The Best Non Comedogenic Drugstore Makeup in 2021
Comedones are the whiteheads or blackheads that form when your hair follicles become blocked by skin cells and oils.
If you’re prone to breakouts, choosing a non-comedogenic foundation can help keep your pores unblocked and clear, preventing future breakouts.
You don’t have to pay high-end prices to find a non-comedogenic foundation. We have provided a list of the best non-comedogenic makeup drugstore options to help keep your pores clear and your skin looking its best.
Non-Comedogenic Drugstore Makeup
There are plenty of low-cost, non-comedogenic makeup options available from your local drugstore. These options all run between $6 and $11.
Coverage: Medium
Key ingredients: salicylic acid
Almay’s Clear Complexion Makeup is a lightweight makeup with a shine-free, matte finish that leaves your skin looking natural rather than caked. Buildable layers can give you the look you want.
Salicylic acid helps clear and control blemishes. The makeup also conceals blemishes and minimizes your pores. Pair it with blemish armor for even more acne-fighting assistance.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Matte finish
- Salicylic acid helps control acne
- Dermatologist-tested
- Fragrance-free
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Only 14 colors
- 2% salicylic acid may be too strong for sensitive skin
2. Burt’s Bees Mattifying Powder Foundation with Bamboo
Coverage: light
Key ingredients: bamboo
If you prefer powder to liquid foundation, Burt’s Bees provides a great option with their Mattifying Powder Foundation.
This 100% natural mineral-based makeup helps to smooth out and even your skin. It also blurs any skin imperfections you may have. Layer on as much as you need for the natural look you want.
Powder helps to absorb acne-causing skin oils. You’ll be shine-free, and your skin will have a natural-looking finish that will last all day.
Pros
- 100% natural
- Includes a sponge applicator and mirror
- Dermatologist-tested
- Never tested on animals
Cons
- Only six color shades
- Cake easily breaks
Coverage: Light to Medium
Key ingredients: salicylic acid
Neutrogena SkinClearing Oil-Free Makeup contains MicroClear technology. This technology treats current blemishes and prevents future breakouts. The company says that 100% of women who used this makeup in clinical tests saw skin improvements over time.
Neutrogena also sells a MicroClear concealer and powder.
You’re going to like how well their MicroClear technology dissolves oil which helps to control shine.
Neutrogena’s SkinClearing liquid foundation also contains salicylic acid to help with acne breakouts.
Pros
- Contains salicylic acid
- Oil-free
- Hypoallergenic
- Developed by dermatologists
Cons
- Only 12 skin tone shades
- Has fragrance
Coverage: Full
Key ingredients: salicylic acid, tea tree, witch hazel, aloe, camphor
When you want an inexpensive, lightweight foundation that provides full coverage and helps breakouts, e.l.f. has you covered.
e.l.f. Acne Fighting Foundation contains both salicylic acid and tea tree oil to help clear up and prevent acne breakouts. Aloe and camphor should help to calm any skin irritation. It is also free from many common skin irritants.
e.l.f. Blemish Control Face Primer is one of the best non-comedogenic primers you can apply before using their makeup.
Pros
- SPF 25 sunscreen
- Includes salicylic acid
- Cruelty-free
- Vegan
Cons
- Only six color shades
- Is not fragrance-free
5. Maybelline New York Fit Me Matte + Poreless Liquid Foundation
Coverage: Medium
Key ingredients: clay
Maybelline Fit Me makeup is oil-free. It also contains clay that helps refine pores and give your face a matte finish.
Micro-powders help to control shine and make your pores less noticeable. It also won’t irritate your pores or acne.
Fit Me comes in a new easy-to dispense pouch that wastes less makeup and uses less plastic packaging than previous containers.
This product is for normal to dry skin. If you have normal to oily skin, you will want to try the Fit Me Dewy + Smooth formula instead.
Pros
- Easy-to-pour pouch option
- 37 different color shades
- Dermatologist-tested
- Oil-free
Cons
- Needs powder to stay on
- No anti-acne ingredients
6. Covergirl Clean Matte BB Cream for Oily Skin
Coverage: light
Key ingredients: Cyclopentasiloxane, propylene glycol, talc, dimethicone
Covergirl formulates their makeup to make your skin look as natural as possible so that people don’t notice that you’re wearing foundation. It looks light and feels light.
Covergirl specially formulates Clean Matte BB Cream for oily skin, and their oil-free, water-based formula won’t clog your pores. Your skin will be shine-free and can breathe easily through this foundation.
You’ll find that this makeup evens out your skin tones and covers blemishes well. You can pair this with Covergirl’s non-comedogenic Clean Matte concealer and powder.
Pros
- Oil-free
- Lightweight and natural
Cons
- Doesn’t come in the lightest shades
- Can dry your skin
Know Your Ingredients
If you are acne-prone, it’s important to learn to read the ingredients on your makeup label.
Oil-Free
Acne breakouts occur when your hair follicles overproduce oil, and naturally-occurring microflora like Cutibacterium acnes increases on your skin.
If you’re acne-prone, you will want to look for makeup that is both “non-comedogenic” and “oil-free.”
Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acid has been used to treat skin problems like acne for over 2000 years. Choosing makeup that contains salicylic acid can help reduce inflammation, unclog pores, and decrease oil production.
Form Good Habits
The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) offers several makeup-related tips to keep your skin blemish-free and looking its best.
- Apply acne-fighting makeup all over, not just on blemishes.
- Don’t share makeup or applicators to avoid transferring acne-causing bacteria, skin oils, and dead cells that can transfer and lead to breakouts.
- Remove makeup daily.
Keep It Up
If you choose a foundation with salicylic acid, the AAD suggests sticking with the product for at least 6-8 weeks to prevent breakouts.
You’ll also want to make sure that all the facial products that you are using are non-comedogenic so that you get the best results. Non-comedogenic foundations can be safely paired with other non-comedogenic products from the same company.
Choosing one of the best non-comedogenic makeup products can make a difference in your skin health. Pick one today!
