15 Best Cruelty-free Concealers That Hide Imperfections Really Well

Written by Sayantani Deb, Makeup & Beauty Writer
Updated on Feb 15, 2024
Best Cruelty-free Concealer
The products curated for this article are independently chosen by the editorial team. If you make a purchase through the links mentioned below, we may receive a commission. Check out our product research & curation process

Concealers are known to effectively conceal blemishes, acne, dark circles, and other skin imperfections, providing a smoother, more even complexion. Unfortunately, the majority of concealers found in the market incorporate ingredients obtained from animals. Yet, for those who appreciate nature, selecting the best cruelty-free concealers and vegan formulations guarantees the benefits of both clean beauty and sustainability concurrently. Certified dermatologist, Dr. Niti Gaur says, “Vegan (and cruelty-free) beauty products tend to avoid potentially harmful ingredients, such as parabens, sulfates, phthalates, and synthetic fragrances. These ingredients have been associated with skin irritation, allergies, and other adverse effects. By using vegan products, you reduce your exposure to such substances.”

But, in the sea of brands, how do you navigate and select a concealer that not only enhances your skin's beauty but also avoids causing harm to our planet and its animal residents? As per our expertise, we've curated a list of animal-friendly lightweight concealers that are enriched with the goodness of skin-loving ingredients. What's even better is that the majority of these options are vegan, presenting a dual benefit for both your skin and the environment. Continue scrolling to explore further.

15 Best Cruelty-free Concealers

This impeccable camo concealer by e.l.f. consists of a well-emulsified formula, which offers a crease-proof coverage that lasts 16 hours. Infused with nourishing avocado oil and kaolin clay, it provides instant skin moisturization and protection while managing excess oil and reducing shine. And, the highly pigmented formula hides your skin imperfections and easily covers your under-eye dark circles. Plus, it provides a subtle matte finish that looks good on every skin type. Its large doe-foot applicator allows you to target your skin concerns with minimal effort and helps in precise application.

Pros
  • Flake-proof
  • Vegan-friendly
  • Creamy texture
  • All-day wear
  • Offers full coverage
  • Non-comedogenic
Cons
  • Might look patchy
  • Most Ergonomic Applicator

    NYX Professional Makeup HD Studio Photogenic Concealer

    NYX Professional Makeup HD Studio Photogenic Concealer
  • Among the best cruelty-free drugstore concealers, this product by NYX effectively covers blemishes, imperfections, skin discoloration, and under-eye dark circles. Safe for all skin types, it can also double as a contouring concealer to sculpt the chin and cheekbones. Moreover, it's lightweight and offers complete coverage, making it a great choice for skin conditions such as melasma and hyperpigmentation. Present in 23 shades, including color-correcting green, yellow, and lavender, it offers natural to medium coverage that is suitable for all skin tones and types.

    Pros
    • Vegan-friendly
    • Ergonomic applicator
    • A little goes a long way
    • PETA-approved
    • Matte finish
    • Blendable formula
    Cons
    • Thick consistency
  • Best Lightweight Formula

    L.A. Girl PRO Conceal HD Concealer

     L.A. Girl PRO Conceal HD Concealer
  • Don’t judge this concealer by L.A. Girl with its tiny and sleek packaging; a small quantity of the formula goes a really long way, making the tube last you easily for many months. Speaking of concealing prowess, the product fantastically hides under-eye circles, blemishes, redness, and minor discolorations like they never existed! It’s USP — the state-of-the-art applicator attached to the dispenser of the tube, which ensures that the product gets distributed evenly on the surface of your skin. Plus, it’s weightless, so you won’t even realize you’re wearing any makeup after a while!

    Pros
    • Brush-tip applicator
    • Crease-resistant
    • Opaque coverage
    • Great value for the price
    • Minimizes fine lines
    • Evens out skin tone
    • Available in 30 shades
    Cons
    • No skincare benefits infused
  • Best Oil-free Formulation

    Milani Conceal + Perfect 2-in-1 Foundation + Concealer

    Milani Conceal + Perfect 2-in-1 Foundation + Concealer
  • Milani's oil-free foundation and concealer combo effortlessly conceals dark under-eye bags, blemishes, and skin discoloration. With medium to full coverage, it ensures a flawless complexion while specially designed to even out your skin tone, leaving a smooth, natural finish. This resilient formula withstands sweat, and humidity, ensuring your look stays fresh throughout the day without becoming cakey or patchy. Besides, it in 45 shades, so you can discover the perfect match for your skin tone to get a natural finish.

