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Wearing one of the best foundations for acne-prone skin can make a big difference in your relationship with makeup. Anyone who has struggled with acne, be it the chaos of cystic acne, oil-spurred T-zone blemishes, or dryness-related breakouts, knows that sometimes, foundation is non-negotiable. Of course, we support you rocking your redness and pimples but also understand those days when you'd rather not lean in.
Thankfully, these days, foundation is way more than just a tacky, paint-like liquid layer that somehow makes your breakouts look worse. Case in point: Our favorite base makeup is formulated with skin-loving, acne-fighting ingredients like salicylic acid, hyaluronic acid, anti-inflammatory ingredients (like lactobacillus ferment), and beyond. Read on for the best foundations for acne-prone skin, plus insight from dermatologists and makeup artists on what makes a good buy.
Our Top Picks
- Best Foundation for Acne-Prone Skin Overall: Clinique Acne Solutions Liquid Makeup, $39
- Best Buildable Foundation for Acne-Prone Skin: Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra Wear, $57
- Best Hydrating Foundation for Acne-Prone Skin: Kosas Revealer Skin-Improving Foundation, $42
- Best SPF Foundation for Acne-Prone Skin: IT Cosmetics CC+ Cream With SPF 50+, $47
- Best Waterproof Foundation for Acne-Prone Skin: Urban Decay Face Bond Self Setting Waterproof Foundation, $40
- Best Glowy Foundation for Acne-Prone Skin: Nars Light Reflecting Advanced Skincare Foundation, $52
- Best Blurring Foundation for Acne-Prone Skin: BareMinerals BarePro Powder Foundation, $42
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the benefits of using a foundation for acne-prone skin?
- What ingredients should I look for in a foundation for acne-prone skin?
- Meet the experts
- How we test and review products
- Our staff and testers
Best Foundation for Acne-Prone Skin Overall: Clinique Acne Solutions Liquid Makeup
Why it's worth it: An explicit acne-tackler, Clinique's Acne Solutions Liquid Makeup is a winning example of a symbiotic relationship between skin care and makeup. Via medium, matte coverage, this no-caking foundation imparts salicylic acid, anti-inflammatory lactobacillus ferment, and redness-reducing red algae extract to hold your hand (and face) through all kinds of breakouts. The formula is well suited for oily and dry skin alike and the 24-shade range stretches quite far.
Key ingredients: salicylic acid (0.5%), lactobacillus ferment, red algae extract, licorice, caffeine | Finish: matte, medium coverage | Fragrance-free: yes | Shades: 24
Best Buildable Foundation for Acne-Prone Skin: Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra Wear
Why it's worth it: Some breakouts call for light coverage, while others call for “I need to douse my face in foundation right now” coverage. And hey, we like you any way you come, but of course, you deserve options. Lancôme's Teint Idole Ultra Wear is a beaut, or to be exact, a full-coverage foundation that doesn't sacrifice breathability or buildability. Makeup artist Delina Medhin vouched for this formula because "it helps cover up acne as your skin heals." Hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, moringa seed extract, and prebiotics step in for some hydrating, non-comedogenic magic, in a super wide range of shades. For the fullest possible coverage, apply this foundation with a brush.
Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, moringa seed extracts, prebiotics | Finish: natural matte, buildable to full coverage | Fragrance-free: yes | Shades: 55
Best Hydrating Foundation for Acne-Prone Skin: Kosas Revealer Skin-Improving Foundation
Kosås
Revealer Skin-Improving Foundation
Why it's worth it: The skin-loving Kosas Revealer Skin-Improving Foundation is hydrating enough for the post-breakout, crusty-flaky recovery phase. To thank is hyaluronic acid, which helps the foundation "look amazing and improve your skin without compromises," Kosas's founder Sheena Yaitanes previously told Allure. "[HA] helps to bind water to collagen, trapping it in the skin, so that skin can appear plumper, dewier, and more hydrated," Tsippora Shainhouse, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Beverly Hills, previously noted.
Of course, Allure editors fell in love with the Best of Beauty Award winner. "Its satin finish adds just enough glow to my skin, and it somehow never settles into the patchy corners by my nose that typically call for a touch-up midday," former beauty and wellness editor Taylore Glynn attested. "I can even tap some onto blemishes and redness-prone areas on no-makeup-makeup days."
Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, zinc oxide, squalane, caffeine | Finish: blurred, medium coverage | Fragrance-free: yes | Shades: 45
Best SPF Foundation for Acne-Prone Skin: IT Cosmetics CC+ Cream With SPF 50+
Why it's worth it: Sunburns can exacerbate acne by exacerbating irritation and dryness that leads to extra oil production, which is why we love base makeup with ample SPF protection to boost our standalone sunscreens. This IT Cosmetics CC+ Cream SPF 50+ has that box checked off, plus plenty of acne-correcting qualities. "The CC+ Full coverage foundation SPF 50+ truly corrects any uneven skin tone, hyperpigmentation, and redness, and also blurs pores—while still leaving a natural finish on the skin," makeup artist Neil Scibelli previously told Allure. It also has fine-line-smoothing benefits for mature skin, yet another plus.
Key ingredients: homosalate (10%), octisalate (5%), octocrylene (4%,) hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, vitamin E | Finish: natural, full coverage | Fragrance-free: yes | Shades: 22
Best Waterproof Foundation for Acne-Prone Skin: Urban Decay Face Bond Self Setting Waterproof Foundation
Why it's worth it: Urban Decay's Bond Self Setting Waterproof Foundation absorbs sweat and excess oil while providing a serum-meets-powder soft finish. The non-comedogenic and non-acnegenic niacinamide-forward formula evens out skin tone (hello, scars and dark spots) without being overly matte. You won't need a setting powder with this stuff (built-in spherical setting powders, genius!), which is always a win for acne-prone skin—the less product, the better.
Key ingredients: niacinamide (3%), silica, perlite | Finish: matte (liquid to powder), medium buildable coverage | Fragrance-free: yes | Shades: 40
Best Glowy Foundation for Acne-Prone Skin: Nars Light Reflecting Advanced Skincare Foundation
Why it's worth it: If your acne is accompanied by desert-level dryness, you know the pain of dull-looking skin. Nars knows where you're coming from and wants to help you get your glow on. The Light Reflecting Advanced Skincare Foundation (a 2022 Best of Beauty award winner, no less) is made of 70% percent skin-care ingredients, like biometic oat (an oat-derived ingredient that mimics the natural soothing functions of the skin) and Japanese lilyturf extract, which strengthens the skin barrier and helps retain moisture. "It effortlessly blends across my skin, covering any redness or discoloration around my nose and chin, leaving nothing but a dewy, reflective, and glass-like finish," associate special projects manager Talia Guiterrez previously remarked.
Key ingredients: biometic oat, Japanese lilyturf extract, cocoa peptides, milk thistle | Finish: glowy, buildable coverage | Fragrance-free: yes | Shades: 36
Best Blurring Foundation for Acne-Prone Skin: BareMinerals BarePro Powder Foundation
Why it's worth it: Sometimes a big ol' breakout calls for a high customizability powder rather than a full-force liquid moment. Even though this foundation can go full-coverage mode, a light hand allows for a lowkey softening layer that sits peacefully atop your angry skin. The humidity-resistant formula evens skin tone and texture and controls oil all day for worry-free wear. Anti-inflammatory ingredients like squalane, licorice root, and grape juice extract tone down redness, while vitamin E helps support the breakout recovery process. If you want more texture-blurring coverage, you can apply it with a damp sponge or brush.
Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, squalane, licorice root, grape juice extract, vitamin E | Finish: breathable, full coverage | Fragrance-free: yes | Shades: 35
Best for Medium to Deep Skin Tones: Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Foundation
Why it's worth it: For a long-lasting, oil-controlling finish, reach for Estée Lauder's Double Wear Stay-in-Place Foundation, a Best of Beauty Award winner that does exactly what the name implies This formula blesses you with 24-hour wear, non-acnegenic, cake-resistant, non-poring coverage in 57 shades, so you're bound to find a hue that perfectly aligns with your skin's nuanced color and undertone—the way it should always be.
Key ingredients: vitamin E, magnesium sulfate, butylene glycol| Finish: lightweight, medium coverage | Fragrance-free: yes | Shades: 57
Best for Fair to Light Skin Tones: Neutrogena Skin Clearing Oil-Free Liquid Foundation
Why it's worth it: What's in a name? Well, in this Neutrogena foundation, it's everything you need to know. The Skin Clearing Oil-Free Liquid Foundation tackles acne woes as it offers natural coverage, formulated with tried-and-true anti-blemish superhero ingredients. Of the foundation, Mona Gohara, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Connecticut, tells Allure, "It's light enough that it doesn't stoke the [acne-causing] fire, and it is doing its job while evening out the appearance of skin throughout the day." The result is an affordable, shine-controlling, blemish-attacking, non-comedogenic, and light-coverage foundation you can apply up to three times daily.
Key ingredients: salicylic acid (0.5%), titanium dioxide, Epsom salt, matricia flower extract | Finish: natural, light coverage | Fragrance-free: yes | Shades: 14
Best Serum-Like Foundation for Acne-Prone Skin: Saie Glowy Super Skin Tint Foundation
Why it's worth it: Saie it ain't so…oh, but it is. Saie’s Glowy Super Skin Tint Foundation bridges the gap between skin tint and foundation with your sensitive, acne-prone skin in mind. The brand says this foundation is comprised of 85% skin-care ingredients, like hyaluronic acid, gooseberry acid, vitamin C, and vitamin E, all of which help regulate oil production, calm inflammation, and hydrate. The formula gradually fades dark spots, too—a nice touch for people recovering from cystic acne. "Despite having 'skin tint' in its name, this foundation evened out my skin tone and covered any hyperpigmentation and blemishes as well as any [standard] full-coverage foundation would. Unlike others, this one didn't feel heavy or look cakey on my skin," said shopping market editor Angela Trakoshis in her review.
Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, gooseberry acid, vitamin C, vitamin E | Finish: dewy, light coverage | Fragrance-free: yes | Shades: 36
Best Soft-Matte Foundation for Acne-Prone Skin: Fenty Beauty Pro Filt'r Soft Matte Powder Foundation
Why it's worth it: If you're not looking to completely hide your acne but rather to soften the blow, Fenty Beauty's Pro Filt'r Soft Matte Powder Foundation is here to help. This super-buildable formula promises all-day wear and is resistant to transfer caused by sweat, humidity, and excess oil. Though it starts with a soft-matte finish, a hint of dewiness may appear hours in, former editor Jihan Forbes noted—but honestly, that’s to be expected. To that point, the included application sponge makes the compact perfect for on-the-go touch-ups.
Key ingredients: kaolin clay, zinc, glycols | Finish: soft matte, buildable coverage | Fragrance-free: yes | Shades: 50
Frequently asked questions
What are the benefits of using a foundation for acne-prone skin?
Choosing makeup that addresses your specific skin concerns is always wise, as to avoid exacerbating the problem. If you have acne-prone skin, choose a product to help, not hurt, your healing journey. "[Avoid] anything heavy—like petrolatum, mineral oil, and lanolin—has the potential to clog pores," Makeup artist Mai Quynh told Allure. Certain oils are total no-nos, too. "Avoid ingredients like jojoba or any other types of oils or emollients," says Quynh, as these can make oily skin look shinier.
What ingredients should I look for in a foundation for acne-prone skin?
When shopping for acne-friendly foundation, check for acne-fighting and soothing ingredients on the packaging. "Look for ingredients such as salicylic acid, which works to clear the pores and exfoliate while they cover," Dr. Gohara explains. “Salicylic acid is an ingredient common in over-the-counter acne treatment products. This beta hydroxy acid penetrates into pores and breaks down the bonds between dead skin cells, oil, and other debris that clog pores,” cosmetic chemist Kelly Dobos adds.
You should also prioritize products that hydrate and soothe redness. Many foundations include ingredients like ceramides, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid, which can be vital to resolving dryness caused by acne. "These ingredients help to reduce redness and inflammation and restore the skin's protective barrier, Maryland-based board-certified dermatologist Ife Rodney, MD, previously told Allure. “This is important because many acne-fighting active ingredients tend to be drying and irritating to the skin." Quynh previously recommended looking for buzzwords like oil-free, long-wear, and mattifying. Dobos adds that “Bisabolol has potent anti-inflammatory properties, helping to reduce redness and calm irritated skin, as well as mild antimicrobial properties, which may also help in managing acne-prone skin.”
But, word to the wise—salicylic acid can limit the color options of a foundation. “The shade range of products containing salicylic acid might be narrower, there are a couple of reasons for this,” Dobos says. “Products containing salicylic acid need to be formulated at a low pH in order to be effective and ultramarines—a class of pigments that are helpful when creating deeper skin tones— do not tolerate low pH well.”
Meet the experts
- Mona Gohara, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Connecticut
- Ife Rodney, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Maryland
- Mai Quynh, a makeup artist
- Neil Scibelli, a makeup artist
- Tsippora Shainhouse, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Beverly Hills
- Kelly Dobos, a cosmetic chemist
How we test and review products
Before reviewing any makeup, we ask questions about a number of factors: What ingredients are in it? Does the brand offer a wide shade range inclusive of consumers with all skin tones and undertones? Is it safe for readers who have sensitive skin or wear contact lenses? Is it on the affordable side or more of a splurge? Is its packaging consciously designed or needlessly wasteful?
For our review of the best foundations for acne-prone skin, we enlisted the help of multiple editors, writers, contributors, dermatologists, and makeup artists to review the products. This ensures our testing base spans different skin tones, genders, and dermatological conditions. We considered each product's performance across four primary categories: ingredients, wear and longevity, packaging, and inclusivity. For more on what's involved in our reporting, check out our complete reviews process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.
After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the "best" for people over 50 if the only testers we've solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it's never been tested on curls? We're proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.
Tackling blemishes, of course, starts with the right skin care. Keep reading for our inflammation-fighting picks:
- 16 Best Salicylic Acid Products to Target and Clear Breakouts
- 5 Dermatologists with Acne Share Their Own Skin-Care Routines
- These Face Cleansers Were Formulated With Acne in Mind
Done reading? Now, watch Olympic Gold Medalist Jordan Chiles go through her day:
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