The 14 Best Foundations for Acne Prone Skin of 2023, Tested and Reviewed
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Our top pick is the Armani Luminous Silk Foundation
People / Brian Kopinski
There may be a few reasons you're looking for foundation for acne-prone skin — perhaps you need a formula that won't clog your pores or something more full-coverage to hide the look of breakouts. According to Dr. Jeannette Graf, a board-certified dermatologist and assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Mt. Sinai School of Medicine, the best place to start is by assessing your individual complexion.
“A matte foundation is more suitable for those with oily skin or more coverage needs,” she explains. “For dry skin, a dewy foundation containing more natural oils and humectants is a better choice.” From there, you can decide your coverage level needs (many formulas are buildable meaning you don't necessarily need an inherently full-coverage foundation).
Whether you have oily or dry skin (or you're more of a balanced skin type), finding makeup that will improve the overall look of your complexion without exacerbating your skin's condition is key. With that in mind, our PEOPLE Tested team considered dozens of formulas before taking 23 foundations out for a real-world spin. And, after careful consideration, we narrowed the lot down to 15 winning formulas.
Here are our picks for the best foundations for acne-prone skin.
Best Overall : Giorgio Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Foundation
Pros
It’s easy to achieve full coverage without a caked-on look and feel.
The formula is easy to apply and build upon, even when using your fingers for application.
It effectively masks breakouts and blemishes while also hiding excess shine.
Cons
It comes with a high price tag (though a little bit of product goes a long way).
After testing 23 formulas, we found that the Armani Luminous Silk Foundation is the best foundation for acne-prone skin. This liquid foundation features a matte finish that masks excess oil, which is a common woe for acne-prone skin types.
While testing this formula out, we were impressed by the full coverage and found that it was super easy to build without experiencing any streaks, resulting in a more flawless finish. The product also has a creamy and smooth consistency that makes application easier to apply in general, whether you use your fingers, a brush, or a makeup sponge. It absorbs quickly and layers nicely without creating a caked-on look.
The Armani foundation comes in 40 different shades, making it easy to find a natural-looking finish that suits your undertones. And, while it is on the pricey side, one tester notes that you don’t need much product to achieve full coverage, making it worth the investment.
Price at time of publish: $69
Size: 1 ounce | Key Ingredients: Not listed | Number of Shades: 40
Best Overall, Less Expensive: Wander Beauty Wanderlust Powder Foundation
Pros
This foundation provides buildable coverage that blends effortlessly into the complexion.
The lightweight finish makes it an excellent option for summer.
It features skin-nourishing ingredients, including hyaluronic acid for lightweight hydration.
Cons
At $42, it’s still a little pricey compared to our budget-friendly option.
For a less expensive foundation for acne-prone skin, consider the Wanderlust Powder Foundation. After testing this formula, we were highly impressed by its ultra-lightweight feel, smooth finish, and how easy it is to blend into the skin. Because of this, the Wanderlust foundation is a fantastic option for buildable coverage, and you don’t need to use a ton of product to get a desired look.
In addition to being a less expensive option, it’s also one of the best powder foundations for summer, as just one layer is light enough to let the skin breathe while providing ample coverage. The powder formula is also enriched with lots of nourishing ingredients that promote skin health, including hyaluronic acid, jojoba esters, aloe leaf, honeysuckle, safflower, and hibiscus extract.
Price at time of publish: $42
Size: 0.31 ounces | Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, jojoba esters, aloe leaf, honeysuckle, safflower, hibiscus extract | Number of Shades: 12
Jane Iredale PurePressed Base Mineral Foundation Refill or Refillable Compact Set
Pros
It has a barely-there feel that is lightweight enough to let the skin breathe while also providing good coverage.
The powder foundation features SPF for sun protection.
It boasts medium to full coverage that is easy to build upon.
Cons
Since it’s a medium-to-full-coverage formula, it’s not a great option for those looking for a no-makeup-makeup look.
While we loved the results of the Wander Beauty powder foundation, if we were to specifically crown one product of the bunch the Best Powder overall, The Jane Iredale PurePressed Base Mineral Foundation wowed us the most. This formula features medium to full coverage and is a foundation, concealer, and sunscreen all in one.
In addition to its coverage, the formula is also enhanced with skin-benefiting ingredients, including antioxidant-rich pomegranate extract to keep free radicals at bay and pine bark extract for evening out the skin tone, which is great for dark spots caused by acne blemishes.
