Best BB Cream for Acne-Prone Skin
| Image | Name | Top Choices | Latest Pricing |
|---|---|---|---|
 | 1. La Roche-Posay - Effaclar BB Blur | Our Favorite | Amazon |
 | 2. CoverGirl - Clean Matte BB Cream | Premium Pick | Amazon |
 | 3. Purlisse - Perfect Glow BB Cream | Great Value | Amazon |
 | 4. Physicians Formula - Super BB | Amazon | |
 | 5. Pacifica Beauty - Alight Multi-Mineral BB Cream | Amazon |
BB cream is meant to nourish your skin, protect it, and make you look flawless. But when you have acne-prone skin, it could also be the cause of the awful breakouts you’re trying to cover up in the first place. Thankfully, there are BB creams that are formulated specifically to address the needs of people who struggle with frequent flare-ups. You just need to know exactly what to look out for, so you don’t waste your money on products that worsen the appearance of your skin.
What to Look for in a BB Cream for Acne-Prone Skin
Unfortunately, if you’re prone to acne, you need to be more discerning of the products you use on your face. For BB creams, your most crucial concerns involve clogging pores, greasiness, and breakouts. To avoid those issues, here are some qualities you should look for:
Non-comedogenic
You should avoid products that could clog your pores no matter what type of skin you have but more so if you’re prone to acne. If a product is not explicitly labeled “non-comedogenic,” check the ingredients for common offenders like sodium lauryl sulfate, lanolin, and isopropyl myristate. Unfortunately, some less sinister-sounding ingredients are also comedogenic and could cause flare-ups. Among the most common ones are petrolatum, glycerin, and beeswax.
Oil-Free
Oils that are not natural to the skin can also lead to breakouts. Additionally, acne-prone skin is typically oily enough. Using oil-based products on top of it could lead to greasy-looking skin. Among the top oils to watch out for are mineral oil, almond oil, and jojoba oil.
Mattifying
A BB cream with a matte finish will help you control oil and minimize shine throughout the day. It will also help you keep your makeup from sliding off or disappearing into your skin. Using a mattifying makeup base will also keep you from needing too much setting powder, which is a known trigger for breakouts.
Acne-Fighting
Although you might already be using a separate acne treatment, it might benefit you to use a BB cream that has acne-fighting properties. That might include chemical exfoliants like salicylic acid or glycolic acid, which help slough off dead skin cells as well as clear the skin of acne scars and other blemishes.
Top 5 BB Creams for People With Acne
Finding the best BB cream for acne-prone skin can be hit or miss, but here are the top products that other people with acne swear by:
1) La Roche-Posay – Effaclar BB Blur
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The Effaclar BB Blur by La Roche-Posay offers excellent coverage in a beautiful matte finish. Not only is it able to even out your skin tone and cover up blemishes, but it also has oil-absorbing and mattifying properties due to its airlicium and perlite content. These ingredients allow it to instantly reduce shine as well as prevent oil from building up as the day progresses. It is perfect for blemish-prone skin not only because of its ability to cover up imperfections but also because its formulation is free of common irritants like artificial fragrance and parabens. It is also non-comedogenic and oil-free. Additionally, it offers broad-spectrum SPF 20 sun protection.
2) CoverGirl – Clean Matte BB Cream
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The Clean Matte BB Cream by CoverGirl was explicitly formulated to address the needs of people with oily skin, which also makes it a good product for those who struggle with acne. Unlike typical BB creams, this one has an oil-free, water-based formulation that allows your skin to breathe. It is non-comedogenic and lightweight, despite its remarkable ability to cover up blemishes, even out your skin tone, blur fine lines, and make pores disappear. It does so with a matte finish that’s satiny and not overly dry. Although it doesn’t offer any sun protection, this BB cream has amassed a loyal following because of its impressive value for money.
3) purlisse – Perfect Glow BB Cream
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The Perfect Glow BB Cream by purlisse was formulated for all skin types but actually works rather well on oily and acne-prone skin. Its oil-free, non-comedogenic formulation undoubtedly makes it an excellent choice if you struggle with acne. But, what makes it a remarkable product is its natural-looking coverage. It does everything you need from a blemish balm, but in a unique finish that’s a cross between matte and dewy. Plus, it has SPF 30 sun protection, so it doesn’t just make your skin look flawless but also helps you avoid UV damage. Additionally, its vegan formula includes artemisia and chamomile, which are known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.
4) Physicians Formula – Super BB
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Physicians Formula has long been known for skincare and cosmetic products that are suitable for people with sensitive skin. Their Super BB is exceptionally popular because it performs excellently on all skin types, especially on acne-prone skin. Not only is it able to cover up blemishes, but it also provides remarkable color correction. So, your complexion is even all across your face despite any imperfections, acne scars, and enlarged pores. Additionally, it is formulated without any harsh chemicals or additives. So, you can enjoy excellent sheer but buildable coverage without worrying about triggering your acne. Plus, this long-wearing beauty balm also offers SPF 30 broad-spectrum sun protection.
5) Pacifica Beauty – Alight Multi-Mineral BB Cream
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The Alight Multi-Mineral BB Cream by Pacifica Beauty boasts a vegan formulation that contains no parabens, phthalates, petroleum, nor silicone. It is well-loved by people with acne-prone skin because of its skin-perfecting effects. It is lightweight and offers a natural-looking bare skin tint, thanks to its shade matching capabilities. Although it goes on sheer, it is perfectly buildable to achieve medium to full coverage. Plus, it works excellently as a makeup primer. Possibly its only flaw is that it doesn’t have any sun protection. But, it makes up for that shortcoming by offering potent anti-aging benefits through notable ingredients like hyaluronic acid, coconut water, jojoba esters, and Damascus rose leaf.
How to Use BB Cream on Acne-Prone Skin
Being prone to acne typically makes you more sensitive to products and the way you use them. Apart from finding the right BB cream for you, here are some things you can do to avoid breakouts without avoiding makeup altogether:
- Always cleanse first. Never apply makeup on your face unless it’s newly washed. Putting on makeup on excess oils and dirt could cause clogging and irritation.
- Use a clean applicator. If you’re applying your BB cream with your fingers, make sure you wash your hands first. You can also use a damp applicator sponge, but make sure you wash it after every use to avoid the accumulation of bacteria and residue.
- Let it set. Setting powder might help you control any shine throughout the day but could also cause pore-clogging and breakouts. Instead, try letting your BB cream dry on its own before putting anything else on top of it. That way, it acts as a protective layer.
- Avoid touching your face. You might not notice it, but you probably touch your face multiple times a day. It could be to scratch an itch, tuck away hair, rub your nose, or just rest your head. While it might seem harmless, touching your face could trigger your acne, especially if you have makeup on. So, try to be more aware of your hands and keep them away from your face.
- Use a makeup remover. It might look like your BB cream is washed off completely after using your regular facial wash at the end of the day. However, there still might be makeup residue, dirt, and oils that aren’t visible to you. For more thorough cleansing, use a proper makeup remover before using a facial wash. Even better, use a toner after washing.
BB cream is often touted as the holy grail of cosmetics because it combines sunscreen, skincare, and makeup. Not only is it meant to provide excellent coverage but also protect, nourish, and hydrate your skin. Many also offer remarkable anti-aging benefits. By finding the best BB cream for acne-prone skin and also knowing the best way to use it, you can gain all the benefits of this wonderful all-in-one product without fear of triggering your flare-ups.
