10 Best BB Creams for Sensitive Skin in 2022 (Makeup Artist-Reviewed)
BB cream, otherwise known as "beauty balm" or "blemish balm," is an all-in-one solution that can prime, correct, moisturize, and brighten your skin. If you're looking for a versatile makeup product that works double or even triple duty, BB cream can solve most of your problems! However, like all skincare and makeup, not all formulas are suitable for sensitive skin.
That's why we researched the best BB creams out there and came up with a top 10 list of great options. Our top pick was Pūrlisse's Perfect Glow BB Cream; it's rich in antioxidants to soothe your irritated skin. For nine other great suggestions, keep scrolling! There's also a buying guide at the end reviewed by a makeup artist to help you decide on the best BB cream for your sensitive skin.
Quick List - Top BB Creams For Sensitive Skin
Natalya is a professional makeup artist based in Los Angeles and has been trying new products to find what is best for each individual's skin tone and type. She is self-taught but wanted to further her education, and she went to a makeup school in Los Angeles to learn the ins and outs of makeup. She has tried many makeup brands and products and can proudly say she has found some of the best and longest-wearing products. As a freelance makeup artist, she wants her clients not to worry about their makeup not lasting as long as they need it to.
mybest US' editing team consists of experienced members who have backgrounds in writing, editing, translation, and more. We are dedicated to researching what makes a product or service the best to users in the US in order to create top-quality articles. From skincare, to kitchen appliances, and to DIY supplies, our mission is to find the best ones for you.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
How to Choose BB Creams For Sensitive Skin
Sensitive skin is fickle and can be easily irritated. Even natural ingredients, which many believe to be good for the skin, might trigger allergic reactions. In this buying guide, we'll lay out all the factors you need to consider in order to choose a BB cream that's suitable for your sensitive skin.
Stay Away from Potential Irritants
Some ingredients might be generally safe to use but can trigger allergic reactions in those with sensitive skin. Read on to learn what ingredients to steer clear of!
Be Careful With Fragrances
According to dermatologists, fragrances are one of the most frequent causes of contact dermatitis, a severe type of skin inflammation. So if you have fragrance sensitivity, you'll want to look for a fragrance-free BB cream.
Also, don't assume that fragrances derived from natural essential oils are safe! Some people are allergic to essential oils, even though they are beneficial to normal skin. For instance, citrus oils like lime and bergamot work well for many but might cause redness and itching on sensitive skin.
If a formula contains any essential oils, we recommend doing a patch test before applying it to your face to ensure that it works for your sensitive skin.
A scented and fragranced foundation may seem luxurious but it may cause irritation to the skin. Some people are allergic to certain fragrances and have a reaction to the product. For sensitive skin, a non-scented product may be your safest bet.
A lot of companies add fragrances to their products to make the products seem more pleasing to apply to the face. I'm sure you wouldn't feel comfortable with applying a product to our face that has a bad smell to it. Those with acne prone skin, eczema, psoriasis, and other skin conditions may want to stay away from scented products due to the fact it could inflame the skin.
Parabens Can Cause Skin Irritation in Some
Parabens are used in BB creams as preservatives. While they don't usually cause any problems to most people, they can lead to skin irritation and even result in contact dermatitis. Parabens might also strip your skin of its natural oils and make it become dry and rough.
Avoid Chemical-Based SPF if it Irritates You
Many BB creams are formulated with SPF to protect your skin from the harmful effects of UV rays. However, chemical sun filters such as oxybenzone, octinoxate, and avobenzone might cause redness, burning, stinging, and other allergic reactions in people with sensitive skin or skin conditions such as rosacea.
Instead of them, look for mineral filters like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. They're less irritating to the skin than chemical sun filters but are still effective in shielding your skin from UV light. Many dermatologists recommend mineral filters for the delicate skin of babies and kids, so you know they're safer for the skin!
Also, you might find some products that are specifically advertised to be titanium dioxide-free. According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer, titanium dioxide in its powder form is a possible carcinogen by inhalation. However, many studies have shown that titanium dioxide is safe when used in cosmetic products at appropriate levels.
Look for Nourishing Ingredients to Keep Your Skin Healthy
Since sensitive skin is on the weaker side, you will need a formula with nourishing ingredients to enhance the health of your skin. Not only do you need moisturizers, but you should also look for antioxidant-rich ingredients to keep your skin protected. Continue reading to learn what ingredients can really help your skin.
Moisturizers Maintain Your Skin's Needed Hydration
Your skin needs moisture to stay supple. So, it's crucial that your BB cream contains moisturizers such as glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and aloe vera. Those ingredients can restore the skin's barrier and prevent moisture loss. Plus, they're lightweight and are less likely to make your face feel greasy or cause acne.
