Written by Sayantani Deb, Makeup & Beauty WriterUpdated on Mar 06, 2024
The products curated for this article are independently chosen by the editorial team. If you make a purchase through the links mentioned below, we may receive a commission. Check out our product research & curation processThe best BB cream for acne-prone skin typically provides light to medium coverage, which can help conceal mild acne scars, redness, and imperfections without the heavy, cakey look associated with some other types of makeup bases. The lighter coverage provided by these BB creams can make your skin look more even-toned and natural.
Our findings show that they are formulated with moisturizing ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid and glycerin. This can be beneficial for acne-prone skin, as some acne treatments can be drying. They also combat dryness and flakiness common with acne treatments and the added hydration helps maintain your skin's moisture balance without clogging pores. Besides, some BB creams contain SPF (sun protection factor), which helps protect your skin from harmful UV rays. Sunscreen is important for everyone, but it's especially crucial for individuals with acne-prone skin because certain acne treatments can make the skin more sensitive to sunlight.
Talking more about the features of BB creams, they often combine several functions in one product. In addition to coverage and moisturization, they may contain ingredients that claim to prime the skin, minimize the appearance of pores, or provide antioxidant benefits. This multifunctionality can streamline your skincare and makeup routine for the best. They may also be gentler on the skin compared to some traditional foundations, which can contain more heavy or irritating ingredients, making them beneficial for those with sensitive or acne-prone skin.
Whether you are looking for oil-free formulas, non-comedogenic ingredients, or added blemish-fighting properties, we have got you covered. Get ready to discover the best BB creams that will not only enhance your complexion but also keep breakouts at bay. Let's dive in.
Our top picks
12 Best BB Creams for Acne-prone Skin
Designed to enhance your complexion and natural beauty, with its innovative formula, the BB cream offers several benefits and caters to all your skin needs. It acts as a primer, moisturizer, foundation, and sunscreen all in one, making it a must-have addition to your beauty routine. Its advanced technology further adapts to your skin tone, allowing it to blend seamlessly and naturally with your complexion. With its unique beautifying beads, the BB cream instantly perfects your skin by minimizing the appearance of pores, fine lines, and imperfections. It also hydrates your skin, keeping it nourished and moisturized throughout the day. The added SPF protection helps shield your skin from harmful UV rays, preventing premature aging and sun damage.
Pros
- Dermatologically-tested
- Non-comedogenic
- Does not clog pores
Cons
- Not very smooth
2
Most Budget-friendly
COVERGIRL Clean Matte BB Cream
This water-based, oil-free BB cream is specifically designed to cater to the needs of those with oily skin. With its lightweight and buildable formula, it provides a flawless and natural-looking matte finish. The Clean Matte BB cream further effectively minimizes the appearance of pores and imperfections, and its oil-free formula also helps control shine and keeps your skin looking fresh throughout the day. Not only does this BB cream provide excellent coverage, but it also offers skincare benefits. Infused with water-based ingredients, it hydrates the skin without clogging pores, thereby promoting a healthy and radiant complexion.
Pros
- No pore clogging
- Blends perfectly
- Affordable
Cons
- A bit watery
3
Best for Oily And Combination Skin
Maybelline New York Dream Pure Skin Clearing BB Cream
Formulated with 2% salicylic acid, this BB cream not only provides sheer tint coverage but also works to clear your skin from within. With its oil-free formula, this BB cream is perfect for those with oily or combination skin types. It effectively controls shine and minimizes the appearance of pores, giving you a smooth and flawless complexion. The lightweight formula further blends seamlessly into the skin, providing a natural and dewy finish. Whether you're looking to even out your skin tone, conceal blemishes, or protect your skin from the sun (with its SPF 30 formula), this beauty balm has got you covered.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Oil-free
- Perfect for oily and combination skin
Cons
- Little coverage
4
Best for Flawless Coverage
MISSHA M Perfect BB Cream
This high-performance beauty product is designed to give your skin a flawless and radiant finish. With its light beige shade, this BB cream is perfect for brightening your complexion and providing a natural-looking coverage. Whether you have blemishes, uneven skin tone, or dark spots, this tinted moisturizer is formulated to seamlessly blend in and give you a smooth and even skin tone. Not only does it provide excellent coverage, but it also offers a high level of sun protection with SPF 42 PA +++. This means, you can confidently step out into the sun knowing that your skin is shielded from harmful UV rays. Besides, it is more than just a makeup product. It doubles as a moisturizer, keeping your skin hydrated and nourished throughout the day.
