11 Best Bronzers For Acne-Prone Skin For That Sun-Kissed Glow
Get a sun-kissed glow effortlessly without suffering from an outburst of acne.
Dr. Ahmad Fayyaz ChaudhryMBBS, RMP
Dr. Ahmad Fayyaz Chaudhry is a House Physician in the Medical Unit 3 Allied Hospital, Faisalabad, and deals with hepatic, cardiac, neurological, and dermatological issues. He did his MBBS from Punjab Medical College, Faisalabad... more
srijita deMA (English & Literature), Certified Style & Image Consultant
Experience: 2 yearsSrijita De is a makeup and fashion enthusiast with a passion for empowering readers through practical tips and tricks to present their best selves with confidence. Armed with a postgraduate degree in ... more
srijita deMA (English & Literature), Certified Style & Image Consultant
Experience: 2 yearsSrijita De is a makeup and fashion enthusiast with a passion for empowering readers through practical tips and tricks to present their best selves with confidence. Armed with a postgraduate degree in ... more
krati darakMBA, Certified Skin Care Coach
Experience: 3 yearsKrati is an associate commerce editor, a certified skin care coach, and a beauty enthusiast. She has a master’s degree in advertising and publishing relations from DAVV University and three years of ... more
Image: From Shutterstock
If you are looking for the best bronzer for acne-prone skin, you have come to the right place. We all love a lovely summer tan on our skin, but too much exposure can lead to acne and skin damage. Other factors such as the kind of food we eat, sleep, and constant exposure to pollutants can make our skin more prone to developing acne. Imagine you are getting ready for a nice vacation or the party of the season and your skin decides to betray you and break out in acne. Next thing you know, you are spending hours putting in tons of concealer to cover them up.
So how do we get smooth and acne-free skin? A nice bronzer can give you a smooth and glamorous look. Bronzers are powders or liquids applied to your skin to give you that glowing and healthy tan. They have become a part of every woman’s daily skincare routine. When you are going for a bronzer that is sensitive to acne, going for bronzers that contain organic ingredients is your best bet. Staying away from substances that irritate your skin is essential as that can lead to more acne outbreaks. Don’t worry. We have compiled a list of the top bronzers out there to say goodbye to acne and give you an excellent glowing look!
In This Article
Add A Natural Warmth To Your Features With The 11 Best Bronzers For Acne-Prone Skin
1. Best Overall:Physicians Formula Butter Bronzer – Sun-Kissed
The ultimate Brazilian goddess glow is now possible with the Physicians Formula Butter Bronzer! Its silky smooth texture makes it a cream-to-powder bronzer that graces your skin for a lit-from-within look. This non-irritating formula with a creamy texture is enriched with softening butter like murumuru, cupuacu, and tucuma, and the fatty acids and vitamins deeply condition the skin and moisturize it. You’ll find that the non-comedogenic bronzer formula melts into your skin and seals it with moisture for lasting hydration. The ultra-refined and soft focus pigments in this baked bronzer even out skin texture with the soft-focus effect. This dermatologist-approved non-shimmer bronzer for fair, sensitive skin also helps brighten the overall complexion and is a perfect choice for getting the sunless tanning effect. Hao, a personal beauty blogger, loves its buildable formula. She writes, “I applied Deep Bronzer near the contour areas of my cheek and then Sunkissed Bronzer on my cheekbone. Because of the sheen this bronzer has, Sunkissed Bronzer does add a bit of a warm glowy effect… It is so smooth and “buttery” soft as the name suggests. It blends into the skin so seamlessly that I can go haphazardly with it and it can still look good (i).” If you need more convincing, feel free to check out this review of using this affordable cream bronzer on YouTube.
Pros
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Dermatologist-tested
- Paraben-free and gluten-free
- Non-comedogenic
- Hypoallergenic
Cons
- Some may find the coconut scent to be overbearing
Review: A tester says, “I absolutely adore the Physicians Formula Butter Bronzer. Great color payoff and such a smooth texture. Gives me a natural, moist finish. I apply it lightly for a sun-kissed look, and it lasts well throughout the day. The only thing I’d change is the strong scent, but that fades after application.”
