How to Pick Organic Foundations for Oily & Acne Prone Skin
While non-toxic brands often promote their foundations as "skin loving", not all non-toxic foundations are created equal, and what works for one skin type may be horrible for those with oily or acne prone skin types.
Here I'm going to break down what ingredients to avoid and which foundations you should consider if you have oily or acne prone skin. This list does not pertain to sensitive or dry skin types.
The Science Behind the Acne
Our body produces an oily, waxy substance from our sebaceous glands called sebum. It acts like a protective barrier to our skin. Those of us with oily skin produce more sebum than our skin needs, so when the sebum becomes too thick the result is that our pores becomes clogged and cannot rid the pore of the bacteria inside, causing acne.
Oily skin tends to have high levels of oleic acid, as do other thick and heavier oils, making it more likely to result in clogged pores. Linoleic acid makes oils feel less thick and result in less clogged pores.
Simply, you want oils high in linoleic acid and low in oleic acid because your oily skin needs what it doesn't have.
I am going to link a page that breaks down the oils, esters, waxes, minerals and their comedogenic levels HERE. It is a very useful tool when considering what products to purchase for your particular skin type.
The ingredients highlighted in the listings below are found to be comedogenic for oily skin types and should be avoided. While I do not consider un-processed Olive or Jojoba Oil to be comedogenic, that does not mean it will not be the same for you. Remember, all skin is not created equal.
COMEDOGENIC CHEAT SHEET
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride (When derived from coconut)
Cocoa Butter
Coconut Butter
Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil
Dimethicone
Flax Seed Oil
Glyceryl Stearate SE
Mineral Oil
Palm Oil
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
Soybean Oil
Squalene (NOT Squalane)
Wheat Germ Oil
Non-Toxic Foundations
$45, Review (CF, V)
15% Titanium Dioxide, 10% Zinc Oxide, Aloe Barbadensis (Organic Aloe Juice) Leaf Extract*, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Starch, Extracts of Prunus Persica Fruit (Peach), Prunus Armeniaca Fruit (Apricot), Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa Bean) and Lycium Barbarum Fruit (Goji Berry), Euterpe Oleracea Pulp (Acai) Oil, Punica Granatum Fruit Extract (Pomegranate Oil), Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Sodium Ascorbate (Vitamin C), Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax, Extracts of Camelia Sinensis Leaf Ferment (White Tea), Coffea Arabica (Coffee Cherry), Aristotelia Chilensis (Maqui Berry), Vitis Vinifera Skin (Muscadine Grape), Garcinia Mangosteen Peel (Mangosteen), Malpighia Punicifolia Fruit (Acerola), Sambucus Canadensis (Elderberry), Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Seed, Lonicera Caprifolium Flower and Lonicera Japonica (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract *Certified Organic
$45 (CF, V)
Olea Europaea (Olive) Squalane, Pigmented extracts of Prunus Persica (Peach), Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot), Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Beans, Punica Granatum (Pomegranate), Rubus Idaeus Fruit (Raspberry), Prunus Serotina (Wild Cherry), coffea arabica (coffee) Beans, Camellia sinensis (Micronized Black Tea) leaves, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Starch, Lonicera Caprifolium Flower and Lonicera Japonica (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract,Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary)Extract, Origanum Vulgare (Oregano) Extract, Thymus Vulgaris (Thyme) Extract, Hydrastis Canadersis (Goldenseal) Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Extract, Calendula Officinalis (Calendula) Extract, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Bamboo Silica, Curcuma Longa (Turmeric), Mica
$44 (CF, V)
Aloe Vera*, Plant Glycerin*, Titanium dioxide (CI 77891), Argan Oil*, Jojoba Oil*, Non-Nano Zinc Oxide, Acerola*(Vitamin C), Kokum Butter*, Gotu Kola*, Licorice*, Bamboo Extract*, Mica, Rosemary*, Sunflower Lecithin*, Lavender Oil*, [+/- may contain Iron Oxides (CI 77489, CI 77491, CI 77492)]
*Certified Organic
$42, Review (CF, V)
Salvia Sclarea (Clary Sage) Flower/Leaf/Stem Water, Glycerin, Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate, Octyldodecanol, Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate, Parfum*, Silica, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate, Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate, Oleic/Linoleic/Linolenic Polyglycerides, Glyceryl Caprylate, Tocopherol (sunflower derived), Microcrystalline Cellulose (plant derived), Cellulose Gum (plant derived), Argania Spinosa (Argan) Kernel Oil, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Cellulose (plant derived), Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Hyaluronic Acid [+/- CI 77891 (Titanium Dioxide), CI 77492 (Iron Oxide-Yellow), CI 77491 (Iron Oxide-Red), CI 77499 (Iron Oxide-Black)]
*Made from a proprietary blend of all-natural essential oils.
