Best BB Creams for Acne Prone Skin – 2023 Reviews and Top Picks
In our commitment to help you find products that will actually work with your skin type, we’ve spent more than 18 hours selecting, studying and reviewing 21 different BB creams in the market today so we can present to you the best BB cream for acne prone skin. The products that made it to our list were carefully reviewed based on coverage, skin benefits and formulation.
Doctor's Choice
Maybelline New York Dream Pure Skin Clearing BB Cream
Other Products
Eau Thermale Avene XeraCalm A.D Lipid-Replenishing Cream
Other Products
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo
At A Glance: Our Best Choices for The Best BB Creams for Acne Prone Skin
Maybelline Dream Pure BB Cream can give your skin a nice coverage without overwhelming it. It offers 8 skin benefits to help you get clearer skin.
It's medicated, too. The product contains 2% salicylic acid which makes it great for acne prone skin.
Holika Holika Pore Clearing Petit BB Cream is perfect for those who have oily acne prone skin because of its tea trea content. Apart from that, the BB cream can also help clear out pores which, in essence, can help end your breakouts, too.
For a hypoallergenic option, we highly recommend Jane Iredale Glow Time Full Coverage Mineral BB Cream. It can brighten, hydrate and smoothen your skin while protecting it from the sun’s harmful rays.
Aveeno Facial Moisturizers Clear Complexion BB Cream comes with a pump for easier dispensing. Your skin will surely love this one as it is non comedogenic, lightweight and hypoallergenic.
NYX Cosmetics BB Cream makes a great base for makeup since it's oil-free and very easy to blend. It hydrates the skin really well so you won't have to worry about it adhering to your dry patches.
Read on for our editors’ full report on the best BB cream for acne-prone skin.
Maybelline Dream Pure BB Cream contains all the hydrating and age-defying benefits of many other BB creams without increasing oil and sebum in the skin. The cream contains a potent ingredient — 2% salicylic acid, which is one of the highest concentrations of the blemish-fighter that is available over-the-counter.
Despite its power, the salicylic acid in this BB cream won't overwhelm or dry out the skin, as other ingredients are combined to ensure this product will go on gently, leaving skin smooth enough to be applied without a moisturizer. The cream also works as a concealer and calms the appearance of redness.
The product’s formulation is really nice. Apart from that it is oil-free, it’s also hydrating and feels light on the skin.
It has a creamy gel-like texture that gets absorbed by the skin with ease. As for coverage, it’s sheer.
One thing I dislike about this product is that it offers no SPF. You may need to use a separate sunscreen to protect your skin.
What We Like:
- Offers multiple benefits
- Contains salicylic acid
- Easy to blend
- Oil-free
- Lightweight
What We Didn’t Like:
- Has no SPF
- Only offers sheer coverage
Containing tea tree oil, Holika Holika Pore Clearing Petit BB Cream is fit for people who have troubled skin. The ingredient is widely known for its ability to heal acne.
The BB cream has pore clearing properties which can essentially help you end your skin breakouts. Clogged pores are a common culprit behind acne.
One impressive thing about this product is that it doesn’t leave a grayish cast on the skin despite containing SPF 30. It doesn’t have any strong tea tree scent, too.
The packaging it comes in is a squeeze tube. It is soft but sturdy- not too hard to squeeze the product out.
It is creamy but very easy to spread. In fact, it glides easily on the skin.
The coverage is medium and it dries to a semi-matte finish. It can hide minor skin imperfections as well as redness.
What We Like:
- Has SPF 30
- Contains tea tree oil
- Good packaging
- Affordable
- Doesn’t cake
What We Didn’t Like:
- Scented
- Not long lasting
Jane Iredale Glow Time Full Coverage Mineral BB Cream is hypoallergenic, noncomedogenic and hydrating- a unique combination of features you’ll rarely find in products made for acne prone skin.
The product works well in disguising blemishes as well as large pores. It also does a good job in brightening the skin and temporarily soothing wrinkles out.
Aside from these features, this mineral BB cream also highlights a broad spectrum SPF. It is water-resistant, too.
