Clinique Even Better Light Reflecting Primer
Works for
MoisturizingAcetyl glucosamine, Palmitoyl hexapeptide-12 + 14 moreWorks well
“What it is : A skincare-powered makeup primer that illuminates and hydrates for an instant glowing complexion and more radiant-looking skin over time.”
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, betaine.
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: squalane, algae extract.
The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: acetyl glucosamine, acetyl hexapeptide-8, palmitoyl hexapeptide-12
Evens skin toneAscorbyl glucoside, Acetyl glucosamineWorks well
“With vitamin C and acetyl glucosamine, this powerful formula helps boost radiance, smooth the look and feel of skin and visibly even skin tone over time.”
This product can help reduce hypepigmentation and even out the skin tone because it contains the following effective ingredients: acetyl glucosamine
The following ingredient (ingredients) in this product might be helpful, but there is no evidence to confirm that it actually can help even out the skin tone: ascorbyl glucoside.
Keep in mind that you would need to apply any topical skincare targetted at hypigmentation consistently for a couple of months to get a result. No topical skincare product can help get rid of hyperpigmentation (including post-acne marks and age spots) instantly.
Anti-agingSide benefit the brand mentions · Ascorbyl glucoside, Acetyl glucosamine + 5 moreWorks well
“With vitamin C and acetyl glucosamine, this powerful formula helps boost radiance, smooth the look and feel of skin and visibly even skin tone over time.Research results Clinical testing conducted on 33 women after using product for 8 weeks , 82% showed more radiant-looking bare skin, 88% showed more even-looking skin How to use Apply a thin layer to clean, moisturized skin.”
This product can help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness because it contains acetyl glucosamine, palmitoyl hexapeptide-12.
These ingredients in the product can also be helpful, even though there is less evidence for their effectiveness: acetyl hexapeptide-8, ascorbyl glucoside.
Keep in mind that it typically takes at least 6 weeks to notice any results because the changes that are needed to improve fine lines and elasticity happen in the deeper layers of the skin. No topical anti-aging product can “erase” wrinkles or fully reverse signs of aging.
Anti-oxidationSide benefit · Ascorbyl glucoside, Decarboxy carnosine hcl + 5 moreMay help
This product contains antioxidants (ascorbyl glucoside, decarboxy carnosine hcl) that might be able to help neutralize free radicals in skin to lessen the damage it gets from the UV light (sun). There is not enough evidence to confirm their effectiveness in skin though.
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy14 flagged ingredientsMedium risk
Comedogenic2 ingredients rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale2 flagged
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Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Water~45–55%
Propanediol~4.2–5.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Acts as a solvent for other ingredients. Speeds up the absorption of other ingredients into the skin
More about PropanediolBetaine~3.5–4.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improves the product texture
More about BetaineAlgae extract~2.9–3.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
- Comedogenicity
- 3/5
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 extractAmmonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymer~2.3–2.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Increases thickness of a product. Texture enhancer for oil-in-water emulsions
More about Ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymerAscorbyl glucoside~1.9–2.3%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A vitamin C derivative that is more stable but less potent than pure form of vitamin C. Has a potential to boost collagen production, nutralise free radicals and reduce hyperpigmentation, but the required concentration is likely to be much higher than for the pure form of vitamin C, limiting the ingredient's effectiveness in products
More about Ascorbyl glucosideAcetyl glucosamine~1.6–1.9%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An effective moisturizing ingredient that also has been shown to be effective in evening out the skin tone and reducing hyperpigmentation. It can help somewhat reduce wrinkles in skin
More about Acetyl glucosamineTrehalose~1.4–1.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A sugar that attracts water to the upper layer of the skin
More about TrehaloseTocopheryl acetate~1–1.3%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
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 acetateSqualane~0.95–1.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An oil naturally present in skin. Works as an emollient to soften the skin and form a protective layer on its surface without a greasy feeling.