If you don’t love the look of a matte finish but want something that still keeps excess oil at bay, this is a great option because it has more of a satin finish that mattifies without completely masking your skin's natural glow.
Price at time of publish: $46
Size: Not listed | Key Ingredients: Titanium oxide, zinc oxide, pomegranate extract, pine bark extract | Number of Shades: 26
Best Powder, Less Expensive: bareMinerals BAREPRO 16-HR Skin-Perfecting Powder Foundation
Pros
It’s enhanced with skin-benefiting ingredients, including squalane for lightweight nourishment.
The lightweight compact provides slightly more coverage than a tinted moisturizer.
Cons
If you have dry patches, it can stick to the those areas.
Another winning mineral option is the bareMinerals 16-HR Skin Perfecting Powder Foundation, which is slightly less expensive than the Jane Iredale foundation and similarly impressive.
This powder foundation provides light coverage — slightly more than a tinted moisturizer — with a mattifying finish to combat excess oil and shine. It also goes on smoothly and is easy to build to cover blemishes as well as dark under-eye circles. While our tester did notice it stick to some dry patches on their forehead, it was smooth and seamless on the parts of their complexion with more shine, so it’s a great option for those with oily skin.
Price at time of publish: $38
Size: 0.2 ounces | Key Ingredients: Pineapple complex, peony extract, sugarcane-derived squalane | Number of Shades: 35
Best Acne Treatment Hybrid: Clinique Acne Solutions Liquid Makeup Foundation
Pros
It doesn’t settle into fine lines and wrinkles.
The foundation has a dewy finish, so it’s a good option for acne-prone skin with dry complexions.
The formula features salicylic acid to target blemishes while wearing it.
Cons
There are only 15 shades to choose from, so finding the right shade can be tricky.
If you experience breakouts and have dry skin, the Clinique Acne Clearing Solutions Foundation is our top pick. This formula is enhanced with salicylic acid, so it can effectively target blemishes while providing coverage.
When testing this formula, we found that it has more of a dewy finish, making it a good option for those with dry skin as it can provide a lightweight glow. And, in addition to masking blemishes, it also helped even out the redness on our tester's cheeks for a more even-looking skin tone and never sank into fine lines and wrinkles.
The only downside? This formula only comes in 15 shades and our testers noted that finding the right color was a bit challenging.
Price at time of publish: $35
Size: 1 ounce | Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid | Number of Shades: 15
Best Pore-Minimizing: Dermablend Flawless Creator Lightweight Foundation
Pros
It’s effective at covering blemishes and dark under-eye circles.
The formula boasts a smoothing effect on the skin that blurs the look of pores.
It’s super easy to blend into the skin for a seamless finish (even if you use your fingers for application).
Cons
During our blotting test, some makeup transferred.
If you want a foundation that can hide blemishes, cover up dark circles, and minimize pores, the Dermablend Flawless Creator Lightweight Foundation is our top pick.
We loved how easy this formula is to blend into the complexion (even when using our fingers to apply it). It effectively covers redness and pimples while also evening out the skin tone under the eyes. Additionally, it has a noticeable smoothing effect that blurs the look of pores upon application and masks shine thanks to silica.
Although some makeup transferred during our blotting paper test, it effectively stayed put throughout the day.
Price at time of publish: $42
Size: 1 ounce | Key Ingredients: Silica | Number of Shades: 20
Best Matte Finish: Huda Beauty #FauxFilter Luminous Matte Foundation
Pros
This foundation offers a "soft-focus effect" on the skin that virtually blurs the look of pores and blemishes.
It doesn't settle into fine lines, wrinkles, or dry patches.
Virtually weightless — our tester could barely feel she was wearing anything.
Cons
Our tester wished it was slightly more moisturizing (though this is generally not typical for matte foundations).
While matte foundations can sometimes read flat or cake-y, this foundation from Huda beauty is the exact opposite. Our tester raved at how well it blended into the skin with a foundation brush and how weightless it was on their skin. They also noted how well it evened out their skin which is prone to redness and hyperpigmentation.
The finish is powdery, giving the skin a "soft focus" effect that essentially blurred their pores and blemishes, noting that "bumps and unevenness are hardly detectable." They also noted how soft their skin felt afterward.
