Best Primers For Acne Prone Skin (2024 Updated)

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Acne-prone skin can be a real pain to deal with. Finding the right products that won't cause breakouts is a challenge, and that includes primers. Primers are an essential makeup item that can help your makeup last longer, reduce the appearance of pores, and even out your skin tone. But, not all primers are created equal, and some can exacerbate acne. So, how do you find the best primers for acne-prone skin?

Firstly, it's important to look for non-comedogenic primers that won't clog your pores. Secondly, consider a primer with salicylic acid, which can help to unclog pores and prevent breakouts. Thirdly, choose a primer that is oil-free, as excess oil can contribute to acne. Fourthly, look for primers that are lightweight and breathable, as heavy formulas can suffocate the skin and cause breakouts. Lastly, check for primers that contain ingredients like niacinamide or green tea extract, which can help to soothe and calm inflamed skin.

In summary, when looking for the best primers for acne-prone skin, keep in mind to look for non-comedogenic, salicylic acid, oil-free, lightweight, and contain soothing ingredients. By following these key points, you can find a primer that will not only help your makeup look flawless but also keep your skin clear and healthy.

10 Best Primers For Acne Prone Skin

1. E.l.f. Acne Fighting Putty Primer With 1.8% Salicylic Acid, 0.74 Oz. Prevents Breakouts, Reduces Redness, Minimizes Pores, And Preps Skin.

The e.l.f. Acne Fighting Putty Primer is a skin-perfecting makeup primer that helps prevent breakouts while providing a flawless, even complexion. Infused with 1.8% Salicylic Acid, Zinc, and Kaolin, this primer features acne-fighting ingredients that draw out imperfections, minimize pores, calm irritated skin, reduce redness, control oil, and prevent future breakouts.

The unique, velvety formula applies clear and smooths over imperfections, gripping your makeup for all-day wear or giving you an even, clear bare-faced natural finish. Its ultimate skin-perfecting properties make it suitable for acne-prone, combination, and oily skin.

This putty primer is perfect for those who struggle with acne and want to cover up blemishes while preventing future breakouts. Its acne-fighting ingredients provide long-lasting benefits and keep your skin looking flawless all day long. The putty’s ability to grip makeup ensures that your makeup stays put and looks fresh, even after hours of wear.

The e.l.f. Acne Fighting Putty Primer is also easy to apply, thanks to its Putty Primer Applicator. This applicator ensures easy and hygienic putty primer application, making it a convenient choice for daily use.

As with all e.l.f. products, the Acne Fighting Putty Primer is made from skin-loving ingredients you want, minus the toxins you don’t. All e.l.f. products are 100% cruelty-free and vegan, ensuring that you can feel good about using them on your skin.

In summary, the e.l.f. Acne Fighting Putty Primer is the perfect solution for those who want to prevent breakouts while achieving a flawless, even complexion. With its acne-fighting ingredients, easy application, and long-lasting benefits, this primer is a must-have for anyone looking to achieve perfect, healthy-looking skin.

2. Pür 4-In-1 Correcting Primer: Reduces Pores, Redness & Blemishes. Cruelty-Free, Vegan & Lightweight.

The PÜR 4-in-1 Correcting Primer is a must-have product for anyone looking to achieve a flawless and matte look. This multi-functional primer not only works as a makeup base but also helps reduce the appearance of pores and redness, making it the perfect solution for those who suffer from acne breakouts.

The formula is infused with skincare ingredients that help treat acne breakouts immediately and with continued use. This means that not only does it provide a smooth base for makeup application, but it also helps improve the overall health of the skin.

One of the key benefits of this primer is its ability to minimize the appearance of pores. The formula works by clearing pores of dirt and oil, making them less visible and giving the skin a smoother and more even texture.

In addition, the PÜR 4-in-1 Correcting Primer helps control shine for a matte finish. This is a great feature for those with oily skin who struggle to keep their makeup in place throughout the day.

The gentle time-released formula can be used both day and night, making it a versatile addition to any skincare routine. The lightweight formula is also vegan-friendly and cruelty-free, making it a great option for those who are conscious of the products they use.

Overall, the PÜR 4-in-1 Correcting Primer is a highly effective and multi-functional product that provides a range of benefits for the skin. From reducing the appearance of pores to controlling shine and helping to treat acne breakouts, this primer is a must-have for anyone looking to achieve a flawless and matte look.

3. Jolie Oil Free Matifying Primer – For Oily, Acne Prone Or Sensitive Skin

Jolie Oil Free Matifying Primer is a high-quality makeup primer specifically designed for individuals with oily, acne-prone, or sensitive skin. This innovative primer provides an all-day matte finish that effectively controls excess oil production, leaving the skin looking smooth and flawless.

