If you have acne-prone skin, finding the right primer is key to keeping your makeup primer looking flawless all day long. There are a lot of primers on the market, but not all of them are created equal.

In this article, we will discuss the best primers for acne-prone skin and how to find the one that is right for you, cruelty free is a priority!

Do you have acne-prone skin?

If you’re looking for a primer that will help keep your makeup primers looking flawless all day long, with an even skin tone appearance, then you’ve come to the right place.

We’ll discuss the best primers for acne-prone skin or skin imperfections and how to find the one that is right for you and some FAQs about makeup application to keep your skin free of avoidable imperfections.

With so many primers on the market, it can be hard to know which one is right for you. But don’t worry – we’ve got you covered. We’ll help you find the perfect primer for your unique needs.

Read this article now and learn more about the best primers for acne-prone skin! We do our best to find you the weightless primer that has oil control through natural ingredients, some even absorbs oil and minimizes pores to fight acne whilst ensuring shine control. As always, we prioritise cruelty free products.

We have searched for the best so you don’t have to live with the rest. In order to serve you to the best of our ability and to keep our blog going, GarnesGuide may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page if you decide to buy. Each product was independently researched by our editors and the reviews may have been edited for length and clarity.

How We Choose the Best Primer for Acne Susceptible Skin

Acne is a common oily skin condition that affects people of all ages.

If you're one of the many people who suffer from acne prone skin, you know how frustrating it can be to find products that help control your breakouts.

We've done the research for you and found the best primer for skin that is acne prone. See our top picks below. These primers helps to mattify and control oily skin, while also hiding pores and fine lines.

It is very important to consult with a board certified dermatologist should you be unsure of any reaction that application may cause agitation. Risk factors include:

  • Oil Production
  • Clogging Pores
  • Uneven Texture
  • Oil Control
  • Dry Skin
  • Sun Exposure
  • Enlarged Pores
  • Large Pores
  • Excess Buildup

Pressed silk bedding may reduce acne (find the best primer for acne scars here!) and mitigate some off these risk factors. A tea tree treatment just before bed may also reduce imperfections.

Best Moisturizing Primer

Laura Mercier Foundation Primer

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Why GG Loves It

Introducing Laura Mercier Foundation Primer, the perfect solution for dehydrated and aging skin! This unique, specifically formulated product is enriched with moisture-rich Vitamin E to help protect and nourish your skin.

It also contains SPF 15 to fight against external aggressors, making it the perfect primer for your makeup routine. Its light-weight, oil-free formula soothes and glides on smoothly and evenly, leaving your skin looking and feeling radiant.

Perfect for all skin types, this foundation primer will help you achieve a flawless complexion. This foundation great for acne prone skin as well!

What you Ought to Know

A good primer formulated product is an essential step in any makeup routine, but it is especially important for those with a dry or dehydrated surface. The Laura Mercier Moisture-Rich Primer is a lightweight, creamy formula that creates a protective moisture buffer, helps to reduce the appearance of pores and fine lines, and provides a soft-focus effect creating smooth canvas.

The enhanced antioxidant Vitamin "cocktail" helps to protect skin against the harmful, aging effects of the environment.

Best Primer for Oily Skin

Cover FX Cover FX Stress Remedy Primer

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Why GG Loves It

We all know that feeling when our stress levels are through the roof and our skin starts to show it. Cover FX's Stress Remedy Primer is here to help!

This gentle, cooling primer helps to soothe a stressed and irritated complexion while working to neutralize redness. It's perfect for sensitive and acne-prone skin, and even rosacea-safe. So you can rest assured that your skin is being taken care of.

What you Ought to Know

Founded on the belief that you shouldn't have to choose between clean ingredients and high performance, COVER FX creates formulas that let you mix, experiment, and play to create your own unique brand of beauty.

Their Sensitive Skin Primer is a perfect example of this philosophy in action. Made with clean, vegan ingredients, this multitasking primer not only protects and soothes sensitive skin, but also visibly reduces redness.

Plus, it's easy to use: simply apply a dime-sized amount to well-moisturized skin with your fingers, beginning at the center of your face and blending outward.

Best Primer for Smooth Skin

Dr. Brandt Skincare Pores No More Pore Refiner Primer

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Why GG Loves It

This amazing primer from Dr. Brandt Skincare is a must-have for anyone looking for flawless, matte skin to control shine. The Pores No More Pore Refiner Primer instantly absorbs excess oil and mattifies the skin, creating a smooth, poreless finish and matte finish.

It's perfect for use on its own or under makeup, and will help keep your face looking shine-free all day long. Don't miss out on this cult-favorite product!

What you Ought to Know

Looking for a safe, effective way to mattify your skin and reduce the appearance of pores? Look no further than the Doctor-Designed Formula with primers for oily skin-absorbing spheres. This formula gently exfoliates dead skin cells and oily skin build-up, leaving you with smooth, healthy-looking skin.

It's part of our Daily Skincare Regimen and can be worn alone or under makeup for a natural, matte finish. Plus, it's backed by science - as a leader in clinical skincare, we use established clinical and dermatological expertise to offer safe and matte finish effective solutions for a makeup primer that treat a variety of needs whilst it controls shine.

Best Primer for Night Time

Urban Decay All Nighter Ultra Glow Face Primer

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Why GG Loves It

We all want our makeup to look its best, especially when we have a big night out planned. But sometimes, no matter how many touch-ups we do, our makeup just doesn't seem to stay put. That's where Urban Decay's All Nighter Ultra Glow Face Primer comes in!

