Bobbi Brown

Bobbi Brown Intensive Skin Serum Radiance Primer SPF25

Name: Bobbi Brown - Intensive Skin Serum Radiance Primer SPF25
Brand: Bobbi Brown

SPF 25Efficacy62/100IrritancyHigh·2 UV filters

See all ingredients

Works for

Sun protection

SPF 25 · 2 UV filters · Partial spectrum

Weak protectionSPF under 30

SPF 25Partial spectrumMineral + chemical filters

This product does not offer good protection against UVA rays.

UV spectrum

UVB290–320 nmUVA II320–340 nmUVA I340–400 nm

Octinoxate

Titanium Dioxide

FilterCoverageWhat it doesEst. amount

OctinoxateEthylhexyl MethoxycinnamateUVBOctinoxate. When used in higher concentrations, works as a sunscreen protecting the skin from UVB rays. When used in lower concentration, helps to preserve the product formulation. Is shown to be harmful to coral reefs - consider avoiding bathing in coral reef areas when wearing a product with this ingredient. It can be irritating~4–4.8%

Titanium Dioxide Mineral UVBUVA2 Photo-stable Works as a UV filter when used in high concentrations. It is photostable and is effective mostly against the UVB light, with some protection in the UVA range. In small concentrations, used for its ability to improve the color of cosmetic products. Is usually well tolerated by the skin~3.5–4.2%

~ marks concentrations estimated from label position and typical use levels

Moisturizing

Dimethicone, Glycerin + 14 more

Works

What the product description says

“Infused with French wheat and hyaluronic acid, the formula seeks to plump the skin with hydration.”

Source: Lookfantastic

This product can help improve hydration of the skin with the two types of ingredients.

The first type is called “humectants”:
these ingredients help attract water. When humectants are on the surface of the skin, they “pull in” the moisture from the outside environment, or from within deeper layers of the skin. The following ingredients in this product do the job: algae extract, glycerin.

This product also contains ingredients called “occlusives”. They help reduce the speed with which our skin loses moisture to the outside environment. These ingredients also help soften the upper layer of the skin, so it feels less tight and nicer to the touch. The following ingredients in this product do the job: dimethicone, methicone.

DimethiconeKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighA silicone that helps to reduce water loss from the surface of the skin. Can temporarily "fill in" lines and wrinkles, absorb oil, and create a nice product finish~6.5–7.9%

GlycerinKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant~2.2–2.7%

Phenyl trimethiconeKey active· OcclusiveEffect: HighA type of silicone that can decrease loss of moisture from the skin surface. It helps create a nice product texture~1.9–2.4%

PolymethylsilsesquioxaneKey activeEffect: HighA silicone that improves product texture and helps dissolve other ingredients. Can form a non-greasy film on the skin to prevent moisture loss~1.7–2%

Peg-10 dimethiconeKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighA silicone that works to soften the upper layer of the skin and reduce its water loss~0.95–1.15%

Sodium hyaluronateKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin~0.5–0.75%

Ganoderma lucidum extractKey activeEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.5–0.75%

Algae extractKey active· Humectant, EmollientEffect: HighPlant extract that helps the skin to attract water and make it more smooth for touch. Also shows promise of anti-aging properties, but research is not extensive yet~0.45–0.7%

MethiconeKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighA type of silicone that helps soften the upper layer of the skin and reduces the water loss from the skin surface~0.35–0.65%

SucroseKey active· HumectantEffect: HighCan help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. In crystal form, it can work as a gentle exfoliant, gentler than the salt scrub. Helps stabilize the emulsion~0.3–0.55%

Saccharide isomerateKey active· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.3–0.6%

Sodium pcaKey active· HumectantEffect: HighNaturally present in skin and helps to attract water to its upper layer~0.3–0.6%

Butylene glycol· HumectantEffect: LowUsed to create a nice product texture and help delivery of other ingredients. Might be somewhat helpful in attracting water to the upper layer of the skin~0.65–0.95%

Caprylyl glycol· Humectant, EmollientEffect: LowHelps preserve products and creates a nice product texture~0.35–0.65%

Cetyl peg/ppg-10/1 dimethiconeEffect: LowA type of silicone that helps water and oil mix together. Can help to soften upper layer of the skin~0.35–0.6%

Dipotassium glycyrrhizateUnder-dosedA salt derived from licorice. Works as an emollient to soften the upper layer of the skin and can help calm down inflammation. Might be helpful for skin lightening~0.3–0.6%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy

6 strong irritants: Alcohol denat., Parfum + 4 more — patch-test recommended

High risk

We flagged 22 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.

IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount

Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamateOctinoxate. When used in higher concentrations, works as a sunscreen protecting the skin from UVB rays. When used in lower concentration, helps to preserve the product formulation. Is shown to be harmful to coral reefs - consider avoiding bathing in coral reef areas when wearing a product with this ingredient. It can be irritatingHigh~4–4.8%est.