One of the key ingredients in this primer is peptide, which works to even out the skin tone and minimize imperfections. Peptides are short chains of amino acids that are known for their ability to stimulate collagen production and improve the overall health and appearance of the skin. When used in a primer, peptides can help to reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and other signs of aging while also improving skin texture and tone.

In addition to its peptide content, Jolie Oil Free Matifying Primer is also fragrance-free and paraben-free, making it a safe and gentle option for those with sensitive skin. Many traditional makeup primers contain harsh chemicals that can irritate the skin and cause breakouts, but this primer is formulated to be both effective and gentle.

To use Jolie Oil Free Matifying Primer, simply apply a small amount to your face before applying your makeup. The primer should be applied evenly across the skin, focusing on areas that tend to be oily or prone to breakouts. Once applied, the primer will create a smooth and even base for your makeup, helping it to stay in place throughout the day.

Overall, Jolie Oil Free Matifying Primer is a high-quality makeup primer that provides all-day matte coverage while improving skin health and minimizing imperfections. Its gentle formula makes it a great option for those with sensitive skin, and its peptide content ensures that it delivers real results. If you're looking for a high-quality primer that will make your makeup look flawless and your skin look healthy, Jolie Oil Free Matifying Primer is an excellent choice.

4. E.l.f. Blemish Control Face Primer (0.47 Oz) – Acne Fighting Formula, Sheer Coverage, Matte Finish, Vegan & Cruelty-Free.

e.l.f. Blemish Control Face Primer is a game-changer for those who struggle with acne-prone skin. This product is designed to transform your face into a flawless, smooth canvas that's perfect for applying makeup such as foundation and concealer. However, it does more than just prime your skin for makeup. Infused with Salicylic Acid, Vitamin E, and Tea Tree, this primer helps control breakouts and blemishes while ensuring your makeup stays put all day long.

The Blemish Control Face Primer is suitable for all skin types, making it a versatile addition to any beauty routine. Whether you have dry, oily, or combination skin, this primer will work effectively to help you achieve the perfect finish for your makeup.

One of the standout features of e.l.f.'s Blemish Control Face Primer is its skin-loving ingredients. All e.l.f. products are made from ingredients that are good for your skin, without any harmful toxins. This is a major plus for those who are looking for high-quality beauty products that don't compromise on their health.

Moreover, e.l.f. is a 100% cruelty-free and vegan brand, which means that you can trust that this product is not only good for your skin but also for the environment.

The Blemish Control Face Primer is easy to use. Simply apply a small amount of product onto your face and blend it evenly. The primer has a sheer coverage and matte finish, which makes it perfect for those who prefer a natural-looking makeup finish.

In conclusion, e.l.f. Blemish Control Face Primer is an excellent choice for those who want to achieve a flawless makeup look while also addressing their acne-prone skin. With its skin-loving ingredients, cruelty-free and vegan status, and suitability for all skin types, this primer is a must-have for anyone who wants to look and feel their best.

5. Dermaquest Perfecting Primer: Anti-Aging Pore Minimizer For Fine Lines & Wrinkles. Ideal For Oily, Sensitive, And Acne-Prone Skin. 1oz.

DermaQuest Advanced Therapy Perfecting Primer is a multi-functional makeup primer designed to enhance the longevity of makeup while simultaneously improving the appearance of the skin. This high-quality primer is ideal for those with oily, sensitive, or acne-prone skin, as it contains a complex of powerful ingredients that work together to refine pores, smooth fine lines and wrinkles, and boost the skin's overall vitality and radiance.

One of the key benefits of DermaQuest Advanced Therapy Perfecting Primer is its ability to enhance makeup longevity. By priming the skin, this product helps to create a smooth, even surface that allows powder or liquid-based foundations to apply more evenly and stay in place for longer periods of time. This means that users can enjoy a flawless, long-lasting look throughout the day.

Another significant benefit of this primer is its ability to soften and smooth the skin immediately after application. The specialist ingredients in DermaQuest Advanced Therapy Perfecting Primer work to penetrate the skin and boost moisture and hydration from below the surface, leaving the skin feeling softer and smoother than ever before. Additionally, this product absorbs excess oil, prepping the face by smoothing the skin all over.

One of the most impressive features of DermaQuest Advanced Therapy Perfecting Primer is its anti-aging properties. By targeting fine lines and wrinkles on the face, this product helps to reveal more youthful-looking skin. It also gives skin a boost of vitality and a radiant glow, thanks to powerful ingredients like BV OSC, which boosts the production of collagen.

