Best Silicone-Free Primers

Updated December 2021
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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. Read more  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.Read more 
Bottom Line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
ILIA True Skin Radiant Priming Serum
ILIA
True Skin Radiant Priming Serum
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Clean Option
Bottom Line

A quality mattifying primer free from harsh ingredients and fragrances found in some products.

Pros

Uses clean ingredients to blur fine lines and keep your skin matte all day. Will not cling to dry patches of skin. Prevents foundation from creasing or melting. Has a slight firming effect. Vegan and cruelty-free.

Cons

Product sits at high price point.

Best Bang for the Buck
Too Faced Hangover Replenishing Face Primer
Too Faced
Hangover Replenishing Face Primer
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Most Hydrating
Bottom Line

A primer that improves both the look and feel of your skin.

Pros

Hydrating coconut water leaves skin feeling refreshed. Gentle on acne-prone skin. Visibly reduces oil throughout the day and keeps foundation locked in place. Easy to apply and dries quickly. Primer is cruelty-free. Subtle coconut scent.

Cons

Coconut scent may not appeal to everyone.

MILK Makeup Hydro Grip Primer
MILK Makeup
Hydro Grip Primer
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Long Lasting Results
Bottom Line

This primer truly grips onto you makeup and doesn't let go so you can look fresh all day long.

Pros

Hemp seed, cactus extract, and aloe water hydrate skin and provide helpful antioxidants. Thick gel-like primer is easy to apply and adheres to all skin types. Slight green tint reduces redness. Skin appears dewy without letting oil shine through. Foundation looks freshly applied for hours.

Cons

Primer is quite tacky and takes a while to dry.

Smashbox Photo Finish Primer Water
Smashbox
Photo Finish Primer Water
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Most Versatile
Bottom Line

Prime it, set it, and forget it with this multipurpose priming water.

Pros

Hydrating mist works as a primer and a setting spray. Lightweight formula leaves skin soft and doesn’t pill under foundation. Keeps makeup in place for hours. Reasonably priced. Cruelty-free formula.

Cons

Primer has a strong fragrance that may not appeal to everyone.

REN Clean Skincare Perfect Canvas Clean Primer
REN Clean Skincare
Perfect Canvas Clean Primer
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Great for Oily Skin
Bottom Line

A lightweight, smoothing primer that's adored by those with oily or combination skin.

Pros

Goes on smoothly, with a feel and texture similar to a serum. Minimizes the appearance of pores and fine lines. Sightly tacky texture helps makeup stay on all day. Great results for those with oily or combination skin.

Cons

The primer may pill or flake when used in combination with color correcting tints. Those with dry skin may want to avoid this primer.

HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

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30
Models
Considered
170
Consumers
Consulted
26
Hours
Researched
Category cover

Silicone based primers work well for just about everyone, and every skin type. They are easy to apply and effectively smooth out fine lines. They are free from harsh chemicals many people prefer to avoid. Despite their silky smooth texture, silicone based primers sometimes appear flaky on dry skin as well, so pay close attention if you need a hydrating, silicone-free formula if this might be an issue for your skin. Typically, these alternative primers are water-based. Water-based primers feel lighter on the skin and provide a mattifying effect. They are the perfect oil-free way to smooth out fine lines without clogging your pores, either as a base for makeup or worn alone.

Other Products We Considered
The BestReviews editorial team researches hundreds of products based on consumer reviews, brand quality, and value. We then choose a shorter list for in-depth research and testing before finalizing our top picks. These are the products we considered that ultimately didn't make our top 5.
Mia del Mar
Silicone-Free Makeup Primer
Skindinavia
Silicone Free Cruelty Beauty Primer
Too Faced
Hangover Rx Replenishing Face Primer
100% PURE
Silicone-Free Makeup Primer
e.l.f.
Hydrating Face Primer
TULA
Silicone-Free, Non-Comedogenic Face Primer
Hard Candy
Sheer Envy Hydrating Primer Mist,1086Silicone Free
Revlon
Photoready Rose Glow Face Makeup Primer
Skindinavia
Primer Face Makeup Matte Mattifying Silicone-Free
Elizabeth Mott
Matte Makeup Base Primer
See more
Our Top Picks
ILIA
Best of the Best
ILIA
True Skin Radiant Priming Serum
Bottom Line
A quality mattifying primer free from harsh ingredients and fragrances found in some products.
Shop Now
Too Faced
Best Bang for the Buck
Too Faced
Hangover Replenishing Face Primer
Bottom Line
A primer that improves both the look and feel of your skin.
Shop Now
MILK Makeup
Top Pick
MILK Makeup
Hydro Grip Primer
Bottom Line
This primer truly grips onto you makeup and doesn't let go so you can look fresh all day long.
Shop Now
Smashbox
Top Pick
Smashbox
Photo Finish Primer Water
Bottom Line
Prime it, set it, and forget it with this multipurpose priming water.
Shop Now
REN Clean Skincare
Top Pick
REN Clean Skincare
Perfect Canvas Clean Primer
Bottom Line
A lightweight, smoothing primer that's adored by those with oily or combination skin.
Shop Now