Flake-Free and On Fleek: 13 Best Foundations for Eczema and Dry Skin

Finding the best foundation for eczema can be a total pain when trying to cover or avoid further irritating itchy, dry skin.

But fear not! We did the research so you don’t have to. Here’s a rundown of the 13 best foundations for eczema and dry skin.

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Eczema isn’t a one-size-fits-all skin sitch. That’s why it’s important you pick a makeup product that fits your face’s needs. Here are some tips on how to meet your match.

Bad ingredients for eczema

Some makeup can irritate eczema and spark a flare-up. So, it’s important you avoid ingredients that ruin dry skin’s vibe. Some common culprits include:

• Sulfates. Sulfates are good if you want to remove oil from the skin. But they can def dry you out and increase your risk of irritation.
• Fragrances. Up to 15 percent of folks with eczema have a fragrance allergy, according to the National Eczema Association (NEA). And it’s not just the artificial stuff — essential oils can also cause a reaction.
• Preservatives. Popular preservatives like parabens or formaldehyde can increase a foundation’s shelf life. But they can also trigger itchiness, irritation, or redness.
• Propylene glycol. This common ingredient can act as an emulsifier and moisturizer. But propylene glycol can also be irritating AF if you have eczema-prone or sensitive skin.

Good ingredients for eczema

Makeup doesn’t have to be bad for eczema. In fact, some foundations might even be good for your sensitive skin! Here’s a rundown of the best ingredients for eczema:

• Ceramides. This class of fatty acids (aka lipids) make up about 50 percent of the outer layer of your skin. They help protect your skin from environmental stressors like dry air and pollution.
• Hyaluronic acid. This gem of an ingredient can bind 1,000 times its weight in water. So hyaluronic acid can give dry, flaky skin a healthy hit of moisture.
• Glycerin. Glycerin (glycerol) has humectant properties. That means it helps pull water into the skin and can stave off flakiness or dryness.
• Niacinamide. Studies show this form of vitamin B3 can reduce redness and improve blotchiness. Research also shows it can help improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Woot!

Without further ado, here are the 13 best foundations for eczema of 2022. And don’t worry — there’s something for everyone!

Best to cover eczema

bareMinerals BarePro Performance Wear Liquid Foundation

Price: $$

Eczema is nothing to be ashamed of. You are absolutely gorgeous no matter what your skin looks like. But if you do want to cover eczema patches, here’s the foundation for you. This lightweight, vegan formula comes in over 25 shades and offers all-day, full coverage.

Lots of reviewers say it works wonders for skin texture without feeling heavy. Peeps also dig that it’s hypoallergenic and noncomedogenic.

FYI: The formula is free from eczema triggers like parabens, propylene glycol, synthetic fragrance, and formaldehyde. Score!

Best for dry skin

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Tint

Price: $

This fab foundation is chock full of moisturizing ingredients that make it hella hydrating. It’s also noncomedogenic and formulated with hyaluronic acid and glycerin. The water-gel formula is easy to apply and offers all-day coverage. Reviewers say this foundation gives them a great glow and doesn’t feel heavy.

BTW, Neutrogena claims it can improve your skin’s suppleness over time. But we need more research to prove that’s legit.

Best for eczema and rosacea

Clinique Redness Solutions Makeup Broad Spectrum SPF 15

Price: $$$

This color-correcting foundation doesn’t just mask red, inflamed skin. It can also help treat it. Ingredients like glycerin, Astrocaryum murumuru seed butter, and magnolia grandiflora bark extract may help ease inflammation and reduce redness over time.

Reviewers say this foundation has a light, comfortable feel. It’s fragrance-free and doesn’t contain any parabens or phthalates. We also love that the zinc oxide it contains can help stave off sunburn.

Best for eczema-prone skin

La Mav Organic BB Cream

Price: $$$

La Mav BB cream contains natural hyaluronic acid, licorice root extract, beta carotene, rosehip seed oil, lycopene, kakadu plum, and vitamin C. So basically, you get a top-notch moisturizer with the added perks of foundation.

Reviewers say that this cream works well on sensitive, eczema-prone skin. It has a semi-matte finish that won’t look cakey on textured skin.

Best for eczema on dark skin

RMS Beauty “Un” Cover-Up

Price: $$$

A dreamy, creamy concealer for all skin tones? Sign us up! This formula is made with auto-adjusting minerals that help evenly cover the skin with pigment. It also contains coconut oil and jojoba oil which can help nourish dry, flaking, or sensitive skin.

Folks love how flexible the formula is. You can buff it on for a hint of tint or build it up to create a full face of coverage. Bonus: It’s cruelty-free, vegan, and comes in recyclable packaging.

