According to Oska, “A serum-like formula can work very well for patients who want a bouncy, natural-looking appearance.” Neutrogena’s serum-like formula was designed for sensitive skin and offers sheer coverage. It’s formulated without common irritants, like alcohol, dyes, and fragrance, and it’s infused with soothing, barrier-supporting ingredients such as panthenol, glycerin, and vitamin E.
Frequently asked questions
What kind of foundations do not settle into wrinkles?
“Serum foundations and skin tints are the best for a natural, flexible finish,” says Sejal Shah, MD, a board-certified dermatologist. She adds that cream foundations tend to benefit drier skin types needing more cushion and coverage, while liquid foundations can benefit some mature skin types, especially when they’re labeled radiant or luminous. On the flipside, “Powder foundations tend to emphasize dry skin and texture,” she says. “I tend to recommend them less for mature skin unless used very strategically.”
What foundation ingredients do dermatologists recommend for mature skin?
According to Yadav, humectants are the key ingredients to prioritize in a foundation for mature skin. “Hyaluronic acid and glycerin help the product sit well on skin and prevent that dry, settled-into-lines look as the day wears on,” she says. And, while peptides, niacinamide, and vitamin C are all good anti-aging ingredients, Yadav notes that they tend to do their best work in a dedicated serum or moisturizer where the formulation is designed around them. “If they appear in a foundation, that is a nice bonus, but not a reason to choose one product over another,” she says.
Should mature skin use matte or dewy foundation?
Yadav recommends dewy formulas as the holy grail for mature skin. “Matte foundation tends to look drier on skin that is already producing less oil, and that dryness reads as crepey texture and emphasized expression lines,” she says. “A luminous, hydrated finish almost always looks more youthful than a flat, powdered one.”
What’s the difference between foundation and BB cream?
“Foundation is primarily designed to even out skin tone and provide cosmetic coverage, with formulas ranging from sheer to full coverage, and finishes from matte to radiant,” Collins says. Meanwhile, BB cream—otherwise known as beauty balm or blemish balm—is more of a makeup-skincare hybrid. “Many BB creams include added ingredients like SPF, antioxidants, or hydrating agents while offering a more natural finish,” Collins says.
While evaluating the best drugstore foundations for mature skin, Glamour editors and contributors swiped on samples and reported back on a variety of attributes, including longevity, pigment, the formula’s ability to blur fine lines, and more. We also sought expert guidance from the pros below:
