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Updated September 13, 2023: This guide to the best foundations for acne-prone skin was updated with new foundation releases that cover and correct breakouts, plus additional information about key qualities to look for in a formula.
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.
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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 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 in 2023
- Best Gel-Cream: Glossier Stretch Fluid Foundation
- Best Liquid: Kosas Revealer Skin-Improving Foundation
- Best for Oily Skin: BareMinerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Hydrating Gel Cream
- Best for Mature Skin: Mac Studio Radiance Serum Powered Foundation
- Best for Full Coverage: It Cosmetics CC+ Cream Oil-Free Matte Full Coverage Foundation
- Best Drugstore Foundation: Neutrogena SkinClearing Liquid Makeup
- Best Lightweight Foundation: Ilia True Skin Serum Foundation
- Best Non-Comedogenic: Oxygenetix Oxygenating Foundation Acne Control
- Best to Conceal Redness: Pür 4-in-1 Love Your Selfie Longwear Foundation & Concealer
- Best for Combination Skin: Bobbi Brown Skin Long-Wear Weightless Foundation
- Best for Dry Skin: Westman Atelier Vital Skin Foundation Stick
- Best for Soothing: Nars Sheer Glow Foundation
- Best Powder: BareMinerals Original Loose Powder Mineral Foundation SPF 15
- Best Longwear Foundation: Smashbox Studio Skin 24-Hour Oil-Free Hydra Foundation
- Best for Oily Acne-Prone Skin: Clinique Stay Matte Oil-Free Makeup Foundation
- Best Buildable Foundation: Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Oil Free Natural Skin Perfector SPF 20
- Best for Acne Scars: Pat McGrath Labs Sublime Perfection Foundation
- Best for Large Pores: Chantecaille Future Skin Gel Foundation
- Best Shade Range: Il Makiage Woke Up Like This Flawless Base Foundation
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Glossier Stretch Fluid Foundation
Best Gel-Cream Foundation for Acne-Prone Skin
- Type: Gel-cream
- Key ingredients: Squalane, glycerin, plankton extract
- Size: 1 ounce
- Number of shades: 32
- Sephora Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
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.
Price upon publish date of this article: $34
Kosas Revealer Skin-Improving Foundation
Best Liquid Foundation for Acne-Prone Skin
- Type: Liquid
- Key ingredients: Niacinamide, caffeine, arnica, squalane, hyaluronic acid
- Size: 1 ounce
- Number of shades: 36
- Sephora Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
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. It’s one of the few liquid foundation formulas that won’t cause excess shine, and it wears beautifully under other balmy makeup items like cream blush.
Price upon publish date of this article: $42
BareMinerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Hydrating Gel Cream
Best Foundation for Oily Skin
- Type: Gel-cream
- Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, squalane, mineral sunscreen
- Size: 1.18 ounces
- Number of shades: 20
- Ulta Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
- Sephora Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
Leave it to Alix Earle to share a beauty trick that makes the crowd go wild: Earle recently posted a TikTok raving about BareMinerals’ Complexion Rescue Tinted Hydrating Gel Cream. In the video, the TikTok star explains that the creamy formula was a key step in neutralizing redness when she was dealing with an acne flare-up last year. It’s a CC cream versus a true foundation, making it ideal for hot days or when you want to go with lighter coverage. Oil-free, non-comedogenic, and dermatologist-tested, it’s some of the best makeup for acne-prone skin dermatologists recommend.
Price upon publish date of this article: $37
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Mac Cosmetics Studio Radiance Serum-Powered Foundation
Best Foundation for Mature Acne-Prone Skin
- Type: Liquid
- Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, jojoba oil
- Size: 1 ounce
- Number of shades: 48
Acne serums and pimple patches are essential components of a breakout-busting skin care routine, but they have one downside — they can dry the heck out of your skin. Enter Mac Cosmetics’ Studio Radiance Serum-Powered Foundation. This newcomer is highly moisturizing, courtesy of its high concentration of hyaluronic acid and its trio of plant-based, non-comedogenic oils. These ingredients play well with mature skin, as they diffuse the pigments across skin versus causing the formula to settle into fine lines.
