Best foundation for acne-prone skin: our top tried-and-tested formulas

Looking for the best foundation for acne prone skin? We get it - no matter how old you are, having breakouts never gets any easier – and choosing a foundation is a whole other ball game. 

There’s no doubt that you automatically just want to reach for the nearest foundation when a new breakout occurs, but the rational side of your brain probably also knows that it’s best not to smother the spots. Instead, it’s about reaching a happy medium and finding a product that’ll help even out your skin and conceal the pesky blemishes, while also being kind to your skin, not overloading it with things that’ll cause further aggravation. 

But with so many different foundations out there, how do you know what’s going to be best for you and your individual skin concerns? We’ve rounded up the best foundations for acne skin types in order to help narrow down the choice...

How to choose the best foundation for acne prone skin

There’s definitely no shortage of foundations available nowadays, from affordable high street formulas through to super expensive options. When it comes to acne prone skin, though, there are a few factors that you need to consider.

The first is that the formula needs to be non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog pores. Many foundations tend to be comedogenic – i.e., they’re more likely to block pores – which isn't good for acne-prone skin as it just means the situation will end up worsening, which you definitely don’t want to do.

The next thing to look for is a foundation that has additional benefits: products formulated with salicylic acid are an excellent choice. Salicylic acid is a real lifesaver for acne-prone skin types thanks to its ability to flush out pores, dissolving the dead skin that blocks pores while also reducing the production of sebum. 

Finally, it’s worth investing in a formula that’ll look as natural as possible; a lot of foundations targeted towards acne-prone skin have a heavy, matte finish that can often look cakey and one-dimensional. Instead, look for products that have buildable coverage but still reduce the likelihood of that 3pm oil-slick that we all know too well.

The best foundations for acne prone skin you can buy right now

Best foundation for acne prone skin overall

A cult foundation from a cult brand: Clinique’s Anti-Blemish Solutions truly excelled itself in our tests. The lightweight, silky texture was easy to apply – we found it best applied with a damp make-up sponge – and although it dries down quickly, it’s something that we got used to the more we used it. Formulated with salicylic acid to help treat blemishes and breakouts, it’s also oil-free and works to help neutralize any redness skin might have. Another thing we also loved was the natural-looking finish; no matter how many layers were applied it didn’t look chalky. In other words, skin stayed looking like skin, which in our books is vital. 

Best for premium foundation for acne prone skin

This foundation is on the more expensive end of the scale, but when you take into account its claims and credibility, it’s definitely worth it – it's formulated for acne prone skin and contains 2% salicylic acid, which is a much higher level than most other foundations that contain it. It’s also enriched with soothing aloe vera and vitamin E, which help target inflammation and calm redness and has the added benefit of SPF30. It's super lightweight, lasts all day and has significant oil controlling powers. However, we did have to take into account the extremely limited, incredibly pale selection of shades available. If you can find your shade, it’s a truly incredible discovery - and if you can afford it, it’s worth the investment. 

Best for people who suffer with acne and rosacea 

Acne and oily skin sufferers rejoiced when It Cosmetics launchd this oil-free, matte version of its cult CC cream, because it meant they could see what all the fuss was about, too. Despite the fact it does have heavy coverage and a matte finish, we love that it still looks relatively natural on skin and doesn’t feel cakey or suffocating. It also lives up to its claims of helping to reduce oiliness and shine throughout the day, plus it’s hydrating which is fairly unheard of for a foundation like this. The added SPF40 is always a bonus addition that we can get fully on board with. 

Best for oily skin types

When it comes to affordability and shade range, Maybelline’s Fit Me Matte & Poreless Foundation ticks all our boxes. 40 shades is impressive for any foundation, let alone one that’s suitable for oily skin types. While there's a real lack of shade diversity when it comes to foundations for acne prone skin, Maybelline is leading by example – and despite the fact this did need topping up throughout the day, in terms of price, it’s definitely a good choice.

Best for anybody who prefers using mineral cosmetics

For mineral or powder foundation fans, this is the way to go. Formulated with 0.5% salicylic acid, zinc and sulphur, it will help treat blemishes and mattifiy skin. It has a natural matte coverage that’s easy to build up if you need to, however one layer might not be quite enough depending on your personal preferences. It also won’t dry out skin, so if you’re taking acne medication that can cause severe dryness, this will help maintain the moisture levels in your skin as well as being kind and gentle to it. Plus, the mineral formula means skin will be able to breathe and won’t feel clogged up.