Your chances of breaking out easily are very likely, isn’t that right? So it’s not easy picking skincare products for the face. You either wear less makeup for reducing the number of pimples you’re so likely to get. Or you apply a lot of makeup for disguising those blemishes. So how about finding the best BB creams for acne prone skin as a one-time solution to tackle both problems?
BB cream for acne prone skin contains just about everything your sensitive skin requires. There’s sunscreen, tint, and moisturizer. And the best part about them is that they’re specifically created for oily, sensitive skin.
So let’s get to know the ones that are actually worth your attention and money.
Best BB Creams for Acne-Prone Skin: Top 12 Choices
#1 Maybelline Dream Matte BB Cream
The first recommendation on the list is Maybelline Dream Matte BB Cream. It’s formulated with salicylic acid, which is an ingredient known to fight acne. The 2 percent added to the cream makes your skin look very healthy.
Even if you desire skin protection and concealment of any possible imperfections, this cream meets those expectations. It has the capacity to hide away redness and clarify the appearance of your skin. The cream also hydrates and moisturizes along with complementing your skin tone.
Needless to say, it’s a non-greasy, oil-free formula that doesn’t clog pores. It’s because the brand understands how clogged pores are the culprits behind acne.
You’ll simply love this bb cream for acne prone skin for its lightweight feel and the way it adjusts to your particular skin tone. On top of that, the smooth cream also provides your skin with all the protection and hydration it craves to look and feel healthy.
PROS
- BB cream texture is not oily or greasy.
- It contains the acne-fighting salicylic acid ingredient.
- Clears up the skin and reduces redness.
CONS
- None
# 2 Beauty Shot Face Blur SPF33 PA++ KPop Korean Cosmetics
The Beauty Shot Face Blur SPF33 is among the many skin-transforming Korean products that are simply impossible to dismiss. It’s an incredibly lightweight cream that understands how oily your skin can get. So you can set the bar pretty high in this case too.
It provides multi-filtered effects which are great for an instant smooth and refined look. The texture is generously smooth, that’s for sure. But what might not be a part of your prediction is just how well the formula brightens skin tone and minimizes pores.
For application, all you have to do is apply and massage. Once that is done, you can look forward to the cream covering your bumpy surface and pores. It even softens the skin to bring out the smoothness. Thanks to the inclusion of cover powder and baby pixcel powder.
Many women opt for this particular Korean skincare wonder for its excellent brightening effect. So if that’s #1 on your priority list, then you’re in safe hands.
PROS
- The BB cream glides on quite easily and smoothly.
- It comes with SPF sun protection.
- The formula shrinks pores and evens out skin tone.
CONS
- Baby powder odor is pretty strong.
#3 K Beauty Skin Perfector Nourishing BB Cream
For a natural healthy look, this nourishing beauty balm cream by EverGlam works like a charm. It’s a very effective K-beauty product that enhances skin complexion. Along with offering many skin benefits with SPF-30 broad-spectrum sun protection!
The formula minimizes your fine lines and pores, evens out your skin tone, and conceals your imperfections. The result of which is a natural, smooth, and flawless appearance.
As for applying it on your acne-prone skin, you’ll be relieved to know that this cream has a soft and non-oily texture. One that blends into the skin thoroughly to cover all redness and blemishes!
What the magical cream also does is moisturizes for radiance and refinement. The advanced formula is packed with anti-wrinkle, lifting, and oil-controlling ingredients after all. These are mostly botanical extracts that do all the revitalizing and rejuvenating action.
So you can leave your worries regarding the appearance of your skin behind immediately after applying this K Beauty Skin Perfector Nourishing BB Cream. And bonus points for being cruelty-free and paraben-free.
PROS
- SPF-30 sun protection is broad-spectrum.
- Botanical extracts included for natural coverage.
- Its moisturizing properties are quite high.
CONS
- The thick texture doesn’t spread out well on the skin.