Price upon publish date of this article: $46
It Cosmetics CC+ Cream Oil-Free Matte Full Coverage Foundation with SPF 40
Best Full Coverage Foundation for Acne-Prone Skin
- Type: Cream
- Key ingredients: Niacinamide, charcoal and clay
- Size: 1.08 ounces
- Number of shades: 12
This matte CC cream from It Cosmetics is a fab choice for oily skin types: It contains charcoal powder and colloidal clay, which help to absorb excess oil without drying out your complexion. Plus, its mineral SPF 40 protects skin from burns and helps to prevent acne scars, according to Dr. Nussbaum. 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.
Price upon publish date of this article: $47
Neutrogena SkinClearing Liquid Makeup
Best Drugstore Foundation for Acne-Prone Skin
- Type: Liquid
- Key ingredients: Salicylic acid
- Size: 1 fluid ounce
- Number of shades: 14
Dr. Nussbaum likes 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.
Price upon publish date of this article: $7.09
Ilia True Skin Serum Foundation
Best Lightweight Foundation
- Type: Liquid
- Key ingredients: Allantoin, aloe and niacinamide
- Size: 1 fluid ounce
- Number of shades: 30
- Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
- Sephora Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
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 recently reformulated 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.
Price upon publish date of this article: $54
Oxygenetix Oxygenating Foundation Acne Control
Best Non-Comedogenic Foundation for Acne-Prone Skin
- 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 foundation 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.
Price upon publish date of this article: $76
Pür 4-in-1 Love Your Selfie Longwear Foundation & Concealer
Best Foundation to Conceal Redness
- Type: Liquid
- Key ingredients: Green tea, ginseng and vitamin B
- Size: 1.2 fluid ounces
- Number of shades: 35
- Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
This high-coverage formula is not only one of the best concealers for contouring, but it also functions as a concealer and a foundation. It has a dual applicator component, so you can pump out the product or use the doe-foot wand to apply it straight onto your skin. It’s also brimming with skin care ingredients: Caffeine helps to reduce inflammation, lingonberry extract to protect your skin from blue light and vitamin B to decrease dullness. Per reviewers, it’s excellent for covering up rosacea-related redness, too.
Price upon publish date of this article: $36
Bobbi Brown Skin Long-Wear Weightless Foundation
Best Foundation for Combination Skin
- Type: Liquid
- Key ingredients: Glycerin
- Size: 1 ounce
- Number of shades: 43
- Ulta Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
- Nordstrom Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
- Sephora Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
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.
Price upon publish date of this article: $50
Westman Atelier Vital Skin Foundation Stick
Best Foundation for Dry Skin
- Type: Cream
- Key ingredients: Vegetable-derived squalane, coconut oil and camellia seed oil
- Size: 0.31 ounces
- Number of shades: 21
- Nordstrom Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
- Sephora Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
This stick foundation is a standout in the clean foundation category, according to Riner. Its camellia seed oil lends good slip while protecting skin from irritating pollutants. You’ll also get breathable hydration from the formula’s plant-based squalane and coconut oil. The creamy texture makes it easy to control, simply use it to conceal smaller problem areas and set it with powder to extend the wear time.
Price upon publish date of this article: $68
Nars Sheer Glow Foundation
Best Soothing Foundation
- Type: Liquid
- Key ingredients: Glycerin, turmeric extract and vitamin C
- Size: 1 fluid ounce
- Number of shades: 40
- Nordstrom Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
- Sephora Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
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 it packs turmeric extract and vitamin C to decrease inflammation in the skin. No wonder it’s earned 3,000 five-star reviews — and counting — at Sephora.
