We Analyzed 18+ Of The Best Clean & Natural Concealers
When switching to clean beauty, concealer is one of the most challenging products to find a replacement for. Finding a non-toxic option with the right amount of coverage, pigment, and staying power can feel like an impossible feat.
It’s true that clean beauty used to mean sacrificing performance for peace of mind, but that’s no longer the case. There are now plenty of amazing clean concealers on the market that work just as well (if not better!) than their conventional counterparts.
Want to jump straight to our list of recommended concealers? Click here.
Why Use a Clean Concealer?
Since the start of the mass-market commercial beauty industry in the 1920s and 30s, conventional formulations have used an alarming amount of toxic ingredients. From synthetic fragrances with secret lists of ingredients to endocrine-disrupting parabens, these synthetic chemicals can be absorbed through the skin and enter the bloodstream, where they can wreak havoc on our health.
Fortunately, the landscape of the beauty industry is changing. In recent years, there’s been a surge in demand for clean, non-toxic products that are safe for both people and the planet.
As a result, more and more companies are reformulating their products with safer ingredients. And while some conventional concealers have switched to cleaner formulas, others have remained stubbornly unchanged.
So, if you’re concerned about the long-term effects of exposure to synthetic chemicals, it’s best to stick with a clean concealer. Not only will you be doing your health a favor, but you’ll also be supporting the growth of the clean beauty industry, which is working to make the beauty world safer for everyone.
Beware: Not All “Clean” Concealers Are Actually Clean
Just because a product is marketed as “clean” or “non-toxic” doesn’t necessarily mean it is. There is no legal definition for these terms, so companies can pretty much use them however they want.
This means some “clean” concealers on the market contain toxic ingredients. Brands like L’Oreal, Maybelline, and CoverGirl are guilty of offering “clean” cosmetics lines with eye-catching stands in drugstores. However, a closer look at the ingredient lists reveals that these products are anything but clean.
So, how can you tell if a concealer is truly clean?
This is where Better Goods comes in. We analyze every product’s individual ingredients to ensure safety—or lack thereof. Our team of experts vets every product on our site to ensure it meets our strict standards for being non-toxic and safe.
Ingredients of Concern in Concealers
Here is a list of ingredients found in conventional concealers that we recommend avoiding:
Parabens – These preservatives are often used in cosmetics and personal care products to extend their shelf life. Several studies have shown that parabens may mimic estrogen in the body and disrupt hormone function, leading to health problems like breast cancer. While preservatives are essential in beauty products, there are plenty of alternatives to parabens that are just as effective.
PEG compounds – These are petroleum-based compounds that are often used as emulsifiers or thickeners in cosmetics. PEGs can be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane, a known carcinogen, which can be absorbed through the skin.
Undisclosed chemical fragrance – Some conventional concealers contain undisclosed chemical fragrances, which can be a combination of various chemicals. These fragrances can irritate the skin and trigger allergies, migraines, and respiratory issues.
Chemical sunscreens – Recent reports have indicated that chemical sunscreens absorb and accumulate in the bloodstream, where they have currently unknown impacts on our bodies. Watch out for ingredients including oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, homosalate, and octinoxate.
Cyclopentasiloxane – This controversial ingredient has come under fire for its potential health and ecological risks. In 2018, the European Union introduced restrictions on cyclopentasiloxane in products that are washed off. The EU’s study found that concentrations above 0.1% risk accumulating in the water supply.
Other Ingredients We Found
While these ingredients might not be as immediately concerning as the ones listed above, they’re still worth knowing about.
Dimethicone – This is a type of silicone that is often used as a conditioning agent or lubricant in cosmetics. While it’s not explicitly a health concern, some people may want to avoid dimethicone because it can clog pores. It’s derived from petroleum, so it’s not an eco-friendly ingredient.
Tocopheryl acetate – This is a synthetic version of vitamin E, used as a preservative in skincare. The issue is that it’s sometimes contaminated with hydroquinone, a skin-lightening agent that’s banned in the UK, EU, Japan, and Australia. This tends to be a small risk, but it’s something to be aware of.
A Note on Preservatives
While preservatives are essential in preventing the growth of bacteria and mold in beauty products, some can harm our health. The key is to find safe alternatives that are just as effective.
Sodium Benzoate & Phenoxyethanol are two ingredients are preservatives that are often used in cosmetics and personal care products. While they’re not necessarily a health concern, some people may want to avoid them because they can be irritating to the skin.
