I admit, sometimes I am lazy and rely on my readers to crowdsource for me 😏 But today, I have a legit reason. There are SO many liquid/cream/stick foundations in clean beauty nowadays. It would literally take me a year to buy and test them all thoroughly (not to mention a huge dent in my wallet). And yeah, I have tried a lot of them, but not all. Plus, I am just one opinion! So today, I am SO SO SO excited to share…the ULTIMATE guide to the BEST organic beauty foundations (according to you guys!).
This post contains affiliate links, which means I might earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you) if you make a purchase via clicking a link. Thank you for the support!
Basically, I polled my followers on the ‘gram and asked what their go-to non-toxic, clean, and green foundations were. I received hundreds of responses, and there was one clear frontrunner! And a couple of other crowd favorites. I’ll also be sure to sprinkle in my personal picks in the mix, too. We’re going to count down to the MOST popular. Let’s do this! 💪
P.S. All of the foundations in this post are gluten free, cruelty free, phenoxyethanol free, and made with safe ingredients that meet my strict standards!
But first, some quick notes:
I know many struggle to find a foundation that sits well on their skin. And I truly think it’s soooooo important to ensure your skin is effectively taken care of first. You can’t expect makeup to look good if your base isn’t prepped! Skincare first, makeup second. So check out this post for all the tips: How to Effectively Prep Your Skin for Flawless Makeup Application (Naturally!)
And a quick mention about comedogenic or pore-clogging ingredients. Some people with acne-prone skin get irritated by ingredients such as dimethicone/silicones, coconut oil, or coconut derivatives. It’s hard to say for sure and it also depends on the formulation and molecular weight (for example, pure coconut oil can be comedogenic but some people can still use derivatives such as caprylyl glycol or fractionated MCT oil). I personally have struggled with acne in the past but can wear most foundations with silicones and coconut without issue. So it’s different for everyone. Also, foundations that offer fuller coverage can be too heavy for blemished skin, so opt for something light and breathable. Some things to keep in mind!
The Top 8 Best Clean & Low Tox Foundations
8) Ilia Skin Rewind Complexion Stick
Most popular stick! Quick application, Biggest shade range 🌈
Price: $48 for 10 g
Shelf Life: 6 months
Shades Available: 42
Coverage: Medium coverage with a natural matte finish
Packaging: Plastic twist-up tube and cap (curbside recyclable)
Samples: Not from Ilia, but you can sample it via The Detox Market
Other Notes: Vegan, silicone free, contains coconut (MCT), fragrance free
If you want a no-mess, quick-applying foundation…this is it! There was tons of hype around this when Ilia launched it, so you know I had to see what it was all about! Overall, it’s good stuff, but it did take some trial and error to figure out the best application method. I wear shade 5C Pine which matches me well; I appreciate that Ilia made cool-toned options for this stick.
The coverage is buildable with a unique matte finish that still looks natural and skin-like. I don’t even need to use a setting powder over the foundation and it feels really comfortable. Plus, it’s long-lasting and still appears fresh towards the end of the day!
However, if you have dry skin or patches, I wouldn’t recommend this one because it can cling to them. And make sure to apply it to prepped and well-moisturized skin for the smoothest application, otherwise, it can look crepey! I also suggest blending as minimally as possible and using shorter brush strokes.
“I have an oily t-zone, but otherwise normal skin. I’m prone to hormonal acne and have some sun spots and fine lines now that I’m 40. The Ilia Stick is awesome because it’s so simple to apply and blends easily without tugging on my skin. I’m not a glazed donut kinda gal, so I love that it doesn’t leave me looking greasy.” —Megan
PRO TIP: This can also be used as a concealer, or grab a darker shade for contouring!
Also available here at Credo, The Detox Market, Sephora, and Amazon.
As featured in: “Clean Beauty Foundation Stick Guide: Reviewing 6 Natural Brands”
7) Araza All-In-One SPF25 Coconut Cream Foundation
Great for dry and mature skin 🌵
Price: $48 for 30 g
Shelf Life: 12 months
Shades Available: 24
Coverage: Light to medium coverage with a dewy, radiant finish
Packaging: Glass jar with plastic cap
Samples: Yes, $2.50 samples
Other Notes: Cruelty free (not vegan, contains certified organic beeswax), zinc oxide mineral sunscreen, contains coconut (MCT), silicone free, low PUFA, paleo, made in the USA, natural fruity scent
I was happy to see Araza’s foundation make the list because it’s one of my favorites as well, and I feel like the brand is underrated! They make the world’s first paleo-certified makeup with organic plant-based extracts, healthy fats, and earth minerals. The name Araza comes from a rare fruit grown in South America with healing nutraceutical properties, and the foundation is infused with wild-picked araza extract and 95% organic skin superfood ingredients!