$22-34, Review (CF, V)
Mica, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Powder, Zinc Stearate, Tocopherol (Vitamin E, Sunflower derived), Squalane (vegetable derived), Benzyl Alcohol, Parfum*, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Limonene, Dehydroacetic Acid, Linalool, Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Oil, Argania Spinosa (Argan) Kernel Oil, Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe) Leaf Extract, Calendula Officinalis (Calendula) Flower Extract,Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Leaf Extract, Rosa Rubiginosa (Rosehip) Seed Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Sweet Orange) Peel Oil, Chamomilla Recutita (Chamomile) Flower Extract [+/- CI 77891 (Titanium Dioxide), CI77491 (Iron Oxide-Red), CI 77492 (Iron Oxide-Yellow), CI 77499 (Iron Oxide-Black)].
*Made from a proprietary blend of all-natural essential oils.
$28, Review (CF, V)
Mica (CI 77019), Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Zinc Oxide (CI 77947), Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499).
$48 (CF, Not Vegan)
Aqua (Deionized Water), Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice*, Glyceryl Caprylate, Dimethicone, Silica (Amorphous), Stearic Acid, Mica, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter) Fruit*, Cera Alba (Beeswax)*, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Powder, Glyceryl Stearate, Tocopherol (Vitamin E • Non-GMO), Rosa Canina (Rosehip) Oil*, Sodium Ascorbate (Vitamin C), Origanum Vulgare (Oregano) Leaf Extract*, Thymus Vulgaris (Thyme) Extract*, Olea Europaea (Olive) Leaf Extract*, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary), Leaf Extract*, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower Extract*, Hydrastis Canadensis (Goldenseal) Root Extract*, Vanilla Planifolia (Vanilla) Fruit Extract, May Contain: Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)**, Iron Oxides, (CI 77499)**, (CI 77491)**, (CI 77492)**
*Certified Organic (USDA-NOP), **EcoCert
$55, (CF, V)
Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe) Leaf Juice*, Lavendula Angustofolia (Lavender Hydrosol)*, Rose Damascena (Rose Hydrosol)*, Ricinus Communis (Castor Seed Oil)*, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil*, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Oil*, Cetearyl Olivate, Daucus Carota (Carrot Oil)*, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (Vitamin C) ,Sorbitan Olivate (Olive Derived), Simmondsia Chinensis ( Jojoba) Seed Oil*, Cassia Angustifolia Seed Polysaccharide (Botanical Hyaluronic Acid),Undaria Pinnatifida Cell Culture Extract (Wakame Bioferment), Caprylic /Capric Triglyceride (Derived from Coconut), Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Hippophae Rhamnoides (Sea Buckthorn)*, Cetyl Alcohol, Mica, Titanium Dioxide (CI77891), Zinc Oxide (CI77974), Iron Oxides (CI77492, CI77491), Ultramarines (CI77007), Sorbitol, Argania Spinosa (Argan Oil)*
$48 (CF, V)
*Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Water (Aqua), Glycerine, *Chamomile Hydrosol (Matricaria Recutita), *Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Stearic Acid (Plant Derived), *Soybean Lecithin, *Oryza Sativa (Rice) Powder, Boron Nitride, *Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax, Vegetable Squalene, Glyceryl Polymethacrylate, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), *Origanum Vulgare (Oregano) Leaf Extract, *Thymus Vulgaris (Thyme) Extract, *Olea Europaea (Olive) Leaf Extract, *Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, *Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower Extract, *Hydrastis Canadensis (Goldenseal) Root Extract , Vanilla Planifolia. [+/- May Contain]: Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891) Zinc Oxide (CI 77947), Iron Oxides (CI 77491, 77492, 77499).
* Certified Organic
* Certified Organic
$42 (CF, V)
Aloe Barbadensis (Organic Aloe Juice)*, Carthamnus Tinctorius (Organic Safflower Oil)*, Organic Glycerin*, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Coconut Alkanes, Coco-caprylate/caprate (Plant Derived), Gluconolactone (Plant Derived), Cetearyl Olivate (Plant Derived), Sorbitan Olivate (Plant Derived), Sodium Benzoate, Decyl Glucoside (Plant Derived), Silica, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Sodium Bicarbonate, Citrus Limonum Leaf Cell Extract, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower Seed Oil), Vitis Vinifera (Organic Grape Seed Oil)*, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate (Vitamin C), Argania Spinosa (Argan Shell Powder), Rosa Gallica (Rose Flower Powder). May Contain: Titanium Dioxide, Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499).
