The 12 Best Foundations for Sensitive Skin of 2023

If you have sensitive skin, you might have come to the conclusion that finding the right foundation is impossible. The good news is, with knowledge and careful product selection, even people with super-sensitive skin can still enjoy a good foundation.

According to Nava Greenfield, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in New York City, sensitive skin can be caused by multiple factors. These include genetic predisposition as well as environmental triggers like low humidity or exposure to soap and other skincare products. Sensitive skin may also indicate another underlying condition like eczema, contact dermatitis, psoriasis, or rosacea.

When choosing which sensitive skin foundation is right for you, it’s important to consider your skin type, says Caroline Chang, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in East Greenwich, Rhode Island. People with dry skin should use liquid foundations, specifically those with moisturizing ingredients such as hyaluronic acid. Whereas oily skin calls for powder or mineral-based foundations. Based on expert advice, we’ve rounded up the best foundations for a variety of preferences and skin types. To top it off, a dermatologist on our Medical Expert Board reviewed this article for medical and scientific accuracy.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Alima Matte Foundation at Amazon

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Best Stick:

Merit The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Foundation and Concealer Stick at Sephora

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Best for Dry Skin:

Dermablend Full Coverage Foundation at Ulta

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Best for Acne-Prone Skin:

Oxygenetix Oxygenating Acne Control Foundation at Dermstore

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Best Liquid:

Younique Serum+ Foundation at Youniqueproducts.com

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Best Powder:

bareMinerals Loose Powder at Nordstrom

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Best CC Cream:

Erborian CC Cream at Amazon

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Best Drugstore:

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Tint at Amazon

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Best Full Coverage:

Cover FX Cream Foundation at Amazon

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Best for Eczema:

Tower 28 SunnyDays SPF 30 Tinted Sunscreen at Sephora

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Amazon

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Why We Like It: It’s a great loose powder foundation that’s non-irritating and sits beautifully on the skin.

It’s Worth Noting: It’s not full coverage, but more of a light- to medium-coverage foundation.

This gentle foundation only contains four non-allergenic ingredients: mica, titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, and iron oxides. It isn’t heavy-looking on the skin, and it can be built up if you are looking for more coverage. The foundation says put throughout the day and blends into skin pretty seamlessly. Most importantly, it won’t irritate sensitive skin or cause breakouts. It’s also oil-free, making it a good choice if you have oily skin.

The Alima Pure Satin Matte Foundation is a powder formula, so it won’t look as hydrating as some of the other products on this list. We suggest applying a non-irritating moisturizer and makeup primer underneath, so the foundation won’t settle into any fine lines or wrinkles. Note that this isn’t a full-coverage foundation, so if you prefer that look, consider another option with more coverage (such as Dermablend Cover Creme Full Coverage Foundation).

Price at time of publication: $32

Product Details:

Hypoallergenic: Yes
Fragrance: No
Key ingredients: Iron oxide, zinc oxide

Merit The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Foundation and Concealer Stick

Sephora

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Why We Like It: It’s ideal for sensitive-skinned folks looking for a minimalist foundation product.

It’s Worth Noting: It doesn't come with a ton of product.

The Merit Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Foundation and Concealer Stick is a great option for anyone who doesn’t love to apply a whole layer of foundation on their face. The formula blends in so beautifully and seamlessly that it won’t look strange if you only use it on specific areas of your face. That being said, it can be used as a full-face foundation if you prefer.

It’s a cream formula, so it is a bit on the heavier side. And, it comes in 20 shades and is in a twist-up stick formulation, making it an ideal product to throw in your bag for touch-ups throughout the day. Keep in mind that although the brand did just increase the size of this product from 3.7 grams to 6.5 grams, it’s still a small amount for the price, especially if you plan to apply it to your whole face on a daily basis.

Price at time of publication: $38

Product Details:

Hypoallergenic: No
Fragrance: No
Key ingredients: Fatty acids, glycerin

Dermablend Cover Creme Full Coverage Foundation

Ulta

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Why We Like It: This pick has hydrating ingredients ideal for dry skin types.

It’s Worth Noting: The formula is on the thicker side.

The Dermablend Cover Creme Full Coverage Foundation is a great choice for dry skin, especially because it has hydrating ingredients and a cream formula. It also comes recommended by Shari Marchbein, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City and assistant professor at NYU School of Medicine.

