The Active Edit

11 Best Foundations For Sensitive Skin

written by: Kristen - Beauty Editorpublished on 24 Jan, 2024

The Best Foundations To Keep Sensitive Skins Calm

Sensitive skin? You want to be certain that the foundation you put on won't irritate the problem further!

Let's face it: one of your biggest assets is your skin. It's your largest organ, and its condition is key in determining whether you look healthy or not. So, it's a great idea to take care of your skin, but that can get a little more complicated if you've been blessed with sensitive skin. You need to be sure that what you're putting on your body, and most especially the extra-sensitive areas like your face, won't irritate, clog or congest your skin. And if your skin is sensitive because it's already dealing with eczema, psoriasis, rosacea or other issues, you want to be certain that the foundation you apply won't irritate the problem further.

To help those with sensitive skin navigate the isles of makeup that are gentle on your face, we've dived to the depths to come up with the best foundations for sensitive skin. We've collected 11 of the gentlest, calming, high-performance foundations that will give you a clean, smooth start to your makeup routine without inconvenient skin flare ups or aggravating your face.

Top Foundations for Sensitive Skin

  1. Jane Iredale Amazing Base Loose Powder SPF20
  2. Inika Organic Loose Mineral Foundation
  3. asap Pure Mineral Make-Up
  4. Youngblood Liquid Mineral Foundation
  5. Tribe Skincare Mineral Mineral Makeup Powder SPF 15
  6. Eye Of Horus Ritual Skin Foundation Stick
  7. O Cosmedics 1Skin Natural Fusion Treatment Foundation
  8. Aspect Minerals Powder
  9. Elizabeth Arden Pure Finish Mineral Powder Foundation
  10. Raww Superfood Camouflage Foundation
  11. Napoleon Perdis Auto Pilot BBB Cream

1. Jane Iredale Amazing Base Loose Powder SPF20

One really great option for your sensitive skin is Jane Iredale Amazing Base Loose Powder SPF20. There is so much good stuff going on in this one. First off, it's a micro-fine mineral makeup base which means it's created from natural minerals that won't clog pores. These minerals also give it a natural SPF of 20, so you can be confident wearing it will protect your skin. Plus, it's a concealer, foundation, and powder all in one, so it can make for a quick, fuss-free morning. Even better, this Jane Iredale powder contains algae extracts that helps to soothe and reduce inflammation whilst strengthening the skin’s ability to retain vital moisture. Finally, you'll love that it has no oil, talc, FD&C dyes, or parabens.

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2. Inika Organic Loose Mineral Foundation

If you have very troubled dry skin, you need something ultra-gentle, so try Inika Organic Loose Mineral Foundation, a 100% natural mineral foundation, concealer, and power in one. It goes on so effortlessly with buildable coverage and leaves you with a flawless finish for radiant skin. Plus it's non-comedogenic (meaning it won't clog your pores) and is so gentle that it can safely provide full coverage for skin with conditions like acne, rosacea, pigmentation, scarring, and even after cosmetic and facial procedures. And for the sun-conscious, this Inika Organic gem has natural Titanium and Zinc Oxide that gives you a water-resistant SPF of 25 so it stays on longer. Put on a little for light-medium coverage, or layer for more concealing power.

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3. asap Pure Mineral Make-Up

Even oily skin wants to look bright and healthy. Another best foundation that does that while treating your skin gently is asap Pure Mineral Make-Up. This concealer, makeup, and sunscreen uses revolutionary skin brightening technology, chromabright and hyaluronic acid microspheres, to plump up the skin and minimise the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while rejuvenating your skin's health. It blurs the line between skincare and makeup! Even if your skin suffers from problems like acne, rosacea, pigmentation, or is allergy-prone, this product is still safe enough to use. An added bonus is that asap is Australian made and owned, and does not test this product on animals. And we just love that!

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4. Youngblood Liquid Mineral Foundation

If you want more of a dewy finish from your foundation then check out Youngblood Liquid Mineral Foundation. This Youngblood Cosmetics best-seller is formulated to go on as a lightweight, soothing and hydrating foundation that lasts all day. It covers beautifully and has all the light-reflecting qualities you expect from a liquid foundation with the added bonus of skin calming Cucumber, Allantoin and anti-inflammatory Green Tea extract. And even though it's good for all skin types, this one was created especially with those dehydrated or dry skin types that crave a healthy looking glow. Oil-free and non-caking, this cream powder foundation will feel just great on your dry skin.

