In this post, we will talk about the best water-based foundations for oily, acne-prone skin.

All of these products provide buildable medium to full coverage with a natural matte finish. Most of them are free from irritating and harmful ingredients.

We choose these products based on how commonly it was used, recommended, and tested by people with oily, acne-prone skin.

This liquid foundation has been highly recommended for oily, acne-prone skin as it delivers all-day buildable medium to full coverage with a natural matte finish.

Pros:

• It lasts for 24 hours without creasing, caking, setting into fine lines or pores, streaking, or poring.

• It is waterproof, sweat, and humidity-resistant.

• It is oil-free and controls oil all day.

• It is dermatologist-tested, non-comedogenic, and non-acnegenic.

• Free of parabens, phthalates, sulfites, synthetic fragrances, drying alcohols, gluten, mineral oil, and animal-derived ingredients.

Cons:

• None.

What ingredients does it contain?

Ingredients: Water\Aqua\Eau, Cyclopentasiloxane, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Peg/Ppg-18/18 Dimethicone, Butylene Glycol, Tribehenin, Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate, Magnesium Sulfate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Methicone, Laureth-7, Xanthan Gum, Alumina, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Cellulose Gum, Propylene Carbonate, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Phenoxyethanol, [+/- Iron Oxides (Ci 77491, Ci 77492, Ci 77499), Mica, Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891)] <ILN39010>.

This is another liquid foundation that should be suitable for oily, acne-prone skin. It gives a natural matte finish.

Pros:

• It provides buildable full coverage with a natural matte finish.

• It is transfer, sweat & humidity-resistant, and waterproof.

• Gives up to 24hr longwear.

• Formulated without fragrance and mineral oils.

• It is non-comedogenic and suitable for all skin types, including sensitive.

• Infused with hyaluronic acid, moringa seed extract, vitamin E, and prebiotics.

Cons:

• None.

What ingredient does it contain?

Water, dimethicone, isododecane, alcohol denat., trimethylsiloxysilicate, butylene glycol, PEG-10 dimethicone, perlite, synthetic fluorphlogopite, moringa oleifera seed extract, polymnia sonchifolia root juice, calcium aluminum borosilicate, glycerin, dipentaerythrityl tetrahydroxystearate/ tetraisostearate, alpha-glucan oligosaccharide, sodium hyaluronate, silica, silica silylate, HDI/trimethylol hexyllactone crosspolymer, cellulose, aluminum hydroxide, magnesium sulfate, nylon-12, disodium phosphate, disodium stearoyl glutamate, isopropyl lauroyl sarcosinate, hydrogen dimethicone, citric acid, diisopropyl sebacate, bis-PEG/PPG-14/14 dimethicone, lactobacillus, maltodextrin, disteardimonium hectorite, BHT, tocopherol, phenoxyethanol; may contain: titanium dioxide, iron oxides.

This is a soft matte, longwear foundation that features climate-adaptive technology to fight sweat, heat + shine.

Pros:

• Lasts long, is shine-free, and gives a soft matte finish.

• Features Climate Adaptive Technology that absorbs oil instantly, reduces shine, and leaves a matte finish.
• It is non-comedogenic, non-drying, and sweat/humidity resistant.

• Instantly smooths and diffuses the look of pores.

• Available in 50 shades.

Cons:

• None.

What ingredients does it contain?

AQUA/WATER/EAU, DIMETHICONE, TALC, PEG-10 DIMETHICONE, TRIMETHYLSILOXYSILICATE, POLYPROPYLENE, ISODODECANE, CETYL PEG/PPG-10/1 DIMETHICONE, NYLON-12, HDI/TRIMETHYLOL HEXYLLACTONE CROSSPOLYMER, PHENOXYETHANOL, SODIUM CHLORIDE, HYDROGEN DIMETHICONE, GLYCERIN, MAGNESIUM SULFATE, SODIUM DEHYDROACETATE, DISTEARDIMONIUM HECTORITE, ALUMINUM HYDROXIDE, METHICONE, BENZOIC ACID, DEHYDROACETIC ACID, PROPYLENE CARBONATE, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN, PARFUM/FRAGRANCE, SILICA, BIOSACCHARIDE GUM-4, PENTAERYTHRITYL TETRA-DI-T-BUTYL HYDROXYHYDROCINNAMATE, ANANAS SATIVUS (PINEAPPLE) FRUIT EXTRACT, CARICA PAPAYA (PAPAYA) FRUIT EXTRACT, PAULLINIA CUPANA SEED EXTRACT, POTASSIUM SORBATE, TOCOPHEROL, SORBIC ACID. MAY CONTAIN/PEUT CONTENIR (+/-): TITANIUM DIOXIDE (CI 77891), IRON OXIDES (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499).

