Byrdie / Sabrina Jiang
When it comes to keeping acne, breakouts, and large pores at bay during the day, a non-comedogenic foundation is the way to go. Why? Because new formulas have been developed to avoid clogging your pores and preventing the cyclical drama of covering up your blemishes only to create new ones.
Non-comedogenic is a fancy way of saying the product shouldn't block your pores. Many makeup and skincare ingredients can cause pore blockage, and while this isn't always a problem for some skin types, those prone to breakouts and other skin issues likely need to avoid pore-blocking additives. Avoiding specific oils and pore-blockers while choosing products with skin healing and breakout-preventing ingredients like salicylic acid can help.
Keep scrolling for the Byrdie edit of the best non-comedogenic foundations.
Best Overall
BareMinerals Original Loose Powder Foundation SPF 15
Courtesy
Contains sunscreen
Lightweight
Smoothly applies to the skin
Pricey
Who else recommends it? Best Products also picked the Bare Minerals Original Loose Powder Mineral Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF 15.
What do buyers say? 13,500+ Ulta reviewers rated this product 4 stars or above.
This award-winning mineral foundation has a legion of loyal fans for a reason. bareMinerals' no-nasties formula is light on your skin, but it can be built up for coverage, while the ingredients are so pure you can sleep in it without waking up to zits galore. (We always recommend washing your face before bed, though.)
Price at time of publish: $25
Coverage: Medium | Shade Range: 30, Fair to Deep | Finish: Natural | Size: 0,28 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Best Budget
L'Oréal Paris True Match Super-Blendable Liquid Foundation
Goes on smoothly
Blends well
Lightweight application
Might be greasy for some
For a velvety finish, this lightweight L'Oreal foundation is a winner. With 23 shades in the range, it likely won't be a struggle to find your match. With a formula that blends into the skin effortlessly without clogging pores, it's not hard to see why this foundation is a long-time favorite.
Price at time of publish: $9
Coverage: Medium | Shade Range: 23, Fair to Deep | Finish: Natural | Size: 1 oz. | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No
Best Splurge
Oxygenetix Oxygenating Foundation
Breathable yet full coverage
Minimizes rosacea and acne
Heals while it conceals
Pricey
Thanks to its patented formula, breathable coverage is the main aim of this cosmeceutical foundation. The ingredients all support regenerating cell production and boosting the healing process, meaning you'll be helping to treat your breakouts while camouflaging. Who doesn't love a multitasker?
Price at time of publish: $66
Coverage: Full | Shade Range: 7, Fair to Medium | Finish: Creme | Size: 0.50 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No
Best Luminous Finish
NARS All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation
Courtesy of Sephora
Doesn't clog or cake
Lasts 16 hours
Lightweight
Pricey
Long-wear foundations are often the main culprits for clogging skin, but that doesn't seem to be the case with this 16-hour foundation from NARS. The formula may be lightweight, but the pigment payoff is vast, meaning great coverage without pore-clogging or caking.
Coverage: Full | Shade Range: 1, Deep with red undertones | Finish: Matte | Size: 1 oz. | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No
Best Natural Finish
Cover FX Natural Finish Foundation
12-hour coverage
Highly refined
Lightweight but can even cover tattoos
Pricey
Key Ingredients
Mineral oil is a colorless and odorless petrolatum derivative; when used in cosmetics, it's highly refined and purified and does not contain the contaminants that unrefined petroleum has been known for. While mineral oil is thought to worsen breakouts and is often not recommended for acne-prone skin, one study in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology found that mineral oil in skincare is not considered comedogenic.
A two-in-one concealer and foundation, this formula makes light work of covering redness, dark circles, uneven skin tone, and even tattoos. As is the Cover FX way, it's also free from parabens, fragrance, mineral oil, and talc, and it comes in an impressive shade range.
Price at time of publish: $42
Coverage: 12-Hour | Shade Range: 37, Fair to Deep | Finish: Natural | Size: 1 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No
Best Longwear Formula
Becca Cosmetics Ultimate Coverage 24 Hour Foundation
Sephora
Lightweight
Long-lasting
A little goes a long way
Intense pigment requires getting right shade
If you love a creamy consistency, this full-coverage foundation from Becca is for you. With its breathable formula, this Complexion Créme covers redness and imperfections without suffocating pores.
Coverage: Full, 24-Hour | Shade Range: 7, Fair to Medium | Finish: Natural | Size: 1 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No
What Our Testers Say
"It covered my hyperpigmentation well and blended seamlessly with my neck and chest." — Khera Alexander, Product Tester
Best for Sensitive Skin
Vichy Dermafinish Corrective Fluid Foundation
Contains sunscreen
Long-lasting
Heals and conceals
Pricey
Formulated to heal and conceal spots, blemishes, and acne, this full-coverage foundation also goes to work on redness, rosacea, and acne scarring. Sensitive skin? This may be the one for you.
Price at time of publish: $30
Coverage: High | Shade Range: 1, Light/Medium | Finish: Natural, Lightweight | Size: 1 oz. | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No
Best for Acne-Prone Skin
Clinique Acne Solutions Liquid Makeup Foundation
Courtesy of Ulta
Easy to apply
Highly natural looking
Lasts all day
Pricey
Engineered to cling to oily skin without suffocating or clogging your pores, this oil-free foundation also contains antibacterial salicylic acid that may fight blemishes during your wear time.
Price at time of publish: $34
Coverage: Moderate | Shade Range: 16, Fair to Deep | Finish: Natural | Size: 1 oz. | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: Yes
What to Look For in a Foundation
Avoid Some Oily Formulas
Some oily products can block pores, leading to breakouts and other skin issues. While some oils on their own are acne-friendly, many non-comedogenic products will be oil-free. Oils to avoid include coconut oil, palm, soybean, wheat germ, flaxseed, and ester oils, like myristyl myristate. Oils that are acceptable (or even beneficial) include rosehip oil, squalane, sunflower seed oil, hemp seed oil, grapeseed oil, and jojoba.
Products Without Comedogens
With non-comedogenic products, it's more important to look for what they do not have that might block pores. While there is no standard list, studies have revealed the worst offenders. Some types of ingredients to avoid include isopropyl myristate and its derivatives, lanolins, and D&C red dyes. Choosing a product with minimal, natural ingredients can help reduce the likelihood of it causing your skin to react.
Healing Treatments
To get the most value from your non-comedogenic foundation, looking for blemish-busting and skin-healing ingredients. Ingredients to look for include salicylic acid, retinol, vitamin E, and squalane.
