Individuals with acne will often have oilier skin than most.
This is because the sebaceous glands are overactive in this condition, and they produce more oil.
Finding cosmetic products that can control these oils and prevent them from seeping through your makeup can feel overwhelming.
However, actually knowing you have oily skin is a great first step.
Many individuals aren't sure whether they have oily, dry, or combination skin (a combination of both), so knowing that your skin is more on the oily side will narrow down your search for powders that are specifically useful for oily skin!
The best face powders for oily acne-prone skin can be used to cover up any oiliness, or shine, that may appear on your face throughout the day.
They also help to even out your complexion and give you a healthy glow.
When it comes to choosing a product, dermatologists recommend non-comedogenic products that won’t clog your pores.
This article will provide you with some of the best face powders for oily, acne prone skin.
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Best Face Powders For Oily Acne Prone Skin
OUR TOP PICK
Choose this if you have oily acne pron skin skin as it absorbs oil and gives a smooth compexion.
This first option is a translucent powder, and these are powders that are transparent and used to set makeup on the skin.
They are perfect for those with oily skin, as they don’t add any shine to the face, giving off a smooth complexion.
Aside from this, this product also absorbs oil, so you can be assured that any oil that escapes through your foundation, will quickly be absorbed by this powder.
Pros
- Lightweight - You can take this with you anywhere for a quick re-application
- Absorbs oil - This product will absorb any oil that seeps through your skin throughout the day.
- Shine-free - Won’t add any shine to your face.
Cons
- Does not state where it is non-comedogenic - May clog pores
EDITORS CHOICE
Choose this if you want a powder foundation specifically forumlated for people like yourself with acne prone skin, it also has oat protiens in it that sooth skin and 0.5% salicylic acid to clear and prevent breakouts.
This loose powder foundation has been specifically formulated for those with acne.
It contains 0.5% salicylic acid, to clear and prevent breakouts, along with oat proteins that will soothe the skin.
bareMinerals’ intention with this product is to hydrate and moisturize your skin with an array of moisture minerals, while at the same time mattifying and reducing blemishes by incorporating zinc, sulfur, and Kaolin clay.
Unlike the first option, this is a foundation powder, so applying it to your skin after using a skin primer and concealer would be the best way to use it.
Pros
- Non-comedogenic - Won’t clog your pores
- Blemish remedy formula - Formulated to clear blemishes and acne
- Mattifying properties - Won’t leave any shine and will absorb oil
Cons
- May not provide full coverage - Those with more serious acne or blemishes may have to layer this product with extra foundation.
BEST VALUE
Choose this if you want a powder designed for sensitive skin prone to acne breakouts that's free from talc, prabens and other harmful ingredients, it also has SPF protection to protect you from the sun.
This loose powder is specifically designed for sensitive skin that is prone to breaking out.
It is free from talc, parabens, and other harmful ingredients and also gives you SPF protection!
This product will mattify the skin and provides coverage like most foundations, and will also set your makeup in place.
In addition, this calm, sensitive skin formula will not cause any breakouts
Pros
- Price - Very affordable option
- Versatile - Acts as a foundation while also setting your makeup
- SPF Protection - While protect you from the sun.
Cons
- Does not mattify as much as others - If your skin is very oily, the mattifying effects of this product may not be enough.
RUNNER UP
This setting powder has the ability to hold your makeup in place for 16 hours!
While it’s on your face, it will soak up any oil that begins to seep through from your skin, giving you a perfectly matte face all day.
It also won’t crease or rub off, and to top it off, it’s non-comedogenic and doesn’t include any phthalates, or artificial scents (contributors to acne).
Pros
Non-comedogenic - Won’t clog your pores
Long-lasting - Can hold makeup in place for 16 hours
Free from harmful chemicals - Free from phthalates and artificial fragrances.
Cons
Contains talc - Talc is a controversial ingredient used in many cosmetics and some prefer products without it.
RUNNER UP
This product is ideal for those with sensitive skin.
It is non-comedogenic, so it won’t clog your pores, and contains wonderful antioxidants that will reduce any inflammation, such as vitamins C, E, and green tea.
Providing you with a semi-matte finish, this pressed powder foundation is lightweight and will not crease or give you that ‘caked’ look the longer you wear it.
You may be wondering what ‘pressed’ powder is.
This is a powder that is slightly more bound together, making it more of a foundation that loose power.
Loose powder is most likely what you’ll find in translucent powders, as it is finer.
Pressed powders in general are known to provide you with more coverage.
Pros
- Full coverage - This pressed formula provides you with more coverage
- Beneficial for the skin - Filled with antioxidants to promote healthy skin
- Lightweight - The product won’t feel heavy or thick on your skin.
Cons
- Price - More expensive than the previous options.