The complex of powerful ingredients in this primer includes essential oils such as orange and lemon, which work to boost the texture and appearance of the skin. Additionally, ingredients like hyaluronic spheres and thiotaine provide anti-aging and anti-acne abilities, making this primer an excellent choice for those with sensitive or acne-prone skin.

Finally, DermaQuest Advanced Therapy Perfecting Primer serves as an anti-acne pore minimizer primer, refining pores and improving overall skin tone. Hyaluronic acid replenishes the skin with water, targeting the upper layers of the dermis and helping to improve overall skin health.

In summary, DermaQuest Advanced Therapy Perfecting Primer is an excellent choice for anyone looking to enhance their makeup longevity while also improving the appearance of their skin. With its multi-functional formula that softens and smooths, targets fine lines and wrinkles, and refines pores, this product is a must-have for anyone looking to achieve a flawless, youthful-looking complexion.

6. Frilliance Clear Skin Primer & Serum For Acne, Vegan & Cruelty-Free, With Mandelic Acid & Niacinamide, 15ml.

Frilliance 2 in 1 Clear Skin Perfecting Primer & Serum for Acne is a powerful yet gentle solution for teens of all skin types who are looking to fight breakouts and blackheads. This vegan and cruelty-free product comes in a 15 ml / .5 fl oz bottle and contains effective acne-fighters such as niacinamide and mandelic acid, as well as skin-soothing ingredients like aloe.

Using this product is incredibly easy – simply wash your hands and apply 1-2 pumps of the primer serum to the back of your hand. Then, smooth gently over your face with a light rubbing motion. You can use this product as a primer under your makeup during the day, or as a soothing night treatment for your skin.

One of the best things about Frilliance 2 in 1 Clear Skin Perfecting Primer & Serum for Acne is that it is 100% vegan and cruelty-free. None of their products are tested on animals or include animal byproducts, making it a great choice for those who are environmentally conscious.

This product is also hypoallergenic, making it perfect for those with sensitive skin. All of their products are fragrance-free and non-comedogenic, meaning they won't clog your pores. Frilliance focuses on safe, effective, and plant-based sources, which is why they do not include any gross stuff like parabens, phthalates, sodium lauryl sulfate, mineral oil, or petroleum.

Overall, Frilliance 2 in 1 Clear Skin Perfecting Primer & Serum for Acne is an excellent choice for teens who are looking to achieve clear, healthy skin. Its powerful yet gentle formula, combined with its vegan and cruelty-free status, make it a great choice for anyone who is looking for an effective and ethical solution to acne.

7. Carslan Radiant Hydrating Primer For Oily Skin, Matte And Pore-Minimizing Face Makeup Primer For Wrinkles, Dryness, Acne Prone And Sensitive Skin (03 Green)

CARSLAN Radiant Hydrating Primer is a revolutionary product that is designed to provide a smooth and flawless finish to your makeup. This face primer is specially formulated for oily skin and helps control shine, minimize pores, and reduce wrinkles. It is a perfect choice for those who want to achieve a natural and radiant look.

The primer has exceptional staying power and locks your makeup in place for a full day. It is easy to use and provides a smooth effect on your skin. You only need to apply one touch of the primer to your face, and it instantly delivers a smooth effect.

If you are tired of dealing with oily skin, this hydrating primer is the perfect solution. It delivers a matte finish once applied, saving your skin from oiliness the entire day. The primer is formulated with a super hydrating formula that keeps your skin moisturized, provides anti-aging effects that lessen wrinkles, and minimizes pores.

The makeup primer for face oily skin helps brighten and even out your skin tone, giving natural glow and healthy-looking, radiant skin that makes sure you are gorgeous throughout the day. It is perfect for those who want to achieve a natural and radiant look.

The pore minimizer makeup has a light texture that gives you a comfortable and smooth feeling after each application. It improves your skin appearance over time and is perfect for those who have dry, sensitive, mature, or acne-prone skin.

In conclusion, CARSLAN Radiant Hydrating Primer is a must-have product for anyone who wants to achieve a flawless and radiant look. It is easy to use, delivers a matte finish, hydrates your skin, and minimizes pores and wrinkles. The light texture of the primer provides a comfortable and smooth feeling after each application, making it perfect for daily use. Get your hands on this amazing primer today and experience the difference.

8. Organic Primer Blur Stick With Tea Tree Oil, Castor Oil And Niacinamide, 12g. Reduces Pore Appearance, Tones, Hydrates And Strengthens Acne Prone Skin. Made In Brazil.