Alcohol denat.Produces temporary toning effect. Can help dissolve other ingredients or preserve productsHigh~1.3–1.6%est.

Panax ginseng root extractA plant extract that might have some anti-inflammatory properties, but solid evidence is lacking. It can be irritatingHigh~0.45–0.7%est.

ParfumAn aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredientsHigh~0.3–0.6%est.

LinaloolA fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.3–0.55%est.

GeraniolA fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.3–0.55%est.

LimoneneA common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heatHigh~0.3–0.55%est.

CitralA fragrance with a lemon scent. A likely irritantHigh~0.3–0.55%est.

Tocopheryl acetateA more stable but less bio-available form of vitamin E compared to Tocopherol. Might help moisturize and protect the skin from free radicals, but mostly used in low concentrations to stabilize other ingredients.Medium~0.55–0.85%est.

Ganoderma lucidum extractHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skinMedium~0.5–0.75%est.

Polygonum cuspidatum root extractA plant extract that can contain resveratrol, an antioxidant that can help neutralize free radicals in skin. The effectiveness depends on the extract quality and concentration in the productMedium~0.45–0.65%est.

CaffeineMight be helpful in neutralizing free radicals. Can have a dehydration effect that might somewhat decrease the look of puffy eyesMedium~0.3–0.6%est.

Sasa kurilensis waterA plant infused water. Is unlikely to have any skin benefit in the product beyond heping to dissolve other ingredientsMedium~0.3–0.6%est.

Triethyl citrateUsed as a fragrance. Rarely causes irritationMedium~0.3–0.55%est.

Dimethicone/peg-10/15 crosspolymerHelps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.3–0.6%est.

Caprylyl glycolHelps preserve products and creates a nice product textureMedium~0.35–0.65%est.

Citric acidCan work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pHMedium~0.3–0.6%est.

Polyhydroxystearic acidUsed to create a thicker product consistency and stabilize the formulationMedium~0.4–0.6%est.

BhtA preservativeMedium~0.3–0.55%est.

Disodium edtaStabilizes the product formulationMedium~0.3–0.55%est.

Sodium citrateHelps to control the skin's pH level. Maintains the skin's natural film of amino-lactic acids and oils. Helps to preserve productsMedium~0.3–0.55%est.

Potassium sorbateA preservativeMedium~0.25–0.45%est.

Comedogenic

1 ingredient rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale

1 flagged

These ingredients have a comedogenic rating of 2 or more on a 0–5 scale; the table shows each one's rating. In leave-on products they can clog pores in acne-prone skin.

IngredientFunctionRatingEst. amount

Algae extractPlant extract that helps the skin to attract water and make it more smooth for touch. Also shows promise of anti-aging properties, but research is not extensive yet3/5~0.45–0.7%est.

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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Water~45–55%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Plain old water

More about Water

Dimethicone~6.5–7.9%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingMattifying

A silicone that helps to reduce water loss from the surface of the skin. Can temporarily "fill in" lines and wrinkles, absorb oil, and create a nice product finish

More about Dimethicone

Methyl trimethicone~5–6.1%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

A type of silicone that helps create a silky product finish and dissolve other ingredients

More about Methyl trimethicone

Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate~4–4.8%

UV filterKey activeIrritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Sun protection

Octinoxate. When used in higher concentrations, works as a sunscreen protecting the skin from UVB rays. When used in lower concentration, helps to preserve the product formulation. Is shown to be harmful to coral reefs - consider avoiding bathing in coral reef areas when wearing a product with this ingredient. It can be irritating

More about Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate

Titanium dioxide~3.5–4.2%

UV filterKey active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Sun protection

Works as a UV filter when used in high concentrations. It is photostable and is effective mostly against the UVB light, with some protection in the UVA range. In small concentrations, used for its ability to improve the color of cosmetic products. Is usually well tolerated by the skin

More about Titanium dioxide

Glycerin~2.2–2.7%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant

More about Glycerin

Phenyl trimethicone~1.9–2.4%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

A type of silicone that can decrease loss of moisture from the skin surface. It helps create a nice product texture

More about Phenyl trimethicone

Polymethylsilsesquioxane~1.7–2%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

A silicone that improves product texture and helps dissolve other ingredients. Can form a non-greasy film on the skin to prevent moisture loss

More about Polymethylsilsesquioxane

Alcohol denat.~1.3–1.6%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Produces temporary toning effect. Can help dissolve other ingredients or preserve products

More about Alcohol denat.