“Dermablend Cover Creme offers amazing waterproof full-coverage, is moisturizing with dimethicone and glycerin, is vegan, and is free from sulfates, parabens, and phthalates,” she says. “This is especially important for those with sensitive skin.”

Not only is this pick non-irritating, but it also does a good job of covering up any redness, discoloration, pigmentation, or imperfections on the skin. Just be aware that it’s a full-coverage, cream formula, so it might feel heavier than a powder or liquid formulation.

Price at time of publication: $42

Product Details:

Hypoallergenic: Yes
Fragrance: No
Key ingredients: Titanium dioxide, allantoin

Oxygenetix Oxygenating Acne Control Foundation

Dermstore

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Why We Like It: It’s formulated with salicylic acid to treat acne while you wear it.

It’s Worth Noting: It might be too strong for mild acne cases.

Oxygenetix was originally formulated for use after facial cosmetic procedures, so they know their stuff when it comes to treating sensitive skin. The brand has created a foundation specifically formulated for those with acneic skin, and features 2% salicylic acid to help treat your acne while you wear it.

We love this pick because it’s specially formulated for sensitive skin and features aloe vera to help soothe an irritated and inflamed dermis. The product comes in 13 shades and is paraben-free, cruelty-free, and vegan.

The biggest downside to this pick is the price. It’s definitely on the steep side at $76 per bottle. However, if you have very sensitive skin and are ready to cover and control breakouts, it’s well worth the investment.

Price at time of publication: $76

Product Details:

Hypoallergenic: Yes
Fragrance: No
Key ingredients: Salicylic acid, aloe

Younique

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Why We Like It: It’s a lightweight liquid that feels effortless on the skin.

It’s Worth Noting: The coverage is on the lighter side.

The Younique Touch Serum+ Foundation is a lightweight liquid foundation with a serum feel. It comes in 25 shades and promises 12 hours of wear.

Dr. Chang specifically recommends this foundation if you have dry, sensitive skin. “The Younique Touch Serum+foundation is formulated with multiple humectants such as sodium hyaluronate and glucose. This is great for those with dry, sensitive skin who need extra moisture throughout the day,” says Dr. Chang. “The serum base is lightweight and won’t clog pores.”

Keep in mind, this foundation is pretty lightweight and might not cover up severe redness or hyperpigmentation. While it is buildable, we’d suggest opting for another foundation with more coverage if you prefer that look.

Price at time of publication: $44

Product Details:

Hypoallergenic: No
Fragrance: No
Key ingredients: Sodium hyaluronate

4.2

bareMinerals

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Why We Like It: It’s dermatologist recommended and feels light on the skin.

It’s Worth Noting: It can sometimes feel and look a bit drying.

BareMinerals loose powder foundation has been around for a long time and is beloved by many. It comes in 30 shades and features sun-protecting ingredients like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide.

Multiple dermatologists recommend this pick for sensitive skin, including a few of the experts we spoke to. “The bareMinerals Original Loose Powder Foundation is a powder that sits on top of your skin, instead of absorbing into the skin,” says Dr. Greenfield. This makes it ideal for sensitive skin. Dr. Marchbein also recommends bareMinerals to her patients with sensitive skin. “I like that this foundation is vegan, cruelty-free, paraben-free, and mineral based,” she says.

Because bareMinerals loose foundation comes in a powder form, it can look more drying than other picks on this list. Make sure to apply a hydrating moisturizer or makeup primer before applying this powder to your skin.

Price at time of publication: $35

Product Details:

Hypoallergenic: Yes
Fragrance: No
Key ingredients: Titanium dioxide, zinc oxide

Amazon

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Why We Like It: It’s lightweight and has SPF 25.

It’s Worth Noting: This pick only comes in three shades and isn’t widely available.

CC (color correcting) creams work to soothe and even out blotchy or red skin, making them the perfect choice for folks with sensitive skin. Dr. Marchbein recommends SPF CC creams to her patients with sensitive skin. “I think CC creams and foundations that have SPF and antioxidants are great options for those with sensitive skin,” says Dr. Marchbein. “One of my favorites is the Erborian CC Creme SPF 25, which contains dimethicone and glycerin to moisturize, iron oxide to help prevent damage from visible/blue light, vitamin E, and cica.”

Unfortunately, the cream only comes in three shades, and the darkest shade is not very dark. Because of this, it won’t be a great option for every skin tone.