If your skin is really dry or has a rough texture, oils and plant-based butters like shea butter, olive oil, argan oil, and safflower oil can be of help! They are packed with fatty acids and vitamins to leave your skin feeling soft to the touch. They help support your skin's protective barrier, too!
It is important to have a skin care routine and make sure your face is clean and moisturized before applying any makeup products. The benefit of adding moisture to the face is that it gives you a refreshed natural look. It helps fight dehydration which causes dryness on the face. It leaves your skin looking healthy and adds a slight sheen as well as feeling the hydrating cooling effect to the skin.
Moisturizer is great for everyone but most beneficial for anyone struggling with dryness. A moisturizer is not heavy on the skin, it just adds a plump glow to the skin to protect and make your skin look enhanced in the most beautiful glowy way.
Antioxidants Help Blur Imperfections and Soothe Your Skin
Environmental aggressors such as UV light and pollution might dull your complexion, make your skin lose its elasticity, and cause blemishes such as fine lines and wrinkles. To maintain your skin's elasticity and suppleness, choose a BB cream infused with antioxidant-rich ingredients like green tea extract, white tea extract, and niacinamide.
These ingredients not only neutralize the harmful effects of free radicals, but they also give your skin a brighter complexion. Ingredients with strong antioxidant properties can help soothe skin irritation, too.
Chamomile extract and aloe vera have been proven especially efficient in reducing skin inflammation. Supplying your skin with vitamins A and E can also promote healthy cell growth.
If you have acne-prone skin, then why not choose a BB cream that will only help your skin instead of clogging and possibly making it worse. Antioxidants are to make the skin better and nourish the skin leaving a youthful feeling and look to the skin. Antioxidants are in most skincare products, so why not find yourself a foundation that provides it as well?
The more you apply healthy products to the skin, the better your skin will look and feel. This ingredient is designed to reduce fine lines and signs of aging. This is just an added beneficial ingredient in your everyday foundation that will reduce any redness and inflammation.
Pick a Shade That's Suitable for Your Skin Tone
BB creams come in many different shades to suit the need of different skin tones. Usually, skin tones can be categorized into three main types: light, medium, and dark. So the first step is to find out what skin tone you have and choose a shade that's the closest to it.
It's equally crucial to know what your undertone is. Simply look at the color of your veins. If they look bluish, then you have a cool undertone. But if they look somewhat greenish, then you have a warm undertone. A BB cream's undertone should be the same as your skin undertone to give you enhanced and natural-looking skin.
If you have a cool undertone, go for a BB cream with a pinkish or bluish tint. A cream with a yellow, gold, or beige hue works great for those with a warm undertone. Also, if you're not sure what shade to choose, you can choose a BB cream with a neutral shade that adapts to any skin tone.
Find a Coverage Level and Finish That Work for You
When it comes to BB creams, there are three levels of coverage: light, medium, and full. To achieve a natural dewy look that doesn't look made-up, choose a BB cream with light to medium coverage. However, it might not be able to cover all of your blemishes. You can use a concealer to hide those imperfections if need be.
On the other hand, a BB cream with full coverage will help you conceal almost all blemishes without the need to apply multiple layers or use a concealer. The drawback is that a full-coverage BB cream could make your skin feel a bit heavy or look cakey if you're not that experienced with it.
Another factor to keep in mind is the finish of the BB cream. If you have dry skin or want a radiant glow, choose a cream with a dewy finish. But if you have oily skin, you might benefit from a matte formula, which will leave you with a smooth, even, and shine-free look.
10 Best BB Creams For Sensitive Skin Ranking
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Pūrlisse Perfect Glow BB Cream | | Vegan, Oil-Free, and Antioxidant-Rich BB Cream | |
2 | Maybelline Dream BB Fresh® | | A Lightweight BB Cream With Hydrating and Skin-Perfecting Benefits | |
3 | Mizon Snail Repair Intensive BB Cream | | Snail Mucin Keeps Your Skin's Barrier Healthy | |
4 | Andalou Naturals Vitamin C Beauty Balm | | Mineral-Based SPF With Vitamin C for Optimal Sun Protection | |
5 | Marcelle BB Cream | | Certified by the Canadian Dermatology Association | |
6 | Missha Perfect Cover BB Cream | | Moisturizing and Soothing for Sensitive Skin | |
7 | IPKN Moist and Firm BB Cream | | Improve Your Skin's Elasticity With This Collagen-Infused Cream | |
8 | Pacifica Alight Multi-Mineral BB Cream | | Experience Sheer, Hydrating Coverage That Primes, Illuminates, and Perfects | |
9 | Jane Iredale Glow Time | | Full Coverage and Non-Greasy Texture | |
10 | e.l.f BB Cream | | Light, Non-Greasy Consistency |
Vegan, Oil-Free, and Antioxidant-Rich BB Cream
Purlisse's BB cream is available in 11 shades to complement various skin tones. This vegan and oil-free formula is less likely to trigger acne. It's also infused with many antioxidant-rich ingredients such as magnolia and goji berry fruit extracts to protect your skin from the damaging effects of free radicals.