Pros
- Suitable for all skin types
- Flawless coverage
- Highly moisturizing
5
Best for Blurring Wrinkles And Acne
purlisse Perfect Glow BB Cream
Formulated with clean and cruelty-free ingredients, this BB cream is perfect for those who prioritize ethical beauty. It delivers flawless coverage, helping to even out your skin tone and minimize the appearance of imperfections. Whether you have blemishes, redness, or dark spots, this BB cream will help you achieve a smooth and flawless complexion. The product also helps to prevent sun damage and premature aging, making it an ideal choice for everyday wear. What’s more? With its multi-purpose formula, it simplifies your beauty routine by combining skincare and makeup in one convenient product.
Pros
- Cruelty-free
- Chemical-free
- Perfect for treating wrinkles and acne
Cons
- Very greasy
6
best Ultra-blendable Formula
Physicians Formula Super BB All-in-1 Beauty Balm Cream
The Super BB All-in-1 beauty balm cream provides an array of benefits that will leave your skin looking flawless and radiant. Its lightweight formula effortlessly blends into the skin, providing natural coverage that evens out your complexion. Not only does this beauty balm cream provide natural/sheer coverage, but it also offers a range of skincare benefits. Infused with nourishing ingredients, such as vitamins C and E, as well as antioxidants, this cream helps to hydrate and protect your skin throughout the day. It also contains SPF 30, shielding your skin from harmful UV rays and preventing premature aging.
Pros
- Dermatologically-tested
- Ultra-blendable
- Lightweight
Cons
- A bit cakey
7
PURITO Cica Clearing BB Cream
This high-performance BB cream is designed to provide flawless coverage while nourishing your skin. With its light beige tint, this BB cream effortlessly blends into your skin, evening out your complexion and giving you a natural, radiant glow. Besides, the lightweight texture will allow your skin to breathe while still providing excellent coverage for blemishes, redness, and other imperfections. But this BB cream is not just about cosmetics – it's also packed with skin-loving ingredients. Formulated with centella asiatica extract, it helps calm and soothe irritated skin, making it ideal for those with sensitive or acne-prone skin. The natural ingredients also promote skin healing and regeneration, leaving you with a healthier and more youthful-looking complexion.
Pros
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Great for combination skin
Cons
- May oxidize soon
8
Best for All Skin Types
NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP BB Cream
With its natural shade, the BB cream seamlessly blends into your skin, giving you a natural-looking finish. It helps to even out skin tone, minimize the appearance of imperfections, and create a smooth canvas for makeup application. Adding to that, Infused with skin-loving ingredients, this BB cream nourishes and hydrates your skin throughout the day. It contains antioxidants that help to protect your skin from environmental stressors, leaving it looking radiant and healthy. It is also formulated with SPF 30, providing essential sun protection.
Pros
- Cruelty-free
- Lightweight
- Suitable for all skin types
Cons
- Very little coverage
9
Best Water-resistant Formula
COOLA Organic Rosilliance BB Cream
Formulated with organic ingredients, this BB cream serves as a natural and healthy alternative to traditional foundations. The lightweight and buildable formula effortlessly blends into your skin, giving a radiant and even-toned complexion. Not only does this BB cream provide you with a beautiful tint, but it also offers broad-spectrum SPF 30 protection. So, why wait? Shield your skin from the damaging effects of the sun while enjoying a flawless finish with this product in your stash. With its nourishing and moisturizing properties, this multitasking product also keeps your skin hydrated throughout the day, leaving it feeling soft and supple. The best part? Perfect for all skin types, it helps to minimize the appearance of imperfections and blemishes, giving you a youthful and glowing complexion.
