What Is The Best Cruelty Free Foundation?

Your foundation is the most important aspect of your makeup routine, as it acts as a canvas for everything else. Not only that, but foundation has the ability to moisturize, control oil, shrink pores, nourish your skin, fight acne, and more. But, many brands on the market use ingredients that have been tested on animals, which only increases unnecessary suffering and cruelty. Thankfully, many of the best foundation brands out there are also cruelty-free. Whether you shop at the drugstore, Sephora or Ulta, or choose to purchase professional-quality products online, you will find the best cruelty-free foundations in this list.

1. e.l.f. Acne-Fighting Foundation

Coming in six different shades, e.l.f.’s Acne-Fighting Foundation is a favorite in the acne community. Why is this particular foundation such a favorite? While most foundation for acne and sensitive skin simply avoid using ingredients that clog your pores, this foundation directly fights back against acne by adding beneficial ingredients. You can find aloe vera, witch hazel, tea tree oil, and salicylic acid all added into this foundation to help clear your skin while making you look beautiful. The more frequently you use this foundation the better your skin will look, even when you are not wearing makeup.

• Product: e.l.f. Acne-Fighting Foundation
• Price: $6.00
• Pros: Treats acne, easy to apply, blends well, lightweight.
• Cons: Limited shade options.
• Where to Buy: Target, Ulta.
• Rating: 4 Stars

2. NYX Total Control Drop Foundation

Whether you are hoping to achieve sheer or full coverage, you can successfully achieve any look with a velvet-like matte finish with this NYX foundation. Not only that, but they have a wide range of shades to choose from. With thirty different shade options, you are sure to find the right fit for your complexion and skin tone. Of course, no foundation will work for every person. Some people find that this foundation is overly oily or cakes once dried, but this is a minority of people. With a price tag of only $5.99, NYX’s Total Control Drop Foundation is one of the best cruelty-free foundations in the drugstore.

• Product: NYX Total Control Drop Foundation
• Price: $5.99
• Pros: 30 shade options, blends well, lightweight, easy to apply, versatile.
• Cons: Might be overly oily or cakey for certain individuals.
• Where to Buy: Amazon
• Rating: 4.5

3. Milani Conceal + Perfect 2-in-1 Foundation

Many people may wonder about cruelty-free foundation and MAC. While MAC is sadly not cruelty-free, there are plenty of other options to choose from! One of these options is Milani’s Conceal + Perfect 2-in-1 Foundation. This foundation is inexpensive and one of the best cruelty-free drugstore foundations. This Milani foundation has one of the most versatile shade ranges available with forty-five different options available on their website. Whether you are the palest or darkest of shades, you will find an option with Milani. But, Milani does not only have their shade range going for them, there are many other reasons to choose this product, as well. For instance, this product is water-resistant and acts as both a foundation and a concealer, saving you money and time!

• Product: Milani Conceal + Perfect 2-in-1 Foundation
• Price: $8.99
• Pros: 45 shades, 2-in-1 foundation and concealer, good pigmentation, long-lasting, blends well, easy to apply, made in the USA.
• Cons: Might be too oily for some skin types.
• Where to Buy: Target, Walgreens, Walmart, Ulta.
• Rating: 4.5 Stars

4. Physicians Formula Nude Wear Touch of Glow Foundation

While Physicians Formula only offers three shade options (Fair, Light, and Light/Medium) it is a great option for those with pale skin tones. This is a light foundation that applies smoothly while leaving your skin with a radiant glow.

• Product: Physicians Formula Nude Wear Touch of Glow Foundation
• Price: $16.99
• Pros: Gluten-free, hypoallergenic, paraben-free, fragrance-free, oil-free, dermatologist-tested, non-comedogenic.
• Cons: Highly limited shade range with no options for people of color.
• Where to Buy: Amazon
• Rating: 3.5 Stars

5. Tarte Amazonian Clay Full Coverage Foundation SPF 15

This Tarte foundation is different from anything else on the market, as it contains Amazonian clay that nourishes the skin and balances complexion. This is a full coverage and matte foundation that will give you a photo finish look. Without a doubt, this is one of the best vegan foundations at Sephora.

