The Best Makeup Products For PCOS & Hormonal Acne

Written by Martina S. in Beauty

Finding the right makeup products is a very personal and complicated process but it can be particularly difficult if you suffer from PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome). That’s because this complex endocrine condition is largely associated with problematic skin, cystic acne and excessive oil production.

If you’d like to know more details about the link between your skin health and PCOS, make sure to check out my complete guide to healing hormonal acne here: ‘PCOS Acne Explained & How To Treat It Naturally’.

In this article, however, you’ll find all you need to know about using makeup for PCOS. I’ll explain how it may affect your condition and what to look for when choosing a new makeup product.

I’ll also share my personal experience with problematic skin (I used to suffer from severe hormonal acne for many years) and give you some tips on my favorite makeup brands. Hopefully, you’ll be able to make an informed decision and find the best beauty products that fit your needs.

Things to consider:

  • Skincare
  • Endocrine-disrupting chemicals
  • Personal tolerance
  • Hygiene
  • Purpose

• Skincare

Makeup can be an extremely helpful tool for covering up acne, improving your appearance and boosting your confidence if you suffer from PCOS. However, the health of your skin will always have a much bigger impact on your overall look than the quality of any makeup product. For this reason, I always recommend focusing on your skincare first.

Read more: ‘The Best Skincare Products For PCOS & Hormonal Acne‘

Nonetheless, different makeup products can affect your skin differently (especially if you use makeup on a daily basis) so choosing the right ones should be equally important. And here is what to look for.

• Endocrine-disrupting chemicals

One of the most important things to consider when choosing any makeup product for PCOS is its ingredient list. There is strong evidence showing that certain environmental toxins called EDCs (endocrine-disrupting chemicals) are a major risk for developing PCOS and worsening its symptoms (insulin resistance, hyperandrogenism and infertility).

That’s because once such chemicals enter your bloodstream, they can mimic, block or interfere with your natural hormones. Therefore, an increased exposure to EDCs in your environment may lead to hormone imbalances and endocrine disorders.

Read more: ’How To Treat PCOS Naturally (Science-Based Guidelines)’ 

While EDCs can be found almost everywhere in the modern environment (food, water, air, plastics) they are particularly potent in various beauty products. Keep in mind that your skin is the largest organ of your body and that it absorbs around 60% of everything you put on it. Your makeup products can therefore be a huge risk as they go (usually daily) into direct contact with your skin.

Some of the most common EDCs used in cosmetics include:

  • parabens
  • benzophenones
  • bisphenols
  • phthalates 
  • PFAs
  • fragrance

So if you suffer from PCOS and hormone imbalances it is best to check the ingredient list and avoid beauty products containing those chemicals. The good news is that more and more brands are becoming more responsible and ‘clean beauty’ is becoming more available than ever. 

• Personal tolerance

Besides environmental toxins, you should also consider your individual tolerance to different ingredients. Since we are all sensitive to different substances, you may find that certain chemicals are irritating to your skin even though they may be completely fine for someone else.

While this may not be an easy process, I always recommend keeping a skin diary to figure out how you react to certain ingredients. Once you know your personal tolerance you can then easily check every beauty product before purchasing. There are plenty of online ingredient checkers to tell you whether it’s suitable for your unique skin.

Some of the most common allergens and skin irritants in cosmetics include:

  • Sulfates
  • Petroleum
  • Fragrance
  • Latex
  • Metals
  • Dyes
  • Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA)
  • Glycolic Acid
  • Lactic Acid
  • Benzoyl Peroxide
  • Alcohol (or Ethanol)

• Hygiene

Choosing the right makeup products for PCOS is crucial but the way you use them can also make a big difference to your skin. That’s because acne is partially caused by bacteria overgrowth on your skin and poor hygiene is one of the major contributing factors. Here are a few things you can do to prevent it.

Firstly, always use clean tools (brushes, blenders, clean hands) when applying your makeup. This is especially important if you suffer from active acne as the bacteria can easily spread. Even though it may be a bit time-consuming I highly recommend washing your brushes frequently. 

For some makeup products with a direct applicator (eg. corrector, concealer, highlighter, bronzer) I also recommend using your own brushes and tools that you can properly wash between uses. 

