13 Best Concealers for Acne to Fake Clear Skin

As its name suggests, this pick packs a punch in terms of pigment. It also has plastic polymers that form a water-resistant layer for an extra long wear time, even in the thick of a sweltering summer.

Key ingredients: Allantoin, plastic polymers, microcrystalline cellulose powder

Size: 0.5 oz.

Shades: 11

Sephora rating: 4.4/5 stars

An ELLE editor says: “I started using this concealer in high school to spot conceal my many blemishes. It was one of the only ones I could find that was actually full coverage enough and stayed in place until the end of the day. Top it off with a little powder, and it will not budge. I also love that the applicator is small enough that it prevents you from squeezing out too much at once—a little goes a long way with this one. But even if you apply a few layers, it somehow doesn’t look all that cakey.” —Carol Lee, ELLE.com associate beauty e-commerce writer

This concealer won’t break the bank, but it doesn’t compromise coverage, either. Its large doe-foot applicator is a pleasure to work with, and the satin finish means it won’t dry out your skin.

Key ingredients: Sodium hyaluronate, rose flower water

Size: 0.203 fl. oz.

Shades: 25

Ulta rating: 4.4/5

An Ulta reviewer says: “I was looking for a more full coverage concealer, and this one is perfect because it covers my under eye circles and spots on my face without looking cakey. I only need to use the smallest amount.”

This green color corrector cancels out redness so well you might be left wondering if that redness even existed in the first place. It’s thin enough that it’s perfect for layering under concealer or foundation on days when your blemishes are especially irritated.

Key ingredients: Marshmallow root, rice bran, licorice, amino acids, antioxidants, kaolin clay

Size: 0.25 oz.

Credo rating: 4.6/5 stars

An ELLE editor says: “Even when I don’t have breakouts, I still deal with a bit of redness in the center of my face. If I really want to cancel it out or don’t feel like wearing a lot of concealer that day, this green color corrector is my secret weapon. It neutralizes redness so well that sometimes, I can get away with just wearing the color corrector on my skin. The green is undetectable if you use a thin enough layer. And if you do choose to put some extra coverage on top, this formula stays put underneath.” —Carol Lee

While the famous NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer might not make your pimples disappear at first swipe, it’s so lightweight and blendable that applying more until you reach your desired coverage level is no issue. You’d be surprised by how long it lasts on the skin, too.

Key ingredients: Mineral powder, magnolia bark extract, grape seed extract, vitamin E

Size: 0.22 oz.

Shades: 30

Sephora rating: 4.3/5 stars

An ELLE editor says: “NARS concealer is the O.G. in full coverage cover-up, and when you try, you’ll see why. Apply one dot to the targeted area and blend out to instantly remove any dark spots or acne. For those with cystic acne or acne scars and who want the appearance of smooth skin, this is the concealer for you. For those with more mature skin, it has light diffusing mineral powder, which creates a blurring effect for fine lines and wrinkles.” —Danielle James, ELLE.com beauty director

It’s possible for those with dry skin to deal with acne—and if that’s you, Glossier’s signature concealer may be the answer to your prayers. The product is creamy and buildable, and tapping it gently onto your blemishes with your fingers provides both coverage and a natural-looking finish.

Key ingredients: Beeswax, microcrystalline wax, avocado oil, jojoba oil, mineral pigments and microspheres

Size: 0.17 oz.

Shades: 32

Sephora rating: 4.3/5 stars

An ELLE contributor says: “In my experience, most concealers marketed towards covering acne tend to be on the dryer side. As someone who is both acne-prone and has dry skin, the standard options just don’t cut it for me. I love that this concealer from Glossier has great coverage, but also prioritizes skin hydration. It doesn’t seep into flaky skin–which looks worse than just letting a pimple be, IMO–and instead, offers even, clean coverage. If I’m desperate to make sure it lasts all day, I’ll just add a bit of powder on top to keep everything in place.” —Tatjana Freund, Hearst fashion & luxury commerce editor

This isn’t exactly a makeup product, but it’s definitely something to consider putting under your concealer. This gel creates a thin film that combats oil and acne with ingredients like salicylic acid and willow bark extract, while also acting as a protective layer between irritated skin and products with actual coverage.

Key ingredients: Salicylic acid, willow bark extract, wild Chilean mint extract, rhubarb extract

Size: 0.5 oz

Sephora rating: 3.6/5 stars

An ELLE editor says: “The applicator makes it super easy to target pesky blemishes. Once the product dries down, you can easily apply your skin care and makeup without worrying it will rub off. What starts as a pimple in the morning will be a distant memory by nightfall.” —Danielle James

This medium-to-full coverage concealer is ideal for reducing the look of texture, thanks to its oil-controlling formula and matte finish. At the same time, avocado and mango butters maintain moisture, preventing flakiness.