A nice bonus is that it contains SPF 30. However, a few reviewers are concerned with the authenticity of this BB cream sold on Amazon, so we've attached the link to the manufacturer's website for you.
Meanwhile, the majority love the light coverage, which gives their skin a smooth and natural look. Those with sensitive skin are also happy that the BB cream doesn't irritate their skin or cause acne breakouts. Others further mention that a little goes a long way, so you only need a small amount to conceal your imperfections.
A Lightweight BB Cream With Hydrating and Skin-Perfecting Benefits
Maybelline Dream BB Fresh offers a multi-functional solution combining makeup and skincare. With eight benefits in one, this lightweight beauty balm hydrates, brightens, and smooths skin while offering broad-spectrum SPF 30 protection. Its sheer coverage allows for a natural, fresh finish that suits a variety of skin tones. Oil-free and non-comedogenic, this BB cream is suitable for all skin types, providing a comfortable, breathable feel without clogging pores.
The formula’s skin-friendly ingredients, including chamomile and aloe extracts, help to soothe and nourish the skin. The product is available in five shades, offering options for different complexions. Its smooth application process can be worn with or without additional moisturizers, making it a convenient one-step routine for a naturally enhanced look.
Snail Mucin Keeps Your Skin's Barrier Healthy
This BB cream from Mizon is free of potential irritants such as parabens and fragrance. It has SPF 50 and broad-spectrum protection for optimal shielding against the sun. With 35 percent of snail mucin extract - a common ingredient in Korean beauty products - it can restore your skin's protective barrier and seal in moisture to leave your skin feeling hydrated.
This BB cream comes in four different shades. If a shade doesn't work for your skin tone, you can contact the manufacturer for a full refund.
A drawback of this BB cream for some buyers is the thick consistency. Yet, most people note that it covers their blemishes completely but still gives them a natural look and is easy to apply. Reviewers with sensitive skin add that it doesn't irritate their skin.
Mineral-Based SPF With Vitamin C for Optimal Sun Protection
This BB cream from Andalou Naturals is formulated with 98 percent naturally derived ingredients. It contains mineral-based SPF to protect your skin from damaging UV rays without causing skin irritation. Moreover, the infusion of vitamin C and fruit stem cell complex helps brighten your skin and improve your skin texture.
Some reviewers wish that there were more shade options. They mention that this light shade has an orange tint, which might only be suitable for those with a warm undertone. Nonetheless, most reviewers - including those with sensitive skin - appreciate the gentle formula that doesn't aggravate their skin.
Many others further add that the BB cream blends well and leaves their skin with a dewy look. After using this BB cream, many reviewers notice that their pores look smaller and blemishes such as red patches, fine lines, and wrinkles seem to diminish.
Certified by the Canadian Dermatology Association
Approved by the Canadian Dermatology Association, Marcelle's BB cream is less likely to cause irritation. It's formulated without potential irritants such as fragrance. Infused with aloe vera and chamomile flower extract, it not only improves your skin's texture and complexion but also soothes your skin inflammation.
Some buyers complain about the defective packaging. Nevertheless, many reviewers recommend this BB cream for its lightweight texture that doesn't make the skin oily or irritate sensitive skin.
Reviewers also highlight the highly moisturizing formula that keeps their skin glowy and hydrated throughout the day. Others like that the formula is buildable, so feel free to add extra layers if you think the coverage is too light.
Moisturizing and Soothing for Sensitive Skin
This BB cream combines ceramide and jojoba oil to strengthen your skin's protective moisture and minimize moisture loss. Enriched with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant-rich ingredients such as rosemary leaf extract, chamomile flower extract, and rose canina fruit oil, it alleviates skin irritation while fighting age spots.
Some reviewers found that this BB cream leaves a greasy residue behind, making it less ideal for oily-combination skin. However, most appreciate the nutrient-rich formula that is gentle on the skin and is highly moisturizing.
After using this BB cream, reviewers notice that their skin looks dewy, smooth, and soft. They are happy with its effective sun protection and also mention that it's easy to apply.
