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Dealing With Acne-Prone Skin? These Foundations Won’t Clog Your Pores
Dermatologists and celebrity makeup artists share their top picks.
Ask any beauty expert, and they’ll all agree on one thing: Skin preparation is the most essential part of a makeup routine. For those with acne-prone skin, products infused with skin-loving ingredients should be a primary deciding factor when shopping for makeup, particularly foundations.
Many foundation formulas contain pore-clogging ingredients that can do more harm than good to our skin. If you look closely at your foundation’s label, you’ll see a term you might not be immediately familiar with: non-comedogenic.
“Non-comedogenic means it won’t clog your pores. Comedogenic products are more likely to lead to congestion and acne breakouts,” says Dr. Blair Murphy-Rose, MD, FAAD, NYC-based board-certified dermatologist at Laser & Skin Surgery Center of New York. When you’re using comedogenic foundations, especially when wearing them for hours at a time, the skin is more prone to “problems like acne, blackheads, whiteheads, bumpiness, and other unwanted skin texture,” J Guerra, NYC and LA-based celebrity makeup artist adds. “Comedones are pores or hair follicles that have gotten blocked with bacteria, oil, dead skin cells, or even components from your makeup. These comedones can eventually turn into acne.”
Our picks for the best non-comedogenic foundations in 2024
Best For Sensitive Skin
Neutrogena SkinClearing Oil-Free Acne and Blemish Fighting Liquid Foundation
Read more
The hunt for the best non-comedogenic foundations begins now. Luckily, we did all the work to make your search quicker than popping a pimple (don’t do it!). We polled experts and reviewed customer feedback to find the 13 best non-comedogenic foundations for better-looking skin with and without makeup.
Pros
- Comfortable on the skin
Cons
- Limited options for pink undertones
Glossier’s Tint has always been a cult favorite, but its latest addition to the complexion range amps up the coverage while maintaining the same natural finish as its predecessor. Lightweight and creamy, this foundation is basically a smoother, more enhanced version of yourself.
Size: 1 fl oz
Key ingredients: Squalane, glycerin, wild rose berry
Glossier rating: 4.2/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “I stayed away from the Glossier Tint because my skin is covered in dark spots and requires a bit more coverage. I was hesitant to try the foundation, but was pleasantly surprised by how seamlessly it covered my impurities with just one to two pumps. The formula never feels cakey and makes me forget I’m even wearing anything at all.”—Nerisha Penrose, ELLE.com beauty commerce editor
Tower 28 Beauty SunnyDays SPF 30 Tinted Mineral Sunscreen
Pros
- Sun protection
Cons
- Can be a little too dewy
Here’s a multitasking formula that offers the sun protection of sunscreen with the coverage of your favorite foundation. Since the formula is breathable and light, you can build up your desired coverage. Plus, it is calming and soothing, so there will be no irritation here!
Size: 1 fl oz
Key ingredients: Prickly pear, aloe vera
Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “This product is a 10/10. Sheer out with a light layer applied with your fingers, or use more product and blend in with a brush for more coverage. Either way, it’s great and bonus points for added SPF.”
Neutrogena SkinClearing Oil-Free Acne and Blemish Fighting Liquid Foundation
Pros
- Contains salicylic acid to fight breakouts
Cons
- Applicator occasionally leaks
Instead of making your breakouts worse by packing on formulas that do more damage than good, consider switching to Neutrogena’s SkinClearing foundation, which fuses skin care properties with makeup. Salicylic acid is the star ingredient in this makeup, a tried-and-true solution for keeping breakouts at bay. Your skin will look good while treating breakouts.
Size: 1 fl oz
Key ingredient: Salicylic acid
Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “Great for sensitive skin! Matches skin tone perfectly, and does not clog pores.”
Pros
- Infused with hyaluronic acid
Cons
- Needs more shades
Even acne-prone skin needs hydration. Catrice Cosmetics’ fan-favorite foundation is built around hyaluronic acid, imparting a healthy dose of moisture while keeping makeup in place for hours.
Size: 1 fl oz
Key ingredient: Hyaluronic acid
Catrice Cosmetics rating: 4.4/5 stars
Our expert says: “It’s a fallacy that only drier skin types need moisturizing ingredients. I find when oily skin isn’t hydrated properly, the skin will try to overcompensate and produces even more oil. For this reason, I love Catrice’s True Skin Foundation. It’s non-comedogenic and is formulated without gluten, parabens, acetone, preservatives, and lactose, making it great for acne-prone and sensitive skin types. This foundation will not clog your pores and will keep your skin hydrated throughout the day.”—Emily Gray, celebrity makeup artist
Haus Labs Triclone Skin Tech Medium Coverage Foundation
Pros
- Soothing and calming ingredients
Cons
- Might dry out some skin types
There’s so much good packed inside Haus Labs’s cult-favorite foundation that it’s hard to find someone who isn’t a die-hard fan of its formula. Created with over 20 skin-loving ingredients, including fermented arnica, this foundation soothes skin, reduces redness, and improves skin elasticity all while giving you a photo-ready finish.
