Foundations That Do Not Oxidize: 7 Great Choices!

Finding the perfect foundation is hard enough. But then you realize the foundation you’re wearing has changed color throughout the day. Ugh! Your foundation is oxidizing.

Ok, which foundations do not oxidize?

In this article, we are going to look at why foundation oxidation happens as well as give you our picks for foundations that do not oxidize. We’ll give you the rundown on each of our favorite products.

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What is Foundation Oxidation?

Chemically, in the simplest of terms, oxidation is a process in which an electron is removed from a molecule during a chemical reaction.

That’s not very important. What you care about when it comes to foundation and makeup is that oxidation in your foundation can result in changes in color and consistency.

If you’ve had your foundation for longer than six months, you may see a change in the foundation color and texture in the bottle. It may even start to separate.

This type of oxidation is caused by your foundation getting repeatedly exposed to oxygen by being opened and closed (and left open too long). At some point, most foundations will oxidize if you’ve had them for too long.

This is why most cosmetics have an expiration date.

We’ve written all about foundation oxidation here if you want a deep dive into why it occurs.

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Do Foundations With SPF Oxidize?

Most sunscreens contain titanium dioxide and/or zinc oxide, which can cause oxidation. So does that mean you shouldn’t use sunscreen with foundation? That’s an absolute ‘no’!

You need sunscreen on your face all the time when going out during the day. 

You can either choose a foundation with a broad spectrum SPF or you can use sunscreen and foundation. 

What you also need to be using is a foundation primer. A foundation primer puts a barrier between the skin and your foundation, making it less likely for reactions between the oils in your skin and the sunscreen, with the foundation.

If you are using a foundation with sunscreen, your primer goes on before the foundation.

If you are using a separate sunscreen, it’s recommended you apply your sunscreen after you moisturize, but before your primer to help build that barrier.

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Foundations That Do Not Oxidize

No one wants to look like they’re still using an old-school self-tanning throwback product from the 80s that’s turned them orange. The whole point of cosmetics is to make you look better!

While foundation oxidation can be a real issue, we’ve compiled a list of foundations that do not oxidize so you never have to worry about that again.

1. L’Oreal Paris Infallible 24H Matte Foundation 

Pros

• Full coverage for up to 24 hours
• Fresh feel all-day
• Suitable for mature skin
• Flawless matt finish
• Waterproof
• Does not oxidize

Cons

• May look cakey if too much is applied

L’Oreal Paris Infallible 24H Matte Foundation is unbelievably light, yet hides skin blemishes and evens out tone. Its natural-looking, flawless finish formula is waterproof, steam-proof, and does not oxidize.

You can be sure you look as good as you did when you put it on for up to 24 hours.

The L’Oreal Paris Infallible 24H Matte Foundation is also suitable for mature skin as it blurs wrinkles.

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2. Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup  

Pros

• Thick but lightweight
• Water-resistant
• Perfect for hot and humid climate
• Compatible with all skin tones
• Does not oxidize

Cons

• Some may find the consistency too thick

Though it’s thick, it applies incredibly lightly. Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup is waterproof, transfer-resistant, and lasts all day — in even the most sweltering heat and worst humidity.

As a bonus, it doesn’t oxidize so the shade you get from the tube is consistent with the shade you’ll have on your face by the end of the day.

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3. Neutrogena Healthy Skin Liquid Makeup Foundation 

Pros

• Lightweight, non-greasy, flawless coverage
• Nourishing and rich in antioxidants
• Broad spectrum SPF20
• Does not oxidize

Cons

• May not be ideal for those looking for full coverage

Neutrogena Healthy Skin Liquid Makeup Foundation helps keep skin looking young and healthy while offering light to medium coverage. Its lightweight, non-greasy formula glides on smoothly and works across all skin tones to help provide flawless natural coverage.

This silky foundation contains a unique blend of antioxidants including vitamin E, feverfew, and natural soy, which work together to help visibly improve your skin’s luminosity, tone, and texture.

And unlike most foundations, Neutrogena Healthy Skin Liquid Makeup offers Broad Spectrum SPF 20 sunscreen. It is healthier for your skin than wearing no makeup at all, and leaves your skin feeling even better after you take it off than before you put it on.

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4. NARS All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation 

Pros

• Lightweight 16-hour coverage
• Blends effortlessly
• Paraben-free
• Does not oxidize

Cons

• Might not be crease proof

This oil-free foundation delivers full, natural-looking coverage with one drop, for lightweight, 16-hour wear.

NARS All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation provides a full coverage, lightweight, natural finish. Highly pigmented and perfectly balanced, this breakthrough, full-coverage formula builds and blends effortlessly.

Its Even Tone Technology instantly neutralizes redness and dullness, reducing discoloration for more even, uniform skin.

Perfect for all skin types, it contains flexible polymers and treated pigments that move with the skin while providing 16 hours of staying power.

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5. Cover FX Natural Finish Foundation 

Pros

• Buildable formula
• Offers medium to full coverage
• Vegan & cruelty-free
• Contains vitamins and antioxidants
• Free of parabens, sulfates, phthalates
• Does not oxidize

Cons

• Might settle into fine lines

Cover FX’s Natural Finish Foundation has the second-skin feel to give you natural-looking and flawless coverage which lasts for up to 12 hours. Rich in antioxidants, its water-based formula is enriched with emollients while vitamins C, E, and F moisturize skin. This foundation provides intense hydration and protection from environmental stressors.

Cover FX’s Natural Finish Foundation contains squalene so it won’t oxidize and seals moisture to keep skin soft and supple.

With soft-focus pigments, all your skin irregularities are blurred out and the dewy finish gives you instantly glowing skin.

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6. Smashbox Photo Filter Powder Foundation 

Pros

• Offers sheer-to-medium buildable coverage
• Doubles as a setting powder
• Oil-free formula
• Doesn’t cake or crease
• Blurs skin imperfections
• Does not oxidize

Cons

• Might not be transfer proof

Smashbox’s Photo Filter Powder Foundation is an oil-free, weightless powder foundation with a matte finish. It’s oily skin’s best friend and it doesn’t oxidize! This longwear 2-in1 foundation and setting powder offers buildable coverage so that you can customize your finish.

This richly pigmented powder blurs out skin imperfections using ‘Light Filter Technology’ and adds a natural radiance that stays for up to 8 hours. There’s no creasing, caking, or settling with Smashbox’s Photo Filter Powder Foundation.

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7. Laura Mercier Silk Cream Moisturizing Photo Edition Foundation 

Pros

• Non-comedogenic
• Dermatologist-tested
• Oil-free
• Hydrates skin
• Richly pigmented
• Does not oxidize

Cons

• Might not be transfer-proof

Rounding out our list of foundations that don’t oxidize is Laura Mercier’s Silk Cream Moisturizing Photo Edition Foundation. This 12-hour wear formula is moisturizing while camouflaging and skin imperfections.

Its medium-to-full coverage creates a luminous finish. This foundation wears like a second skin and blends effortlessly. It smooths and evens out skin texture for a flawless base.

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Take Away

There are a few different factors that can make your foundation oxidize. And although the foundations we’ve highlighted are marketed as oxidation-free foundations, everyone’s skin chemistry is different.

If you’ve tried different brands and found that your foundation oxidizing is a common problem, not only should you opt for foundations that do not oxidize, but make sure you are using a primer and maintaining a skincare regime suited to your particular skin type.