, squalane, and niacinamide to improve the skin's condition.
11) Triple Fix Serum Foundation
lysbeauty.com
$22.00
This buildable serum foundation conceals blemishes and delivers light to medium coverage. Mellinger recommends this foundation because it's enriched with Indian Ginseng Ashwagandha, hyaluronic acid, turmeric, and avocado oil. That means you're concealing acne while combatting skin stress, while you're getting extra hydration.
12) Original Loose Powder Mineral Foundation SPF 15
bareMinerals
sephora.com
$33.00
You'll literally forget you're wearing foundation with this medium-coverage powder.
13) Essential Foundation
Sappho New Paradigm
thedetoxmarket.com
$54.00
When you're skin is in distress, grab this aloe, chamomile, green tea, and neem oil-enriched foundation because each of these helpful ingredients calm and hydrate the skin without clogging pores.
14) SunnyDays SPF 30 Tinted Sunscreen
tower28beauty.com
$30.00
Foundation can irritate skin conditions like eczema. Tower 28 Sunny Days SPF 30 Tinted SPF received the National Eczema Associations Seal of Approval for being sensitive-skin friendly. Prickly pear repairs and soften skin, while aloe soothes and calms stressed skin, making it perfect for the days when you're dealing with inflammation and active breakouts.
15) Love Your Selfie? Longwear Foundation & Concealer
PüR
purcosmetics.com
$36.00
Beauty meets skincare with this long-wear foundation and concealer hybrid. It's enriched with lingonberry extract to protect skin from blue light rays and complexion-boosting green tea, ginseng, and Vitamin B to boost skin renewal.
16) Acne Fighting Foundation
elfcosmetics.com
$6.00
Not only is this foundation acne-fighting and chockfull of great ingredients like tea tree, aloe, and salicylic acid, but it's also super long-wearing, meaning you don't have to worry about your foundation slipping after a few hours of wear.
Cover up your acne without breaking out with these 15 foundations perfect for acne prone skin.