Size: 1 fl oz
Key ingredients: Fermented arnica, antioxidants
Sephora rating: 4.2/5 stars
Our expert says: “I never apply foundation with my hands and fingers, but it’s the only way I apply Haus Labs. This feels like serum and is so lightweight on your face and blends effortlessly, while giving you the perfect amount of coverage. I arrived at an event to get my makeup done wearing this and the makeup artist didn’t want to take off my makeup to put on the foundation from a different brand because that’s how good this looks! I’m a big foundation girlie and this formula is undoubtedly the best on the market.”—Danielle James, beauty expert
Kosas Revealer Skin-Improving Foundation
Pros
- Contains SPF 25
Cons
- Might not be the best for extremely sensitive skin
If you’re looking to expand your sun protection collection, add the Kosas Revealer foundation to your lineup. Formulated with SPF 25, this foundation makes your skin look refreshed and smooth on the surface, as niacinamide, arnica, hyaluronic acid, and more offer treatment underneath.
Size: 1 fl oz
Key ingredients: Niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, caffeine
Sephora rating: 4/5 stars
A Sephora reviewer says: “Best foundation ever. The colors are great. A little goes a long way and it looks just as good in the evening as it does when I put it on first thing in the morning. Worth every penny.”
Charlotte Tilbury Beautiful Skin Foundation
Pros
- Brightens and smooths skin
Cons
- Can be too thick for sensitive skin
As the name suggests, Charlotte Tilbury’s magical hands created a foundation that delivers a your-skin-but-better finish that looks just as good IRL as it does online. Thanks to hyaluronic acid, the foundation leaves your skin looking plump and bright.
Size: 1 fl oz
Key ingredient: Hyaluronic acid
Nordstrom rating: 4.4/5 stars
Our expert says: “This foundation incorporates hyaluronic acid to help hydrate the skin and boost moisture as well as a rose complex to help brighten the skin. It provides long-lasting coverage in addition to ingredients that also help to decrease the appearance of oiliness and reduce the look of pores, strengthen the skin barrier, improve overall dryness and dullness as well as using Defence helps to protect against pollutants.”—Dr. Marisa Garshick, MD, FAAD, NYC-based board-certified dermatologist
ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint
Pros
- Contains SPF 40
Cons
- Can feel a bit greasy
A skin tint with SPF and a lightweight finish is a tall order, but Ilia delivers that and then some. Not only does the tint come in 30 shades, but it’s also chock-full of ingredients your skin will love, from hyaluronic acid to squalane.
Size: 1 fl oz
Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, squalane
Nordstrom rating: 3.8/5 stars
Our expert says: This lightweight serum provides broad-spectrum SPF 40 coverage using zinc oxide, as well as a blend of hyaluronic acid, squalane, and niacinamide to help hydrate and soothe the skin. It also comes in so many shades, making it easy to find a shade that matches your skin tone. This product is gluten-free and free of silicones, fragrance, chemical sunscreen filters, and it is oil-free so it won’t clog pores, making it a good option for all skin types.”—Dr. Garshick
IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream
Pros
- Hydrating formula
Cons
- Pump can be faulty
With a high dose of SPF 50, this CC cream by IT Cosmetics coats your skin with nourishing niacinamide and hyaluronic acid to hydrate and smooth any harsh lines or blemishes.
Size: 1.08 fl oz
Key ingredients: Niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, vitamin E
Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars
Our expert says: “This foundation incorporates a blend of hyaluronic acid, aloe vera extract, vitamin E and B5 making it good for all skin types, but especially those with dry skin. It helps to deliver long-lasting hydration while providing buildable coverage, improving the overall complexion without clogging the pores.”— Dr. Garshick
Clinique Acne Solutions Liquid Makeup Foundation
Pros
- Oil-free
Cons
- Limited shades
Clinique’s Acne Solutions foundation stops breakouts from worsening with the help of salicylic acid. In this oil-free formula, the acne-fighting ingredient unclogs pores to prevent future blemishes.
Size: 1 fl oz
Key ingredient: Salicylic acid
Ulta rating: 4.4/5 stars
Our expert says: “For someone who is particularly oily, it can help to incorporate makeup with a small amount of salicylic acid to help reduce oil and unclog the pores, such as this one from Clinique. It also provides coverage for blemishes and helps to reduce redness, which is particularly helpful for those with acne or acne marks.” — Dr. Garshick
Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Perfect Glow Flawless Oil-Free Foundation
Pros
- Oil-free
Cons
- An investment
You don’t have to skimp on the dew to protect your skin from breakouts, especially when Giorgio Armani’s Luminous Silk Foundation exists. The lightweight formula imparts a natural, non-greasy radiance that can be built up to your liking.
