Best Salicylic Acid Foundation Primers of 2026

e.l.f. Acne Fighting Putty Primer is a skin-perfecting makeup primer that prevents future breakouts, reduces redness, and minimizes the appearance of pores. Infused with 1.8% Salicylic Acid, Zinc, and Kaolin, this primer is perfect for acne-prone, combination, and oily skin types. Its velvety formula applies clear, grips makeup all day or gives a natural finish, and is easy to apply using the Putty Primer Applicator.

Revlon Face Primer is a 2-in-1 makeup primer and skincare product that is suitable for all skin types. This lightweight primer not only improves the look of makeup by mattifying the skin and reducing pores, but it also fights shine for oily skin. Infused with artichoke extract, salicylic acid, and AHA, this primer instantly mattifies the skin and helps to improve its appearance over time. The formula contains spherical beads that create a soft-focus blurred effect, blurring the look of fine lines and pores. With its mattifying and pore-reducing properties, Revlon Face Primer leaves your skin looking flawless and feeling super silky. Plus, it is free of parabens, sulfate, phthalates, and artificial dyes.

The Smashbox Control Primer is designed to help manage excess oil, keeping your skin looking matte without the dryness that often accompanies oil control products. It provides a protective barrier against environmental stressors like pollution and blue light, ensuring your skin remains healthy. Additionally, this primer is non-acnegenic, meaning it won't clog your pores or trigger breakouts. This makes it a great choice for anyone looking to achieve a flawless finish while maintaining skin health and comfort.

L'Oreal Paris Prime Lab Matte Setter is a mattifying face primer that instantly smooths and blurs skin with a no shine finish. It helps to extend makeup wear for up to 24 hours and is dermatologist tested for skin safety. The primer is infused with LHA plus Salicylic Acid to rebalance skin and is non-comedogenic and paraben-free. Additionally, users can choose between other primers, such as dullness reducer, redness eraser, and pore minimizer. L'Oreal Paris offers a full line of makeup products including foundations, concealers, highlighters, brow pencils, eyeshadow palettes, and lipsticks.

The Topicals Scar Filling Primer is designed to improve the appearance of blemishes and enlarged pores, making it an excellent choice for those with acne-prone skin. You can use it alone or under makeup, providing flexibility for your daily routine. Its key ingredients, including medical-grade silicone and retinol, work to smooth your skin and enhance its natural texture. With regular use, this primer promotes skin recovery and boosts your overall confidence in your appearance. Plus, it’s vegan and cruelty-free, so you can feel good about your choice.

The SmashBox Mattifying Primer is a must-have for anyone looking to achieve a matte finish without drying out their skin. This primer effectively controls excess oil production, ensuring that your skin stays shine-free throughout the day. It creates a lightweight and breathable barrier on your skin, allowing it to stay fresh and comfortable. Additionally, this primer blurs imperfections and minimizes the appearance of pores, giving you a smooth and flawless complexion. With the SmashBox Mattifying Primer, your makeup will glide on effortlessly and stay in place for longer, allowing you to look your best all day.

The e.l.f. Blemish Control Face Primer is a must-have in your makeup kit. It transforms your face into a smooth and flawless canvas, perfect for makeup application that lasts all day. The primer is infused with Salicylic Acid, Vitamin E, and Tea Tree to help control breakouts and blemishes, making it perfect for all skin types. Simply blend evenly on your face and allow it to dry before applying makeup. Additionally, it is cruelty-free, vegan and 100% free from Phthalates, Parabens, Nonylphenol, Ethoxylates, Triclosan, triclocarban.

The Jolie Primer is designed to visibly minimize the appearance of pores, giving you a smoother complexion. Perfect for those with normal to combination skin, it fills in fine lines and wrinkles, making your skin look youthful and radiant. This oil-free and fragrance-free formula is non-greasy and gentle on the skin, ensuring it won’t cause irritation. With its ability to absorb excess oil, your makeup will not only look flawless but also stay put throughout the day, providing you with long-lasting coverage and confidence.

The e.l.f. Blemish Control Face Primer is a vegan and cruelty-free product that preps and soothes your skin, controls breakouts, and provides a sheer coverage and matte finish. The primer is infused with Salicylic Acid, Vitamin E, and Tea Tree to help control breakouts and blemishes. It works on all skin types, creating a flawless and smooth canvas ideal for applying foundation and concealer that lasts all day long. All e.l.f. products are made of skin-loving ingredients, 100% cruelty-free, and vegan.

Milani Erase Base Blemish Control Primer is a lightweight gel texture primer that helps to control blemishes and oil while extending makeup wear. This blemish-fighting primer is designed to be worn under foundation, providing a breakout-friendly base between the skin and makeup. It is enhanced with 2% salicylic acid, a proven acne fighter that helps to fight blemishes. Milani does not test on animals and is certified by PETA for cruelty-free.