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We’ve all woken up on the wrong side of the bed — that is, with a breakout that’s seemingly emerged overnight. Acne is frustrating, and oftentimes, concealing it only adds to the headache. Some full-coverage options can clog pores and worsen the breakout, while others don’t provide enough camouflaging power. The best foundations for acne-prone skin, on the other hand, deliver coverage that doesn’t trigger breakouts or cause a flare-up in your existing problem areas.
If complexion products for oily skin call to mind a chalky matte finish, think again. The latest league of acne-friendly foundations don’t just conceal your acne and tamp down shine; they restore your skin barrier and lend a natural, skin-mimicking finish that you’ll feel comfortable wearing daily over your favorite non-comedogenic sunscreen and moisturizer for acne-prone skin. Yes, you can still find plenty of great powder foundations, but brands like Nars, Glossier, and Neutrogena have created liquid and cream options that feel luxurious as they give your complexion a uniform, healthy look.
Top Acne-safe Foundations of 2025
Better yet, many foundations for acne-prone skin contain pimple-fighting active ingredients, like salicylic acid or tea tree oil, which work to decrease your skin’s oil production. Instead of clogging your pores, these ingredient-enriched foundations will help to purge them similar to an acne serum or spot treatment. Less is often more when it comes to treating and concealing acne, so it’s important to find a lightweight skin care and makeup routine that lets your complexion breathe. Today’s best foundations for acne-prone skin contain nourishing ingredients (and in some cases, SPF) that reduce the number of skin care products you have to layer on at once.
With the help of dermatologist Dr. Marnie Nussbaum and makeup artists Tonya Riner and Jamie Greenberg, we’ve selected the best foundations for acne-prone skin. From drugstore finds to luxury splurges, these provide enough coverage to even out your complexion without feeling heavy. You’ll sleep better knowing that when acne emerges, you have a solid plan to put it undercover.
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Editor’s Choice: Top 3 Foundations for Acne-prone Skin, Tested and Reviewed
There’s no one-size-fits-all foundation for acne-prone skin. Those with oily skin will want to seek out a formula that eliminates excess shine, while dry and sensitive skin types may want to seek out calming ingredients. Personal preference also comes into play, whether you only shop for beauty at the drugstore or prefer the feel of a prestige foundation. Because foundations now come in more formulas than ever — including liquid to powder formulas with light to full-coverage payoff — we’re highlighting the top three foundations for acne-prone skin versus one best overall.
- Anastasia Beverly Hills Impeccable Blurring Second-Skin Matte Foundation: For those who want a full-coverage foundation that delivers an airbrushed finish, this new release is bar none. What’s great about this particular formula is that it’s highly breathable, so even a few coats won’t suffocate your skin or exacerbate active acne. For those with hard-to-camouflage problem areas, this formula is easy to build up to your desired coverage.
- Neutrogena SkinClearing Liquid Makeup: Our pick for the best drugstore foundation for acne-prone skin comes courtesy of Neutrogena. This buildable, breakout-proof foundation has all the key qualities dermatologists recommend seeking out, including pore-clearing salicylic acid, an oil-free formulation, and a breathable finish that doesn’t need reapplication.
- Oxygenetix Oxygenating Acne-Control Foundation: Recommended by dermatologists for post-procedure care, it doesn’t get more gentle than Oxygenetix’s Acne-Control Foundation. Our editors rate this as the best foundation for active acne and sensitive breakouts, as it contains both salicylic acid and soothing aloe. If you’ve tried dozens of foundations and still experience breakouts — even from reliable options you’ve previously used — give this one a go.
editor’s choice
Anastasia Beverly Hills Impeccable Blurring Second-Skin Matte Foundation
Type: Liquid
Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, Bixa Orellana to blur skin, polysaccharides
Size: 1.18 oz
Number of shades: 25
There’s a time and place for full coverage foundations, and concealing breakouts is, more often than not, such an occasion. But here’s the thing: Many of these densely-pigmented formulas can feel heavy on the skin, potentially worsening existing breakouts. In order to avoid this, opt for the breathable and highly blurring foundation that Anastasia Beverly Hills just released. Hyaluronic acid and polysaccharides work together to rebalance the moisture of compromised skin, while the matte pigments zap shine.
