8 Best Foundations for Acne-Prone Skin in 2023

Contrary to popular belief, acne does not affect just teenagers.  It is very much a concern for many in their 20s and 30s, especially hormonal related acne.  Breakouts bring the struggle of choosing between treatment and covering up.  We also found that many makeup brands and retailers associate normal, dry, combination, and oily as skin types, but do not have a recommendation for foundations for acne-prone skin.

If you are the type who does not want to wear much makeup while dealing with active acne, you might be interested in a bb cream, tinted moisturizer, or light coverage foundation.  And if you do not have acne-prone skin in general but rather get a few pimples or cysts from time to time, we highly recommend these zit patches!

Whether you are looking to conceal the appearance of acne or treat your acne while still wearing foundation, the following are our choices of the best foundations for acne-prone skin!

1. Peace Out Retinol Face Stick – $34.00

Our #1 Choice!

We cannot get enough of this acne “eraser”!  The ingredients are as clean as can be, making it perfect for sensitive and acne-prone skin because it won’t clog your pores.  What we love most about this product is that is designed for skin with an uneven texture, which we all know can be the aftermath of acne.  We also love the formula – you can build the coverage but it feels incredibly light weight on your skin.  The finish actually looks like skin! We recommend applying a dot of foundation with your finger and then blending it out with either a foundation brush or damp sponge.

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2. Dermablend Cover Creme Full Coverage Cream Foundation – $39.00

Our Choice For:  Covering Up

Wearing makeup with acne can be frustrating or stressful but this stuff is like magic!  Our staff was amazed when testing it out.  We loved how the creamy consistency was breathable and light weight but still covered every blemish imaginable.  This foundation is also great for sensitive skin since it’s fragrance-free and non-comedogenic.  The finish is natural and will stay in place all day.

Other benefits include SPF 30, the fact that a little product goes a long way (we can tell this jar will last awhile), and it works for all skin types.  Besides acne, this stuff will also cover scars, blemishes, redness, dark circles, eczema, hyper-pigmentation, and uneven skin tones.  We can’t say enough positive things about this foundation for covering acne!

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Dermablend Amazon Ulta

3. Neutrogena SkinClearing Oil-Free Acne and Blemish Fighting Liquid Foundation – $10.59

Our Choice For:  Drugstore Brand

If you’re the type of person who does not like the idea of putting makeup on active acne, this foundation will help ease your mind.  It contains salicylic acid acne medicine, which will both treat acne and assist in preventing future breakouts.  We would consider the coverage to be medium but it feels very light on the skin.  This foundation also works well for all skin types; it isn’t drying or oily.  There are countless online reviews from people saying they have used this foundation for 5+ years.  For the price, this should one should be a top choice for acne-prone skin!

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Walmart Amazon

4. It Cosmetics Celebration Foundation – $41.00

This foundation is not formulated to treat acne but it does an amazing job covering acne scars that result from breakouts.  It comes with a sponge, but a brush will get the job done as well.  However, we found a powder puff to be the most effective for applying this foundation because while it’s technically a pressed powder, it has almost a creamy texture to it.  An added advantage to this consistency is that almost no “dust” from the product is left behind on the counter.  What we love most about this foundation is the long-lasting velvety finish that doesn’t separate, crack, or cake!

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Amazon Ulta It Cosmetics

5. Clinique Acne Solutions Liquid Makeup – $29.50

Our Choice For:  Sensitive Skin

This medium coverage foundation has a matte finish and contains salicylic acid for treating acne.  It is oil free, fragrance free, and formulated without parabens.  It is meant for oily skin types, so if it’s too drying for you, we recommend using this foundation as a spot treatment on active acne areas.

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Sephora Ulta Clinique

6. bareMinerals Blemish Rescue Skin-Clearing Loose Powder Foundation – $29.00

It is no secret that bareMinerals knows loose powder, and this skin-clearing loose powder foundation is another testament to that solid reputation.  This is truly one of the best foundations for acne.  It has a matte finish and provides full coverage.  The light-weight formula contains salicylic acid for treating current acne.  There is also a wide range of shades to choose from!

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bareMinerals Sephora

7. e.l.f. cosmetics Acne Fighting Foundation – $6.00

This foundation contains salicylic acid as well, but it also has witch-hazel, camphor, tea tree, and soothing aloe for treating blemishes and redness.  And we can’t say enough about the coverage!  You can also receive a refund within 30 days if the shade is incorrect for your skin tone.  For $6.00, this foundation is a steal!

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e.l.f. cosmetics Ulta

8. Ripar Cover Foundation Cream – $49.00

Our Choice For:  Acne Scars

This is an amazing foundation for covering acne and any other type of blemish! No more worrying about acne scars, hyperpigmentation, dark spots, freckles, birth marks, redness, or uneven skin tone.  This full coverage cover cream will take care of it all.  To apply, rub two fingers in a circular motion on the palette to “activate” the formula.  Then apply to face using your preferred method — fingers, brush, or the included round sponge.  This stuff will literally melt into to your skin, but in a good way that won’t clog your pores!

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