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Because some foundation can cause acne, it's important to find a formula that doesn't.Coverage is important, but you also need a base product that’s not going to clog pores or contribute to oil production or irritation. The trick is to find a light, matte option that will deliver on the promise of coverage while caring for troubled skin.
Byrdie Researched & Approved
Our best overall pick is Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation, an iconic oil-free formula with Micro-fil technology that really can't be beat when it comes to coverage. For a more affordable pick, consider Neutrogena Skin Clearing Makeup, which contains salicylic acid and delivers breathable coverage to control shine.
We conducted hours of research on the best skin-clearing foundations for acne-prone skin. We tried out a couple top-rated formulas, our testers taking note of active ingredients, coverage, longevity, and finish. Our team then combined these results with our own research of fan-favorites plus makeup artist-recommended picks to create this list.
Ahead, find the best skin-clearing foundations for acne-prone skin.
Best Overall
Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation
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Nordstrom
Long-wearing
Great coverage for bumpy skin
Oil-free
Expensive
What do buyers say? 3,900+ Sephora reviewers rated this product 4.2 stars and above.
This hero foundation is beloved for all skin types and concerns, but the long-wearing, high coverage pigments lend themselves incredibly well to cover up breakouts. The silky texture of the Micro-fil technology allows the foundation to sit on the skin without feeling heavy, while effectively covering textured and inflamed skin. We love that it's also buildable, absorbing quickly and blending easily. It also wears really well—especially when paired with a powder. Try dusting powder over any areas that are prone to shine. Bottom line: the oil-free formula can't be beat for effective, natural coverage.
Price at time of publish: $73
Key Ingredients: Micro–fil technology | Size: 1 fluid ounce | Shades: 40 | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes
What Our Testers Say
"What makes the foundation so wonderful is its ability to cover extremely well, without looking or feeling heavy or cakey on the skin." — Ashley Rebecca, Product Tester and Makeup Artist
Runner-Up, Best Overall
NARS Sheer Glow Foundation
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Courtesy of Sephora
Natural, radiant finish
Oil-free formula
Great coverage
Expensive
We love a lightweight formula for acne-prone skin, and this sheer formula is still impressive in terms of coverage and longevity. It's oil-free, has a naturally radiant finish, and provide buildable coverage that conceals blemishes. Try applying it with your fingers, as the warmth will help it really melt into the skin.
Price at time of publish: $45
Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, turmeric | Size: 1 fluid ounce | Shades: 40 | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes
What Our Testers Say
"I especially loved that the coverage still appeared as fresh and dewy by midday as it did when I first applied the foundation. Even better, it didn’t seem to rub off on my hands, clothing, or anything else." — Donecia Pea, Product Tester
Best Budget
Neutrogena SkinClearing Liquid Makeup
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Courtesy of Amazon
Contains salicylic acid
Oil-free formula
Limited shade range
This medicated drugstore foundation contains salicylic acid to treat, exfoliate, and reduce congestion in the skin. The fluid consistency is light and breathable but still provides ample coverage in the context of breakouts. It's also oil-free and non-comedogenic, so it won't clog pores or cause any irritation. Try swapping out your regular foundation for this one when you have a significant breakout.
Price at time of publish: $13
Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid, chamomile | Size: 1 fluid ounce | Shades: 14 | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best for Oily Skin
Fenty Beauty Pro Filt'r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation
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Long-wearing
Matte finish
Controls shine
Not hydrating enough for dehydrated skin
If you want full coverage and excellent shine control (plus an extensive shade range), you really can't beat the this product. A best-seller for a reason, the formula boasts buildable coverage, infallible shine control, and resistance to heat, sweat, and humidity. It's also weightless, so it doesn't feel heavy or uncomfortable on top of active breakouts.
Price at time of publish: $39
Key Ingredients: Papaya, glycerin | Size: 1 fluid ounce | Shades: 50 | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes
What Our Testers Say
"I love that the foundation matched my skin seamlessly without having to mix two or three different shades." — Bianca Lambert, Product Tester
Best for Dehydrated Skin
ROSE INC Softlight Clean Dewy Hydrating Concealer
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Courtesy of ROSE INC
Non-comedogenic
Doubles as an all-over foundation
Hydrating
Small tube size
If your skin is both pimple-prone and dehydrated, you need a creamy formula that will conceal and minimize redness without congesting the skin. This product is formulated with no pore-clogging ingredients (it was actually made in partnership with esthetician Biba de Sousa), but it’s very hydrating, so it glides over the skin with ease. And while it’s a concealer, the large flocked applicator can be used all over as a foundation.
Price at time of publish: $30
Key Ingredients: Squalane, vitamin E, fig extract | Size: 1 fluid ounce | Shades: 20 | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best for Sensitive Skin
Oxygenetix Oxygenating Foundation
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Contains salicylic acid
Great for sensitive skin
Shade range could be better
Made specifically for acneic, sensitive, or post-procedure skin, Brown loves this light foundation and often uses it on clients experiencing breakouts. It contains salicylic acid, a BHA that works to dissolve oil and clear pores, decreasing the incidence of breakouts. What's more, there’s also aloe vera to soothe and prevent the skin from drying out.
Price at time of publish: $66
Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid | Size: 1 fluid ounce | Shades: 12 | Byrdie Clean: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Shade Range
Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-In-Place Liquid Foundation
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Nordstrom
Large, inclusive shade range
Long-wearing
Matte finish
Expensive
Arguably one of the most iconic foundations of all time, this pick is especially great for acne-prone skin thanks to its long-wearing coverage (up to 24 hours!), matte finish, and oil-controlling prowess. With an impressive 56 shades in the lineup, you’re also guaranteed to find the right match.