Isopentyldiol~1.1–1.3%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Helps dissolve other ingredients in a formulation

More about Isopentyldiol

Peg-10 dimethicone~0.95–1.15%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

A silicone that works to soften the upper layer of the skin and reduce its water loss

More about Peg-10 dimethicone

Butylene glycol~0.65–0.95%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Used to create a nice product texture and help delivery of other ingredients. Might be somewhat helpful in attracting water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Butylene glycol

Silica~0.95–1.15%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to absorb oil and can temporarily mattify skin

More about Silica

Tocopheryl acetate~0.55–0.85%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Anti-oxidation

A more stable but less bio-available form of vitamin E compared to Tocopherol. Might help moisturize and protect the skin from free radicals, but mostly used in low concentrations to stabilize other ingredients.

More about Tocopheryl acetate

Sodium hyaluronate~0.5–0.75%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin

More about Sodium hyaluronate

Hippophae rhamnoides extract~0.5–0.75%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Hippophae rhamnoides extract

Ganoderma lucidum extract~0.5–0.75%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Ganoderma lucidum extract

Cordyceps sinensis extract~0.5–0.7%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Cordyceps sinensis extract

Panax ginseng root extract~0.45–0.7%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Anti-inflammatoryAnti-oxidation

A plant extract that might have some anti-inflammatory properties, but solid evidence is lacking. It can be irritating

More about Panax ginseng root extract

Polygonum cuspidatum root extract~0.45–0.65%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Anti-oxidation

A plant extract that can contain resveratrol, an antioxidant that can help neutralize free radicals in skin. The effectiveness depends on the extract quality and concentration in the product

More about Polygonum cuspidatum root extract

Algae extract~0.45–0.7%

Key activeComedogenic 3/5

Irritation risk: Low
Comedogenicity: 3/5

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-aging

Plant extract that helps the skin to attract water and make it more smooth for touch. Also shows promise of anti-aging properties, but research is not extensive yet

More about Algae extract

Caffeine~0.3–0.6%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

De-puffingAnti-oxidation

Might be helpful in neutralizing free radicals. Can have a dehydration effect that might somewhat decrease the look of puffy eyes

More about Caffeine

Sasa kurilensis water~0.3–0.6%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A plant infused water. Is unlikely to have any skin benefit in the product beyond heping to dissolve other ingredients

More about Sasa kurilensis water

Dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer~0.35–0.6%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to stabilize product formulations and create a nice product texture

More about Dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer

Cetyl peg/ppg-10/1 dimethicone~0.35–0.6%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

CleansingMoisturizing

A type of silicone that helps water and oil mix together. Can help to soften upper layer of the skin

More about Cetyl peg/ppg-10/1 dimethicone

Methicone~0.35–0.65%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

A type of silicone that helps soften the upper layer of the skin and reduces the water loss from the skin surface

More about Methicone

Sodium pca~0.3–0.6%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Naturally present in skin and helps to attract water to its upper layer

More about Sodium pca

Triethyl citrate~0.3–0.55%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Used as a fragrance. Rarely causes irritation

More about Triethyl citrate

Dipotassium glycyrrhizate~0.3–0.6%

Under-dosed

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryEvens skin tone

A salt derived from licorice. Works as an emollient to soften the upper layer of the skin and can help calm down inflammation. Might be helpful for skin lightening

More about Dipotassium glycyrrhizate

Tin oxide~0.5–0.7%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

A colorant that can add a pearl-like appearance to the formulation

More about Tin oxide

Sucrose~0.3–0.55%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. In crystal form, it can work as a gentle exfoliant, gentler than the salt scrub. Helps stabilize the emulsion

More about Sucrose

Trimethylsiloxysilicate~0.35–0.65%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

A type of silicone that helps create a nice product consistency and support the delivery of other ingredients

More about Trimethylsiloxysilicate

Disteardimonium hectorite~0.3–0.6%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

A type of clay that is used to thicken the product consistency

More about Disteardimonium hectorite

Synthetic fluorphlogopite~0.35–0.65%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

A mineral that is used as an optical filter (makes the skin looks nicer through light reflection) and to improve the texture of cosmetic products

More about Synthetic fluorphlogopite

Dimethicone/peg-10/15 crosspolymer~0.3–0.6%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Dimethicone/peg-10/15 crosspolymer

Magnesium sulfate~0.35–0.65%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Magnesium sulfate

Saccharide isomerate~0.3–0.6%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Saccharide isomerate

Boron nitride~0.3–0.6%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Helps to absord oil and evenly disperse other ingredients (for example, pigment) in product formulation

More about Boron nitride

Dimethicone silylate~0.3–0.6%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Dimethicone silylate

Caprylyl glycol~0.35–0.65%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture

More about Caprylyl glycol

Dipropylene glycol~0.3–0.55%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Helps to dissolve other ingredients in a formulation. Slows down the rate of product drying

More about Dipropylene glycol

Citric acid~0.3–0.6%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH

More about Citric acid

Polyhydroxystearic acid~0.4–0.6%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

