11 Best Cruelty-Free Primers Of 2024, According To Expert Reviews

Blur your pores and achieve smooth skin with these mattifying formulas.

Reviewed by Danielle Wilkinson Brucklacher, Licensed Cosmetologist Danielle Wilkinson Brucklacher Danielle Wilkinson BrucklacherLicensed Cosmetologist facebook_iconinsta_icon
Written by , MA (English) Baishali Bhattacharya MA (English) linkedin_icon
Edited by , MA (Journalism & Mass Communication), Certified Style & Image Consultant Srijani Roy Chowdhury MA (Journalism & Mass Communication), Certified Style & Image Consultant linkedin_icon Experience: 3 years
Fact-checked by , MA (English & Literature), Certified Style & Image Consultant Srijita De MA (English & Literature), Certified Style & Image Consultant linkedin_icon Experience: 2 years
Last Updated on
All products recommended on StyleCraze are independently selected by our editorial team. If you make a purchase through any of these links, we may receive a commission. Learn more about our product selection process.

Primer creates a layer over your skin, prepping it for smooth makeup application by covering pores and other irregularities. However, sometimes, they may incorporate nasty chemicals and harmful ingredients. To save your skin from its effects, you should consider investing in the best cruelty-free primer to camouflage your skin imperfections and blemishes.

These primers are lightweight formulas and act as an ideal makeup base. They block the oil coming out of the pores and offer smoother and even skin. They also concentrate on textures, color correctness, hydration, and dullness. In addition, these earth-friendly primers have a non-greasy formula. While finding the right cruelty-free primer can be tricky when countless brands are available in the market, we have your back. In this article, we have listed the 11 best cruelty-free primers according to your skin tone. Keep scrolling to check them out!

Top Picks
CHECK PRICE
Best Sweat-Proof:Elizabeth Mott Thank Me Later Face Primer
Price on Amazon
Best Anti-Aging Formula:Covergirl & Olay Simply Ageless Makeup Primer
Price on Amazon
Best Vitamin-Enriched Formula: e.l.f., Hydrating Face Primer
Price on Amazon
Best Lightweight:Wet N Wild Photo Focus Dewy Face Primer
Price on Amazon
Best Non-Comedogenic:NYX Professional Makeup The Marsh Mellow Primer
Price on Amazon
Best Organic Formula:Mom's Secret Natural Flawless Face Primer
Price on Amazon
Best Long-Lasting Formula:UNICORN GLOW Hydrating Primer
Price on Amazon
Best For All Skin Types:Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer
Price on Amazon
Best Non-Greasy: Fifth & Skin Better'n Ur Skin Mineral Makeup Primer
Price on Amazon
Tinted Vegan:Essence My Skin Perfector Tinted Primer
Price on Amazon

11 Best Rated Cruelty-Free Primers – 2024 Update

1. Best Sweat-Proof:Elizabeth Mott Thank Me Later Face Primer

star-ratingstar-ratingstar-ratingstar-ratingstar-rating
4.3
Elizabeth Mott Thank Me Later Face Primer Image: Elizabeth Mott

If you have pledged allegiance to K-beauty products and also to invest a few extra bucks, then this cruelty-free Thank Me Later Face Primer from Elizabeth Mott is your best bet for a perfect base. The well-balanced formula of this primer helps you deal with the most frustrating skin woe – pores. In addition, it helps you create the perfect flawless pre-foundation canvas.

Besides minimizing pores and fine lines, it renders a silky and super-mattifying finish without weighing down on the skin. Several reviewers attest that the primer combats oiliness by controlling sebum levels and gives a crease-free flawless coverage all day without adding extra shine. This cruelty-free brand ensures a perfect look with 100% customer satisfaction.

Skin Type: All | Product Dimensions: 2.9 x 2.9 x 0.7 inches | Weight: 1.28 Ounces

Pros

  • Sweat-proof
  • Waterproof
  • Non-greasy
  • Long-lasting
  • Lightweight
  • Paraben-free

Cons

  • Cakey
  • Not very effective on oily skin

protip_icon Pro Tip
Always apply a thin layer of primer to prevent patchy blotches and cakey layering.

worth-buy-icon

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

With over 2,372 Amazon acclaimed reviews, this product is sure to find a place in everyone’s shopping bag.

