Non-Comedogenic Makeup Picks to Give Your Sensitive Skin a Break

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Our beauty editor, Nicole Saunders, loves playing around with makeup, but sometimes, a face full of glam causes acne, which is never the vibe any of us want. And if you have sensitive skin, certain ingredients can cause flare-ups and create an even worse situation. Well, you can leave those issues in the past with non-comedogenic makeup.

Saunders consulted skincare experts for their guidance to help you discover the best non-comedogenic makeup available. We also researched 18 picks aligned with their advice, including products in her beauty bag.

Best Non-Comedogenic Makeup

• Best Overall: Charlotte Tilbury Beautiful Skin Foundation

• Best Shade Variety: HAUS LABS BY LADY GAGA Triclone Skin Tech Medium Coverage Foundation

• Best Serum Foundation: Saie Glowy Super Skin

• Best Powder Foundation: Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Powder

• Best Setting Powder: COTY AIRSPUN Face Powder

What Is Non-Comedogenic Makeup?

Non-comedogenic makeup products do not contain pore-clogging ingredients and are safe to use without fear of possible breakouts or congested pores, says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Diana Madfes, M.D. They allow your skin to breathe and don’t cause excess oil, adds cosmetic chemistry and esthetician Elina Fedotova of Elina Organics Spas. “It does not create a greenhouse effect by clogging the pores with synthetic, petroleum-based ingredients and heavy oils. In other words, it is light, breathable, and usually a water-based formulation," she says.

What to Consider

Anyone can use non-comedogenic makeup, but those with acne, combination, or oily skin will likely experience its main benefits — meaning fewer breakouts and congested pores. To help you shop smartly, we found a few of the most common ingredients that you’ll likely stumble upon while looking for non-comedogenic makeup.

👍 Best Non-Comedogenic Ingredients

• Zinc oxide: According to Fedotova, most non-comedogenic makeup contains zinc oxide as the main pigment. "Zinc oxide helps to kill pathogens and has a soothing and calming effect on the skin, as well as reduces breakouts and absorbs excess oil," she says.

• Titanium Dioxide: Madfes is a fan of titanium dioxide, a sunblocking ingredient that is safe to use on delicate skin, doesn’t leave behind a dreaded white cast, and helps block both UVA and UVB sun rays. (UVA rays cause signs of aging, while UVB rays are known for causing sunburns.)

• Salicylic acid: It removes excess oil, unclogs pores, and exfoliates your skin, revealing a brighter, more even-toned complexion.

👎Worst Non-Comedogenic Ingredients

If you're looking to go down the non-comedogenic route with your makeup, Fedotova suggests steering clear of heavy moisturizing ingredients.

• Heavy oils like mineral and avocado oils are great for hydrating dry skin (especially in the winter), but acne-prone, combination, and oily skin types will likely experience acne from using products containing these ingredients.

• Ingredients that end in "cone", such as dimethicone, an occlusive silicone-based ingredient found in everything from primers and creams to hair products.

• Petroleum jelly is a mix of mineral oils and waxes that help seal moisture into your skin, which will contest your pores.

How We Selected

Now that you've had the crash course on these gentle cosmetics, check out 18 of our favorite non-comedogenic makeup picks aligned with their skincare advice. Saunders considered everything from the ingredient label and formulation to shade variety and online ratings to ensure every single one of these items is worth the hype. Additionally, some of these makeup products are favorites of Saunders and other Best Products staffers, so you can rest assured they're actually on point. What could be better?

Beautiful Skin Foundation

Saunders is kicking off this list strong with one of her favorite foundations: Beautiful Skin by celebrity makeup artist Charlotte Tilbury. The liquid foundation is ideal for dry, combination, and normal skin types looking for a radiant glow to last up to 16 hours.

The buildable medium coverage foundation helps brighten dull skin, blur the look of pores, and smooth imperfections. It is also chockfull of impressive ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, a moisturizing and plumping agent. The presence of a rose complex brightens a tired complexion, while bix-activ minimizes unnecessary shine.