The only downside detected was that, given it's a matte finish, the formula is not moisturizing, and if you have dry skin, you might find that you need to either put a very hydrating moisturizer on beforehand or work into the product before picking up with your brush or sponge.
Price at time of publish: $35.70 (orig. $42)
Size: 1.18 ounces | Key Ingredients: Not listed | Number of Shades: 23
People / Tamara Staples
Best with SPF: IT Cosmetics CC+ Cream With SPF 50+
Pros
It’s formulated with SPF 50+ for protection against the sun’s UV rays.
Since it’s a CC cream, the formula feels lightweight on the skin despite a full coverage finish.
It effectively diminished the look of dark circles, blemishes, and redness.
Cons
It features ultra-hydrating ingredients, so it’s a better option for dry skin with acne rather than oily and blemish-prone complexions.
The best foundation formula with SPF is the IT Cosmetics CC+ Cream Full Coverage Color Correcting Foundation. This formula is enhanced with SPF 50+ for sun protection and also features hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and vitamin E for nourishing and hydrating dry skin. We love this formula because it has that lightweight CC cream feel but also provides coverage comparable to a full-coverage foundation. And, since it’s so hydrating, it feels like a cross between skincare and makeup which is beneficial for healthier skin.
Price at time of publish: $47
Size: 1.08 ounces | Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, vitamin E, SPF 50+ | Number of Shades: 22
Best Drugstore: L'Oréal Infallible 24hr Fresh Wear Foundation in a Powder
Pros
This drugstore formula costs less than $15, making it one of the more budget-friendly options on our list.
It completely covers acne blemishes and redness.
Despite its coverage, it’s lightweight and our skin still felt like it could breathe.
Cons
The powder made our tester's peach fuzz more detectable.
If you want excellent coverage without breaking the bank, the L’Oréal Paris Infallable Fresh Wear Foundation-in-a-Powder is our top pick. This under-$15 powder foundation is one of the most budget-friendly options on our list and is excellent at hiding acne blemishes and redness on the skin.
Despite its amazing coverage, this formula is still lightweight enough so that the skin can breathe. Available in 20 shades, it was easy to match the formula to our skin. And while the powder consistency did make the peach fuzz on our tester's cheeks stand up, it never clinged to dry patches and didn’t have a cake-y look.
Price at time of publish: $14.99
Size: 0.31 ounces | Key Ingredients: Not listed | Number of Shades: 20
Best Budget: Neutrogena SkinClearing Liquid Makeup
Pros
Despite costing under $14, it’s a high-quality formula and one of the best lightweight options.
It doesn’t cling to dry areas on the complexion and never looks caked on.
The foundation features salicylic acid, which can help target excess oil and keep breakouts at bay.
Cons
It takes two to three layers to cover the redness on the skin.
There aren’t enough skin tone options.
After testing a few budget-friendly foundation options, we landed on the Neutrogena SkinClearing Oil-Free Liquid Foundation, which is enriched with salicylic acid for its ability to target excess oil and blemishes. We love this option because it has more of a no-makeup makeup look with a natural, dewy finish that makes application easy (and never sticks to dry patches).
Additionally, the foundation didn’t settle into creases and melted into the skin for a more seamless finish. While it takes two to three layers to cover redness on the skin, it’s a good option for those who want something buildable and breathable and, with regular use, the salicylic acid can help diminish breakouts, too. However, we wish there were more shade options, as 14 is on the lower end of the spectrum on this list.
Price at time of publish: $13.49
Size: 1 ounce | Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid | Number of Shades: 14
Best Duo: Patrick Ta Major Skin Crème Foundation and Finishing Powder Duo
Pros
It has a silky-smooth finish that is easy to apply and blend into the skin.
The formula boasts buildable coverage so you can customize your overall look.
It has a hydrating feel that still feels lightweight and barely-there.
Cons
The creamy finish might not mesh well with oily complexions.
If you're a fan of convenience, you might love the Patrick Ta Beauty Major Skin Crème Foundation and Finishing Powder Duo. This product comes in a compact that features both a cream foundation and setting powder for an incredibly smooth finish. When testing the foundation, we were highly impressed by how well it blended into the skin — one tester noted that only two swipes of the cream with a foundation brush covered the entire side of her face and "covered any redness and acne scars nicely." Despite the impressive coverage, she was impressed by the fact that her skin still looked like skin.