2. Best Anti-Aging Formula:Covergirl & Olay Simply Ageless Makeup Primer

star-ratingstar-ratingstar-ratingstar-ratingstar-rating
4.3
Covergirl Simply Ageless Makeup Primer Image: Covergirl

Amp up your look by prepping your face with this Simply Ageless Makeup Primer from Covergirl & Olay. Its unique age-defying formulation preps your skin to maximize the results and performs great as a foundation as well. Moreover, reviews on online forums agree that this primer helps combat signs of aging and gives you younger-looking skin instantly. In addition, its super nourishing formula hydrates your combination skin and makes it plump. It is great for all skin tones. Besides, this cruelty-free anti-aging primer comes in a pump dispenser bottle that provides convenient usage.

Skin Type: Oily, Combination, Sensitive, Dry, Normal | Color: Primer | Product Dimensions: 6 x 5 x 4 inches | Weight: 1.06 Ounces

Pros

  • Anti-aging
  • Hydrating
  • Nourishing
  • Lightweight

Cons

  • Greasy
  • Does not last longer
  • Not water-resistant
  • Unpleasant fragrance

protip_icon Pro Tip
Before applying the primer, wash your face and apply a moisturizer with SPF 15 or higher.

worth-buy-icon

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

More than 736 customers have given the product positive reviews on Amazon.

3. Best Vitamin-Enriched Formula:e.I.f., Hydrating Face Primer

star-ratingstar-ratingstar-ratingstar-ratingstar-rating
4.3

Take your makeup to the next level with this 100% vegan and cruelty-free Hydrating Face Primer by e.l.f. It offers long-lasting coverage by blurring imperfections, smoothing texture, and hydrating your skin. The primer is infused with grape extract and vitamins A, C, and E – making it a powerful concoction of complexion-boosting formula. It blends well with the skin and fills in pores to leave you with a lovely matte finish and a smooth base. The primer is also not tested on animals, making it ideal for ethically-conscious makeup lovers.

Skin Type: All | Product Dimensions: 1.6 x 1.6 x 5.5 inches | Weight: 0.49 Ounces

Pros

  • Paraben-free
  • Phthalate-free
  • Nonylphenol-free
  • Ethoxylate-free
  • Triclosan-free
  • Triclocarban-free
  • Hydroquinone-free

Cons

  • Unpleasant fragrance
  • Greasy

protip_icon Pro Tip
Always let the primer set before applying the foundation for the best makeup results.

worth-buy-icon

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

It has received over 22,810 rave reviews on Amazon, proving it is a mass favorite.

Elizabeth Mott Thank Me Later Face Primer
Covergirl & Olay Simply Ageless Makeup Primer
e.I.f.
Hydrating Face Primer
Skin Type All Oily, Combination, Sensitive, Dry, Normal All
Dimensions 2.9 x 2.9 x 0.7 inches 6 x 5 x 4 inches 1.6 x 1.6 x 5.5 inches
Weight 1.28 Ounces 1.06 Ounces 0.49 Ounces
Color- Primer -
Rating
Reviews2,37273622,810
Price$15.99$13.97$12.04

4. Best Lightweight:Wet N Wild Photo Focus Dewy Face Primer

star-ratingstar-ratingstar-ratingstar-ratingstar-rating
4.2

Prep your skin and minimize its flaws to get a photo-ready look with this Photo Focus Dewy Face Primer from the most trusted beauty brand – Wet N Wild. Create a perfect makeup base with this vegan face prime to boost your glam quotient. Its lightweight formula smooths your skin and holds your makeup for a longer duration. It is infused with pearl pigment and vitamin E that helps moisturize skin and adds glow to your skin. Moreover, this cruelty-free face primer improves your skin texture and offers a studio-ready look instantly! To understand this product better, check out this video detailing a tester’s experience.

Skin Type: All | Product Dimensions: 1.38 x 1.02 x 3.94 inches | Weight: 1.28 Ounces

Pros

  • Moisturizing
  • Paraben-free
  • Gluten-free
  • Fragrance-free
  • Vegan

Cons

  • Too shimmery
  • May look tackey

protip_icon Quick tip
Always choose a primer that matches the foundation in color and texture.

