I can’t tell you how many acne-prone folks I talk to that have done all the right things to clear up their skin but still struggle with break outs. If this is you, listen up. Your foundation could be clogging your pores. Sure, cultivating the right skincare routine for you is important, but it’s easy to forget that your makeup routine might need vetting, too. Switching to a noncomedogenic formula (meaning it won’t clog your pores) can be a game changer. Some formulas even contain specific acne-fighting ingredients to help curb any new pimples as well.
Although using a foundation with one or two comedogenic-leaning ingredients won’t automatically clog your pores, it’s good to be aware of what’s in your formula so you can identify any potential acne-triggers and you can make adjustments accordingly. Everyone’s skin is different and I can’t even 100% guarantee that even some noncomedogenic formulas won’t break you out, but the below foundations are at least much less likely to. If you’re in the market for a good noncomedogenic foundation, keep scrolling. We have a few tips on what to look for along with our favorite formulas.
This is a bit self-explanatory, but when shopping for a foundation that won’t clog your pores, make sure it’s labeled “noncomedogenic,” meaning it contains no potential pore-clogging ingredients. You can check for this by heading to Acne Clinic NYC’s website, where you can copy and paste a beauty product’s ingredients list to check if it contains anything comedogenic. (It’s so easy and has been a complete game changer for me and my online shopping ventures, TBH). I will say that one or two potential pore-clogging ingredients in a product don’t always make a comedogenic formula, but it’s still a great tool to use for awareness. Everyone’s skin takes (or doesn’t take) to a product differently. If you do know that your skin is extra sensitive, it’s a good idea to check for comedogenic ingredient. The main culprits I’ve found in foundations are usually soybean oil, coconut oil, cocnut alkanes, and algae.
Instead, you’ll want to opt for lightweight, hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, aloe, squalane, and jojoba oil. If you’re also acne-prone, you may even want to try a foundation that contains things like salicylic acid to help fight breakouts. Take a look at all our favorite noncomedogenic foundations below.
Pros: Noncomedogenic, blends easily, contains fermented arnica to reduce redness and skin irritation. Cons: Can be a bit too drying for dehydrated or dry skin. I never run out of good things to say about this foundation. It’s labeled as a medium coverage foundation, but I’m always impressed by how well it camouflages active acne, scars, and uneven texture with just a few dabs. In addition to being noncomedogenic, it also contains fermented arnica to reduce redness and skin irritation. Customer Review: “This foundation covers my sun damage without feeling heavy or caked. It truly works beautifully!”
Pros: Lightweight, extremely hydrating, silicone-free, . Cons: Might be a bit too dewy for some. This is hands-down my favorite foundation at the moment. I love that the formula is noncomedogenic and silicone-free, but still contains added skincare ingredients to hydrate, plump, and brighten the skin. It’s also one of the only foundations that doesn’t break me out or leave my skin feeling dry a few hours after applying. Customer Review: “I have been using this for more than a month and it has become my favorite foundation. It gives medium coverage, and is really dewy and gives the skin a plump glass skin finish.”
Pros: Budget-friendly, matte finish, noncomedogenic, great for oily skin. Cons: May be too matte for dry skin. As far as drugstore options go, this noncomedogenic foundation from Maybelline takes the cake. It’s especially great for oily, acne-prone skin because it offers a matte finish and molds to your skin to camouflage texture and pores. Customer Review: “Lightwight, blends well, and affordable!! Definitely will purchase again!”
Pros: Noncomedogenic, contains hydrating skincare ingredients, helps gently exfoliate the skin to brighten it and unclog pores. Cons: May be too radiant for those who like a matte finish. Like Saie’s formula, this foundation from It Cosmetics is noncomedogenic and contains skincare ingredients like hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, hepes acid, and vitamin E and B5. The hepes acid in this formula is a standout ingredient due to the fact that it gently exfoliates the skin, making it appear brighter and helping to unclog pores. Customer Review: “LOVE LOVE LOVE this! Highly recommend if you’re looking for a new foundation. It lasts all day, looks extremely natural on the skin (no-makeup look right here), does not settle into pores or wrinkles, shade matches like a dream, and feels very comfortable on the face. In fact, it feels like you’re not wearing any makeup which is a huge plus for me. I don’t need to powder because it doesn’t get oily (and I use sunscreen under this), but looks radiant. I think the best way to use this is just with fingers and it blends in just like a lotion would. ONLY downside is that the dispenser is messy, but I manage by keeping the bottle flat while pumping. Also it is marketed as medium coverage, which you can get by using more product, but it’s definitely versatile and can be applied super sheer/light instead.”
