How to choose an acne-safe concealer | Curology

Concealers for acne-prone skin: Your guide to a blemish-free look

While your skincare routine works hard to fight breakouts, the right makeup products can help you conceal unwanted spots.

by Curology Team
Updated on Oct 1, 2024 • 12 min read
Medically reviewed by Kristin Beseke

We’re here to share what we know — but don’t take it as medical advice. Talk to your medical provider if you have questions.

The key takeaways

Selecting a non-comedogenic concealer with a texture that aligns with your skin type is crucial for those with acne-prone skin.

Liquid concealers are generally suitable for oily to normal skin, cream concealers are better for normal to dry skin, and stick concealers are ideal for targeted applications on normal to dry skin.
Be wary of ingredients that can exacerbate acne by clogging pores or irritating the skin, such as coconut oil and certain types of alcohol.
To achieve the best results, test concealer shades on your chest rather than your forearm and consider your skin tone (whether it’s warm or cool).

Concealers we recommend for acne-prone skin include Maybelline Fit Me Concealer and Tarte Shape Tape Contour Concealer.

Concealer is a versatile makeup product: people use it to hide pimples, acne scars, dark spots, and more. But there are so many concealers out there, it can be tricky to choose the best one for you—especially when you’ve got acne-prone skin.

How to choose the right concealer for your skin type

To start, here are some general guidelines for how to choose the right concealer for your skin type based on texture and color.

Concealer textures

Liquid: Best for oily to normal skin. Can make dry skin look drier.
Cream: Best for normal to dry skin. More hydrating.
Stick: Best for normal to dry skin, for touching up on the go, hiding blemishes or dark spots. Better for “spot treatments.”

Concealers for targeted areas on your face

Just like with foundations, concealers come in a variety of textures to achieve the desired finish.

Concealers for pimples and redness

Cover pimples or post-acne spots with full-coverage, highly pigmented, matte finish concealers. A thicker consistency makes it easier to blend for a seamless finish.

Tips for choosing the right concealer

Test concealer shades on your chest rather than your forearm.
When in doubt, opt for a lighter color: Concealers can turn darker over the course of the day.
Determine your skin tone as either “warm” or “cool.”

Best concealers for pimples

Best under-eye concealers for acne-prone skin

Recommended Under-Eye Products

IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Concealer
- Highly pigmented, long-lasting, waterproof coverage.
YSL Touche Éclat All-Over Brightening Pen
- Brightening, radiant finish.

Best drugstore concealers

Recommended Drugstore Products

Maybelline Fit Me Concealer
- Non-comedogenic and fragrance-free.
L’Oreal Paris True Match Super-Blendable Concealer
- Offers buildable, natural cover.

The most important thing to consider when choosing a concealer

Some ingredients found in makeup can clog pores or irritate the skin—both of which can lead to acne breakouts.

Common ingredients to watch out for include coconut oil and alcohol.

How to check if a product has pore-clogging or skin-irritating ingredients

When choosing makeup, refer to our guide on reviewing skincare products to ensure you’re making informed decisions.

Conclusion

It’s essential to find a concealer that meets your specific skin needs without aggravating acne. Each and every one of the products we’ve mentioned here is aimed at helping you achieve a clearer, smoother complexion.