Top 10 Silicone-free Foundations
- Natural with Nat
- Aug 11
- 8 min read
Silicones are a common ingredient in many makeup products, especially foundations, where they’re prized for creating a smooth, silky finish that blurs pores. But behind all the claims silicone is supposed to offer lies a hidden cost—to both our health and the environment. These synthetic compounds can trap dirt, oil, and bacteria against the skin, leading to breakouts and irritation over time. Silicones are also non-biodegradable, which means every time we wash away a product containing silicone, these chemicals can end up in the waterway harming aquatic life.
While silicones are marketed as "performance enhancers" claiming they can smooth skin texture and wrinkles, they mask the skin’s real condition rather than support its health. Over time, silicones may interfere with the skin’s natural barrier, making it harder for your complexion to retain moisture and protect itself from irritants. Silicone-free foundations, on the other hand, allow the skin barrier to function naturally, helping keep it balanced. The good news? Foundations without silicone have come a long way, offering the same—if not better—coverage, blendability, and wear time! Many of these silicone-free formulas are enriched with skin-loving ingredients that nourish while perfecting the complexion (and many contain organic ingredients too). They allow the natural skin to breathe, helping to maintain long-term healthy skin without compromising your natural skin barrier. With so many high-performing alternatives now available, switching to more natural formulas feels less like a sacrifice and more like an upgrade for both your skin and the planet! 🌿
Let's get into the guide ⤵
(underlined titles are direct links to products, products are not in a specific order)
Beauty Care Naturals
$35 USD - V - Cruelty-free - 12 Shades - 30ml
This foundation has a satin finish and offers light to medium coverage. It layers well and is a breathable formula. It has a luxe liquid serum consistency that offers a second skin appearance. I enjoy the slight sweet vanilla scent of this foundation.
Ingredients: Juice of Aloe Barbadensis, Aqua (Distilled Water), Glycerine (Glycerin), Oryza sativa (Sustainable NON GMO Rice) Powder, Boron Nitride, Wax of Euphorbia Antisyphilitica, Plant Sourced Squalane, Vitellaria paradoxa (Shea), Hydroso Anthemis Nobilis (Roman Chamomile), Lecithin, Vit E, Essential Oil of Vanilla , non essential oil stabilizer extracts of: Origanum Vulgare Leaf (Oregano), Thymus Vulgaris (Thyme), Olea Europaea (Olive), Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary), Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender), Hydrastis Canadensis (Goldenseal). [+/- May Contain]: Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891) Zinc Oxide (CI 77947), Iron Oxides (CI 77491, 77492, 77499) Organic
100% Pure
$68 CAD - V - Cruelty-free - 19 Shades - 30ml
This foundation offers a dewy and hydrating feeling, great for those with dry skin. The liquid consistency is rich like a day cream. It applies easily and can be layered as well. You can set this foundation with powder for a long lasting wear, or just spritz with a setting mist if you prefer the 'glass skin' look.
Ingredients: Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Distillate, Helichrysum Italicum Flower Water, Organic Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran, Zinc Oxide (Mineral), Oleic/Linoleic/Linolenic Polyglycerides (From Sunflower Oil), Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride (Coconut Derived), Cetearyl Olivate (Olive Oil Derived), Fragaria Ananassa (Strawberry) Fruit Extract, Punica Granatum (Pomegranate) Fruit Extract, Vaccinium Myrtillus Fruit (Bilberry) Extract, Rubus Idaeus (Raspberry) Fruit Extract, Vitis Vinifera (Grape Skin) Extract, Vaccinium Angustifolium (Blueberry) Fruit Extract, Rubus Fruticosus (Blackberry) Fruit Extract, Beta Vulgaris (Beet) Root Extract, Rubus Leucodermis (Black Raspberry) Extract, Euterpe Oleracea (Acai) Fruit Extract, Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Root Extract, Prunus Cerasus (Cherry) Extract, Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root Extract, Active Carbon (Activated Bamboo Charcoal), Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Euterpe Oleracea Pulp (Acai) Oil, Punica Granatum (Pomegranate) Seed Oil, Resveratrol (From Red Wine), Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract, Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax, Dehydroacetic Acid (Naturally Occurring In Solandra Flowers), Benzyl Alcohol (Naturally Occurring In Essential Oils). May Contain: CI 77891, CI 77499, CI 77491, CI 77492
Chanel
$102 CAD - V - 29 Shades - 30ml
This foundation has a luscious consistency and it has a hydrating feeling to the skin. It offers light to medium coverage, and has a dewy finish. Camellia flower oil is added as a star ingredient, it contributes antioxidants and moisturizing benefits to the formulation. It does have a floral scent from fragrance, so if you're sensitive to fragrance you may want to pass on this foundation.
