Our Top 12 Foundations For Sensitive Skin, Approved by Experts

/ 55 years
January 15, 2025
0
6 min read

If you have sensitive skin, you know the struggle. Trying new products can feel like a risky gamble, with breakouts and irritation so often looming. But, rest assured, we’ve sought out skin experts for their guidance in choosing 12 of the best foundations for sensitive skin.

On our journey to finding the least agitating formulas, we consulted dermatologist Dendy Engelman, MD, FACMS, FAAD, on what to look for in a sensitive-skin foundation. “Opt for mineral or powder foundations,” she said, “unless the formula specifies that it is hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic, and designed for sensitive skin.”

Meet the Expert

Dr. Dendy Engelman, MD, FACMS, FAAD, is a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist based in New York City. She is a member of the Byrdie Beauty & Wellness Review Board.
Derek Selby is a professional makeup artist and global ambassador for Cover FX.

While avoiding harsh ingredients that clog pores and cause unnecessary redness is important, Cover FX global ambassador Derek Selby says that it’s equally necessary to look for a formula that contains anti-inflammatory properties that “reduce redness and inflammation in the skin.”

Keep reading for the best gentle foundations for sensitive skin.

01
of 12

Cover FX Total Cover Cream Foundation

CoverFX
Total Cover Cream Foundation
$42.00

According to Selby, Cover FX foundations, which come in numerous shades, are “developed in a dermatology clinic in a hospital for the most sensitive skin.” Additionally, their products are “mineral oil free, fragrance free, paraben free, gluten free, and talc free,” so skin irritation is likely not an issue. And, while a non-agitating formula is a must, it is just as important that the foundation works to cover redness, blemishes, and even out skin tone, which Selby says this cream foundation does thanks to its buildable consistency that can be “very sheer in areas where the skin is clear, and buildable in areas where you need more coverage.”

02
of 12

BareMinerals Original Loose Powder Mineral Foundation SPF 15

BareMinerals
Original Loose Powder Mineral Foundation SPF 15
$32.00

This mineral foundation is a makeup artist favorite—not just for its complexion-blurring and smoothing effects, but also for its clean and non-comedogenic (meaning pore-clogging) formula. One of our testers with sensitive, acne-prone skin loves it for how it left her skin looking naturally luminous.

03
of 12

Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Full-Coverage Foundation SPF 15

Tarte Cosmetics
Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Full-Coverage Foundation SPF 15
$39.00

Free of mineral oil, this hypoallergenic foundation provides a full-coverage matte finish that easily smoothes over blemishes and redness for a clear-looking complexion. The formula is made with Amazonian clay and works to prevent oil buildup. From my personal experience, I find that it does not clog pores, which is saying something, as I have very fair skin that’s prone to irritation.

04
of 12

Elizabeth Arden Pure Finish Mineral Powder Foundation SPF 20

Elizabeth Arden
Pure Finish Mineral Powder Foundation
$40.00

“Mineral and powder formulas sit on the surface of the skin and are less likely to get into the pores and cause irritation,” says Engelman. She specifically recommends using this loose powder foundation from Elizabeth Arden, as it “contains sea water minerals that help support the skin’s own natural mineral equilibrium,” thus reducing the likelihood of skin irritation.

05
of 12

Jane Iredale PurePressed Base Mineral Foundation

Jane Iredale
PurePressed Base Mineral Foundation
$44.00

When a product is sold at many dermatologist offices, you know it’s likely good for your skin. This powder foundation is a great option for those of us who don’t like the heaviness of a cream formula but still want a decent amount of coverage. Even if you tend to avoid pressed-powder foundations, you might just be surprised by this formula, which glides on easily for a non-cakey, buildable, light-to-full-coverage finish.

Byrdie Tip

If you experience facial redness, look for foundations that have a slightly green tint that counteracts the redness in rashes, blemishes, and any pink patches on the skin. If not, we suggest a green primer or color corrector underneath your foundation.

06
of 12

Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Powder Foundation

Fenty Beauty
Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Powder Foundation
$36.00

As the name says, this buildable powder diffuses across skin for a filtered, airbrushed finish, without irritating easily reactive skin. Best part: Its vast range of 50 shades. If you have sensitive skin that’s on the oily side, this will help—it has a medium matte finish that looks like a filter IRL.

07
of 12

ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40

ILIA
Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40
$48.00

This Ilia clean foundation is great for those with sensitive skin, as it’s infused with anti-inflammatory niacinamide, along with moisture-retaining hyaluronic acid, and skin barrier-supporting squalane. To apply, you can use your fingers to gently melt it for a your-skin-but-better finish.

08
of 12

Cover FX Pressed Mineral Foundation

CoverFX
Pressed Mineral Foundation
$38.00

When in doubt, look to Cover FX for a sensitive-skin foundation. Engelman suggests this oil-absorbing pressed powder as an alternative to loose-powder formulas, as it provides buildable coverage without irritation thanks to its mineral-oil–free, paraben-free, and fragrance-free formula. Even better—there are 40 different shades to choose from, so it’ll be easy to find your perfect match.

09
of 12

Colorescience Natural Finish Pressed Foundation SPF 20

Colorscience
Natural Finish Pressed Foundation SPF 20
$55.00

This non-comedogenic (meaning pore-clogging) mineral powder sweeps onto skin with a lightweight, silky feel. Build it up for a complexion that looks more even in tone, and lit from within. Best part: It helps protect skin with SPF 20.

10
of 12

Pur Cosmetics

Pur Cosmetics
4-in-1 Pressed Mineral Makeup Broad Spectrum SPF 15 Powder Foundation
$30.00

This medium-coverage mineral foundation melts onto skin to help conceal redness, fine lines, and areas of hyperpigmentation—all without triggering sensitive skin.

11
of 12

IT Cosmetics CC+ Cream with SPF 50+

IT Cosmetics
CC+ Cream with SPF 50+
$40.00

Wave bye-bye to redness while covering up any pesky spots at the same time with this multi-use CC cream. This lightweight base is a a 6-in-1 product: It’s a sunscreen, foundation, color corrector, moisturizer, hydrating serum, and concealer. Yes, it really does it all. For best results, apply on clean skin with the brand’s Heavenly Skin™ CC+™ Skin-Perfecting Brush #702 ($48).

12
of 12

When Life Gives You Lemons Hi-Function Foundation

When Life Gives You Lemons
Hi-Function Foundation
$39.00

If you have super reactive skin and you’re prone to clogged pores, this foundation might change your life. It’s vegan, cruelty-free, fragrance-free, and is clinically-proven to not clog pores. Why? Well, it’s formulated with anti-inflammatory niacinamide and a blend of adaptogens like licorice root extract, goji berry, and Korean ginseng, which help to soothe and protect your skin.