In this post, we will talk about the best water-based foundations for dry, dehydrated, and sensitive skin types.

We chose these products based on how commonly it was used, recommended, and tested by people with dry, dehydrated, and sensitive skin.

All of these products are water-based and do not contain silicones. They are also free of other harmful ingredients.

This is a water-based foundation that should be suitable for dry, dehydrated, and sensitive skin types. It instantly blurs imperfections, smooths the look of textured skin and pores, and helps conceal blemishes, dark spots, and redness.

Pros:

• It is a gentle formula suitable for daily use on most skin types, including sensitive skin.

• It contains Biomimetic oat (reduces the appearance of redness, while helping to soothe and calm the skin), Japanese lilturf (strengthens skin’s barrier), Cacao peptides, and Milk thistle (helps reduce the negative effect of blue light).

• It has photochromic technology that adjusts complexion tone in response to the intensity of light—skin never appears washed out.

• Light Active Micro-Prisms are combined with Polynesian Seawater and Algae Extract to boost skin’s clarity and immerse skin in minerals and moisture. Helps to reflect light by addressing the skin’s luminosity at the surface of the skin, and helping to defend against external factors.

• It is formulated without mineral oil, silicone, sulfates, parabens, talc, alcohol, fragrance, phthalates, PEG, and gluten.

Cons:

• None.

What ingredients does it contain?

WATER/AQUA/EAU, C9-12 ALKANE, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, UNDECANE, TRIDECANE, ISODECYL NEOPENTANOATE, HYDROGENATED POLYISOBUTENE, POLYGLYCERYL-6 POLYRICINOLEATE, POLYGLYCERYL-2 DIISOSTEARATE, DISTEARDIMONIUM HECTORITE, DIISOSTEARYL MALATE, GLYCERIN, SYNTHETIC WAX, SODIUM CHLORIDE, OPHIOPOGON JAPONICUS ROOT EXTRACT, ASCOPHYLLUM NODOSUM EXTRACT, THEOBROMA CACAO (COCOA) SEED EXTRACT, TURMERIC ROOT EXTRACT, SILYBUM MARIANUM FRUIT EXTRACT, ALUMINUM HYDROXIDE, MAGNESIUM CHLORIDE, SODIUM DILAURAMIDOGLUTAMIDE LYSINE, TOCOPHEROL, COCO-CAPRYLATE/CAPRATE, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN, PENTYLENE GLYCOL, HYDROXYPHENYL PROPAMIDOBENZOIC ACID, ASCORBYL PALMITATE, CITRIC ACID, SEA WATER/MARIS AQUA/EAU DE MER, TRISODIUM EDTA, BARIUM SULFATE, ALUMINA, CHLORPHENESIN, PHENOXYETHANOL, POTASSIUM SORBATE, [+/-(MAY CONTAIN/PEUT CONTENIR): IRON OXIDES (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499) · MICA · TITANIUM DIOXIDE (CI 77891)] ·

This is another water-based foundation that many people recommend for dry, dehydrated, and sensitive skin types. It provides medium coverage with a natural finish that blends like a second skin to blur, visibly smooth texture, and minimizes pores.

Pros:

• It contains hyaluronic acid, caffeine, niacinamide, peptides, squalane, Vitamin B5, arnica, and artemisia flower extract is clinically proven to hydrate, brighten, soothe, plump, and protect.

• It is dermatologist-tested, silicone-free, non-acnegenic, hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, and safe for sensitive skin.

• It offers SPF 25 broad-spectrum UV protection.

Cons:

• None.

What ingredients does it contain?

Active Ingredient: Zinc Oxide (7.5%).

Inactive Ingredients: Water, Ethylhexyl Olivate, Octyldodecanol, Undecane, Polyglyceryl-2 Dipolyhydroxystearate, Glycerin, Mica, Calcium Sodium Borosilicate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Niacinamide, Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate, Galactoarabinan, Tridecane, Propanediol, Cetyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Oleate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5, Panthenol, Squalane, Caffeine, Arnica Montana Flower Extract, Artemisia Capillaris Flower Extract, Ethyl Ferulate, Sodium Gluconate, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Maltodextrin, Pentylene Glycol, Lecithin, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Tocopherol, Phenethyl Alcohol [May Contain: Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499)].

