Top Primers for Acne Prone Skin in 2024

Best Primers for Acne Prone Skin

If you have acne-prone skin, finding the right primer can be a game-changer. Not only can it help smooth out your skin’s texture and keep your makeup in place all day, but it can also help prevent breakouts and reduce the appearance of pores.

With so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the 10 best primers for acne-prone skin, so you can find the perfect one for you.

e.l.f. Blemish Control Face Primer

If you’re looking for a primer that can fight blemishes and create a matte finish, the e.l.f. Blemish Control Face Primer might be worth considering.

Pros

• Infused with Salicylic Acid, Tea Tree Oil, and Vitamin E to control breakouts and blemishes
• Ideal for oily and irritated skin, creating a sheer matte finish
• Made from skin-loving ingredients that are 100% cruelty-free and vegan

Cons

• Might not work as well for dry skin types
• Some users reported a strong scent upon application
• May not provide enough coverage for severe acne

This primer is great for anyone struggling with oily, acne-prone skin. It helps control breakouts and blemishes while creating a smooth, matte finish. However, if you have dry skin, this primer might not provide enough hydration.

The formula is infused with Salicylic Acid, Tea Tree Oil, and Vitamin E, which can help control breakouts and improve the overall texture of your skin. It’s also vegan and cruelty-free, making it a great option for anyone looking for a more ethical beauty product.

One thing to keep in mind is that some users reported a strong scent upon application, so if you’re sensitive to fragrance, this might not be the best choice for you. Additionally, while the primer can help cover mild acne, it may not provide enough coverage for more severe cases.

Overall, the e.l.f. Blemish Control Face Primer is a great option for anyone looking to control breakouts and create a matte finish. If you have oily, acne-prone skin, this primer might be worth trying out.

e.l.f. Acne Fighting Putty Primer

If you’re looking for a primer that helps prevent acne breakouts and minimizes the appearance of pores, e.l.f. Acne Fighting Putty Primer might be just what you need.

Pros

• Infused with acne-fighting ingredients like salicylic acid, zinc, and kaolin to prevent future breakouts.
• Smooths over pores and imperfections for a flawless and even complexion.
• Grips makeup all day, giving you long-lasting wear.

Cons

• May not work for everyone.
• Can settle into pores and creases.
• Some users have reported that it doesn’t blur pores as well as they had hoped.

This skin-perfecting face primer is great for acne-prone, combination, and oily skin. Its unique, velvety formula applies clear and smooths over imperfections, gripping your makeup for all-day wear or giving you an even, clear bare-faced natural finish.

The putty primer is easy to apply, and you can use the Putty Primer Applicator for easy and hygienic application. It is also formulated with 1.8% salicylic acid, zinc, and kaolin, which helps draw out imperfections, minimize the appearance of pores, calm irritated skin, and reduce redness.

Overall, e.l.f. Acne Fighting Putty Primer is a great option for those looking for a primer that helps prevent acne breakouts and minimizes the appearance of pores. It’s easy to apply, and the unique formula grips your makeup all day, giving you long-lasting wear.

Milani Erase Base Blemish Control Primer with 2% Salicylic Acid Erase Base – Blemish Control Face Primer

If you’re looking for a primer that can help control blemishes and oil while also providing a breakout-friendly base between your skin and makeup, the Milani Erase Base Blemish Control Primer might be worth considering.

Pros

• The lightweight gel texture helps extend makeup wear and control oil throughout the day.
• Enhanced with 2% Salicylic Acid, a proven acne fighter that helps fight blemishes.
• Cruelty-free and certified by PETA, Milani does not test on animals and does not allow suppliers to test on its behalf.

Cons

• Some users have reported that the primer feels sticky on their face.
• It may not work well with certain foundations.
• The packaging may be too small for some users.

This primer is designed to be worn under your foundation and can help improve the appearance of acne-prone skin. It has a lightweight texture that won’t feel heavy on your skin and can help control oil throughout the day. The 2% Salicylic Acid can also help fight blemishes and improve the overall texture of your skin.

