Skin Is In: Discover The Magic Of Non-Comedogenic Foundations

Tatiana Dias

Tatiana Dias

05 Dec ‘24
Makeup Makeup For Acne Makeup For Oily Skin Foundation For Acne-Prone Skin Best Non-Comedogenic Foundations For Oily Skin
Makeup Makeup For Acne Makeup For Oily Skin Foundation For Acne-Prone Skin Best Non-Comedogenic Foundations For Oily Skin

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Tend to break out at the drop of a hat? The struggle is real and rather common, especially when it comes to selecting certain products like your foundation. There’s no denying that traditional foundations can be rather heavy on acne-prone or oily skin, often resulting in clogged pores. It could possibly be the only reason why your acne comes back with a vengeance each time around. Add the wear-time of the foundation, and you find yourself battling breakouts more often than you anticipated. Swoop in non-comedogenic foundations—a modern-day formulation(and blessing), especially if acne is one of your major skin woes.

What Is A Non-Comedogenic Foundation?

“Non-comedogenic products are specifically formulated to avoid clogging pores, which helps reduce the likelihood of blackheads, whiteheads, and acne,” explains Dr Batul Patel, MD, The Bombay Skin Clinic. “The term "comedone" refers to a clogged pore, and non-comedogenic products are designed with ingredients that don't block pores or cause congestion in the skin.”

So what does it mean when a label reads, ‘non-comedogenic’ foundation? Describing this further, Dr Kiran Sethi, MD and founder ISYA Aesthetics says, “This means that a dermatologist has checked all the ingredients to ensure that none of them rate high on the comedogenicity scale. Products are rated from zero to five on the comedogenicity scale—zero means non-comedogenic and five is highly comedogenic. If you are acne-prone you want it to be zero to one, if you’re not you want to look at one to two.”

The post-pandemic world saw a shift from heavy and thick foundations to more lightweight formulations. The purpose? To let skin feel like skin! Especially, if you are one to wear foundation daily, non-comedogenic makeup tends to fit the bill perfectly. It gives you the necessary, easy-breezy coverage, without weighing your skin down and triggering any adverse reactions.

Ingredients To Avoid

According to Dr Sethi, heavy coverage makeup usually tends to have thicker ingredients and will be more comedogenic. If you’re one to read the fine print, Dr Patel recommends avoiding the following in your non-comedogenic foundation:

  1. Heavy oils: Ingredients like mineral oil, coconut oil, and lanolin are typically heavier and can contribute to clogged pores, especially for those with oily skin.
  2. Alcohol: High concentrations of alcohol in the foundation can irritate the skin and disrupt the skin barrier, leading to excess oil production and clogging.
  3. Silicones: Although silicones like dimethicone help to create a smooth finish, excessive or concentrated use can trap dirt and oil in the pores if not properly cleansed.
  4. Fragrances and dyes: Artificial fragrances and dyes can be irritating and pore-clogging for sensitive skin, leading to breakouts or inflammation.

“It’s also helpful to look for labels or certifications indicating a product is "non-comedogenic," as these formulations are typically tested to ensure minimal pore-clogging potential,” she warns

The Benefits Of Using A Non-Comedogenic Foundation

Reduced Acne Breakouts: Considering it prevents clogged pores, non-comedogenic foundations are less likely to contribute to acne, especially if you have oily or acne-prone skin.

  1. Gentle On Sensitive Skin: Non-comedogenic makeup formulations often have fewer irritants and are crafted to minimise inflammation, making them suitable for sensitive skin.
  2. Breathable & Lightweight: Many non-comedogenic products are lightweight, which allows the skin to "breathe" and reduces the risk of congestion.

While best suited for acne-prone and oily skin, both experts agree that the benefit of non-comedogenic foundations extends to all skin types.

Tips For Wearing Non-Comedogenic Foundation

“In today’s world, people want flawless ‘filtered’ base products,” adds celebrity makeup artist Aashna Shah. “It’s important to note that texture will show no matter what makeup you use. For that reason, using products that don’t irritate the skin is so important.” Here are some essential tips to keep in mind when applying your foundation:

  1. Mix your non-comedogenic foundation with your skincare to create a tinted moisturiser and apply it to give you some sheer coverage.
  2. Your makeup is only as good as your skincare. So if you have a solid skin routine then a good foundation only adds to your overall look.
  3. Brushes and sponges are the most common ways to apply foundation! A flat brush is used for heavier application and full coverage, however, it can leave streaks so finish with a sponge to blend streak marks. Blenders or sponges are the best options for a smooth and natural finish, but they can absorb some product.
  4. Always take your foundation down to your neck as you don’t want your neck colour and face colour to be different.
  5. Use two shades of foundation if you have a lot of skin pigmentation. Use the darker foundation for the perimeter of your face and the lighter foundation around the t-zone to brighten your face. This also prevents ashy-ness on the pigmented area.
  6. Exfoliate well before any base makeup. This creates a smoother canvas to make your foundation look more flawless and less textured.
  7. Colour correctors and concealers go a long way and can help even out pigmentation and discolouration which go hand in hand with a good foundation.
  8. Choose a foundation that is best suited for your skin type. Avoid using hydrating ones if you have oily skin as it’ll only mix with the oils and make the base split.
  9. For a dewy base, add a drop of strobe cream or liquid highlighter to your foundation to give that dewy clean girl aesthetic.
  10. Rule of thumb—never use a silicone primer with a water-based foundation, or vice versa. They will mix and split your base. Silicone primers pair with silicon-based foundations and water-based primers pair with water-based foundations.

Whether or not you’ve got acne-prone skin, non-comedogenic foundations are generally a good choice for all skin types. Considering how everyone is slowly and steadily gravitating toward more lightweight and airy formulas, opting for a non-comedogenic foundation is surely the way forward.

What is Non-Comedogenic Foundation Ingredients to avoid Benefits of using it tips for wearing non-comedogenic foundation
What is Non-Comedogenic Foundation Ingredients to avoid Benefits of using it tips for wearing non-comedogenic foundation
Tatiana Dias

Tatiana Dias

Tatiana Dias is a beauty and lifestyle journalist, who often moonlights as a sounding board for most of her friends. Why? She likes to put her degree in Psychology to use somewhere! Adopted by three cats, you’ll often find her conversing with animals more than humans.