Welcome to the acne-prone skin club! This post is all about the best makeup products to use with acne!
I’ve been there! (Actually, I’m still here.) I understand the struggle of buying and using makeup products you love that trigger new acne breakouts the day after. I’ve been in that situation when you impulsively want to buy a new product, but then you refrain because “I don’t know what’s in it!” If that is you, you came to the right place!
Starting my research on non-comedogenic makeup products has made all the difference for my skin and confidence. Since I started paying attention to the products I’m using, my acne has healed, and my skin looks 100% better. And here I am, sharing my discoveries with you!
In this blog post, you will discover the 7 makeup products to use with acne. We will cover the entire makeup routine from a liquid foundation to a mineral powder. We will list the ingredients to look for in makeup (because makeup that covers and fights acne simultaneously is our favorite!). Finally, you dive into which formulas and ingredients to avoid if you have acne-prone or sensitive skin. Ready to find out the best non-comedogenic products?
If you are in a hurry, I can save you all the chit-chat and let you discover the products.
What To Avoid if You have acne-prone skin?
If you suffer from acne-prone skin, you should avoid makeup and skincare products that could trigger irritations and skin reactions. In general, it’s better to stay away from:
Formulas with Mineral Oils
An oil-based formula will likely clog your pores. Check the ingredients list, and don’t always trust labels that say oil-free or shine-free. Highly comedogenic oils include wheat germ, Palm oil, Cocoa butter, Soybean, and coconut oil.
Formulas with Comedogenic Ingredients
Comedogenic ingredients or pore cloggers will likely clog your pores, exacerbating the formation of white comedones and blackheads. Which ingredients can clog pores is controversial, and their effect on the skin is often considered case-by-case. However, as a rule of thumb, you can use some online tests, such as the NYC ACNE CLINIC test ingredients that clog pores or the CLEARSTEM test. Sometimes, this type of test delivers different results. In that case, you can look up the comedogenic rating of a controversial ingredient online. Ensure you always check the product list before purchasing; sometimes, products labeled “non-comedogenic formulas” contain pore-cloggers.
Formulas with Alcohols and Synthetic fragrances
These ingredients play a significant role in skin irritation. If you have sensitive skin, avoid these formulas to avoid bad skin reactions. I use the INCI decoder to identify skincare goodies and best-to-avoid ingredients in makeup and skin care products to ensure my product does not include potential icky ingredients.
Formulas with Talc
Talc is a big no when it comes to sensitive and acne-prone skin. This mineral is safely used in skincare and makeup products but could irritate the skin and cause breakouts.
Which Skincare Ingredients Should I Look for in Makeup to Fight Acne?
When you suffer from acne, choosing makeup products containing acne-fighting ingredients (or other skin-loving ingredients) to treat it can help you heal faster. So, what are these ingredients?
Salycilic Acid
Salicylic acid is perfect for absorbing excess sebum. Its anti-inflammatory and exfoliating properties help oily and acne-prone skin types. Moreover, it can help unclog pores, pulling out bacteria and oils. When it comes to skincare, if you are a newbie in salicylic acid, do not overdo it at first. Use it every other day and see how your skin reacts.
Niacinamide
Niacinamide is a versatile ingredient that can help with acne and other skin concerns. It’s excellent for sensitive and acne-prone skin, as it helps strengthen the skin barrier and heal hyperpigmentation or scarring. When used consistently, it can reduce the appearance of pores and keep them clean.
Kaolin Clay
Kaolin clay is a gentle type particularly suitable for sensitive and oily skin. It helps absorb excess oil and sebum and reduces skin impurities, irritations, and redness.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C can be beneficial if you are in the healing phase. It can help reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation, dark spots, and acne scars. However, do not opt for a high concentration if you have sensitive skin, as it can irritate your skin.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E has moisturizing properties that help your skin retain its natural oil instead of drying out. It is fat-soluble and easily penetrates the skin, leading to faster healing of acne and its scars.