• Product: Tarte Amazonian Clay Full Coverage Foundation SPF 15
• Price: $39.00
• Pros: 40 different shades, vegan, paraben-free, gluten-free, hypoallergenic, full coverage, easy to apply, oil control, matte finish without caking, Amazonian clay to improve and balance your complexion, 12-hour wear, dermatologist tested.
• Cons: Might be too dry for those with dry skin, heavier formula than some brands.
• Where to Buy: Ulta, Sephora, Macy’s.
• Rating: 5 Stars

6. Urban Decay Stay Naked Weightless Ultra Definition Liquid Makeup

With a luminous and bright semi-matte finish you will love this foundation from Urban Decay, which is without a doubt one of the best cruelty-free foundations. This foundation is waterproof and long-lasting, able to be worn and maintain its beauty for up to twenty-four hours!

• Product: Urban Decay Stay Naked Weightless Ultra Definition Liquid Makeup
• Price: $40.00
• Pros: 50 shades, vegan, waterproof, long-lasting, breathable formula, extensive color matching.
• Cons: None.
• Where to Buy: Urban Decay, Ulta.
• Rating: 5 Stars

7. Face Atelier Ultra Foundation Pro

Face Atelier was developed for professional makeup artists, so you can trust in its benefits and effects. With Ultra Foundation Pro you can build your coverage to fit your needs. The pigment is highly concentrated and long-lasting, meaning that you save money as a little product goes a long way. Ultra foundation is lightweight and ideal for sensitive skin. You don’t need to use a primer with this foundation, as it has a unique blend of silicone in the formula. Lastly, you can expect a soft, dewy, and radiant finish with this product. This is without a doubt one of the best cruelty-free foundations. 

• Product: Face Atelier Ultra Foundation Pro
• Price: $36.00 
• Pros: Lightweight, vegan, fragrance-free, oil-free, non-comedogenic, buildable coverage, no primer needed thanks to unique silicone formula, no setting powder needed, hydrating.
• Cons: Can’t be bought in-stores, must order online.
• Where to Buy: Amazon, Camera Ready Cosmetics.
• Rating: 5 Stars

8. Illamasqua Skin Base Foundation

Professional makeup artists love Llamasqua’s foundation as it blends and builds beautifully and easily. Perfect for daily use, Skin Base Foundation hydrates and nourishes the skin, making it ideal for most skin types.

• Product: Illamasqua Rich Liquid Foundation
• Price: $29.00
• Pros: 26 shades, blends easily, builds well to create sheer to full coverage, hydrates.
• Cons: Can’t buy in-stores, must order online.
• Where to Buy: Llamasqua, Amazon, Look Fantastic.
• Rating: 5 Stars

9. Hourglass Immaculate Liquid Powder Foundation

One of the best cruelty-free foundations at Sephora is Hourglass’s Immaculate foundation. This foundation is different from the rest, as it manages and absorbs oil to leave you with a beautiful velvet-like matte finish. Immaculate Foundation excels at minimizing blemishes, reducing pore size, and camouflaging scars and imperfections.

• Product: Hourglass Immaculate Liquid Powder Foundation
• Price: $56.00
• Pros: Ideal for sensitive skin, vegan, safe for acne-prone skin, non-comedogenic, oil-free, contains cashmere kaolinite clay, pulls out and removes impurities from the skin.
• Cons: Expensive.
• Where to Buy: Sephora, Nordstrom.
• Rating: 5 Stars

10. Cover FX Pressed Mineral Foundation

If you don’t want a liquid foundation, then one of the best cruelty-free foundations that is dry is by Cover FX. This foundation is lightweight, blends well, and offers sheer to full coverage.

• Product: Cover FX Pressed Mineral Foundation
• Price: $38.00
• Pros: 40 shades, vegan, gluten-free, paraben-free, fragrance-free, controls oil with kaolin clay, blurs pores, lightweight, blends well.
• Cons: None.
• Where to Buy: Ulta, Sephora.
• Rating: 5 Stars

Whether you are shopping for cruelty-free, vegan, or simply higher quality foundations, you will find what you need in this list. The best cruelty-free foundations are made to excel compared to their competitors, as they contain ingredients that will nourish your skin and reduce harm to the planet. You don’t have to be vegan to make smarter and healthier choices, choices that will benefit yourself and the earth.