Looking for a primer for sensitive skin? There are some good face primers for sensitive skin on the market that you can try.
Not all primers suit every skin type that’s why you should always pick what is made especially for sensitive skin.
If you have sensitive skin, you can’t just use anything. You need products that don’t contain harsh ingredients to avoid irritation or dryness.
Of course, you know how primers are super important if you’re a makeup lover. But if you’re a newbie, you must know wearing primer is an essential step to achieving a flawless look.
Wearing a primer prepares your skin for foundation and other makeup products.
It can also cover fine lines, pores, blemishes, and other imperfections, leaving your skin looking glowy and perfect.
In this guide, I will help you find the best primer for sensitive skin, how to apply it to your face, and which ingredients to look for in a good primer.
Table of Contents
Is Primer Bad For Sensitive Skin?
Short answer – No. Primer is not bad for sensitive skin. However, if you use a primer that doesn’t suit your sensitive skin, it can irritate, burn, or sting your skin.
You should use a primer that is formulated specifically to suit sensitive skin.
A primer that contains fragrance, parabens, sulfates, or phthalates can cause irritation, redness, or breakouts.
While using a good primer that contains natural ingredients can help reduce redness, create a grease-free look, and make your makeup last long.
So it’s a good idea to add primer to your makeup routine especially if you wanna your makeup to look dewy and have a long-lasting glow.
Also, is primer necessary? This depends on what you need. If you are seeking a flawless look and makeup that can last all day, you would benefit from adding a primer to your routine.
But if you’re satisfied with how you look with just your foundation, you can skip this step.
Face Primer For Sensitive Skin: Top 11 Picks
1- Juice Beauty PHYTO-PIGMENTS illuminating Primer
Juice Beauty PHYTO-PIGMENTS Illuminating Primer is a great base for all foundations as it leaves the skin well-hydrated.
It’s a lightweight primer that contains coconut alkanes and an organic base of botanical juices which helps impart hydration to dry dull skin.
It can smooth the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, plus it creates a protective barrier to hide all imperfections.
The primer is rich in Vitamin C & E and hyaluronic acid which are natural antioxidants that work on reducing aging signs.
Also, it contains natural ingredients like Aloe, organic glycerine, grapeseed oil, and sunflower oil.
Those ingredients lock in moisture, they act as a great emollient to keep skin soften.
Furthermore, Gwyneth Paltrow loves this primer and believes it’s the best one on the market.
Pros:
- Silicone-free, lightweight primer.
- Suitable for sensitive skin.
- Contains certified-organic ingredients.
- Antioxidant-rich.
- Free of parabens, sulfates, petroleum, gluten, artificial dyes, fragrance, TEA, PEGs, DEA, and other harsh ingredients that could irritate sensitive skin.
- Moisturize the skin and improve the appearance of aging signs.
- blur enlarged pores.
- Hypoallergenic formula.
- Non-comedogenic.
- Vegan.
- Cruelty-free.
Cons:
- None.
2- IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better Makeup Primer+
This is a great hydrating primer for sensitive skin that can lock in skin hydration and refine the appearance of pores.
It contains glycerin, bark extract, and ginger root extract which help improve the texture of the skin and keep it nourished.
Also, after regular use, the primer minimizes large pores and gives you a healthy-looking complexion.
You can wear it alone or before wearing makeup to guarantee long-lasting makeup and a flawless look.
The IT’s products are developed by dermatologists and plastic surgeons which aid in creating the best skin-loving formulas.
Wearing the IT Cosmetics primer can boost the skin’s health which will help you feel more confident.
Pros:
- Hydrating primer.
- Oil-free formula.
- Rich in moisturizing ingredients.
- Hydrate the skin.
- Shrink pores when used regularly.
- Even skin texture.
- Created by dermatologists and plastic surgeons.
- Hypoallergenic.
- Non-comedogenic.
- Long-lasting.
- Absorb easily.
- Suit all skin types including sensitive skin.
- Give you a smooth fresh finish.