Pro Tip2. Best Lightweight:Tarte Amazonian Clay Matte Waterproof Bronzer
The Tarte Amazonian Clay Matte Waterproof Bronzer can be effectively used for flake-free applications and multiple hours of pigmented wear. It features a moisture-rich powder that offers an even, buildable glow or a streak-free contour to enhance the skin tone. It imparts a beautiful natural finish to the skin. It is created using Amazonian clay. This dermatologist-recommended, lightweight powder can improve your skin’s texture, leaving your skin glowing and healthy from the inside. The product also contains essential vitamins, such as A, C, and E, that fight free-radical damage to prevent premature aging. It also brightens, soothes, and softens your skin. Kendra Stricklin, a personal beauty blogger, is obsessed with the product’s texture. She writes, “I was initially impressed with the consistency of the bronzer, and the color was really pretty. When I put on my makeup the next day, I used the bronzer and was really happy! It went on very smoothly, was very blendable, and was the perfect color for contour on my skin (ii).”
Pros
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Dermatologically-tested
- Medium coverage
- Gluten-free
- Sodium-free
Cons
- Not entirely waterproof
Review: As per a reviewer’s experience, “The Amazonian Clay Bronzer by Tarte has transformed my makeup routine. I was loyal to another product for years, but took a leap and found my perfect match. Flawlessly conceals imperfections and looks completely natural. Can contour as well.”
3. Best Hydrating:Tropez Self Tan Purity Bronzing Water Face Mist
St. Tropez combines hydrating skincare with self-tanning in this no-rinse Self Tan Purity Bronzing Water Face Mist. A single spritz of the tropical-scented mist gives you a natural golden glow with visible results for 4-8 hours that also instantly boosts the hydration of your skin. This bronzer for sensitive acne-prone skin is infused with hyaluronic acid that hydrates skin, hibiscus extract with antioxidant properties to strengthen the skin barrier, and green mandarin water for a refreshed feeling. With no pore-blocking ingredients and a lightweight formula that doesn’t leave behind any streaks, we reckon this cosmetic product as the best bronzer for acne-prone skin types. You can take a look at this honest review from a makeup enthusiast to know more about this bronzer’s merits and demerits.
Pros
- Vegan
- Non-comedogenic
- Transfer-proof
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- Quick-drying
- Lightweight formula
- Strengthens skin barrier
Cons
- Tan may not be very long-lasting
Review: A user says, “I’m thrilled with St. Tropez Self Tan Purity Bronzing Water Face Mist! I have sensitive skin and this has been a game-changer. Fits into my routine easily and gives a natural, buildable glow without any irritation or streaks. My go-to for a radiant complexion!”
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product is so liked by shoppers that it has gained over 664 great reviews on Amazon.
| Physicians Formula Butter Bronzer - Sun-Kissed | Tarte Amazonian Clay Matte Waterproof Bronzer | Tropez Self Tan Purity Bronzing Water Face Mist | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Color | Sunkissed Bronzer | Hotel heiress (deep bronze) | - |
| Dimensions | 1.18 x 2.88 x 3.63 inches | 1.57 x 4.72 x 1.65 inches | 1.6 x 1.6 x 5.7 inches |
| Weight | 0.39 Ounces | 1.6 Ounces | 4 Ounces. |
| Skin Type | - | - | Dry |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 32,991 | - | 664 |
| Price | $9.73 | $32 | $28.05 |
4. Best Professional – Grade:Physicians Formula Bronze Booster Glow-Boosting Season To Season Bronzer- Light To Medium
Any makeup that comes in a powder form has oil-absorbing benefits for oily and acne-prone skin. The Season To Season Bronzer by Physicians Formula is a lightweight affordable bronzer powder that goes on smoothly for a natural-looking tan. The buildable coverage formula allows you to customize a tan that you’re comfortable with, and it’s super easy to blend, too! Infused with unique Glow Activators, which are a blend of vitamins, antioxidants, and moisturizers, your skin is going to emit a warm glow like never before. With a light-to-medium coverage, this super-blendable professional-grade bronzer for oily, acne-prone skin lasts all day without looking too orange.
