Acne-Safe Makeup Guide: Updated 2025

In late 2023, we went to our most knowledgeable Gen Z aestheticians to evaluate the TikTok makeup trends and brands everyone is talking about. Lindsey and Bella worked tirelessly to bring you updated acne-safe makeup options, and we thank them for that! And we also thank Pamela because she continues to update this list each time we analyze a makeup brand in our biweekly Acne-Safe & Acne-Scary Makeup Spotlight.

Unlike other lists that we have done, this list is by far the most strict. All of the ingredients in these products do not appear on the comedogenic ranking scale – they are 100% acne-safe. We checked Sephora, Ulta, Target, Blue Mercury, Nordstrom, and more for these. If there are indie brands that we may not have heard about yet, we want to know about them — so send your requests in! But most likely, if it doesn’t appear on this list – it’s not 100% safe for acne.

Otherwise, before you dig in – refresh yourself on some of our makeup ground rules below to learn what makeup trends are soooo 2000 and late.

Wearing primers, highlighters, and setting sprays: It’s not always the case, but sometimes with acne-prone skin less is more. So rely on your healthy, hydrated skin as your primer and your glowing skin as your highlighter. Be good to your skin and focus on your skincare routine instead of relying on makeup products to create artificial results. Cleanse your face, apply serums morning and night, and moisturize properly.

Putting concealer directly on a pimple: Now that everyone is paranoid about your pillowcase and cell phone bacteria, it’s time to also worry about what is in your concealer! If you are touching a concealer wand directly to your skin and then putting it back in the tube, let’s make a change. Dab some of the concealer onto a clean surface, and then use a clean brush or your fingertip to apply concealer.

Makeup sponges: Because sponges cannot be fully sanitized, they provide a nice environment for bacteria to grow. Save your BeautyBlenders and sponges for occasional use if you must – just not regularly.

Pressed powders: The compact is so 2000. They get gross overtime due to storing a makeup applicator sponge in an enclosed environment – directly on the makeup product surface! If you’re looking for a mid-day freshening, gently pat your face with oil-blotting papers or tissue to absorb any excess oil. This will also help pat your makeup back into place. Then tap out a bit of your loose powder and apply with a clean brush.

Makeup wipes: There is no shortcut to clean skin. It involves a thorough cleanse or two – whatever it takes to see no traces of makeup on your toning pad. (If you don’t tone, you should!) If you wear a lot of makeup, reach for micellar water before your cleanse. It acts as a magnet to lift dirt and makeup. Please never ever grab a makeup wipe; they have harsh detergents that rub icky ingredients on top of oil and makeup already on your skin. We hate them!

And now, we give you the coveted list of acne-safe makeup. We reviewed these carefully and found them 100% acne-safe based on their ingredients. The only disclaimer we have is that because makeup brands, products, and formulations change so quickly, we have not tested all of them on our skin – so keep us posted on how they go for you!