Team Cosmo's Acne-Prone Editors Swear By These 8 Foundations for Hiding All Types of Breakouts
Not one of these has pore-clogging ingredients, btw.
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A top-tier foundation for acne-prone skin needs to check a couple of major boxes: effectively cover breakouts, and it needs to do so without triggering new ones or clogging pores. And the key to avoiding exacerbating acne is choosing face makeup with non-comedogenic formulas and skin-friendly ingredients. If you don’t know where to start, not a problem. As beauty editors with acne-prone skin, Team Cosmo has tested countless foundations over the years, and we're happy to report that there are some truly excellent options out there, no matter your skin type.
We've wear-tested dozens of foundations to narrow it down to these eight formulas, and we also ran them through ingredient checkers to make sure they're free of any pore-clogging ingredients. We also included some winners from our esteemed Acne Awards, and consulted board-certified dermatologist Allyson Brockman-Bitterman, MD, for her expert insight.
Our top picks for best foundation for acne-prone skin:
Keep scrolling for the full list of the 8 best foundations for acne-prone skin, no matter your skin type.
Pros
- Leaves the skin with a dewy finish
- Luxe, updated packaging
Cons
- On the pricey side, but it lasts a while
Why we love it: Does this next formula even need an introduction? The celebrity-loved formula is a totally buildable medium-to-full coverage formula that covers acne and discoloration beautifully. With just a few pumps (I use two or three), hyperpigmentation, acne scars, and blackheads are immediately camouflaged. The result is super-smooth skin that is best described as an IRL filter.
One Cosmo editor says: "Armani’s Luminous Silk is loved by the beauty community and constantly tops best-of lists. The original was my go-to for full coverage that’s lightweight and natural, whether for big events or breakout days. And the new version impressed me with upgraded packaging and a formula that’s more blurring, blendable, and luminous than the original. Overall, it wears like the original but goes on smoother and is more forgiving with skin texture."—LAUREN BALSAMO, BEAUTY DIRECTOR
Pros
- Tons of skin-loving ingredients
Cons
- Not the best option for those who want full coverage
Why we love it: If you ever wanted glazed, smooth skin like Hailey Bieber's, then it's about time you try her makeup artist Mary Phillips' foundation (and yes Hailey uses it herself). It’s non-comedogenic, and formulated with a mix of niacinamide and hyaluronic acid, to mimic the texture of skincare, instead of feeling like a traditional heavy foundation.
One Cosmo editor says: "This foundation is so lightweight—it feels more like a skin tint than a foundation—but somehow covers my redness and breakouts flawlessly. It’s super easy to blend out too, and if you need to build it up for more coverage, it layers easily without getting cakey or chalky.”—LB
Features at a Glance
| Shades | 35 |
| Key ingredients | Niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, panthenol, vitamin E |
Pros
- Comes in both a matte and dewy finish
- Contains SPF
Cons
- On the pricey side
Why we love it: Acne and oily skin tend to go hand in hand, so a matte foundation that's also non-comedogenic is ideal for this skin type. And luckily, Dior's newest foundation checks both of those boxes with its blurring finish. It's full coverage yet still lightweight, and provides a nice smoothing effect over red and bumpy blemishes, as well as any shiny spots on the face.
One Cosmo editor says: "Matte foundation has a tendency to crack and pill all over my face, but this is in a league of its own. The formula has just enough coverage to completely get conceal all of my acne—and right now, I've got a lot of it—but it doesn't feel like I'm wearing a mask all over my face. And hours later, it still looks smooth and blurring, not dry."—BETH GILLETTE, BEAUTY EDITOR
Features at a Glance
| Shades | 42 |
| Key ingredients | Vitamin E, peptides, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide |
Pros
- Safe for sensitive skin types
- On the more affordable side
Cons
- We wish the shade range was more expansive
Why we love it: This tinted foundation is the epitome of a multitasker. It’s got foundation-level coverage but with a serum-like feel, and it’s loaded with a heavy dose of hyaluronic acid for top-tier hydration. Plus, it’s less than $20, and you can find it at any drugstore. Need I say more?
One Cosmo editor says: "When someone asks me what the best drugstore foundation for acne is, I always point them to this tinted serum from L'Oreal. It conceals any level of redness with ease, and doesn't exacerbate my skin while doing so. I had to attend a wedding with a face full of hives, and this was the foundation I trusted to cover it all up.” —JASMINE HYMAN, ASSISTANT BEAUTY EDITOR
Pros
- Shades are flexible
- One or two pumps is enough to cover the entire face
Cons
- Only available at limited retailers
Why we love it: If you're a makeup minimalist who wants your complexion products to be packed with skincare ingredients that not only cover your skin but also nourish it, let me introduce you to this serum-foundation hybrid. It features micro encapsulated pigments that create dewy coverage once blended out, and it’s loaded with glycerin and hyaluronic acid to hydrate the skin as you wear it, plus peptides that help support skin firmness and smoothness. It’s also free of any pore-clogging ingredients, obviously.