#4 Garnier SkinActive BB Cream Oil-Free Face Moisturizer
For instant skin tone perfection, a beauty/ blemish balm cream like this is very easy to get hooked on to. The Garnier SkinActive BB Cream Oil-Free Face Moisturizer is infused with tinted minerals and natural antioxidants. So it’s not unreasonable to want to expect instant coverage. Along with a long-term improvement in the feel and look of your skin!
The oil-free formula minimizes pores, controls shine, hydrates skin, and evens out skin tone. The cream also contains SPF-20 sun protection, which is just what you need from a day cream like this. And the best part is that it’s suitable for any skin type, no matter how oily or dry.
So where do the natural antioxidants come from? The answer is wild berry. Combine that with the broad-spectrum sun protection and tinted minerals. And this gives you a BB cream that hydrates, corrects, and primes your skin.
You can even mix the thing with your liquid foundation if you like. It blends very well and lasts for as long as 8 hours without any touch-up. Even those who don’t apply much makeup have used AND praised the Garnier SkinActive BB Cream. That how much of a game-changer this face moisturizer really is.
PROS
- Wildberry antioxidants are infused.
- It evens out skin tone and controls shine.
- Broad-spectrum SPF-20 protection prevents sunburns.
CONS
- The cream is quite dark for light, pale skin.
#5 La Roche-Posay Effaclar BB Blur with SPF 50
The first thing I’m going to do is share everything that makes this one of the best BB creams for acne prone skin. The formula is oil-free and fragrance-free. This means suitable for sensitive skin. Then the thing is also non-comedogenic and paraben-free. The former suggests it doesn’t clog pores. As for the latter, parabens are linked to causing cancer.
Now that the most important factors have been covered, let’s talk about other things. The cream has the capacity to cover your blemishes and minimize your pores. No matter how large! It absorbs huge amounts of oil to a great extent. This is because of the presence of mattifier airlicium.
Another useful ingredient added to the mix is perlite. What this does is absorb sweat and humidity. What about sun protection though? That comes in the form of minerals from titanium dioxide. This type of SPF-50 protection offers all-day safety from the sun.
You can either choose the Light/Medium or Fair/Light shade. Both have a very lightweight texture with medium coverage. Needless to say, using this cream on a daily basis benefits the skin both short-term and long-term.
PROS
- The lightweight texture absorbs oil.
- It covers visible blemishes very well.
- Thick consistency, yet the cream blends in flawlessly.
CONS
- Coverage is only moderate.
#6 Bella Terra BB Cream 3-in-1 Tinted Moisturizer
Out of the many things special about this Bella Terra BB Cream, the one that stands out is the addition of 100% pure, high-quality minerals. These include natural magnesium, zinc, and mica. You’ll find no parabens, additives, alcohol, preservatives, or any other such toxic chemicals in this skincare product.
The anti-antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and hypoallergenic properties of the 3-in-1 tinted moisturizer also contribute to its success. Broad-spectrum means natural protection against both UVB and UVA rays. As for the SPF, the number you’re looking for is 15.
The manufacturer, Bella Terra Cosmetics doesn’t disappoint when it comes to delivering high-quality skincare products. The current one is perfect for providing medium coverage. It also reduces the stubborn appearance of dark circles, scars, fine lines, and acne.
PROS
- Very lightweight, yet the cream provides enough coverage.
- It offers hypoallergenic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aging properties.
- The formula works on acne, pores, and dark spots.
CONS
- The pump is a bit troublesome.
#7 Purlisse Perfect Glow SPF 30 BB Cream
Here’s yet another Korean BB cream that you might have a hard time resisting once you use it. The Purlisse Perfect Glow is made for all skin types, including the most acne-prone or oily. The combination of dewy and matte is what matters the most in this case.
Think of it as a lightweight balm for your face. It glides on quite easily, much like any great tinted moisturizer you’ve used. You can make it a part of your daily skincare routine without thinking twice.
