11 Best Primers for Sensitive Skin That Don’t Clog Pores

Written by Anoushka Sinha, Skincare Coach & Writer
Updated on Feb 13, 2024
Best Primers for Sensitive Skin That Don’t Clog Pores
The products curated for this article are independently chosen by the editorial team. If you make a purchase through the links mentioned below, we may receive a commission. Check out our product research & curation process

When you have sensitive skin, it’s common to face problems like irritation, redness, and itching. This is why you need to invest in the best primers for sensitive skin because they contain gentle ingredients that won't trigger your epidermis. Makeup enthusiasts love a good primer because of the several benefits it offers. From giving a smooth base to brightening and anti-aging properties, a fragrance-free primer will also hide your wrinkles and fine lines. It also acts as a barrier to the harsh makeup products you are further going to apply. 

Great face primers are no less than magic potions. They don’t just minimize your pores, they also help in preventing blackheads, controlling sebum, hydrating your skin, and providing a grease-free look to both subtle and glam looks. Scroll down to find the best primer for your sensitive skin.

11 Best Primers for Sensitive Skin

A good face primer is the one that’s easy on your pocket and is worth every penny spent. That’s exactly what Covergirl’s primer is all about. It is inexpensive and does its job perfectly well. When you are dealing with dry and cracked skin, start your makeup routine with a really good face primer like this one which contains hyaluronic acid, and vitamin C. Hyaluronic acid prevents your skin from drying out and provides nourishment. Furthermore, the addition of vitamin C in this sheer finish primer gives your skin a youthful and radiant glow.

Pros
  • Spill-free pump dispenser
  • Cruelty-free
  • Works on all skin tones
  • Lightweight
  • Budget-friendly
  • Provides anti-aging benefits
Cons
  • Thin consistency
  • Hides wrinkles and fine lines

    ELIZABETH MOTT THANK ME LATER face primer

    ELIZABETH MOTT THANK ME LATER face primer
  • If you are looking for a lightweight primer for your face, then this is the best primer for sensitive oily skin types. It minimizes the pores and reduces the appearance of wrinkles on your skin. With a silky smooth formula that gives the effect of your favorite Instagram filter, this water and sweat-proof primer is all you need to keep your makeup intact and non-greasy after a long night of partying and socializing. It also brightens your skin by providing an even skin tone.

    Pros
    • Paraben-free
    • Cruelty-free
    • Lightweight
    • Water and sweat-proof
    • Long-lasting
    • Minimizes imperfections
    • Oil-control properties
    Cons
    • Not suitable for dry skin
  • Best for Added Radiance

    Juice Beauty Phyto-Pigments Illuminating Primer

    Juice Beauty Phyto-Pigments Illuminating Primer
  • Juice Beauty Phyto-Pigments Illuminating Primer is a perfect base for all kinds of makeup. Its texture is as luxurious as its packaging. It is made from botanical juices that are rich in antioxidants and contain coconut alkanes. The primer adds radiance to the base and also blurs fine lines and wrinkles. The hack to apply this primer in order to achieve the perfect base is to apply it in a buffing motion in the areas where there are large pores and textured skin. This is great even for those with cystic acne. 

    Pros
    • SLS-free
    • Phthalates-free
    • Controls oil
    • Antioxidants Vitamin C & E
    • Can be worn on its own
    Cons
    • Slightly pricey
  • Flawless matte finish

    L’Oreal Paris Magic Perfecting Base Face Primer

    L’Oreal Paris Magic Perfecting Base Face Primer
  • People with all skin types yearn for the perfect skin texture, and while ensuring the same comes at its own cost, this best drugstore primer for sensitive skin provides the glow and nourishment you have always wanted. Regardless of the kind of foundation you are going to apply (liquid, stick, or powder), this primer won’t make your base patchy. It has everything you need to achieve that perfect look. This primer is dermatologically-tested and won’t cause any skin inflammation as it is suitable for all skin types.

    Pros
    • Smooth texture
    • Lightweight
    • Suitable for all skin types
    • Minimizes fine lines
    • Full coverage
    Cons
    • Not long-lasting
  • Controls redness

    Maybelline Face Studio Master Prime Primer, Blur + Redness Control

    Maybelline Face Studio Master Prime Primer, Blur + Redness Control
  • This is the best face primer for sensitive skin as it evens out the redness ensuring a radiant glow. The formula is dermatologically tested and it doesn’t clog the pores. It comes with a water-soluble base that helps the makeup last all day. Its texture is lotion-like and provides good hydration due to its master ingredient, hyaluronic acid. This face primer for dry sensitive skin also contains SPF 30 which is great for protecting your skin against the harmful UV rays.