5. Best Non-Comedogenic:NYX Professional Makeup The Marsh Mellow Primer

star-ratingstar-ratingstar-ratingstar-ratingstar-rating
4.3
NYX Marshmallow Primer Image: Nyx Professional Makeup

Did you know that marshmallows work wonders on your skin to provide a soothing and softening effect? You heard that right! This primer from NYX Professional Makeup offers flawless makeup application. It is infused with marshmallow root extracts that soften, smoothen, hydrate, and even out your skin tone for up to 16 hours. Its 10-in-1 benefits include blurring fine lines, adding a soft finish, and keeping the makeup fresh and intact. Moreover, this vegan primer is non-toxic and does not cause blocked pores and other skin issues. Learn more about a reviewer’s experience with this product in this video.

Skin Type: All | Product Dimensions: 1.23 x 1.23 x 4.8 inches | Weight: 1.06 Ounces.

Pros

  • Non-comedogenic
  • Dermatologist-tested
  • Vegan
  • Silicone-free

Cons

  • Not ideal for oily skin

6. Best Organic Formula:Mom’s Secret Natural Flawless Face Primer

The Mom’s Secret Natural Flawless Face Primer is an organic makeup product that looks wonderful on all skin types and offers long-lasting coverage and a natural finish. The formula is designed to blend flawlessly into your skin, providing a smooth, even look that lasts all day long. You can choose the appropriate tint for your skin tone from a variety of shades. Its easy-to-use pump bottle has garnered praise from reviewers, making it simple to use and apply. It includes a lightweight, pore-refining, and non-greasy formula that works on every skin type, and effectively reduces the appearance of fine lines and pores on acne-prone skin. Ethically-conscious consumers also opt for this primer as it is not tested on animals.

Skin Type: All | Product Dimensions: 1.2 x 1.2 x 4.6 inches | Weight: 3.99 Ounces

Pros

  • Organic ingredients
  • Lightweight formula
  • Non-greasy formula
  • Long-lasting coverage
  • Offers natural finish
  • Smooth application
  • Vegan
  • Cruelty-free
  • Gluten-free
  • GMO-free

Cons

  • None

7. Best Long-Lasting Formula:UNICORN GLOW Hydrating Primer

star-ratingstar-ratingstar-ratingstar-ratingstar-rating
4.3
UNICORN GLOW Hydrating Primer Image: Unicorn Glow

The UNICORN GLOW Hydrating Primer is designed to provide a smooth, hydrated base for your makeup with a beautiful glow. This primer features a lightweight, non-greasy formula that absorbs quickly into the skin, leaving it feeling soft and moisturized. It is lightweight and provides a subtle glow to your skin, helping create a radiant, lit-from-within look. The formula includes hyaluronic acid, hydrolyzed collagen, and herb extract complexes such as artemisia mugwort extract, german chamomile, gentiana lutea root extract, portulaca oleracea, and sugar maple, which are rich in vitamins A, C, and E. They improve your skin texture, offer adequate hydration, and boost your complexion while controlling oil and sebum production. The primer is suitable for all skin types, making it a great addition to any makeup routine. It can be worn alone or under your favorite foundation for a flawless, long-lasting finish.

Skin Type: Oily, Combination, Dry, Normal

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Water-based formula
  • Non-greasy formula
  • Improves collagen production
  • Controls sebum
  • Offers long-lasting finish

Cons

  • None

8. Best For All Skin Types:Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer

Give your skin active sun protection while creating the perfect base for a foundation with this Mineral Primer from Hourglass Veil. It brightens your complexion, creates a smooth base, and conceals the appearance of pores, redness, fine lines, and wrinkles. It is enriched with SPF 15 and is a mineral-based formula, making it suitable for all skin types, including sensitive and blemish-prone skin. Reviewers rave about its lightweight, silky texture that blends smoothly and allows the foundation to glide on effortlessly. Moreover, this vegan primer is not tested on animals and is free from harsh chemicals. It is also water-repelling and enables your makeup to last longer with a radiant glow.

Pros

  • Vegan
  • Paraben-free
  • Sulfate-free
  • Phthalate-free
  • Nanoparticle-free
  • Fragrance-free
  • Gluten-free
  • Synthetic dye-free
  • Oil-free

Cons

  • None

9. Best Non-Greasy:Fifth & Skin Better’n Ur Skin Mineral Makeup Primer

star-ratingstar-ratingstar-ratingstar-ratingstar-rating
4
Fifth & Skin Mineral Primer Image: Fifthandskin

The Better’n Ur Skin Mineral Makeup Primer from Fifth & Skin checks all boxes since it’s cruelty-free, natural, lightweight, non-greasy, and hydrating. In addition, its formula is packed with nourishing botanical extracts, including aloe vera, jojoba oil, rosehip seed oil, rosemary, lavender oil, and others. They work in tandem to hydrate and smoothen your skin.