Editor testing and review notes: “A lot of popular foundations on the market right now are sheer and dewy. While that’s great for a pared-back beauty look when skin is behaving well, acne breakouts require more coverage. This acne-safe foundation builds up to full coverage in just a few coats, and it gives my skin this gorgeous blurred effect that minimizes any texture I have from active acne. Best of all, my skin feels nice and balanced after regularly using it — which is not the case with most full-coverage finds.” — WWD Shop Senior Beauty & Lifestyle Commerce Editor Claire Sullivan
Price upon publish date of this article: $46
editor’s choice
Neutrogena Skinclearing Liquid Makeup
Type: Liquid
Key ingredients: Salicylic acid
Size: 1 fluid ounce
Number of shades: 14
Dr. Nussbaum recommends this liquid formula from Neutrogena for its 0.5 percent salicylic acid — an acne-zapping ingredient that prevents future breakouts and treats current ones. You could almost think of this medicated foundation as an acne spot treatment with coverage. This top Amazon beauty product melts into skin for a medium-coverage finish while feeling featherweight on your complexion — perfect for summer months.
Editor testing and review notes: “As someone with breakout-prone combination skin, some foundations with salicylic acid can feel overly drying on my skin. Neutrogena’s never does — and it’s one of the best drugstore foundations I’ve tested, period. It has a light, creamy consistency that doesn’t turn splotchy or streaky when I blend it in, and it’s lasted me up to 10 hours of wear without requiring a touch up.” — Sullivan
Price upon publish date of this article: $11.69
Editor’s choice
Oxygenetix Oxygenating Foundation Acne Control
Type: Gel cream
Key ingredients: Salicylic acid and aloe
Size: 0.5 ounces
Number of shades: 13
For persistent acne that just won’t go away, add this non-comedogenic foundation for acne-prone skin from Oxygenetix into your routine. The formula is tailor-made for compromised skin, helping it heal and breathe while concealing any pimples or problem spots. It also helps clear your skin of breakouts and redness via a powerful dose of salicylic acid to purge your pores and antibacterial aloe to soothe irritation.
Editor testing and review notes: “This foundation for acne-prone skin has a mousse-like texture that feels calming when I apply it. I’m always impressed by how lightweight and breathable this formula is — it’s my foundation of choice during summer when I’m more prone to pesky pimples after a sweaty day with sunscreen on.” — Sullivan
Price upon publish date of this article: $76
Haus Labs Triclone Skin Tech Foundation
Type: Liquid
Key ingredients: Fermented arnica, marine algae, squalane, and more
Size: 1 fl oz
Number of shades: 51
Lady Gaga’s Haus Labs foundation has become a bestselling foundation for acne-prone skin types courtesy of rave reviews on TikTok — over 52 million beauty lovers on the app have posted it. Most of the hype behind this foundation for acne-prone skin is courtesy of its instant skin-smoothing effect, however our editors also love it for its bevy of skin-nourishing ingredients. Key to the formula is fermented arnica, an ingredient that quickly tamps down redness and irritation with tone-evening and skin-brightening benefits in the long run.
Editor testing and review notes: “Haus Lab’s foundation has quickly become my favorite. It’s lightweight, extremely easy to blend, and melts in like butter even over active acne breakouts. It delivers a radiant, luminous, hydrating, healthy-looking complexion — what’s better than that?” — WWD Shop contributing writer Olivia Cigliano
Price upon publish date of this article: $45
It Cosmetics CC+ Cream Full-Coverage Foundation
Type: Cream
Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and vitamin E
Size: 1.08 fl oz
Number of shades: 24
This CC cream from It Cosmetics is a great choice for dry to combination skin types dealing with acne, as it contains ingredients like vitamin E and hyaluronic acid that soften and hydrate skin without making it greasy. A longtime bestseller with over 19,000 five-star reviews on Target alone, it’s a great foundation for acne-prone skin as it acts as your base makeup, face sunscreen, and anti-aging serum all in one. Its SPF 50 protects skin from burns and helps to prevent acne scars, according to our experts. A dab will do — the concentrated pigments within the formula go a long way when you buff it on, starting at the center of your face out towards your ears.