Ingredients: AQUA | COCO-CAPRYLATE/CAPRATE | C9-12 ALKANE | GLYCERIN | SILICA | POLYGLYCERYL-6 POLYRICINOLEATE | DEXTRIN ISOSTEARATE | HYDROGENATED COCO-GLYCERIDES | MAGNESIUM SULFATE | SODIUM CHLORIDE | CAMELLIA JAPONICA SEED OIL | CAESALPINIA SPINOSA FRUIT EXTRACT | KAPPAPHYCUS ALVAREZII EXTRACT | POLYGLYCERYL-2 ISOSTEARATE | C8-12 ACID TRIGLYCERIDE | TRIHYDROXYSTEARIN | DISTEARDIMONIUM HECTORITE | TOCOPHERYL ACETATE | POTASSIUM SORBATE | SODIUM MYRISTOYL GLUTAMATE | CHLORPHENESIN | PARFUM (FRAGRANCE) | ISOSTEARIC ACID | ALUMINUM HYDROXIDE | TOCOPHEROL | [+ / - (MAY CONTAIN) | CI 77007 (ULTRAMARINES) | CI 77491, | CI 77492, | CI 77499 (IRON OXIDES) | CI 77891 (TITANIUM DIOXIDE) | MICA] | IL62A-I
Ere Perez
$61.40 - V - Cruelty-free - 12 Shades - 30ml
This foundation has a rich feeling and consistency, like a riche night cream. It offers a dewy finish with a second skin appearance and light to medium buildable coverage. It layers well and should be set with powder to ensure all day wear.
Ingredients: aqua (water), coco-caprylate/caprate, glycerin, polyglyceryl-6 polyricinolate, avena sativa (oat) kernel extract, prunus persica (peach) fruit extract, tocopheryl acetate (vitamin e), biosaccharide gum-1, sodium anisate, sodium levulinate, magnesium sulfate, sodium salicylate, ethylhexylglycerin, citric acid, glyceryl caprylate, polyhydroxystearic acid, potassium sorbate. May contain +/- CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499 (iron oxides), CI 77891 (titanium dioxide)
MOB
$33 - V - Cruelty-free - 36 Shades
This foundation has a creamy serum consistency that offers solid medium to full coverage. The texture is featherlight, it's truly lightweight compared to other cream formulations. It is buildable and it layers seamlessly (can be used as a concealer and for spot correcting as well). I love that the packaging is made from paper so it can be recycled or composted, and that they also offer samples so you are able to get the perfect shade match!
Ingredients: Octyldodecanol, Cetearyl Nonanoate, Tridecyl Trimellitate, Silica, Phytosteryl/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate, Candelilla Cera/Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax/Cire de candelilla, Dextrin Isostearate, Mica, Ceramide 2, Cera Carnauba/Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax/Cire de carnauba, Sodium Hyaluronate, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Triheptanoin, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Propylene Carbonate, Triisostearyl Citrate, C9-12 Alkane, Dilinoleic Acid/Butanediol
Copolymer, Castor oil/IPDI Copolymer, Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Dehydroacetic Acid, Phytosphingosine, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Tocopherol, Bisabolol, Stearoyl Glutamic Acid, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil [+/- Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499), Chromium Oxide Greens (CI 77288)]
Kosas
$59 USD - V - Cruelty-free - 36 Shades - 30ml
This foundation has a creamy texture and offers a satin finish. It has buildable medium to full coverage and it provides mineral SPF 25 that is reef safe! The shade range has great undertone options.
Ingredients: Water, Ethylhexyl Olivate, Octyldodecanol, Undecane, Polyglyceryl-2 Dipolyhydroxystearate, Glycerin, Mica, Calcium Sodium Borosilicate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Niacinamide, Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate, Galactoarabinan, Tridecane, Propanediol, Cetyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Oleate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5, Panthenol, Squalane, Caffeine, Arnica Montana Flower Extract, Artemisia Capillaris Flower Extract, Ethyl Ferulate, Sodium Gluconate, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Maltodextrin, Pentylene Glycol, Lecithin, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Tocopherol, Phenethyl Alcohol [May Contain: Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499)] Active Ingredient: Zinc Oxide (7.5%)
Fitglow
$63.50 - V - Cruelty-free - 18 Shades - 30ml
This foundation offers light to medium coverage and it has a dewy texture with a satin finish. It layers nicely and needs to be set with a light dusting of powder. The formulation contains organic ingredients and plant oils which hydrate and soothe the skin. I recommend this foundation for people who have a drier skin texture, as it contains castor and plants oils to moisturize the skin during its wear.