"Although I have oily skin, I like wearing this non-comedogenic foundation in the late fall and winter months to ensure I restore some hydration to my parched skin," notes Saunders. "It applies wonderfully with all types of tools, including my favorite makeup brushes, beautyblender, and fingers."

More: Beauty Editor-Approved Skincare Gifts

Triclone Skin Tech Medium Coverage Foundation

If you or your bestie know the struggle of finding a foundation that actually matches your complexion, then I have the foundation for you. Lady Gaga advocates for equality for all, so it's unsurprising that her makeup line offers a foundation in an impressive 51 shades. From melanin-rich complexions to ultra-fair, everyone is sure to find their ideal match.

The medium-coverage liquid foundation uses clean ingredients like fermented arnica to minimize redness and protect from environmental stress. There are also two proprietary complexes of medicinal herbs and antioxidants for calmer skin that are protected against environmental pollution.

Glowy Super Skin

Embrace lightweight, non-comedogenic makeup with help from Saie, a Clean at Sephora-approved brand. Boasting a unique serum-like formulation, Glowy Super Skin blends with just your fingers. It also provides a medium-buildable coverage with a luminous finish.

Its hero ingredient is a hydrobounce complex that moisturizes, brightens, and plumps tired skin. There's also sugar-derived squalane for lasting hydration and polyglutamic acid for an additional plumping effect.

Fit Me Matte + Poreless Powder

We love this powder foundation from Maybelline for a variety of reasons. First off, its mild formula provides an even finish to your skin without the weight and thick feel of a liquid foundation... all without causing breakouts. Second, the price tag is under $1o — how could you beat that?

Face Powder

If you don't want your makeup to crease or smudge off, using a setting powder is non-negotiable.

Thankfully, this under-$20 pick will get you and your makeup under control. Its non-comedogenic formula can work as a final finish to setting your makeup, or you can even use it on its own as a lightweight foundation. The results: a smoother, softer finish to your skin, sans the dreaded flash-back.

Born This Way Foundation

This foundation will give you all of the coverage you need without clogging your pores. Its oil-free, buildable formula allows you to use as little or as much foundation as you need without making your skin feel irritated or suffocated.

Plus, this foundation comes in 34 shades to choose from, so you'll be able to find your match in no time.

Clean Fresh Skin Milk Foundation

Opt for this affordable, non-comedogenic foundation from CoverGirl on days when you want light coverage. The 100% vegan formula is made with nourishing, good-for-you skincare ingredients like hydrating coconut milk and soothing aloe vera extract. It also has a creamy texture and doesn't cake when you build up the coverage.

Acne Control Foundation

Saunders loves a budget foundation just as much as the next person, but sometimes, you gotta invest in luxury makeup. Oxygenetix's unique foundation is infused with aloe vera, which helps calm inflammation and redness, while salicylic acid decongests your pores. It's also formulated with ceravitae complex, which helps your skin absorb more oxygen, as well as promotes skin cell production and healing.

This foundation is well-loved by makeup artists and celebrities like Kourtney Kardashian, who mixes the shades Honey and Almond to get her perfect color match. "I swear that this is one of the things that helped really get my skin together,” Kardashian said in her Vogue Beauty Secrets video.

Acne Control Oxygenating Foundation

We love a budget foundation just as much as the next person, but sometimes, you gotta invest in luxury makeup. Oxygenetix's unique foundation is infused with aloe vera, which helps calm inflammation and redness, while salicylic acid decongests your pores. It's also formulated with ceravitae complex, which helps your skin absorb more oxygen, as well as promotes skin cell production and healing.

This foundation is well-loved by makeup artists and celebrities like Kourtney Kardashian, who mixes the shades Honey and Almond to get her perfect color match. "I swear that this is one of the things that helped really get my skin together,” Kardashian said in her Vogue Beauty Secrets video.