It is, however, a bit thick to apply. Although you can use a brush or a sponge for application, I still find working the product using my fingers better.
It helps me distribute and even out the product on my skin.
As for the end result, this doesn’t have a flat matte finish or anything too dewy. It offers medium to full coverage without looking cakey.
What We Like:
- Comes with SPF
- Can minimize the appearance of large pores
- Doesn’t leave the skin looking flat
What We Didn’t Like:
- May not be for people with dark skin tones
#4 Aveeno Facial Moisturizers Clear Complexion BB Cream
Aveeno Facial Moisturizers Clear Complexion BB Cream is non-comedogenic and hypoallergenic. It promises to conceal and even out your skin.
The product has a creamy consistency that is easy to spread on the skin. It’s moisturizing despite being lightweight.
I find its packaging really nice. Instead of having to squeeze the product out, you only need to press the pump.
It’s convenient and makes dispensing a lot less messy. Plus, the pump is lockable, too.
The BB cream contains tiny shimmers to create a glowing look. For the exact same reason, I don’t think building up the product on the skin will create a natural finish.
When you pack a lot of product, the shimmers will start to be more noticeable.
The product isn’t that great when it comes to coverage. It’s light and you’ll still be able to see your skin blemishes peeking through.
What We Like:
- Comes with a lockable pump
- Makes skin glowing
- Does not clog pores
- Lightweight
What We Didn’t Like:
- Offers minimal coverage
- Has added fragrance
NYX Cosmetics BB Cream is a lightweight product that promises to do three things for your skin: moisturize, brighten and smoothen. Apart from these claims, the product can also conceal redness well.
One issue I find with the cream is the limited shades it’s available in.
You can use it as a base for your foundation or wear it alone just to make your skin look more natural and healthy. It actually makes a great product if you are in a hurry.
Since it is hydrating, it won’t even feel cakey under your makeup.
The cream feels great on the skin. It doesn’t adhere to dry patches or make the skin oilier than it already is.
The coverage is light although the cream is thick. It isn’t hard to apply. In fact, you can easily blend it out with your fingers.
What We Like:
- Makes a great base for makeup
- Doesn’t accentuate dry patches
- Makes skin look healthy
- Hydrates skin well
- Oil-free
What We Didn’t Like:
- Has no SPF
- Consistency can be an issue
Infused with Vitamin E, aloe and cucumber, E.L.F BB Cream SPF 20 makes the best anti-aging BB cream for those with acne prone skin. It promises to minimize your fine lines and give your skin the right tint to make it look fairer.
It comes in a pump with a built-in pump to give you control over how much product to dispense. It’s also more hygienic, in my opinion.
The cream has a lightweight consistency that won’t make you feel too conscious about wearing it. As for coverage, it looks really natural on the skin- perfect if you don’t want to wear tons of makeup but still want to look flawless.
For its price, this one can give you more than your money’s worth.
What We Like:
- Affordable
- Has SPF
- Comes with a pump
- Feels light on the skin
What We Didn’t Like:
- Offers sheer coverage
- Has scent
La Roche-Posay Effaclar BB Blur has oil absorbing properties which makes it great for people with oily and acne-prone skin. It can also blur out pores and conceal your blemishes.
What’s nice with this product is that it has an SPF rating of 20. It may not be that high but it can surely do something to protect your skin.
The cream comes in two colors. For someone with a darker skin color, this can be an issue.
The consistency of the product is a creamy mousse. It blends seamlessly on the skin and is really quick to apply.
The cream doesn’t accentuate fine lines around the eyes and mouth. Essentially, it can give you a flawless and a velvety soft finish.
What We Like:
- Comes with SPF 20
- Has oil absorbing properties
- Can blur out large pores and fine lines
What We Didn’t Like:
- Only comes in two shades
- Expensive
Dr. Jart+ Water Fuse Beauty Balm is truly a hidden gem. With its patented Water Bead Technology, this product offers lightweight hydration and seamless finish without clogging pores.
