The Best Organic & Natural Makeup Primers of 2021 For Poreless Skin

PUBLISHED: 02/12/2020 UPDATED: 07/06/2020

WRITTEN BY: DIANE ELIZABETH K.

RESEARCH & REVIEW BY: Tamryn Burgess. Licensed Aesthetician and Registered Holistic Nutritionist (RHN).

This article may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy for more details. To learn more about how we selected the products featured on this list, check out our product review & research standards.

Ever wonder how some women achieve a near flawless makeup application that lasts all day long? Did you know that you can achieve this look without having to spend hours meticulously applying your foundation everyday. As it turns out, besides a consistent skin care routine, one of the best kept secrets to achieving a super smooth foundation look is to use a natural facial primer. 

What is a Facial Primer? How Do Natural Primers Work?

Makeup primers work by filling in lines, wrinkles, creases, and other uneven areas of the skin–creating a perfectly smooth surface for makeup application. The best time to apply a facial primer is after you’ve completed your skin are routine. After cleansing and applying a serum and/or moisturizer, then layer your primer on-top before beginning your makeup application.

Natural face primers work similarly to conventional makeup primers. The major difference is that you won’t find petro-chemicals, known hormone disruptors (like phthalates & synthetic fragrances), artificial colors, silicones (4), parabens(6, 7, 8), or even known allergens & irritants in a “real” natural face primer (1, 2, 3). (I say “real” natural primers because there are many products that claim to be natural and still use many of the questionable ingredients listed).

Instead of synthetics, toxic preservatives, and fillers, high quality natural and organic makeup primers use luscious plant-based oils & waxes (like jojoba, argan oil, candelilla wax), minerals & fruit pigments, skin plumping actives (like hyaluronic acid and vitamin C), and moisturizing butters. These kinds of high quality ingredients work to both smooth skin in the short-term and gradually improve the look of uneven skin over the long term. Think of conventional primers as a “quick fix” and natural primers as a long term solution. 

What Makes An Effective Natural Primer for My Skin Type?

Regardless of your skin type, the ideal natural primer will contain ingredients to smooth skin and help your foundation last longer. There are, however, different ways to achieve these goals depending on your skin type. Here are some tips on what to look for in a primer based on skin type:

Oily Skin: In order to keep a foundation looking matte and staying put, oilier skin types need an oil-balancing primer. Oil balancing primers are often made with just natural minerals (such as titanium dioxide, mica, silica, and iron oxides) or include an absorbent powder base made from ingredients like kaolin clay. 

Dry Skin: The cause of fine lines, wrinkles, creases, and flakiness which can create issues with foundation application is often dehydrated skin. The best natural primer for dry skin types will be made with hydrating, anti-inflammatory, and skin-plumping ingredients like hyaluronic acid, plant oils & butters, aloe vera, and vitamin E. (9)

How Did We Choose These Best Natural Primers?

The list of makeup brands engaging in “green-washing” is miles long. Green-washing is a practice where brands use deceptive marketing language to convince shoppers that their products are “clean” when they are not.

That’s why we spent months developing this list of the best and truly clean makeup primers. Each natural primer on our list has gone through our product testing process and are free from cheap and undesirable ingredients such as talc, parabens, artificial fragrances and colors, dimethicone and silicones, and other ingredients listed here. In addition to our own strict ingredient standards, all ingredients have also been checked against the Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep Database. In short, these are some of the cleanest of the clean natural primers you’ll find anywhere. Enjoy!

1. *100% PURE – MATTIFYING ORGANIC PRIMER FOR OILY SKIN

*100% PURE – MATTIFYING ORGANIC PRIMER FOR OILY SKIN | $49 |
Ethics : 100% Natural, GMO-Free, Cruelty Free, Gluten-Free, Vegan
Price : $49

A silicone-free, natural primer formulated to help oily skin times create a smooth, matte surface before applying makeup. This primer is made with marine collagen, aloe for hydration, as well as tea tree oil and eucalyptus for purifying oily skin. Rice starch helps to absorb excess oil providing a flawless matte surface all day long. May also be a good choice for those with large pores, acne-prone skin, or anyone seeking a matte finish. The bottle provides approximately 65 applications.

Shop *100% PURE – MATTIFYING ORGANIC PRIMER FOR OILY SKIN

2. *HYNT BEAUTY – SUN PREP ORGANIC SPF 25 PRIMER

*HYNT BEAUTY – SUN PREP ORGANIC SPF 25 PRIMER | $55 |
Ethics : 100% Natural, GMO-Free, Cruelty Free, Gluten-Free, Vegan
Price : $55

A broad spectrum SPF 30 organic sunscreen made with 9% titanium dioxide. This sunscreen has the silky consistency of a good moisturizer and absorbs almost completely transparent after application. It's loaded with nourishing ingredients like organic aloe, green tea, vitamin E, sesame oil, and hyaluronic acid. The formula is moisturizing without feeling greasy, chalky, or heavy. Works well as both a daily moisturizer or makeup primer.