Sometimes cream foundations can be dry and cakey, but that’s not the case with this one at all. It has a creamy, smooth texture and applies so seamlessly; it feels incredibly nourishing! Because of this, it’s an ideal pick for dry or mature skin types too. I wear shades 180 or 200.
“I have struggled with sensitive skin for years and Araza is the first cream foundation that I fell in love with! It’s so nourishing and provides the perfect amount of coverage.” —Macey
You can use code ORGANICALLYBECCA15 for a discount 🏷️
Check out my full review of the foundation in this blog post, along with a demo video:
Araza Coconut Cream Foundation Review: Clean, Organic, Paleo, Low PUFA, SPF25, Cruelty Free
6) Toups & Co. Organics Liquid Foundation
Good for oily or acne-prone skin 💥
Price: $50 for 30 mL
Shelf Life: 12 months
Shades Available: 16
Coverage: Light to medium coverage with a natural, semi-matte finish
Packaging: Glass bottle with plastic pump and cap
Samples: Yes, $8 sample sets
Other Notes: Vegan, non-GMO, silicone free, coconut free, oil free (aloe-based), smells like vanilla, made in the USA
This is another one with pristine ingredients! Although it doesn’t have an official SPF rating, you also get some sun protection from non-nano zinc oxide and titanium dioxide (I still suggest using a mineral sunscreen in your skincare routine first, though). It doesn’t contain any pore-clogging ingredients or silicones, so it’s acne-safe and suitable for sensitive and blemish-prone skin types too! The coverage is lightweight, breathable, and comfortable. It actually reminds me of the popular Crunchi Beautifully Flawless Foundation, but less coverage and not as dry. Shade Oyster matches me perfectly, I love it!
Because it’s oil-free, I’m not sure how it would work on drier skin types. I have combination skin that leans a little oily already, so it’s no problem for me. But I do wonder if it might be too dry for others and cling to dry patches. If you have drier skin, I suggest mixing a drop or two of facial oil into this when you apply it so it goes on smoother! Or make sure skin is well moisturized and use a primer.
“Toups & Co. has been an awesome swap for me after desperately trying to find a replacement for my Beautycounter foundation. Smooth, even coverage for my combo skin has been a huge win!!” —Annelise
Use my link for a 15% discount 🏷️
Shop Toups & Co. Foundation Here
5) RMS ReEvolve Natural Finish Liquid Foundation
Fuller coverage 🛡️ Refillable ♻️
Price: $55 for 29 mL ($45 refills)
Shelf Life: 12 months
Shades Available: 16
Coverage: Medium to full coverage with a natural satin finish
Packaging: Recyclable outer container, twist-up inner refill cartridge, airless pump, plastic color cap
Samples: Not from RMS, but you can sample it via The Detox Market
Other Notes: Vegan, contains coconut derivatives, silicone free, soy free, fragrance free, water resistant
We love to see a refillable option 👏 This bad boy has fantastic coverage without looking too cakey, and a little goes a long way, so you can adjust from medium to full. I like its natural finish that wears well throughout the day without using a setting powder. This is one I grab for special events when I want fuller coverage!
It’s also packed with skin-loving ingredients like organic aloe, squalane, adaptogenic herbs, and a retinol alternative called Tightenyl™ that firms, tones, and smooths. My only complaint is that I wish RMS had more cool-toned shade options; I wear shade 11, which is a smidge yellow on me.
“I have combination skin type. I really like that I don’t need a lot of product to achieve good coverage with RMS, so it doesn’t look cakey. I also work long hours and it will last all day for me without having to touch up, which is a plus!” —Kristen
You can use code ORGANICALLYBECCA20 for a discount 🏷️
Also available here at Credo, The Detox Market, and Amazon (discounts not applicable).
