16 Foundations That Are Superior to All Others If You Have Acne-Prone Skin
Photo:
@danishrolls
Experts seem to agree—this is the best overall pick.
"A tried and true classic! Formulated with salicylic acid, this foundation will work to kill acne-causing bacteria. On top of that, it is also formulated with caffeine, which is excellent for reducing inflammation caused by spots. It's an oil-free formula and is great for acne sufferers. It is also noncomedogenic, so you don't have to worry about clogged pores." — Persico
"This is a great option that contains the active acne-fighting ingredient salicylic acid. This will exfoliate and clear dead skin cells to prevent breakouts. Unfortunately, it has a limited shade range. It may also not be ideal for summertime use since salicylic acid can make the skin more sensitive to the sun." — Amin
"This foundation is infused with my favorite acne fighting ingredient: Salicylic acid. It's known to treat mild acne, blackheads, and whiteheads. Having this ingredient in a foundation is a great add-on! Since it's an oil-free formula, it will also prevent pores from getting clogged like traditional makeup and can help reduce the chance of more pimples popping up!" — Persico
"This is one of my all-time favorites. If you want a foundation that will last all day without clogging pores, then this is it. This formula is oil-free, waterproof, and dermatologist-approved. It's one that I have kept in my makeup kit for years." — Persico
This is my favorite lightweight formula. It truly feels like a second skin when you apply it because it barely feels like you're wearing anything. Despite its lightweight feel, it provides great coverage. It's noncomedogenic and looks lovely when dry. My skin truly looks airbrushed about 10 minutes after applying.
"This is great for oily complexions as it offers mattifying ingredients like oil-absorbing kaolin clay. It also has a mousse-like, matte texture to help camouflage active breakouts while controlling oil and blurring the appearance of pores." — Shirazi
This completely noncomedogenic foundation stick from Tom Ford is an absolute dream. It's creamy, provides an ultra-smooth finish, and looks natural on the skin. The formula is also customizable, meaning you can create light, medium, or full coverage with it.
I'm not usually one for powder foundations, but I love this option from The Good Mineral. It's so breathable and never irritates my sometimes sensitive skin. It also acts as a concealer, foundation, and powder in one. It saves a ton of time if you're in a rush.
"This is totally oil-free, noncomedogenic, and gives a
natural airbrushed finish." — Amin
"If you want a foundation with a more radiant finish, then this is a keeper! This glow formula has airbrush technology that gives off an instant real-life 'face-tune' effect. Formulated without alcohol, this foundation is fragrance-free and mineral oil-free, which means its safe for acne-prone skin." — Persico
Ilia's formula is great for sensitive skin as it contains soothing ingredients like niacinamide, hydrating aloe, and allantoin to calm redness and irritation. It's silky and melts into the skin, creating a naturally radiant finish.
No other brand's shade range is quite as impressive as Fenty Beauty's. Coming in at a whopping 50 shades, this soft matte formula is noncomedogenic, so it's safe for acne-prone skin. It's also designed to be sweat- and humidity-resistant.
"This oil-free formula with hyaluronic acid has a light, hydrating texture rich in antioxidants and caffeine to fight free-radical damage." — Shirazi
