Best Salicylic Acid Foundations of 2026

"I've relied on this foundation for years because it delivers a natural, lightweight feel and helps keep my breakouts under control. The coverage is light to medium and blends effortlessly, which makes it perfect for my acne-prone, combination skin. Even though the price has increased, I still consider it a staple in my routine."

"Whenever my skin flares up, this is the only foundation I trust. It offers buildable, medium coverage that looks natural and actually helps reduce active blemishes while I wear it. My only complaint is the dated bottle design without a pump, which can be messy, but the formula is excellent for controlling oil and redness."

"I was skeptical at first because of my acne-prone skin due to PCOS, but this foundation has not caused a single breakout. It gives me a smooth, natural finish, though it does make larger pores a bit more visible. Overall, it's been great for my skin and I highly recommend it."

"I've got oily, sensitive, breakout-prone skin, and I was hunting for something simple with SPF and good coverage at a reasonable price. After a month of use, I'm really happy with this product! It took some tweaking—mixing with primer helps it blend and feel lighter—but so far, no breakouts or reactions. The tube lasts ages and is budget-friendly. I just wish there were more shade options."

"As someone with oily skin, this foundation is exactly what I needed. A little goes a long way and it lasts all day. While it looks a bit yellow when first applied, it blends out and looks natural after it dries. I wouldn't recommend it for dry skin unless you moisturize first."

"I was hoping to love this, but since I'm quite pale, the product made me look noticeably yellow, and after about an hour it oxidized and turned even more orange. If you have very fair skin, this might not be the best fit. I’ve found better matches elsewhere."

"This is hands down the best foundation I've tried so far. It's super affordable, gives me great coverage without feeling heavy, and works well with my acne-prone, oily skin thanks to the added salicylic acid. The application is effortless, and mistakes are easy to fix, especially when I get eyeshadow fallout. I do recommend using a setting spray and powder for all-day wear."

"I love how this makeup covers my blemishes and pimples. The only thing is, the shade I picked was a bit lighter than expected, but I still really enjoy using it."

"This foundation offers excellent coverage and a good skin tone match for me, and I've never had any breakouts from it. The only minor downside is a slight chemical smell, but overall it works so well that I can overlook it."

"I've relied on this foundation for years because it consistently delivers a natural, light-to-medium coverage that never feels heavy or cakey. I love that it's oil-free and helps keep my acne under control thanks to the added salicylic acid. It blends in easily, feels breathable, and has never made my skin feel greasy like other foundations. While the price has crept up, I still consider it an absolute staple for my acne-prone, combination skin."

"When my skin is flaring up, this is the one foundation I reach for. It’s one of the few products that covers blemishes without making them worse. The coverage is buildable and natural, and the salicylic acid in the formula actually helps dry out active spots while wearing it. My only real gripe is the outdated bottle design—no pump, just a plain glass neck—so pouring it out can get messy. But the formula itself is fantastic for controlling oil and redness without clogging pores."

"I have very acne-prone skin due to PCOS and was honestly skeptical this would help, but it has been a pleasant surprise. No breakouts since I started using it! It blends well and doesn’t irritate my skin. The only minor issue is that it can highlight larger pores, but overall, it’s been great for my skin."

"I've used this foundation for years and it's the only one that works for my sensitive, acne-prone skin. The coverage is just right—never cakey or heavy, and it looks so natural. I've always come back to it because my skin stays clear, and the finish is beautiful. I hope they never stop making it!"

"With my combination skin, it's tough to find makeup that doesn't make me oily or flaky, but this foundation handles both well. The coverage is great, and the bottle lasts a long time. I even find myself sleeping in it sometimes and never breaking out."

"This is the only foundation I've trusted for over a decade. The formula is comfortable and delivers full coverage without feeling heavy. As someone who struggled with breakouts, I'm relieved it doesn't dry out my skin or cause irritation. The color Ivory 100 suits my fair skin perfectly, and the lasting power is impressive—it stays put until I wash it off."