Improve Your Skin's Elasticity With This Collagen-Infused Cream
Struggling with tired and sagging skin? Infused with ceramide 3, collagen, and niacinamide, this BB cream can neutralize the effects of free radicals, even out your skin tone, and improve the elasticity of your skin. What's more, it has fatty acids to restore the skin's natural moisture barrier for a youthful and healthy complexion.
A few reviewers don't like the thin consistency of the BB cream. Meanwhile, many buyers comment that this BB cream provides full coverage but doesn't leave a cakey feeling.
Users with sensitive skin are also glad that this BB cream doesn't trigger allergic reactions or cause breakouts while making their skin soft and smooth. Another great point is the excellent sun protection that effectively shields their skin from UV rays.
Experience Sheer, Hydrating Coverage That Primes, Illuminates, and Perfects
Pacifica Alight Multi-Mineral BB Cream offers a multitasking formula designed to hydrate, prime, and illuminate the skin, providing a sheer finish that can be built up to the desired coverage. Its specialized mineral pigments adjust to different skin tones, making it a versatile option available in three shades: Light, Medium, and Dark. This lightweight cream helps blur pores, fine lines, and uneven tone, offering a natural, barely-there look that’s ideal for those seeking minimal makeup.
Formulated without talc, parabens, phthalates, or mineral oil, this BB cream includes hydrating ingredients like coconut water, hyaluronic acid, and floral stem cells. The combination of these ingredients aims to nourish the skin while improving its texture and appearance. Easy to apply and blend, the formula provides a dewy finish, making it suitable for daily use on clean skin for a fresh, effortless complexion.
Full Coverage and Non-Greasy Texture
This BB cream from Jane Iredale is formulated with mineral-based SPF to protect your skin from UV rays without being too harsh. It also contains green tea extract and white tea extract, both of which are rich in antioxidants that enhance your complexion.
A few buyers note that the shades have an orange tint, so it might not be suitable for people with a cool undertone. Some others say it has a distinctive citrus scent.
However, many reviewers praise the lightweight consistency that glides on easily and doesn't make their skin greasy. On top of that, they say the full coverage lasts a long time and helps conceal their imperfections nicely.
Light, Non-Greasy Consistency
With jojoba oil, aloe vera, cucumber extract, and vitamin E, this BB cream soothes and hydrates your skin without weighing it down. It offers broad-spectrum protection to minimize the effects of both UVA and UVB rays. Also, it's vegan and cruelty-free as well as free of potential irritants like parabens, triclosan, and hydroquinone.
For some buyers, the coverage is too sheer. But others say it's buildable, so you can always apply more layers if needed. Many reviewers are also pleased with the moisturizing properties of this BB cream, saying it gives them a radiant glow and effectively evens out their skin tone.
Natalya's Recommended BB Cream for Sensitive Skin
bareMinerals Complexion Rescue tinted moisturizer is a hydrating product that provides sunscreen and coverage. I like to use this tinted moisturizer as a BB cream for my clients who want a light coverage and dewy look to the skin. I like to recommend this product to mature skin types because it is so lightweight and won't settle in any fine lines.
This has hyaluronic acid to add a healthy glow to the skin. This product has multiple color options to choose from. They do tend to appear lighter on the skin so maybe finding a shade darker than you think you need would be best.
Frequently Asked Questions
In addition to checking our buying guide for accuracy, Natalya took the time to answer some commonly asked questions about BB creams for sensitive skin.
Are BB creams bad for your skin?
"BB cream is a skin care foundation that has multiple benefits to the skin. It's used as a moisturizer, primer, sunscreen, skin treatment, and coverage. BB creams are not as popular as they should be! They have so many benefits to the skin, why wouldn't anyone want to choose a BB cream over a regular foundation?" Natalya wonders.
"You have to find the perfect BB cream for your skin type. Not everyone has the same skin type so not all the same BB creams do the same for each individual. You have to know what your skin can handle and what your skin will react to," she says.
More Fantastic Products for Your Sensitive Skin
Working with sensitive skin can be a real challenge. Cosmetic products that are generally safe for normal skin might be irritating to you. So, if you're in search of cosmetic products that are designed specifically for sensitive skin, check out our other recommendations!
In Collaboration With Professional Makeup Artist Natalya Lowe
This expert reviewed the contents of the buying guide for accuracy and provided factual corrections when necessary, as well as extra tips and advice. They did not participate in the product selection process, nor are they affiliated with any of our choices unless explicitly stated so.
Top 5 BB Creams For Sensitive Skin
No. 1: Pūrlisse｜Perfect Glow BB Cream
No. 2: Maybelline ｜Dream BB Fresh®
No. 3: Mizon｜Snail Repair Intensive BB Cream
No. 4: Andalou Naturals ｜Vitamin C Beauty Balm
No. 5: Marcelle ｜BB Cream
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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