Six of the concealers we analyzed contained sodium benzoate, and one contained phenoxyethanol.
Our Methodology
To compile our list of the best clean concealers, we looked at social media, online clean beauty stores, and online magazines.
We found that while many of the products we looked at were good in terms of ingredients, some of them had ingredients that we wouldn’t recommend.
We reviewed 18+ popular clean (and not so clean) concealers and rated them as follows:
Best – These products are the best of the best. They contain all-clean ingredients, are non-toxic and are often the best choice for our environment.
Good – These products are typically quite good, but don’t go above and beyond like our best choices.
Iffy – These products are typically okay, but have some issues that make us unable to give them a “Good” rating. Often times they contain ingredients that are questionable.
Avoid – These products typically have toxic ingredients or issues that make them dangerous or unsuitable to use. These products should typically be avoided.
Concealers Rated: Best
Out of the 18 concealers we analyzed, seven were awarded our best rating.
These concealers contained no ingredients on our list of banned or iffy ingredients, and many of them contain all-natural ingredients.
Lawless
The Lawless Conseal the Deal concealer is lightweight and buildable while still packing a punch when it comes to coverage. Its antioxidant complex helps to protect the skin barrier from harmful environmental factors, while its caffeine-infused formula energizes and de-puffs tired eyes. For anyone on the hunt for a clean, full coverage concealer that will cover dark circles and redness, then this one’s for you.
PROS
- Suitable for dry, normal and combination skin
- Medium to full coverage
- Leaves a skin-like finish
- Caffeine-infused for reducing puffiness around eyes
- Made with clean ingredients
- Easy-to-use doe foot applicator
CONS
- Not ideal for oily skin
- Limited dark shade options
- High price tag
- Not suitable for a natural look
Ingredients
Saie
The Saie Hydrabeam concealer is ideal for dry skin that needs a boost of hydration. The nutrient-rich formula made with plant-derived squalane and glycerin really help to lock moisture in and give skin a healthy, natural glow. The lightweight formula with its unique whipped gel texture does tend to slip around and can settle into fine lines and creases so, for all-day wear, finishing with a setting powder on top will help to lock it in place.
PROS
- Ideal for dry skin
- Light to medium coverage
- Made with hydrating ingredients
- Made with recycled packaging
- Made with clean ingredients
CONS
- Not ideal for oily skin
- Not suitable for full-coverage looks
- May settle into fine lines and creases
- Not so long-lasting
- Higher price tag
Ingredients
Rose Inc
The Rose Inc Hydrating Concealer is a creamy concealer that you can build from medium to full coverage, depending on your desired look. Plant-powered ingredients such as Vitamin E help to brighten and even out skin tone while the pigment-dense formula quickly covers imperfections and hyperpigmentation. It is a true, full-coverage concealer with ultra-high coverage that is ideal for long, glam-makeup days.
PROS
- Suitable for normal, combination and oily skin
- Full coverage
- Long-wearing formula
- Good range of dark shades
- Made with clean ingredients
CONS
- Not ideal for dry or mature skin
- Not suitable for natural makeup looks
- Can be difficult to blend
- Higher price tag
Ingredients
Milk Makeup
The Milk Makeup Under Eye Concealer is for the barely-there makeup wearers that want a truly light touch of concealer to help enhance their natural complexion. The caffeine-infused formula helps to de-puff sleepy eyes and the unique rollerball applicator makes for a smooth and easy application. It’s a great hydrating concealer option for those who aren’t looking for a full-coverage product and don’t mind a little fragrance in their makeup.
PROS
- Suitable for normal, dry and combination skin
- Light coverage
- Hygienic rollerball applicator
- Infused with Vitamin C
- Infused with caffeine
- Gluten-free
- Made with clean ingredients
CONS
- Not ideal for blemish-prone, or sensitive skin
- Not suitable for full coverage makeup looks
- Very limited shade range (7 shades)
- Not fragrance-free
Ingredients
RMS Beauty
The RMS Beauty UnCover Up Concealer is a versatile concealer that manages to cover up even the most stubborn spots while somehow still looking natural and skin-like. Use it as a traditional concealer or apply it more liberally all over the face like a foundation for a flawlessly dewy look. The coverage is customizable and won’t leave your skin looking cakey or dull. Its moisturizing ingredient list of natural oils such as coconut oil and cocoa seed butter make for easy application as it glides onto the skin and can be seamlessly buffed in with just fingertips.