Editor testing and review notes: “This is a true multitasking skin care product. Because of this, it allows you to limit the number of layers of skin care products and makeup you wear, instead streamlining your serums, moisturizer, foundation, and SPF in one simple step. For those with oily, acne-prone skin, this is a great way to nourish your skin and camouflage breakouts without suffocating your complexion or feeling overly greasy with excess product.” — Sullivan
Price upon publish date of this article: $47
Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation
Type: Liquid
Key ingredients: Glycerin
Size: 1 oz
Number of shades: 40
While pimple-fighting ingredients are important to look for in a foundation for acne-prone skin, an outstanding finish and comfortable coverage are also key factors. That’s where Armani’s Luminous Silk Foundation comes into play — this formula is a longtime makeup artist favorite for celebrity red carpet appearances for its believable results. Rather than looking painted on, this foundation for acne-prone skin melts onto your complexion to create the illusion of a flawless complexion, no matter what breakouts you might be concealing underneath.
Editor testing and review notes: “Armani’s Luminous Silk Foundation is one of select few that work with my skin in any season: It doesn’t make my complexion break out during summer, nor does it leave me dull in the doldrums of winter. The consistency is on the watery side, which makes it easy to apply thin layers I can build up to my desired level of coverage.” — Sullivan
Price upon publish date of this article: $69
Nars Sheer Glow Foundation
Type: Liquid
Key ingredients: Glycerin, turmeric extract and vitamin C
Size: 1 fluid ounce
Number of shades: 40
Nars’ Sheer Glow foundation is dermatologist- and makeup artist-approved. Riner keeps it in her kit because it gives good coverage with an unparalleled, skin-like finish. And Dr. Nussbaum loves that this top soothing foundation for acne-prone skin packs turmeric extract and vitamin C to decrease inflammation in the skin. It delivers a light sheen to the skin that counteracts dullness for a healthy (but not greasy) glow.
Editor testing and review notes: “A sheer, glow-boosting foundation likely doesn’t sound like a good fit for those who are looking to conceal angry pimples and breakouts. But trust me when I say that there’s something magical about this formula and its ability to tamp down the look of breakouts. Because it has a very liquid texture and a semi-dewy finish, it creates the effect of simply great skin (versus caked-on full-coverage foundation). You may need to apply a few coats to completely conceal problem areas, but it’s well worth it for the breathable but long-wearing result.” — Sullivan
Price upon publish date of this article: $47
Courtesy of Sephora
Bareminerals Original Loose Powder Mineral Foundation SPF 15
Type: Powder
Key ingredients: Mica, titanium dioxide, zinc oxide
Size: 0.28 ounces
Number of shades: 30
There’s a reason you won’t find another powder foundation on this list — BareMinerals’ is the holy grail of top powder foundations for acne-prone skin. It’s simple to apply: Just swoosh a fluffy makeup brush in the pigments, tap away the excess, and buff it onto your skin. You can build it up to your desired coverage level; two to three rounds is the sweet spot for full coverage. If it feels too powdery, be patient: The mineral pigments will settle in place (without clogging pores) and leave you with a radiant, even-toned complexion in a few minutes. It’s the best foundation for oily acne-prone skin you can find.
