11 Best Cosmetologist-Approved Non-Comedogenic Primers For Acne-Prone Skin

The best non-comedogenic primers do more than soothe skin and minimize the appearance of large pores. They help prevent acne breakouts, moisturize your skin, and help reduce dark spots, wrinkles, blemishes, dark circles, and several other visible signs of aging. They are ideal for people who wear makeup daily and want enhanced features without looking oily or cakey. To help you come to a decision, we have listed some of our top picks of non-comedogenic primers, particularly formulated for acne-prone and mature skin. These primers form a fantastic base beneath makeup products, leaving the skin ready for makeup. They also help cosmetic products last longer on the face and offer exceptional results. Take your pick from the list below!

11 Best Non-Comedogenic Primers For Acne-Prone Skin (Buying Guide)

1. Best Pore Minimizer:L’Oreal Paris New Studio Secrets Professional Magic Perfecting Base

4.1

Image: L'oreal Paris

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BUY ON AMAZON | $18.57

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This perfecting base face primer from L’Oreal Paris is suitable for all skin types. It instantly smoothens facial fine lines, hides pores, and leaves your skin mattified. The formula has a silky, velvet-like texture and a light consistency that glides across the skin and diffuses light. It gives breathable and lightweight coverage on your face and under the eyes, preparing a clear canvas for makeup. It is gentle and mild on the skin and lasts up to 24 hours of makeup wear. The rich pore-minimizing primer formula blends well with the skin tone, helps reduce blemishes, and enables you to create the look that you want. With this primer as the base, your makeup stays in place and looks fresh for several hours. The pack is available in a count of 2 compact bottles. Alyssa Valentine, a beauty blogger, believes that this primer is her all-time favorite product. She says, “It did minimize the look of my pores and fine lines (which most of my other primers do not). My skin did look and feel smoothed and resurfaced. My skin did feel velvety-smooth to the touch. Basically, it did everything that it said! …My makeup lasts all day when I’m wearing this (i).”

Pro Tip

Follow up with a setting spray after applying the primer for the best long-lasting results.

2. Best Matte Finish:L’Oreal Paris Infallible Matte Lock

Image: L'oreal Paris

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The Infallible Matte Lock primer from L’Oreal Paris prepares your face for makeup. The breathable primer lasts longer and leaves a smooth and refreshing look. When applied directly to the skin, it blurs out imperfections such as blemishes, fine lines, pimples, acne, crow’s feet, wrinkled skin, dark circles, spots, and other signs of aging. With this Infallible Matte Lock, you will be able to create the right complexion and prime up your face for long-lasting makeup. The formula balances the skin pH levels and keeps excess skin oils at bay. It also gives you matte coverage with its blurring properties. Your natural sebum and moisture stay sealed in the skin and form a protective barrier over the skin. This product is not tested on animals and is a good fur-friendly option for animal lovers.

3. Best For Oily Skin:Neutrogena Shine Control Mattifying Liquid Primer

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Image: Neutrogena

BUY ON AMAZON | $14.34

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The Neutrogena Shine Control Mattifying Liquid Primer controls shine and keeps your skin looking amazing whether you wear makeup or go bare skin. This primer offers a light and smooth finish that makes makeup slide on more easily and lasts longer. The product is made with optical enhancers to help reduce dark circles and the appearance of pores and leave a mattifying effect on the skin. This rich primer formula balances the skin pH levels, reduces the visibility of aging signs, and is compatible with all adult skin types. The rice protein technology removes excess sebum like a sponge and leaves skin looking rejuvenated and brightened for 8 hours, making it the best non-comedogenic primer for oily skin. This oil-free primer is non-comedogenic and non-greasy that will not over-dry the face but give it a matte and refreshed look throughout the day. According to multiple reviewers, this primer is suitable for sensitive skin types and also helps control oiliness and shine throughout the day. G, a beauty blogger, has tried out this primer and has shared her experiences. She exclaims, “I’ve worn this primer with a variety of different foundations, and it’s performed well with each one (liquid, mousse, and powder formulas). I think it provides a nice, smooth base for makeup, which makes my makeup not only apply smoother but look smoother on my face as well. ….It doesn’t completely eliminate shine (nothing does), but it does extend the life of my makeup and keeps shine at bay for about three hours longer than when I don’t wear primer (ii).”