    Pros
    • Cruelty-free
    • Long-wearing
    • Gives a dewy finish
    • Multi-faceted benefits
    • Easy to apply
    • Water-resistant
    • Shade options for darker skin tones
    Cons
    • Not ideal for oily skin
  • Most Cost-effective

    Covergirl TruBlend Undercover Concealer

    Covergirl TruBlend Undercover Concealer
  • Among the most cost-effective choices in cruelty-free and vegan concealers is this gem by Covergirl. The product offers all the basic benefits that one may expect from a concealer; it covers minor imperfections such as dark circles, pigmentations, and tonal inconsistencies. People with oily and combination skin are in for a treat as the finish of this product is matte, so no tacky sheen! This product may not offer anything extraordinary, but offers some sublime benefits for its price!

    Pros
    • Lightweight
    • Color-correcting prowess
    • A little goes a long way
    • Brightens the under-eyes
    • Has a blurring effect
    • Long-lasting coverage
    • Large fluffy applicator
    Cons
    • Might dry out the skin
    • Could be more blendable
  • Best for Dry Skin

    Catrice Liquid Camouflage High Coverage Concealer

    Catrice Liquid Camouflage High Coverage Concealer
  • For an outstanding full-coverage concealer that is specifically curated for oily skin, Catrice's Liquid Camouflage concealer is the ideal choice. Effortless to apply, water-resistant, and intensely pigmented, it can easily conceal stubborn dark spots, blemishes, acne marks, patches, and discoloration. With an oil-free formula and free from parabens, alcohol, and gluten, it ensures a seamless finish. The doe-foot applicator facilitates precise application, making it perfect for addressing specific skin concerns.

    Pros
    • Blends easily
    • Cost-effective
    • No preservatives
    • Antioxidant protection
    • Gives long-lasting coverage
    • Doesn’t dry your skin
    Cons
    • Faulty packaging
  • Best for Acne-prone Skin

    Almay Clear Complexion Concealer

    Almay Clear Complexion Concealer
  • This skincare-infused formula offers a matte finish that is ideal for oily skin. Because of its hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, and dermatologist-tested formula, it doesn’t exacerbate the skin while offering coverage. Blended with the goodness of aloe extracts, prebiotics, and 2% salicylic acid, this product is known for its skin-balancing formula and is perfect for daily use. Beyond concealing blemishes, it promotes calm, clear, and healthy-looking skin. With seamless blending, it effortlessly creates a smooth, spot-free canvas for easy makeup application.

    Pros
    • Soft matte finish
    • Soothing formula
    • Great for oily and combination skin
    • Anti-inflammatory
    • Non-comedogenic
    • Made with natural ingredients
    • Easy-to-use applicator
    Cons
    • Not for dry and sensitive skin
  • Easiest Application

    Veil Cosmetics Complexion Fix Concealer

    Veil Cosmetics Complexion Fix Concealer
  • This all-in-one, multi-use, leakproof pen best cruelty-free concealer offers a complexion fix that not only enhances but aligns with your values. Its liquid formula serves as a concealer, highlighter, and corrector — all in one! It is a paraben-free and fragrance-free solution for a flawless complexion. The versatile pen design ensures precision and convenience, making it your go-to for effortless touch-ups. Look your best in the morning, touch up midday, and glam up your night, all with confidence with this vegan, plant-based product.

    Pros
    • Available in 15 shades
    • Made for all skin types
    • Oil-free
    • Versatile usage
    • State-of-the-art applicator
    • Fun and satisfying to use
    • Travel-friendly
    Cons
    • Overpriced
  • Best Multi-tasking product

    Bellapierre Cosmetics Powder Concealer

    Bellapierre Cosmetics Powder Concealer
  • This loose mineral foundation is a 5-in-1 solution serving as a concealer, sunscreen, foundation, finishing powder, and setting powder. The product works marvelously in keeping your makeup in place and effortlessly blurring imperfections. Hypoallergenic and safe for all skin types, it ensures a flawless finish without compromising skin health. Oil and talc-free, this mineral foundation provides a lightweight feel, delivering a polished look.