Editor testing and review notes: “Bareminerals’ powder foundation truly stands the test of time — the formula I used as a teenager to conceal breakouts still works on my 30-year-old skin today. My technique, though, has changed for the better: For best results, I exfoliate my skin and make sure that it’s well moisturized before applying this. I’ve found that this way, the product doesn’t exacerbate dry patches or separate where my skin is oily. When I’m dealing with particularly bad breakouts, I’ll use this as setting powder — it provides extra coverage while mattifying shine from any liquid formulas I’ve layered underneath it.” — Sullivan
Price upon publish date of this article: $38
Clinique Acne Solutions Liquid Makeup
Type: Cream
Key ingredients: Salicylic acid, lactobacillus ferment
Size: 1.01 oz
Number of shades: 24
Available in 24 shades, Clinique’s Acne Solutions Liquid Makeup includes salicylic acid to prevent pimple-causing buildup in your pores while you wear it. The sweat-proof, oil-free foundation for acne-prone skin stays put even on the most humid days without suffocating your skin, and it’s effective at reducing oiliness and shine in the long run, too. Greenberg likes matte foundations for active breakouts, so consider dabbing this on if you’re experiencing one.
Editor testing and review notes: “If you struggle with excess oil on your forehead or around your nose during the day, I can’t recommend this Clinique foundation enough. It has a way of not only mattifying shine immediately when you apply it, but also keeping excess greasiness at bay for many, many hours. Bonus points for its salicylic acid, which helps to zap acne while the pigments conceal them.” — Sullivan
Price upon publish date of this article: $39
Kosas Revealer Skin-Improving Foundation
Type: Liquid
Key ingredients: Niacinamide, caffeine, arnica, squalane, hyaluronic acid
Size: 1 ounce
Number of shades: 36
Those with acne know that layers upon layers of skin care and makeup can exacerbate breakouts. Kosas’ Revealer Skin-Improving Foundation takes the place of face serums, moisturizers, sunscreen, and coverage. That’s thanks to its supercharged formula that’s powered up with ingredients like pore-blurring niacinamide, calming arnica, and hydrating squalane and hyaluronic acid. As one of the best liquid foundations for acne-prone skin, it doesn’t cause excess shine and wears beautifully under other balmy makeup items like cream blush.
Editor testing and review notes: “This foundation is like a nourishing green juice for stressed out skin — I find it has similar properties to a soothing face serum that calms down redness and lightly hydrates. It’s lighter coverage than similar options I tested, but the way it left my skin feeling and looking more balanced after wearing it has me fully on board.” — Sullivan
Price upon publish date of this article: $42
Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Oil Free Natural Skin Perfector SPF 20
Type: Cream
Key ingredients: Vitamin E and licorice root extract
Size: 1.7 ounces
Number of shades: 20
This cult-favorite from Laura Mercier is technically a tinted moisturizer, but the formula builds up for foundation-caliber coverage. Its demi-matte finish flatters most skin types, as it doesn’t exacerbate shine or dryness. We consider it an Instagram filter in a tube — this buildable foundation for acne-prone skin masterfully blurs blemishes and pores while imparting a believable glow.
Editor testing and review notes: “This is one of my favorite everyday foundations to wear when I’m dealing with breakouts. t causes zero irritation on my sensitive skin, goes on super evenly with fingertips alone, and creates just a touch of a glow that makes my skin look nice and fresh. A little goes a long way; a tube has lasted me two months with everyday wear.” — Sullivan
Price upon publish date of this article: $53
Pat McGrath Labs Sublime Perfection Foundation
Type: Liquid
Key ingredients: Glycerin and amino acids
Size: 1.18 fluid ounce
Number of shades: 36
Look no further for coverage that looks just like healthy skin. This foundation for acne-prone skin offers a dewy finish that has a light-reflective quality, according to Riner, meaning you’ll get a natural luminosity once you stipple it onto your complexion. Our editors favor it for covering post-acne hyperpigmentation, and it’s also a top foundation for acne scars. Oh, and did we mention that it’s rumored to be one of the makeup products Taylor Swift wears during her Eras Tour?