The formula evens out your skin tone while also improving its texture. Moreover, the cream is full of antioxidants. So it’s able to reduce your wrinkles and fine lines. A younger look is the outcome of applying the Purlisse Perfect Glow on an everyday basis.
The SPF-30 offers sun protection, no doubt. But most beauty balm creams are like that. So what’s unique or special about this one? The fact that herb extracts have been used. And also the fact that the cream is cruelty-free and vegan. The extracts come from Artemisia and chamomile. On top of that, there’s sugar maple too for creating a naturally radiant complexion.
It’s the holy grail of fighting acne while also covering up blemishes, spots, and lines you don’t want to show.
PROS
- The BB cream is hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic.
- Herb extracts are included for natural concealment.
- Sun protection is better than actual sunscreen lotions.
CONS
- It’s thicker and darker than expected.
#8 Physicians Formula Super BB All-in-1 Beauty Balm Cream
What makes this a popular BB cream for acne prone skin? It’s the formula’s multi-tasking, high-tech nature. The UVB/UVA sun protection the formula offers is also another factor to be taken into consideration.
The firming and moisturizing botanicals plus the brightening antioxidants are nothing but beneficial to your skin. Physicians Formula has also added optical diffusers in here for producing powerful effects.
The cream is lightweight and blends into the skin quite effortlessly. It instantly infuses moisture in all the vulnerable spots. And refines the surface while also providing protection. You can expect your skin to look naturally flawless and even glow as a matter of fact.
What’s also inviting is the absence of any harsh additives or irritating ingredients. Only quality, lushly pigmented, and long-wearing cosmetics are a part of the BB formula. Much like all the skincare products the company manufactures.
PROS
- The BB cream controls oily patches to prevent shine.
- It’s fragrance-free, thus perfect for sensitive skin.
- SPF protection is broad-spectrum and mineral-based.
CONS
- Not a great choice for very light skin tone.
#9 CC Cream by Olay
Olay has outdone itself by coming up with such an excellent sun-protecting and concentrated formula. The CC Cream by Olay is a combination of many ingredients that not only moisturize but also restore and protect. More on that below!
Let me tell you all the 7 benefits this CC cream is created to deliver. Replenishing moisture, enhancing brightness, smoothing skin tone, reducing wrinkles and fine lines, lightening dark circles, minimizing pores, and restoring firmness.
The sun protection is broad-spectrum SPF 15. You can layer this cream under your most favorite foundation. It might just offer better coverage. Along the same lines, the CC cream is good for daily use. The lightweight smoothness is simply perfect for toning down any possible blotchiness or redness.
The coverage this Olay formula offers is light enough for summer weather. The moisture it adds feels and makes the skin look way better than expected. Even if you have oily skin!
PROS
- Instant coverage and tone correction are the results.
- The lightweight texture absorbs very quickly.
- It evens out skin discoloration.
CONS
- Not good for sensitive skin.
#10 Marcelle BB Cream Matte
The word “matte” got me interested. When you have oily or acne-prone skin, products that give it a matte feel are very much appreciated. Just like this Marcelle BB Cream. The special moisturizing formula is lightweight. It’s actually a makeup base and tinted corrector.
The pigments added to it are self-adjusting. Meaning they adapt very well to the skin tone, no matter the type. In that regard, the matte cream is also perfect for combination and sensitive skin. If what you desire is a shine-free or oil-free complexion, you can choose Marcelle blindfolded.
The light coverage this cream offers on blemishes meets expectations in most scenarios. You don’t take time to feel the soothing and calming effect of the formula. It’s non-comedogenic as well, which means the cream doesn’t clog pores and cause acne.
To sum it up, if controlling shine is your topmost priority, don’t look beyond this magic-like matte BB cream for acne-prone skin.
PROS
- Pigments are self-adjusting to suit your skin tone.
- It’s an oil-free cream that controls shine all day long.