This water-based foundation contains technologies to lift sallowness and dullness, instantly hydrate skin, and help reduce shine throughout the day.

It is suitable for dry, dehydrated, and sensitive skin types.

Pros:

• It provides weightless medium buildable coverage.

• Improves skin tone, hydration (24 hours), and texture (6 weeks), and blurs imperfections, pores, and fine lines.

• Controls oil immediately.

• It uses Perfecting Color Technology to enliven the complexion with less product for highly perfecting, cake-free coverage, and Auto Balancing Technology to help balance moisture and shine control, maintaining a natural finish that lasts all day.

• It contains camellia seed, vitamin E, and cacao extract that provides skin barrier protection and anti-oxidant properties.

• Lasts for 12 hours.

• It is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin.

• It is fragrance-free, silicone-free, non-comedogenic, humidity/sweat/water-proof, and dermatologist-tested. 

Cons:

• None.

What ingredients does it contain?

ISODODECANE, ISODECYL NEOPENTANOATE, HYDROGENATED POLYISOBUTENE, HYDROGENATED POLYCYCLOPENTADIENE, HYDROGENATED DIDECENE, SILICA, POLYGLYCERYL-3 DIISOSTEARATE, HYDROGENATED STYRENE/ISOPRENE COPOLYMER, DICALCIUM PHOSPHATE, DISTEARDIMONIUM HECTORITE, CELLULOSE, LAURYL PCA, COCOA SEED EXTRACT, HYDROGENATED LECITHIN, CAMELLIA OLEIFERA SEED OIL, AQUA/WATER/EAU, PENTAERYTHRITYL TETRA-DI-T-BUTYL HYDROXYHYDROCINNAMATE, TOCOPHERYL ACETATE, BUTYLENE GLYCOL. MAY CONTAIN/PEUT CONTENIR/(+/-): IRON OXIDES (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499), TITANIUM DIOXIDE (CI 77891).

This is a serum foundation that is water-based and suitable for dry, dehydrated, and sensitive skin types.

Pros:

• It’s a weightless foundation that instantly reduces the look of imperfections while providing skincare benefits.

• It addresses common skin concerns, like dark spots, pores, fine lines, and imperfections without masking your skin’s natural beauty.

• Contains 35 complementary shades and 3 universal undertones for a natural finish.

• It contains ashwagandha, hyaluronic acid, turmeric, and avocado oil.

Cons:

• None.

What ingredients does it contain?

Aqua/Water/Eau, Coco-Caprylate, Glycerin, Avocado Oil, Polyglyceryl-2 Dipolyhydroxystearate, Capryloyl Glycerin/Sebacic Acid Copolymer, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Hydrogenated Rapeseed Oil, Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate, Sodium Chloride, Silica, Jojoba Seed Oil, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Tocopherol, Turmeric Root Extract, Ginseng Root Extract, Grape Seed Extract, Ashwagandha Root Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Evodia Rutaecarpa Fruit Extract, Stearalkonium Hectorite, Propylene Carbonate, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Propanediol, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Ethylhexylglycerin. May Contain [+/-]: Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891), Iron Oxides (Ci 77491, Ci 77492, Ci 77499).

This water-based foundation provides light-to-medium coverage that conceals imperfections, evens skin tone, and adds luminosity for a natural finish.

Pros:

• It has moisturizing ingredients that provide protection and up to 12 hours of hydration.

• You can also get a brush designed for targeted application as well as on-the-go touch-ups throughout the day.

Cons:

• None.

What ingredients does it contain?