Price at time of publication: $46

Product Details:

Hypoallergenic: No
Fragrance: Yes
Key ingredients: Centella asiatica

4.9

Amazon

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Why We Like It: It’s inexpensive and widely available.

It’s Worth Noting: The doe foot applicator isn’t ideal and could be a bit unsanitary.

The Neutrogena Hydro Boost line features skincare and makeup products designed to deeply hydrate and nourish dry skin. This Hydrating Tint does a great job of covering any discoloration on the skin without feeling heavy or cakey.

Dr. Chang recommends this foundation to her patients with sensitive skin. “Neutrogena Hydro Boost Foundation contains hyaluronic acid, and is also oil-free and non-comedogenic,” she explains. “The serum base is great because it is lightweight.”

The foundation is only $11 and can be found at most drugstores nationwide. On the flip side, the applicator is not ideal. The product comes with a doe foot application that you have to dip into the bottle and then apply to your skin. A squeeze tube or pump would be more convenient and hygienic.

Price at time of publication: $11

Product Details:

Hypoallergenic: Yes
Fragrance: No
Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid

Cover FX Total Cover Cream Foundation, 0.35 oz.

Amazon

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Why We Like It: It’s a full-coverage foundation that’s oil-free and also acts as a concealer.

It’s Worth Noting: Because this is a cream formula, it might feel heavy.

If you love a full-coverage foundation, this pick from Cover FX is for you. The formula glides effortlessly onto your skin and blends in nicely with a foundation brush or just your fingers.

It’s also recommended by experts. “Cover FX Total Cover Cream Foundation is formulated for sensitive skin and also has antioxidants vitamin C, E, and F,” explains Dr. Greenfield. “These ingredients provide the skin extra benefits of helping to protect against environmental toxins throughout the day.”

This pick doesn’t contain many of the ingredients known to irritate sensitive skin, including sulfates, parabens, phthalates, gluten, mineral oil, and fragrance. You can use it either as an all-over foundation or a spot concealer. However, if you prefer a product that offers light coverage and feels lightweight on the skin, this foundation might not be the best option for you. It’s a cream formula, so it will feel a bit heavier than a powder or a liquid foundation.

Price at time of publication: $42

Product Details:

Hypoallergenic: No
Fragrance: No
Key ingredients: Squalane, vitamin C, E, and F

4.5

Tower 28 Beauty SunnyDays SPF 30 Tinted Sunscreen

Sephora

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Why We Like It: It’s formulated for people with sensitive skin.

It’s Worth Noting: This foundation isn’t matte and doesn’t last long.

Tower 28 Beauty is well known for creating products specifically for sensitive skin—and their SunnyDays SPF 30 Tinted Sunscreen Foundation is no different. We love that this pick is fragrance-free and also provides great protection from the sun.

The foundation comes in 14 shades and features ingredients like zinc oxide (which provides SPF protection), white sage extract (which reduces redness and irritation), and prickly pear extract (which helps protect from blue-light damage).

The coverage on this pick is pretty light, and it might be less buildable than other options on our list. Additionally, the formula offers a glowy finish, and isn’t ideal for those who prefer a matte foundation look.

Price at time of publication: $32

Product Details:

Hypoallergenic: Yes
Fragrance: No
Key ingredients: Zinc oxide

Colorscience Natural Finish Pressed Foundation SPF 20

Nordstrom

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Why We Like It: It has great SPF protection and is ideal for oily skin types.

It’s Worth Noting: The shade range isn’t very expansive.

Dealing with oily skin that’s also sensitive can be tricky. Colorescience Natural Finish Mineral Foundation SPF 20 is powder based, so you don’t have to worry about adding a heavy, liquid foundation on top of an oily base.

Dr. Chang recommends Colorescience to her patients for multiple reasons. “This is a powder foundation that contains moisturizing ingredients such as vitamin E and omega 3s to protect and hydrate the skin,” she says. “It would be a great product to use for touch-ups at the beach, since it contains SPF and is reef-safe, too.”

The biggest downside of this pick is that it only comes in eight shades, and the darkest shades aren’t that deep. However, this could be a great option for folks who need a bit of a touch-up while under the sun, or want to use it to set their foundation.