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

It has received 1,539 reviews on Amazon and is a popular choice among shoppers.

	L’Oreal Paris New Studio Secrets Professional Magic Perfecting Base Best Pore Minimizer	L’Oreal Paris Infallible Matte Lock Best Matte Finish	Neutrogena Shine Control Mattifying Liquid Primer Best For Oily Skin
	Buy Now	Buy Now	Buy Now
Skin Type	All	All	Oily
Dimensions	1.9 x 3.6 x 3.65 inches	1.9 x 3.6 x 3.65 inches	-
Weight	5.8 Ounces.	5.8 Ounces.	-
Rating
Reviews	8,618	-	1,539
Price	$18.57	-	$14.34

4. Best Cruelty-Free Formula:Dermablend Professional Insta-Grip Jelly Primer

4.1

Image: Dermablend

BUY ON AMAZON | $33.0

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The Insta-Grip Jelly Primer is a 3-in-1 multi-tasking primer from Dermablend Professional. It acts as a primer that hydrates the skin deeply and makes the skin firmer. The primer has a sticky jelly texture that is safe and mild on dry skin. This silicone-free primer has high-performance pigments that stay on for long hours and gradually minimizes fine lines and skin pore size.

This primer is dermatologist-tested and compatible for application on dry, aging, sensitive, and acne-prone skin. It feels light on your skin and leaves a clear canvas on which you can apply makeup. The primer meets dermatologist standards and allows your makeup to last for up to 24 hours. It is available in a spray bottle and is the best non-comedogenic primer for sensitive skin out there. The product does not undergo animal testing and is a good option for ethically conscious consumers.

Quick Tip

Remember to prep your skin well with a moisturizer before applying a non-comedogenic primer.

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

With 1,628 positive reviews on Amazon, this product has become a bestseller.

5. Best Non-Greasy Formula:Rimmel London Matte Primer

4.1

Image: Rimmellondon

BUY ON AMAZON | $17.42

This mattifying base primer from Rimmel London smoothens skin and evens out its tone. It makes your makeup look flawless, radiant, and lasts for up to 9 hours. The product comes in a squeeze tube that is easy to carry and allows for easy and smooth application, anytime and anywhere. This primer provides a flawless base and can be used to make your face radiant with or without makeup. It also gives you a fresh look all day. It has a non-greasy and lightweight texture that keeps your skin hydrated, moisturized, and breathable.

6. Best Vegan Formula:NYX Marshmallow Primer

4.3

Image: Nyx Professional Makeup

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BUY ON AMAZON | $13.56

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The Marshmallow Primer from NYX ensures a professional makeup experience each time. It soothes your skin, prepares it for makeup and enhances makeup longevity. Your skin feels soft as it blurs the fine lines, evens the tone, and keeps it hydrated. This primer is infused with honeydew and papaya extract that add a soft-focus finish to your face. It creates a unique effect with its marshmallow root extract. Its blend of organic ingredients makes the skin brighter and dewy. According to several reviews, this primer smells great and has a non-drying finish that does not feel tacky on the skin.

7. Best Anti-Aging Benefits:Fifth & Skin Mineral Primer

4

Image: Fifthandskin

BUY ON AMAZON | $20.95

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The Fifth & Skin Mineral Primer is loaded with essential minerals for your skin. It keeps your skin nourished with natural and organic ingredients like aloe vera, lavender, rosemary, and oregano. The hydrating primer is mild and suitable for all skin types. Its botanical contents enable your skin to look and feel its best. It controls excess oil and shine and allows your makeup and other cosmetic products to stay on for up to 8 to 12 hours.