Thanks to the consistency, this cream foundation has a hydrating and lightweight feel that works well for dry or combination complexions: despite having some dry patches on her complexion, the foundation never stuck to these areas on our tester and instead looked smooth and seamless. However, if your skin skews oily, you might find that the creamy finish is a bit too creamy and creates too much shine.
As far as the powder, our tester applied it to her under eyes and forehead to decrease shine. While she typically finds powders to be drying, this was not the case for this powder which she said was "nice and light" and "not drying at all."
Price at time of publish: $52
Size: 0.32 ounces (cream), 0.14 ounces (powder) | Key Ingredients: Not listed | Number of Shades: 24
Best Crease-Proof: Smashbox Always On Skin Balancing Foundation
Pros
This formula doesn’t sink into fine lines and wrinkles or crease over time, even with long wear.
The coverage is easily buildable without looking too heavy.
Since it’s formulated with hyaluronic acid, it feels hydrating on the complexion without interfering with oil production.
Cons
Some foundation transferred during the blotting paper test.
Creasing is perhaps one of the biggest foundation woes, but the Smashbox Always On Skin-Balancing Foundation won’t give you any trouble.
After testing this formula, we were impressed by how well it created a smoothing effect on the complexion and that it never sank into fine lines or wrinkles or became streaky, even after extended wear.
The formula is enriched with hyaluronic acid for lightweight hydration — our tester noted that although they had dry patches, the foundation did not cling to them and actually helped improve the dryness. You'll also find licorice root and sea asparagus, which helps balance the skin, as well as sugar kelp to control oil.
Price at time of publish: $45
Size: 1 ounce | Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, licorice root, sea asparagus, sugar kelp | Number of Shades: 30
Best Full-Coverage: Tarte Amazonian Clay Full Coverage Foundation SPF 15
Pros
It’s formulated with Amazonian clay for long wear.
The medium-to-full coverage is buildable for a custom finish.
It comes in an impressive 46 shades, making it easier to find a perfect match.
Cons
Since it’s a matte formula, it clings to dry spots.
This formula is our top pick for the best foundation with full coverage. As its name suggests, this formula is enhanced with Amazonian clay to help draw out impurities and offer a mattifying finish. Additionally, it's enriched with vitamin E for anti-inflammatory benefits and mineral pigments to soothe and soften the complexion.
We were highly impressed by the coverage level (just one layer was enough to even out our complexions) and love that it melts nicely into the skin. While the matte formula can feel a bit drying as the day wears on, this wasn't a deal-breaker since it works so well at masking breakouts and hyperpigmentation. We also appreciated its squeeze-tube packaging which allows for you to better dispense more product than say, a glass bottle. On top of that, the foundation has one of the most impressive shade ranges on our list, with 46 options to choose from.
Price at time of publish: $40
Size: 1.7 ounces | Key Ingredients: Amazonian clay, vitamin E, mineral pigments | Number of Shades: 46
Best Investment: Yves Saint Laurent All Hours Foundation
Pros
The foundation has a thick consistency for even coverage but doesn’t feel super heavy on the skin.
It easily covers acne and blemishes.
The formula blends easily into the complexion for a natural-looking finish.
Cons
We wish it dried a bit faster on the complexion.
When it comes to masking breakouts and blemishes, the YSL All Hours Luminous Matte Foundation is like Photoshop IRL. This formula has a thick consistency that provides even and seamless coverage without feeling super heavy on the skin. It not only covers blemishes but also works well at blurring fine lines and wrinkles, without sinking into them or creasing. It's also available in 40 shades so it’s easy to find a match for your skin tone.
Although we wish this foundation dried a little faster on the complexion (it remained quite creamy and "wet" after applying), we found that a setting powder did the trick and helped complete the overall "smooth" look.
Price at time of publish: $60
Size: 0.85 ounces | Key Ingredients: SPF 30 | Number of Shades: 40
Things to Consider When Buying Foundations for Acne Prone Skin
Finish
Whether you go with a liquid foundation or a compact powder, Dr. Graf recommends shopping for formulas with a matte finish. “Choosing a mattifying finish for your foundation can help the appearance of oily skin and control excess oil,” she explains. While oily skin isn’t the only skin type that experiences acne, many oily skin types can be more susceptible to acne.
