Our Favorite Foundations for Acne-Prone Skin

If you have acne-prone skin, you know the struggles of picking a foundation that will make you feel your most confident, rather than emphasize or exacerbate your breakouts. There are so many factors to consider when choosing a foundation, from a lightweight, comfortable feel to your desired level of coverage, lasting power and your perfect shade match. When it comes to finding the best foundation for acne-prone skin specifically, we’re looking for formulas that are also either non-comedogenic (meaning they won’t clog your pores), oil-free or have pore- and texture-blurring benefits. A buildable to full-coverage finish is another plus. Below, find 10 foundations that fit the bill and will look amazing on acne-prone skin.

The Best Foundations for Acne-Prone Skin

Giorgio Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Foundation

Give your skin a glow without sacrificing coverage with this makeup artist-recommended pick. The foundation’s glowy, medium-coverage finish flatters every skin type. It’s oil-free, so it will keep your skin looking naturally radiant rather than overly shiny. The formula gives an airbrushed finish that helps blur and smooth skin texture. 

IT Cosmetics CC+ Cream Oil-Free Matte Full-Coverage Foundation with SPF 40

This pick may have “CC cream” in the name, but it’s as full-coverage as they come. This formula is highly pigmented and controls shine for up to 12 hours, so your skin will look matte and even all day. It’s also infused with charcoal, colloidal clay and tea tree extract to minimize oil and help combat breakouts. 

Maybelline New York Fit Me Matte + Poreless Liquid Foundation

If you’re looking for a matte foundation that feels like next to nothing on the skin, this breathable formula was made for you. It’s lightweight, oil-free and non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog your pores. Clay helps mattify your skin and keeps this foundation on for up to 12 hours. 

YSL Beauty All Hours Foundation

The YSL Beauty All Hours Foundation gives skin a satin-y, soft matte finish that remains intact for up to 24 hours. The formula contains hyaluronic acid and jasmine petal, which contribute to a softer, more hydrated base. When our editor with oily skin tried this foundation, she fell in love with its non-cakey, matte (but not flat!) finish. 

L'Oréal Paris Infallible Fresh Wear 24HR Foundation

This foundation is lightweight, breathable and non-comedogenic. It’s formulated with oil absorbers to help resist shine, water and sweat, plus SPF 25 for an added layer of sun protection. The coverage is buildable, so you can layer it on acne-prone areas without looking cakey. 

NYX Professional Makeup Bare With Me Blur Tint Foundation

Blur all traces of pores, discoloration and texture with this soft matte foundation. It’s formulated with glycerin, matcha and niacinamide to keep skin soft and hydrated without losing its powdery matte finish. 

Valentino Beauty Very Valentino 24 Hour Wear Liquid Foundation

This semi-matte range of foundations comes in 40 shades with varying undertones, making it easier to find a close match. The formula is long-wearing and transfer-resistant, with SPF 26 and coverage you can easily build. 

Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra Wear Foundation Stick

Achieve full coverage fast with this oil-free cream-to-powder stick from Lancôme. The matte finish controls shine and covers blemishes for up to 24 hours. On the opposite end of the foundation stick is a kabuki brush that allows for easy blending and touch-ups on the go.

Saie Glowy Super Skin Lightweight Hydrobounce Serum Foundation

This lightweight serum foundation gives glowy, medium coverage that glides easily over breakouts and texture. It locks in hydration and won’t look or feel heavy, which makes it perfect for minimal makeup days.

Juvia’s Place I Am Magic Foundation

A little goes a long way with this richly pigmented, full-coverage foundation. It stops shine for a velvety matte finish that lasts all day without appearing cakey. 

Design: Juliana Campisi