Original Foundation SPF 15

When it comes to clean, irritant-free beauty, bareMinerals is the O.G.

This foundation has been a bestseller for years, with its gentle, easy-to-use formula that's created with just five vegan mineral ingredients. You won't find any unnecessary additives, binders, fillers, or talc in this foundation — just clean complexion coverage that stands the test of time.

Original Foundation SPF 15

When it comes to clean, irritant-free beauty, bareMinerals is the O.G.

This foundation has been a bestseller for years, with its gentle, easy-to-use formula that's created with just five vegan mineral ingredients. You won't find any unnecessary additives, binders, fillers, or talc in this foundation — just clean complexion coverage that stands the test of time.

Luminous Silk Foundation

Yes, $64 is a lot of money to invest in a foundation, but Armani Beauty's most iconic makeup product is seriously worth your money. It's incredibly lightweight, blends like a dream, and offers light-to-medium buildable coverage. When you wear Luminous Silk Foundation, your dull complexion will become extremely glowy and healthy-looking. It also doesn't cake, settle in fine lines, or oxidize.

“My biggest skincare vice is falling asleep with makeup on my face,” admits Saunders. “When I do this, most foundations will cause my pores to become visibly congested, and I’ll no doubt experience acne. Luminous Silk Foundation, on the other hand, has never once caused my oily skin to break out.”

Luminous Silk Foundation

Yes, $64 is a lot of money to invest in a foundation, but Armani Beauty's most iconic makeup product is seriously worth your money. It's incredibly lightweight, blends like a dream, and offers light-to-medium buildable coverage. When you wear Luminous Silk Foundation, your dull complexion will become extremely glowy and healthy-looking. It also doesn't cake, settle in fine lines, or oxidize.

“My biggest skincare vice is falling asleep with makeup on my face,” admits Saunders. “When I do this, most foundations will cause my pores to become visibly congested, and I’ll no doubt experience acne. Luminous Silk Foundation, on the other hand, has never once caused my oily skin to break out.”

Teint Idole Ultra Liquid Foundation

If you can't find your perfect oily skin-friendly foundation anywhere, this Lancôme option is definitely worth a try. Its long-lasting formula comes in an impressive 50 shades, and it will leave you with a flawlessly matte finish, no matter how greasy your skin looks. Plus, it contains SPF 15 for a sun-protection boost that's ideal for morning wear.

Teint Idole Ultra Liquid Foundation

If you can't find your perfect oily skin-friendly foundation anywhere, this Lancôme option is definitely worth a try. Its long-lasting formula comes in an impressive 50 shades, and it will leave you with a flawlessly matte finish, no matter how greasy your skin looks. Plus, it contains SPF 15 for a sun-protection boost that's ideal for morning wear.

Quick-Fix Body Foundation

Let's be real here — body acne happens, and it's a real pain to deal with. So, while you're waiting for your bacne flare-up to calm down, feel free to cover up any unsightly zits and hyperpigmentation with this body foundation stick.

Its full-coverage formula can even out unsightly varicose or spider veins, stretch marks, scars, bruises, and burns without clogging pores or causing irritation. This thick formula can even conceal tattoos!

Quick-Fix Body Foundation

Let's be real here — body acne happens, and it's a real pain to deal with. So, while you're waiting for your bacne flare-up to calm down, feel free to cover up any unsightly zits and hyperpigmentation with this body foundation stick.

Its full-coverage formula can even out unsightly varicose or spider veins, stretch marks, scars, bruises, and burns without clogging pores or causing irritation. This thick formula can even conceal tattoos!

SkinClearing Oil-Free Liquid Foundation

Who said you have to shell out tons of money for a good foundation? This one from Neutrogena is probably one of the best formulas we've ever come by, and it costs around $10!

This liquid foundation gives you a full-coverage finish but won't clog your pores, thanks to the addition of exfoliating salicylic acid. We swear your pores will feel and look invisible after using this drugstore favorite.