Furthermore, make sure you store your makeup products appropriately (preferably in a dark cool place) as they can easily go bad and irritate your skin. While it’s great that some products can last you even several years, it doesn’t mean that you should be using them for that long.

Here is how long they usually last:

  • Eye makeup (mascara, liquid eyeliner) – 3-6 months
  • Cream products (foundation, concealer) – 12-18 months
  • Powder products (blush, shadows) – 12-18 months
  • Lip makeup (lipstick, lipgloss) – 12-24 months

However, keep in mind that most natural makeup products don’t contain a lot of strong preservatives and therefore their expiration period is even shorter. Always check the label and the expiry date of all your makeup products.

It’s also worth buying certain makeup products in ‘travel size’ if you know that you won’t be able to finish them before their expiration date rather than throwing them away.

• Purpose

Despite the general recommendations mentioned above, there are other important factors to consider when choosing the best makeup products for you. Most of them come down to your individual needs and preferences as we are all different and there’s no ‘one size fits all’ when it comes to makeup. 

Here are a few things you may want to consider:

  • Environment (do you live in a dry or humid climate?)
  • Skin condition (how much coverage do you need?)
  • Finish look (do you aim for full glam or more natural look?)
  • Texture (do you prefer creamy or powdered products?)

The good news is that you can choose from a wide selection of beauty products to fit your current requirements. I personally cycle between several different makeup products since my skin (and my needs) tend to change over time. While I love trying new products here and there, I have a few makeup staples that I always go back to. And here are my top favorites.

Best makeup products for PCOS:

1. Foundation

Best foundations for PCOS:

Foundation is probably one of the most important beauty products in my makeup routine due to my long history with problematic skin. When my face was covered in severe cystic acne my priority was to find a foundation with good coverage and non-irritating ingredients. I admit that I used to use a lot of foundation back then.

However, when my skin started to finally heal I was more worried about covering my acne scars, reducing blemishes and evening my skin tone. I still needed some coverage but I really wanted my skin to look healthy and glowy. My priority also became a ‘clean’ ingredient list.

While I no longer suffer from active acne and I don’t really use foundation every day, I still like to use light coverage to even out my skin tone and give my skin a healthy glow. I also tend to cycle between different foundations based on the current season (my skin gets really dry in winter) and the occasion (I use more makeup for certain events).

Since we all go through different phases with our skin I wanted to share with you all of my favorite foundations suitable for different needs. Hopefully, some of them may help you choose the best ones for you. 

• Oxygenetix Oxygenating Foundation

Best for: active acne – full coverage

+ Pros

This is definitely one of the best foundations I’ve had when my skin was at its worst. It is specifically designed for acne-prone and sensitive skin and it helps reduce inflammation and redness (it contains 2% of salicylic acid, vitamin E and aloe vera). It’s also free from alcohol, fragrance and oils.

The great thing is that while it is a relatively light formula you can easily build up coverage based on your needs. It’s not super heavy on your skin and it doesn’t make you look ‘cakey’. It also contains SPF 30 protection and it really does last all day.

– Cons

One of the downsides of this foundation is that it is quite expensive. However, if you have very sensitive acne-pro skin (like me) it’s definitely worth the investment as it’s really difficult to find such a good formula elsewhere.

Unfortunately, they also have a very limited selection of shades consisting of predominantly pale options. Nonetheless, this might change in the future and their range of shades will hopefully expand further.

• Shiseido Synchro Skin Radiant Lifting Foundation

Best for: acne scars – medium coverage

+ Pros

This is probably my all-time favorite foundation for everyday use. Every time I try a new product I always go back to this one as it really makes a great finish look. I’d describe it as a long-lasting but breathable foundation with medium coverage and hydrating effect. It’s very soft and light on the skin but you can also easily build a stronger coverage.

It has a high-quality non-comedogenic formula that is free from oils, alcohol, fragrance and parabens. It’s not irritating to my skin and I personally love it for its dewy finish (not too oily or cakey) that makes your makeup look very natural. It also has an SPF 30 protection and you can choose from a wide range of shades.

– Cons

While this foundation is also slightly more expensive (in comparison to most drugstore foundations) I think it’s definitely worth buying considering its high quality and my previous experience. In fact, it’s still relatively affordable in contrast to some very high-end foundation brands.

• Bareminerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Gel Cream

Best for: natural look – light coverage

+ Pros

This tinted moisturizer is my go-to alternative for a regular foundation that I primarily use in summer, on my ‘no makeup’ days or on days when I don’t need a full coverage. It really helps even out my skin tone and adds a bit of a healthy glow.

One of the best things about this foundation is that it has very clean and high-quality content. It’s made from 98% of natural ingredients and the formula is considered non-comedogenic and hypoallergenic (free from, fragrance, parabens, oils, alcohol). It also has an SPF 30 protection (mineral-based) and it’s actually very affordable

– Cons

Even though I absolutely love to use this tinted moisturizer as my foundation now, it may not be the best option for you if you still struggle with active acne and inflamed skin. That’s because it has a very light coverage so it’s not as effective at covering acne spots as regular foundations.

However, you can still achieve a great natural medium-coverage look if you combine it with a good-quality concealer. This combination is particularly great for hot summer months or vacations.

• Mineral Fusion Pressed Powder Foundation

Best for: oily skin – matte finish

+ Pros

Mineral Fusion is probably one of the best non-toxic beauty brands that is suitable for most individuals with sensitive and acne-prone skin. While I generally prefer to use liquid foundation overall, this is the only powder that actually worked for me. It has good buildable coverage with a matte finish but it doesn’t completely dry out your skin.

It has an excellent high-quality ingredient list (free from parabens, fragrance, phthalates, alcohol) which makes it a perfect product for women with PCOS. I also really like their wide range of natural shades (mine doesn’t make me look orange) and affordable price.

– Cons

If you’re going for a more ‘glowy’ finish or if you have very dry and flakey skin then this powder-based foundation may not be the best option for you. I found that my skin is getting drier over time so I tend to lean to liquid foundations most of the time. 

However, I’d still use mineral powder over the summer (it lasts all day and doesn’t make you too shiny) and sometimes I’d apply it only on my t-zone where my skin gets more oily. It also doesn’t feel too heavy.

2. Concealer

Best concealers for PCOS:

• Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer

Best for: acne/acne scars – full coverage

Having a high-quality and functional concealer is particularly important if your goal is to cover up acne, blemishes and skin imperfections. My personal favorite has always been the Radiant Creamy Concealer by Nars (many MUAs use it) and I was quite surprised when I found out that its chemical content is actually not that bad.

The formula is non-comedogenic and the ingredients are free from parabens, fragrance, oils and alcohol. It has good long-lasting coverage and more importantly it doesn’t irritate my skin. However, you may still want to check the ingredients list (based on your personal sensitivities) since Nars is not a typical ‘clean beauty’ brand. 

3. Contour

Best contouring products for PCOS:

When it comes to contouring I definitely prefer creamy or liquid texture as I usually go for the dewy finish look (although there are times when I like powders more). Nonetheless, my favorite bronzer, highlighter and blush are currently all cream-based products as I find them to look very natural on my skin. They’re all very PCOS-friendly as they’re free from the most common EDCs and skin irritants.

• Bareminerals Complexion Rescue Foundation Stick

Best for: sculpting – dewy finish

I actually use the Bareminerals Foundation Stick (in a darker shade) instead of a bronzer to contour my face. It has a very clean formula (similar to their tinted moisturizer that I also use) with medium coverage and SPF 30 protection. 

• Honest Creme Cheek Blush

Best for: natural look – dewy finish

My favorite non-toxic blush is definitely the Honest Creme Cheek Blush which looks very natural and I particularly love their color range. It blends very easily and I feel that it always makes my skin more healthy-looking (even on my ‘no makeup’ days).

• Ilia Illuminator Highlighter

Best for: natural look – dewy finish

When it comes to highlighters, there are only a few clean beauty brands that offer really good ones in terms of their functionality and chemical content. My best discovery was the Ilia Illuminator Highlighter which is one of my favorite clean beauty brands. While it’s a bit more pricey, it’s the only cream highlighter that really does the job.

• Mineral Fusion Blush Bronzer Duo

Best for: oily skin – matte finish

If you’re looking for some powder-based contouring products I recommend checking out the Mineral Fusion makeup range. They’re my go-to brand for any powder products as they do a really great job in terms of their formulas. You can find high-quality bronzers, blushes and highlighters either separately or packed all in one (which is very practical).