This uniquely-prepared formula is non-comedogenic and hypoallergenic. The non-greasy primer is extremely safe to apply on skin and causes no irritation, redness, rashes, or other skin issues. It does not clog pores but reduces the appearance of pores. All it takes is just one pump for full coverage and silky finish. Multiple reviewers recommend this product for a soft, dewy makeup base.

Quick Tip

Apply this primer using fingertips in circular motions for a perfect blend.

8. Best Gluten-Free Option:Murad Hydration Skin Primer

4.6

Image: Murad

BUY ON AMAZON | $68.0

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The Murad Hydration Skin Primer is a 3-in-1 primer that blurs, primes, and protects the skin. It comes with SPF 30 sunscreen that forms a broad-spectrum shield on your skin and protects against sun rays. The expertly crafted, non-irritating formula takes care of your skin and ensures your makeup lasts longer. The high-end primer is infused with mushroom peptides that repair and restore skin cells and improve skin elasticity. The non-clogging formula is suitable for all skin types, including normal, combination, sensitive, dry, or acne-prone skin. It is free of parabens, sulfates, gluten, animal-derived ingredients, mineral oils, formaldehyde, oxybenzone, and petroleum. This dermatologist-founded brand does not test on animals.

9. Best For Daily Use:Seraphine Botanicals Luminizing Primer

4.6

Image: Seraphinebotanicals

BUY ON AMAZON | $19.95

The Seraphine Botanicals Luminizing Primer is formulated with enriching camelina seed oil and hydrating and nourishing rose hydrosol that keeps your skin hydrated, soothes the skin, and repairs and restores skin cells. The primer’s non-greasy and light texture evens out the skin tone, boosts skin elasticity, keeps skin nourished, and gives a flawless makeup look that lasts up to 8 to 12 hours of makeup wear. It creates a smooth and lustrous makeup base and leaves you with brighter and dewy skin. This product also balances the skin pH levels. It comes in an easy-to-apply squeeze tube.

10. Best For Oily Skin:TULA Skin Care Brighten Up Smoothing Primer Gel

4.3

Image: Tula

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BUY ON AMAZON | $24.78

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The TULA Skin Care Brighten Up Smoothing Primer Gel contains potent probiotics and skin superfoods to promote healthy, balanced, and beautiful skin. It is enriched with probiotic extracts that improve skin texture, smoothen the skin, and improve its barrier, while yuzu brightens the skin. This silicone-free and non-comedogenic primer with brightening willowherb is perfect for oily and blemish-prone skin and gives a satin-soft finish. It offers a long-lasting makeup base, instant face brightening, and long-term skin care benefits.

11. Best For All Skin Types:Yves Saint Laurent Primer

4.8

Image: Yslbeautyus

Now 13% Off

BUY ON AMAZON | $49.99

This is the first radiance boosting foundation primer from Yves Saint Laurent. It comes with a blend of 4 nourishing oils and the light of ToucheEclat. This primer makes your skin feel incredibly soft and smooth. It does not leave a greasy residue behind. It reduces fine lines and blemishes, and the appearance of skin pore size.

The formula enhances skin texture and gives a luminous glow that blurs out blemishes, tan, fine lines, wrinkles, and other aging signs. This pore-filling primer is suitable for all skin types and has a transparent texture in a universal shade with subtle sparkles of golden light.

These are the top 11 non-comedogenic makeup primers available on the market. In the following section, we will look at what you need to consider before buying one.

What To Consider Before Buying A Non-Comedogenic Primer?

• Textures

Non-comedogenic primers come with different textures that meet the makeup needs of women from all walks of life. Most of them contain active ingredients that bring about visibly instant effects – like hyaluronic acid which is extracted from algae and used in skincare and helps to even out the skin tone and texture. These ingredients are infused in the formulas to reduce the visibility of aging signs like fine lines, marks, scars, blemishes, wrinkles, and crow’s feet.

• Multi-functional

Since a skin care routine requires a wide range of products, it would be a wise choice to choose primers that are multi-functional. Pick products that not only prime your skin but also keep it hydrated, moisturized, nourished, and protected from the harsh rays of the sun with an SPF.