"I've finally discovered a foundation that feels incredibly light, provides natural-looking coverage, and blends seamlessly into my skin. It doesn't look heavy or artificial at all, which I absolutely appreciate."

"My skin is extremely sensitive and prone to breakouts, so I was hesitant to try any foundation. After experimenting with several shades, I found my ideal match with Alabaster CN 10. This foundation doesn't trigger my acne, and on most days, my skin stays clear. I recommend it for anyone struggling with sensitivity and acne."

"I really like how versatile and forgiving the shades are. Although I typically dislike using my fingers to apply makeup, this foundation works best that way for me, as it dries quickly and glides on smoothly. The coverage is great without looking fake."

"I've relied on this foundation for years because it consistently delivers a lightweight, natural finish and truly helps manage my acne-prone, combination skin. I appreciate that it’s oil-free, never feels greasy, and doesn’t clog my pores, making it a staple in my daily routine."

"As someone with severe acne due to PCOS, I was skeptical, but this foundation has never caused breakouts for me. It provides a smooth, even look, though it can highlight larger pores a bit. Overall, it's an excellent choice for acne-prone skin."

"Whenever my skin has flare-ups, this is the only foundation that covers blemishes without making them worse. The buildable, medium coverage looks natural, and the salicylic acid really helps with active spots. My only gripe is the open-neck bottle, which can be a bit messy to use."

"This is my go-to foundation because it lasts all day, keeps my oily skin in check, and actually helps calm my breakouts thanks to the salicylic acid. I find the coverage is easily buildable, but it looks most natural with a single layer. After taking it off, my skin looks better than before, which is a game-changer for me. The only thing to watch out for is that it can cause flashback in photos if you have fair skin, and you really need to use a good moisturizer underneath."

"I bought this for my teenage daughter who deals with acne. It gives her great coverage without looking heavy or mask-like, and her skin looks airbrushed and healthy. The color match is spot on, and it wears well throughout the day. My only small gripe is that the glass bottle broke when dropped, so I wish the packaging was sturdier."

"As someone who never used makeup before, I was looking for something that would help me feel more confident with my breakouts. This foundation made a huge difference for my self-esteem—it covers blemishes well, feels light, and hasn’t caused any new breakouts. The price is great, too, especially compared to other brands I tried. I highly recommend it to anyone struggling with acne and looking for something easy to use."

"I've made the Clinique Even Better Clinical Serum Foundation part of my daily beauty routine because it gives impressive coverage that looks natural and lasts all day. The formula feels lightweight and comfortable, and I love the addition of vitamin C, salicylic acid, and hyaluronic acid for extra skincare benefits. Knowing it has SPF 25 gives me peace of mind, and finding the right shade was a breeze. Plus, it's fragrance-free and gentle on my sensitive skin."

"At nearly 60, I really appreciate a foundation that is smooth, radiant, and stays fresh all day. This one from Clinique gives me a healthy-looking finish without being greasy or fading, and I only need a small amount for great coverage. It's definitely on the pricier side, but for me, it's an 'I'm worth it' kind of product."

"As someone with adult acne-prone skin, I find this foundation amazing. The coverage is excellent and it gives a blurred, natural look without clogging my pores. I spray a microbial toner before and after, and my skin has never looked better. While the color match is close but not perfect, the effect is totally worth it."

"I've relied on this foundation for years because it keeps my skin looking clear and healthy without ever feeling heavy or cakey. It has just the right amount of coverage for my sensitive skin, and I love that it never causes breakouts. I always come back to it, no matter what else I try!"

"As someone who struggles with both oily and dry areas, this foundation has been a lifesaver. It gives me great coverage and lasts all day. The formula is comfortable and doesn't dry out my skin, plus it actually helps manage my acne-prone skin."

"I have bumpy skin texture and clogged pores, and this is the only foundation that smooths my skin and keeps breakouts at bay. It's perfect for daily wear and provides good coverage without feeling like I'm wearing a mask."