Shop *HYNT BEAUTY – SUN PREP ORGANIC SPF 25 PRIMER

3. *OSEA MALIBU – ATMOSPHERE PROTECTION CREAM

*OSEA MALIBU – ATMOSPHERE PROTECTION CREAM | $48 |
Ethics : 100% Natural, GMO-Free, Cruelty Free, Gluten-Free, Vegan
Price : $48

A nice lightweight moisturizer that provides protection against the elements. This moisturizer goes on incredibly light, but still manages to provide all-day hydration for normal skin (may be too lightweight for very dry skin types). It has a silky consistency that works perfectly as a makeup primer. Key organic ingredients include hydrating algae, shea butter, avocado oil, macadamia seed oil, chamomile, and lavender oil.

Shop *OSEA MALIBU – ATMOSPHERE PROTECTION CREAM

4. *BEAUTY BY EARTH – TINTED SPF 30 DAILY FACIAL PRIMER

*BEAUTY BY EARTH – TINTED SPF 30 DAILY FACIAL PRIMER | $19.99 |
Ethics : 100% Natural, GMO-Free, Cruelty Free, Gluten-Free, Vegan
Price : $19.99

This is a simple and lovely organic moisturizing primer with SPF 20 that is a perfect fit for all skin types. It is non-comedogenic and specifically formulated for facial skin. Unlike other SPF creams, this absorbs effortlessly and doesn't leave a white cast due to the light tint. Online reviews from across the web rave about this product's non-greasy texture, affordable price, and non-irritating formula which allows for daily wear. Works great as a makeup primer layered over another moisturizer.

Shop *BEAUTY BY EARTH – TINTED SPF 30 DAILY FACIAL PRIMER

5. *ALIMA PURE – OIL BALANCING ALL NATURAL PRIMER POWDER

*ALIMA PURE – OIL BALANCING ALL NATURAL PRIMER POWDER | $24 |
Ethics : 100% Natural, GMO-Free, Cruelty Free, Gluten-Free, Vegan
Price : $24

Struggle with oily skin? This all natural oil-absorbing primer powder may be your saving grace. This primer powder contains effective natural ingredients that absorb oil from the skin and even out skin for makeup application. Available in three colors, this primer provides a sheer layer of all-natural kaolin powder beneath your foundation to help your makeup stay fresh all day long. Perfect for sensitive skin types and acne-prone skin types those looking for a non-irritating primer.

Shop *ALIMA PURE – OIL BALANCING ALL NATURAL PRIMER POWDER

6. *JOSH ROSEBROOK – NUTRIENT DAY CREAM SPF 30 MOISTURIZING PRIMER

*JOSH ROSEBROOK – NUTRIENT DAY CREAM SPF 30 MOISTURIZING PRIMER | $85 |
Ethics : 100% Natural, GMO-Free, Cruelty Free, Gluten-Free, Vegan
Price : $85

A luxurious organic SPF 30 moisturizer that easily doubles as a makeup primer. This beautiful all-natural primer is not only made with 12% non-nano zinc oxide for powerful sun protection, it's also packed with certified organic anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and skin nourishing ingredients. This sunscreen reduces redness (borage seed oil + sage), fights acne (linden + nettles + chamomile), and repairs skin (burdock + bilberry + sea buckthorn). Great for all skin types.

Shop *JOSH ROSEBROOK – NUTRIENT DAY CREAM SPF 30 MOISTURIZING PRIMER

7. *LILY LOLO – ALL NATURAL EYE PRIMER

*LILY LOLO – ALL NATURAL EYE PRIMER | $15 |
Ethics : 100% Natural, GMO-Free, Cruelty Free, Gluten-Free, Vegan
Price : $15

A simple all-natural eye primer made with a blend of minerals (titanium dioxide, mica for shimmer, and iron oxides for pigment) and nourishing plant-based ingredients (jojoba, candelilla wax, argan oil, and vitamin E). This eye primer can be used as a base for eye shadows, a concealer, and color corrector in one. Start with a very light base and layer as needed (we found that using too much product on the eyes can actually cause clumping--a light layer is all you need).

Shop *LILY LOLO – ALL NATURAL EYE PRIMER

8. *100% PURE – LUMINOUS ANTIOXIDANT ORGANIC PRIMER

*100% PURE – LUMINOUS ANTIOXIDANT ORGANIC PRIMER | $39 |
Ethics : 100% Natural, GMO-Free, Cruelty Free, Gluten-Free, Vegan
Price : $39

An effective, yet simple silicone-free organic primer made with skin nurturing ingredients like vitamin E, aloe, avocado, green tea, and antioxidant-rich resveratrol. It contains a hint of the mineral mica, which gives skin a hint of glow. This primer adds a huge boost of hydration which helps to smooth out fine lines and wrinkles. Additionally, ingredients like avocado butter, jojoba esters, and candelilla wax work to fill in any remaining lines and creases for smooth makeup application.