PROS
- Suitable for most skin types
- Medium to full coverage
- Gentle enough for sensitive skin
- Gluten, soy and alcohol-free
- Made with clean, organic ingredients
- Fragrance-free
CONS
- Not ideal for very oily skin
- No applicator included
- Very high price tag
- Limited shade range (16 shades)
Ingredients
Westman Atelier
The Westman Atelier Foundation Stick is a versatile concealer and foundation in one, that leaves skin looking naturally radiant. It’s great for anyone looking for a multifunctional product for daily life or travel, that can be used to cover spots, conceal darkness under the eyes, and all over the face for a flawless foundation finish. The luxurious, antioxidant-rich formula with vegetable-derived squalane also helps to nourish and maintain the skin’s moisture barrier for a truly healthy glow. It’s a great choice for full-coverage makeup lovers – but be prepared to pay a hefty price for all that luxury!
PROS
- Ideal for dry skin
- Full coverage
- Easy application (comes as a stick)
- Good shade range (21 shades)
- Fragrance-free
- Soy-free
- Made with clean ingredients
CONS
- Not ideal for oily, or blemish-prone skin
- Not suitable for light, natural makeup looks
- Limited dark shade options
- Very high price tag
Ingredients
Rituel de Fille
Variant: Cyllene
The Ritual de Fille Ethereal Veil Concealer is a nutrient-rich formula that melts into the skin with its unique, creamy texture. The lightweight concealer is packed full of moisturizing ingredients such as nourishing Jojoba oil that leaves skin looking hydrated, but never greasy. This concealer is highly blendable, allowing users to build up coverage whether you want to cover a dark undereye or just even out skin tone with spot concealing.
PROS
- Great for dry to normal skin
- Full coverage
- Covers dark spots and scars
- Highly pigmented – a little goes a long way!
- Comes in recycled packaging
- Sustainably made in small batches with minimal waste
- Made with clean ingredients
CONS
- Not ideal for oily skin
- No applicator included
- Limited shade range (12 shades)
- Very high price tag
Ingredients
Concealers Rated: Good
We gave a rating of good to eight out of 18 concealers that we analyzed.
These concealers contain entries in our list of iffy ingredients, but all are safe to use.
BareMinerals
The BareMinerals Mineral Concealer is a liquid concealer that easily blends away onto the skin and gives medium coverage. The formula has a hydrating consistency and is very lightweight so allowing the product to dry and then using a setting powder is recommended to really lock it in place for all-day wear. It does a great job of covering spots and darkness under the eyes. Overall, it’s a good choice for medium-toned skin that needs coverage and added brightness to look more refreshed and awake.
PROS
- Suitable for all skin types
- Medium coverage
- Good shade range (20 shades)
- Gluten-free
- Made with clean ingredients
CONS
- Not ideal for light skin tones
- Limited dark shade options
- Hard-to-close packaging
Ingredients
Lys Beauty
The LYS Brightening Concealer is a budget-friendly liquid concealer that promises magic in a bottle with a full coverage formula that will cover even the most stubborn of spots and hyperpigmentation. The creamy consistency and applicator wand make it simple to use, however, the formula can quickly dry out on the skin, sometimes highlighting fine lines, creases, and any dry patches. If you have dry or mature skin, this concealer may not be your best bet.
PROS
- Suitable for normal to combination skin
- Full coverage
- Covers dark spots
- Great shade range (25 shades)
- Gluten-free
- Very low price tag
- Made with clean ingredients
CONS
- Not suitable for dry skin
- Not suitable for mature skin
- Not ideal for a natural makeup look
Ingredients
Josie Maran
The Josie Maran Argan Oil Concealer gives flawless coverage for an evened out complexion. A little dab on the skin goes a long way with this pigmented formula that, as the name suggests, contains argan oil to plump and moisturize the skin, leaving an overall healthy sheen. The shade range is very limited, so ideally you’d reach for this product if you have light to medium skin tone, and are craving a full-coverage look.
PROS
- Ideal for normal to combination skin
- Full coverage
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- Made with clean ingredients
CONS
- Not ideal for dry skin
- Very limited shade range ( 7 shades)
- No deep dark skin tone options
Ingredients
Ilia
The Ilia Serum Concealer delivers lightweight, light to medium coverage that will never crease or settle into fine lines, making it an ideal choice for mature skin. It blends evenly into the skin without looking dry or thick and leaves a fresh glow thanks to the vitamin C-packed formula. If you’re someone who is a more mature makeup-wearer and prefers a natural look, but are willing to pay a little more for a concealer, then this one is worth testing out.
