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  • 10 Best Hypoallergenic Foundations 2024 | UK Makeup Artist Reviewed 1
  • 10 Best Hypoallergenic Foundations 2024 | UK Makeup Artist Reviewed 2
  • 10 Best Hypoallergenic Foundations 2024 | UK Makeup Artist Reviewed 3
  • 10 Best Hypoallergenic Foundations 2024 | UK Makeup Artist Reviewed 4
  • 10 Best Hypoallergenic Foundations 2024 | UK Makeup Artist Reviewed 5

10 Best Hypoallergenic Foundations 2024 | UK Makeup Artist Reviewed

If you have sensitive skin, you know the struggle of finding a foundation (or any kind of skin product) that you can put on your face without getting an allergic reaction. Even people with dry, oily, acne-prone or mature skin can react badly to certain products.

That is why it is vital to pick out a hypoallergenic foundation that you can put on your skin with confidence. Luckily, from liquid to mineral, light coverage to full coverage, there are many kinds of foundations suitable for sensitive skin available on Amazon, John Lewis, and Boots. So we are here to help you know how to find the perfect hypoallergenic foundation for you!
Last updated 22/03/2024

Quick List - Top Hypoallergenic Foundations

1

Clinique

Even Better Makeup Foundation
Even Better Makeup Foundation

A Hypoallergenic Foundation That Will Improve Your Skin Tone

2

bareMinerals

Original Loose Powder Mineral Foundation
Original Loose Powder Mineral Foundation

A Cult-Favourite Mineral Powder Foundation For a No-Makeup Feel

3

NARS

Sheer Glow Foundation
Sheer Glow Foundation

A Liquid Foundation With Buildable Coverage and a Natural Result

4

Clinique

Superbalanced Makeup Foundation
Superbalanced Makeup Foundation

A Natural-Finish Foundation for Combination Skin

5

Estée Lauder

Double Wear Stay-In-Place Makeup
Double Wear Stay-In-Place Makeup

A Popular Super-Coverage Foundation That You Can Rely On

Claire Higgins
Expert
Makeup Artist
Claire Higgins

A qualified Beauty Therapist and Makeup Artist. I provide professional makeup services for all occasions, whether it be for a bride on their wedding day or backstage at a photo shoot. I also enjoy teaching through hosting live talks on my social media, masterclass events, and 1-1 training. My favourite style of makeup is most definitely vibrant. I love a colourful eyeshadow palette... or 10!

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Table of Contents

With Specialist Advice From Makeup Artist Claire Higgins

With Specialist Advice From Makeup Artist Claire Higgins

Claire is a qualified Beauty Therapist and Makeup Artist; she provides professional makeup services for all occasions from bridal to backstage at photo shoots. Claire also teaches masterclass events as well as 1-1 training, and when she gets the chance, enjoys sharing her expertise hosting live talks on her social media. She's a big fan of the vibrant style and loves a colourful palette... or 10!


Keep up-to-date with Claire through her Facebook and Instagram page where you can learn the latest tips and tricks when it comes to makeup application and also get inspired to try new looks! 

So, What Does Hypoallergenic Mean?

So, What Does Hypoallergenic Mean?
“Hypo” is a prefix that means “lower” or “less than normal.” Consequently, “hypoallergenic” means that a product is less allergenic than usual. Note that it does not mean that there is no chance of an allergic reaction at all.


To add to this ambiguity, there is no official test that brands must do to prove that their product is hypoallergenic: companies decide by themselves whether products are hypoallergenic or not. For this reason, it is up to you to look at the ingredients and confirm whether the product is suitable for your skin.

How to Choose a Hypoallergenic Foundation in the UK ― Buying Guide

So, you should look at the ingredients to check if a product is hypoallergenic or not. Yet even if you are told that, how do you know which products to look out for? That is where we come in. The following are our tips for finding the perfect hypoallergenic foundation that will (hopefully) not give you a reaction.

1

Learn the Names of Common Irritating Ingredients

Learn the Names of Common Irritating Ingredients
If you search online you can find a long list of possible allergens, but we will simplify it for you by telling you the top ingredients to avoid.


Firstly, preservatives are often responsible for allergic reactions. The most common preservatives are parabens, so you should look for a foundation that says that it is paraben-free or has no parabens in the ingredients.


