Collection: Foundation

Clean foundation is free from potentially harmful ingredients such as parabens and sulfates, which are common ingredients found in regular foundations. At Credo Beauty, we also use our own industry-leading standards and have a rigorous vetting process in place to ensure that the clean foundation products we offer are not only effective but also safer and more sustainable. Every foundation we carry meets our strict clean criteria, meaning they are free from ingredients associated with potential health or environmental risks. We also impose sustainability and packaging requirements on our brands to help mitigate their environmental impact.

Natural foundation - which lacks a formal legal definition - refers to foundation made with natural or naturally derived ingredients. Conversely, organic foundation or foundation made with organic ingredients are certified to meet strict standards which are legally established by the U.S. Department of Agriculture via the USDA Organic program. Some foundations we offer use organic ingredients or are entirely certified as organic. When it comes to clean foundation, while there is no legal definition, the focus is on using high-quality clean ingredients that are more sustainable and safer for both your skin and the planet. At Credo Beauty, we push clean standards even further by prohibiting over 2700 ingredients that are linked to negative human health or environmental effects.

The key ingredients in clean foundations include naturally occurring mineral pigments such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, plant extracts such as aloe vera, chamomile, and calendula, and natural plant-derived oils and butters such as shea and cocoa butter, jojoba oil, and rosehip oil. Further natural ingredients that are often found in clean foundations include natural waxes such as beeswax and candelilla wax, Vitamin E, and antioxidants such as green tea extract. As all of our products are vetted to our industry-leading Credo Clean Standard™, you can feel confident about the ingredients you’re putting on your face.

While individual sensitivities can vary, the ingredients found in clean foundation products are generally less irritating to sensitive skin, making them a better option when choosing between clean and regular foundations. They’re free from ingredients such as parabens and sulfates, which can often cause irritation, redness, inflammation, or burning when used on sensitive skin.

When it comes to the best brands for light, medium, and full coverage foundations, there are plenty of clean foundation brands to explore. Among the top brands well-known for their clean foundation formulas are Ilia Beauty, who pride themselves on using clean ingredients with skin-nourishing properties, Westman Atelier, who provide clean and easy-to-use foundation sticks that give a flawless finish, and RMS Beauty, who create versatile clean beauty products such as foundation and concealer. At Credo Beauty, all the brands we work with are carefully vetted and must adhere to our strict standards. So when you shop with us, you can be sure you only get the very best in clean beauty.

When searching for clean foundations, you can look for certifications from organizations such as USDA Organic, EWG Verified, and Cruelty-Free, as these will all help verify a foundation's status. These certifications can provide an extra layer of assurance when you find your foundation shade and try new products, as they only award certifications to the highest quality, clean beauty products. As we ensure all our brands and products adhere to our industry-leading Credo Clean Standard™, we do the hard work for you so that you can shop confidently with us.

That depends on your skin type, finish preference, and coverage goals - but some community favorites include: ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40: A dewy, lightweight tint that feels like skincare. Kosas Revealer Foundation: Medium coverage with niacinamide and caffeine for a natural, radiant finish. Exa High Fidelity Foundation: Buildable, semi-satin coverage in 43 inclusive shades. All of them meet the Credo Clean Standard™, so you don’t have to choose between performance and peace of mind.

There’s no set legal definition for “clean” foundation. But at Credo Beauty, we want to bring you the best in clean beauty standards, so we created The Credo Clean Standard™, which prohibits over 2700 ingredients that have a negative effect on either human health or the environment.

Start by thinking about two things: your skin type and your finish preference. Oily or acne-prone? Look for oil-free or semi-matte formulas with ingredients like niacinamide or green tea. Dry or mature skin? Hydrating foundations with squalane, hyaluronic acid, or plant oils will give you that supple, plump look. Combo or sensitive? Stick to fragrance-free, dermatologist-tested options and start sheer - you can always build coverage.

Yes. In fact, clean foundations often layer better because they’re free from heavy silicones that can pill or feel cakey. Just make sure your skincare has fully absorbed (especially sunscreen) before applying foundation. If you love primer, opt for one that’s suited to your skin type - mattifying if you’re oily, blurring if you want a soft-focus look, or hydrating if you’re dry.