RUNNER UP
This loose powder is transparent and is specifically formulated to control oil levels on the skin - controlling any extra sebum.
It is free from harmful ingredients such as talc, animal raw materials, and artificial fragrances.
This product also includes some very beneficial ingredients for the skin, such as sugar polymer, to control the oil levels, and cotton extract, which helps your skin replenish itself.
The best way to use it is to apply it after skincare (if you’re going makeup free), or apply it after your foundation on areas of your skin where oil accumulates.
It can also be used for greasy hair, and as an eye primer!
Pros
- Sebum control - Controls the oil levels on your skin.
- No harmful ingredients - Free from talc and artificial fragrances.
- Price - Very affordable option.
Cons
- May not be long-lasting - You may need to re-apply the product throughout the day.
RUNNER UP
Filled with vitamin E, a very important vitamin for skin health, this powder will provide your skin with a dimensional, yet matte finish.
It can be used to set foundation, or used on its own to polish up your skin.
Pros
- Nourishes the skin - Vitamin E component does this.
- Matte finish - Will reduce appearance of oily skin.
Cons
- Price - Product is more on the expensive side.
Buyer’s Guide
Knowing what to look for in a powder that will control your oil levels and won’t have your acne flaring up can be tricky.
Cosmetics contain an extensive ingredient list, with many of them being hard to pronounce, let alone understand what they are.
This buyer’s guide will outline some key factors to look out for when it comes to purchasing a powder for your oily, acne prone skin.
Finish
One of the most important things you need to consider when it comes to buying face powder is the kind of finish is it going to give you.
While some enjoy the glowy, dewy look, if you have oily skin, this is a no-no for you.
Products that have a dewy finish contain more moisture, and while those with generally dry skin would benefit from this, those with oily skin do not.
Oily-skinned individuals would benefit most from products that give off a matte finish.
This is a finish that has no shine, and all the products in this article give off this look, which is why they have been included.
Ingredients
If you have acne prone skin, then looking closely at the ingredients in your cosmetics is critical.
This is because many products can sometimes contain harmful additives that may cause your acne to flare up.
Below are some ingredients that are beneficial to acne prone skin.
Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acid comes from willow bark, and belongs to a group of ingredients named salicylates.
This ingredient works by getting deep into the skin and dissolving anything that makes its way into your pores.
It is also a great anti-inflammatory, getting rid of any blemishes or red pimples.
If all that wasn’t good enough news, salicylic acid is also an exfoliant, meaning it can break down the dead skin cells in order for new ones to generate.
If you have acne-prone skin, finding a powder that contains salicylic acid is great, but using a facial cleanser that contains this ingredient is even better!
If this is an ingredient that you feel will benefit your skin, then the bareMinerals Blemish Rescue Powder Foundation in this list contains 0.5% Salicylic acid!
Vitamin E
Whether it’s in face powder or your skincare routine, vitamin E is always a good idea!
As well as being an antioxidant (more on that later), it is an anti-inflammatory, meaning it can calm any redness or blemishes by soothing them.
This vitamin is also very hydrating, and can provide your skin with some protection against the sun!
While skincare items with vitamin E are suitable for most skin types, those with excessively oily skin may not benefit from it, and the same goes for those with serious acne issues.
Therefore, it is more suited for people with mild to moderate acne.
The options in this list that are bursting with vitamin E are the Mac Mineralize Skinfinish and Glo Skin Beauty powders!
Antioxidants
Antioxidants are your friends when it comes to acne and oily skin.
They work by combatting free radicals that cause harm.
Free radicals are molecules that are unstable in nature and will therefore cause damage to your cells.
This can lead to inflammation and all kinds of illnesses.
Antioxidants combat these and therefore reduce the damage that these can cause.
When it comes to the skin, antioxidants can moisturize and brighten up the skin, as well as reduce any fine lines and wrinkles.
They can also reduce any inflammation caused by skin conditions such as eczema and rosacea.
Some wonderful antioxidants to promote healthy skin include vitamins A, C, E, resveratrol, niacinamide, green tea polyphenols, and curcumin.
These are just a few of the many antioxidants that can contribute to healthy skin.
It is also important to remember that these antioxidants are vastly present in different foods as well.
Several of the options in this list have powerful antioxidants within them, such as the Glo Skin Beauty Pressed Powder.
Comedogenic And Non-Comedogenic
If you are suffering from acne, then looking for products that display ‘non-comedogenic’ on the label is recommended.
If a cosmetic product is labelled as non-comedogenic, it means that the ingredients in the formula do not have the potential to clog pores.
Clogged pores are one of the leading causes of acne and oily skin, so ensuring that you are using products that won’t clog your pores will really improve your makeup game, and reduce any acne flare-ups.
However, it is important to note that non-comedogenic ingredients do not necessarily treat or get rid of acne, they just won’t make it worse.