The Simple Organic Primer Blur Stick is a high-performance, multifunctional product that preps the skin for makeup by minimizing the appearance of pores and fine lines. Made in Brazil, this product is formulated with natural actives, including tea tree oil, castor oil, and niacinamide, to provide the skin with rich antioxidants that keep it healthy, hydrated, and strong.

This spill-free balm is perfect to take with you on the go, as it comes in a compact size of 12g and can be carried in your purse for a quick boost of hydration or touch-up. The product is easy to apply directly to clean skin, and it blends seamlessly to give the skin a smooth and flawless finish.

The Simple Organic Primer Blur Stick is suitable for all skin types, as it is made with organic, natural, and vegan ingredients. The brand's priority is to always use organic vegetable oils, butters, and plant extracts when they can be added to the formulation, in the highest percentage possible, to ensure that the product is safe and gentle on the skin.

In addition to being organic and natural, Simple Organic Beauty strives to ensure that the production process, ingredients, and packaging used are planned and executed in a conscious and sustainable way. This means that the brand is committed to reducing its environmental impact by using eco-friendly materials, minimizing waste, and supporting fair trade practices.

Overall, the Simple Organic Primer Blur Stick is a must-have for anyone looking for a high-quality, natural product that provides the skin with a range of benefits. Whether you're looking for a product that reduces the appearance of pores, tones, hydrates, or strengthens acne-prone skin, this product has got you covered. So why wait? Get your hands on the Simple Organic Primer Blur Stick today and experience the benefits of sustainable beauty!

9. Tatcha The Water Cream: Oil-Free Moisturizer For Pure, Poreless Skin – 50 Ml / 1.7 Oz.

TATCHA's The Water Cream is an oil-free moisturizer that delivers optimal hydration and skin-improving Japanese nutrients to achieve pure, poreless skin. This unique water-burst cream breaks upon application to deeply deliver treatment benefits, hydrating without leaving skin sticky or greasy.

The Water Cream's formula is enriched with powerful Japanese botanicals such as Japanese Wild Rose and Japanese Leopard Lily, which visibly tighten pores, smoothen skin texture, control excess oil, and encourage natural skin turnover. The cream also contains Hadasei-3, a trinity of green tea, rice & algae, which restores healthy-looking, youthful radiance and imparts a subtle, shine-free glow with a touch of 23-karat gold.

TATCHA has a mission to support education equality worldwide. In 2014, they created a fund to help girls stay in school through the Girl's Education Program in Asia and Africa. As of 2021, every Tatcha purchase also brings diverse books to underserved communities in the United States through Room to Read's U.S. Literacy Initiative.

The Water Cream is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin, and is free from harsh chemicals such as parabens, sulfates, and phthalates. It is dermatologist tested, non-comedogenic, and cruelty-free.

To use, apply a pearl-sized amount of The Water Cream to the face, neck, and décolletage after cleansing and toning. Massage in upward motions to stimulate circulation and enhance absorption. The Water Cream can be used as a standalone moisturizer or as a primer for makeup.

In conclusion, TATCHA's The Water Cream is a nutrient-rich, balanced hydration moisturizer that clarifies and refines the skin with powerful Japanese botanicals. It supports education equality worldwide and is suitable for all skin types.

10. Supergoop! Glowscreen Spf 40 – 1.7 Fl Oz: Glowy Primer + Sunscreen, Filters Blue Light, Hydrates With Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin B5, And Niacinamide.

Supergoop! Glowscreen is a multitasking sunscreen that doubles as a makeup-gripping primer for dewy, glowing skin. With broad spectrum SPF 40, it helps filter blue light and provides powerful sun protection. The hydrating formula of this sunscreen is perfect for creating a totally dewy base layer for any makeup look. It is a must-have for anyone seeking a natural and healthy-looking glow.

Glowscreen is your new glow-to product. Its pearlescent formula gives your skin a healthy dose of radiance and creates a dewy base layer for your makeup. The hydrating blend of hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5, and niacinamide leaves your skin naturally supple and dewy from the inside out. This face sunscreen is formulated to provide long-lasting hydration and antioxidant protection for your skin.

The powerful ingredients in Glowscreen are carefully selected to provide optimal benefits for your skin. The hydration blend helps to boost moisture levels in the skin, leaving it feeling soft and nourished. Meanwhile, sea lavender provides antioxidant protection, helping to combat the effects of environmental stressors on your skin. The result is a product that not only protects your skin but also helps to improve its overall health and appearance.