Price at time of publish: $43
Size: 1 fluid ounce | Shades: 56 | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Stick
Merit The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Stick
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Courtesy of MERIT
Non-comedogenic
Doubles as a concealer
May be too creamy for oily skin
What's unique about this stick foundation is that it has a lovely creamy consistency, but it's made without any pore-clogging ingredients. (Like ROSE INC, founder Katherine Power worked with esthetician Biba De Sousa to eliminate any potentially acne-causing ingredients). It's quite hydrating, so it works well for balanced or dehydrated skin that's also acne-prone. Use it either all over the face or to spot conceal areas of concern.
Price at time of publish: $38
Key Ingredients: Sea daffodil, fatty acids | Size: 0.13 ounces | Shades: 20 | Byrdie Clean: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Powder
Inika Loose Mineral Powder Foundation SPF 25
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Courtesy of Inika
Great for sensitive skin
Light, natural-looking coverage
Contains SPF
Can be messy
Limited shade range
Makeup artists love this lightweight mineral powder for acneic skin as it provides a light, natural-looking look without causing any irritation. The powder buffs in easily and can be built up to your desired coverage. Plus, it boasts chemical-free SPF protection thanks to titanium dioxide and zinc oxide.
Price at time of publish: $33
Key Ingredients: Titanium dioxide, zinc oxide | Size: 8 grams | Shades: 12 | Byrdie Clean: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Mineral
BareMinerals Original Loose Powder Foundation SPF 15
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Courtesy
Great for sensitive skin
5-ingredient formula
Contains SPF
Can be messy
This best-selling mineral powder is an amazing option for acne-prone skin as it’s extremely light, gentle, and made using only five ingredients. The powder formula has a delightfully luminous finish yet still works to control oil overproduction. With continued use, it should help improve overall skin health.
Price at time of publish: $25
Key Ingredients: Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide | Size: 0.28 ounces | Shades: 30 | Byrdie Clean: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best for Fair Skin
Clinique Acne Solutions Liquid Makeup Foundation
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Courtesy of Ulta
Contains salicylic acid
Color-correcting formula
Shade range could be better
Designed specifically for breakout-prone skin, the oil-free formula is boosted with salicylic acid to work on reducing clogged pores and controlling excess oil for a clearer complexion. The color-correcting formula aims to correct redness and even out uneven skin tone, too.
Price at time of publish: $33
Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid | Size: 1 fluid ounce | Shades: 16 | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best for Dark Skin
Uoma Beauty Say What?! Foundation
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UOMA Beauty
Large, inclusive shade range
Matte finish
Expensive
This liquid formula utilizes biomimicry pigments to create a second-skin-like finish that’s seamless and natural-looking. The soft matte texture is great on acne-prone skin, while hydrating properties ensure there’s minimal flaking, catching, or creasing. Not to mention, it boasts a very impressive shade range, with plenty of options for medium-to-dark skin tones.
Price at time of publish: $39
Key Ingredients: Tomato extract, berry extract | Size: 1 fluid ounce | Shades: 51 | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes
What Our Testers Say
“No matter your skin tone or type, the Uoma Beauty foundation can give you the customizable matte finish you've been looking for, all while wearing nicely throughout the day.” —Celeste Polanco, Product Tester
Best Waterproof
MAC Pro Longwear Nourishing Waterproof Foundation
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Ulta
Waterproof
Full-coverage
Long-wearing
Difficult to remove
Oil-free and almost completely waterproof, this formula from MAC is infallible as far as coverage goes. If you want something to withstand sweat, humidity, tears—even swimming—this is your best bet. Coverage-wise, it’s definitely full; however, be warned it takes a little effort to remove. Use an oil-based cleanser first, then follow up with a gel.
Price at time of publish: $41
Key Ingredients: Sodium hyaluronate | Size: 1 fluid ounce | Shades: 29 | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Final Verdict
Our best overall pick is Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation, an iconic oil-free formula with Micro-fil technology that really can't be beat when it comes to coverage. For a more affordable pick, consider Neutrogena Skin Clearing Makeup, which contains salicylic acid and delivers breathable coverage to control shine.
Meet the Expert
- Michael Brown is a celebrity makeup artist and expert based in Sydney, Australia, who has worked on countless photoshoots, campaigns, red carpet looks, and magazine covers throughout his 20-year career.
- Desiree Stordahl is the skincare research and education manager at Paula’s Choice.
What to Look for When Buying Foundation for Acne-Prone Skin
Coverage and Finish
This is essentially a personal choice, but when it comes to oily, acne-prone skin, a fuller coverage, matte foundation formula is going to be your best bet in terms of staying power. Our advice is to use a little bit of product, focusing on the center of the face and working outwards. If you want more coverage in places, spot-apply using your finger or a precision blending brush. This way, you won’t end up with a thick, heavy base all over.
Ingredients
It’s difficult to make blanket statements about pore-clogging ingredients because the reality is that everyone’s skin is different. Terms like non-comedogenic and oil-free are great starting points, but as Desiree Stordahl, the skincare research and education manager at Paula’s Choice, points out, these claims aren’t regulated, so it’s important to do further research and understand your personal acne triggers.
Her advice for those looking for a foundation that won’t contribute to acne is to avoid fragrance and denatured alcohol at all costs. Both of these can trigger reactions in the skin that exacerbate blemishes and oiliness. She also suggests steering clear of sticks and creams, as the ingredients commonly used to keep them solid can worsen breakouts. Oil-free products are generally preferable as well, but be sure to read the ingredients listing.
Why Trust Byrdie
Byrdie contributor Emily Algar is an experienced beauty writer, who's contributed to some of the biggest publications out there. She considered dozens of products for this roundup, researched peer-reviewed journals, and consulted our testing insights. Our product testers tried some of the top-rated products for weeks at a time, taking note of how well they delivered results as well as any extra product features.
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