- Easy to use.
- Budget-friendly.
- Cruelty-free.
Cons:
- Not ideal for oily skin.
- It contains denatured alcohol that may not be suitable for sensitive skin.
3- Benefit 2-Pc. POREfect Deal! Primer Set
Another great primer that can quickly minimize large pores and reduce the appearance of fine lines.
The Benefit POREfect Primer helps you create a smooth look and matte finish.
Many reviewers loved this primer as they said that it helps their makeup to stay put all day.
Also, its formula is lightweight and free of oil which promotes a radiant look.
Furthermore, this primer contains vitamin E derivatives so it can protect the skin from free radical damage and keep it looking healthy.
It blends easily and removes away oil from the skin, leaving your skin soft and shine-free.
This set includes a full-size primer and another mini-size so they can last for a couple of months.
TIP: If your pores start to appear later during the day, you can dap a drop over your face and they will disappear.
Pros:
- Silky lightweight primer.
- Oil-free.
- Grease- free
- Translucent formula.
- Contain vitamin E to nourish the skin and keep it protected.
- Mattify and shrink the appearance of pores.
- Long-lasting.
- Suit sensitive skin.
- Non-comedogenic.
- Comes in two sizes.
- Great deal!
Cons:
- It may not be suitable for dry skin as it could be too mattifying.
4- Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer Light
The Smashbox primer is one of the best primers for sensitive skin that can help even skin tone and create a smooth look.
It’s formulated with beneficial ingredients like vitamin A, C, & E, green tea, and grape-seed extract.
It’s rich in antioxidants which are the main key to healthy and radiant skin.
They can improve the skin’s appearance by reducing fine lines and blemishes.
Also, they help shrink pores and control shine. Plus, this primer works on improving complexion concerns and imperfections.
You can wear it alone or under makeup for a flawless look. It’s a weightless water-based gel that preps your skin for the next makeup product while giving your skin a smooth look.
Pros:
- Water-based gel primer.
- Super light.
- Infused with antioxidants and peptides to improve skin texture.
- Minimize pores.
- Reduce aging signs.
- Prevent shine.
- Work on correcting complexion concerns.
- Suitable for acne-prone sensitive skin and super sensitive skin.
- Oil-free.
- Paraben & Phthalates- free
- Vegan.
- Cruelty-free.
Cons:
- Do not add a dramatic glow to the skin.
5- Maybelline New York Face Studio Master Prime Primer
This is the most affordable primer on the market that is super effective in creating a perfect canvas.
The Maybelline Primer is lightweight and oil-free which makes it a great choice for sensitive skin.
It will not clog the pores and it can control pigments and counteract redness.
Also, this primer provides a smooth application without a greasy feel due to its water-based formula.
The primer contains hyaluronic acid that leaves the skin with a youthful and fresh look.
It works on blurring skin imperfections, evens skin tone, and reduces the appearance of other aging signs.
The Maybelline primer improves the feel of the skin and makes your makeup last all day.
Plus, it’s a color-correcting primer and It gives you a flawless appearance and luminous effect.
Lastly, this primer is dermatologically and allergy tested so you don’t have to worry about triggering signs of sensitivity.
Many Amazon reviewers said that the primer is super effective in reducing redness and doesn’t irritate their sensitive skin.
Pros:
- Water-based primer.
- Lightweight.
- Oil-free.
- Non-comedogenic.
- Hypoallergenic.
- Dermatologically-tested.
- Long-lasting.
- Contain hyaluronic acid.
- Matte finish.
- Cover redness.
- Reduce the appearance of skin imperfections.
- Refine pores.
- Control oil.
- Color correcting.
- Grease-free look.
Cons:
- No SPF but they have another version of this primer that has SPF, Check it on Amazon.
6- REN Clean Skincare Perfect Canvas Clean Primer
REN Clean Skincare offers a silicone-free clean primer that can plump and refine the skin and fill in fine lines.
The primer is rich in probiotics to lock in moisture and support the natural skin barrier.
