The 13 Best Natural & Clean Foundations Of 2023 For Every Skin Tone

As someone who has dealt with acne (as a teen and young adult) and rosacea (which developed in my late 20s), I know the power of a good foundation. On days when I have flare-ups, I rely on my foundation arsenal to give the confidence boost I need. I fundamentally do not believe that using foundation to your advantage is "covering up" or "hiding" your complexion. Makeup should be about feeling good in your skin, and if you want to even out your tone in order to feel your best? By all means. And usually, it''s not even that deep: For lots of folks, doing a full face of makeup is just fun.
So no matter how you use foundation in your day-to-day life, you've come to the perfect place to check out the very best on the market right now. Here, you'll see options for various skin types, needs, and tones.
The best foundations:
The best foundations:
How we picked.
Not only do these formulas lean clean and natural, but they also are chock full of skin-supporting extras, like antioxidants, SPF, or hydrators.
Not everyone is looking for the same thing out of a foundation, so we wanted to give you plenty of options—from matte to dewy, sheer to full coverage, and everything in between.
We only featured products that had a wide range of hues. Most collections on this list feature double-digit shade ranges, plus unique undertone options too.
These recs come personally tested by me, our beauty team, or trusted professionals. Additionally, they also come with tons of positive user reviews.
The best foundations of 2023:
Pros:
- Extremely hydrating
- Can double as a day cream
- Editor's note: This is my go-to daytime foundation
Con:
- Avoid using a silicone-based primer
Shade range:
- 12 shades
Bobbi Brown has long been the champion of a natural, effortless look—and her clean brand Jones Road is a perfect encapsulation of that no-makeup makeup aesthetic. Think of their foundation as a tinted cream (note that I used the word cream, not moisturizer or lotion; the texture is thick). It's rich with plumping ingredients like hyaluronic acid and jojoba oil, which are ideal for more mature skin that tends to be dry. As for coverage: The dense formula glides on, creating a soft-focus finish while letting your skin shine through. The product is buildable, if you're looking for a bit more pigment, but its ideal user is looking for something with light coverage.
Best everyday: Kosas Revealer Skin Improving Foundation SPF 25

Pro:
- Affordable price point with high-quality ingredients
Con:
- Dewy finish, so avoid if you prefer matte
Shade range:
- 36 shades
First was the Revealer Concealer, which earned itself a devoted following. And now? Kosas struck gold with their full-face number, too. This sophisticated formula lasts all day, without sliding around, sweating off, turning flaky, or settling into fine lines. The lightweight foundation is chock-full of glow-enhancing ingredients (niacinamide, peptides, and vitamin B5 just to name a few), so it cares for your skin while you wear it.
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Best drugstore: CoverGirl Clean Fresh Skin Milk Foundation

Pro:
- Affordable price point with high-quality ingredients
Con:
- Dewy finish, so avoid if you prefer matte
Shade range:
- 14 shades
A light, silky formula that checks all the boxes. It offers buildable coverage that can range from sheer to medium. The finish is natural, with just enough shine to give you a radiant glow. The ingredients are hydrating and safe for sensitive skin. And it blends together with a wide range of skin tones and undertones. What's not to love?
Best full coverage: LAWLESS Conceal The Deal Longwear Full Coverage Foundation

Pros:
- Smooth matte finish
- Silicone-free formula (if you avoid those)
- Infused with antioxidant-rich botanicals
Con:
- Can separate, so must shake well before use
Shade range:
- 28 shades
This brand is for the serious makeup lover (Oh, and they just happen to be clean as well). Their pigments are bright, bold, and concentrated. The formulas are high-performance and longwear. And the application is professional-level smooth. So if you opt for a full beat, this is the foundation for you.
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Best sheer coverage: Westman Atelier Vital Skincare Dewy Complexion Drops

Pros:
- Serum-like consistency & ingredient quality
- Dewy finish
Con:
- Expensive
Shade range:
- 20 shades
This skin care and makeup hybrid will give you a radiant wash of color, alongside botanical extracts that can brighten and smooth texture over time. I also love that the usage is up to you: Add just a few drops, and it will give you a subtle payoff—or add a few more for a medium-coverage finish. You can also blend it with your favorite day cream for a completely customizable tinted moisturizer.
Pro:
- Longwear and medium to high coverage
Cons:
- Complaints about its blendability, as it dries down fast
- Contains silicones, if you avoid those
Shade range:
- 40 shades
Finishes play a huge role in whether you're going to enjoy a foundation. For those who prefer muted and matte finishes, the key is to find something that is going to minimize any shine from your natural oils and create a smooth-looking canvas but doesn't make your face look flat. A tall order! This liquid option dries down evenly and gives a very natural appearance—it's matte but not dull.
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Pro:
- The ingredients are formulated at active levels
Con:
- Slippery texture can take a second to get used to when learning to apply
Shade range:
- 30 shades
You know those dewy serums that give your skin the most radiant glow? This formula is like that, just with a tint. The coverage ranges from very light to medium (it just takes a bit more to build up to it) and has pretty good wearability throughout the day. Where the product really stands out is the glowing finish: It instantly makes skin appear healthier and refreshed. Some of that is thanks to the makeup properties, but certainly the active ingredients play a role over time as well. It's blended with brightening niacinamide and allantoin to give your skin a natural boost.
Pro:
- Contains antioxidants specifically selected for pollution protection
Con:
- Made with essential oils, if you find those irritating
Shade range:
- 43 shades
Here, we have a demi-satin finish; basically this means it's not too matte yet not too shiny. So if you want something that's going to give you that "your skin but a touch better" finish, grab yourself a bottle of Exa's foundation. Not only is the finish very natural-looking, but the wide range of shades and undertones means you're more likely to find something that perfectly matches your skin tone.
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Best tinted oil: Maybelline New York Green Edition Superdrop Tinted Oil