• Skin Type

While some primers are created for all skin types, others are meant only for specific applications. Choose a cosmetologist-approved or expert-recommended primer that is gentle and soothing to sensitive and acne-prone skin. This prevents pimple and acne breakouts, redness, rashes, and irritation.

• Vegan And Botanical Ingredients

It is good to choose primers that are formulated from naturally sourced ingredients like hibiscus flower extract, willow bark, squalane, and salicylic acid. Primers with 100% vegan and cruelty-free ingredients are ideal. Go for primers that are free of mineral oils, sulfates, phthalates, parabens, silicones, dyes, fragrances, and other harmful substances that can damage your skin.

• Finish

There is a specific trademark finish to every primer. The hydrating primer can give your skin a dewy, moist, and radiant finish. It is ideal for dry skin types and keeps your skin hydrated as well. The pore corrector mattifying primer, on the other hand, evens the skin tone and texture. It works well on oily and combination skin types.

• Brand

Purchasing a primer from a reputed brand ensures your skincare regime is in good hands. The products are reliably used and trusted by many other women around the world.

Infographic: How To Choose The Ideal Non-Comedogenic Primer For Acne-Prone Skin

While you might only pay attention to foundations, choosing the perfect primer according to your skin type or requirement can be a complete game-changer. Primers help your makeup stay on for long hours and look flawless. But if you have acne-prone skin, it can be challenging zeroing in on makeup products. No worries! Check out the infographic below to understand how to select the best non-comedogenic primer for acne-prone skin.

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

Do primers clog your pores?

While certain primers may clog pores, non-comedogenic primers do not. Large, visible pores on your face can be an aesthetic concern as they trap dirt, dead cells, and accumulated sebum. These pores can cause skin infections, redness, itchiness, and rashes. Non-comedogenic primers can help resolve these concerns.

Can you wear a primer every day?

It is not necessary to wear a primer every day. But there is no harm wearing it every day. If you want that poly-filler matte finish effect on your skin, a primer sure can do wonders!

Is a primer necessary before makeup?

If you have large pores, oily skin, marks, scars, or wish to blur signs of aging such as wrinkles, fine lines, crow’s feet, and skin creases, a good primer can do the trick. The primer should be applied directly onto the skin before applying the makeup to close large pores, reduce wrinkles, and achieve mattified skin with a silky texture.

What ingredients should you avoid in makeup primers?

Avoid using non-comedogenic primers that contain bismuth oxychloride and latex. These ingredients can irritate sensitive and acne-prone skin, leading to more breakouts. On the other hand, latex can trigger allergic reactions on your skin. Check the product labels before making a purchase.

Why Trust StyleCraze?

The author, Baishali Bhattacharya, is certified in makeup artistry and gives you an insider’s perspective on the best non-comedogenic primers for acne-prone skin that you should have in your makeup collection. She believes these primers are ideal for people who wear makeup daily. She checked user feedback, reviews, ingredients, and other specifications provided on the brand websites to pick the best products available on the market.

(i) Valentine Kisses
https://xoxovalentinekissesxoxo.blogspot.com/2010/09/loreal-studio-secrets-professional.html

(ii) Nouveau Champ
https://nouveaucheap.blogspot.com/2012/07/review-neutrogena-shine-control-primer.html

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Georgia SmithCosmetologist

 

Georgia Smith is a cosmetologist-turned-cosmetic chemist and has been in the industry for over 13 years as a beauty therapist. She is the founder of Skin Sister and owns a hugely successful, skin focused beauty salon in Sydney, Australia.

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Baishali BhattacharyaBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

 

Baishali is a beauty and lifestyle writer and holds a master's degree in English from Assam University. She specializes in makeup and fashion and is also a certified Style and Image Consultant. Prior to this, she was a part of a digital marketing company in Kolkata where she wrote stories on travel, beauty, and home décor.

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Krati is an associate commerce editor, a certified skin care coach, and a beauty enthusiast. She has a master’s degree in advertising and publishing relations from DAVV University and three years of experience in writing and editing for different niches.

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