It also offers a cooling effect to sooth the pain and redness that can often come with acne-prone skin. The SPF 25 offers optimal sun protection to prevent further irritating the skin and the product is fragrance-free in order to further avoid irritation.
The product comes in one universal shade which can be quite intimidating. However, as you work with the cream, it actually blends really well.
It leaves a dewy finish that isn’t too bothering. I’d say it’s just the right amount of dewiness to make your skin more healthy-looking.
Take note that the cream isn’t that pigmented so don’t expect to get a full coverage from it.
What We Like:
- Has SPF 25
- Oil-free
- Easy to blend
- Leaves skin with a healthy dewy finish
- Hydrating
What We Didn’t Like:
- Comes only in one shade
- Has minimal coverage
- Expensive
This BB cream from Tarte pretty much does it all. A powerful triple B complex of diamond dust, plants, and lipoamino acids naturally provides coverage so you get skin that’s flawless and even.
Apart from acting as a BB cream, this cream can reduce the appearance of pores and acts as a potent age-defier.
It feels like silk on the skin and provides just the right amount of coverage. And by right amount, I mean light.
If you have severe blemishes that you want to cover up, this one might not be your best option.
The product is a bit expensive. However, since it can also double as a 12-hour primer, I’d say it’s a good investment, especially if you are really into makeup products.
It won’t only make your base more even but it can also keep your makeup longer.
One issue I have with this product is that it comes in a tube. Aside from that it’s messy, the product also tends to accumulate on the cap- making it prone to bacterial build-up.
What We Like:
- Can work as a primer
- Long-lasting
- Leaves a matte finish
- Has SPF
What We Didn’t Like:
- Expensive
- Packaging could be better
- Can enhance dry areas
Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream has a lot of skin benefits. It doesn’t just cover your blemishes but it also hydrates the skin.
It has an SPF level of 35 which I think is nice since sun protection is an absolute must if you want to slow down signs of skin aging and even prevent cancer.
It is a bit heavy but provides decent coverage. You can wear it alone or as a primer to your foundation.
Since it has a slightly thick texture, make sure to blend the product really well on your skin. If you don’t buff it well, it can look clumpy and cakey.
What We Like:
- Hydrating
- Has SPF 35
- Buildable coverage
What We Didn’t Like:
- A bit difficult to spread
- Can settle into laugh lines
Reviews and Comparisons of The Best BB Creams for Acne Prone Skin
Rankings | Doctor Choice | 2nd choice | 3rd choice | 4th choice |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Top-RatedBB Creams for Acne Prone Skin 2021 |
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Brand | Aveeno | |||
Texture | Creamy gel-like | Creamy | Thick | Creamy |
Coverage | Sheer coverage | Medium coverage | Medium to full | Light coverage |
Key ingredient | Salicylic acid | Tea tree oil | Titanium dioxide (sunscreen) | Total soy complex |
Content | 1 fluid ounce | 30 ml | 1.7 fluid ounce | 2.5 fluid ounce |
Packaging | Tube with pump | Squeeze tube | Squeeze tube | Pump bottle |
Get Started |
The Difference Between Western and Asian BB Creams
BB cream or Blemish Balm cream is one of the best multitasking makeup products you can get your hands on. It’s been highly in demand since its release in 1960’s for patients who have undergone laser treatments.
Seeing the benefits, BB creams slowly gained popularity in the Asian market, specifically in Korea.And if you’ve seen how great Korean skin is, you won’t find it surprising how the product suddenly became in demand in the western countries, too.
Asian BB creams are, without a doubt, beneficial to troubled skin. For one, it provides hydration similar to that of moisturizers.
For acne prone skin, keeping your skin moisturized is essential.
Apart from that, the creams also offer coverage that should be enough to conceal light blemishes. Most BB creams come with sun protection, too.
What’s nice in BB creams is that a lot of them have antioxidant properties. You won’t only get protection against the sun’s harmful rays, but from free radical damage, too.
But, there’s a catch.
Not all BB creams are created the same, especially western BB creams. These creams are lighter and seem to be more like tinted moisturizers.
