This is an archived article and the information in the story may be outdated. Please check the time stamp on the story to see when it was updated last.
Picking out a foundation when you have acne prone skin can be a daunting process, especially if you’re unsure what products might make your skin worse. Certain makeup ingredients can be a problem for breakouts, exacerbating any irritation.
With that in mind, keep reading for more details on foundation ingredients to avoid!
Denatured Alcohol
Try your best to avoid any foundations that contain denatured alcohol, which can dry out your skin and worsen any breakouts.
According to Curology, "One rule of thumb: avoid foundations and any product that contains denatured alcohol. Denatured alcohol actually doesn’t clog pores (it’s non-comedogenic), but it can be very irritating and drying—especially to pimples that are already red and inflamed."
Petrochemicals
Petrochemicals are comedogenic, meaning that they can clog your pores. This can contribute to breakouts, particularly if your skin is already prone to acne.
Bella Schneider, CEO and founder of Bella Schneider Beauty, tells Byrdie: "Better known as paraffin wax, mineral oil, and petrolatum, these chemicals are used in makeup as a preservative and to lock in moisture. But they just clog pores and help other bad ingredients to seep deep into your skin to wreck havoc as well."
Acrylic
Schneider also recommends staying away from any foundations that contain acrylic, which she says "is the same as putting plastic on your skin."
She explains, "Anything underneath will get trapped and clog your pores." This can become a huge issue if you are already prone to breakouts.
What To Use Instead
Avoiding these potentially acne-causing products is a good first step. But what should you look for in a foundation instead? Try to find a non-comedogenic, water-based formula. Bonus points if it contains salicylic acid, which can help treat acne while covering it up.
Need more guidance? Read here for 19 foundation options to match whatever your skincare needs may be.