Pros
- Doesn’t leave streaks
- Blends easily
- Odor-free
- Hypoallergenic
- Safe for sensitive skin
- Gives a natural-looking tan
- Contains a nourishing blend of ingredients
- Dermatologically-approved
Cons
- Some may find the bronzer to be lightly pigmented
Review: A user shares, “Truly impressed with Physicians Formula Bronze Booster. It perfectly complements my skin tone and gives such a natural glow. It has become my go-to for a sun-kissed look for the entire day.”
Pro Tip5. Best Drugstore:Bronze Tan Face & Body Tanning Water
Although suitable for all skin types, Bronze Tan’s Face & Body Tanning Water is especially gentle on acne-prone skin. Bronzed and radiant skin is only a spritz away as this tanning water contains refreshing ingredients like cucumber and aloe vera. Not only do these natural ingredients hydrate and add a bronze shade to the skin, but they also give you a boost of freshness every time you spray some of these professional-grade drugstore bronzer for acne-prone skin. For deep conditioning effects, you’ll also find vitamin E, Kakadu plum, and witch hazel in this lightweight cosmetic product. Once you start using this liquid bronzer for acne-prone skin regularly, you’ll see visible results like a beautiful warm hue of golden glow and luminous finish.
Pros
- Streak-free
- Gentle formula
- Contains hydrating ingredients
- Quick-drying
- Odor-free
Cons
- Might turn slightly orange
Review: As per a reviewer’s experience, “This tanning water has totally amazed me. Super easy to use and a minimal scent. Mix it with my lotion or lightly spritz on my face for a natural glow. It’s the holy grail for a hassle-free tanning routine!”
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product has garnered over 903 positive reviews on Amazon, and the number continues to grow.
6. Best For Sun- Kissed Glow:Norvell Self Tanning Mist For Face
Scheduling an appointment to get a tan might feel like a chore for some, which is why self-tanning products are a lifesaver! Norvell’s Self Tanning Mist For Face comes in super handy when you want a quick golden or bronze glow on the go. A single spritz of this liquid bronzer is enough for even application as it goes on seamlessly for a velvety smooth complexion. To give your skin 24-hour hydration, the professional-grade formula contains an exclusive Active Natural Sunless Complex that binds moisture. With a unique dermal barrier, the top layer of your skin is locked, so that the color stays put for long periods without streaking or fading.
Pros
- Non-comedogenic
- Sulfate-free
- Gluten-free
- Paraben-free
- Cruelty-free
- Odor-free
Cons
- Some may find the fragrance overpowering
Review: According to a tester, “Norvell Self Tanning Mist For Face is ideal for maintaining the tan between spray sessions. It complements my skin tone so well and makes my skin glow. You might need to experiment a little for the perfect application, but it lasts super long!”
7. Best Age Defying:Mineral Fusion Sunkissed Shimmer Buildable Mineral Color – Sparkle Bronzer
With the dewy finish of Mineral Fusion’s Bronzer, you can totally fool your work friends into thinking you were in Hawaii all summer! This professional-grade everyday makeup product imparts the softest sun-kissed glow and with its shimmery finish. Your face will be glistening. This fragrance-free bronzer is infused with pomegranate and red and white tea that safeguard your skin from free radical damage while aloe vera works to soothe and refresh it. The velvety bronze shade powder glides on smoothly and covers your skin with a healthy tan and luminous finish without letting you spend all the hours under the hot sun!