Key ingredients: Caffeine, avocado butter, mango butter, peptides

Size: 0.23 oz

Shades: 24

Sephora rating: 4.2/5 stars

An ELLE editor says: “I don’t think Patrick Starr gets enough love for just how incredible his products are. His medium-to-full coverage concealer is one of my favorites when I’m doing a full-on glam look. The formula glides onto your skin and doesn’t settle into fine lines. I feel my under-eye area looks so smooth when I wear this. It’s also waterproof, so if you end up in a midday cry fest (it’s gonna be okay!), no one will know unless you tell them.’” —Danielle James

This concealer is so smooth, silky, and versatile that some find themselves using it all over their face as a fuller coverage foundation, too. Plus, hyaluronic acid and antioxidants bestow upon this concealer the power to hydrate the skin and protect it from free radicals, a major culprit behind premature aging.

Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, algae extract

Size: 0.30 fl. oz.

Shades: 50

Sephora rating: 4.2/5 stars

An ELLE editor says: “I was doing foundation-free makeup long before TikTok got a hold of it—and it’s all thanks to this gem from Sephora Collection. The full-coverage formula hides my deepest, most stubborn acne scars (and trust me, I have a lot) and dries down to a natural, semi-matte finish that photographs so well. Even better, it doesn’t have flashback whenever I use it all over my face as foundation and plays well with other products, which is a requirement every product in my arsenal has to fill.” —Nerisha Penrose, ELLE.com beauty commerce editor

Used in conjunction with your favorite setting powder, this concealer will keep you and your acne covered for hours on end. It’s a great choice for the under eye area too—no need to buy two different products!

Key ingredients: Coconut water, Alpine rose, hyaluronic acid

Size: 0.45 oz.

Shades: 35

Sephora rating: 4.3/5 stars

An ELLE editor says: “This full-coverage concealer also doubles as a great contour. The formula is thicker than other concealers, making it perfect for covering dark spots. Two dots are enough if you use it under your eyes—a little goes a long way! This is a must-have for full glam looks or to hide hyperpigmentation.” —Danielle James

This concealer’s extensive shade range makes it easy to find one that matches your specific complexion. Its pigment level belies how lightweight it feels and how skin-like it looks on the skin.

Key ingredients: Niacinamide, fermented arnica, hyaluronic acid

Size: 0.24 oz.

Shades: 31

Sephora rating: 4.4/5 stars

An ELLE editor says: “Whatever Lady Gaga did when she reformulated her line in 2022, I thank her. The complexion products for Haus Labs have improved exponentially, with the foundation currently in my regular rotation. So last year, when the Haus Labs Triclone Skin Tech Hydrating and Depuffing Concealer launched, I immediately had to try it. With skin-focused ingredients, this concealer does not just cover up under-eye circles. In an interview with ELLE.com to talk about the concealer, Gaga said, ‘It really has a mind of its own while you’re wearing it. ‘It’s working on your skin. It’s working on de-puffing under your eyes. It’s brightening.’” —Danielle James

This skincare-infused formula is Egan’s first pick when it comes to concealing blemishes. “It can be used anywhere on the face to help blur imperfections. It’s like an Instagram filter for the face. The formula is oil-free, uses a mineral-based pigment, and has vitamin C, which helps brighten skin. and lemon fruit extract, which helps promote clear, healthy skin. The finish is matte, and it doesn’t smudge,” Egan says.

Key ingredients: Antioxidants, hyaluronic acid, coffee, lemon extract

Size: 0.33 oz.

Shades: 3

Hi Beautiful You rating: 4.9/5 stars

A Hi Beautiful You reviewer says: “I will definitely buy it again and recommend it to my daughter and friends. It is very light and does an excellent job covering and concealing!”

Years ago, Dermablend was a favorite of beauty YouTubers for full-coverage formulas, and this product proves why. The stick concealer is transfer-proof yet creamy enough to melt into the skin and hide blemishes as needed.

Key ingredients: Beeswax, kaolin clay

Size: 0.16 oz.

Shades: 9

Ulta rating: 4.2/5 stars

An Ulta reviewer says: “I’ve used it on dark circles, acne, and redness. I apply it with my fingers and it melds well with my skin as long as I’m properly moisturized (not too dry but also not overly moisturized) and lasts all day, even without setting spray. Easy to keep in your purse for a quick fix (as the name implies).”

This concealer has amassed countless fans since the brand first launched in 2021 for its hydrating abilities and a surprising amount of coverage. It also works both under and over foundation without caking.

Key ingredients: Squalane, vitamin E, fig buttercup extract

Size: 0.36 oz.

Shades: 18

Sephora rating: 4.3/5 stars

A Sephora reviewer says: “Best concealer I have ever used. I have very sensitive and acne prone skin—this concealer does not break me out, has great coverage, and is very natural looking. Very hydrating as well (which I love because I have dry skin).”

Sarah Egan is a celebrity makeup artist based in NYC.

Dr. Rosalyn George is a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of Wilmington Dermatology Center in Wilmington, NC.