- The lightweight texture looks completely natural.
CONS
- Don’t expect heavy or even moderate coverage.
#11 Supergoop Daily Correct SPF 35-40 CC Cream
Do you want coverage but aren’t so fond of looking like you’re wearing foundation? This means you prefer light to moderate coverage. In that case, this miraculous Supergoop Daily Correct CC Cream is an amazing choice. You can look forward to complexion clarity along with SPF-30 sun protection.
But what in here is so great about this formula for acne-prone skin? Ingredients such as apple extract, omega 6, and omega 3 are responsible for correcting hyperpigmentation. They, no doubt, provide a more even, clearer skin tone.
Light diffusion mica is also a part of the list of ingredients. What the component does is softens the appearance of pores, wrinkles, and lines instantly. To apply, just take a pea-size amount and massage it into your face.
The absorbing capacity of the cream is quite high. You can now make the switch from your daily foundation to this SPF-equipped CC cream for light coverage.
And lastly, I would like to mention the two active ingredients. These include zinc oxide and titanium oxide. And their active nature is what helps in fighting acne. Isn’t that exactly what you demand from your face cream?
PROS
- Light color correction and heavy sun protection.
- The texture is not too thick and blends easily.
- It works as a moisturizer, sun protector, and for coverage.
CONS
- The formula streaks on clothes and fingers.
#12 Acne Solutions Broad Spectrum SPF 40 BB Cream
This BB cream offers the highest SPF level so far. But it’s not just the broad-spectrum SPF-40 that speaks volumes in this case. The Acne Solutions BB Cream is also the best choice for moderate to heavy coverage. The lightweight formula controls oil throughout the day.
The texture is non-greasy, which fits the bill if you have acne-prone skin. The consistency is such that it keeps shine away all day long. No breakouts and no visible pores either.
Furthermore, you get options to choose from in terms of colors. The range starts from light and goes all the way to deep. You can give that perfect matte look to your skin without making it feel uncomfortable or dry.
The BB cream stays on for 12 hours in the most oil-free manner. And there are no complaints regarding its capacity for concealing imperfections without blocking your pores. The result is super-smooth skin right after the first application itself.
PROS
- Weightless BB cream perfect for oily skin.
- It provides hydration and SPF-40 broad-spectrum sun protection.
- The oil-free and shine-free look remains for 12 hours.
CONS
- None
What is Acne and How to Treat It?
Everybody gets acne, no matter how old. Breaking out once in a while is a part of life. But this doesn’t mean there aren’t proper ways of preventing acne. If you’ve had to deal with breakouts all your life, you can do something about it. Just follow the instructions below.
How to Treat Acne:
- Use face drying masks.
- Avoid touching the face all the time.
- Exfoliate, cleanse, and moisturize your skin.
- Change sheets frequently.
- Drink lots of water.
- Don’t wash your face more than 2-3 times a day.
- Apply sunscreen before going out and when indoors.
These practices might seem a bit time-consuming and annoying at first. But if you keep at it, they get incorporated into your daily life very effortlessly.
And if the condition is still not under your control, then it’s best to visit your dermatologist. He/she definitely know what set of ingredients work for your skin.
The 12 BB creams I’ve reviewed in this article contain some or the other element that helps in fighting acne. Such as salicylic acid, titanium oxide, zinc oxide, etc. So if you think the best BB creams for acne prone skin are not equipped to get rid of and prevent further breakouts, think again.
BB Creams: Skincare and Makeup in One
Did you know that beauty/ blemish balm creams, when brought into existence, were used during the recovery stage after face surgeries and laser treatments? The cream was invented by a dermatologist from Germany. But, as you might already know, their purpose has evolved over the past few years.
BB creams have now transformed into lightweight foundations. But not all of these formulas are made with nutritional ingredients. You know the kind that your skin benefits from the most! This is why I highly practice myself and even encourage others to go through the ingredients list at the time of buying.
