Best Salicylic Acid Foundation Primers of 2025

Lisa Bechard Avatar
Lisa Bechard
Last Updated: Jan 5, 2025

* We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

Salicylic Acid Foundation Primers are a popular choice for those looking to achieve a flawless makeup application. These primers contain salicylic acid, which helps to unclog pores and prevent breakouts, making them ideal for those with oily or acne-prone skin. The formula also helps to smooth out the skin's texture and improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Salicylic Acid Foundation Primers provide a long-lasting base for makeup, ensuring that it stays put throughout the day. They are a must-have for anyone looking to achieve a smooth and flawless complexion.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Smashbox Photo Finish Control Primer Cover #TOP 1
Smashbox Photo Finish Control Primer
ftb score rating icon 9.8
L'Oreal Paris Prime Lab Matte Setter Face Primer Cover #TOP 2
L'Oreal Paris Prime Lab Matte Setter Face Primer
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Revlon Face Primer Cover #TOP 3
Revlon Face Primer
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Salicylic Acid Foundation Primers

Smashbox Photo Finish Control Primer

C6RA010000
Off White
Smashbox Photo Finish Control Primer Cover
Smashbox Photo Finish Control Mattifying Makeup Primer with Salicylic Acid - An Oil- Controlling Primer for Matte Looking Skin - Travel Size, 0.34 fl oz

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.

What We Like
Instant oil control
Protects against environmental damage
Non-comedogenic
#TOP 2

L'Oreal Paris Prime Lab Matte Setter Face Primer

0071249673713
Matter Setter
L'Oreal Paris Prime Lab Matte Setter Face Primer Cover
L'Oreal Paris Prime Lab Up to 24H Matte Setter Face Primer Infused with Salicylic Acid to Grip and Extend Makeup with a No Shine Finish, 1.01 Fl Oz

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.

What We Like
Infused with Salicylic Acid to rebalance skin
Helps to extend makeup wear for up to 24 hours
Users can choose between other primers to address specific skin concerns
#TOP 3

Revlon Face Primer

7255468000
Mattifying
1 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
Revlon Face Primer Cover
Revlon Face Primer, PhotoReady Prime Plus Face Makeup for All Skin Types, Blurs & Fills in Fine Lines, Infused with Salicylic Acid and AHA, Mattifying & Pore Reducing, 1 Oz

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.

What We Like
2-in-1 makeup primer and skincare
Mattifies skin and reduces pores
Fights shine for oily skin
#TOP 4

Jolie Pore Perfecting Primer

Jolie Pore Perfecting Primer Cover
Jolie Pore Perfecting Face Primer, Acne Control Oil Free Mattifying Formula With Salicylic Acid

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.

What We Like
Pore reduction
Non-greasy formula
Long-lasting makeup
Oil absorption
#TOP 5

e.l.f. Blemish Control Face Primer

83415
e.l.f. Blemish Control Face Primer Cover
e.l.f. Blemish Control Face Primer, Soothing & Hydrating Makeup Primer For Fighting Blemishes, Grips Makeup To Last, Vegan & Cruelty-free, Large

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.

What We Like
Infused with Salicylic Acid, Vitamin E, and Tea Tree to help control breakouts and blemishes
Transforms your face into a smooth and flawless canvas, perfect for makeup application that lasts all day
Perfect for all skin types
Cruelty-free, vegan and 100% free from harmful chemicals

Milani Face Primer Collection

FPR229-110
1 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
Milani Face Primer Collection Cover
Milani Face Primer for Makeup (Mattifying & Pore-Minimizing, 1.0 Fl. Oz)

The Milani Face Primers offer a variety of solutions tailored to your makeup needs. The Erase Base Blemish Control Primer features 2% salicylic acid to help clear breakouts, making it perfect for those with acne-prone skin. For oily skin, the No Pore Zone Mattifying Primer creates a smooth, matte finish, reducing the appearance of pores. If you're looking for sun protection, the SPF BFF Primer provides broad-spectrum SPF 30 to shield your skin while prepping for makeup. Finally, the Skin Quench Hydrating Primer delivers essential moisture, ensuring your skin stays hydrated throughout the day. Each primer is designed to enhance your makeup application and improve your skin's appearance.

What We Like
Blemish control with salicylic acid
Matte finish for oily skin
SPF protection included
Hydrating for all-day moisture
#TOP 7

Topicals Sealed Scar Filling Primer

2705606
1 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
Topicals Sealed Scar Filling Primer Cover
Topicals Sealed Active Scar Filling Primer for Acne Prone Skin - Good for Blemishes, Pores, Acne & Dryness - Contains Retinol and Salicylic Acid - 1 Oz

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.