*Certified Organic
$40-68, Review (CF, Not Vegan)
Mica, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Seed Oil*, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil*, Zea Mays (Corn) Starch*, Cera Alba*, Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax*, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil*, Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil*, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Glyceryl Stearate, Gallic Acid. May Contain +/- CI 77891 (Titanium Dioxide), CI 77491(Iron Oxides), CI 77499 (Iron Oxides), CI 77492 (Iron Oxides)
* Organically Grown
$35 (CF, V)
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Water (Aqua), *Glycerine, *Oryza Sativa (Rice) Powder, Boron Nitride, Candelilla Wax, Squalane (Sugar Cane Derived), Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), *Chamomile Hydrosol Matricaria Recutita, Lecithin, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), *Vanilla Planifolia, *Origanum Vulgare (Oregano) Leaf Extract, Thymus Vulgaris (Thyme) Extract, *Olea Europaea (Olive) Leaf Extract,*Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower Extract, Hydrastis Canadensis (Goldenseal) Root Extact, Titanium Dioxide, Zinc Oxide, Iron Oxides.
*Certified Organic
*Certified Organic
$14.95 (CF, Not Vegan)
Titanium Dioxide 3.9%, Zinc Oxide 1%, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Fruit Water, Dodecane, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Titanium Dioxide, Polyglyceryl-4 Diisostearate/Polyhydroxystearate/Sebacate, Silica, Glycerin+, Lecithin, Water, Magnesium Sulfate, Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate, Beeswax, Porphyra Umbilicalis Extract, Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Extract, Euterpe Oleracea Fruit Extract, Agave Tequilana Leaf Extract, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax, Cyamopsis Tetragonoloba (Guar) Gum, Lauroyl Lysine, Leuconostoc / Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Leuconostoc Ferment Filtrate. May Contain: Iron Oxides
$14.95, Review (CF, Not Vegan)
Titanium Dioxide, Zinc Oxide, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Fruit Water*, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Oil*, Dodecane, Glycerin+, Polyglyceryl-4 Diisostearate/Polyhydroxystearate/Sebacate, Lecithin*, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Water*, Polyglyceryl-2 Oleate, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Polylactic Acid, Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate, Hydrolyzed Quinoa, Hydrolyzed Kale Protein, Kunzea Pomifera (Muntries) Fruit Extract, Syzygium Leuhmanii (Riberry) Fruit Extract, Tasmannia Lanceolata (Pepperberry) Fruit Extract, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil*, Olea Europaea (Olive) Leaf Extract*, Alcohol Denat., Alumina, Beeswax*, Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax*, Hydrolyzed Carrot Protein, Hydrolyzed Lemon Protein, Jojoba Esters, Lauroyl Lysine, Leuconostoc Ferment Filtrate, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Magnesium Sulfate, Mica, Polyglyceryl-2 Stearate, Silica, Water, Xanthan Gum, May Contain: Titanium Dioxide, Iron Oxides
*Made from Organic Farming
$11.99, Review (CF, V)
Capric/Caprylic Triglycerides, Ceramic Microspheres (Magnesium Silicate), Candelilla Wax. Also Contains: Titanium Dioxide, Mica, Iron Oxides
$13.80 (CF, V)
Purified Water, Glycerin, Mica, Oxides, Titanium Dioxide, Zinc Oxide(Sunscreens), Organic Jojoba Oil, Squalane Oil, Boron Nitride(Mineral), Ceteareth-6 Olivate (Olive Based Emulsifier), Xanthan Gum (Co-Emulsifier), Cosmocial cq (Preservative), Potassium Sorbate (Food Grade Preservative)
$44.95 (CF, V)
Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil*, Aqua, Calendula Officinalis (Calendula) Oil*, Glycerine* Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Juice*, Mica, Lonicera Caprifolium (Honeysuckle), Flower Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil*, Rosa Damascena (Rose) Flower Oil*, Cymbopogon Martini (Palmarosa) Oil*, Pelargonium, Graveolens (Geranium) Flower Oil, Daucus Carota (Carrot) Sativa Seed Oil*, Chamomilla Recutita (Chamomile) Flower Extract, Equisetum Arvense (Horsetail) Extract*, Urtica, Dioica (Nettle) Leaf Extract*, Glyceryl Stearate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Tocopherol, Ascorbyl Palmitate
*Certified Organic
*Certified Organic
My Recommendations
100% Pure Fruit Pigmented Healthy Foundation
100% Pure 2nd Skin Foundation
14e Cosmetics Aloe Nourish Foundation
Alima Pure Satin Matte Foundation
Alima Pure Pressed Foundation
MoonRise Creek Botanical Liquid Foundation
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