PROS
- Ideal for mature skin
- Light to medium coverage
- Won’t crease
- Good shade range (20 shades)
- Infused with Vitamin C
- Gluten-free
- Made with clean ingredients
CONS
- Not ideal for acne-prone skin
- Not suitable for a full coverage makeup look
- Higher price tag
Ingredients
Kosas
The Kosas Revealer Concealer is an ultra-creamy concealer with the added benefits of skincare, to help reduce the appearance of blemishes. This product is truly a blend of both worlds with multiple skin-nourishing ingredients such as arnica, hyaluronic acid and caffeine to hydrate, calm and de-puff the skin. The wide selection of shades with various undertones makes it possible to find the perfect match for all skin tones.
PROS
- Suitable for all skin types
- Ideal for sensitive skin
- Medium coverage
- Excellent shade range (28 shades)
- fragrance-free
- Alcohol and gluten-free
- Made with clean ingredients
CONS
- Not ideal for skin with scarring and redness
- Not long-lasting for all-day wear
- Not full-coverage enough for dark blemishes
Ingredients
W3LL PEOPLE
The Well People Bio Concealer is a liquid concealer that comes in a functional squeeze tube for hygienic application. The creamy formula blends nicely into the skin for a seamless, barely-there look with medium coverage and several skin-refreshing plant ingredients such as pomegranate and sunflower seed oil. It’s user-friendly packaging and lower price tag make it a great option for any makeup beginner.
PROS
- Suitable for all skin types
- Medium coverage
- Highly pigmented
- Good shade range (20 shades)
- Very hygienic squeeze tube applicator
- Low price tag
- Gluten-free
- Made with clean ingredients
CONS
- Not ideal for oily skin
- Not suitable for full coverage makeup looks
- Won’t cover hyperpigmentation or acne scars
Ingredients
Han Skincare Cosmetics
The Han Liquid Concealer is a blend of makeup and skincare with its full coverage, nourishing formula. Even out skin tone and cover up blemishes while supplying your skin with balancing and hydrating ingredients such as green tea, vitamin E and shea butter. The creamy consistency is easy to apply with a hygienic applicator and delivers medium coverage that can be layered to full, depending on your desired look. This concealer is lightweight, yet still does the job by managing to cover up imperfections
PROS
- Good for all skin types
- Medium to full coverage
- Lower price tag
- Made with 90% recycled packaging
- Gluten and soy-free
- Made with clean ingredients
CONS
- Very limited shade range (7 shades)
- Not ideal for oily skin
- Can crease into fine lines
Ingredients
Mineral Fusion
The Mineral Fusion Liquid Concealer is a no-fuss concealer that adds warmth to dull skin with light-reflecting mineral pigments. The lightweight formula can be easily applied with the applicator and smoothed out with fingertips or a brush, and gives a brightening effect with medium coverage. Getting all of the product out from the tube can be tricky. The formula is fast-drying, so make sure to store it with the cap fully closed, in a cool, dark area.
PROS
- Suitable for normal to combination skin
- Medium coverage
- Gluten-free
- Fragrance-free
- Easy-to-use applicator wand
- Made with clean ingredients
CONS
- Not suitable for oily or acne-prone skin
- Extremely limited shade range (4 shades)
- No dark shade options
- Packaging makes it difficult to use the full amount of product in the tube
Ingredients
Concealers Rated: Iffy
Three of the concealers we analyzed received a rating of iffy. These are popular concealers, including Tarte’s Shape Tape and elf’s 16HR Camo Concealer.
tarte
With many ingredients on our lists of iffy and banned ingredients, we cannot recommend this popular concealer from Tarte.
Ingredients
elf
This concealer from elf contains many ingredients on our list of iffy ingredients. For this reason, we don’t recommend it.
Ingredients
CoverGirl
This entry from Covergirl’s line of “clean” beauty deserves a closer look. As expected, we give this concealer a rating of iffy because it contains cyclopentasiloxane. For this reason, we cannot recommend it.
Ingredients
In Conclusion
Any of the seven concealers we rated best are a great choice for a clean concealer and all come recommended. However, if you’re a fan of any of the concealers we gave a rating of good, rest assured that they’re also safe to use.