What We Like
Improves blemishes and pores
Flexible use with or without makeup
Contains effective, skin-friendly ingredients
Supports long-term skin recovery
Vegan and cruelty-free formula
#TOP 8

L’Oréal Paris Redness Eraser Face Primer

0071249673706
Redness Eraser
L’Oréal Paris Redness Eraser Face Primer Cover
L'Oreal Paris Prime Lab Up to 24H Redness Eraser Face Primer Infused with Niacinamide to Reduce Face Redness and Extend Makeup Wear, 1.01 Fl Oz

L’Oréal Paris Redness Eraser Face Primer is an advanced derm primer that not only extends makeup wear but also visibly improves your skin. Infused with Niacinamide, this primer neutralizes the look of face redness, instantly smoothing and blurring your skin. It helps your makeup last up to 24 hours, ensuring a long-lasting and flawless look. Dermatologist tested for skin safety, this primer is non-comedogenic and paraben-free, making it suitable for all skin types. With L’Oréal Paris Redness Eraser Face Primer, you can achieve the look you want, while taking care of your skin.

What We Like
Reduces face redness
Extends makeup wear up to 24 hours
Smooths and blurs skin
#TOP 9

L’Oréal Paris Prime Lab Pore Minimizer Face Primer

0071249673690
Pore Minimizer
L’Oréal Paris Prime Lab Pore Minimizer Face Primer Cover
L'Oreal Paris Prime Lab Up to 24H Pore Minimizer Face Primer Infused with AHA, LHA, BHA Complex to Smooth and Extend Makeup Wear, 1.01 Fl Oz

L’Oréal Paris Pore Minimizer Primer is an advanced derm primer that instantly extends makeup wear and visibly improves skin. Infused with AHA, LHA, BHA Complex, this primer refines the look of skin texture over time. It instantly smooths and gives a blurring effect to the skin, helping to extend makeup wear for up to 24 hours. Dermatologist tested for skin safety, non-comedogenic, and paraben-free, this primer is suitable for all skin types. With L’Oréal Paris Pore Minimizer Primer, you can achieve a flawless makeup look that lasts all day. Choose this primer and experience the benefits of a refined skin texture and extended makeup wear.

What We Like
Instantly smooths and blurs skin
Extends makeup wear for up to 24 hours
Refines skin texture over time
#TOP 10

Dr. Brandt Pore No More Primer

Dr. Brandt Pore No More Primer Cover
Dr. Brandt Pore No More Pore Refiner Primer - Pore Minimizer For Face - Reduces Pore Size, Improves Skin Texture - Shine-Free Primer For Face Before Makeup - 0.25 oz

Dr. Brandt Primer is a dual-purpose product that refines pores and primes your skin for makeup. This formula quickly absorbs excess oil, helping to control shine and create a smooth surface for your foundation. Its velvety texture diminishes the appearance of imperfections, making your skin look flawless. Additionally, it contains salicylic acid, which gently exfoliates to keep your skin looking fresh. You can use it alone or as a base for your makeup, giving you versatile options for a polished look.

What We Like
Pore minimizing effect
Controls shine
Velvety smooth finish
Exfoliates gently
Versatile application
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What primers work best with what foundations?

To ensure compatibility, it's important to choose a primer that complements your foundation. For example, if you have a silicone-based primer, it's best to pair it with a silicone-based foundation. Using a silicone-based primer with a water-based foundation may cause the foundation to 'pill' on top of the primer.

2. Is salicylic acid good in foundation?

Salicylic acid can be beneficial in foundation for those with clog-prone or acne-prone skin. This natural acid helps remove excess oil, exfoliates dead skin cells, and keeps pores clear and healthy. It can aid in drying out acne and reducing blackheads, making it a helpful ingredient for those with such skin concerns.

3. What happens if you don't use primer before foundation?

Without using a primer before applying foundation, your makeup may start to melt and not last as long. Primers play a crucial role in mattifying your makeup, sealing the pores, and controlling oil production on the skin. Using a primer helps your foundation stay flawless, oil-free, and long-lasting throughout the day.

4. Is silicone-based primer bad for acne-prone skin?

While silicone itself may not clog pores, a silicone-based primer can create a barrier that traps other potentially comedogenic substances. This barrier can increase the likelihood of acne flare-ups for those with acne-prone skin. It's important to choose primers that are non-comedogenic and suitable for your skin type if you have acne concerns.

Editor's Notes

During our salicylic acid foundation primer research, we found 48 salicylic acid foundation primer products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 46,440 customer reviews through our big data system to write the salicylic acid foundation primers list. We found that most customers choose salicylic acid foundation primers with an average price of $10.19.

The salicylic acid foundation primers are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of salicylic acid foundation primers, including Smashbox, REVLON, JOLIE. IMPECCABLE ME, e.l.f., Milani. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Lisa Bechard Avatar

Lisa Bechard is a skin therapist with 12 years of working experience in the beauty industry and also an experienced beauty writer who has expertise in skincare, medical aesthetics and cosmetic surgery, and wellness. Her writing skills are excellent and all her content is very persuasive and insightful.