The 16 Best Foundations for Dry Skin, According to Dermatologists

Foundation is a makeup staple but some can leave your skin feeling rough and dry, which is especially difficult for those with dry skin. The best foundations for dry skin are infused with some skin-care ingredients that can help add moisture to your skin while providing coverage. SELF spoke with dermatologists for tips on how to find top-notch foundations for dry skin.

“Skin care is the most important part of helping dry skin on the face, but there are many foundations now that have moisturizing ingredients,” says Dr. Sandy Skotnicki, board-certified dermatologist and author of Beyond Soap. “Typically, ingredients that are emollient like ceramides, other lipids, and fatty acids, as well as humectants like glycerin and hyaluronic acid, are great moisturizing ingredients for foundations.”

What ingredients to avoid in a foundation for dry skin? 

Aside from finding the right foundation, you’ll want to take a look at the ingredient list on the packaging. For those with dry skin, there are some ingredients commonly found in foundations that you’ll want to steer clear from. 

“Avoid ingredients that are potentially drying or irritating like clay, salicylic acid or other hydroxy acids, or retinol,” says Dr. Hadley King, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City who specializes in medical and cosmetic dermatology. King suggests avoiding mattifying formulations and opting for cream or lotion formulations, which are typically more dewy and moisturizing than powder ones.

Below are 16 of the best foundations for dry skin recommended by dermatologists that you may want to add to your makeup routine. You can pick up top-rated foundation brands like Neutrogena, Make Up Forever, Bare Minerals, and more from Amazon, Sephora, and Ulta.