Shop *100% PURE – LUMINOUS ANTIOXIDANT ORGANIC PRIMER

9. *KYPRIS – POT OF SHADE HELIOTROPIC SPF 30 PRIMER

*KYPRIS – POT OF SHADE HELIOTROPIC SPF 30 PRIMER | $75 |
Ethics : 100% Natural, GMO-Free, Cruelty Free, Gluten-Free, Vegan
Price : $75

Pot of Shade is an expertly crafted daily organic SPF moisturizer and primer. It boasts an SPF 30 potency and contains 20% non-nano zinc oxide to protect your skin from the sun. Just rub a pea sized amount in your hands and apply to your face (a little goes a long way). The non-greasy formula quickly absorbs into the skin completely translucently (no whitening effect). As a primer, it provides smoothness without being too thick. Made with organic, wildcrafted, and natural ingredients.

Shop *KYPRIS – POT OF SHADE HELIOTROPIC SPF 30 PRIMER

10. ELATE COSMETICS – PREP PRIMER

ELATE COSMETICS – PREP PRIMER | $42 |
Ethics : 100% Natural, GMO-Free, Cruelty Free, Gluten-Free, Vegan
Price : $42

Created by a Canadian vegan beauty brand committed to the best vegan ingredients, Prep Primer creates the perfect canvas for your makeup adding great staying power. Using a combination of skin plumping ingredients (like hyaluronic acid and a floral hydrosol), this primer plumps, firms, and smooths skin--without feeling greasy. This natural primer is also packaged in a gorgeous glass bottle with recyclable plastic and bamboo pump. Dry skin? This can also be used as an overnight hydration treatment.

Shop ELATE COSMETICS – PREP PRIMER

FILTER BY TYPE

GET MATCHED! TAKE THE ORGANIC PRIMERS QUIZ

Need help finding the perfect organic and natural primer for you? Then, take our free Organic & Natural Primers Quiz & get matched with the best natural primer! We've created a custom quiz to help you quickly find the top 5 primers. Takes just a few seconds to complete---click to get started!

*Hynt Beauty – Sun Prep Organic SPF 25 Primer ($55)

A broad spectrum SPF 30 organic sunscreen made with 9% titanium dioxide. This sunscreen has the silky consistency of a good moisturizer and absorbs almost completely transparent after application. It's loaded with nourishing ingredients like organic aloe, green tea, vitamin E, sesame oil, and hyaluronic acid. The formula is moisturizing without feeling greasy, chalky, or heavy. Works well as both a daily moisturizer or makeup primer.

*Beauty By Earth – Tinted SPF 30 Daily Facial Primer

This is a simple and lovely organic moisturizing primer with SPF 20 that is a perfect fit for all skin types. It is non-comedogenic and specifically formulated for facial skin. Unlike other SPF creams, this absorbs effortlessly and doesn't leave a white cast due to the light tint. Online reviews from across the web rave about this product's non-greasy texture, affordable price, and non-irritating formula which allows for daily wear. Works great as a makeup primer layered over another moisturizer.

*Inika Organic – Certified Organic Primer with Hyaluronic Acid

A skin-nourishing certified organic primer formula designed to both create a smooth canvas for makeup application and improve the staying power of your makeup. Some start ingredients of this primer include hyaluronic acid (hydration), aloe vera, coconut oil, jojoba oil, vitamin E, and bergamot. The formula is 81% organic, 100% natural, and certified vegan. This baby is so hydrating, you could technically use it as a moisturizer + primer combo.

*Josh Rosebrook – Nutrient Day Cream SPF 30 Moisturizing Primer ($85)

A luxurious organic SPF 30 moisturizer that easily doubles as a makeup primer. This beautiful all-natural primer is not only made with 12% non-nano zinc oxide for powerful sun protection, it's also packed with certified organic anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and skin nourishing ingredients. This sunscreen reduces redness (borage seed oil + sage), fights acne (linden + nettles + chamomile), and repairs skin (burdock + bilberry + sea buckthorn). Great for all skin types.

*Kypris – Pot of Shade Heliotropic SPF 30 Primer ($75)

Pot of Shade is an expertly crafted daily organic SPF moisturizer and primer. It boasts an SPF 30 potency and contains 20% non-nano zinc oxide to protect your skin from the sun. Just rub a pea sized amount in your hands and apply to your face (a little goes a long way). The non-greasy formula quickly absorbs into the skin completely translucently (no whitening effect). As a primer, it provides smoothness without being too thick. Made with organic, wildcrafted, and natural ingredients.

