Non-comedogenic concealers for every skin type

What would we do without concealer? It’s the one makeup item anyone can use, even if makeup isn’t your thing. Dabbing a little concealer on a zit, dark spot, or under-eye dark circle can give you an instant confidence boost and make even a “bad skin day” feel way better. But it’s important to be discerning with which concealer you use, especially if you’ve got acne-prone or sensitive skin. We’ve rounded up a handy list of concealers as part of our ongoing search for the best non-comedogenic makeup out there.

Concealers for acne-prone skin

The best concealers for you will depend on your unique skin type but definitely opt for non-comedogenic concealers without irritating ingredients. This applies to concealers for sensitive skin, too. Here’s how to check any product for potentially pore-clogging ingredients!

The acne-friendly concealer with the best range of shades:

Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Instant Retouch Concealer

We’re professed fans of Rihanna’s Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Foundation, and the concealer is just as great. It comes in a range of 40 shades, offering the right color match for virtually everyone — which also makes it one of the best concealers for dark skin tones. Plus, it’s oil-free and formulated without common pore-clogging or skin-irritating ingredients.

More great options that pass the non-comedogenic test

1. Neutrogena Skin Clearing Blemish Concealer

2. Maybelline Fit Me Concealer

3. Almay Clear Complexion Concealer

4. bareMinerals Blemish Remedy Concealer

5. Clinique Acne Solutions Clearing Concealer

6. Boo-Boo Cover Up Concealer

7. IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Breakout Concealer

8. Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer

9. NYX HD Concealer Wand

10. Tarte Double Duty Shape Tape Concealer

11. Revlon PhotoReady Concealer

12. L’Oreal Infallible Full Wear Waterproof Concealer

13. Urban Decay Naked Skin Weightless Complete Coverage Concealer

14. L’Oreal True Match Super-Blendable Multi-Use Concealer

15. BH Cosmetics Studio Pro Total Coverage Concealer

16. BECCA Ultimate Coverage Longwear Concealer

17. Kaja Don’t Settle Concealer

18. L.A. Girl HD Pro Concealer

19. E.l.f 16hr Camo Concealer

20. Vapour Beauty Illusionist Concealer

Concealers for dry skin

Opt for liquid concealers over thicker creamy or powdery ones. For example, since the Fenty one we mentioned above is matte and oil-free, that might not be the best formula for dry skin. You could also try a liquid foundation in a slightly lighter shade, depending on how much coverage you want. It really depends on how dry your skin is. Other than that, go with whatever concealer whose texture and shade you like best! We recommend moisturizing first, and using a primer can help, too. Applying a few drops of face oil and/or a gentle moisturizer such as the Curology moisturizer may be all the base you need for a minimal-effort way to conceal any of your skin’s unique quirks.

Concealers for oily skin

Opt for an oil-free concealer with a matte finish, such as Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Instant Retouch Concealer. If your skin’s oiliness is cramping your style, you can top off your makeup with Colorescience SUNFORGETTABLE® Total Protection™ Brush-On Shield: a dermatologist-recommended, non-comedogenic powder sunscreen with a subtle tint and lightweight coverage. It comes in both SPF 50 or SPF 30. Or, try a mattifying or “oil control” sunscreen and/or moisturizer underneath your concealer — just make sure it doesn’t have any potentially pore-clogging or irritating ingredients.

Concealers for combination skin

Which concealer will work best for your combo skin depends on which part of your face you’re using it on: for example, you may have an oily T-zone but dry skin on the rest of your face. This may be another scenario where you can use whatever non-comedogenic concealer works best for your skin tone, but layer it with another product — moisturizer where you’re dry; mattifier or powder where you’re oily.

Concealers for men with beards

You may want to try a concealer with a thicker texture. Whether that means a thick liquid or rich and creamy concealer is up to your skin type: creamy if you tend to be oily, liquid if you tend to be drier. Really, whatever concealer works for your skin tone and type (oily, dry, etc.) should work for you! Don’t be afraid to experiment. You can pop into your local store to get hands-on help with the color matching and even testers to take home and try if you aren’t sure which one will work best for your skin tone.

Concealers for aging skin

One of the main concerns for aging skin is creasing: when makeup such as concealer sinks into fine lines and wrinkles, it can sometimes make them seem more visible! Kinda defeats the purpose, right? If you’re having trouble with concealer creasing, try a non-comedogenic primer. Here are a few we like:

1. MAKE UP FOR EVER Step 1 Smoothing Primer for Large Pores and Fine Lines

2. TATCHA The Silk Canvas Protective Primer

3. TARTE Timeless Smoothing Primer

Curology is for you

In an ideal world, concealer wouldn’t be such a necessity, right? That’s where we come in. Your custom Curology formula treats and helps prevent acne, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (those pesky post-acne spots), age spots, fine lines, and more of your (sk)individual quirks. Try it out for a month with a free trial — just sign up at curology.com for your free consultation!

Written by

Curology Team

Medically reviewed by

Nicole Hangsterfer, PA-C