This is Tarte’s full-coverage foundation that gives a natural matte finish without drying.

Pros:

• helps smooth texture and blur the appearance of pores, fine lines, and wrinkles.

• Lasts for 12 hours.

• It covers redness, age spots, and blemishes. 

• It is transfer-proof, waterproof, and sweatproof.

• It is formulated without parabens, mineral oil, phthalates, triclosan, sodium lauryl sulfate, and gluten.

• Vegan and cruelty-free.

Cons:

• None.

What ingredients does it contain?

porcelain Ingredients: Water/Aqua/Eau, cyclopentasiloxane, phenyl trimethicone, butylene glycol, methyl methacrylate crosspolymer, cyclohexasiloxane, caprylyl methicone, glycerin, PEG-10 dimethicone, trimethylsiloxysilicate, cyclomethicone, sorbitan isostearate, sodium chloride, cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 dimethicone, aluminum hydroxide, triethyl citrate, disteardimonium hectorite, triethoxycaprylylsilane, phenoxyethanol, dimethicone crosspolymer, fragrance/parfum, ethylhexylglycerin, disodium EDTA, benzyl salicylate, hexyl cinnamal, limonene, hydroxycitronellal, geraniol, amyl cinnamal, linalool, pyrus malus (apple) fruit extract, 1,2-hexanediol, tremella fuciformis (mushroom) extract, hyaluronic acid, hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid, sodium hyaluronate. (+/-): Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), iron oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499).

A modern liquid foundation that combines medium to full buildable coverage and a natural matte finish with SPF 15 protection.

It is suitable for sensitive, oily, acne-prone skin.

Pros:

• It helps minimize the appearance of pores and imperfections and refines skin.

• Provides 24-hour wear.

• Is oil-free and provides all-day oil control.

• It is dermatologist-tested, sweat/humidity resistant, and non-acnegenic.

• It is free from phthalates, parabens, formaldehyde donors, sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium laureth sulfate, triclosan, D&C Yellow No. 11, oxybenzone, and synthetic microbeads 5mm or smaller.

Cons:

• None.

What ingredients does it contain?

Ingredients: Water\Aqua\Eau, Cyclopentasiloxane, Peg-10 Dimethicone, Butylene Glycol, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Dimethicone, Magnesium Sulfate, Titanium Dioxide, Laminaria Saccharina Extract, Algae Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tocopherol, Lecithin, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Xanthan Gum, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Methoxy Amodimethicone/Silsesquioxane Copolymer, Laureth-7, Dipropylene Glycol, Dimethicone/Peg-10/15 Crosspolymer, Dimethicone/Peg-10 Crosspolymer, Peg/Ppg-18/18 Dimethicone, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Silica, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Propylene Carbonate, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Sorbic Acid, Chloroxylenol, Phenoxyethanol, [+/- Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891), Iron Oxides (Ci 77491), Iron Oxides (Ci 77492), Iron Oxides (Ci 77499), Chromium Oxide Greens (Ci 77288)]  ILN39737 

Another liquid foundation for oily, acne-prone skin is the Nars Soft Matte Liquid Foundation.

Pros:

• Provides medium to full, buildable coverage with a soft matte finish.

• Technologies:
  • Anti-Oxidation Complex helps shades stay true all day to prevent colour shifting.
  • Hydramatte Balancing Complex to balance excess sebum while keeping skin hydrated with micro-algae extract and bio-hyaluronic acid.
  • Superior Oil Absorbing Powders that create a smooth, mattified look.