Pros
- Cruelty-free and vegan
- Hypoallergenic
- Paraben-free and phthalate-free
- Gluten-free and talc-free
- Fragrance-free
- Shimmery bronzer
Cons
- May be too shimmery for pale skin tones
Review: A reviewer’s experience states, “This shimmer bronzer from Mineral Fusion is my ultimate pick. It has a super unique sparkle-free shade and gives me such a natural glow. You might have to reapply occasionally, but its great finish and gentle formula truly makes this my top choice!”
Pro Tip8. Best Organic:Eco Tan Only Organic And Natural Face Tan Water
Eco Tan’s Face Tan Water gradually works on your skin to give a healthy and radiant bronze glow with its blendable texture. Its non-greasy formula is filled with hyaluronic acid for optimum hydration and as it is non-comedogenic, you can use it on acne-prone skin with no worries. The lightweight Face Tan Water moisturizes skin, covers blemishes, camouflage imperfections, and reduces redness. Formulated without any harsh chemicals, Eco Tan’s product is a sure winner for visible results on our best non-comedogenic bronzer list!
Pros
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Sulfate-free
- Paraben-free
- Non-greasy formula
- Contains moisturizing ingredients
Cons
- Slightly expensive
Review: According to a reviewer, “Eco Tan Face Tan Water is truly a game-changer for pale skin. It has a super lightweight, water-like formula and blends so easily. Gives me such a subtle and natural glow. Definitely a worthy addition to my routine!”
9. Best Bronzer With Spf:Perricone MD No Makeup Bronzer
Perricone MD No Makeup Bronzer is a broad-spectrum bronzer with SPF 15. It is a weightless, blendable formula that helps you create that warm, sun-kissed glow with a universally flattering dark shade. It has a sheer and buildable formula that provides skin with a veil of natural warmth while protecting and brightening skin tone over time. This bronzer is perfect for creating a natural, sun-kissed look without the sun damage. It has a serum formula that can be blended into the skin effortlessly. It imparts a sheer luminous finish. It is infused with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. This professional-grade formula works on a results-driven approach and is ideal to use on all skin types.
Pros
- Weightless
- Easy to apply
- Blendable texture
- Provides sun protection
- Natural glow
- Infused with vitamin C and ginger extract
- Universal shade
- Sheer formula
Cons
None
Review: A reviewer’s experience states, “Perricone MD’s No Makeup Bronzer is my go-to for a natural sun-kissed look. Just a couple of drops is enough and gives such a flawless finish. No shimmer. It’s been a game-changer for me!”
10. Best Talc – Free:Glo Skin Beauty Bronzer – Sunkiss
Enhance your skin with Glo Skin Beauty’s Bronzer for an envy-worthy sun-kissed radiance with the shimmery finish that gives you a soft shine. The mineral powder is non-comedogenic, which means that it’s a treat for oily and acne-prone skin types. With vitamins A, C, E, and antioxidants like green tea extract infused into the formula, you’ll find your skin deeply nourished and softened with a radiant finish. This mineral-based, ultra-blendable powder is talc-free and you can also use it to contour your facial features.
Pros
- Natural-looking finish with medium coverage
- Non-comedogenic
- Talc-free
- Contains an antioxidant-rich blend
- Shimmery finish
- Easy to blend
Cons
- Slightly expensive
Review: A tester shares, “Glo Skin Beauty Bronzer is my long-standing favorite. Super buildable, does not irritate my skin and gives me a really radiant glow. Great quality for price. The color’s wondeful and lasts long too. Truly exceptional!”
11. Best Gentle:Guerlain Meteorites Perles Powder – Medium
The Guerlain Meteorites Perles Powder color corrects and illuminates your skin tone. The stardust technology with a light-creating polymer imparts an endless glowy finish to your skin. The gentle, redness-reducing formula infused with diamond powder helps create a soft-focus halo. The light-correcting nacres harmoniously blend together for perfectly tailored luminosity. This lightweight powder smoothens, softens, and even tones your skin.