Pros: Noncomedogenic, matte finish, offers full coverage, Advanced Airwear Technology delivers lightweight, longwear coverage, great for oily and acne-prone skin. Cons: Expensive, may be too matte for dry skin types. This noncomedogenic foundation from Lancôme is one of the best matte options on the market. Advanced Airwear technology keeps your skin feeling comfy and soft (not tight or itchy like some long-wear formulas). It’s also infused with lightweight, hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and moringa seed extract to keep skin from getting too dry throughout the day. Customer Review: “I’ve been using this foundation and it leaves a very natural skin-like finish with just [a] little product. It’s really matte and doesn’t get cakey.”
Pros: Budget-friendly, provides a soft matte finish, contains 1% salicylic acid to help fight breakouts, prebiotics promote smoother, healthier skin over time. Cons: Salicylic acid may be too harsh for some skin types. Designed specifically for acne-prone skin, this noncomedogenic foundation also has a bit of salicylic acid in it to help fight breakouts. Prebiotics also promote healthier skin overtime while aloe hydrates and calms redness. Customer Review: “I have been using this product for many years now. Even before it got its current packaging. I have very sensitive, acne-prone skin, and this foundation is really great. It’s just enough coverage to hide imperfections and even the skin tone without looking cakey or heavy. It’s also really nice because it dries down as to keep you from getting oily but it doesn’t cause your skin to become dry. I also really appreciate that it’s fragrance-free. I hope you always keep this foundation available because it is definitely my holy grail!”
Pros: Offers medium coverage, noncomedogenic, breathable and lightweight, contains calming botanical ingredients. Cons: Might be too runny for some. This foundation from Rare Beauty is serum-like in its texture and totally weightless. It also contains a botanical blend of calming lotus, gardenia, and water lily to help soothe and calm any redness on the skin. It’s one of my favorite formulas and blends out so beautifully. Customer Review: “Can never go wrong with this foundation! I’ve used multiple foundations but I finally found the right shade with this brand. My second time buying it and I won’t ever change it. Only downside is that it is very liquidy and can get everywhere easily”
Pros: Oil-free, noncomedogenic, offers a luminous finish, Micro-fil technology allows color pigments to lay flat for seamless blending. Cons: Expensive. The hefty price tag of this iconic foundation is really the only fault I (and any makeup or skin pro I consult) can find with it. It does just what the name suggests by creating an even, satiny, luminous finish that reflects light beautifully on the high points of your face but never veers greasy thanks to the oil-free composition. There are tons of shades to choose from, it lasts all day long with nary a crease nor crack, and it’s super buildable, so you can layer or sheer it out to your heart’s content. Customer Review: “I’m in love with this foundation! I have acne-prone skin and am super oily and this works so well for me! I use the E.l.f. Power Grip Primer underneath and it gives me light to medium coverage (buildable) and looks natural!”
Pros: Hybrid skincare-foundation formula, offers full coverage and a matte finish, helps keep skin hydrated throughout the day, noncomedogenic. Cons: May not be hydrating enough for dry skin. This weightless, longwear foundation is totally noncomedogenic but also helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles with Replexium technology. Customer Review: “Honestly, this is full coverage and makes my skin glow. I’m getting a darker shade for when I tan.”
Pros: Noncomedogenic, lightweight formula, contains salicylic acid to fight breakouts, aloe vera soothes and calms redness and skin inflammation. Cons: Expensive. Oxygenetix is known for its acne-friendly treatment foundations, so it’s hardly a surprise it makes some of the best noncomedogenic options money can buy. Aloe vera keeps skin cool, calm, and collected while other strategic additions like salicylic acid clear blocked pores and help prevent future breakouts. We also appreciate that the brand makes a few different iterations. While the above is geared toward acneic skin, the brand also makes a hydration-rich version that comes in two different undertone options—yellow or blue. Customer Review: “This foundation offers coverage while looking natural. It is so lightweight you don’t even feel that you are wearing makeup. Excellent for acne-prone skin. The only downside: It is pricey.”