Fragrances should also be avoided. The problem with fragrances in products is that the contents of the fragrance do not have to be listed in the ingredients, so they often contain many hidden allergens. Other culprits for allergic reactions can include sodium laureth sulfate, various essential oils, mineral oil, liquid paraffin, alcohols, salicylic acid, silicones, menthol and the list goes on.

Claire Higgins
Makeup Artist
Claire Higgins

When checking products for known allergens, take note of the first few ingredients listed on the packaging; these tend to make up a larger percentage of what the product contains. If you’ve struggled to find the source of a reaction, take a look at the packaging on products that have caused irritation in the past. 


Use this to compare these ingredients to the products that haven’t. Thrown out your packaging? Don’t worry. You can find this information listed on the product's website. This should give you a better indication of what your trigger may be.

2

Look at the SPF Ingredients: Mineral for No Irritation, Chemical for a Lightweight Consistency

Look at the SPF Ingredients: Mineral for No Irritation, Chemical for a Lightweight Consistency
Everybody should wear a minimum of 15 or 20 SPF on their face everyday, whether rain or shine, summer or winter, in order to prevent wrinkles as well as melanomas and skin cancer. However, some SPF ingredients can be more irritating to hypersensitive skin than others.


Mineral SPF, also known as physical SPF, has titanium dioxide and/or zinc oxide as the active ingredients. These ingredients are less likely to irritate your skin so are great for sensitive-skinned people. However, you need to cover your face adequately to make sure that all your skin is protected.


Synthetic, or chemical, SPF includes the common ingredients oxybenzone, avobenzone, octinoxate and octisalate. These tend to have thin, lightweight consistencies, but can occasionally irritate very sensitive skin. Not all sensitive skin reacts to chemical SPF ingredients, so if you prefer a lightweight feel it is worth trying foundations that include chemical SPFs.

Claire Higgins
Makeup Artist
Claire Higgins

Understandably when your skin’s prone to hypersensitivity, the process of trial and error can be a difficult and costly journey. Relatable? Then you may have already heard about mineral ingredients and the benefits they possess. Mineral sunscreens have a higher success rate of almost no irritation, but this doesn’t guarantee reactions won’t occur. 


A top tip for testing any sunscreen or foundation is simply to perform a patch test by applying a small amount of product on your forearm a few days prior to using it all over. 

3

Remember That Everyone’s Skin Is Different

Remember That Everyone’s Skin Is Different
The annoying truth is this: just because one person did not get an allergic reaction from a product does not mean that the product is hypoallergenic for everyone. Everyone’s skin is unique and can therefore react to different ingredients.


Unfortunately, the only way to really discover which ingredients your skin reacts or does not react to is by trying out a range of products and using a trial and error approach. By comparing the ingredients of the products that your skin liked and disliked, you should be able to find out the culprit of your skin reaction.

Claire Higgins
Makeup Artist
Claire Higgins

Just because a product is successful for one, doesn’t mean it will be for another. Our skin will differ from others and can react in completely different ways. Stay in the know and carry out some research. 


Request samples from a website or beauty counter before making purchases, perform a sensitivity test, delve into your least and most successful products and narrow down your triggers. Having extended knowledge and understanding of ingredients will support your decisions when finalising any future purchases.

Was the Buying Guide helpful?

10 Best Hypoallergenic Foundations in the UK

Yes, we cannot know for sure which foundations will not give your particular skin a reaction. Nevertheless, we have picked the best products with few irritating ingredients and great reviews that are sure to be gentle on anyone’s face.
Popularity
Products
Image
Click to purchase
Key features
1

Clinique

Even Better Makeup Foundation

Clinique Even Better Makeup Foundation 1

A Hypoallergenic Foundation That Will Improve Your Skin Tone

2

bareMinerals

Original Loose Powder Mineral Foundation

bareMinerals  Original Loose Powder Mineral Foundation 1

A Cult-Favourite Mineral Powder Foundation For a No-Makeup Feel

3

NARS

Sheer Glow Foundation

NARS Sheer Glow Foundation 1

A Liquid Foundation With Buildable Coverage and a Natural Result

4

Clinique

Superbalanced Makeup Foundation

Clinique  Superbalanced Makeup Foundation 1

A Natural-Finish Foundation for Combination Skin

5

Estée Lauder

Double Wear Stay-In-Place Makeup

Estée Lauder  Double Wear Stay-In-Place Makeup 1

A Popular Super-Coverage Foundation That You Can Rely On

6

Vichy

Dermablend Fluid Corrective Foundation

Vichy  Dermablend Fluid Corrective Foundation 1

A High Coverage Foundation to Hide All Skin Problems

7

Bell

Hypoallergenic Mat & Soft Fluid

Bell  Hypoallergenic Mat & Soft Fluid 1

A Matte-Finish Hypoallergenic Foundation at a Drugstore-Cost

8

No7

Stay Perfect Foundation

No7  Stay Perfect Foundation 1

A Long-Lasting Liquid Foundation With a Natural Finish

9

La Roche-Posay

Toleriane Teint Corrective Fluid Foundation

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Teint Corrective Fluid Foundation 1

