STOP Using These Foundations If You Have Acne-Prone Skin
I’m just going to start this post by apologizing that you are here, why? Because I know how hard it is to be wanting to try a new foundation, specially a viral one, then finding out it has pore cloggers or buying an expensive foundation that breaks you out and you have no other choice but stop using it (het there! I’ve been struggling with acne for at least 10 years).
While I advocate so much for body positivity and we’re all beautiful even with our acne scars and acne, I can assure you that whoever will ask me, I will always answer “I would do anything to get rid of my acne” (I have learned so much about the beauty industry and what suits my skin better, my skin is doing so much better, but you know that constant fear you get when you get rid of your acne and you’re like “so, when’s the next one coming?” yeah…).
So, to make things easier for you, I have curated a list of the top 10 most viral/bestseller foundations that are unfortunately not acne safe (I’m sorry if your favourite is on this list).
NOTE: Please note that, while these foundations have pore-cloggers, it is important to remember that each person’s skin is different and reacts differently. So, if you see your favourite foundation on here and you have been using it for a long time and it’s working wonders for you, by all means keep on using it!
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High-End Foundations that have pore-cloggers:
ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40
Pore-cloggers:
- Isopropyl Isostearate
- Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate
- Shea Butter
These ingredients may potentially clog pores, especially for individuals with acne-prone or sensitive skin. It's recommended to perform a patch test before using the product widely.
Fenty Beauty Pro Filt'r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation
Pore-clogger: Talc
This made me sad too as I was planning on trying this foundation (being a Fenty Beauty fan) but, Talc is a known pore-clogger that can potentially cause issues for individuals with acne-prone skin. It's advisable to use products containing talc cautiously if you have acne-prone skin.
Fenty Beauty Rihanna Eaze Drop Blurring Skin Tint
Pore-cloggers: Talc, Isostearyl Neopentanoate, Algin
These ingredients are considered potential pore-cloggers and may cause issues for individuals with acne-prone skin. So, again, it's advisable to patch-test before using this product.
Makeup by Mario Surreal Foundation
Pore-clogger: Coconut Alkanes
Do you remember how this went viral on Tiktok and everyone was so happy with this foundation? Well, I was disappointed to find that it has a potential pore-clogger: Coconut Alkanes. If you have acne-prone skin, did this foundation break you out? Let me know!
Born This Way Foundation
Pore-cloggers: Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate, Ethylhexyl Palmitate
These ingredients are known pore-cloggers and may cause issues for individuals with acne-prone skin. It's recommended to be cautious when using products containing these ingredients.
⚠️ It i important to understand that these are not the ONLY foundations with pore cloggers, most of these have a pore clogger as a main ingredient; I also wanted to list products that have Talc in them which is a mineral commonly used in cosmetics, it is a potential clogger, can be irritating, and there are a few studies linking Talc to hormonal imbalance and ovarian cancer (so stay away from Talc). You can check out my “The Most Viral Foundations: Are They Acne Safe Or Not?” where I list foundations that may not be in this article but talk about where the pore clogger ingredient stands & if there are harmful ingredients too.
Drugstore Foundations that have pore-cloggers:
Covergirl + Olay Simply Ageless 3-in-1 Liquid Foundation
Pore-cloggers: Talc
I'm not bothered by this one honestly, although it has good reviews, I feel like it would leave your face greasy if you have oily skin, or am I wrong? Again, Talc is known as a pore-clogger and may cause irritation if you have sensitive skin. It's recommended to be cautious when using products containing talc.
L'Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Glow Foundation
Pore-cloggers: Talc, Bismuth
There are so many incredible options from L'oreal that have zero pore cloggers, no worries, I listed some at the end of this article! While bismuth is generally non-comedogenic, it is considered to irritate sensitive skin.
Catrice HD Liquid Coverage Foundation
Pore-cloggers: Talc
Another product with Talc in it that I would stay away from, scroll down in the article as I have listed products that are very similar to this one and are safe!
Milani Conceal + Perfect 2-in-1 Foundation + Concealer
Pore-clogger: Beeswax
Beeswax can be comedogenic, potentially clogging pores. Individuals with sensitive or acne-prone skin may want to avoid products containing beeswax. You can still give this one a try as a concealer, of course use it only in areas where you do not develop acne like your under eyes
L'Oreal Infallible 24H Fresh Wear Foundation Powder
Pore-cloggers: Talc, Zea Mays (Corn) Starch, Alaria Esculenta Extract
I really need to do my research on safe powders, I feel like almost all have Talc in them? The ingredients of this powder foundation can potentially clog pores, so use cautiously!
Top Foundations that are Acne Safe:
Now that we’re done exploring best sellers that might break you out (I hope I did not break your heart with any of these), here are some safe options for you!
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We’re coming to the end of this article! I hope you found this helpful and I was able to simplify things and save you from doing some research!
I would like to hear from you, leave me a comment about your favourite foundation, have you tried any of the foundations listed here? How did your skin react?
Let me know!
And as always, Thrive in Style ✨