15 Safe And Effective Foundations For Sensitive Skin In 2024

Foundation choice can be a minefield if you have sensitive skin – one wrong move and you can end up with red, irritated skin for days on end. It’s important to consider formula when hunting for “the one” – avoid harsh ingredients and overpowering fragrances where possible. In other words, the simpler the better. That said, you shouldn’t have to compromise on achieving a balanced and flawless finish! Here are our very best foundation picks for sensitive skin in 2024.

KOSAS is a makeup brand that aims to combine skincare-improving ingredients with makeup for a nourishing, natural finish. All products are deemed safe for sensitive skin, and the Revealer Skin Improving Foundation with SPF 25 is no exception.

With a powerhouse list of ingredients, including hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, squalane, arnica, and caffeine, this foundation claims to revive and hydrate the complexion while evening out the skin tone. The formula has a lightweight, barely-there feel, easily blendable yet surprisingly long-lasting. There are 36 shades to choose from.

Continuing the skincare-meets-makeup theme, our next recommendation is the award-winning HAUS LABS Triclone Skin Tech Medium Coverage Foundation. Promoting an original formula, medium coverage, weightless feel, this foundation aims to protect the skin from environmental stressors in a gentle way.

How does it do that? The unique formula counts proprietary Fermented Arnica as one of its star ingredients. The inclusion of an additional myriad of skincare ingredients makes for a serum-like, buildable, long-lasting foundation without irritation to your skin. It's also fragrance-free, non-comodogenic, non-acnegenic, vegan, and suitable for all skin types. Phew! The product is also available in an impressive 51 shades so that you can find your perfect match!

The brainchild of the iconic Bobbi Brown, the Jones Road makeup collection has had rave reviews, for good reason. If you’re looking for something a little different from a bog-standard foundation, why not give the Jones Road What the Foundation Tinted Moisture Balm a try?

The product consists of a creamy formula with nourishing ingredients like jojoba oil, glycerin, and vitamin E. This results in a fresh, supple, second-skin feel with a light-medium coverage. What the Foundation (or WTF, if you will) currently comes in a selection of 16 shades.

Touted as non-comedogenic and safe for sensitive skin, this serum-foundation hybrid is designed to be applied to clean skin. The product is enriched with a trio of skin-loving ingredients - niacinamide, squalane, and hyaluronic acid - as well as protective SPF. This hydrates the skin in a lightweight and buildable way while the tint provides all-important coverage. For a your-skin-but-better finish, it’s certainly worth the investment - it’s regularly recommended by the likes of Grazia and Allure. Pick your match from 30 shades.

One of the original leaders in the mineral foundation market, Lily Lolo knows their client base like the back of their hand. Their products are natural, no-nonsense and get the job done! Though their iconic Mineral Foundation with SPF 15 works for all skin types, those with oilier skin might find the mineral powder formula especially beneficial.

Sprinkle the foundation into the lid of the jar, before sweeping your kabuki brush or sponge into the finely milled mineral pigments. The product buffs effortlessly into the skin for a smooth and flawless result. Fine lines and blemishes are minimized, and the protective SPF and natural antibacterial ingredients help to prevent any more from forming! There are 20 shades available, and you can even purchase samples (which go a long way) to get a true color match.  

It's a classic, but for a good reason! The NARS Sheer Glow foundation is perfect for those with dry, sensitive skin who prefer a dewy complexion. The formula is packed with skin-loving ingredients like antioxidants and turmeric extract, which results a bright and radiant glow. The foundation is sheer and buildable, meaning that you can get good coverage without looking too heavy or cakey. It’s available in 39 shades.

This product is much more than a CC cream; it serves as an excellent foundation for those with delicate, sensitive skin. Part skincare, part makeup, this hybrid product also protects the skin with SPF 50, so you don’t need to worry about applying a separate sunscreen in the morning. The IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream provides a flawless-looking, radiant effect.

The formula is infused with gentle hydration in the form of hyaluronic acid, as well as a blend of collagen and peptides. This makes it ideal for mature skin types to keep skin looking firm and fresh. Finally, antioxidants help to protect your delicate face against environmental aggressors. There are currently 22 shades in the range.

The clue to this superhero product is in the name of the brand itself! bareMinerals has become almost synonymous with mineral powder makeup ever since they launched their Original Loose Powder Foundation. This product – like all their others – is cruelty-free and vegan. It also has SPF 15 for basic daily sun protection. The powder formula is perfect for those with sensitive, oily skin as the finish is more matte than radiant.

Apply gently in a buffing motion for a smoothing and blurring, yet natural, effect. Watch your visible pores virtually disappear with buildable flawless coverage. You don't have to worry about clogging your pores, either – there are no harsh fragrances, parabens, or fillers in this product. The shade range has now been extended to 29 so you that can find your perfect fit.