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5. Tribe Skincare Mineral Mineral Makeup Powder SPF 15

This Tribe Skincare Mineral Makeup Powder SPF 15 is especially for those suffering red, sore, breakout and acne prone skin. This ultra-fine loose mineral foundation steps up to cover and conceal pustules and scarring like no other with a super light yet buildable formulation that gives you ultimate control over the final finish. Using 100% natural ingredients and minerals, this Tribe Skincare essential will never clog pores or cause irritation which helps you breathe a sigh of relief when the breakouts are at their worst. Boasting a natural-looking finish with the additional bonus of natural SPF sun protection, blemish-prone, reactive and sensitive skins feel soothed and comforted from the anti-inflammatory properties. Safe to be used during pregnancy and Australian made too.

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6. Eye Of Horus Ritual Skin Foundation Stick

Good for your skin and good to our planet. This creamy yet featherlight Eye Of Horus foundation delivers a truly natural skin finish that has radiance, vitality and clarity. Boasting superior coverage across all skin types and global skin tones, the Eye Of Horus Ritual Skin Foundation Stick loves your skin with all day wear, a smooth, creamy application and totally blendable base. Furthermore, the 100% natural SPF 30 high UV protection gives you confidence to go about your day whilst Moringa and Jojoba oils nourish and repair the skin without ever feeling greasy. Moreover, Mango Butter and Olive Squalane ramp up skin softness whilst this vegan cruelty-free makeup treads lightly on your skin and our planet.

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7. O Cosmedics 1Skin Natural Fusion Treatment Foundation

When a skincare powerhouse releases a treatment foundation, you just know your skin is about to experience something pretty special. O Cosmedics is renowned as a high-performance cosmeceutical skin care company so it’s no surprise that their hero foundation is the perfect match for sensitive skin. By harnessing corrective skincare ingredients, this O Cosmedics 1Skin Natural Fusion Treatment Foundation conceals redness and any imperfections through a soothing foundation base that is free from nasties with 98% ingredients from natural origins. Furthermore, the inclusion of Green Pea Polypeptides strengthens the skin to help it fight the ravages of environmental stress and aggravation. The wash up is this foundation glides onto the skin, keeps it calm and leaves a delicate velvety feel making it your sensitive skin's BFF.

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8. Aspect Minerals Powder

Diffuse the appearance of redness and hyperpigmentation with this advanced mineral powder from Aspect. From the first brush stroke, this Aspect Minerals Powder is elevated by SPF 25 sun protection that comes from the purity of all natural Zinc Oxide and Titanium Oxide to shield your skin from UV damage. In addition, this formulation suits all skin types from super dry to very oily, even ideal as a foundation for mature skins however, soothing sensitive skin is this foundation's speciality. And to make it even more special, super hydrating Hyaluronic Acid tops up vital moisture to keep skin calm for longer. And the best part is the feel of a lightweight camouflage that looks flawless day and night.

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9. Elizabeth Arden Pure Finish Mineral Powder Foundation

This is one of those products that once you know about it, you just have to try. Elizabeth Arden Pure Finish Mineral Powder Foundation comes in an ultra-handy dispenser that offers up a freshly-ground foundation with no waste and no mess. When you're ready to use it, just twist the compact rim halfway to the right, and it dispenses a perfectly small amount of foundation to swirl on with a brush. And this Elizabeth Arden formulation is non-drying but skin-brightening, and so smooth it won't settle into fine lines. It's been tested for sensitive skin, is clinically and dermatologist allergy tested and is talc and fragrance-free. You really want this one in your kit.

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10. Raww Superfood Camouflage Foundation

When you want the hydration of a liquid foundation with the satin finish of a powder, then the Raww Superfood Camouflage Foundation is your new go-to foundation for sensitive skin. Raww Australian Organics offers incredible high-performance skincare and makeup for reactive skins as their ultra calming and soothing ingredients nurture fragile skins back to health. Boasting medium to full coverage with a blendable base in addition to SPF 15 sun prtiection, this luxurious foundation almost melts into the skin to balance skin tone and create a more even base. Your skin is left feeling light, refreshed and quenched.

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11. Napoleon Perdis Auto Pilot BBB Cream

It's good to know that your foundation isn't just good for sensitive skin, but also takes advantage of nature's enriching vitamins to improve the health of your skin. In Napoleon Perdis Auto Pilot BBB Cream SPF 30 you'll find vitamin C, A and E to nourish and replenish your skin to give it its full natural glow. The oil-free formula provides light to medium coverage while protecting your skin from harmful sun rays with SPF 30. This next generation of the best foundation is paraben, fragrance, mineral oil and dye-free is hypoallergenic making Napoleon Perdis the perfect choice for sensitive skins.

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