Best tinted moisturizer

ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40

Price: $$$$

It’s tint time! This lightweight serum is full of hydrating ingredients like niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and plant-based squalane. An added bonus is that it’s free from fragrance, chemical sunscreen, and silicones.

In addition to looking great, this tint provides protection. Its SPF 40 formula is mineral-based. Folks say it absorbs nicely and doesn’t leave a white cast. Oh, and it’s available in 27 shades 😎.

Best for budget

COVERGIRL Clean Sensitive Skin Foundation

Price: $

This COVERGIRL foundation is proof beauty doesn’t have to break your budget. The oil-free formula may help soothe irritation and redness while moisturizing flaking, dry skin. It’s easy to blend and lets your skin breathe. Bonus: It’s 100 percent fragrance-free.

The main downside is that it only comes in six shades. Also, some reviewers said it doesn’t offer all-day coverage. You might need to use a hydrating primer to make it go the distance.

Best medium coverage

EX1 Cosmetics Invisiwear Liquid Foundation

Price: $$

This luminous liquid foundation is easy to apply and offers consistent, medium coverage. The true color micro-matched pigments were designed to perfectly pair with skin tones. It’s vegan, cruelty-free, noncomedogenic, and doesn’t contain any parabens.

Folks say the foundation blends beautifully and offers a natural finish. While it’s meant for medium coverage, some reviewers say it can be layered for full coverage.

Best hypoallergenic

Tarte Rainforest of the Sea Water Foundation

Price: $$$

This hypoallergenic foundation can be used as a full face foundation or as a spot concealer. The vegan formula contains concentrated levels of pigments and a deep conditioning serum.

Reviewers say this foundation helps lock in hydration while masking zits, discoloration, and rough spots. Folks also claim it has a long lifespan and can last at least 12 hours.

Best CC cream

IT Cosmetics CC+ Cream SPF 50+

Price: $$$$

Hydrating? Yep. Ingredients to help reduce signs of aging? Check. SPF? You betcha. This cream can cover dark spots, mask redness, and minimize the appearance of textured skin. It’s infused with collagen, peptides, niacin, antioxidants, and hyaluronic acid. All of these ingredients come together to create a lush skin-sperience.

Reviewers say the full-coverage formula is very easy to blend and doesn’t crease or get cakey. P.S. It comes in 12 different shades.

Best concealer

Kosas Revealer Concealer

Price: $$$

Sometimes you might only want to cover up a pesky pimple or stubborn dark circles. Enter: Kosas Revealer Concealer. The uber creamy brightening formula comes in 28 shades. Hyaluronic acid and peptides plump and hydrates the skin while arnica reduces redness. It also has caffeine and pink algae extract which help calm puffiness.

Reviewers say this concealer is great if you hate those midday creases. It visibly brightens the skin and has a dewy, smooth finish.

Best mineral foundation

jane iredale Liquid Minerals A Foundation

Price: $$$$

Hydrate your skin all day long with this light-reflecting mineral foundation from jane iredale. Some star ingredients include hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, glycerin, algae, and avena sativa (oat) kernel extract. It also contains coenzyme Q10, an antioxidant that’s been shown to protect your skin from free radical damage.

Folks say it goes on smoothly and helps minimize the appearance of pores and fine lines. Note: It doesn’t offer full coverage, only sheer-to-medium.

Best natural foundation

Ere Perez All Natural Oat Milk Foundation

Price: $$$

We’re here for the au naturel vibes this foundation is giving. The lightweight formula is full of fantastic ingredients like oat milk, peach extract, and vitamin E. It’s so hydrating it feels like it literally melts into your skin. It’s non-GMO, vegan, carbon neutral, and cruelty-free.

Reviewers rave that this foundation helps their skin feel fresh and hydrated all day long. It’s available in eight versatile shades that are buildable, but also lightweight. Just note some folks don’t love how this foundation smells.

Here’s some terrific tips on how to use makeup on eczema-prone or sensitive skin.

• Test it out. You should always do a patch test before using new foundation. Just dab a bit on your forearm or wrist. If you don’t notice any irritation after 24 hours, you should be good to go.
• Prep. Even if your foundation is packed with hydrating ingredients, it’s a good idea to wash your face and moisturize your skin before you put on makeup. You can also try a primer that helps seal your pores and can make your foundation last longer.
• Application. Apply your foundation with a clean brush or beauty blender. You can also use your hands, but make sure you wash them first. Bacteria can lead to breakouts.
• Removal. Avoid harsh scrubs or rags that can cause irritation. Instead, opt for a gentle makeup remover designed with sensitive skin in mind.

Finding the perfect foundation can be a total drag. You have to consider coverage, price, shade, and ingredients. Throw eczema into the mix and oy. But with dry, eczema-prone skin, there’s a foundation that will work with your unique skin.

Just keep in mind, it might take time to find the perfect product and routine.