It's not uncommon for people with acne-prone skin to skip their usual skincare routine step of applying primer before their makeup routines, because they think it will exacerbate their breakouts. But a good makeup primer extends makeup wear while locking it in place so that it doesn't slide around on top of your skin.
A primer is essentially a layer of product that you apply directly onto clean, dry skin before your makeup application routine. Its main job is to prep the surface of your face so that you get the best possible results from whatever comes next—be it tinted moisturizer, foundation, or concealer.
Because acne-prone skin tends to be oily and sometimes even has bumpy skin texture, choosing the right formula is key to preventing clogged pores and additional breakouts.
We have searched the market to find the best primers for acne prone skin and are excited to share with you our top picks!
Let's get started
The Top 5 Picks
How We Choose
We looked at all the major brands and evaluated things like formulation, effectiveness, and overall comfort. The most important factor is customer satisfaction and reviews. We have done the work for you and read hundreds of customer reviews. In the end, we found that there was indeed the best primer for acne prone skin—but it wasn't the one you might expect.
We discovered that there are indeed great options for keeping your pores clear without causing irritation or breaking the bank. Our top pick is gentle enough even for those with ultra-sensitive skin yet still powerful enough to keep breakouts at bay without clogging pores or irritating skin.
bareMinerals Original Prime Time Foundation Primer
Why We Love It
You deserve the perfect complexion, and with bareMinerals Original Prime Time Foundation Primer, you can achieve just that.
This primer combats rough patches, flaky dryness, fine lines, excessively oily skin, uneven texture, and enlarged pores to give you a smooth foundation application. The formula is free of preservatives, oil, fragrance, and skin irritants, so it's great for all skin types.
It also contains hyaluronic acid, plant extracts, antioxidants, and Vitamins C and E to soothe and nourish your skin. With a silky texture that glides on without stickiness.
Things You Want To Know
- 1 fl. oz.
- Item Form: Oil
- Skin Type: Oily Skin, Combination Skin, Dry Skin, & Normal Skin
Ingredients
Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Dimethicone, Silica, Magnesium Silicate, Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B5), Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract
e.l.f. Acne Fighting Putty Primer
Why We Love It
The E.L.F Acne Fighting Putty Primer is a great product for anyone who struggles with acne, especially if you have oily skin. This product contains 1.8% Salicylic Acid to help clear pores and reduce the appearance of blemishes, as well as Zinc and Kaolin to prevent future breakouts.
This product is also formulated with skin-loving ingredients like Aloe Vera Gel Water, Shea Butter, and Vitamin E Oil to soothe redness and calm irritated skin, while green tea extract helps minimize the appearance of pores. The putty feels velvety smooth when applied to your face and has an even finish that won't accentuate any skin imperfections or wrinkles in your skin.
While this primer will help keep your makeup on all day long, it isn't waterproof so do avoid getting sweaty or overly worked up during the day - it may start to melt off! Be sure not to touch this primer directly after application either - although it does stay on our face for hours without needing reapplication that way!
Things You Want To Know
- 0.74 oz.
- Item Form: Cream
- Color: Green
- Skin Tone: For All
- 1.8% Salicylic Acid, Zinc
- 100% cruelty-free and Vegan
Ingredients
Active Ingredients: Salicylic Acid: 1.8%Inactive Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Dimethicone, Propylene Glycol, Glycerin, Ceresin, Paraffin, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, HDI/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Tromethamine, Lauryl PEG-10 Tris(trimethylsiloxy)silylethyl Dimethicone, Sodium Chloride, Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Zinc PCA, Kaolin, Silica, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Wax, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Disodium EDTA, Ethylhexylglycerin, Caprylyl Glycol, PhenoxyethanolMay Contain:Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Chromium Oxide Greens (CI 77288), Yellow Iron Oxide (CI 77492)
Milani Make It Last 3-in-1 Setting Spray and Primer- Prime + Correct + Set
Why We Love It
Milani Make It Last Setting Spray is both hydrating and illuminating which means that your makeup will stay put all day long and look flawless even if you're sweating or going through the motions of an active lifestyle.
It also sets your makeup perfectly while reducing the appearance of pores, blemishes, and imperfections. If you have acne scarring this could be a great option for you as well as helping with any redness in your skin caused by rosacea.
We did find that it can feel a little greasy if sprayed onto dry patches though so we suggest using this in combination with a moisturizing primer if necessary.
Things You Want To Know
- 2.03 Fl. Oz.
- Available in 4 finishes
- Up to 16 hours
- Item Form: Liquid
- Cruelty-Free & Vegan
- Made in the USA
- Small Business Brand
Ingredients
Water (Aqua), Alcohol Denat., Niacinamide, Pvp, Pentylene Glycol, Glycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Polaxamer 407, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Ethylhexylglycerin, Pseudoalteromonas Ferment Extract, Fragrance ( Parfum), Citrullus Lanatus (Watermelon) Fruit Extract, Sodium Benzoate, Citrulline, Caprylyl Glycol, Potassium Sorbate.
Elizabeth Mott Thank Me Later Face Primer
Why We Love It
The Elizabeth Mott Thank Me Later Face Primer is a great option for people who want a mattifying face primer that doesn't feel too heavy or oily. It's formulated with pearl powder and other skin-loving ingredients to help smooth the surface of your skin and even out any imperfections, while also minimizing pores and fine lines.
This pore-minimizing primer has a matte finish, which makes it ideal for layering under makeup. It leaves no greasy residue behind after you've applied your full face of products, so it's great for touchups throughout the day as you sweat or drink water.