    Pros
    • Hydrating formula
    • Has SPF 30
    • Can be used as a moisturizer
    • Lightweight
    • Hides fine lines
    Cons
    • Not good for oily skin
  • Long lasting and lightweight

    DERMABLEND PROFESSIONAL insta-grip jelly primer

    DERMABLEND PROFESSIONAL insta-grip jelly primer
  • This 3-in-1 hydrating primer moisturizes and tightens the skin. It has a unique jelly-like sticky texture providing long-lasting results. It absorbs into the skin very quickly and is made from plant extracts. You can use Dermablend Professional if you have normal to dry skin. All you have to do to ensure a perfect base is apply this primer with your fingers in upward strokes for the best results.

    Pros
    • Provides hydration
    • Long-lasting
    • Unique appearance and texture
    • Has skin tightening benefits
    • Quick absorption
    • Anti-aging properties
    Cons
    • Expensive
  • StriVectin Skin Primers & Lotions

    StriVectin Skin Primers & Lotions
  • If you are struggling to find a primer to hide your wrinkles, look no further. This is the best face primer for that purpose because it has optical blurring microspheres. It provides a healthy and radiant look to your face. Your skin can easily breathe through the primer and won’t irritate the skin cells either. With this primer for sensitive skin, you won’t have to worry about your makeup settling in the creases. Go ahead and buy this StriVectin primer to get rid of dry and dull skin.

    Pros
    • Brightens the skin
    • Hides wrinkles
    • Evens skin tone
    • Provides healthy skin
    • Hydrates the skin
    Cons
    • Expensive
  • ALMAY 5-IN-1 Correction PRIMER

    ALMAY 5-IN-1 Correction PRIMER
  • This one-of-a-kind 5-in-1 primer offers color correcting, skin hydrating, and oil control benefits. It’s a multi-tasking product that will be a great purchase for people with sensitive skin types. It neutralizes the blemishes and redness on your skin and provides a silky base for you to work on. The two colors in the form of beads blend perfectly when they are squeezed out. The formula is lightweight and it is good for people with oily skin as well.

    Pros
    • Blurs fine lines and imperfections
    • Extremely hydrating
    • Evens out skin tone
    • Controls redness
    • Hypoallergenic
    • Controls sebum
    Cons
    • Provides light coverage
  • colorescience Skin MATTIFYING PRIMER

    colorescience Skin MATTIFYING PRIMER
  • This mattifying primer by colorescience comes with a mineral sunscreen and broad spectrum SPF 20. It brightens dull skin and is loaded with antioxidants that are gentle on the face. This is quite an effective primer for no-makeup looks as it evens out the skin tone and provides a flawless base to work on. Just apply a little bit of blush, and lipstick and set it in place with a good mineral powder on top of this primer. There you go! You have a no-makeup look for a pajama party night.

    Pros
    • Doubles as a moisturizer
    • Controls oil
    • Minimizes the pores
    • Protects from the sun
    • Brightens the skin
    • Hypoallergenic
    • Paraben-free
    Cons
    • Expensive
  • smashbox PHOTO FINISH SUPER LIGHT PRIMER

    smashbox PHOTO FINISH SUPER LIGHT PRIMER
  • Smashbox is one of the well-known brands in the beauty industry and this primer here is a cult favorite. This is the best gripping primer for oily skin because it is non-greasy and infused with peptides. It has a velvet-like consistency and also offers anti-aging benefits. It is lightweight and glides smoothly on the skin. If you want your foundation to blend seamlessly into your skin, this primer should definitely be on your list.

    Pros
    • Hides fine lines
    • Smooth on the skin
    • Blends foundation seamlessly
    • Cruelty-free
    • Facilitates color correction
    • Anti-aging properties
    Cons
    • Can be too drying for dry skin
  • Benefit POREfessional PORE PRIMER Set

    Benefit POREfessional PORE PRIMER Set
  • If your aim is to minimize your pores, then this is the best makeup primer for sensitive skin types. It is also great for people who have oily skin because it has a non-greasy formula and provides a natural matte finish to your base. It is a lightweight primer that has a transparent gel-like texture. This primer complements all skin tones and can also provide a layer of protection to your skin because it contains vitamin E.