Editor testing and review notes: “This formula doesn’t budge — it showed no signs of separation, creasing, or transferring throughout long days of testing. I’d recommend this foundation for oily or combination skin, although it’s suitable for dry skin types when layered atop a moisturizing primer or finished with a dewy setting spray.” — Sullivan
Price upon publish date of this article: $69
Il Makiage Woke Up Like This Flawless Base Foundation
Type: Liquid
Key ingredients: Vitamin E and hyaluronic acid
Size: 1 fluid ounce
Number of shades: 50
Greenberg’s favorite liquid foundation for acne-prone skin comes in a laundry list of shades with warm, neutral, and cool undertone options — but don’t be overwhelmed. Il Makiage has a quiz to help you find one that’s just right, factoring in things like your skin type, the level of coverage you prefer and concerns like dark spots, acne, or fine lines.
Price upon publish date of this article: $45
Is It Bad to Wear Foundation Over Acne?
“It’s crucial to find a product that not only conceals the breakout but also helps it resolve,” says Dr. Nussbaum, cautioning that without the right formula, it can worsen acne and further clog pores. She recommends that those with acne go makeup-free for few days each week, like if you’re working from home or have a clear schedule, so your skin can breathe and recover. If you can’t leave the house without a little coverage, a tinted BB cream or CC cream are terrific alternatives to foundation.
What to Look for in the Best Foundations to Prevent Acne Breakouts
When it comes to finding the best foundation for acne-prone skin, there are two key descriptors to seek out: Non-comedogenic and oil-free. On a basic level, acne is a result of congested pores and the last thing you want to do is clog them even further with goopy products. It’s important that your foundation has at least one of the two below labels to ensure your pores are safe and sound.
- Non-comedogenic: This term indicates that the foundation is free of potentially pore-clogging ingredients, like petrolatum, mineral oil, and lanolin, says Dr. Nussbaum. This means that non-comedogenic formulas are unlikely to trigger pimples, whiteheads, or blackheads.
- Oil-free: Looking for the oil-free label is crucial for those with combination or oily skin, which are usually most prone to acne, says Dr. Nussbaum. Regular application of additional oils can prevent our pores from breathing, which can snowball into more breakouts. “Some clean options contain essential oils, which are extremely pore-clogging,” says Dr. Nussbaum, who suggests reading the ingredients list before making a purchase.
The Different Types of Foundations for Acne-Prone Skin
There are three main types of foundation textures — liquid, cream and powder — and each offers a different finish, be it matte, dewy or somewhere in between. Selecting the right type of foundation will depend on your personal preference and also your skin type.
- Liquid foundation for acne: For a skin-like finish in a flash, reach for watery formulas. “These will help your skin look healthy and luminous while covering your blemishes,” explains Houston-based celebrity makeup artist, Tonya Riner. Demi-matte or natural finishes are best for achieving a healthy glow. If you have shiny skin, a matte finish is a great option as a foundation for oily skin, as it will melt into your skin while tamping down excess shine.
- Cream foundation for acne: If you find a liquid fussy to work with, a cream-based foundation — often packaged in a stick or tube — is your solution. A creamy formulation is one of the best foundations for dry skin types and anyone who want to spot-conceal problem areas instead of applying a full face of foundation. Riner recommends starting with a small amount in the area you want to neutralize, and build up with more layers as needed until your tone looks even.
- Powder foundation for acne: “This works well on oily skin,” says Los Angeles makeup artist, Jamie Greenberg, who counts Kaley Cuoco as a regular client. Powder pigments absorb excess oil while giving you coverage, meaning you won’t have to whip out the blotting papers on your lunch break to tamp down shine. These foundations are also gentle on sensitive skin and are least likely to clog pores.
How to Apply Foundation for Acne-Prone Skin
- Prep the skin: Always apply foundation on freshly cleansed skin so you aren’t trapping overnight dirt and oils on your complexion, Dr. Nussbaum says. Too many layers of skincare products will prevent foundation from staying put, so think less is more: Stick with an oil-free moisturizer with hyaluronic acid to give your skin lightweight hydration.
- Start small: “A lot of times, people pile on the foundation to cover breakouts,” says Greenberg, but this often adds unnecessary texture. Instead, start with a tiny amount of foundation and press it onto your skin with freshly washed fingers or a clean makeup sponge. “This helps it melt into your skin and look real,” explains Greenberg.