*100% Pure – Luminous Antioxidant Organic Primer ($39)

An effective, yet simple silicone-free organic primer made with skin nurturing ingredients like vitamin E, aloe, avocado, green tea, and antioxidant-rich resveratrol. It contains a hint of the mineral mica, which gives skin a hint of glow. This primer adds a huge boost of hydration which helps to smooth out fine lines and wrinkles. Additionally, ingredients like avocado butter, jojoba esters, and candelilla wax work to fill in any remaining lines and creases for smooth makeup application.

*Lily Lolo – All Natural Eye Primer ($15)

A simple all-natural eye primer made with a blend of minerals (titanium dioxide, mica for shimmer, and iron oxides for pigment) and nourishing plant-based ingredients (jojoba, candelilla wax, argan oil, and vitamin E). This eye primer can be used as a base for eye shadows, a concealer, and color corrector in one. Start with a very light base and layer as needed (we found that using too much product on the eyes can actually cause clumping--a light layer is all you need).

TAKE THE QUIZ & FIND THE PERFECT ORGANIC PRIMER

Make sure that the next natural primer that you try is the right one for you! Get matched to your perfect organic and all natural primer in seconds with our Organic & Natural Primers Quiz. Click now to get started.

SOURCES & REFERENCES

1. (2004) Nanoparticles – known and unknown health risks https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC544578/

2. (2017) Health and societal effects from exposure to fragranced consumer products https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2211335516301449

3. (2010) CSPI Says Food Dyes Pose Rainbow of Risks https://cspinet.org/new/201006291.html

4. (2018) The truth about dimethicone, the controversial ingredient in cosmetics https://hellogiggles.com/beauty/what-is-dimethicone-in-cosmetics/

5. Talcum Powder and Cancer https://www.cancer.org/cancer/cancer-causes/talcum-powder-and-cancer.html

6. (2007) Study on Enhancing the Endocrine Disrupter Priority List with a Focus on Low Production Volume Chemicals. https://ec.europa.eu/environment/endocrine/documents/final_report_2007.pdf

7. (2008) Combined activation of methyl paraben by light irradiation and esterase metabolism toward oxidative DNA damage. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18656963

8. (2016) Vitamin E in Dermatology https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4976416/

9. (2017) Anti-Inflammatory and Skin Barrier Repair Effects of Topical Application of Some Plant Oils https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5796020/

PRODUCT BADGES LEGEND
100% NATURAL

100% NATURAL

The product contains only natural ingredients (non-synthetic or lab created). It does not contain anything artificial or synthetic.

100% ORGANIC

100% ORGANIC

The product has been formulated with 100% organically sourced and/or certified organic ingredients.

GMO FREE

GMO FREE

This product does not contain ingredients which have been genetically modified.

GLUTEN FREE

GLUTEN FREE

All of the ingredients contained in the product are free from gluten, wheat, and ingredients which are commonly contaminated with gluten.

VEGAN

VEGAN

The product is made without animal products or byproducts such as beeswax, honey, milk, eggs, etc.

CERTIFIED ORGANIC

CERTIFIED ORGANIC

The product has received an official organic certification from a third party organization such as the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA Certified Organic), ECOCERT, Australian Certified Organic, and others.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
about-author_diane-elizabeth125

This Article Was Written By…

Diane Elizabeth K., Founder at SkinCareOx.com

Diane Elizabeth founded Skin Care Ox in 2016 after her personal struggle to find truly clean, natural, and organic products. Leveraging her background in biomedical engineering, scientific research + analytics, and entrepreneurship, she created Skin Care Ox to be an easy-to-use resource to find real clean beauty options. Since then, her articles have been read by over 3 Million people and have helped millions choose cleaner alternatives. She currently lives in Colorado with her husband and growing family.

Review Standards & Process

Skin Care Ox product reviews are 100% brand neutral. Skin Care Ox does not accept compensation in exchange for reviews. Additionally, there are no paid advertisements on Skin Care Ox. From time to time, brands will submit products to our team for review. Whether we procure the products ourselves or they are submitted to our team for review—our reviews remain honest and neutral.

Skin Care Ox is primarily funded through affiliate commissions. Meaning, when you purchase a product via a link from our website, we earn a small commission on the sale from the retailer (at no additional cost to you). Skin Care Ox is a member of numerous affiliate networks representing hundreds of cleans beauty brands and retailers. Because of this, no single brand or company has control over our review decisions.

Finally, every product we review undergoes our Research and Review Process. This includes faithfully trialing the products for a minimum of two weeks, rigorously researching each ingredient, and consolidating real user reviews from across the web.

2 Comments

  1. Christie Schichtel July 13, 2020
    • skincareox October 6, 2020

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