10 Best Foundations For Acne Prone Skin 2024, Approved By Editors and Industry Experts

Rachael Martin beauty editor says: 'This cult classic CC cream has been reformulated and is now suited to those of us with an oily, acne-prone complexion. Hooray! I'd describe this matte version as 'game-changing,' which, coming from a beauty journalist, is high praise. I like to apply a small amount using a large stippling brush for the most natural-looking full-coverage. And while the coverage does err on full side I can assure you that it never feels cake-y. There's a plethora of hero ingredients in there like charcoal and tea tree extract to detoxify as well as hyaluronic acid to aid moisture. The wear time is great and I saw an instant reduction in the appearance of redness, pores and shine. And it passed the ultimate test. It didn't break me out! Would recommend.'

Shade range: 30
Coverage: Full
Finish: Matte
Size: 30ml
Ingredients: Tea-tree extract, hyaluronic acid and antioxidants

Rachael Martin beauty editor says: 'You know what you're getting with No7 products - there's a reason the waiting lists reach such impressive lengths. As someone with acne prone skin I'm reluctant to consider a tinted moisturiser - the last thing I need is more slip and slide going on with my oily complexion. But if I AM going to test one? Well, you best bet that it will be No7's offering.The
City Light Tinted Moisturiser feels soothing and lightweight on the skin, melting in easily when applied with the warmth of my fingertips. The none-pore blocking formula delivers radiance, but with none of the dreaded excess oil. It's worth teaming with a concealer (think a denser pigment to cover current blemishes) and a setting powder (especially around the t-zone) for a stay-all-day finish. Gorgeous, radiant skin with minimal effort.'

Shade range: 6
Coverage: Light
Finish: Sheer
Size: 30ml
Ingredients: Mica,Retinyl palmitate

Made with 'self-refreshing' technology - yes, really - this foundation works hard for those with combination, acne prone skin types. It resists heat, oil, and humidity and adapts to skins condition texture and tone for the smoothest finish on even the hottest of days. Bonus points, as it contains SPF 30 - ideal for bolstering your daily sunscreen.

Rachael Martin beauty editor says: 'I love this foundation. It's spenny, but in my option worth every penny. Just a small amount smoothed over my complexion adds real radiance and glow that mimics a good nights sleep. I use my fingers to dot it on and blend it out - this works well to keep it sitting pretty all day long. I also find it's a particularly good holiday foundation for those with combination or oily skin types - it's waterproof meaning no sliding or slipping. I wore this on on a particularly humid trip to Greece and I didn't break out once.'

Shade range: 25
Coverage: Buildable
Finish: Satin
Size: 30ml
Ingredients: Glycerin

A firm favourite that is probably used by 85% of your friends at any given one time. This foundation promises to (and definitely does) last all day long. Over 60 shades to choose from with this product and has 24-hour staying power. We love it for its lightweight formula that gives a matte finish and a buildable coverage to blur blemishes and cover redness - without contributing to extra spots.

Rachael Martin, beauty editor, says: 'I tested the Estée Lauder Double Wear Foundation several times in the run up to my wedding and I realised I was incredibly impressed by it – in fact, it quickly became my weekend foundation– the perfect option for when I wanted to feel a little bit more “done” when compared to my daily, more sheer finish. The key to beautiful skin was keeping the amount I applied to a minimum. The more delicate I was with the application, the happier I was with the finish. My skin appears more matte while a touch of my natural sheen is still able peek through. Overall I'd describe this as a great, medium to full-coverage foundation that plays well with all skin types, especially oilier complexions. There's also an impressive 60 shades comprising of cool and warm tones - meaning there's likely to be something for everyone. While those who love a totally natural look might not find favour with this one, others will be delighted by the promise of longevity and flawless looking finish.'

Chances are you'll have seen this one on TikTok - it's beloved by content creators thanks to its skin beautifying abilities. It's light, but buildable, and can be teamed with a concealer for added coverage.

Rachael Martin, beauty editor, says: 'I've been testing this tinted gel for a few months now and I'm officially hooked. I have combination, problematic skin (to say the least) so I need to be rest assured that incorporating any new base products into my routine won't break me out. This, I kid you not, has left me with some of the best skin I've had in years. I apply a small amount with my fingers tips and blend it across my whole complexion. Not only does it refine and even out my skin instantly, but the assortment of skin loving ingredients (think zinc to minimise redness and copper peptides to boost collagen) has plumped and soothed in the long run, too. I do have to give it a little top up around about lunch time, though - but it leaves me looking so radiant that I can't really complain.'