One Cosmo editor says: "I think this is the most underrated foundation to ever exist—if I get a compliment on my skin, there's a 99% chance it's because i'm wearing this foundation. It creates the smoothest and glowiest finish on my skin (which is constantly flaking and dotted with red acne marks). When I want my face to look like a literal filter, one or two pumps of this is all I need."—JH
Features at a Glance
| Shades | 14 |
| Key ingredients | Squalane, peptides, hyaluronic acid |
Pros
- Cosmo Acne Award Winner
- Buildable coverage
Cons
- Might not be the best option for those with super dry skin
Why we love it: When there's days where your skin is smooth and cooperating, and others where your breakouts are at their peak, a foundation with buildable coverage will be your best friend. And this non-comedogenic option from Benefit goes on lightweight and serum-like, but you can layer on as much as you want without it getting cakey or heavy.
One Cosmo editor says: "This is the best foundation I’ve put on my acne in a long time. A few dots of product blended with a sponge leaves my face practically flawless. It smoothes out uneven texture, makes my pores look invisible, and covers up acne and dark spots—all without feeling too heavy or greasy.” —BG
Pros
- Doesn’t settle into fine lines and wrinkles
- Contains SPF 50 to protect from UV damage
- Provides impressive coverage for a CC cream
Cons
- Oily skin types may want to try out the matte version instead
Why we love it: This does-it-all formula is jam-packed with hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, antioxidants, and last but not least, SPF 50. All in all, this full-coverage CC cream is safe acne-prone skin, but it’s also great for hydration, anti-aging benefits, and sun protection.
One Cosmo editor says: “I've been relying on this workhorse formula since college, and it's never let me down. It has such an expansive shade range, unlike most bb creams, and layers really nicely onto my dry skin for just the right amount of coverage without being as heavy as a foundation." —JH
| Shades | 30 |
| Key ingredients | Collodial oatmeal, green tea extract, niacinamide, peptides, hyaluronic acid |
Why we love it: This stick acts as both an all-over foundation and a concealer for tiny touch ups and pesky pimples. The creamy formula works great on combination or oily skin without getting patchy or settling into fine lines, and the ingredient list also boasts plant extracts to nourish the skin barrier.
One Cosmo editor says: "I keep one of these in my gym bag at all times to dab on after a workout class when my cheeks are red or to conceal a pimple here and there. It's lightweight and comfortable to wear, but also packs quite a bit of coverage in this tiny lil tube. And if I'm heading to brunch or the office afterward, I can also draw it all over my face and blend with a brush for a full-on foundation look."—BG
How to choose the best foundation for your acne-prone skin:
Evaluate the ingredients
Dermatologist Allyson Brockman-Bitterman, MD, recommends to start by choosing products that are labeled “non-comedogenic.” Though the FDA doesn’t regulate this beauty claim, the proof is in the pudding—aka, you may have to try a few foundations out and read expert reviews (hi, it’s us). Other terms to look for? “Oil-free,” “doesn’t clog pores,” or anything of the sorts.
It’s also smart to look at the ingredient lists. Some makeup products contain amazing acne-fighting MVPs that get to work soothing, hydrating, and smoothing your skin while camouflaging your breakouts—like niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, etc. As for what to avoid? “Certain ingredients have been shown to be comedogenic and should be avoided,” says Dr. Brockman-Bitterman. Those in question are acetylated lanolin, petrolatum, coconut oil, and sodium laurel sulfate—all potential pore-clogging, acne-triggering ingredients (none of which are in any of the products on this list, btw).
Consider your skin type
“Picking the right foundation for your skin can also prevent future breakouts,” says Dr. Brockman-Bitterman, adding that using acne medications can oftentimes be drying, so it’s best to choose a liquid or cream foundation if you resonate with that. As for the other end of the spectrum, oily skin may do best with a mattifying, or cream option.
Complement your makeup routine with a good skincare routine
Concealing your acne absolutely works best if you develop a good skin hygiene routine. The best way to do so? “Washing off makeup before sleep and using clean applicators are two ways to make sure your skin routine isn’t leading to increased skin bacteria, which can also lead to breakouts,” says Dr. Brockman-Bitterman. Likewise, picking a cleanser that’s not too irritating and works with your skin type will also decrease your risk of breakouts, she says.
Meet the expert:
- Allyson Brockman-Bitterman, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in Milburn, NJ.
Why trust Cosmopolitan?
Jasmine Hyman is the assistant beauty editor at Cosmopolitan with more than three years of experience writing about all things skin and makeup. As someone who experience hormonal acne, she
Jasmine Hyman is the Assistant Beauty Editor at Cosmopolitan, where she writes about the latest beauty trends and must-have products. Her most prized beauty possessions are a meticulous skincare routine and salon blowouts. You’ll also likely find her in bed reading a good book or endlessly scrolling TikTok (spoiler: it’s usually the latter) while listening to Harry Styles’ entire discography on repeat. Follow her on Insta to be inundated with pictures of her meals.
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