Ingredients: Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Heartleaf Houttuynia Herb, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Wax, Glyceryl Stearate, Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax, Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract, Water, Dipotassium Glychyrrizate (Licorice Root Extract) , Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (Vitamin C), Saccharomyces Ferment, *Phyllostachys Bambusoides (Bamboo) Juice, Glycerin, Cantella Asiatica (Gotu Kola) Extract, Artemisia Capillaris Dried Herb, Amber Extract, Arctostaphylos Uva-Ursi (Bearberry) Leaf Extract, Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Phosopholipids, Caffeine May Contain: Titanium Dioxide, Yellow Iron Oxide, Red Iron Oxide, Black Iron Oxide, Ultramarine Violet, Chrominium Oxide Green, Manganese Violet, Mica
Cheekbone Beauty
$25 CAD - V - Cruelty-free - 15 Shades - 3g
This foundation has a creamy texture with a light almost weightless feeling on the skin. It is a creamy and emollient formulation that glides easily on the skin. This multi-use product is a great multitasker because it can be used on the whole face. It can be used as a foundation, contour, concealer, and even an eye primer. The component is a chunky pencil which makes for an easy and effortless application - perfect for your purse or gym bag!
Ingredients: Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, C10-18 Triglycerides, Silica, Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate, Oryzanol, Tocopherol, Glyceryl Undecylenate May Contain (+/-) CI 77499, CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77891
Juice Beauty
$64 USD - V - Cruelty-free - 13 Shades - 30ml
This foundation has a liquid serum consistency that offers a satin matte finish. It doesn't require a lot of powder to set (if any), and it has a very breathable feeling to it. It provides light coverage that is perfect for those looking for a product that looks like your skin 'but better'.
Ingredients: Aloe barbadensis juice*, carthamus tinctorius (safflower) seed oil*, glycerin*, coconut alkanes, potassium cetyl phosphate, sorbitan sesquioleate, water, gluconolactone, cetearyl olivate, silica, sorbitan olivate, coco-caprylate/caprate, sodium benzoate, decyl glucoside, hydroxyethylcellulose, sodium bicarbonate, citrus limonum (lemon) leaf cell extract, helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed oil, vitis vinifera (grape) seed oil*, tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate (Vitamin C), tocopherol (Vitamin E), argania spinosa (argan) shell powder, rosa gallica (rose) flower powder, lauryl glucoside, calcium gluconate. May Contain (±): titanium dioxide (CI 77891), iron oxide (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499)
Lily Lolo
$37 CAD - V - Cruelty-free - 13 Shades - 7g
This foundation has a cream consistency and offers solid medium to full coverage. The formulation is waterless and it has a thicker consistency (I do find it has a slight heaviness to it). It can double as a foundation and concealer because it blends nicely and offers a seamless finish. This foundation layers really well, especially with other Lily Lolo cream products!
Ingredients: Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Cera, Kaolin, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Mica, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil, Boron Nitride, Argania Spinosa (Argan) Kernel Oil, Tocopherol,[+/- CI 77891 (Titanium Dioxide), CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499 (Iron Oxides)]
So I think we can all agree that silicone-free foundations prove that you don’t need synthetic silicones to achieve a luxurious, high-performance finish. Switching to silicone-free makeup isn’t about giving up performance—it’s about gaining healthier skin and making a positive impact on our bodies and the planet. Thanks to modern silicone alternatives—like plant-derived oils, coconut-based emollients, and natural waxes—these formulas still glide effortlessly, blend seamlessly, and leave the skin with a smooth, perfected look. With advanced natural formulas, you can enjoy the same flawless finish, long wear, and coverage without compromise. Every purchase is a vote for cleaner beauty and a cleaner planet. By choosing products that support your skin and the environment, you’re investing in beauty that’s more than skin-deep. I hope this post has given you a clearer understanding of silicone-free foundations and the benefits they offer. The next time you’re browsing for a new foundation, let this guide inspire you to choose a formula that’s as kind to your skin as it is to the planet.
Take care,
Nat xx
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