Pros
- Non-comedogenic
- Water-resistant
- Includes SPF
Cons
- A bit sticky
10
Best Lightweight Texture
Marcelle BB Cream Beauty Balm
This lightweight and hydrating formula is designed to provide you with flawless coverage while keeping your skin nourished and protected. With its fair shade, this BB cream effortlessly blends into your skin, creating a natural and radiant complexion. So, why wait? Say goodbye to uneven skin tone and hello to a smooth and even skin texture with this product that is enriched with beneficial ingredients that work wonders for your skin. Hydration is key, and this product ensures your skin stays moisturized throughout the day, leaving it feeling soft and supple. Not only does this beauty balm cream provide hydration, but it also offers SPF protection, safeguarding your skin against harmful UV rays.
Pros
- Hypoallergenic
- Fragrance-free
- Lightweight
Cons
- Poor packaging
11
Best for Covering Blemishes
PUPA Milano Professionals BB Cream
This exceptional product combines the benefits of a BB cream and a primer to give you flawless, long-lasting makeup. With its lightweight and oil-free formula, this BB cream + primer is designed to control excess oil and minimize shine, making it perfect for those with combination to oily skin types. It also helps to mattify the skin, leaving it looking fresh and natural throughout the day. It not only provides excellent coverage, but also works as a perfecting base for makeup application. Its smooth texture fills in fine lines and pores, creating a smooth canvas for your makeup. What’s more? It glides on effortlessly and stays put for hours.
Pros
- Suitable for all skin types
- Highly moisturizing
- Perfect for blurring blemishes
12
TROIAREUKE Aesthetic BB Cream
Designed specifically for oily skin, this Korean beauty makeup product is the perfect solution for those struggling with excess shine. It not only provides a lasting base but also controls oil production throughout the day, keeping your skin matte and fresh. With its SPF 50+ PA+++ formula, this product further offers superior sun protection, shielding your skin from harmful UV rays. If you have fair or medium complexion, this BB cream blends seamlessly, giving you a natural, radiant finish. It also effectively covers blemishes, redness, and other imperfections, leaving you with a smooth and even skin texture.
Pros
- Lightweight texture
- Easy to use
- Long-lasting
Cons
- Light coverage
Now that you’ve seen our product recommendations for the best BB cream for acne prone skin, let us see the following buying guide and steps to use to shop wisely and make the best of the product.
How to Choose the Best BB Cream for Acne-prone Skin?
Here we will guide you through the process of selecting the best BB cream for your acne-prone skin.
Look for Non-comedogenic Formulas: One of the first things to consider when choosing a BB cream for acne-prone skin is to look for non-comedogenic formulas. These products are specifically designed not to clog your pores, reducing the chances of developing further breakouts. Non-comedogenic BB creams allow your skin to breathe while providing coverage and hydration.
Opt for Oil-free BB Creams: Since acne-prone skin tends to be oilier, it's important to choose an oil-free BB cream. These formulas help control excess sebum production, preventing your skin from becoming greasy throughout the day. Oil-free BB creams are lightweight, allowing your skin to feel fresh and breathable.
Check for Ingredients That Fight Acne: Some BB creams are enriched with ingredients that help combat acne. Look for creams that contain salicylic acid that is known for its ability to unclog pores and reduce inflammation. Other beneficial ingredients include tea tree oil, witch hazel, and niacinamide, all of which have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
Sharing some important information about ingredients, our contributor Dr. Yelena Deshko, who is a board-certified naturopathic doctor says, “Those with acne prone skin should avoid certain ingredients in their skincare products. Some of these ingredients include - mineral oil, lanolin, denatured and stearyl alcohol, oxybenzone and artificial colors. Look for products labeled as “non-comedogenic”. The “non-comedogenic” label indicates that the skincare product does not contain any ingredients which can clog pores and contribute to an acne breakout.”
SPF Protection: Protecting your skin from harmful UV rays is equally important, especially if you have acne-prone skin. BB creams that offer SPF protection help shield your skin from sun damage, which can worsen acne and lead to hyperpigmentation. Look for a broad-spectrum SPF of at least 30 in your BB cream.
Check the Shade And Coverage: Before purchasing a BB cream, it's essential to test the shade and coverage on your skin. Different brands offer a variety of shades, so finding the perfect match for your skin tone is crucial. Additionally, consider the level of coverage you desire. Some BB creams offer sheer coverage, while others provide a more buildable and medium to full coverage.