SkinClearing Oil-Free Liquid Foundation

Who said you have to shell out tons of money for a good foundation? This one from Neutrogena is probably one of the best formulas we've ever come by, and it costs around $10!

This liquid foundation gives you a full-coverage finish but won't clog your pores, thanks to the addition of exfoliating salicylic acid. We swear your pores will feel and look invisible after using this drugstore favorite.

Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20

Why use foundation and moisturizer when you can get both jobs done with one product? This oil-free, tinted moisturizer comes in 20 different shades to choose from and blends seamlessly into skin. The results? Lightweight, breathable coverage without any breakouts.

Babassu Foundcealer Foundation

Looking for a clean, green beauty routine? Then add this vegan, hypoallergenic foundation to your roster. Its customizable finish allows you to use as much or as little as you’d like, and it’s also rich in skincare saviors like hyaluronic acid and vitamin E.

No color-changing oxidization, fine lines, or “cake face” from this foundation — just clear complexions and a featherweight feel.

Babassu Foundcealer Foundation

Looking for a clean, green beauty routine? Then add this vegan, hypoallergenic foundation to your roster. Its customizable finish allows you to use as much or as little as you’d like, and it’s also rich in skincare saviors like hyaluronic acid and vitamin E.

No color-changing oxidization, fine lines, or “cake face” from this foundation — just clear complexions and a featherweight feel.

Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 Foundation

Looking to even out your skin tone? Then, this lightweight, tint-in-serum is perfect for you: It instantly absorbs into skin to give your complexion a smoother, even tone while a blend of hydrating hyaluronic acid, plant-based squalane, and niacinamide plump and moisturizes for a more youthful appearance. “These ingredients are safe for all skin types,” notes Madfes.

Plus, it contains broad-spectrum SPF 40 to guard your precious pores from harmful UVA/UVB rays.

Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 Foundation

Looking to even out your skin tone? Then, this lightweight, tint-in-serum is perfect for you: It instantly absorbs into skin to give your complexion a smoother, even tone while a blend of hydrating hyaluronic acid, plant-based squalane, and niacinamide plump and moisturizes for a more youthful appearance. “These ingredients are safe for all skin types,” notes Madfes.

Plus, it contains broad-spectrum SPF 40 to guard your precious pores from harmful UVA/UVB rays.

Murumuru Butter Bronzer

The name says it all: This buttery bronzer has been a fan favorite of both drugstore beauty obsessives and luxury mavens alike, thanks to its rich, velvety formula. Its pigment won't cause any harm to your delicate complexion — just expect chiseled cheekbones and faux post-vacay warmth on your skin.

Pores No More Pore Refiner Primer

Under every great foundation is an even greater primer, which is why we're obsessed with this one from Dr. Brandt Skincare. This pick acts as a two-in-one pore refiner and makeup primer to minimize the look of pores while mattifying the skin for a clear and even canvas for your foundation.

Not wearing any complexion makeup for the day? Feel free to swipe this salicylic acid-infused formula on by itself for an oil-free, matte finish to your complexion.

Pores No More Pore Refiner Primer

Under every great foundation is an even greater primer, which is why we're obsessed with this one from Dr. Brandt Skincare. This pick acts as a two-in-one pore refiner and makeup primer to minimize the look of pores while mattifying the skin for a clear and even canvas for your foundation.

Not wearing any complexion makeup for the day? Feel free to swipe this salicylic acid-infused formula on by itself for an oil-free, matte finish to your complexion.

Double Wear Stay-in-Place Flawless Wear Concealer

OK, you have your foundation, but what about your concealer? If you're trying to make the full switch into the world of non-comedogenic makeup, then this concealer is an essential.

Its buildable formula comes in 19 shades to choose from, and its oil-free formula works to mattify skin for a grease-free look. It’s also infused with natural minerals and emollients to condition skin, so it never creases or feels dry.

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