• Gives 16-hour wear and is oil-free, non-acnegenic, and non-comedogenic.

• It is available in 34 shades for all skin tones.

• Formulated without talc, alcohol, EDTA, parabens, phthalates, oil, SLS, SLES, mineral oil, and fragrance.

Cons:

• None.

What ingredients does it contain?

WATER/AQUA/EAU, DIMETHICONE, METHYL METHACRYLATE CROSSPOLYMER, TRIMETHYLSILOXYSILICATE, GLYCERIN, LAURYL PEG-9 POLYDIMETHYLSILOXYETHYL DIMETHICONE, SODIUM CHLORIDE, BIS-BUTYLDIMETHICONE POLYGLYCERYL-3, RICE BRAN EXTRACT, SUNFLOWER, EXTRACT, ROSEMARY LEAF EXTRACT, PLANKTON EXTRACT, ALTEROMONAS FERMENT EXTRACT, PEG-12 DIMETHICONE, PEG-10 DIMETHICONE, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, ALUMINUM HYDROXIDE, POLYSILICONE-2, DISTEARDIMONIUM HECTORITE, BARIUM SULFATE, TOCOPHEROL, HYDROGEN DIMETHICONE, SODIUM ACETYLATED HYALURONATE, ALUMINA, GLUCOSE, HYDROLYZED PEA PROTEIN, SODIUM SUCCINATE, PHENOXYETHANOL, [+/- (MAY CONTAIN/PEUT CONTENIR): IRON OXIDES (CI 77491), IRON OXIDES (CI 77492), IRON OXIDES (CI 77499), MICA, TITANIUM DIOXIDE (CI 77891)].

A long-lasting liquid foundation with a lightweight, breathable texture for up to 24 hours of wear.

Pros:

• It offers medium-to-full, buildable coverage.

• It’s transfer-resistant, non-comedogenic, and dermatologist-tested.

• It comes in 30 shades.

Cons:

• None.

What ingredients does it contain?

Active Ingredients: Octinoxate 6.743250%, Titanium dioxide 3.5910%

Inactive Ingredients: Water, Dimethicone, Isododecane, Alcohol denat., Butylene glycol, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, PEG-10 dimethicone, Perlite, Synthetic fluorphlogopite, Nylon-12, Isopropyl lauroyl sarcosinate, Diisopropyl sebacate, Disteardimonium hectorite, HDI/trimethylol hexyllactone crosspolymer, Bis-peg/ppg-14/14 dimethicone, Magnesium sulfate, Aluminum hydroxide, Phenoxyethanol, Disodium stearoyl glutamate, Hydrogen dimethicone, Dipentaerythrityl, Tetrahydroxystearate/tetraisostearate, Fragrance, Silica silylate, Acrylonitrile/methyl/Methacrylate/vinylidene chloride, Copolymer, Tocopherol, Hexyl cinnamal, Silica, Isobutane, Benzyl salicylate, Linalool, Alpha-isomethyl ionone, Benzyl alcohol, BHT, Citronellol. May contain Titanium dioxide, Iron oxides, Ferric ammonium ferrocyanide, Fil code b235428/1.

This creamy liquid foundation delivers matte coverage for up to 24 hours.

Pros:

• It glides on smooth, delivering matte coverage that stays true for up to 24 hours. This also controls shine and mattifies your complexion all day long.

• It is noncomedogenic and suitable for normal, oily, combination, and sensitive skin types.

Cons:

• None.

What ingredients does it contain?

Water/Aqua/Eau, Dimethicone, Isododecane, Nylon-12, Acrylates/Polytrimethylsiloxymethacrylate Copolymer, Silica, Butylene Glycol, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Isohexadecane, Isononyl Isononanoate, Pentylene Glycol, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Bis-PEG/PPG-14/14 Dimethicone, Magnesium Sulfate, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Acrylonitrile/Methyl Methacrylate/Vinylidene Chloride Copolymer, Disodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Calcium Gluconate, Perlite, Magnesium Gluconate, Tocopherol, Aluminum Hydroxide, Isobutane. MAY CONTAIN / PEUT CONTENIR (+/-): Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499).