The hydrating features of this primer enhance suppleness, reduce redness, and balance your skin’s pH levels. Its antioxidant-rich properties hide signs of aging and reveal younger-looking skin. It also helps in the quick absorption of excess oil, thereby creating the perfect makeup base that lasts for 8 to 12 hours, even on sensitive skin. Moreover, the toxin-free primer keeps pores from clogging and reduces skin irritation.

Skin Type: All,All Skin Types,Dry Skin,Oily,Sensitive | Product Dimensions: 4 x 1.5 x 4 inches | Weight: 1.76 Ounces

Pros

  • Non-comedogenic
  • Hypoallergenic
  • Gluten-free
  • Paraben-free
  • Fragrance-free
  • GMO-free
  • Preservative-free
  • Talc-free
  • Non-irritating

Cons

  • May cause breakouts in some

10. Tinted Vegan:Essence My Skin Perfector Tinted Primer

star-ratingstar-ratingstar-ratingstar-ratingstar-rating
3.8

Add a filter to your skin that would buff off your skin imperfections without ripping it dry. This is possible with the My Skin Perfector Tinted Primer from Essence Cosmetics. The mousse-like texture of this mattifying primer preps your skin for a flawless look before you put on makeup. This vegan primer’s moisturizing and velvety formula spreads seamlessly to blur your scars, patches, and other blemishes instantly. This animal-friendly product smoothens your skin and leaves it with a natural look that lasts all day. Moreover, this is free from harsh chemicals and comes in six distinctive tinted shades that suit all skin tones.

Skin Type: Oily, Combination, Dry, Normal | Product Dimensions: 0.98 x 1.54 x 4.61 inches | Weight: 1.12 Ounces.

Pros

  • Matte finish
  • Acetone-free
  • Alcohol-free
  • Paraben-free
  • Oil-free
  • Vegan

Cons

  • None

11. Best Matte Coverage:Honest Beauty Everything Primer

star-ratingstar-ratingstar-ratingstar-ratingstar-rating
4.4
Honest Beauty Everything Primer Image: Honest

The Honest Beauty Everything Primer is a lightweight, sheer primer, made with micronized bamboo powder to help mattify and blur skin imperfections, leaving you with a smooth and flawless finish. It is perfect for those with normal skin types who are looking to control unwanted shine throughout the day. This celebrity-endorsed primer is dermatologist-tested, making it a safe and reliable choice for your beauty routine. It is vegan and cruelty-free, ensuring that no animals were harmed during the production process.

Skin Type: Normal | Product Dimensions: 1.25 x 1.25 x 5.88 inches | Weight: 1.92 Ounces.

Pros

  • Natural ingredients
  • Easy to apply
  • Controls shine
  • Cruelty-free
  • Vegan
  • Dermatologist-tested
  • Paraben-free
  • Phthalate-free
  • Silicone-free
  • Dye-free
  • Fragrance-free

Cons

  • None
*The prices provided in this article are based on the latest available information. However, they may vary due to changes in pricing by the seller and/or promotional offers.

The world is becoming more and more conscious in terms of the products it consumes on a daily basis, and the cosmetic industry is happily catering to the wants of many. There is a wide range of options available for cruelty-free primers,  and given below are some factors to help you make a choice.

Things To Consider While Buying The Best Cruelty-free Primers

  1. Skin type
  • Oily: If you have oily skin, pick a mattifying primer. This will provide a dry base and minimize the shiny, oily appearance of the face.
  • Dry: Incase of dry skin, choose a primer with moisturizing and hydrating ingredients. Olive oil, hyaluronic acid, and agave leaf extracts neutralize the skin while butters like shea or cocoa offer moisturization. Dewy primers are best suited for dry skin as they make the face glow without making it too shiny.
  • Sensitive: Pick a primer with salicylic acid if your skin is sensitive and prone to breakouts. This helps treat the problem from the inside while giving the face an even texture and combatting uneven skin tone. You can also opt for dermatologist-tested or expert-recommended primers specially crafted for sensitive skin.
  1. Certification

Look for a cruelty-free label and a PETA or Leaping Bunny certification to be sure that the primer uses no animal by-products or test on any. A vegan product is also cruelty-free.