Benzoyl Peroxide
This is on the list because it’s a key ingredient to treat acne. However, it can have many downsides, and you don’t usually find it in makeup products. Benzoyl Peroxide is considered one of the most efficient ways to fight inflammatory types of acne and one of the most used ingredients for acne treatment. It has anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties, making it particularly effective against spots. The side effects of BP are dry skin and redness, and used for long periods can promote skin aging. It is better to use it against acne as a last resource.
Hyaluronic Acid, Glycerine & Squalane for Dry Skin
Makeup products usually feature three ingredients to promote plump, healthy, and moisturized skin. Products with high concentrations of the latter can be ideal if you have dry and itchy skin that feels dry after a few hours of applying the moisturizer.
Some Good Habits to Adopt As an Acne-Prone Girly
Of course, acne is usually the result of multiple factors. However, we can adopt some best practices to help prevent its worsening.
- Double Cleansing at night (oil-based cleanser and water-based cleanser to remove all makeup, impurities, and bacteria that lie on our face when we come back home from a busy day outside)
- Change our towels often (to be completely honest, I use disposable tissue to pat dry the face after cleaning)
- Wash Makeup Brushes and Beauty Blenders at least once a week (these tools can retain bacteria and impurities that we put on our face every time we put on makeup)
- Teeth Brush Before Skincare (toothpaste is irritating and can exacerbate breakouts on the chin; moreover, brushing your teeth right after skincare will wash out all the products you just applied)
- Less is More When It Comes to Skincare (An oil-based and a water-based cleanser, Vitamin C Serum in the morning, a form of retinoid, and an exfoliant every other day are all you need. Five types of exfoliants daily will irritate your skin and destroy your barrier)
- Pay attention to Spot Treatment (many of them are super drying and will destroy your skin barrier, causing even more breakouts)
- Let your skin stay away from your phone (your phone is hot and full of bacteria, and this combination applied to your skin will contribute massively to transferring all these bacteria to your cheeks).
7 Best Makeup Products To Use With Acne Prone Skin
1. 13 Drugstore Foundations For Acne-Prone Skin You Need To Try This Year
These 4 non-comedogenic foundations not only do not contain pore-cloggers, but they also are alcohol and fragrance-free. Moreover, they also contain skin-loving ingredients such as Glycerin, Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin E, and Niacinamide (sometimes in lower quantities).
The Skin-perfecting foundation underwent road testing under seven different photo lighting conditions to deliver flawless camera-ready makeup every time. It is specially made with a matte, light-diffusing complex to give your skin #nofilter perfection.
Achieve instantly smooth filter-like blurred skin in 24 diverse shades formulated to enhance your color and tone. Medium coverage with a matte blurred finish that feels lightweight on the skin and provides 16 hours of comfortable wear and 12 hours of hydration.
A medium-coverage liquid foundation that offers a skin-like finish and precise color match. The vegan formula is alcohol-free, oil-free, fragrance-free and non-comedogenic.
Neutrogena® Hydro Boost Hydrating Tint applies flawlessly while instantly quenching skin with hyaluronic acid. It leaves skin so hydrated that it looks smooth and fresh all day. Plus, it moisturizes and plumps the skin for 24 hours to provide coverage your skin will love.
2. BB Creams for Acne-Prone Skin That Are Actually Worthy!
I’ve never been a foundation girly, and these two products are my two must-haves for moisturized, plumped, and flawless skin. The BB cream from Erborian is for those days when you want good coverage with hydrated skin. Paired with a Concealer, it works wonders. The Colorscience Tinted Moisturizer has low to medium coverage for my everyday look. Check out the blog post for more lower-budget options!
Give your complexion a boost of luminosity. This hydrating, antioxidant-rich mineral protector features a pearlescent illuminating glow to deliver a healthy, lit-from-within look. (The best Sunscreen I've ever tried!)