Price at time of publication: $59

Product Details:

Hypoallergenic: Yes
Fragrance: Yes
Key ingredients: Titanium dioxide, zinc oxide

Sephora

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Why We Like It: It feels like a serum and has decent coverage.

It’s Worth Noting: This pick is not ideal for oily skin types.

Folks with sensitive skin love this foundation from ILIA because it feels lightweight on the skin and has a serum-like consistency. We love that it's fragrance- and oil-free and contains hydrating hyaluronic acid.

The foundation comes in an impressive 30 shades and has a light to medium coverage. Dr. Greenfield recommends this pick to her sensitive-skin patients. “The ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 is a formulation prepared for sensitive skin, and I like that it has SPF 40 which also helps prevent discoloration and adds UV protection,” she explains.

The added sun protection is definitely a plus, but the formula of this pick might not be ideal for oily skin. It provides a shiny, glowy finish to the skin, and we can only imagine how greasy it might look on those with an already oily complexion. If the shine from this pick bothers you, we suggest setting it with a translucent powder.

Price at time of publication: $48

Product Details:

Hypoallergenic: No
Fragrance: No
Key ingredients: Squalane, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid

How We Selected

We used our own experience with sensitive skin to recommend these foundations to readers and also consulted three board-certified dermatologists for their recommendations on the best foundations for sensitive skin. The dermatologists we spoke to included:

Nava Greenfield, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in New York City
Caroline Chang, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in East Greenwich, RI
Shari Marchbein, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City and assistant professor at NYU School of Medicine

Based on their advice, we looked for foundations that were fragrance-free, had hydrating and calming ingredients, and were formulated specifically for sensitive skin types.

What to Know About Foundations for Sensitive Skin

Ingredients to Look for

The most important ingredients to look for when shopping for sensitive skin foundation are moisturizing agents. Dr. Greenfield suggests products that contain moisturizers like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and hydrating oils. Dr. Chang recommends looking for skin-soothing ingredients, too. “Anti-inflammatory ingredients, such as niacinamide, work to soothe and reduce irritation,” she explains.

Ingredients to Avoid

Dr. Chang suggests avoiding skin acids like glycolic or salicylic acid if you have sensitive skin, since they can cause irritation and burning. Fragrance is also a common culprit, so look for fragrance-free options. Chang also says to avoid retinol, which is okay to apply in small amounts, but not in large quantities. Finally, Dr. Greenfield says to avoid too many preservatives if you have sensitive skin, since they can cause an allergic reaction.

How Much You Can Expect to Pay for a Sensitive Skin Foundation

The price range of a sensitive skin foundation can vary. You can expect to pay anywhere from $10 to $80 on a foundation, depending on where you purchase the product, the quality of the ingredients, and the packaging.

Your Questions, Answered

What is the best foundation for very sensitive skin?

Our pick for the best foundation for sensitive skin is Alima Pure Satin Matte foundation because it is incredibly non-irritating and looks wonderful on a variety of skin types. However, the best foundation for you depends on your skin’s specific needs. Generally, it’s best to look for a foundation that contains moisturizing, anti-inflammatory ingredients and is free of allergens and irritants.

What foundation do dermatologists recommend?

The dermatologists we interviewed specifically recommend bareMinerals Original Loose Powder Mineral Foundation SPF 15, ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 Foundation, Dermablend Cover Creme Full Coverage Foundation, Younique Touch Serum+ Foundation, Erborian CC Creme, Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Tint, Cover FX Total Cover Cream Foundation, and Colorescience Natural Finish Mineral Foundation SPF 20.

They also suggest spending some time without foundation and other makeup products, which can clog pores and cause breakouts. Dr. Greenfield suggests removing your makeup every night before bed since leaving it on your skin can accelerate the breakdown of collagen, a protein that is crucial for skin health. Dr. Chang also recommends using a gentle skin cleanser and moisturizer at night.

Finally, it’s important to realize your skin might need a break from your foundation every once in a while. If your foundation seems to cause redness, irritation, peeling, or breakouts, Dr. Greenfield advises taking a break and switching to a different foundation if the problem continues.

Who We Are

Daley Quinn is a freelance journalist, specializing in beauty and health, who has contributed to numerous publications, such as Elle, Real Simple, Allure, The Cut, WWD, and more. She used her personal experience with easily irritated skin to test foundations for sensitive skin for this story. In fact, she’s been using many of these foundations for years and knows firsthand how non-irritating they are.