For dry skin types who are prone to acne, consider using a hydrating and glow-enhancing formula with ingredients that support skin health and keep acne at bay. The It Cosmetics CC Cream and Smashbox Always On Skin-Balancing Foundation both feature hyaluronic acid to leave the skin feeling more nourished and hydrated.
Ingredients
Since foundation sits on top of the complexion for long wear, ingredients can play a major role in how effective they are at supporting overall skin health, including reducing blemishes and excess oil. “Choose foundations with ingredients such as salicylic acid or tea tree oils, as they will control oil production and reduce clogging of your pores,” says Dr. Graf.
Our top pick for the best acne treatment hybrid foundation, the Clinique Acne Clearing Solutions Foundation, contains salicylic acid to help keep breakouts at bay, as does the Neutrogena SkinClearing Oil-Free Liquid Foundation.
Mineral Powder Formulas
While a liquid foundation with a matte finish can help reduce the look of excess oil, Dr. Graf says it doesn’t hurt to have a compact of mineral powder-based foundation on hand. This type of foundation for acne-prone skin usually contains zinc, which is anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and naturally protects the skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays.
For the best mineral powder foundations, consider the following from our list: L’Oréal Paris Infallible Fresh Wear Foundation-in-a-Powder, bareMinerals 16-HR Skin Perfecting Powder Foundation, Jane Iredale PurePressed Base Mineral Foundation, and Wander Beauty Wanderlust Powder Foundation.
People / Jessica Juliao
How We Tested
To find the best foundations for acne-prone skin, our PEOPLE Tested team researched dozens of options before taking 23 formulas out for a real-world test drive. During the testing period, we applied these formulas to our complexions using our preferred makeup applicators — including sponges, brushes, and our fingers — and made note on the overall application process, how well the formulas blend into the complexion, and their ability to layer. Additionally, we conducted a blotting paper test to see how much formula transferred from our skin to the papers to learn about their staying power. We also applied the foundations directly to blotting paper and waited 30 minutes to get a visual of how much oil they expressed over time.
Before applying the foundations to the skin, we used a moisture reader to understand our skin’s hydration levels prior to makeup application. Then, we applied the foundations to our complexions and reached for the moisture reader again to find out if the formulas made a difference. After testing each formula out, we compiled our notes and compared each experience rigorously to find out which ones were worthy of our winners list. As a result, we narrowed it down to the 15 best foundations for acne-prone skin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I break out every time I wear foundation?
If you experience breakouts every time you wear foundation, Dr. Graf says it’s possible that the foundation isn’t compatible with your skin type or that the ingredients in the foundation are leading to skin irritation. “It is also possible that there is too much clogging, especially with powder added to the mix,” she explains.
Caring for the skin and your application tools before applying foundation will also play a role. “It is essential to make sure that your face is completely clean before applying makeup and make sure that your makeup applicators are clean,” Dr. Graf explains.
Is powder or liquid foundation better for acne?
The answer is technically, both. “A matte foundation is good for acne and provides coverage,” Dr. Graf explains, adding that a powder mineral foundation can also work well. It really all comes down to the ingredients used, and keep in mind that those with salicylic acid can actually help improve the look of acne and combat excess oil while also preventing further breakouts. And, if your skin skews dry and matte foundation is too drying, a formula with hyaluronic acid will help provide necessary hydration.
Take Our Word For It
Jessie Quinn is a contributing commerce writer for PEOPLE and has written for publications such as Byrdie, InStyle, The Spruce, NYLON, and more. When covering the best foundations for acne-prone skin, Jessie carefully reviewed the insights from the PEOPLE Tested team, carefully considering the formulas’ finish, coverage, and blendability. She also considered their overall experiences and looked at how the formulas held up against breakouts, blemishes, dark spots, excess oil, and dull skin. Additionally, Jessie reached out to Dr. Jeannette Graf to learn more about why it’s important to use a foundation for acne-prone skin if you experience breakouts, what to look for in top formulas, and answer some of our most pressing questions. As a result, she curated this list of the best foundations for acne-prone skin types.
Meet the Expert
Dr. Jeannette Graf is a board-certified dermatologist and assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Mt Sinai School of Medicine.
What Is PEOPLE Tested?
We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.
But we don’t stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we’ve awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square.
In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.
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