This BB cream from Erborian is THE ONE for me! It leaves my skin soft and creates a uniform skin tone. It covers minor and more significant imperfections, such as pimples or acne scars, while granting a natural finish and medium buildable coverage.
3. Best CC Cream For Acne-Prone Skin Is Here!
If you are looking for the benefits of a skincare product and the tint of a tinted moisturizer, CC creams are the perfect match! If you are looking for a CC cream that can help you treat acne while covering it, the Neutrogena Matte CC cream is formulated with Niacinamide, which actively supports your skin barrier.
Developed with dermatologists specifically for acne-prone skin, this formula provides full coverage without worrying about worsening your acne. Each shade is formulated with niacinamide and has no oil or fragrance. Plus, it color-corrects to mask skin imperfections and even skin tone.
One simple step for glowing skin. Lightweight formula moisturizes, perfects, and protects with SPF.
The First 90% skincare CC cream delivers an instant healthy glow! Available in 22 shades, it brightens your skin in 4 weeks.
4. 19 Non-comedogenic Concealers To Obtain The Perfect Coverage
Discover the two Top non-comedogenic concealers for acne-prone skin. The two products are infused with skin-loving ingredients such as glycerin, lactic acid, caffeine, and more. Read the blog post to learn more about the top picks and discover other top concealers to cover acne.
Instant Eraser is the do-it-all concealer that moisturizes, too! This concealer hydrates, conceals, contours, and corrects. Offering 12 hours of moisturizing wear for crease-resistant coverage and a sponge tip applicator. Instant Eraser is vegan, noncomedogenic, and formulated without mineral oil, parabens, or talc.
A multi-use, medium-to-full coverage concealer that covers, sculpts, and hydrates for a lightweight, crease-proof, natural finish.
5. Talc? No Thanks! The Best Face Powders for Acne-Prone Skin
Talc is a super common and cheap ingredient that is present in most pressed or loose powders. However, it can easily cause irritations and clog pores. In this blog post, you will discover the top powders that do not contain talc, fragrances, and other potential pore-cloggers. The top picks below are simple and clean formulas. Worth checking them out!
This product is perfect for finishing and extending your makeup while reducing excess oil on your skin. This powder seamlessly blends and disappears on your skin, granting a natural, matte finish.
The perfect lightweight finishing powder that helps set makeup, reducing the appearance of fine lines. Providing a smooth and radiant finish.
Translucent to tinted setting powder made with mattifying bamboo silica to absorb excess oil, reduce shine, and refract light for a soft, poreless, flawless finish.
6. o Breakouts lease! he Best Bron r For Acne Prone Skin
If you love a sunkissed and glowy look but easily break out on your cheeks, check this out! The top picks below are infused with skincare ingredients such as kaolin clay and Vitamin E for the perfect healthy and beachy glow on your cheeks!
DreamStick™️ - a clean, lightweight, cream-bronzing multi-stick formulated with skin-loving ingredients, designed for an all-over, sun-kissed, bronzed glow. Available in four shades.
A breakthrough bronzing stick that creates an instant sun-kissed glow and blends seamlessly for a second-skin finish—just swipe on, blend, and go!
7. FOUND! The Best Blush for Acne Prone Skin Is Served
As promised, below is the best blush for acne-prone skin, considering the price, the ingredients, and the rate from reviewers (and the fact that I had my eyes on it for a long time). Check out the blog post to discover all the different types of blushes without pore-cloggers, oils, fragrances, and alcohol.
A weightless, long-lasting liquid blush that blends and builds beautifully for a soft, healthy flush. It is available in matte and dewy finishes.
This blog post was about the 7 best products to use with acne: foundation, BB cream or CC cream (don’t use them all together, lol), concealer, face powder, bronzer, and blush. ll these products ave been formulated without any pore-cloggers, fragrances, or harsh alcohols that could potentially exacerbate your skin condition.