    Pros
    • Available in 15 shades
    • Effortless usage
    • Full coverage
    • Paraben-free
    • Talc-free
    • Suitable for daily use
    Cons
    • Very expensive
  • Best Serum Foundation

    ILIA True Skin Serum Concealer

    ILIA True Skin Serum Concealer
  • Amp up your makeup routine with this best cruelty-free concealer for mature skin. Its featherlight texture seamlessly blends into the skin, offering a creamy, creaseless stretch that instantly diminishes dark circles, discoloration, and blemishes. Formulated with stabilized vitamin C, mastic, and Albizia Julibrissin bark extract, this hydrating concealer not only corrects but improves skin over time, fostering a smoother, radiant complexion while safeguarding against environmental damage. Vegan, silicone-free, fragrance-free, oil-free, and non-comedogenic — it's safe for sensitive skin.

    Pros
    • Dermatologist-tested
    • Offers antioxidant properties
    • Good for all skin types
    • Available in 20 shades
    • Featherweight texture
    • Smoothes uneven skin tone
    Cons
    • Might look cakey once it dries
  • COVER FX Total Cover Cream Foundation

    COVER FX Total Cover Cream Foundation
  • This makeup product is a fusion of foundation and concealer, offering high coverage to make redness and pigmentation disappear. It has a wide range of shades to suit fair, medium, and dark skin tones with neutral undertones. This product makes your experience all-day perfection with remarkable blendability for flawless skin and soft comfort coverage. With this product, you can bid farewell to heavy-duty finishes as this creamy foundation offers hydration and comfort, delivering a soft, natural finish that mimics real skin.

    Pros
    • Skin-like finish
    • Contains sunflower seed oil
    • Protects against harmful free radicals
    • Locks in moisture
    • Gives a natural look
    Cons
    • Might dry out the skin
  • Tarte Amazonian Clay Waterproof 12-Hour Concealer

    Tarte Amazonian Clay Waterproof 12-Hour Concealer
  • This formula merges the calming benefits of vitamins A and E with skin-balancing Amazonian clay that together nurtures your skin while seamlessly concealing discolorations and imperfections for a flawless complexion. Designed for brush-free application, this creamy formula effortlessly melts onto the skin — almost like a skincare product — camouflaging dark circles, blemishes, and redness. With a buildable, full-coverage, and oil-free formula rich in pigments, it delivers truer color without a heavy or tacky texture.

    Pros
    • Easy application
    • Satin finish
    • Rich in vitamins C and E
    • Moisturizing properties
    • Long-lasting results
    Cons
    • Very pasty and sticky
  • Wunder2 Last & Foundation Concealer

    Wunder2 Last & Foundation Concealer
  • This high-coverage formula effortlessly conceals blemishes, imperfections, discoloration, and dark circles under the eyes. Its flexible and comfortable texture moves with your skin, ensuring a crease-proof finish. Being smudge-proof and resilient, this is one of the best cruelty-free concealers for dark circles. Plus, it’s versatile for contouring and illuminating your skin leaving it flawless throughout the day. For a complete, natural-looking finish, pair it with a lightweight foundation, and get an impeccable look with lasting coverage and a radiant finish.

    Pros
    • Vegan formula
    • Oil-free
    • Waterproof
    • Paraben free
    • Alcohol-free
    Cons
    • Might take time to blend
  • jouer Essential High Coverage Liquid Concealer

    jouer Essential High Coverage Liquid Concealer
  • Experience the seamless high coverage with this liquid concealer that is sure to add to your beauty. Its liquid formula is enriched with anise fruit extract that helps to soften, smooth, and enhance the appearance of radiant skin. Enriched with hyaluronic acid and resveratrol, this product not only corrects and smoothens imperfections but also strengthens the skin’s barrier. Plus, its doe-foot applicator effortlessly extracts the ideal amount from the tube, allowing you to create a beautiful base for the rest of your makeup.

    Pros
    • Paraben free
    • Gluten-free
    • Cruelty-free
    • Vegan friendly
    Cons
    • A bit chalky
  • Sweet LeiLani Full Coverage Concealer

    Sweet LeiLani Full Coverage Concealer
  • Get ready to conceal stubborn acne scars, tattoos, dark circles, age spots, and more with this specially formulated product. The wand applicator guarantees effortless, mess-free application, and the formula remains crease-free, and won't dry out your skin. Its hydrating cream-like consistency offers silky, lightweight coverage that conceals flaws while nourishing your skin. This formula ensures a non-sticky feel and prevents the appearance of wrinkles. Water-proof and long-lasting, it comes in a range of shades to perfectly set your look.