10

Lancôme

Teint Idole Ultra Wear Foundation

Lancôme  Teint Idole Ultra Wear Foundation 1

A Best-Selling Super Long Wear Liquid Foundation

If you don't see the product you're looking for, you can request that it be listed.
No.1

Clinique
Even Better Makeup Foundation

Even Better Makeup Foundation 1
Source:johnlewis.com
Reference price
£28.50
Mid
Reference price
£28.50
Mid

A Hypoallergenic Foundation That Will Improve Your Skin Tone

This liquid foundation from Clinique claims to make your skin ‘even better,’ and it does. In particular, the ingredients inside help to even out skin tones, prevent and reduce discolouration, and conceal all imperfections whilst still creating a natural and beautiful finish.

To add to this, there are 48 shades available, meaning there is a foundation shade to match the majority of skin tones. With no parabens or fragrance, this foundation is suitable for sensitive and allergy-prone skin as well as dry and oily skin types. We'd say a win-win.
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No.2

bareMinerals
Original Loose Powder Mineral Foundation

Reference price
£28.00
Mid

A Cult-Favourite Mineral Powder Foundation For a No-Makeup Feel

Amazingly, this lightweight mineral powder foundation from bareMinerals only has 5 ingredients. It will not irritate your skin or clog your pores, while still offering good, buildable coverage to hide blemishes. People with any type of skin can use this foundation with confidence.

If you want to try out a mineral powder foundation that will leave your skin healthy and happy, this is the way to go. Especially if you're new to using foundation, this is one of the most forgiving formulas to use.
No.3

NARS
Sheer Glow Foundation

Reference price
£33.49
High Mid

A Liquid Foundation With Buildable Coverage and a Natural Result

This popular foundation from NARS is guaranteed to be gentle to your skin as it is free of parabens, alcohol, fragrance, sodium laureth sulfate, mineral oil, and more. What’s more, it can improve the quality of your skin with added ingredients such as vitamin C and glycerin.

Suitable for sensitive, dry, and oily skin, this foundation can be used to create a light coverage for good skin days or can be built up to create a heavier coverage in order to hide blemishes. However you apply it, this foundation is sure to leave your skin with a radiant glow.
No.4

Clinique
Superbalanced Makeup Foundation

Reference price
£26.00
Mid

A Natural-Finish Foundation for Combination Skin

Have skin that is oily in some areas and dry in others, while sensitive at the same time? Try out this foundation from allergy-tested brand Clinique. This product claims to add moisture to your skin while getting rid of oil, leaving your skin healthy and balanced. With no irritants included it will not irritate your skin, and even claims to improve the condition of your skin over time.

Unfortunately, there are not that many shades compared to other hypoallergenic foundations. In addition, it only gives medium coverage, so it may not cover troubled skin sufficiently.
No.5

Estée Lauder
Double Wear Stay-In-Place Makeup

Reference price
£34.00
High Mid

A Popular Super-Coverage Foundation That You Can Rely On

This foundation is loved by many for its reliable full-coverage finish that will hide your blemishes and flaws while feeling light and in place for the whole day. It comes in many different shades so anyone can find the best shade for them. Fragrance and paraben-free, you do not have to worry about this product giving you a reaction.

At over £30 it is on the pricey side, but worth it if you want reliable full coverage. Some have said that this foundation can be drying or hard to apply, so you may want to avoid it if you want an easy-to-use product or have particularly dry skin.
No.6

Vichy
Dermablend Fluid Corrective Foundation

Reference price
£22.15
Mid

A High Coverage Foundation to Hide All Skin Problems

Troubled by the appearance of blemishes, scars, rosacea, or other skin problems? This foundation is guaranteed to give full coverage and a long-wear, leaving you confident during the day. It is also free of parabens and fragrance, so will not irritate your skin. At under £20, it is cheaper than some high-end products that promise the same thing.

