With more and more beauty brands incorporating skincare ingredients into their foundation formulas, you might be questioning if this is just a trend or if you should actually invest in a good makeup-skincare hybrid. It definitely depends on the ingredient, but there are a few out there that are worth adding to your arsenal. One ingredient I can confidently say you should invest in if you come across it in any formula is hyaluronic acid.
Derms and editors love it because it has a lot to offer. Any time you’re struggling with dry or dull skin, this is the ingredient you’d want to incorporate. The best part is there are plenty of foundations out there on the market that have it nestled into the formula for this reason. It helps lock in moisture in the deeper layers of the skin and gives it an overall glow. If you’d like to know more about what derms say about this and a few of their favorite formulas, read on below.
I’m sure by now you have at least some idea of what hyaluronic acid can do for your skin. If you’re not as familiar, I’ll give you the CliffsNotes version. Basically, hyaluronic acid is a huge hydration booster in the skin. Board-certified dermatologist Marisa Garshick breaks it down for us. “Hyaluronic acid can be a helpful ingredient in a foundation, as it is a humectant, which works to draw moisture in,” she says. “By helping to hydrate the skin, it not only helps to improve the overall health of the skin, but it can also offer a plump, dewy glow and help facilitate application of the makeup.”
Honestly, I’m always looking for a way to make my makeup extra dewy and glowy, so yeah, a foundation with hyaluronic acid is definitely a solid buy. I’ve also noticed recently that a lot of foundations can settle into fine lines if you’re not careful—another thing hyaluronic acid can help out with. For a few derm-recommended picks, keep reading below.
“This foundation incorporates hyaluronic acid to help hydrate the skin and boost moisture as well as a rose complex to help brighten the skin and improve the appearance of pigmentation and dark circles. It provides long-lasting coverage in addition to ingredients that also help to strengthen the skin barrier, improve overall dryness or dullness, and helps to protect against pollutants.” — Garshick
“This hydrating formulation contains hyaluronic acid to help boost moisture, leaving the skin looking smooth and refreshed. Additionally, it’s oil-free, making it a good option for those who may be dealing with dry skin as well as breakouts.” — Garshick
“This oil-free powder foundation provides a natural matte finish and helps to absorb excess oil while also improving the appearance of redness, discoloration and melasma, which can commonly occur in those with sensitive skin. It is lightweight and contains hyaluronic acid and aloe so it is both hydrating and soothing. Additionally, it is free of synthetic fragrance, phthalates, parabens, and mineral oil.” — Garshick
“This foundation incorporates a blend of hyaluronic acid, aloe vera extract, vitamin E, and B5, making it good for all skin types but especially those with dry skin. It helps to deliver long-lasting hydrating while providing buildable coverage, improving the overall complexion.” — Garshick
Board-certified dermatologist Lauren Penzi loves this foundation from L’Oréal because it has a serum-like texture and 1% hyaluronic acid and instantly brightens and smooths the skin.
Penzi also loves this hydrating option from Maybelline with hyaluronic acid and collagen. It brightens, moisturizes, plumps the skin, and is totally noncomedogenic.
As far as higher-end options go, Penzi loves this hydrating tint from YSL. It definitely offers lighter coverage, more in the realm of a skin tint, but it does contain hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and marshmallow for a massive dose of moisture.
This Kosas foundation is one of my favorites because it contains powerhouse skincare ingredients like squalane, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, vitamin B5, and arnica. It also provides smooth, buildable coverage and is super breathable for all-day wear.
This clinical foundation from Clinique has the ingredient list to match three different types of serums and is totally oil-free. It includes hyaluronic acid, salicylic acid, and vitamin C to promote overall skin health and hydration.
Catrice offers some of the best drugstore foundation formulas on the market. The brand’s True Skin Hydrating Foundation contains, you guessed it, hyaluronic acid as its star ingredient along with watermelon seed extract to provide a smooth, radiant finish.
This collaboration between Covergirl and Olay helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles with a hyaluronic complex, and the vitamin C in the formula brightens and firms skin.
Up Next: I’m Always Testing High-End Foundations—These 15 Are Worth the Extra Dollars