Pros:
- 70% of the formula comes from natural origin sources
- The packaging is made with recycled materials
Cons:
- Only for people who like the texture of oils
- Separates easily, needs to be shaken before application
Shade range:
- 8 shades
Maybelline's Green Edition collection was a delightful surprise to clean beauty fans everywhere. Not only did it mean more affordable and accessible options, but the formulas were standout (which should come as no surprise; Maybelline makes excellent makeup). The tinted oil is perfect for folks who want a light wash of color—alongside major skin care benefits. Not only can oils help trap in moisture throughout the day, but this foundation was made with antioxidant-rich jojoba and marula.
Best SPF: Saie Slip Tint Dewy Tinted Moisturizer with SPF 35

Pros:
- Broad spectrum SPF with zinc oxide
- Very hydrating
- More universally flattering undertones
Cons:
- Very light coverage that doesn't build as easily as a standard foundation
Shade range:
- 14 shades
In case you need a reminder: Sunscreen is an incredibly important daily step in your routine to protect you from damage and aging. And if you need help fitting it into your routine so that you'll actually do it, a tinted moisturizer is an excellent choice. This way, you're tackling a few steps in one formula. For example, Saie's excellent formula hydrates with hyaluronic acid and plant extracts, protects with zinc oxide, and adds an even wash of color.
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Best sensitive skin: Tower 28 SunnyDays Tinted SPF Sunscreen Foundation

Pro:
- The first and only complexion makeup product with the National Eczema Association's Seal of Acceptance
Con:
- Some complain that the texture is a touch thick, if you're looking for a more liquidy and sheer product
Shade range:
- 14 shades
Part of the core ethos of this brand is that folks with sensitive skin should have playful skin care and makeup products, too. (As someone with sensitive skin, I agree.) And to establish their commitment to creating gentle yet high-quality products, their formulas even have the National Eczema Association's Seal of Acceptance; if someone with eczema can use these formulas, that's usually a sign that it's safe for most. The foundation offers medium coverage, a natural finish, and comes with antioxidants and SPF.
Pros:
- The shade range includes 5 different undertones
- Great for oil-prone individuals
- Can reapply effortlessly throughout the day
Con:
- Powder only really plays well with other powder products, so you can't really use cream or liquid makeup on top
Shade range:
- 46 shades
This classic natural brand makes delightfully soft yet highly efficacious mineral-powder-based products. Powder foundations are amazing because they allow for customizable coverage that ranges from a slight veil to a full face. And Alima Pure's powders are cushiony, malleable, and easy to apply. Plus, they offer sun protection.
Pros:
- Travel-friendly
- Multiuse as it can be used as a foundation, concealer, or contour tool
Con:
- Some find it too greasy, so maybe best to avoid for oil-prone individuals
Shade range:
- 14 shades
Personally, I always have a stick foundation in my arsenal. Not only are they easy to use (just swipe on and blend in with your fingertips!), but they make for great travel companions. If I'm going to be out and about all day, I typically toss one in my purse so I can touch up as needed. My favorite? This creamy number. The formula glides on so effortlessly and infuses skin with botanical extracts and oils.
mbg review process
At mbg, high standards are earned—and there are no shortcuts. Our beauty editors stay up to date on the latest ingredient research and innovation. It's a dynamic, continuously evolving space, and it's important we look into the science so we can make informed choices about which formulas earn our stamp of approval (figuratively speaking).
Our high standards also come from testing products—many, many products. Our editors and writers rigorously test and research the products featured in our roundups to offer you the best, most informed recommendations. When we write reviews, you can trust we spend quality time with the formulas: We don't simply rave about products we've slathered on the back of our hand. We endorse products we've tried and loved.
Learn more about our testing process and clean beauty standards here.
The takeaway.
Finding your ideal foundation may take some work. You need to account for your own unique preferences with coverage, finish, texture, ingredients—not to mention your skin tone and undertones. But this list is a great place to start; if it's within your budget, I recommend having a few options on hand so you can pick a formula based on the occasion (for example, sometimes I need a tinted SPF for a day in the park; others I need a long-wear formula that won't budge). And once you have your foundation of choice? Well, don't forget concealer.