- Build it up: Work in layers, increasing the coverage level as you go. If you have a raised blemish that the foundation just won’t conceal, Riner suggests using a clean eyeliner or lip liner brush to apply a dot of foundation directly onto it, then stipple it in place with a makeup sponge, taking care not to smear the pigments.
- Set it: A coat of translucent powder, like the hero powder from Hourglass, or a few spritzes of setting spray, like the best-selling option from Urban Decay, will lock the foundation in place, preventing the pigments from smearing or sliding on your complexion throughout the day. Riner says to apply powder with a small brush, dusting it onto your T-zone and other areas prone to shine.
Tips for Removing Foundation to Avoid Acne Breakouts
Even non-comedogenic foundations can trigger breakouts if you sleep in them, so make a habit of washing your face every night. Start with an oil-free makeup remover to dissolve the pigments and setting powder or spray. Next, do a full cleanse using a gentle wash that’ll remove any leftover makeup without stripping your skin. Rinse well with water, then pat dry before applying one of the best serums for clear skin, says Dr. Nussbaum. And finally apply a thin layer of oil-free moisturizer to nourish your skin overnight so you can rise and shine in the morning.
How We Tested and Selected the Best Acne-safe Foundations
Since 1910, WWD — often referred to as “the fashion bible” — has been the leading industry voice of authority for senior executives in the global women’s and men’s fashion, retail and beauty communities, while also informing the consumer media that cover the market. Today, WWD’s breaking news and trend coverage continues to be a trustworthy resource for both fashion insiders and consumers alike. Our shopping editors continue to uphold WWD’s editorial standards and values with quality, expert-backed product selections.
Our editorial team has been testing, reviewing, and evaluating foundations for acne-prone skin since this article’s original publish date in 2022. Our initial reporting process included interviews with dermatologists and makeup artists to assess what to seek out in a foundation formula for acne-prone skin, as well as tips on applying and removing the product without triggering breakouts. Most recently in January 2025, we updated the story with additional information on choosing a great acne-safe foundation and updated our product selections after an intensive round of testing.
Our panel of testers included women in their 20s and 30s with various skin types (including dry, sensitive, and oily) who experience acne breakouts at least once a month. Each foundation on our list was tested for a minimum of two months. Many foundations on our list have been evaluated for longer durations, allowing our editorial team to assess how the product feels and performs in hot and humid weather versus cold and dry climates. Learn more about us here.
Meet the Experts
Courtesy
Jamie Greenberg is a Los Angeles-based celebrity makeup artist and the creator of JamieMakeup. She’s the mastermind behind some of our favorite beauty looks, including Kaley Cuoco, Rashida Jones, Chelsea Handler and Kristen Stewart.
Dr. Marnie Nussbaum is a board-certified dermatologist specializing in non-invasive aesthetic rejuvenation. In addition to running her private practice, Dr. Nussbaum is a Clinical Instructor of Dermatology at Weill Cornell Medical College and has served as a consulting dermatologist to the Melanoma Research Alliance. She is a member of the American Academy of Dermatology, the American Society of Dermatologic Surgery, and the Women’s Dermatologic Society.
Courtesy
Tonya Riner is a celebrity makeup artist based in Houston, Texas. Her roster reads like a who’s who of Hollywood, and includes Kate Upton, Heidi Klum, Elle McPherson and Simone Biles.
Meet the Author
Claire Sullivan is the Senior Beauty and Lifestyle Commerce Editor for Footwear News and WWD, where she writes and edits beauty, fashion and lifestyle stories. She has over eight years of experience as a writer and editor for national media outlets including Martha Stewart Living, Martha Stewart Weddings, InStyle, and Byrdie. She keeps her finger on the pulse of all things related to beauty and wellness, as well as the latest shopping trends and clothing brands. She deals with breakouts on a monthly basis, so she knows what makes a standout foundation for acne-prone skin. Sullivan wrote the original version of this foundations for acne guide and updated it after a round of product testing in January 2025.
Source: Shop – wwd.com