  1. Formula

Primers form a base and must remain non-cakey and smooth on the skin. Choose a sweat-proof, waterproof, and hypoallergenic formula for your makeup routine so that it lasts long without dripping or smudging. Look for a lightweight, non-greasy formula that offers nourishment and is enriched with vitamins A, C, and E.

  1. Ingredients To Avoid

Pick a primer which is free of parabens, phthalates, and silicones and other harmful chemicals. Avoid artificial fragrances and alcohols in your primers as they cause irritation and dryness.

Infographic: Ingredients To Look For In A Cruelty-Free Primer

Cruelty-free primers nourish and protect your skin, apart from providing a good base for your makeup products. This is because they contain effective ingredients that work in tandem to boost your skin’s health. Check out the infographic below to know which ingredients to look for in a primer to make the right purchase.

Ingredients To Look For In A Cruelty-Free Primer (infographic)

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

The Bottom Line

Cruelty-free primers are not only beneficial for your skin but also promote our planet’s health. These secret beauty Cruelty-free primers are expertly crafted to not only be beneficial for your skin but also promote our planet’s health. This secret beauty weapon with cruelty-free formulation offers exceptional results and is a perfect game-changer for your daily makeup regimen. The Elizabeth Mott Thank Me Later Face Primer is a lightweight and well-balanced formula, while the Covergirl & Olay Simply Ageless Makeup Primer is an anti-aging primer with a hydrating formulation. If you need a vitamin-rich formulation that hydrates your skin, the e.I.f. Hydrating Face Primer is perfect. All these primers offer enhanced beauty and work great to fix your skin’s imperfections. However, remember to conduct a patch test before application to check for skin irritations. So, pick your favorite product from the list today!

Frequently Asked Questions

Does cruelty-free primer work well with aging skin that has wrinkles?

Yes, cruelty-free primers work well with aging skin that has wrinkles. They help fill in your wrinkles and make your skin look smooth.

Can we use cruelty-free primers as a lip primer?

Yes, you can use cruelty-free primers on your lips. They help you apply lipstick evenly on your lips.

Does cruelty-free reduce redness on the face?

Yes, cruelty-free primers reduce the redness on your face.

Are cruelty-free primers long-lasting?

Yes, cruelty-free primers last long and keep your skin hydrated.

Why Trust StyleCraze?

The author, Baishali Bhattacharya, is certified in makeup techniques and loves reviewing different makeup products. She has carefully selected these best cruelty-free primers after closely reviewing user reviews and feedback on multiple forums and brand websites. These cruelty-free primers help hydrate the skin, make it plump, and stay on for a long time.

Danielle Wilkinson Brucklacher
Danielle Wilkinson BrucklacherLicensed Cosmetologist
Danielle obtained her cosmetology license from MTI College and continued with her education in Makeup Artistry at Bellus Academy. She then began session styling for weddings and special events, including celebrity occasions.

Read full bio of Danielle Wilkinson Brucklacher
Baishali Bhattacharya
Baishali BhattacharyaBeauty & Lifestyle Writer
Baishali is a beauty and lifestyle writer and holds a master's degree in English from Assam University. She specializes in makeup and fashion and is also a certified Style and Image Consultant. Prior to this, she was a part of a digital marketing company in Kolkata where she wrote stories on travel, beauty, and home décor.

Read full bio of Baishali Bhattacharya
Srijani Roy Chowdhury
Srijani Roy Chowdhury Associate Commerce Editor
Srijani is an associate commerce editor with a master's degree in journalism and mass communication from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal. She is certified in makeup techniques and is also a certified style and image consultant.

Read full bio of Srijani Roy Chowdhury
Srijita De
Srijita DeCommerce Writer
Srijita De is a makeup and fashion enthusiast with a passion for empowering readers through practical tips and tricks to present their best selves with confidence. Armed with a postgraduate degree in English and Literature from the University of Calcutta, she has honed her writing skills and developed an in-depth understanding of the beauty and fashion world.

Read full bio of Srijita De