    Pros
    • Free from fragrance and parabens
    • Vegan formulation
    • Doesn’t get cakey
    • Protection against free radicals
    • Provides skin protection
    Cons
    • Might not stay all day long

    We know that having so many choices can make it hard to pick the best one. With our expertise, we're here to help by pointing out important things to think about before you make your final decision.

    Tips to Choose the Best Cruelty-free Concealer:

    1. Check for Cruelty-free Certifications:

    Verify if the cruelty-free foundation or the brand holds certification from recognized organizations endorsing cruelty-free practices. A simple and easy method to confirm this is by thoroughly inspecting the product for cruelty-free certifications like PETA or Leaping Bunny. These certifications guarantee that the product underwent no animal testing at any point during its development.

    2. Read the Ingredients List:

    When choosing the best vegan concealers, read the ingredient list thoroughly to verify that no animal-derived ingredients are included. Vegan concealers go a step further by excluding all animal products, making them a more ethical choice. Seek concealers containing natural and skin-friendly ingredients. Steer clear of products with potentially harmful chemicals, parabens, and sulfates. These substances can be harmful to your skin and may suggest a lack of ethical and environmental considerations.

    3. Consider Your Skin Type:

    Different concealers cater to various skin types. Whether you have oily, dry, or sensitive skin, choose a cruelty-free concealer with a formula that complements your skin's unique needs. 

    4. Check Coverage And Finish:

    Determine the level of coverage you need and the finish you prefer (matte, dewy, or natural). Cruelty-free concealers come in various formulations, so select one that aligns with your desired look.

    Conclusion

    The above-curated list of best cruelty-free concealers not only provides flawless coverage but also aligns with a compassionate approach to beauty. Whether you want to cover imperfections, brighten under-eye areas, or enhance your features, these products allow you to conceal all the flaws of your skin without giving you the guilt trip of harm to our furry friends. Our top picks feature lightweight and waterproof formulations, ensuring seamless blending without creasing. We highly recommend e.l.f. 16HR Camo Concealer because it provides full coverage and gives a matte finish that works for all kinds of skin. Other than that, you should also check the NYX Professional Makeup HD Studio Photogenic Concealer for everyday use. Its formula offers natural coverage and can effectively conceal blemishes, imperfections, and discoloration.

    FAQ's

    Do cruelty-free concealers match the quality of non-cruelty-free options?
    Yes, cruelty-free concealers often match or even exceed the quality of non-cruelty-free options. Advances in cosmetic formulations have allowed cruelty-free products to achieve high standards of effectiveness, performance, and quality.
    What distinguishes concealer from foundation?
    Concealer is typically thicker and more concentrated than foundation, designed to cover specific imperfections like blemishes and dark circles, while foundation provides overall coverage for the entire face, creating a uniform complexion.
    Why should I opt for a cruelty-free concealer?
    A cruelty-free concealer is generally vegan and doesn’t contain any harmful ingredients. Choosing such products promotes compassion and supports a more sustainable and humane approach to beauty.
    In terms of coverage and longevity, are cruelty-free concealers as effective as traditional ones?
    Yes, cruelty-free concealers are often as effective as traditional ones in terms of coverage and longevity.

    Why Trust Pinkvilla

    According to our makeup expert, Sayantani, using cruelty-free concealers is excellent for getting perfect skin and supporting makeup that's good for the environment and ethical. She carefully examines many brands to find the top cruelty-free concealers that create a flawless appearance. Considering ingredients and formulas, she provides in-depth descriptions of each product, outlining their advantages and disadvantages.

    Our product experts study the specifications of every product we suggest and try them out to bring what’s proven worthy of your money, time, and energy. We also have subject matter experts from various fields like Fashion, Skincare, Haircare, Home Decor, and Health and fitness on board to ensure our suggestions are credible and trustworthy. You can trust Pinkvilla to be your faithful shopping guide for all the right reasons!

    Author BIO
    reviewer
    Sayantani Deb
    Makeup & Beauty Writer

    Sayantani is a certified hair and makeup professional turned writer with 2+ years of experience in the same genre. Ap More