    Pros
    • Non-comedogenic
    • Contains vitamin E
    • Good for all skin types
    • Oil-free
    • Hides fine lines
    • Available in full-size and mini
    Cons
    • Not long-lasting

    Without a good face primer, your makeup will look patchy, and uneven. But, with the help of the best primers for sensitive skin listed above, we hope you are able to make the right choice. Now, roll your eyes at the buying guide and ways to choose the best primer.

    Types of Primers for Sensitive Skin:

    There are 4 different primers that are good for sensitive skin:

    • Tinted primers: If you want to achieve an even skin tone and get rid of tiny blemishes on your face, then tinted primers are your best bet. They will neutralize your skin tone and cover all the tiny imperfections.
    • Color-correcting primers: This type of primer is perfect for those battling sensitive skin issues along with other problems like dark circles, pigmentation, and discoloration.
    • Moisturizing primers: If you have dry sensitive skin, then moisturizing primers are your perfect choice. A moisturizing primer hydrates your skin and prevents it from getting dry and dull. However, this doesn’t mean you can skip your moisturizer. 
    • Matte primers: If you have oily sensitive skin, then buy an oil-free primer to prevent your pores from clogging. A mattifying primer will blur out your pores and your foundation will last for a long time.

    How to Choose the Best Primer for Sensitive Skin?

    If you are unsure of the parameters to keep in mind while choosing the right primer, don't worry, we got your back. Here is a list of things you must never compromise on while purchasing primer for sensitive skin. 

    • Oil-free: When selecting the best primers for black skin or any other skin color, it is important to make sure that the product does not contain oil in order to avoid clogging pores and causing further irritation. Primers which are oil-free will provide a matte finish without irritating the skin.
    • Color correcting benefits: Select a primer that will offer you the added benefit of color correction because sensitive skin is more prone to redness and irritation. Whichever primer you apply, it should be able to reduce the redness. 
    • Natural ingredients: Buy a primer that doesn’t have too many harsh chemicals because they can  damage your skin.Healthy vitamins: Go for a primer that also contains antioxidants and is rich in vitamins like vitamin C or E. It will be an added advantage if the primer has hyaluronic acid as well. A primer that contains SPF will also protect your skin against skin damage. 

    Before you start your makeup routine, make sure to clean your hands and face first. For sensitive skin, it’s important to buy hypoallergenic products. Rest assured, with the help of these best primers for sensitive skin, your face will turn into an über-smooth canvas for you to put your makeup on. 

    FAQ's

    How long should primers sit on your face?
    Apply the primer and let it sit on your face for at least 2 minutes before you apply your foundation. If you don’t have a primer that absorbs quickly, it’s best to wait for at least 3 minutes.
    Do you moisturize after using a primer?
    Some people are still under the misconception that primers and moisturizers are the same. They are not! It is important to apply primer after applying moisturizer. That’s the proper way to go about your makeup regime. When you apply a moisturizer first, it soothes and hydrates your skin. Then, apply a primer to hide all the blemishes, fine lines, redness, and pores.
    How do you apply a primer smoothly?
    Once you have moisturized your skin, select a primer based on its hypoallergenic and color-correcting properties, and squeeze some on the back of your hand. Use your ring finger and dot it all over your face. Gently rub your primer and do not be rough with it. If the primer is the only thing you are going to use, then seal it with a setting spray or a face mist.
    Can I use a primer every day?
    Primers can be used every day as long as they are hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic. You can also reapply them whenever you see the pores appearing again. Wearing a primer every day is also a good idea for those who don’t feel like wearing heavy foundations on an everyday basis.

    Why Trust Pinkvilla

    Anoushka Sinha, the author of this article, claims that face exfoliator tools are an essential part of skincare – they promote smooth and glowing skin by getting rid of dead skin cells and impurities from the surface. Additionally, they can also help enhance the absorption of skincare products. She took the time to put all of them to the test, and she noticed that the Olay Regenerist Face Cleansing Brush deserved the top spot on the list. Amongst many other benefits, it provided gentle exfoliation, unclogged the pores, and effectively removed whiteheads. Plus, it comes with a replacement brush head that can be used whenever needed.

    Our product experts study the specifications of every product we suggest and try them out to bring what’s proven to be worthy of your money, time, and energy. We also have subject matter experts from various fields like Fashion, Skincare, Haircare, Home Decor, and Health & Fitness onboard to make sure our suggestions are credible and trustworthy. You can trust Pinkvilla to be your faithful shopping guide for all the right reasons!

    Author BIO
    reviewer
    Anoushka Sinha
    Skincare Coach & Writer

    Anoushka is certified in Professional Skincare and is a Mass Media (Journalism) graduate from Mumbai University. As a More