4) Crunchi Beautifully Flawless Foundation
Fuller coverage 🛡️
Price: $52 for 30 mL
Shelf Life: 6 months
Shades Available: 11
Coverage: Medium to full coverage, satin semi-matte finish
Packaging: Recyclable glass bottle with BPA-free black pump
Samples: No
Other Notes: Vegan, contains coconut and silicones (dimethicone, triethoxycaprylylsilane), slight vanilla smell, EWG Verified
Overall, I can see why so many people love this one, even though it’s not my number-one pick for my own skin. I do find that it’s on the drier side (it’s quite thick too) so PRO TIP: mix a drop of your facial oil with a pump of the foundation for a smoother, more moisturizing application. I also notice that it can cling to peach fuzz or dry spots and creases a bit for me, especially if I apply a thicker layer. But it does look beautiful once it’s applied and blended!
I wouldn’t say it’s genuinely full coverage unless you use a LOT, but definitely more than medium coverage (I still need a concealer to cover darker spots and blemishes). I suggest following up with a setting powder if you have oily or combination skin like me; although it feels drier when you apply, it does look kind of dewy once it’s on your skin and can slide around a bit.
I also notice some breakouts when I use this, maybe because of the silicones! I wear shade 2.5 but could go even lighter in winter because 2.5 is a tad warm for me.
“My skin is combination and it fluctuates based on my hormones. Crunchi foundation has great, builadble coverage while still feeling lightweight. My skin feels better after wearing the foundation, it never breaks me out, and I feel very confident wearing it!” —Krista
3) Saie Slip Tint SPF35 Tinted Moisturizer
Becca’s fave skin tint 🌟 Most affordable 💰
Price: $38 for 40 mL
Shelf Life: 12 months
Shades Available: 14
Coverage: Light coverage with a semi-dewy finish
Packaging: Recyclable sugarcane bioresin tube, plastic pump and cap
Samples: No
Other Notes: Cruelty free (not vegan, contains ethically sourced beeswax), 15% zinc oxide mineral sunscreen, contains coconut derivatives, made in the USA, silicone free, fragrance and essential oil free, ECOCERT mica
A sunscreen, light-coverage foundation, and moisturizer all in one? Yes, please! I have gone through SO many tubes of this over the years, and it’s a staple in my routine, particularly on days I want a no-makeup look.
I take 1-2 pumps and apply it with my hands, usually after applying a serum. I find that it’s quite hydrating and moisturizing on its own because it has hyaluronic acid and oils such as argan and grapeseed oil, but if your skin leans dry, you might need to use an additional moisturizer first. The texture is thick but it feels super silky, cushy, and applies smoothly without clinging to my skin.
The coverage is light/sheer; I’d say it’s enough to cover redness and even out skin tone but not enough to conceal dark spots or blemishes. I wear shade 3, but feel like the tint is pretty flexible and you don’t have to worry about a 100% exact match. The finish is a little dewy, but not greasy, and I just adore how natural it looks and feels on my skin. Overall, I think Slip Tint is pretty darn fabulous! 🌞
“I love Saie Slip Tint because it doesn’t feel like I’m wearing any makeup on my face. I also love it because even though I have dry skin and fine lines, it doesn’t cake up, like many foundations do!” —G.
Also available here at Sephora and Amazon.
Related post: “My Top Fave Saie Makeup Products [Clean Beauty Brand Review]”
2) Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint SPF40
Runner-up reader favorite ⭐️
Price: $48 for 30 mL
Shelf Life: 12 months
Shades Available: 30
Coverage: Light coverage, luminescent but drier finish
Packaging: Recyclable bottle, dropper and cap recyclable with TerraCycle
Samples: Not from Ilia, but you can sample it via The Detox Market
Other Notes: Vegan, oil free (water-based), silicone free, fragrance and essential oil free, 12% zinc oxide mineral sunscreen, contains caprylyl glycol (coconut derivative), needs a shake before using
A very close second! You’ve likely heard of this one unless you’ve been living under a rock; it’s a hot commodity these days. It’s another all-in-one moisturizer, sunscreen, and light/sheer coverage foundation. Make sure to shake it well so it doesn’t separate; the formula is very thin and runny. You can wear it independently, but I need a little more moisture underneath it (such as a lightweight lotion or hyaluronic acid serum).
It’s interesting because it looks luminescent and glowy, yet it doesn’t feel greasy or oily at all. Like, almost a dry glow? This also means that it wears pretty well throughout the day and doesn’t slide around my face. I wear shade Balos (ST3) but could go a shade darker. Heads up, it appears lighter before adjusting to its true tone within 60 seconds.
