Can You Wear Makeup With Acne-Prone Skin? What the Research Says

Can You Wear Makeup With Acne-Prone Skin? What the Research Says

If your skin is prone to breakouts, it is a fair question: does wearing makeup make things worse? The honest answer is that it depends far more on the formula than on whether you wear makeup at all.

What the research shows

In a small clinical study, a corrective makeup made for acne-prone skin was applied daily for 28 days. It was well tolerated, was non-comedogenic, meaning it did not clog pores, covered blemishes effectively, and was even associated with a modest reduction in the number of lesions over the month (Monfrecola et al., 2016, PMID 27785082). In other words, the right makeup and acne-prone skin can coexist.

Why the formula matters

Not all cosmetics behave the same way. A survey of 539 people with acne found that some reported their skin worsened with continued cosmetic use, and this was more common among people whose acne had been harder to treat (Suh et al., 2021, PMID 33206430). A separate study concluded that well-tested products designed for oily, acne-prone skin can offer a real benefit, and that being moisturising is part of what makes them helpful (Zdrada et al., 2022, PMID 35665586).

How to choose makeup for acne-prone skin

  • Look for the words non-comedogenic, which means the product is formulated not to clog pores.
  • Mineral foundations, based on ingredients like zinc oxide, titanium dioxide and iron oxides, are a popular choice because they are typically non-comedogenic and light on fragrance.
  • Avoid heavy, thick bases that sit in the pores, and build coverage in thin layers instead.
  • Remove your makeup properly every night, and keep brushes and sponges clean.

At Verdo we stock Jane Iredale PurePressed Mineral Foundation, the Jane Iredale Dream Tint Tinted Moisturiser for lighter coverage, and the Jane Iredale HydroPure Tinted Serum.

Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. The studies cited are from peer-reviewed journals and are provided for educational context. Individual results vary. Speak with a qualified healthcare professional or dermatologist before changing your routine. Verdo Cosmetics makes no therapeutic claims about the products or services mentioned.

Frequently asked questions

Does wearing makeup make acne worse?
It depends on the formula more than on whether you wear makeup. In a clinical study, a corrective makeup made for acne-prone skin was non-comedogenic, well tolerated, and even associated with a modest reduction in lesions over 28 days (Monfrecola et al., 2016). The right products can coexist with breakout-prone skin.
What makeup is best for acne-prone skin?
Look for non-comedogenic formulas that are made not to clog pores. Mineral foundations based on zinc oxide, titanium dioxide and iron oxides are a popular choice because they are typically non-comedogenic and light on fragrance. Build coverage in thin layers rather than one heavy one.
Can cosmetics ever worsen acne?
They can. A survey of 539 people with acne found some reported worsening with continued cosmetic use, more often among those whose acne had been harder to treat (Suh et al., 2021). Choosing well-tested products for acne-prone skin and removing makeup properly each night both matter.
Should I stop wearing makeup if I break out?
Not necessarily. Research suggests well-formulated, well-tested products for oily and acne-prone skin can be worn without making things worse, and that being moisturising helps (Zdrada et al., 2022). Focus on non-comedogenic formulas, thin layers, and thorough removal at night rather than going without.
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