Acne-prone skin can be temperamental, to say the least. If you’re conscious about your pores, breakouts, and redness, then makeup can help, but you should never feel you have to hide your skin.
Acne-prone skin can often mean oily skin too, so you may be prone to shine and visible pores and might want to help makeup last longer. That’s where primers come in. The best primer for acne-prone skin smooths, controls shine, and helps makeup stay put without clogging pores.
From non-comedogenic primers to the skin-balancing basics, keep scrolling for the best primers for acne-prone skin.
What do the best acne skin primers include?
The best primers for acne-prone skin are lightweight, water-based, and non-comedogenic to prevent clogged pores and breakouts. Look for oil-free formulas with niacinamide to control shine, hyaluronic acid for hydration, and zinc PCA or salicylic acid to help fight acne. These ingredients work together to create a pore-blurring, mattifying finish that keeps skin balanced and makeup flawless.
The best primers for acne-prone skin
No matter your skin type or budget, there’s an acne-safe primer out there for you. Whether you need mattifying, pore-blurring, or moisture-boosting benefits, these lightweight serums, blurring balms, and hydrating heroes have you covered.
By BEAUTY BAY Pore Perfect Blurring Primer
The By BEAUTY BAY Pore Perfect Blurring Primer is the ultimate skin-smoothing staple. This silicone-free, cloud-like formula blurs pores, leaving the skin with a shine-free, lumi-matte finish. Its soft-focus, cooling effect makes it great for all skin types, while its fragrance-free formula promises not to cause irritation.
Skindinavia The Makeup Primer Spray Oil Control
Eliminating shine and reducing breakouts, the Skindinavia The Makeup Primer Spray Oil Control has been made for oily skin types. This lightweight, ance-safe primer mist works to clear and unclogs the pores, nourish the skin, and balance the complexion for flawless, long-lasting makeup wear.
Clinique Even Better™ Pore Defying Primer
The Clinique Even Better™ Pore Defying Primer is a game-changer for acne-prone skin. This oil-free, silicone-free formula blurs pores, controls shine, and hydrates with niacinamide and hyaluronic acid, all without clogging pores. Lightweight and refreshing, it preps skin for makeup while keeping breakouts at bay.
Danessa Myricks Beauty Yummy Skin Water Powder Serum
The Danessa Myricks Yummy Skin Water Powder Serum is a lightweight, oil-controlling serum that hydrates while mattifying the skin. Packed with niacinamide, zinc PCA, and kaolin, it keeps oil in check, refines pores, and fights breakouts. Its non-comedogenic formula balances sebum production without clogging the pores, making it an ideal primer for acne-prone skin.
NYX Professional Makeup Plump Right Back Primer & Serum
The NYX Professional Makeup Plump Right Back Primer & Serum combines a primer and serum in one, giving skin a hydrated, plumping boost. Packed with electrolytes and hyaluronic acid, it helps balance moisture without clogging pores, making it ideal for acne-prone skin. This lightweight formula creates a smooth base for makeup.
Estée Lauder Futurist Aqua Brilliance™ Watery Glow Primer
Skin craving moisture? You need the Estée Lauder Futurist Aqua Brilliance™ Watery Glow Primer. This lightweight, water-based formula delivers a refreshing boost of hydration while smoothing the skin. Non-acnegenic, it creates a radiant glow without clogging pores, leaving your complexion fresh, balanced, and ready for flawless makeup.
Makeup Revolution Blur & Prime Pore Blur Primer
The Makeup Revolution Blur & Prime Pore Blur Primer is a lightweight, mattifying formula that smooths skin and blurs pores for a flawless base. This oil-free, non-comedogenic, acne safe primer helps control shine without clogging pores, leaving skin with a silky-soft, balanced, airbrushed finish.
NYX Professional Makeup Pore Filler
Put a stop to visible pores with the NYX Professional Makeup Pore Filler. This lightweight, oil-free, non-comedogenic primer blurs imperfections and banishes shine, while keeping pores clear. One of the best primers for acne-safe skin, it’s perfect for creating a smooth, velvety base for makeup or a soft-focus finish on its own.
LH Cosmetics Matte Attack Primer
If you want to stop shine in its tracks, you need the LH Cosmetics Matte Attack Primer in your stash. It has a unique mousse texture that feels lightweight on the skin and hydrates without creating excess oil. Formulated with horse chestnut oil and rice germ extract, your skin will stay matte all day long.
FYI: The article was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