Size: 1 fl oz
Key ingredients: Micro–fil technology
Sephora rating: 4.2/5 stars
Our expert says: “I love Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk. It is oil-free and seems to behave well on acne-prone skin while providing nice natural coverage in many skin tones. But be aware it does contain dimethicone, which can be drying.”— Dr. Blair Murphy-Rose, MD, FAAD, NY-based board-certified dermatologist
Wander Beauty Powder Foundation
Pros
- Blurs and smooths skin texture
Cons
- Not best for mature skin
Control shine and excess oil by opting for a powder foundation. This version from Wander Beauty smooths and blurs while simultaneously conditioning the skin with nourishing ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid, aloe leaf, and plant extracts.
Size: 0.31 fl oz
Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, aloe leaf, safflower and hibiscus extracts
Wander Beauty rating: 4.6/5 stars
Our expert says: “The Wanderlust Powder Foundation is particularly useful for someone with sensitive skin as it delivers a natural matte-finish without drying out the skin as it starts as a liquid that gets transformed into a powder. It is free of mineral oil, parabens, phthalates, and synthetic fragrance while also being gluten-free and vegan-friendly. It helps to absorb excess oil, while also improving the appearance of redness, discoloration, and melasma. It is lightweight and contains hyaluronic acid and aloe so it is both hydrating and soothing. Additionally, it is free of synthetic fragrance, phthalates, parabens, and mineral oil and won’t clog the pores.”— Dr. Garshick
Pros
- Long-wearing
- Great for mature skin
Cons
- Only 12 shades
Founded by former Wilhelmina model and commercial makeup artist Kim Baker, Glamazon Beauty’s foundation stick has a creamy, hydrating formula designed for the girl on the go. Baker, who suffered from sensitive skin, created a vegan formula with sodium hyaluronate and botanical extracts to keep your skin hydrated and smoother.
Size: 1.76 fl oz
Key ingredients: Botanical extracts
Shop HQ rating: 5/5 stars
Our expert says: “I’ve used this foundation for a few years and it’s my go-to foundation when I travel as the stick makes it so easy to drop into my makeup bag or purse. Unlike other stick foundations, this is a buildable, creamy formula that can be lightweight, medium, or heavy coverage. Start by applying lightly for the best results.”— Danielle James
Meet the Experts
Dr. Marisa Garshick is a board-certified at MDCS Dermatology and an assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Cornell University.
J Guerra is a New York- and Los Angeles-based makeup artist.
Emily Gray is a Nashville-based celebrity makeup artist.
Dr. Blair Murphy-Rose is a NY-based board-certified dermatologist.
What ingredients should you look for in a non-comedogenic foundation?
When it comes to pore-clogging ingredients, heavy formulas tend to be the main culprit for causing acne. “In general, non-comedogenic foundations tend to be lightweight formulations that won’t clog the pores. Heavy oils, such as coconut oil, and emollients may be more likely to clog pores,” Dr. Garshick notes.
J Guerra adds that scanning the ingredient list on all your products can help you determine which elements could be heavier than the others. “Ingredients in makeup products are listed in descending order, starting with the highest concentration down to the least. The first ingredient is the most used, while the last is only present in the smallest amount. Keep this in mind when looking at foundations with ingredients that may be comedogenic. The higher on the ingredients list, the more substantial its presence in the formulation, and the bigger impact it will have on the skin,” he explains.
What makes a foundation non-comedogenic?
“A foundation is non-comedogenic if the ingredients included won’t clog the pores. Some ingredients that are not pore-clogging and may be found in foundations include hyaluronic acid, and squalane. Often mineral foundations, especially powdered formulas, won’t clog the pores and are good for those with oily skin. For those concerned about breakouts or oily skin, some foundations may also contain ingredients like salicylic acid, which help to unclog pores and reduce potential breakouts,” Dr. Garshick says.
Why trust ELLE Beauty?
Nerisha Penrose is the Beauty Commerce Editor at ELLE.com. Since joining ELLE.com in 2017, she has interviewed countless skincare professionals and has personally tested the latest and greatest products across makeup, skincare, and hair care.
As a leading publisher of fashion, lifestyle, and beauty content, ELLE.com is committed to highlighting the best products in various categories by personally testing the latest and most innovative products, interviewing countless experts, and vetting customer-loved items. For this piece, an ELLE.com editor poured over dozen of reviews and consulted experts to find the best-rated non-comedogenic foundations.
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