This post will contain the best primers for oily, acne-prone skin and large pores.

We choose these primers based on how commonly it was used, tested, and recommended by people with the same skin type. This makes it possible for you to choose without any doubt or hesitation.

The Elf Poreless Putty Face Primer is the perfect primer for oily, acne-prone skin and large pores as it only hides imperfections but also hydrates the skin.

You can also use this primer if you have dry/dehydrated sensitive oily, acne-prone skin.

Pros:

• It holds makeup for a matte finish.

• The velvety texture glides effortlessly over the skin while helping minimize the appearance of pores for a poreless effect.

• It contains Squalane for hydration and Green Tea Extract and Rice for soothing.

• It is free from phthalates, sulfates, parabens, nonylphenol ethoxylates, triclosan, triclocarban, and hydroquinone.

Cons:

• None.

What ingredients does it contain?

Aqua, Cyclopentasiloxane, Ceresin, Dimethicone, Glycerin, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Hdi/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Propylene Glycol, Lauryl Peg-10 Tris (Trimethylsiloxy), Silylethyl Dimethicone, Sodium Chloride, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Squalane, Rice Bran Wax, Dimethicone/Peg-10/15 Crosspolymer, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Silica, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Talc, Butylene Glycol, Disodium Edta, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol.

This is another primer that should be perfect for oily, acne-prone skin and large pores.

Pros:

• It instantly blurs and minimizes the appearance of pores.

• It evens texture and controls shine while holding makeup for the whole day.

• It contains glycerin (hydration), witch hazel (minimizes pores and blurs fine lines), and niacinamide (control acne).

• It is cruelty-free, paraben-free, gluten-free, and vegan.

Cons:

• None.

What ingredients does it contain?

AQUA/WATER/EAU, POLYSILICONE-11, PROPANEDIOL, SILICA, DIMETHICONE, C15-19 ALKANE, DICAPRYLYL CARBONATE, DIMETHICONE/VINYL DIMETHICONE CROSSPOLYMER, GLYCERIN, GLYCERYL STEARATE CITRATE, NIACINAMIDE, SODIUM POLYACRYLATE, HAMAMELIS VIRGINIANA (WITCH HAZEL) WATER, PHENOXYETHANOL, PVP, PULLULAN, HYDROXYACETOPHENONE, LAURETH-12, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN, HDI/TRIMETHYLOL HEXYLLACTONE CROSSPOLYMER, POLYMETHYLSILSESQUIOXANE, ZINGIBER OFFICINALE (GINGER) ROOT EXTRACT.

Now, you might have heard about the Hydro Grip Primer and how it is recommended by many people with oily, acne-prone skin and large pores.

Also good if you have dry/dehydrated sensitive, oily, acne-prone skin.

What’s different about this primer is that it is water-based and not silicone-based like other primers. So it won’t feel heavy and will glide smoothly on the skin.

Pros:

• It is a 94% natural gel formula that smooths skin, grips makeup for up to 12 hours, and locks in hydration.

• It helps hide imperfections and minimizes the appearance of pores.

• This product is 94% natural, vegan, clean, silicone-free, oil-free, paraben-free, fragrance-free, cruelty-free, and gluten-free.

Cons:

• None.

What ingredients does it contain?

Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Water, Water, Glycerin, PEG-150 Distearate, Alcohol Denat., Polyglyceryl-10 Eicosanedioate/Tetradecanedioate, Diglycerin, PVP, Benzyl Alcohol, Sorbitol, Pullulan, Inositol, Betaine, Carbomer, Maltose, Xylitol, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Phytate, Benzophenone-4, Dehydroacetic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Agave Tequilana Stem Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Niacinamide, Propylene Glycol, Panthenol, Vegetable Amino Acids, Hemp Seed Extract, Opuntia Ficus-Indica Flower Extract, Prunus Avium Flower Extract, Citric Acid, Benzoic Acid, Yellow 5 (CI 19140), Blue 1 (CI 42090), Red 33 (CI 17200).

This is another primer for oily, acne-prone skin and large pores (more suitable if you are more dry/dehydrated).

Pros:

• It is moisturizing, lightweight, and blurs imperfections.

• It is paraben and silicone free.

Cons:

• None.

What ingredients does it contain?