Pros
- Covers redness
- Offers even complexion
- Paraben-free
- Talc-free
- Pleasant fragrance
- Long-lasting
- Value for money
Cons
- Not suitable for all skin types
Review: A reviewer opines, “I was hesitant about the price, but Guerlain Meteorites Pearls Powder in Medium completely exceeded my expectations! Super elegant container and the pearls blend so smoothly with no irritation. Sets my makeup well and adds a little sparkle. The quality justifies the cost.”
Now that we’ve looked at some of the best bronzers for acne-prone skin, let’s look at how you can choose the right one for your skin type and needs.
How To Choose The Right Bronzer For Acne-Prone Skin
- Skin tone and undertone
Knowing your skin tone before purchasing a bronzer allows for a smooth glowy finish that doesn’t end up looking patchy. Light and fair skin will look natural with bronzers that have peach and rose hues, as this depends on what shade your skin shows after exposure to sunlight. Medium skin tones will look good with earthy bronzer tones while deeper shades like chocolate or terracotta hues suit darker or deep skin tones due to their warmth. A soft brown shade is ideal if you have cooler undertones, golden brown bronzers suit warm ones, and a natural brown looks good on neutral undertones. It is best to test it beforehand to see how the shade matches it.
- Form
Bronzers are available in the form of lotions or creams, pressed powders, and mists or waters. While picking a particular type depends on your personal preference, each type comes with its own benefits. Powders are ideal for oily skin and if you want to build on your tan. They are lightweight and are available in shimmery or matte finishes. If your skin is slightly oily, you can opt for shimmer but if you want to control the oil in your skin, a matte finish would be beneficial. Powders generally last a day and sit atop makeup. While powders help oily skin, cream-based powders serve dry skin better. Bronzers that come in the form of lotions have a thicker consistency and regular use of this formula can gradually develop a tan. Self-tanning creams or lotions can be applied to the entire body. Tanning mists or waters have a lightweight consistency and as they come in a spray form, they’re super easy to travel with. They lightly coat the skin with a bronzer active and dry quickly. A bonus of this type of bronzer is that you can spritz them midday for a refreshing feel.
- Ingredients
Picking a bronzer for acne-prone oily or combination skin is tricky because you must make sure it doesn’t contain any pore-clogging ingredients or oils as this can lead to a buildup of dead skin cells. Additionally, oil-absorbing ingredients like kaolin clay, salicylic acid, and green tea will help with controlling excess sebum production. As even dry skin types can have acne, hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, and tea tree will prevent moisture loss from the skin. You must also ensure that your makeup doesn’t contain any harsh chemicals like parabens, sulfates, synthetic fragrances, mineral oils, or phthalates. Unscented products are generally great for skin types that suffer from insensitivities. In addition, always try to look for ingredients with anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that may help calm the skin.
After you’ve purchased the right bronzer for your skin type, let’s look at how you can apply it for the most natural and healthy-looking radiance.
How To Use Bronzer For Acne-Prone Skin
- Step 1: Follow your regular skincare routine and don’t forget to apply sunscreen.
- Step 2: Complete your base makeup with anti-acne or acne-fighting foundation, concealer, and eye makeup as well.
- Step 3: Tap a makeup brush (a large and fluffy one such as a kabuki brush should do the trick) in the bronzer pot and sweep it along your cheekbones on both sides. Blend it softly, so that it doesn’t look like a harsh brown line.
- Step 4: Sweep the bronzer on your temples and forehead — high points of your face where the sun hits.
- Step 5: Ensure to blend lightly for a seamless complexion.
- Step 6: With whatever product is left on the brush, you can sweep it on your chin, nose, and neck for a warm finish.