Stuff like fragrances and oils aren’t the best of friends with acne-prone, oily, or sensitive skin. So you need to make sure the cream doesn’t contain any such substances. What you also require is UV protection, light to moderate coverage, and moisturizing properties.
Speaking of coverage, let me bring yet another very important aspect to your attention. The majority of BB creams are lightweight formulas. Meaning they don’t cover your scars, wrinkles, and blemishes completely. But if you want that to happen, then you’d be better off with a foundation instead. One that’s specifically created for oily or acne-prone skin of course!
The List of Typical Ingredients in BB Creams
Now don’t go about expecting every BB cream to contain all these ingredients. But know one thing for sure. And that is, if the special formula does contain each and every component mentioned below, then it’s certainly one of the best BB creams for acne prone skin.
- Moisturizers such as hyaluronic acid and glycerin.
- Titanium oxide or zinc oxide-based sunscreens. These are mineral-based sunscreens, which are better than their chemical-based version.
- Antioxidants in the form of Vitamins E, C, and A.
- Light-reflectors like mica.
- Silicone-based elements such as dimethicone.
The Limitation of BB Creams
They are multi-taskers, no doubt about that. However, beauty balm creams do have certain limitations. You cannot expect from a BB cream what you do from a foundation. At least not entirely! The former doesn’t offer a variety of shades like the latter.
Here’s another thing you might want to know about BB products The ones that use Vitamin A to fight acne are not equipped with SPF protection. And let me explain the reason here. Vitamin A makes way for skin sensitivities when exposed to sun rays. On the other hand, sunscreen encourages sun exposure.
Vitamin A comes in the form of retinol, retinyl palmitate, and retinyl acetate. So if any one of these ingredients is a part of your SPF-packed BB cream, just make sure you choose another product.
What Are CC or DD Creams?
Now you already know that BB creams make your skin feel and look clear and healthy. They offer light to moderate coverage. As for CC creams, the CC stands for complexion or color correcting. What such a formula does is cover redness. Along with perfecting your skin tone by employing light diffusion particles.
If you’ve heard about CC creams, then you might have also come across DD creams. These are packed with protective ingredients. Much like BB creams. But the difference between them is that a DD cream doesn’t provide same-level coverage.
The moral of the story here is that nothing works better than BB creams when it comes to luminous, moisturizing coverage. And while providing this, they also help in reducing blemishes, wrinkles, fine lines, scars, and the like.
How to Use BB Creams on the Face
The rules here are very simple.
Wash The Face
Cleaning your face before applying anything should never be neglected. Most of the ingredients found in good skincare products create a layer or barrier of protection over the skin. And this layer seals in all the moisture and protects the skin against sun exposure. So if your skin is not clean, the ingredients are inevitably going to seal in all the bacteria as well.
So don’t dismiss the importance of washing the face first and then applying your BB cream. Tinted formulas like these make exfoliated skin look even smoother.
Apply BB Cream Using Your Hands
Avoid using a makeup brush for the application unless you know it’s clean. The cream is supposed to melt into the skin and disappear completely. And this can be achieved best when you use your hands to massage the formula into your skin. But don’t expect such results if you’ve already smeared your face with foundation.
However, if you’re adamant on using a brush, then the safest option is a partially wet beauty sponge. The next best thing is a normal makeup brush.
Add The Finishing Touch
The best BB cream for acne prone skin, more often than not, offers enough coverage. But if you want more, then you can use your favorite foundation or concealer over the moisturizing layer of BB cream.
The EndNote
Please understand one thing very clearly. The best BB creams for acne prone skin or problematic skin are not the ideal tinted skincare solution for some people. But here’s the twist. Foundation does cover up your blemishes temporarily. But it also has a tendency of exacerbating those blemishes. So, at such times, beauty balm creams seem like a less risky choice.
And the thing about the best creams is that they also improve the quality, tone, and texture of your skin.