One of the best things about this primer is that it is cruelty-free and certified by PETA. If you’re looking for a product that aligns with your values, this is definitely a plus. However, some users have reported that the primer feels sticky on their face, which can be uncomfortable. Additionally, it may not work well with certain foundations, so it’s important to test it out before committing to using it regularly. Finally, the packaging may be too small for some users, so keep that in mind if you’re someone who prefers larger products.

Overall, if you’re looking for a primer that can help control oil and blemishes, the Milani Erase Base Blemish Control Primer is worth considering. It’s affordable, cruelty-free, and has a lightweight texture that won’t feel heavy on your skin.

Ruby Kisses Face Primer

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly primer that helps minimize the appearance of blemishes and pores, the Ruby Kisses Face Primer is worth considering.

Pros

• A silky, lightweight formula that creates a smooth canvas for makeup application.
• The Blemish Control feature helps balance skin texture and tone for a subtle, smoother look.
• The Poreless Primer helps minimize the appearance of fine lines and large pores.

Cons

• Some users have reported the product drying out quickly or arriving dried out.
• Not suitable for those with very oily skin.
• May not provide enough coverage for severe acne or scarring.

This primer does a good job of creating a smooth base for makeup application, and the Blemish Control feature helps even out skin texture and tone. The Poreless Primer helps minimize the appearance of pores and fine lines, and the lightweight formula feels comfortable on the skin.

However, some users have reported issues with the product drying out quickly or arriving already dried out. Additionally, those with very oily skin may find that this primer doesn’t provide enough oil control. Finally, if you have severe acne or scarring, this primer may not provide enough coverage to effectively conceal these issues.

Overall, if you’re looking for an affordable primer that helps create a smoother, more even base for makeup application, the Ruby Kisses Face Primer is worth considering. However, if you have very oily skin or severe acne or scarring, you may want to look for a more heavy-duty primer.

e.l.f. Power Grip Primer

If you’re looking for a primer that keeps your makeup in place while giving your skin a soft-focus effect, you should definitely give the e.l.f. Power Grip Primer a try.

Pros

• The gel-based formula grips makeup perfectly
• It gives skin a soft-focus effect
• The primer is enriched with hydrating ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid

Cons

• The primer is a bit sticky at first
• It may not be suitable for people with extremely oily skin
• The packaging may be a bit small for some users

This primer is perfect for all skin types and skin tones, and it goes on clear, making it the ideal makeup application base. The Hyaluronic Acid in the formula helps skin retain moisture for a plump complexion, making it a great choice for people with dry skin.

The primer is easy to apply – simply apply it evenly to your face before makeup using your fingertips to pat into skin. The warmth of your fingers will help the product melt into skin for even application. Allow 30 seconds to set before applying makeup. If you experience any irritation, stop using it.

All e.l.f. products are made from skin-loving ingredients you want at good-for-you prices. All e.l.f. products are 100% vegan, cruelty-free, and leaping bunny certified. Because kindness is chic.

Buying Guide

Choosing the right primer for acne-prone skin is essential to achieve a flawless makeup look. Here are some features that you should look for when buying a primer:

Ingredients

When shopping for a primer, always check the ingredients list. Look for products that contain salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, or tea tree oil. These ingredients help to fight off acne-causing bacteria and reduce inflammation.

Texture

The texture of the primer is also important. Avoid heavy, creamy formulas that can clog pores and cause breakouts. Instead, opt for lightweight, oil-free primers that allow the skin to breathe.

Coverage

If you have acne scars or blemishes, you may want to look for a primer that provides additional coverage. Some primers have a tinted formula that can help to even out skin tone and hide imperfections.

Mattifying

If you have oily skin, you may want to look for a primer that has mattifying properties. These primers help to control oil production and keep your makeup looking fresh all day.

SPF

Lastly, consider a primer that has SPF protection. Acne-prone skin is often sensitive to the sun, and using a primer with SPF can help to prevent further damage and breakouts.

By considering these features, you can find the best primer for your acne-prone skin.