Following on from this point, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) do not regulate non-comedogenic ingredients, so you could be trying products that have no proof that they do not block pores.
However, if you suffer from acne, switching to these products would in theory be a good move.
Ingredients that are known to be non-comedogenic are aloe vera, and vitamin C, whereas comedogenic ingredients include wheat germ oil, lanolin, and coconut oil.
If you feel that non-comedogenic products will benefit your skin more, then several products discussed in this article state they are non-comedogenic.
These include the Glo Skin Beauty, bareMinerals, and Dermablend products.
Speak To A Professional
If you suffer from severe acne along with oily skin, the last thing you want to do is purchase cosmetics that are going to make the condition worse.
A good cause of action would be to speak with a professional dermatologist.
They will examine your skin, and be able to recommend certain products that won’t aggravate your acne.
Ensuring you are also using the appropriate facial cleansing products, as well as makeup that does not contain harsh chemicals, you should notice a difference in your skin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Face Powder Cause Break-Outs If You Already Have Oily, Acne Prone Skin?
Face powder is usually good at keeping the oil levels on your skin under control, as many have oil-absorbing properties.
Keeping the oil under control on your face, usually prevents new spots from forming, resulting in less breakouts.
Is Loose Powder Or Pressed Powder Better For Oily Skin?
Loose powder is generally better for those with oilier skin, or combination skin.
This is because loose powder will absorb more oil throughout the day.
Loose powders are also more generally used as setting powders, meaning they can be applied over your foundation, keeping it in place and keeping any oil at bay.
Pressed powder is more suited to people with dry skin types, as this kind of powder has a slightly more creamy consistency.
Can You Use Face Powder Every Day If Your Skin Is Prone To Acne?
It is fine to use face powder every day, but you must ensure you are removing it properly at the end of each day, and cleansing your face thoroughly, especially if you suffer from acne.
You should also ensure that you aren’t putting on too much powder in one go, as it can make your makeup appear heavy and cakey.
Which Flower Extract Is Good For Acne Prone Skin?
Certain skincare products contain extracts from flowers, and some of these are particularly good for the skin.
Some of these include lavender extract, good for irritated skin, and jasmine and cranberry extract, that are also good for irritated skin due to their soothing elements.
Should Those With Sensitive Skin Avoid Products With Talc?
The use of talc in skincare products has become quite controversial.
Doctors and dermatologists have stayed that it is fine for use on most skin types, but individuals with sensitive skin may experience some irritation when using it on the face.
When it comes to talc, however, it has been stated that the dangers lie in inhaling it, and some studies have shown that it can cause damage to the lungs.
Therefore, many cosmetic products are now discarding the use of talc in their products, as you can see in some of the products mentioned in this article.
Final Thoughts
In summary, trying to find a face powder for oily, acne prone skin may involve some trial and error.
However, you can make this process easier by limiting your search to mattifying powders, like the ones in this article.
Powders that are mattifying will reduce any shine on your face, and some products even have oil-absorbing qualities, enabling them to soak up any oil that appears on your face throughout the day.
You must also ensure that the products you purchase do not contain any harmful ingredients that could aggravate your acne further, and you should generally aim to purchase items that state they are ‘non-comedogenic’, as these are less likely to clog your pores, in theory.
If you are worried about aggravating your skin, speaking to a qualified dermatologist is recommended, as they can lead you in the right direction when it comes to purchasing cosmetics.
So, Which Face Powder Is Best For Acne Prone Skin?
While all products mentioned in this article are suitable for oily, acne prone skin, there are others that are suited more to individual needs.
Best Loose Powder
The best loose powder is the bareMinerals Blemish Rescue Skin-Clearing Loose Powder Foundation as it has been specifically formulated for those with oily, acne prone skin.
It is completely non-comedogenic, so it won’t clog up your pores, and it has mattifying properties, something that is crucial for those who have oily skin.
Best Pressed Powder
The best pressed powder would be the Glo Skin Beauty Pressed-Base Natural Flair.
This product is also non-comedogenic, so you won’t need to worry about clogged pores.
Although it is a pressed powder, it is still lightweight, so it won’t feel caked on your skin.
It is lightweight and contains some very good antioxidants for the skin, such as vitamins C, E, and green tea extract!
Best Price Overall
For the best price, we recommend the ETUD House Zero Sebum Drying Powder.
This loose powder is free from any harmful ingredients and helps to control oil levels on the skin with its cotton extract.
Best Overall Pick: My #1 Choice...
- It's translucent which is perfect for oily skin as they give off a smooth complexion.
- It absorbs oil so if you have acne it will absorb any grease from your pores.
- It doesn't clog your pores as it's non-comedogenic, perfect for your acne prone skin.
Last update on 2023-06-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
