Best Concealers for Oily and Acne-Prone Skin Everyday Health MenuNewslettersSearch Acne
Best Concealers for Acne-Prone Skin
These concealers for oily and acne-prone skin can help cover stubborn blemishes. By Genevieve ScaranoReviewed: July 24, 2018Fact-CheckedThese concealers for acne-prone skin can help cover pesky breakouts, pimples, and scars. Getty ImagesAll products and services featured here are chosen for their potential to inspire and enable your wellness. Everyday Health may earn an affiliate commission on items you purchase. Achieving the “no makeup look” isn’t always easy if you have oily or acne-prone skin. Between the small pimples, mass breakouts, and redness, it can be challenging to commit to a solid beauty routine, where your products don’t irritate your skin or fade throughout the day. This is where a concealer for oily or acne-prone skin comes into play. Concealers and foundations formulated especially for oily and acne-prone skin can reduce the appearance of blemishes and prevent future breakouts at the same time. “The pros of using these products are that they provide some treatment while providing cosmetic coverage for the acne,” says Jennifer Chwalek, MD, a board certified dermatologist at Union Square Laser Dermatology in New York City. “If you choose to use an anti-acne foundation or concealer, it's important to be careful if you are using prescription acne meds because this could lead to excessive dryness or irritation.” What to look for in a concealer for oily or acne-prone skin
Non-comedogenic or oil-free label If you have acne-prone or oily skin, the American Academy of Dermatology advises that you look for makeup products, including concealers, that are labeled “non-comedogenic” or “oil-free” to avoid stubborn breakouts and clogged pores.Ingredients Some concealers contain key ingredients, including salicylic acid and sulfur, which, according to Julia Tzu, MD, founder and medical director of Wall Street Dermatology in New York City, help keep acne at bay. “Salicylic acid is keratolytic and can help unclog congested pores,” says Dr. Tzu. “Sulfur is anti-inflammatory, so it is also helpful for acne- prone skin.”Precautions Before testing out a concealer, speak with your dermatologist about potential complications. Tzu says your dermatologist can make sure that a concealer is compatible with other prescription topical medications that you use for acne treatment.Sun Protection Certain acne medications can make skin more sensitive to the sun. Tzu recommends adding products, including concealers, that provide SPF protection. “Many anti-acne medications (benzoyl peroxide, retinoids, and doxycycline) can cause photosensitivity, so adding an SPF can mitigate that,” says Tzu. “Also, it’s just good practice medically and cosmetically to use an SPF on a daily basis.” If you decide that you need to improve your beauty routine, here are our favorite concealers for oily and acne-prone skin. Neutrogena SkinClearing Blemish Concealer
Neutrogena’s SkinClearing Blemish Concealer is a multi-tasker — it can help conceal pimples and keep breakouts at bay. This concealer is formulated with 0.5 percent salicylic acid, which helps prevent blemishes, and it’s non-comedogenic, so it won’t clog pores. You can find it in drugstores, and it’s available in four shades. See price on Target Juice Beauty Blemish Clearing Powder
Taking an organic makeup approach? Juice Beauty’s Blemish Clearing Powder is made with plant-based ingredients, including aloe and antiseptic bamboo. Research says aloe moisturizes the skin and has anti-inflammatory benefits. Antiseptic bamboo, according to Chwalek, can help reduce sebum and bacteria that can cause inflammatory acne. The powder’s lightweight texture can be used to dust all over the face or for spot concealing, depending on the coverage you need. See price on Juice Beauty IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Breakout
Looking for a double-duty makeup solution for oily and acne prone skin? IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Breakout is a concealer and drying lotion in one. IT Cosmetics claims this concealer hides and soothes the appearance of acne-prone skin without creasing or cracking. Key ingredients in this product’s formula include sulfur, which helps reduce skin inflammation, and zinc-oxide, which according Chwalek, can help acne-prone skin. “Mineral based makeups containing ingredients, such as zinc and titanium, tend to be less irritating to oily, acne-prone skin and these are oil-free,” says Chwalek. “Mineral-based cosmetics may also have have an anti-inflammatory effect on the acne.” See price on Ulta Beauty Dr Hauschka Coverstick
Having trouble taming acne? Dr. Hauschka’s Coverstick can help treat and reduce the appearance of blemishes. The concealer is formulated with ingredients, such as tea tree oil, which studies show can help in the treatment of acne. It’s formulated with natural mineral pigments, which provide coverage while remaining gentle on the skin. Plus, the convenient twist applicator allows for quick and easy application. See price on Dr. Hauschka CONS Organic Natural Concealer Paste
For an all-in-one concealer and treatment, you might want to consider CONS Organic Natural Concealer Paste. This concealer’s formula is made with 2 percent salicylic acid, which helps unclog pores; titanium-dioxide that’s oil-free and soothes skin inflammation; and thyme oil, an essential oil that has anti-bacterial benefits. See price on Amazon Glo Skin Beauty Oil-Free Camouflage Concealer
If you need more heavy-duty coverage, try Glo Skin Beauty’s Oil-Free Camouflage Concealer. Its highly pigmented formula helps cover blemishes, hyperpigmentation, and scarring. Pigments in this concealer contain non-comedogenic minerals, including iron oxide and titanium oxide. It also contains vitamin E, an antioxidant that protects skin from free radicals and can help minimize inflammation. See price on Amazon bareMinerals Correcting Concealer SPF 20
While you’re looking to add an anti-acne treatment into your makeup routine, you might be missing out on sun protection. bareMinerals Correcting Concealer SPF 20 covers redness and blemishes while shielding skin from harmful rays. The concealer’s lightweight formula, which contains 15 percent titanium dioxide, is oil-free and doesn’t clog pores. bareMinerals claims that this concealer for acne (it can also be used for the under-eye area) provides medium-to-full coverage, blurs imperfections and discolorations, and visibly brightens skin. It’s available in eight shades. See price on bareMinerals NEWSLETTERS Sign up for our Healthy Skin Newsletter
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