WATER/AQUA/EAU, GLYCERIN, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, NEOPENTYL GLYCOL DIHEPTANOATE, ETHYLHEXYL OLIVATE, ISODODECANE, PEG-8/SMDI COPOLYMER, SQUALANE, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL, POLYURETHANE-35, SORBETH-30 TETRAISOSTEARATE, AMMONIUM ACRYLOYLDIMETHYLTAURATE/VP COPOLYMER, DIPROPYLENE GLYCOL, SORBITAN SESQUIISOSTEARATE, ACRYLATES/BEHENETH-25 METHACRYLATE COPOLYMER, XANTHAN GUM, PPG-8-CETETH-20, GLYCERYL ACRYLATE/ACRYLIC ACID COPOLYMER, POTASSIUM HYDROXIDE, METHYLPROPANEDIOL, TRISODIUM EDTA, SODIUM CITRATE, SODIUM CARRAGEENAN, CITRIC ACID, MICA, PHENYLPROPANOL, SEA SALT/MARIS SAL/SEL MARIN, PHENOXYETHANOL. MAY CONTAIN/ PEUT CONTENIR/(+/-): IRON OXIDES (CI 77491).

This is an oil-free mattifying primer that should be perfect for oily, acne-prone skin and large pores. You can wear it alone or before the foundation to create a matter, poreless canvas.

Pros:

• It is oil-free, mattifying, blurs pores, and controls oil for up to 12 hours (all-in-one primer).

Cons:

• None.

What ingredients does it contain?

Water, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Propylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Butylene Glycol, Enantia Chlorantha Bark Extract, Oleanolic Acid.

This is a matte attack primer that keeps your face shine-free for hours and hours. It is perfect for oily, acne-prone skin and large pores.

Pros:

• This is a primer made for skin that gets oily and too shiny. It is formulated with 100% vegan ingredients that quickly mattify your skin, removing the oiliness and helping you gain control over your makeup.

• It blurs your pores, softens fine lines, and smooths the skin.

• It does not dry out the skin as it is infused with chestnut oil which hydrates and soothes the skin.

Cons:

• None.

What ingredients does it contain?

Isododecane, Dimethicone, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Diatomaceous Earth, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Talc, Propylene Carbonate, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Extract, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Germ Extract, Aesculus Hippocastanum (Horse Chestnut) Seed Extract, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate, Stearyl Dimethicone, Octadecene, Laureth-4, Phenoxyethanol, Tropolone.

This is another milk-makeup water-based primer made for oily, acne-prone skin and large pores.

Pros:

• It is a lightweight water cream primer that blurs pores and controls shine for a long-lasting soft matte finish.

• It is cruelty-free, paraben-free, silicone-free, and non-comedogenic.

• It contains 2% of Niacinamide (helps minimize the appearance of pores), 1% of Bakuchiol (helps smooth skin texture and even skin), 0.52% of Lentil extract (helps control shine), Blurring microspheres provide a soft-focus matte finish, and Moonstone (calms skin).

Cons:

• None.

What ingredients does it contain?

Aqua/Water/Eau, Silica, Propanediol, Nylon-11, Pentylene Glycol, Niacinamide, Polyglyceryl-10 Diisostearate, Dicaprylyl Ether, Corn Starch Modified, Bakuchiol, Fragrance, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Water, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter Unsaponifiables, Lentil Seed Extract, Shorea Robusta Seed Butter, Coffea Arabica (Coffee) Seed Oil, Soybean Oil, Tocopherol, Moonstone Powder, Glyceryl Undecylenate, Ethyl Stearate, Ethyl Palmitate, Ethyl Oleate, Ethyl Linoleate, Acrylates/Beheneth-25 Methacrylate Copolymer, Ethyl Macadamiate, Malic Acid, Sodium Carbomer, Saccharide Isomerate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Hydroxide, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Glyceryl Caprylate, Phenoxyethanol, Linalool.

This is another primer that is pretty popular and has a lot of advantages.

Pros:

• It blurs the appearance of pores leaving a matte finish and grips makeup for long-lasting wear.

• It contains Fig Extract, said to have antibacterial properties, and a proprietary blend of oleanolic acid and nordihydroguaiaretic acid that helps control skin’s sebum production. Salicylic Acid helps exfoliate the skin and minimize the appearance of pores.

• It contains no alcohol, artificial colorants, artificial fragrance, lanolin, mineral oil, sulfates, talc, formaldehyde, oxybenzone, parabens, propylene glycol, coal tar, petrolatum, phthalates, triclocarban, ethanol, and ethyl alcohol.

• It is allergy tested and suitable for sensitive skin.

Cons:

• None.

What ingredients does it contain?

Water, Dimethicone, Trisiloxane, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Cetyl Dimethicone, Bis-(Glyceryl/Lauryl) Glyceryl Lauryl Dimethicone, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Silica, Hexyl Laurate, Phenoxyethanol, Sandalwood Wood Extract, Lemon Peel Extract, Apricot Fruit Extract, Apple Fruit Extract, Cardamom Seed Extract, Raspberry Leaf Extract, Cucumis Melo (Melon) Fruit Extract, Orange Peel Extract, Rose Extract, Pineapple Fruit Extract, Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract, Grapefruit Peel Extract, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, Ylang Ylang Flower Extract, Colloidal Oatmeal, Carbomer, PEG-60 Almond Glycerides, Caprylyl Glycol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Panthenol, Serenoa Serrulata Fruit Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Linoleic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Chrysanthemum Parthenium (Feverfew) Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract, Ficus Carica (Fig) Fruit Extract, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Nordihydroguaiaretic Acid, Oleanolic Acid, Hydroxycitronellal, Limonene, Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499).