Price upon publish date of this article: $47
BareMinerals Original Loose Powder Mineral Foundation SPF 15
Best Powder Foundation for Acne-Prone Skin
- Type: Powder
- Key ingredients: Mica, titanium dioxide, zinc oxide
- Size: 0.28 ounces
- Number of shades: 30
- Ulta Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
- Sephora Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
There’s a reason you won’t find another powder foundation on this list — BareMinerals’ is the holy grail. 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.
Price upon publish date of this article: $38
Smashbox Studio Skin 24-Hour Oil-Free Hydra Foundation
Best Longwear Foundation
- Type: Liquid
- Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid
- Size: 1 fluid ounce
- Number of shades: 30
Unlike many long-wear foundations, this little number from Smashbox won’t sap your skin after a full day of wear. The lightweight liquid contains hyaluronic acid, which quenches dry patches without sending them into oil-production overdrive. The semi-matte finish flatters all skin types, and according to one reviewer, it blends beautifully over textured skin.
Price upon publish date of this article: $39
Clinique Stay Matte Oil-Free Makeup Foundation
Best Foundation for Oily Acne-Prone Skin
- Type: Liquid
- Key ingredients: Willow bark extract and caffeine
- Size: 1 ounce
- Number of shades: 16
- Ulta Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
- Sephora Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
Willow bark is a natural alternative to salicylic acid, making Clinique formula a super choice for acneic skin types on the sensitive side. In this formula, the willow bark helps control shine instantly. It is effective at reducing oiliness in the long run, too — the sweat-proof liquid stays put even on the most humid days without suffocating your skin. Greenberg likes matte foundations for active breakouts, so consider dabbing this on if you’re experiencing one. According to one reviewer, the matte finish sets so well that applying powder on top is purely optional.
Price upon publish date of this article: $35
Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Oil Free Natural Skin Perfector SPF 20
Best Buildable Foundation
- Type: Cream
- Key ingredients: Vitamin E and licorice root extract
- Size: 1.7 ounces
- Number of shades: 20
- Ulta Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
- Sephora Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
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 — it masterfully blurs blemishes and pores while imparting a believable glow.
Price upon publish date of this article: $53
Pat McGrath Labs Sublime Perfection Foundation
Best Foundation for Acne Scars
- Type: Liquid
- Key ingredients: Glycerin and amino acids
- Size: 1.18 fluid ounce
- Number of shades: 36
- Ulta Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
- Sephora Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
Look no further for coverage that looks just like healthy skin. This hydrating foundation 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. Reviewers rave about its ability to cover post-acne hyperpigmentation. It’s great for dry and combination skin types while those on the oily side may need extra powder to control sheen. Oh, and did we mention that it’s rumored to be one of the makeup products Taylor Swift wears during her Eras Tour?
Price upon publish date of this article: $69
Chantecaille Future Skin Gel Foundation
Best Foundation for Large Pores
- Type: Gel
- Key ingredients: Arnica, aloe and mica
- Size: 1 ounce
- Number of shades: 15
- Nordstrom Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
If you like the cushiony feel of an emollient formula but your skin doesn’t agree with the oils, Chantecaille’s foundation is for you. This water-based gel blends in like butter and while it is our priciest pick, a little goes a long way. You’ll also get skin care benefits from ingredients like soothing arnica, and calming chamomile. Per one reviewer, it blurs pores so well that they’re undetectable in a magnifying mirror.
Price upon publish date of this article: $89
Il Makiage Woke Up Like This Flawless Base Foundation
Foundation with the Best Shade Range
- Type: Liquid
- Key ingredients: Vitamin E and hyaluronic acid
- Size: 1 fluid ounce
- Number of shades: 50
- Il Makiage Top Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.4/5 stars
Greenberg’s favorite liquid formula 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. “The color match is impeccable (something I’ve had a hard time finding, since I’m an olive-skinned Latina), the coverage is awesome (blemishes completely gone), and the application is easy,” says one of the 300,000 reviewers to rate it five stars.
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
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.
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 six 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 with new product 2023 picks and tips.