If you're looking for a product that can give your complexion an instant boost before applying makeup, this is definitely worth trying out first.
The only thing we'd say about this product is that it does leave some excess residue on the surface of your skin if you try to apply too much at once, but otherwise this works wonders to prep your face before putting on foundation or concealer.
Things You Want To Know
- 30 g
- Sweatproof & Waterproof
- Item Form: Cream
- Skin Type: Oily
- Paraben-free & Cruelty-free
- Small Business Brand
Ingredients
Cyclopentasiloxane, Talc, Isododecane, Cyclohexasiloxane, Disteardimonium Hectorite, VP/Hexadecene Copolymer, Polyisobutene, Trihydroxystearin, Bismuth Oxychloride, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Propylene Carbonate, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Beeswax, PEG-40 Stearate, Caprylyl Glycol, Dimethicone, Ethylhexylglycerin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Methicone, Tocopheryl Acetate may contain [+/-] Mica (CI 77019), Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Iron Oxides (CI 77491)
Benefit Cosmetics POREfessional Pro Balm Face Primer Pore Minimizer
Why We Love It
The Benefit Porefessional Pro is the ultimate pore-minimizing balm. This oil-free primer is a super lightweight formula, so it feels like you're not wearing anything at all, but it's also super effective in smoothing your skin and reducing the appearance of pores. As well as that, it contains a vitamin E derivative known to protect skin from future damage.
It smells amazing too; this product has a subtle rose scent which we think adds an extra level of luxury to your skincare routine. The rose smell was actually designed to mask the strong lemon fragrance used in manufacturing, so if you don't like that smell then this may not be for you. But if you do love a little bit of perfume with your beauty products, then this is right up your alley.
We found that this worked best when applied straight after cleansing or using another oil-based cream such as our favorite face oil. This is because it won't fully absorb into your skin otherwise and will just sit on top instead of sinking into your pores where they need to be minimized most effectively.
It can be used under makeup too - although we'd recommend doing this last thing before heading out in case any gets transferred onto clothing during application (this can happen with some powder formulas).
Things You Want To Know
- 0.75 oz.
- Item Form: Cream
- Skin Type: All
- For All Skin Tones
- No-oil Formula
Ingredients
Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Isononyl Isononanoate, Silica, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Isododecane, Phenoxyethanol, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891), Cyclohexasiloxane, Tocopheryl Acetate, Fragrance, Mica, Iron Oxides (Ci 77492, Ci 77491, Ci 77499), Limonene, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Bht, N 04932/N.
Best Primer For Acne Prone Skin FAQs
With so many different makeup primer options, it can be tough to figure out which one is the best for your specific needs. Not only are there a variety of different types of primers with seemingly endless variations, but each person's skin has different requirements.
We asked our community about their most pressing questions when it comes to finding the perfect primer for their acne-prone skin. With this information, you'll have all of the resources you need to make an informed decision about your purchase!
What is primer?
Primer is a cosmetic product that is typically applied before foundation. It is designed to help create a smooth, even surface on the skin and to help makeup last longer. Primer can be used on all skin types, but it is often used on oily or acne-prone skin as it can help to control shine and minimize the appearance of pores.
How do you use a primer?
Primer should be applied after your skincare products and before your foundation. To apply, dispense a pea-sized amount of primer onto your fingertips and then smooth it over your face using gentle patting motions. Allow the primer to dry for a few minutes before applying the foundation.
What are the benefits of using primer?
There are several benefits to using primer, including that it can help to create a smooth, even surface on the skin, minimize the appearance of pores, and help makeup last longer. Additionally, primer can help to control shine on oily or acne-prone skin.
Are there any downsides to using primer?
The only downside to using a primer is that it may be unnecessary if you have perfect skin. However, if you have any imperfections that you would like to cover up, such as large pores or fine lines, then primer can be a great way to do so. Additionally, if you have oily or acne-prone skin, primer can help to control shine and keep your makeup in place all day long.
Should I wear primer if I have acne?
Wearing primer when you have acne can be a great way to help your skin look better and more even-toned. Primers are designed to fill in any lines, wrinkles, or unevenness on the skin's surface and act as a base for foundation or other makeup products. Not only do they create an even canvas for applying makeup, but they also help keep it in place all day long.
When shopping for a primer specifically designed to reduce the appearance of acne scars or blemishes, keep an eye out for ingredients like kaolin clay and silica which work together to give your skin an instant boost of hydration without feeling heavy.
Other beneficial ingredients may include silicone which helps blur out existing imperfections without clogging pores and antioxidants such as green tea extract which has been known to naturally treat inflammation caused by breakouts.
Does a primer prevent acne from makeup?
Yes, primer can definitely help reduce the occurrence and severity of the acne from makeup. Primer acts as a shield between your skin and your makeup, providing an extra layer of protection that helps keep bacteria, dirt, oil, and other irritating things away from your face while still allowing you to achieve the look you desire.
Which Primer for Acne Prone Skin Is Best For You?
Primer is a must-have product for anyone with acne-prone skin. Not only does it help your makeup last longer, but it also creates an even canvas to prevent any unwanted shine or oil buildup. With so many options on the market, it can be difficult to choose which makeup primers are best suited for your skin type. The first step in figuring out which one will work best for you is knowing what ingredients to look out for (and which to avoid).
Whatever your skin type or concerns may be, there's surely a great primer out there just waiting for you to try! We hope you find your new favorite from our top picks!
We provided links below so click on the primer you are most excited to try!
Happy Shopping!
The Prolific Picks Team