Infographic: Tips To Use Bronzer For Acne-Prone Skin
Bronzer adds warmth and dimension to the face, helping you achieve that healthy, sun-kissed appearance. It is a great addition to your vanity to achieve a no-makeup makeup look. But for people with acne, using a bronzer can be tricky. The below infographic will help you understand how to use bronzer the right way for acne-prone skin without fearing breakouts. Scroll down for more information. Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
You will find dozens of bronzer shades, finishes, and formulas on the market, so it can be quite overwhelming to pick one, especially when you have acne-prone skin. The 11 best bronzers for acne-prone skin will provide you with a smooth and glamorous look without feeling greasy and sticky. They prevent breakouts and are devoid of any harsh chemicals. The Physicians Formula Butter Bronzer – Sun-Kissed has a hydrating and non-irritating formula for dry and sensitive skin. You can try the Tarte Amazonian Clay Matte Waterproof Bronzer if you need a moisturizing bronzer for mature skin. Or, opt for the Tropez Self Tan Purity Bronzing Water Face Mist if you need ultra-lightweight hydration for dry skin. These products are hypoallergenic and dermatologist tested. In addition, they offer sheer coverage and do not leave streaks. While choosing a bronzer for acne-prone skin, make sure you know your skin tone undertone and thoroughly go through the ingredients list. For a flawless finish, sweep the bronzer on all the high points of your face, blend seamlessly, and you are good to go!
Dr. Ahmad Fayyaz Chaudhry, a registered healthcare practitioner who deals with hepatic, cardiac, neurological, and dermatological issues, states, “When you are looking to add a bit of color to your face, using a bronzer is a great option. But it is important to know how to apply bronzer correctly so that you don’t end up with an orange or muddy-looking complexion.”
He suggests, “Choose the right shade of bronzer. If you have fair skin, go for a bronzer that is one or two shades darker than your skin tone. If you have medium skin, choose a bronzer that is three or four shades darker than your skin tone. And if you have a dark skin tone, choose a bronzer that is five or six shades darker than your skin tone.
Apply bronzer to areas where the sun would naturally hit your face. This means your forehead, cheeks, nose, and chin. If you want a more sun-kissed look, you can also apply bronzer to your neck and décolletage.
Use a big, fluffy brush to apply bronzer in gentle sweeping motions. Start with a small amount of product and build up until you get the desired effect.
If you want to add some extra dimension to your look, contour your face with bronzer. To do this, use a smaller brush to apply bronzer along the hollows of your cheeks, sides of your nose and jawline. Finish off your look by setting your makeup with a translucent powder. This will help to ensure that your bronzer lasts all day long.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a bronzer help acne?
Bronzer powders that are free of talc, fragrance, and other harsh chemicals like parabens and sulfates can help control acne. Additionally, if a bronzer is non-comedogenic and contains ingredients like kaolin clay, aloe vera, and tea tree, it will be beneficial for acne-prone skin.
Does a bronzer make you break out?
Bronzers that are non-comedogenic and contain harsh ingredients like talc, mineral oils, and parabens can lead to breakouts. Products containing fragrance must also be avoided for acne-prone skin as they may aggravate skin conditions like redness and inflammation.
Does a powder bronzer clog pores?
Powder bronzers that are not non-comedogenic have pore-clogging oils or mineral oils that can lead to congested pores and breakouts. You must ensure that a bronzer is non-comedogenic before purchasing it, especially if you have oily or acne-prone skin.
Which bronzer is non-comedogenic?
The Neutrogena Healthy Skin Blends Natural Radiance Bronzer and the St. Tropez Self Tan Purity Bronzing Water Face Mist are some good non-comedogenic and oil-free bronzers.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
Srijita De, the author, loves all things makeup and gives you an insider’s perspective on the best bronzers for acne-prone skin that you should have in your makeup collection. According to her, bronzers give you a healthy tan without compromising your skin’s health. She compiled a comprehensive and detailed list of the top products after surveying almost every product review on the market. With bronzers, you’ll be able to get that perfect tan that complements your stylish outfits.
References
Articles on StyleCraze are backed by verified information from peer-reviewed and academic research papers, reputed organizations, research institutions, and medical associations to ensure accuracy and relevance. Read our editorial policy to learn more.
(i) haodoyoungo
https://haodoyoungo.blogspot.com/2018/03/review-swatches-physicians-formula.html
(ii) Strictly Kendra
https://strictlykendra.com/2016/03/tarte-amazonian-clay-matte-waterproof-bronzer-review/