Used to create a thicker product consistency and stabilize the formulation

More about Polyhydroxystearic acid

Parfum~0.3–0.6%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients

More about Parfum

Linalool~0.3–0.55%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Linalool

Geraniol~0.3–0.55%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Geraniol

Limonene~0.3–0.55%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heat

More about Limonene

Citral~0.3–0.55%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A fragrance with a lemon scent. A likely irritant

More about Citral

Bht~0.3–0.55%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about Bht

Disodium edta~0.3–0.55%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Stabilizes the product formulation

More about Disodium edta

Sodium citrate~0.3–0.55%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Helps to control the skin's pH level. Maintains the skin's natural film of amino-lactic acids and oils. Helps to preserve products

More about Sodium citrate

Phenoxyethanol~0.25–0.45%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products

More about Phenoxyethanol

Potassium sorbate~0.25–0.45%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about Potassium sorbate

Titanium dioxide~0.3–0.6%

UV filterKey active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Sun protection

More about Titanium dioxide

Iron oxides~0.2–0.4%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Sun protection

An umbrella term for the following three colorants: CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499. They might be able to offer some protection against visible light, but the degree of the protection is not clear

More about Iron oxides

Iron oxides~0.15–0.3%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Sun protection

An umbrella term for the following three colorants: CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499. They might be able to offer some protection against visible light, but the degree of the protection is not clear

More about Iron oxides

Iron oxides~0.15–0.3%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Sun protection

An umbrella term for the following three colorants: CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499. They might be able to offer some protection against visible light, but the degree of the protection is not clear

More about Iron oxides

Ingredient list view

Water, Dimethicone, Methyl trimethicone, Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, Titanium dioxide, Glycerin, Phenyl trimethicone, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Alcohol denat., Isopentyldiol, Peg-10 dimethicone, Butylene glycol, Silica, Tocopheryl acetate, Sodium hyaluronate, Hippophae rhamnoides extract, Ganoderma lucidum extract, Cordyceps sinensis extract, Panax ginseng root extract, Polygonum cuspidatum root extract, Algae extract, Caffeine, Sasa kurilensis water, Dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer, Cetyl peg/ppg-10/1 dimethicone, Methicone, Sodium pca, Triethyl citrate, Dipotassium glycyrrhizate, Tin oxide, Sucrose, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Disteardimonium hectorite, Synthetic fluorphlogopite, Dimethicone/peg-10/15 crosspolymer, Magnesium sulfate, Saccharide isomerate, Boron nitride, Dimethicone silylate, Caprylyl glycol, Dipropylene glycol, Citric acid, Polyhydroxystearic acid, Parfum, Linalool, Geraniol, Limonene, Citral, Bht, Disodium edta, Sodium citrate, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium sorbate, Titanium dioxide, Iron oxides, Iron oxides, Iron oxides

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Worth comparing, line by line.

Match % combines shared ingredients, the first five ingredients, shared actives and hero ingredients, irritancy (lower counts in the alternative's favour), texture and body area. Only products in the same routine step are compared.

Side-by-side comparison of this product against its closest alternatives
	Bobbi BrownIntensive Skin Serum Radiance Primer SPF25YOUR PRODUCT	Laura MercierFlawless Lumiere Radiance-Perfecting Cushion SPF 50	Too FacedBorn This Way Glow Radiance Boosting Moisturizing Primer SPF45/PA++++	Estée LauderDouble Wear Flawless Hydrating Primer SPF45
Match	—	38%	36%	36%
Price	—	$57.37	—	—
Shared key ingredients	—	5 of 16	8 of 16	7 of 16
Key difference	—	Niacinamide	Ascorbyl Glucoside	Acetyl Hexapeptide-8
Irritancy	High	Low	Low	Medium
SPF	SPF 25	SPF 50	SPF 45	SPF 45
Drying alcohol	Contains drying alcohol	—	—	—
	View product	Shop	Shop	Shop

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Product summary

We do not recommend "Bobbi Brown - Intensive Skin Serum Radiance Primer SPF25" because it does not provide good UVA protection. UVA sun rays don't burn the skin, but they still lead to photoaging and hyperpigmentation.

It also works as a moisturizer, so you do not have to use an additional hydrating product.

Sunscreen filters

This sunscreen uses a mixture of both mineral and organic (so-called "chemical") UV filters. The organic filters in the product are: octinoxate. As for the mineral filters, this sunscreen uses titanium dioxide.

Irritation risk

There are quite a few common irritants in this product, including ingredients without particular skin benefits. We would not recommend it for sensitive skin. We assess the overall irritancy of it to be high. For a detailed overview of all potential irritants: click here

You can see the detailed formula review with the breakdown of all actives in the product and the full ingredient list with estimated concentrations in the tables below.