Tinted moisturizers, as the name implies, are just moisturizers loaded with pigments for coverage.
As for coverage, they are sheer so you can’t really expect them to cover your skin blemishes well. You may need a concealer to get a more flawless result.
Western BB creams are also not that multi-purpose, as opposed to Asian BB creams. They usually are moisturizing but concentrate on only one skin concern at a time.
When it comes to shades, Asian BB creams typically come with a limited range of shades- most of them are light. For darker skin tones, you might want to consider getting a western BB cream instead.
BB Creams vs CC Creams
BB creams, as I’ve said, are great multi purpose products. They can generally take care of your skin blemishes which means that they aren’t limited to skin breakouts.
CC creams, on the other hand, are intended to correct and cover. Apart from light coverage and sun protection, these creams are geared towards brightening the skin complexion.
They are a great fit for people who have dull skin, which is very common among those who are acne prone. They can help you get a more glowing complexion, especially if you are trying to steer away from wearing makeup.
CC creams can give you a better coverage than BB creams, although that will depend on the brand you are using.
How To Apply BB Cream: A Step By Step Guide
If you haven’t invested in a BB cream yet, now is probably the right time to do so. The product offers so many benefits than just coverage.
Apart from benefits, you can also use BB creams in a number of ways. For one, they make a great base for your makeup.
You can even use them in lieu of your foundation or to enhance its coverage.
For application, it’s recommended that you start with an appropriate skincare routine. Cleanse, exfoliate, and moisturize your skin first.
Get a pea size amount of the product. Dot it all over your face, paying close attention to your problem areas.
Blend the product using your fingers with gentle circular motions. The warmth of your hand can help melt the product into your skin.
Make sure to wash your hands first before application to avoid introducing bacteria to your vulnerable skin.
Once you’ve spread the product on your skin, take a foundation brush and buff everything. If you want to boost the coverage, you can add more product using the brush.
This extra step will help ensure you get a flawless results and that there are no streaks visible. For longevity, you might want to finish off the routine with a setting powder.
What Makes a Good BB Cream For Acne Prone Skin?
There are several reasons that make BB creams a great product for acne-prone skin. They can relieve the irritation, discolorations and unevenness that come with it.
However, for you to find the best one, you have to know what you are looking for. You can start off with a product’s proposed skin benefits.
You can find antioxidant, blemish-fighting ingredients and hydrating properties in most BB creams. But, to make sure you get what your skin needs, be more specific when searching.
If you have oily skin, for example, choose a BB cream that has good oil control. For acne-prone skin, you’d want to find a cream that can reduce the appearance of your blemishes.
The next consideration is price.
BB creams are multipurpose. Although some of them can be on the expensive end, they can still save you money from not having to buy a separate concealer, moisturizer and sunblock.
Another consideration you have to make when making a purchase is the BB cream’s origin. As mentioned, western BB creams are different from those that are made in Asia.
If you are looking for a wider range of shades, stick with those that are made from the west. For more skin benefits, Asian BB creams are the better option.
Conclusion
Choosing BB creams can be a daunting task, especially with the tons of options available. For this exact same reason, we are giving you a list of the best products to look at for your skin type- so you won’t have to keep trying products after products just to get your hands on the best BB cream for acne prone skin.
Dermatologist's Choice
Product Recommendation
If you’re looking for a good beauty balm (BB) cream for acne-prone skin, try the Maybelline New York Dream Pure Skin Clearing BB Cream. This product doesn’t just conceal blemishes, but also dries-up acne lesions as well. It has 2% salicylic acid which prevents formation of white and blackheads and reduces the swelling and redness of acne lesions. It is non-comedogenic and non-acnegenic. It is a lightweight product that avoids undue oiliness which is what you’re after if you have an oily and acne-prone skin. It can hydrate the skin which complements the drying effect of salicylic acid. It is available in 5 shades to suit different skin tones. Maybelline New York Dream Pure Skin Clearing BB Cream gives you a clear, fresh, no-make-up look $5.99-$11.31.
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