AQUA (WATER), CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE, HEXYL LAURATE, GLYCERIN, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, DIGLYCERIN, JASMINE STEM EXTRACT, CASTOR OIL/IPDI COPOLYMER, AMODIMETHICONE, PENTYLENE GLYCOL, CHLORPHENESIN, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL, CARBOMER, ALUMINUM HYDROXIDE, POLYGLYCERIN-3, SODIUM LAUROYL GLUTAMATE, TRISODIUM ETHYLENEDIAMINE DISUCCINATE, SODIUM HYALURONATE, PROPANEDIOL, TAMARINDUS INDICA SEED GUM, SODIUM HYDROXIDE, LYSINE, MAGNESIUM CHLORIDE, ALCALIGENES POLYSACCHARIDES, GLUCOSE, CITRIC ACID, [+ / – (MAY CONTAIN) | CI 77007 (ULTRAMARINES) | CI 77491, | CI 77492, | CI 77499 (IRON OXIDES) | CI 77891 (TITANIUM DIOXIDE) | MICA] | IL65A-I.

This is another water-based foundation that should be suitable for dry, dehydrated, and sensitive skin types.

Pros:

• It goes on smoothly and blends perfectly.

• It is non-comedogenic.

• The formula is made with ultra-light oil absorbers that control oil, plus gentle conditioners that help prevent dryness.

• It is available in matte and sensitive formulas.

Cons:

• None.

What ingredients does it contain?

Water/Eau, Propylene Glycol, Isopropyl Myristate, Mineral Oil/Huile Minerale, Cetyl Palmitate, Talc, Glyceryl Stearate, Fragrance/Parfum, Stearic Acid, Triethanolamine, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Cellulose Gum, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Lithium Stearate, Trisodium EDTA.

Note: not sure about the ingredients.

This is a long-lasting foundation that provides medium coverage with a satin, natural finish, while it hydrates the skin.

Pros:

• It is silicone-free, non-comedogenic, water-resistant, and sweat-resistant.

• It firms, tones, and hydrates the skin.

• Lasts all day long.

• Formulated with ingredients like advanced Tightenyl, squalane, and aloe vera.

Cons:

• None.

What ingredients does it contain?

Water/Aqua/Eau, Isoamyl Laurate, C9-12 Alkane, Propanediol, Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate, Silica, Hydrogenated Olive Oil Unsaponifiables, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Sorbitan Isostearate, Sodium Chloride, Squalane, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Aluminum Hydroxide, Glycerin, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Caprylyl Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Jojoba Seed Oil, Sodium Phytate, Sodium Lauroyl Glutamate, Sunflower Seed Oil, Lysine, Tocopherol (non-GMO), Magnesium Chloride, Disodium Acetyl Glucosamine Phosphate, Sodium Glucuronate, Beta-Sitosterol, Marigold Flower Extract, Squalene, St. John’s Wart Flower Extract, Horsetail Leaf Extract, Country Sarsaparilla Root Powder, Turmeric Root Extract, Ashwagandha Root Extract, Licorice Root Extract, Olive Leaf Extract, Magnesium Sulfate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499).

This water-based foundation delivers light coverage, skincare benefits, and mineral SPF—all with a dewy finish.

Pros:

• It’s clinically proven to improve the look of redness, wrinkles, dryness, blemishes, and uneven tone over time.
• It contains plant-based squalane, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acids that help to moisturize and soothe skin.

• It also provides sun protection. 

• It’s safe for sensitive skin, vegan, non-comedogenic, and formulated without silicone, fragrance, or gluten.

Cons:

• None.

What ingredients does it contain?

Active Ingredients: Zinc Oxide 12.0%

Inactive Ingredients: Aqua/Water/Eau, Squalane, Shea Butter Ethyl Esters, Isoamyl Laurate, Polyglyceryl-3 Ricinoleate, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Propanediol, Isopropyl Isostearate, Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate, Methylpropanediol, Niacinamide, Sodium Chloride, Lecithin, Caprylyl Glycol, Silica, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder, Bisabolol, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Allantoin, Phenylpropanol, Sodium Myristoyl Glutamate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Aluminum Hydroxide, Polyhydroxystearic Acid. May Contain/Peut Contenir (±): CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499 (Iron Oxides), CI 77891 (Titanium Dioxide). 

All of these products would be suitable for you as they are all water-based and do not contain silicones.