This primer is specifically designed to give your makeup a dewy finish that will last up to 12 hours - perfect for those nights when you want to look your absolute best.

The secret? Hyaluronic acid and agave extract. These two ingredients work together to hydrate your skin, giving you a radiant complexion that will make your makeup look even better.

What you Ought to Know

A fresh, dewy complexion is always in style, and All Nighter Ultra Glow Makeup Primer can help you create the look that you crave. This long-lasting vegan primer provides a glowing canvas for your foundation, giving it the ultimate staying power.

Made with hyaluronic acid and agave extract, this clear gel delivers an effortlessly dewy finish while also infusing skin with hydration. Whether you wear it alone for refreshed, moisturized skin or layer it under your face makeup.

Best for Complimenting Skin Tone

Benefit Cosmetics POREfessional Pro Balm Face Primer

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Why GG Loves It

Quickly minimize the appearance of pores and fine lines for smoother-than-smooth skin with Benefit Cosmetics POREfessional Pro Balm Face Primer.

The silky, lightweight balm can be applied alone, under or over makeup, and is translucent so it compliments all skin tones. The formula contains a vitamin E derivative known to protect skin.

What you Ought to Know

We all have pores - they're tiny openings in our skin that cause oily skin and sweat. But sometimes, they can appear larger than we'd like. Enter: the POREfessional Pro Balm.

This silky, lightweight balm helps to reduce the appearance of pores and fine lines, giving you smoother-than-smooth looking skin. It can be applied alone or under or over makeup, and its translucent, no-oil formula complements all skintones. Plus, it contains a Vitamin E derivative that's known to protect skin.

So how do you use it? If you're applying it under makeup, apply it to clean, lightly moisturized skin and pat on problem areas before blending with your fingers. If you're applying it over makeup, pat it on lightly and blend.

The Primer and Acne FAQs

Acne is a common skin problem that can affect anyone, regardless of age or gender.

If you're struggling with acne, (find the Korean Skincare for Acne here) you're not alone. Millions of people are affected by this sensitive skin condition every year.

We've done the research for you and have found the best primer for acne-prone skin. (find the best setting spray for acne prone skin here!)

This product will help to keep your pores clear and your makeup looking great all day long. Below are some answered questions to help guide you on your way.

What is Primer?

A primer is a type of cosmetic that is applied to the face before foundation in order to create an even surface for makeup application and to increase its staying power. It is also used to cover skin tone discolorations, such as redness or blemishes. Some primers also contain SPF protection.

Is Primer Bad for Acne?

There is a lot of anecdotal evidence that suggests primer can make acne worse. However, there is not a lot of scientific research to support this claim.

There are a few potential reasons why primer might make acne worse. Primer might be comedogenic (pore-clogging), which could lead to an increase in acne lesions. Additionally, primer might contain ingredients like silicone or dimethicone that can seal in oily skin types and sweat, exacerbating acne breakouts.

Is Primer Good for Acne?

Yes, primer is good for acne. It helps to create a smooth surface for foundation application, which can help to camouflage blemishes. It's also helpful to use primers for oily skin, as it will help the mattifying primer of your skin types and keep your makeup in place for longer.

There are a number of primers on the market that are specifically designed for acne-prone skin type, so it's worth checking out some of those options if you're looking for something that will be especially beneficial for your skin type. However, any primer will likely be better than no primer at all!

What does Salicylic Acid do to the Skin?

Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid that exfoliates the skin. It is a chemical peel that works by breaking down the keratinocytes in the epidermis. Salicylic acid can help to improve oily skin texture, unclog pores, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Salicylic acid is also effective at treating acne and psoriasis.

Is Primer Good for acne Prone Skin?

Yes, primer is great for acne-prone skin. It helps the mattifying primer of the skin type and to create a smooth surface for applying foundation. Some of the best primers even have anti-inflammatory properties that can help to reduce the inflammation associated with acne. Look for a primer that is labeled as "non-comedogenic" to ensure that it will be gentle on your skin type.

Can Primer Clog Pores?

There is some debate over whether primer can clog pores, but most experts seem to agree that it can. The ingredients in primer that have been linked to pore-clogging are silicones and mineral oil. However, not all primers contain these key ingredients, so if you're concerned about clogged pores, be sure to check the ingredients list before buying and remove any excess oil and blur imperfections.

- Try a primer without silicone or mineral oil in its ingredients list.

- Use less primer than you normally would. A thin layer should be enough.

- Look for a mattifying primer, which will help

So there are the Best Primers for Acne Prone Skin

So, if you’re looking for a primer that will help keep your makeup looking flawless all day long and free of excess oil check out some of the ones we’ve listed above, our team also love this tarte Poreless Mattifying Prime.

Listed below are some key acne fighting ingredients to combat acne:

  • Green Tea
  • Oil Free Primer
  • Japanese Superfoods
  • Silk Extracts feel nourishing
  • Fragrance free
  • Vitamin C
  • Tea Tree Oil
  • Lavender Oil
  • Mineral Clay Powder
  • Cruelty Free

Other key ingredients include ancient African tree bark, cruelty free, lightweight formula. If you are finding it hard to controls oil and achieve a smooth complexion and that flawless skin type look it is advised to seek guidance from a board certified dermatologist who will be able to help reduce redness, reduce skin irritation and soothe skin.

And remember, don’t forget to factor in the price when making your decision – because a primer is an investment in your beauty routine!

Happy Shopping and thanks for reading!