Shade range: 24
Coverage: Light
Finish: Dewy
Size: 30ml
Ingredients: Zinc, copper peptides, collagen

Despite having been something of a stalwart in the realm of foundations, YSL's coveted Éclat Le Teint Foundation has proven it's staying power - quite literally. It's gone viral on TikTok in the last few months thanks to its skin-perfecting formulation.

Verity Clark, acting beauty director, says: 'On the rare occasions that I opt for a more pulled together makeup look I reach for this, and have done for the past ten years. To caveat, this foundation isn’t one of YSL’s most high-coverage offerings and it’s not a matte finish either but it’s about as full-coverage as I go. The creamy formula melts into skin and - crucially - doesn’t cling to any dry bits, or blemishes. It's comedogenic too, meaning those prone to acne won't suffer from blemish causing blocked pores. You can build it up easily to achieve your desired finish but I find that one layer is enough to give me a natural-looking (but better) look.

Shade range: 28
Coverage: Lightweight medium
Finish: Natural
Size: 25ml
Ingredients: Calendula

Glossier's Stretch Fluid Foundation launch arrived hot on the heels of the brand’s OG Stretch Concealer, £22. Made with an impressive 89% skincare base, this nourishing gel-crème formula is brimming with a medley of plant-derived squalene and glycerine - both hero hydrators. Shine never reaches OTT levels thanks to the help of mattifying rose berry and plankton, while amino acid-coated pigments make for seamless blendability.

Sameeha Shaikh, beauty writer, says: 'It takes a lot for a new foundation to turn my head. After all, there's a lot to consider: the finish, the glow factor, the shade range, the list goes on. For me, the right one controls shine, delivers a natural-look, even coverage that lasts and blurs my post-acne pigmentation, all while blending seamlessly into my medium, olive toned South Asian skin. I did warn you it was a lengthy list. That said, this foundation ticks every box. And patchiness with wear? Not a hint. It doesn't take much for a beauty product to make it big on TikTok these days, but as far as Glossier's Stretch Fluid Foundation is concerned, the hype is well-deserved.'

Shade range: 32
Coverage: Light to medium
Finish: Radiant
Size: 30ml

Rachael Martin, beauty editor, says: 'This one prides itself on being 50% skincare and 50% make-up, meaning it's already ticking boxes where my acne prone skin is concerned. Yes, I want coverage, but I also want to ensure my skin won't suffer more. This self-proclaimed 'super' BB cream is, in my opinion, a solution to achieving that full coverage without the heavy feeling. Packed with two Korean super-ingredients (white Ginseng and fermented Ginseng flower) it works to visibly reduce imperfections, smooth, nourish and clear skin while supporting an even, velvety complexion. While it's combination skin I have, I do suffer with dryness and crusting around the sides of my nose and mouth. I found that the silky formula helped to hydrate these areas while also balancing more oily sections of skin, like around my t-zone.'

Shade range: 5
Coverage: Full
Finish: Natural
Size: 25ml
Ingredients: Ginseng

Beauty Assistant Renee Washington says: 'I can't get enough of Fenty's Beauty Eaze Drop Blurring Skin Tint. It's like magic in a bottle. With 25 shades that actually consider undertones, finding my perfect match was a breeze. Plus, the blurring effect is amazing – it minimises my pores and evens out my skin tone (and any underlying redness) in just a few drops. Whether I'm going for a barely-there makeup day or want a little more coverage, Eaze Drop builds beautifully without ever looking cakey - it won't emphasise any scarring or pigmentation and just glides over texture. I love that it's comfortable in humid temperatures and maintains the same look throughout the day– win-win.'

Shade range: 25
Coverage: Sheer
Finish: Natural
Size: 32ml
Ingredients: HydraBlend Comple

Redness prone? This medium coverage, weightless, gentle foundation contains fermented arnica that helps reduce redness. A little goes a long way to perfect and enhance.

Sameeha Shaikh, beauty writer says: 'The last time I stopped a lady at a party to compliment her buttery skin, I was told it was the work of Lady Gaga's Triclone Skin Tech Medium Coverage Foundation - which Molly Mae has also waxed lyrical about. A revelation of sorts, it's taken the TikTok community and make-up experts everywhere by storm thanks to its wide shade range, gentle and weightless feel and impressive coverage. I love the way it manages to make skin look natural but doll-like at once. It's extremely long lasting (no top-ups necessary) and has a good range of colours. I'd recommend this one.'

Shade range: 43
Coverage: Medium
Finish: Luminous
Size: 30ml
Ingredients: Arnica