And it contains natural clean ingredients like blue agave extract and alpha glucans that leave skin looking healthy and boost skin texture.
Also, those ingredients soften the skin and prep it to hold on to makeup all day long.
And they help balance good bacteria which help reduce breakouts and allow the skin to breathe.
This primer can also mattify the skin, and lift & soften dull stressed skin.
Plus, it’s clinically tested and proven by dermatologists. Clinical studies showed that 77% of women who used this primer for 28 days their skin has become smoother and looked better.
Lastly, the beneficial ingredients of this primer help shrink pores without clogging them, control shine, and blur imperfections.
Pros:
- Silicone-free primer.
- Hydrating formula.
- Probiotic-rich clean primer.
- Formulated with natural ingredients that boost skin health.
- Dermatologically-tested product.
- Improve skin smoothness.
- Works on preventing breakouts by rebalancing good bacteria.
- Hydrate all skin types even dull, tired skin.
- Improve the appearance of pores and fine lines.
- Help make makeup stay put all day.
- Promote a healthy skin microbiome.
- Mattify the skin.
- Vegan.
- Cruelty-free.
Cons:
- Some people find it super sticky.
7- Neutrogena Shine Control Primer
This is the best makeup primer for sensitive skin that can control shine for straight 8 hours.
You can wear it alone or under makeup products and it will make your skin look glowing.
The Neutrogena Shine Control Primer is lightweight and non-greasy for easier makeup application and a more flawless look. It also makes your makeup last all day long.
It is formulated with rice protein that acts like a sponge to absorb excess oil from your skin perfectly. This leads to a shine-free and radiant look.
And it helps refine the look of pores. The primer contains another great ingredient, silica which is an anti-inflammatory ingredient that keeps the skin healthy.
It can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and give smooth skin.
Plus, it will not dry out your skin or clog the pores due to its hypoallergenic formula.
An Amazon reviewer who has acne-prone sensitive skin loves to wear this primer as it does not make her skin breakout and her makeup lasts all day.
Pros:
- Lightweight 8-hour shine control primer.
- Oil-free.
- Non-comedogenic.
- Contain effective ingredients like rice protein and silica.
- Soak up all excess oil from your skin and leave it looking smooth and healthy.
- Blur aging signs like fine lines and wrinkles.
- Do not clog pores and minimize its look.
- Hypoallergenic.
- Non-greasy.
- Non-drying formula.
Cons:
- It has a bit gritty texture which could be not suitable for some people. But this texture helps with controlling shine and mattifying your look perfectly.
8- No7 Airbrush Away Primer
The Airbrush Away No.7 Primer is a powerful product that can make your skin smoother and even skin tone.
It works effectively with foundation so you don’t have to worry about smudging.
The primer creates a skin-perfecting base to prep your skin for your usual makeup routine.
The Airbrush Away No.7 Primer contains hyaluronic acid that helps lock in moisture and keep the skin soft.
Also, it focuses on smoothing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and giving your skin a flawless and youthful appearance.
Furthermore, this primer is free of gluten, nickel, oil, soy, lanolin, MCI/ML, and irritating preservatives. This makes it a great face primer for sensitive skin.
The primer is hypoallergenic and has a light texture so it will not clog your pores or cause acne.
Pros:
- Powerful and effective primer.
- Oil-free.
- Gluten-free.
- Does not contain common allergy-causing ingredients.
- Non-irritating formula.
- Light texture.
- Blends easily and quickly.
- Hypoallergenic formula.
- Formulated with hyaluronic acid.
- Soften the skin.
- Help you achieve an even skin tone.
- Diminish signs of wrinkles and fine lines.
- Shrink pores.
- Work well with foundation.
- Keep skin looking young and beautiful.
Cons:
- It has a scent which might be a disadvantage for people with super sensitive skin.
9- e.l.f. Blemish Control Face Primer
Another effective face primer for acne-prone sensitive skin that helps fight acne if used frequently.
The e.l.f blemish control face primer contains salicylic acid which works as a gentle exfoliant to control breakouts and keep your skin clear.