To apply Glowscreen, simply apply it generously and evenly as the last step in your skincare routine and before makeup. It is easy to incorporate into your daily routine and provides a natural and healthy-looking glow that lasts all day. Whether you are heading out for a day in the sun or need a makeup primer that provides sun protection, Supergoop! Glowscreen is the perfect product for you.

In summary, Supergoop! Glowscreen is a multitasking sunscreen that doubles as a makeup-gripping primer for dewy, glowing skin. Its hydrating formula is perfect for creating a dewy base layer for your makeup, while its broad spectrum SPF 40 provides powerful sun protection. This face sunscreen is formulated with powerful ingredients that help to boost moisture levels, provide antioxidant protection, and leave your skin feeling soft and nourished. With regular use, Glowscreen can help improve the overall health and appearance of your skin.

Best Primers For Acne Prone Skin FAQs

Are there any primers that also offer SPF protection for acne-prone skin?

Yes, there are primers available in the market that offer SPF protection for acne-prone skin. These primers are specially formulated to provide sun protection while also minimizing the appearance of pores and controlling oil production. Some of the ingredients commonly found in these primers include Zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, and avobenzone, which offer broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays. Additionally, some primers also contain salicylic acid, which helps to prevent breakouts and control oil production. It is important to look for non-comedogenic and oil-free primers to avoid clogging pores and aggravating acne. It is recommended to choose a primer with at least SPF 30 and to reapply it every two hours for optimal sun protection. Overall, using a primer with SPF protection can help to protect acne-prone skin from sun damage while also improving the appearance of the skin.

Are there any primers that can help reduce the appearance of acne scars or hyperpigmentation?

Yes, there are primers that can help reduce the appearance of acne scars or hyperpigmentation. Look for primers that contain ingredients like salicylic acid, niacinamide, vitamin C, and retinol. Salicylic acid helps to exfoliate the skin and unclog pores, while niacinamide helps to fade hyperpigmentation and even out skin tone. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that can brighten the skin and fade dark spots, and retinol can help to improve the texture of the skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Additionally, some primers also contain color-correcting pigments that can help to neutralize the appearance of redness or discoloration. When choosing a primer, make sure to select one that is appropriate for your skin type and concerns, and always patch test before introducing new products to your routine.

Can primers worsen acne breakouts in people with oily or acne-prone skin?

It is possible for primers to worsen acne breakouts in people with oily or acne-prone skin. This is because certain ingredients in primers, such as silicones and certain oils, can clog pores and lead to breakouts. Additionally, some primers contain fragrances or other irritants that can exacerbate existing acne or cause new breakouts to occur.

However, not all primers are created equal, and some may not have a negative impact on acne-prone skin. It's important to choose a primer that is specifically formulated for oily or acne-prone skin, and to look for non-comedogenic, oil-free, and fragrance-free options. It's also a good idea to patch test new products before applying them to the entire face.

Ultimately, the impact of a primer on acne breakouts will vary from person to person based on their individual skin type and sensitivities. It's best to consult with a dermatologist if you're concerned about how a specific primer may impact your skin.

What are the best ingredients to look for in a primer for acne prone skin?

When selecting a primer for acne-prone skin, it is important to look for ingredients that are non-comedogenic, meaning they will not clog pores. Some of the best ingredients to look for include salicylic acid, which helps to unclog pores and exfoliate the skin, and niacinamide, which can help to reduce inflammation and redness. Other beneficial ingredients include tea tree oil, which has antibacterial properties, and zinc oxide, which can help to soothe and calm irritated skin. It is also important to avoid primers that contain fragrances, oils, or silicones, as these can exacerbate acne and lead to further breakouts. Ultimately, it is best to choose a primer that is specifically formulated for acne-prone skin and has been tested and approved by dermatologists.

Which primers are best suited for sensitive acne-prone skin?

When selecting a primer for sensitive acne-prone skin, it's important to opt for a product that is oil-free, non-comedogenic, and fragrance-free. Look for ingredients such as salicylic acid or niacinamide, which can help control breakouts and soothe inflammation. A lightweight, gel-based formula is ideal as it won't clog pores or exacerbate existing acne.

Some great options for primers for sensitive acne-prone skin include the Smashbox Photo Finish Oil-Free Foundation Primer, which contains salicylic acid and is non-comedogenic, and the BareMinerals Prime Time BB Primer Cream, which contains niacinamide and is fragrance-free. The La Roche-Posay Effaclar Mat Oil-Free Mattifying Moisturizer is another excellent option as it contains sebum-regulating ingredients and is designed for oily, acne-prone skin. It's important to patch test any new product first to ensure it's suitable for your skin type.

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