Unfortunately, some have complained that this product is too oily or gives breakouts, so you might want to avoid this foundation if you have oily or acne-prone skin. However, if you're on the drier side, this may be a good balancer for you, with claimed 16-hour coverage.
No.7

Bell
Hypoallergenic Mat & Soft Fluid

Hypoallergenic Mat & Soft Fluid 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£7.81
Low
Reference price
£7.81
Low

A Matte-Finish Hypoallergenic Foundation at a Drugstore-Cost

Bell is a Polish beauty brand who have produced a line of hypoallergenic makeup products that will not irritate your skin. This particular dermatologically-tested foundation will give you a beautiful matte finish while not clogging your pores. At under £10, it is much cheaper than other good-quality hypoallergenic foundations.

The consistency of this product is quite light, so some might find this does not cover their blemishes as much as they would like. In addition, it does contain the paraben methylparaben towards the bottom of the list; though even in small quantities, it might irritate super sensitive skin. Nevertheless, this is a brilliant product to try out if you want a budget hypoallergenic foundation.
No.8

No7
Stay Perfect Foundation

Stay Perfect Foundation 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£15.50
Low Mid
Reference price
£15.50
Low Mid

A Long-Lasting Liquid Foundation With a Natural Finish

No7 claims that this foundation, as well as giving you a lovely complexion that will last all day, is hypoallergenic so will not make your skin react. Suitable for both oily and dry skin, anyone can use this foundation with confidence in rain and shine.

Although this foundation claims to be hypoallergenic, it does contain some parabens that might irritate hypersensitive skin. However, for its reasonable price point and staying power, we think it's worth a try.
No.9

La Roche-Posay
Toleriane Teint Corrective Fluid Foundation

Toleriane Teint Corrective Fluid Foundation 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£17.17
Low Mid
Reference price
£17.17
Low Mid

This foundation from La Roche-Posay is specially formulated for sensitive and reactive skin; having been thoroughly dermatologically tested, it has the Seal of Approval from Allergy UK. With the brand's signature thermal spring water, it feels soothing to the skin and gives a semi-matte finish. It's buildable so can hide blemishes with high-coverage while not causing itchiness or redness.


Unfortunately, this foundation only has 6 shades so it may be hard for some to find a colour that suits them. But for a hypoallergenic and paraben-free product with a mineral SPF of 25, it's definitely worth using if you find your match! 

No.10

Lancôme
Teint Idole Ultra Wear Foundation

Reference price
£34.00
High Mid

A Best-Selling Super Long Wear Liquid Foundation

If you do not want to constantly retouch during the day after applying foundation, you should try this product by Lancôme. Tested on sensitive skin, it is also non-comedogenic, so it will not give you reactions or breakouts. People of any skin colour should find their match as it comes in a whopping 40 shades.

Although it has been tested successfully on sensitive skin, it contains alcohol denat which might irritate your skin. Considering the high price it may be a bit risky to try this product if your skin is extremely sensitive. However, if alcohol denat has not bothered your skin in the past and you want a long-wear foundation, give this one a go.

Tips for Using Foundation on Sensitive Skin

Tips for Using Foundation on Sensitive Skin
Some people with extra-sensitive skin may be wary of applying foundation, fearing that it could worsen their skin condition. However, with a truly hypoallergenic product and the right application method, there should be no problem.


Before applying foundation, make sure that your skin is gently cleansed and moisturised in order to boost your skin’s defenses. If you prefer a light foundation coverage or your foundation contains no or little SPF, put on some sunscreen over your moisturiser to guarantee that your skin is protected. After your skin dries you might consider adding a primer in order to add extra moisture.


When you start using the foundation, make sure to apply gently in circular motions to avoid aggravating your skin. At the end of the day, always remove your foundation with a mild cleanser. Cream cleansers and cleansing waters are particularly good as they will remove all traces of makeup without drying out your skin.

Summary

Trying out new foundations can be scary for those with sensitive skin as you never know when your skin will react badly to a product. However, with the right knowledge of particularly irritating ingredients, it is definitely possible to find a hypoallergenic foundation that your skin will love.


Author: Brigid Bernard

Top 5 Hypoallergenic Foundations

No. 1: CliniqueEven Better Makeup Foundation

No. 2: bareMinerals Original Loose Powder Mineral Foundation

No. 3: NARSSheer Glow Foundation

No. 4: Clinique Superbalanced Makeup Foundation

No. 5: Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-In-Place Makeup

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The descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.

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