Smashbox also has some amazing primers that are suitable for oily, acne-prone skin and large pores.

Pros:

• This is an oil-controlling and pore-minimizing primer infused with a Silkscreen Complex, Salicylic Acid, Witch Hazel, and Zinc.

• It starts mattifying skin in seconds and improves the look of makeup for up to 12 hours.

Cons:

• None.

What ingredients does it contain?

POLYGLYCERYL-3 DISILOXANE DIMETHICONE, POLYGLYCERYL-3 POLYDIMETHYLSILOXYETHYL DIMETHICONE, ISOHEXADECANE, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN, ISOPROPYL ISOSTEARATE, PPG-15 STEARYL ETHER, LAURYL METHACRYLATE/GLYCOL DIMETHACRYLATE CROSSPOLYMER, TRIMETHYLSILOXYSILICATE, ACRYLAMIDE/SODIUM ACRYLOYLDIMETHYLTAURATE COPOLYMER, POLYSORBATE 80, DISODIUM EDTA, SILICA, HYDROXYAPATITE, BHT, TOCOPHERYL ACETATE, TOCOPHEROL, BENZOIC ACID, POTASSIUM SORBATE, SODIUM DEHYDROACETATE, PHENOXYETHANOL.

This is a weightless, oil-free liquid silk primer formulated with silk extracts to protect your skin from pollutants, minimize the appearance of pores, and make makeup apply better and last longer.

Pros:

• The nourishing silk extracts hydrate the skin and diminish the appearance of pores, fine lines, and imperfections.

• The silk powder allows makeup to glide on more evenly, creating a poreless appearance and minimizing excess shine with a soft finish.

• It also protects the skin to minimize clogged pores that can lead to breakouts. It has active ingredients that fight environmental stressors and helps support the skin barrier, visibly reducing the appearance of wrinkles and dullness.

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

• Formulated without parabens, synthetic fragrances, sulfate detergents, phthalates, mineral oil, urea, DEA, or TEA.

Cons:

• None.

What ingredients does it contain?

SACCHAROMYCES/RICE FERMENT FILTRATE, DIMETHICONE, AQUA/WATER/EAU, HDI/TRIMETHYLOL HEXYLLACTONE CROSSPOLYMER, PROPANEDIOL, GLYCERIN, POLYMETHYLSILSESQUIOXANE, DIMETHICONE/VINYL DIMETHICONE CROSSPOLYMER, PARFUM/FRAGRANCE, CAMELLIA SINENSIS LEAF EXTRACT, CLADOSIPHON OKAMURANUS EXTRACT, SERICA/SILK POWDER/POUDRE DE SOIE, SERICIN, HYDROLYZED SILK, CAESALPINIA SPINOSA FRUIT EXTRACT, KAPPAPHYCUS ALVAREZII EXTRACT, YEAST EXTRACT, PEG/PPG-18/18 DIMETHICONE, POLYGLYCERYL-2 DIISOSTEARATE, DIMETHICONE/PEG-10/15 CROSSPOLYMER, DISTEARYLDIMONIUM CHLORIDE, TRIMETHYLSILOXYSILICATE, SILICA, ZINC STEARATE, ALUMINUM HYDROXIDE, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN, 1,2-HEXANEDIOL, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL, BIOSACCHARIDE GUM-4, ISOPROPYL ALCOHOL, DIPROPYLENE GLYCOL, SODIUM CITRATE, TOCOPHEROL, PHENOXYETHANOL, CITRAL, LIMONENE, LINALOOL, MICA, TIN OXIDE, TITANIUM DIOXIDE (CI 77891), IRON OXIDES (CI 77491).

We would recommend going with the Elf Poreless Putty Face Primer, Milk Makeup – Hydro Grip Primer, or the Milk Makeup – Pore Mattifying + Blurring Primer. All 3 primers are good, affordable, and suitable for dry/dehydrated sensitive, oily, acne-prone skin and large pores.

Becca Ever Matte Primer is another one we recommend (not for dry/dehydrated skin).

Other options include One-Size Magnet Primer, Laura Mercier Primer (for dry/dehydrated skin), LH cosmetics matte attack primer, First Aid Beauty Primer, Smashbox Primer, and the Tatcha Primer.