The 11 Best Clean Setting Powders + Application Tips & More

This setting powder isn't just great for blurring pores and easing fine lines, but it actually keeps your skin hydrated while doing so thanks to the addition of squalane. "Patented Aerated-cream technology softens excess shine while ethically-sourced Mica leaves behind a bright, blurred luminosity to the skin (like an Instagram filtered effect)," Adams explains.

What our tester says:

This one is my favorite of the bunch because it never dries out my skin. Even after wearing the setting powder all day and into the night, my under eyes and T-zone look blurred but never flaky or splotchy as they have with other setting powders. If you have super fair skin you may not love the slightly yellow hue of the lightest shade, but otherwise, the tints help to minimize flashback.

Calling all acne-prone folks: This is a safe option for clog-prone skin (phew). It's certainly not always easy finding noncomedogenic makeup products that actually check the performance box, but consider your powder found with this formula. The finish is blurred, smooth, and mattified but the formula contains soothing arnica and squalane so your skin barrier is kept happy, too—which is key to maintaining a healing environment for breakouts.

What reviewers say:

Many reviewers adore the finish of this product, describing it as lightweight and blurring. Some people note frustration with the packaging as it can be difficult to get the powder out of the container. However, others love the mess-free packaging.

While loose setting powders have many benefits, pressed powder is the superhero when it comes to keeping your complexion matte all day long, and this clean find is an A+ example. It's just heavy enough to keep your T-Zone from shining through, but it never turns out cakey. The ingredient list is packed with antioxidants and natural oil absorbents like bamboo stem extract.

What our tester says:

This setting powder is no joke—it will minimize any oil patch and keep it that way for hours. As a pressed powder it's pretty much impossible to deliver a fully invisible finish, but this one does come close when compared to other pressed formulas I've tried. Plus, that more obvious powdery look only lasts for an hour or two before it's a bit more absorbed, so it's not the end of the world. Also, the packaging is super protective, as I dropped mine and only saw a small dent which is pretty impressive for a pressed formula.

This one has a super simple ingredient list (like many Ilia products) and a soft, natural-looking finish. It's an ideal fit for those no-makeup makeup fans out there as it gently blurs pores and eases extra shine without being too noticeable. Aloe vera helps to soothe the skin while castor seed oil hydrates and protects, making this one another skin-healthy choice.

What reviewers say:

Many people who use this product love that it has a blurring finish without feeling too heavy. The translucent shade is great for keeping under eyes bright without simultaneously creating flashback. However, some folks note this one is better for day-to-day wear and not big events as the effects fade quickly when compared with other powders.

For those looking to minimize the look of pores but maintain radiance, let me introduce you to your new holy grail. This one is not for everyone, as many people use powder with the intention to completely mattify the skin and eliminating any chance of shine or glimmer. However, the lightweight formula does keep a T-Zone blurred while still looking bright and radiant.

What our tester says:

I like this powder for those no-makeup days, just to maintain oil and make my skin look more balanced. When used over foundation or concealer, it adds a noticeable soft and almost glittery look—I appreciate this radiant finish but not everyone will. If you want something super matte or completely invisible, opt for another product.

This setting powder is budget-friendly while still checking all of the boxes. It's safe for acne-prone skin, it contains hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and baobab seed extract, and it comes in three different shades so there's a product fit for everyone. The translucent powder works for every skin done, but the brand also provides a shade for medium to deep skin tones and a slightly darker shade for rich to deep skin tones— great addition given some folks want the additional coverage from the setting powder.

What reviewers say:

Many people adore this formula for its mattifying power and affordable price tag. However, some reviewers note a yellow tint when using the medium to rich shade. To be fair, tinted setting powder isn't for everyone—if you're concerned about your setting powder being too visible, opt for the translucent shade.

One of the easiest ways to reapply sunscreen is via brush-on powder. Whether you have oily skin or not, finishing your makeup or touching up your look with this product is sure to deliver a gently blurred, mattified finish while protecting your skin from UV damage. The formula contains additional soothing hydration via ceramides to prevent overdrying the skin, which is especially important for those spending time in the sun.

What our tester says:

This really is the easiest way to protect your skin when you're spending all day outside without messing up your makeup. However, it's not as high performance as the other products. So, keep this on hand when you're booked for loads of sun exposure, but opt for another formula if you're prepping for a big event or you're focused on makeup finish and longevity.

The ingredient list here is simpler than many of the others, so this pick is ideal for anyone with sensitive or acne-prone skin, as the risk of additional fillers causing irritation or breakouts is mitigated. The translucent is more invisible than the tinted options, but the tinted formulas contain a bit more coverage.

What our tester says:

This one is simple and it shows. You can hardly see the powder when it goes on, but it doesn't nourish the skin or stay put for too long. Again, I'd deem this a great staple for folks with sensitive skin, but I'd pick another product if you really need your makeup to stay put.

Some people skip powder entirely in hopes of maintaining that dewy, lively skin appearance. If that sounds familiar, this powder will be a product that walks that tightrope of mattifying and setting makeup where needed without washing your skin with a dull overlay. Kaolin clay helps to absorb oil without overdrying while vitamin E keeps the skin barrier happy. Diamond powder is a lovely plus, adding even more radiance.

What our tester says:

I'm a dewy skin lover at heart, so powder isn't inherently a part of my routine. However, this powder was one of my first favorites because it's so lightweight and luminous, providing just enough mattification without overthrowing the glass-skin appearance entirely.

This is a classic for a reason—it gets the job done and lasts all day. Plus, the powder comes in various shades including a radiant finish for everyone who wants to look glowy but not oily. The particles are a bit larger when compared to other powders so it's best to use a brush rather than a powder puff, as less is more here.

What reviewers say:

This staple powder does what a powder should, without any fluff. If you need something simple and to the point, this one is for you. The radiant finish seems to be a crowd-pleaser, but the matte finish not as much due to the dry look it may leave behind. It doesn't have additional skin care ingredients, which is a very modern "con" to have, as so many makeup brands are raising that bar.

Using powder on fine lines is a delicate task: You'll want to apply just enough to smooth over small wrinkles but not so much that it settles between the skin, accentuating the lines. Luckily, some formulas like this one contain loads of skin-plumping ingredients like hyaluronic acid, avocado oil, vitamin E, and more to keep your complexion hydrated while still maintaining a visible blur. These ingredients ensure that a filter-like look lasts all day without becoming dried out.

What reviewers say:

Many reviewers note the fine and almost invisible feeling this powder has. The blurring power is a fan favorite, especially because it lasts all day without looking cakey. The skin-boosting ingredients make it an even better pick, especially for dry and mature skin.