By considering these factors, you can find a BB cream that not only provides good coverage but also helps improve the overall health of your skin.
How to Use BB Cream for Acne-prone Skin?
Before applying BB cream, ensure your skin is clean and moisturized. Cleansing your skin helps remove any dirt, oil, or makeup residue that may clog your pores. Follow up with a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated without adding unnecessary greasiness.
Step 1: If you have active acne or blemishes, consider spot treating them before applying BB cream. Use a targeted acne treatment to reduce redness and inflammation. Allow the treatment to fully absorb into your skin before moving on to the next step.
Step 2: Using clean fingers, a brush, or a sponge, apply a small amount of BB cream to your face. Start by dabbing it onto the areas where you need the most coverage, such as redness or acne scars. Then, blend it outwards for a more natural finish. Remember, less is more! Applying a thin layer of BB cream allows your skin to breathe while still providing sufficient coverage.
Step 3: To ensure your BB cream stays in place throughout the day, set it with a lightweight, oil-free translucent powder. This step helps control shine and prevents your BB cream from sliding off your face. Use a fluffy brush to gently dust the powder over your entire face, paying extra attention to the T-zone or areas prone to oiliness.
Step 4: While BB cream is known for its longevity, it's always a good idea to carry a compact mirror and a travel-sized tube of BB cream for touch-ups. Simply dab a small amount onto the problematic areas and blend it in gently to freshen up your complexion.
Finding the best BB cream for acne-prone skin can be a game-changer for those looking to achieve flawless and blemish-free complexion. After thoroughly researching various options, we have identified a few standout products that are highly effective in providing coverage while also addressing acne concerns. It is important to choose a BB cream that is specifically formulated for acne-prone skin, as these products are designed to balance oil production, soothe inflammation, and promote a healthy complexion. Whether you are looking for light coverage or a more opaque finish, there is a BB cream out there to suit your needs. Remember to always do a patch test for new products and consult with a dermatologist if you have any specific concerns or allergies. With the right BB cream, you can confidently step out with beautiful, clear skin.
Contributor: Dr. Yelena Deshko, ND, Board-certified naturopathic doctor and Founder of Lumèr - Timeless Health Clinic
FAQ's
Is BB cream OK for acne-prone skin?
BB cream can be a suitable option for individuals with acne-prone skin. Its multi-functional properties, such as providing coverage, moisturizing the skin, and offering sun protection, make it a convenient choice for those looking to simplify their skincare routine.
What is better for acne - BB cream or CC cream?
BB cream provides a lighter coverage with added skincare benefits, making it ideal for those who want a natural look and some basic skin treatment. On the other hand, CC cream provides more color correction and coverage, making it suitable for individuals with specific skin concerns like redness or uneven skin tone.
What happens if I use BB cream everyday?
Using BB cream everyday can have both positive and negative effects on your skin. On one hand, it can provide nourishment, hydration, and protection from the sun's harmful rays. However, excessive use of BB cream can clog pores and lead to breakouts, especially for those with oily or acne-prone skin.
Why Trust Pinkvilla
Anoushka reviewed the best BB creams for acne-prone skin to help others facing similar skincare challenges. Acne-prone skin demands products that provide coverage while preventing breakouts. Her review focused on factors like non-comedogenic ingredients, oil control, and long-lasting coverage. She tested a few products over several weeks, noting their performance in different conditions. Skin compatibility, SPF protection, and shade range were also considered. Through this review, she aimed to assist those seeking an effective BB cream that not only conceals imperfections but also promotes healthier, blemish-free skin, sharing her findings for informed purchase decisions.
Our product experts study the specifications of every product we suggest and try them out to bring what’s proven to be worthy of your money, time, and energy. We also have subject matter experts from various fields like Fashion, Skincare, Haircare, Home Decor, and Health & Fitness onboard to make sure our suggestions are credible and trustworthy. You can trust Select to be your faithful shopping guide for all the right reasons!
Author BIO
Sayantani is a certified hair and makeup professional turned writer with 2+ years of experience in the same genre. Ap More
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