It is also infused with vitamin E and tea tree to help maintain healthy skin and reduce blemishes and acne.
This primer gives you a matte finish and creates a flawless and soft canvas. Plus, it preps your skin for applying makeup to stay put all day.
Another bonus, the primer does not contain parabens, phthalates, ethoxylates, triclocarban, nonylphenol, or triclosan.
Those can irritate sensitive skin and cause problems to the skin.
Lastly, the e.l.f primer creates a smooth base that gives you a baby-like skin appearance.
An Amazon reviewer who used this primer said that it’s her go-to primer as it doesn’t irritate her skin or cause breakouts and helps makeup last all day.
Pros:
- Long-lasting primer.
- Matte finish.
- Contain salicylic acid, vitamin E, and tea tree.
- Help control breakouts.
- Perfecting the skin.
- Reduce blemishes.
- Leave your skin soft all day like a baby’s skin.
- Make makeup stay put.
- Free of irritating ingredients that could harm sensitive skin.
- Help you get rid of acne if used regularly.
- Work well for sensitive skin that develops acne.
- Vegan.
- Cruelty-free.
- Budget-friendly.
Cons:
- This primer contains silicone so If you don’t know whether you’re allergic to silicone, it’s best to patch test before use to avoid a skin reaction.
10- Aveeno Positively Radiant MaxGlow Hydrating Face Serum + Primer
Aveeno always offers the best skin-care products for sensitive skin that nourish, clear, and improve skin complexion.
Plus, their products are recommended by dermatologists for their unique pros.
The Aveeno Positively Radiant Face Serum & Primer moisturizes the skin and creates a perfect glowing canvas for a better makeup application.
It’s a multi-tasking product that can illuminate and prime the skin in one step.
They created an outstanding formula that is water-light and fast-absorbing to make layering easy.
Also, It’s infused with moisture-rich soy and kiwi complex to lock in moisture and keep the skin hydrated.
Kiwi is rich in vitamin C, B9, and K which help maintain healthy clear skin that is free of acne and inflammation.
The Aveeno Serum & Primer is gentle on the skin and keeps the pores unclogged due to its non-comedogenic formula.
You can use it just like any other primer as the last step in your skincare routine before wearing makeup. Also, shake well before use.
Lastly, This product is made especially to boost skin radiance and give you a forever glow.
Many Amazon reviewers with super sensitive skin use this product as their go-to serum & primer. It smooths the skin and makes skin appear dewy. Also, it does not cause acne to develop.
Pros:
- Double duty product.
- Water-light and Fast-absorbing formula.
- Formulated with moisture-rich soy and kiwi complex.
- Hydrate the skin.
- Target skin’s tone and texture.
- Keep a healthy complexion.
- Hypoallergenic formula.
- Non-comedogenic.
- Paraben-free.
- Phthalate-free.
- Increase natural radiance.
- Extra gentle.
- Keep pores unclogged.
- Prep skin for applying makeup.
- Create a smooth layer.
Cons:
- The bottle is not user-friendly.
11- Dermalogica Skinperfect Primer
This is one of the best anti-aging face primers for sensitive skin that aids in keeping aging/mature skin look healthy.
The Dermalogica SkinPerfect primer preps your skin for wearing makeup and creates a smooth surface for a flawless look.
It contains many beneficial ingredients such as velvety silicones, soy protein, natural minerals, and potent peptides.
Soy protein works with silicones to even skin texture and provide a smooth surface.
As for natural minerals, they help create a neutral tint for a more visible luminous skin-looking and healthy complexion.
The potent peptides aid in boosting skin firmness and improving signs of aging.
The Dermalogica Skinperfect Primer help also prevent sun damage as it contains a broad-spectrum SPF of 30.
This primer can smooth fine lines and reduce the appearance of new aging signs as it treats the skin.
Plus, it does not contain fragrances, parabens, or artificial colors which makes it super safe for sensitive skin.