A breathable, full-coverage liquid foundation with a matte finish that bends and breathes with skin for up to 24 hours of wear.

Pros:

• Gives a matte finish to diminish shine and smooth the skin.

• Provides 24HR waterproof wear.

• Has Flexi-Fit Complex technology to ensure that it lasts all day and never cakes, flakes, or fades.

Cons:

• None.

What ingredients does it contain?

AQUA (WATER), CYCLOPENTASILOXANE, CORN STARCH MODIFIED, BIS-PEG/PPG-14/14 DIMETHICONE, NEOPENTYL GLYCOL DIETHYLHEXANOATE, GLYCERIN, DISTEARDIMONIUM HECTORITE, DIMETHICONE, METHYLPROPANEDIOL, SILICA DIMETHYL SILYLATE, CELLULOSE, SYNTHETIC FLUORPHLOGOPITE, MAGNESIUM SULFATE, SODIUM CHLORIDE, XANTHAN GUM, GLYCERYL CAPRYLATE, SODIUM MYRISTOYL GLUTAMATE, PHENOXYETHANOL, PROPYLENE CARBONATE, PARFUM (FRAGRANCE), DIMETHICONE CROSSPOLYMER, CHLORPHENESIN, PENTYLENE GLYCOL, ALUMINUM HYDROXIDE, SOLUM DIATOMEAE (DIATOMACEOUS EARTH), ISODODECANE, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, DIMETHICONOL CROSSPOLYMER, BENZYL SALICYLATE, TOCOPHEROL, BENZYL BENZOATE LIMONENE, SANGUISORBA OFFICINALIS ROOT EXTRACT, CINNAMOMUM CASSIA BARK EXTRACT, ZINGIBER OFFICINALE (GINGER) ROOT EXTRACT, [+/- : CI 19140 (YELLOW 5, YELLOW 5 LAKE), CI 42090 (BLUE 1 LAKE), CI 77007 (ULTRAMARINES), CI 77163 (BISMUTH OXYCHLORIDE), CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499 (IRON OXIDES), CI 77891 (TITANIUM DIOXIDE)]. 12680/A

This lightweight foundation mattifies and refines pores and leaves a natural, seamless finish.

Pros:

• This foundation features micro-powders to control shine and blur pores. Minimizes pore and lasts all day long.

• It is non-comedogenic, dermatologist-tested, allergy-tested, and oil-free.

Cons:

• None.

What ingredients does it contain?

INGREDIENTS: AQUA / WATER / EAU CYCLOHEXASILOXANE NYLON-12 ISODODECANE ALCOHOL DENAT. CYCLOPENTASILOXANE PEG-10 DIMETHICONE CETYL PEG/PPG-10/1 DIMETHICONE PEG-20 POLYGLYCERYL-4 ISOSTEARATE DISTEARDIMONIUM HECTORITE PHENOXYETHANOL MAGNESIUM SULFATE DISODIUM STEAROYL GLUTAMATE HDI/TRIMETHYLOL HEXYLLACTONE CROSSPOLYMER TITANIUM DIOXIDE METHYLPARABEN ACRYLATES COPOLYMER TOCOPHEROL BUTYLPARABEN ALUMINUM HYDROXIDE ALUMINA SILICA GLYCERIN [+/- MAY CONTAIN / PEUT CONTENIR CI 77891 / TITANIUM DIOXIDE CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499 / IRON OXIDES ] F.I.L. D166390/3.

• YSL All Hours Foundation

• Tarte Amazonian Clay 16-Hour Full Coverage Foundation

• Wet and Wild Photo Focus Foundation

We recommend going with the Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Foundation, Lancome Teint Idole Ultra Wear 24H Full Coverage Foundation, Fenty Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation, Nars Soft Matte Liquid, or the L’Oreal Infallible Fresh Wear Liquid. All of these products are highly recommended and gives a matte finish.