“I like the Ilia Skin Tint because it’s lightweight but still evens out my skin tone and covers up any redness. I don’t even feel the need to use a concealer with it—I just love how this product looks by itself. I have sensitive skin and this hasn’t caused any irritation. I also appreciate that it has SPF40!” —Liz
(Heads up, this contains butyloctyl salicylate, an ingredient that has UV absorption capabilities and could be a chemical SPF filter in disguise. The concern is that it has a similar chemical structure to octisalate. I wanted to point that out in case you wanted to err on the side of caution and avoid it!)
Also available here at Credo, The Detox Market, Sephora, and Amazon.
1) Kosas Revealer Skin Improving SPF25 Foundation
Reader favorite top pick! ⭐️
Price: $42 for 30 mL
Shelf Life: 12 months
Shades Available: 36
Coverage: Medium coverage, natural skin-like finish (slightly luminous)
Packaging: Glass bottle with plastic pump
Samples: Not from Kosas, but you can sample it via The Detox Market
Other Notes: Vegan, silicone free, 7.5% zinc oxide mineral sunscreen, contains coconut derivative, fragrance free, needs a shake before using
This foundation is AMAZING and I’m so glad my readers agree. It’s one of my favorites too! I mean, beautiful coverage AND sunscreen protection? No need to say more. (…but I will say more)
I wear shade Light Cool 150 but can go darker in summer. It’s water-based, hydrating, creamy, and has a stunning brightening effect on skin. Like, luminous but not too shiny. The coverage looks extremely natural but conceals really well. I appreciate that it’s relatively easy to apply and blend without getting crepey either.
It holds up decently after a few hours of wear, but can also crease in lines, especially around my crow’s feet area. But using a setting powder on top mitigates that. If you’re a fan of the Kosas concealers, then you’ll enjoy this foundation, too, because there are some similarities.
“I like the Kosas Revealer foundation because it offers good coverage without feeling heavy and has SPF25. It doesn’t break out my fair and acne-prone skin!” —Mary
(BTW, I have heard from some people that this foundation gave them an allergic reaction! Who knows if that was just a bad batch or what. If you have sensitive skin, maybe take advantage of the samples!)
Shop Kosas Revealer Foundation Here
Also available here at Credo, The Detox Market, Sephora, and Amazon.
Wearing Kosas Revealer Foundation (shade Light Cool 150)
Shop the Foundations from this Post:
Primers, Brushes, & Blenders for Application:
How to Identify Your Undertone:
Confused about finding an ideal foundation match for your skin? There are generally three undertones: Cool (pink/red/bluish hues), Warm (golden/yellow/peach), and Neutral (a mix of both). Try these methods to discover yours!
👕 White Tee Test: Hold up a white shirt. If your face shines pink, you’re cool-toned. Yellow, you’re warm.
☀️ Sun Test: If you sizzle and burn, you’re cool. Tan easily, you’re warm. Both? Hello, neutral!
💍 Jewelry Test: Gold suits warm tones, and silver suits cool tones.
🩸 Vein Test: Blue veins mean cool, green or olive means warm, and a mix? Neutral vibes!
And there you have it—the ultimate guide to the best clean beauty foundations, as chosen by YOU! Thank you for helping me compile this list, and I hope it makes your foundation search a little easier.
Are there any others that I’m missing in this guide?! What do you look for when trying to find your perfect foundation? Leave them in the comments below so others can see too ✌️ Thanks a bunch for reading!
Thank you for your research it helps me so much! It’s hard to find foundations in the darker skin tones, this gives me a guide on where to start.
Thanks for reading, Lisa! I’m glad this was helpful. I’m so happy to see that companies are getting better about more inclusive shade ranges but still a long way to go.
BECCA! THIS IS AMAZING! Dang girl! Loved it. I agree, the Crunchi Foundation is sooo good. So is that Vapour one – honestly all of these are great! Thanks for doing this!
I know there are so many great options it’s kind of overwhelming haha! Thanks, Sammie!
Kosas offers samples now, including the tinted face oil!
Thanks for the info, Amy!
So many good ones!! Love Beautycounter but I do hope you’ve tried it by now! Sample cards are available to save you some money. 😉 also, how lucky are we that we have so many cleaner brands to choose from.
This is an awesome roundup of clean beauty foundations! It’s so helpful to see what other people are loving, especially since foundation can be so tricky to find the right match. I appreciate that you included your own insights and tips along with the reader favorites. The Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint and Araza Beauty Cream Foundation sound particularly intriguing. Thanks for putting together this comprehensive guide and for always being such a reliable source for clean beauty recommendations! 😊