Lastly, you can apply it to your skin after using your moisturizer and before wearing a foundation.
You can also wear it alone and it will give you an absolutely radiant look.
An Amazon reviewer highly recommends this primer as it covers her sunspots and makes her skin smooth without the need to wear anything over.
Pros:
- Anti-aging makeup primer.
- Rich in powerful ingredients.
- With broad-spectrum SPF of 30.
- Smooth fine lines.
- Make your makeup last.
- Your skin will look better and healthier after use.
- Boost collagen production.
- Improve skin texture.
- Make skin look firm.
- Reduce aging signs.
- Treat the skin.
- Brighten the skin.
- Free of allergy-causing ingredients.
- Paraben-free.
- Gluten-free.
- Cruelty-free.
- Vegetarian.
Cons:
- A bit pricey but for people who used & loved it, they think it’s worth every penny.
How To Apply Primer To Your Face?
Applying primer to your face is another step of a great makeup routine.
You can skip this part if you’re a professional. However, if you are a beginner, follow the steps to create a smooth finish.
So, pump a drop of the primer on your hand then use your fingers to blend it on your skin.
This helps to warm the primer and make it absorbed into the skin faster and easier.
Start out using one pump then if you feel like your skin needs more, add another pump in pea-size.
Be aware not to use much as this will make your skin look greasy and not smooth.
Also, if you’re not a fan of using your fingers to apply makeup, you can use a beauty blender to achieve a seamless finish.
After wearing the primer, wait until it’s fully dry and absorbed into your skin then you can add foundation.
For people who don’t like adding many layers of makeup to their face, they can just use primer alone to smooth the appearance of their pores and fine lines and create a radiant finish.
Lastly, you should know when to apply primer? After using your facial wash, toner, sunscreen, and other products you apply to your face as part of your skincare routine.
This means before using any makeup product. Apply the primer to your skin then other makeup products can come next.
Check out this video if you are still not sure how to apply it properly:
How To Pick The Right Primer For Sensitive Skin?
Before buying a primer, you should know what your skin needs, plus the ingredients you should avoid to maintain its health.
Starting with the bad ingredients to avoid…
When it comes to sensitive skin, It’s always a good idea to choose a simple product that doesn’t contain a mix of complex ingredients.
A primer that contains natural ingredients suits sensitive skin the most as it’s less likely to cause skin damage or reaction.
A good primer contains antioxidants, vitamins A or E, minerals, or hyaluronic acid. And added SPF is also a good pro.
Artificial fragrances, sulfates, phthalates, artificial colors, or parabens are the most popular ingredients that can irritate sensitive skin, causing painful symptoms.
So it’s highly recommended to notice what triggers your skin and avoid those ingredients to keep a healthy complexion.
Also, look for a non-comedogenic primer to keep the pores unclogged and clear.
Hypoallergenic formula is the best one for your sensitive skin to prevent skin reactions.
But also, keep in mind to read the ingredients before buying the product to be on the safe side.
Now moving to what your skin needs…
If you have dry sensitive skin, a primer with hydrating ingredients will suit your skin well and add glow to it.
As for oily sensitive skin, the best primer you should look for is the one that has shine/oil control ingredients. They will absorb all the excess oil and give you a matte finish.
If you have normal sensitive skin, a normal primer formulated for sensitive skin can do the trick and fulfill your skin needs. It can moisturize the skin, even skin tone, and give you a radiant look.
For mature sensitive skin, look for a smoothing primer that contains anti-aging ingredients.
Lastly, if you experience redness or hyperpigmentation, a color-correcting primer can even your skin tone and cover redness and hyperpigmentation.
So after addressing what you should look for in a primer for sensitive skin, you can now choose the one that has what you need as there is not only one good primer for all sensitive skin types.
Wrapping Up
A good makeup primer for sensitive skin can help smoothen the skin, cover skin imperfections, and make your skin ready for makeup application.
Check the list I included of the best primers for sensitive skin and pick the one that suits your skin needs the most. Also, Let me know which one will you buy?
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