4. Mascara

Best mascaras for PCOS:

I put a lot of emphasis on choosing a good-quality mascara because my eyes are extremely dry and sensitive (I also wear contacts). Interestingly, there’s actually a close link between PCOS and dry eye syndrome (because sex hormones are in control of eye structure) so you may also experience similar problems.

However, I feel that mascaras (and eye makeup in general) are a very personal thing since there are so many options and we all strive for a different look. I personally prefer thick mascara brushes designed for volume rather than length as my eyelashes are quite long and I like to build up layers.

• Ilia Fullest Volumizing Mascara

Best for: volume – layers

I’ve already mentioned that Ilia is one of my favorite clean beauty brands overall and even though it’s on the more expensive spectrum I really appreciate their high-quality products. Their mascaras are some of the best ones in terms of their performance (comparable to conventional ones) as well as formulas (hypoallergenic and clean ingredients).

• Ilia Limitless Lash Mascara

Best for: length – separation

Based on my own preferences I find the volumizing mascara to be the best fit for my lashes as the brush is very thick and can carry more of the product. However, if you prioritize mascaras designed for length and separation then the Limitless Mascara may be a better fit for you. Both of them are dry very quickly (great for layers) and don’t flake or smudge.

Pro tips:

  • Use ingredient checker – you can check the content of almost any product online to find any potential endocrine disruptors, allergens or other irritating ingredients, I like using INCIDecoder and Sezia for skincare
  • Prioritize skincare – make sure you have a solid skincare routine, especially when it comes to removing your makeup and cleansing your skin
  • Keep a skin diary – a skin diary is a great tool that can help you identify potential triggers in your skincare so you can better understand your individual needs and choose accordingly
  • Wash your brushes – keep your make-up brushes clean and make sure you wash them frequently since it’s something you put directly on your face every day
  • Have make-up free days – it is important to allow your skin to fully breathe and recover, try having at least a few make-up free days a week
  • Buy travel size – certain makeup products (those you only apply in small amounts) are worth buying in travel size to prevent spoilage and finish them prior expiration date
  • Store appropriately – keep all your makeup in a cool dark place to extend its freshness (especially clean beauty products as they don’t contain as many preservatives)

Resources:

  • Barrett, E. S., & Sobolewski, M. (2014). Polycystic ovary syndrome: do endocrine-disrupting chemicals play a role?. Seminars in reproductive medicine, 32(3), 166–176. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0034-1371088
  • Diamanti-Kandarakis, E., Papalou, O., & Kandaraki, E. (2022). Endocrine-disrupting chemicals and PCOS: A novel contributor in the etiology of the syndrome. In Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (pp. 227-244). Elsevier. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-823045-9.00015-8
  • Halla, N., Fernandes, I. P., Heleno, S. A., Costa, P., Boucherit-Otmani, Z., Boucherit, K., Rodrigues, A. E., Ferreira, I., & Barreiro, M. F. (2018). Cosmetics Preservation: A Review on Present Strategies. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland), 23(7), 1571. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules23071571
  • Palioura, E., & Diamanti-Kandarakis, E. (2015). Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs). Reviews in endocrine & metabolic disorders, 16(4), 365–371. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11154-016-9326-7
  • Peinado, F. M., Iribarne-Durán, L. M., Ocón-Hernández, O., Olea, N., & Artacho-Cordón, F. (2020). Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals in Cosmetics and Personal Care Products and Risk of Endometriosis. In Endometriosis. IntechOpen. DOI:10.5772/intechopen.93091
  • Ramezani Tehrani, F., Behboudi-Gandevani, S., Bidhendi Yarandi, R., Saei Ghare Naz, M., & Carmina, E. (2021). Prevalence of acne vulgaris among women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a systemic review and meta-analysis. Gynecological endocrinology : the official journal of the International Society of Gynecological Endocrinology, 37(5), 392–405. https://doi.org/10.1080/09513590.2020.1859474
  • Rutkowska, A. Z., & Diamanti-Kandarakis, E. (2016). Polycystic ovary syndrome and environmental toxins. Fertility and sterility, 106(4), 948–958. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fertnstert.2016.08.031

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