More about SqualaneSodium hyaluronate~0.65–0.95%
- Irritation risk
- Low
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin
More about Sodium hyaluronateHordeum distichon extract~0.55–0.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Prunus amygdalus dulcis seed extract~0.5–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Almond extract (oil) - helps soften the upper layer of the skin
More about Prunus amygdalus dulcis seed extractSigesbeckia orientalis extract~0.4–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A plant extract that can contain an anti-inflammatory compound
More about Sigesbeckia orientalis extractCentaurium erythraea extract~0.4–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A plant extract that can help calm down inflammation in skin
More about Centaurium erythraea extractTriticum vulgare germ extract~0.45–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
- Comedogenicity
- 3/5
Plant extract that might have moisturizing properties. Avoid if you suffer from wheat or gluten intolerance
More about Triticum vulgare germ extractAloe barbadensis leaf water~0.4–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Traditionally used to treat sunburns, dermatitis and inflammation, but data on its effectiveness is lacking. While the majority of the content is plain water, it can contain some goodies like vitamins, enzymes, minerals, and humectants that help attract water into the skin
More about Aloe barbadensis leaf waterCaffeine~0.3–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Might be helpful in neutralizing free radicals. Can have a dehydration effect that might somewhat decrease the look of puffy eyes
More about CaffeinePalmitoyl hexapeptide-12~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles
More about Palmitoyl hexapeptide-12Acetyl hexapeptide-8~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles
More about Acetyl hexapeptide-8Decarboxy carnosine hcl~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Might be able to protect the skin from free radicals, but further evidence of effectiveness is needed
More about Decarboxy carnosine hclEthylhexylglycerin~0.25–0.45%
Butylene glycol~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 glycolGlycerin~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 GlycerinCetearyl olivate~0.25–0.45%
Silica~0.3–0.6%
Sodium hydroxide~0.2–0.4%
Citric acid~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH
More about Citric acidGlyceryl polymethacrylate~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a nice product texture
More about Glyceryl polymethacrylateDehydroxanthan gum~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps create thicker product formulations and stabilize emulsions
More about Dehydroxanthan gumSorbitan olivate~0.25–0.45%
Tin oxide~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A colorant that can add a pearl-like appearance to the formulation
More about Tin oxidePeg-8~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to create a nice product consistency
More about Peg-8Disodium edta~0.2–0.35%
Sodium citrate~0.2–0.35%
- 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 citrateTocopherol~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Pure form of vitamin E. Can help moisturise and protect the skin from free radicals. Often used to help stabilise other ingredients or the formula itself
More about TocopherolPotassium sorbate~0.15–0.25%
Sodium benzoate~0.1–0.2%
Phenoxyethanol~0.1–0.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolMica~0.15–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Creates an illusion of smoother and more radiant skin tone. Adds shimmer to the skin by reflecting light
More about MicaTitanium dioxide~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 dioxideIron oxides~0.1–0.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 oxidesIron oxides~0.05–0.1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 oxidesCi 75470~0.05–0.1%
Ingredient list view
Water, Propanediol, Betaine, Algae extract, Ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymer, Ascorbyl glucoside, Acetyl glucosamine, Trehalose, Tocopheryl acetate, Squalane, Sodium hyaluronate, Hordeum distichon extract, Prunus amygdalus dulcis seed extract, Sigesbeckia orientalis extract, Centaurium erythraea extract, Triticum vulgare germ extract, Aloe barbadensis leaf water, Caffeine, Palmitoyl hexapeptide-12, Acetyl hexapeptide-8, Decarboxy carnosine hcl, Ethylhexylglycerin, Butylene glycol, Glycerin, Cetearyl olivate, Silica, Sodium hydroxide, Citric acid, Glyceryl polymethacrylate, Dehydroxanthan gum, Sorbitan olivate, Tin oxide, Peg-8, Disodium edta, Sodium citrate, Tocopherol, Potassium sorbate, Sodium benzoate, Phenoxyethanol, Mica, Titanium dioxide, Iron oxides, Iron oxides, Ci 75470
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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.
| CliniqueEven Better Light Reflecting PrimerYOUR PRODUCT | Estée LauderFuturist Peptide-Power Serum Primer | La MerThe Perfecting Primer | THE ROUTEThe Girlfriend - Skin-Loving Glow Primer | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 49% | 34% | 34% |
| Price | — | $38.52 | $100.39 | $50.00 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 8 of 17 | 9 of 17 | 8 of 17 |
| Key difference | — | Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate | Castanea Sativa Seed Extract | N-Prolyl Palmitoyl Tripeptide-56 Acetate |
| Irritancy | Medium | Medium | High | Medium |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | Contains drying alcohol | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
More alternatives: LAWLESS Forget the Filler Skin-Plumping Line-Smoothing Moisturizer + Makeup PrimerSmashbox Photo Finish Illuminate Glow Primer
Product summary
"Clinique - Even Better™ Light Reflecting Primer" is effective for: Moisturizing, Evens skin tone and Anti-aging
Ingredient callouts
- Peptides (acetyl hexapeptide-8 0.25% - 0.45% and palmitoyl hexapeptide-12 0.30% - 0.50%). Peptides are a very big group of ingredients. They all consist of a different combination of aminoacids. Our skin produces Peptides naturally. Some of them work as natural antibiotics, promote wound-healing and production of collagen. The scientists are still studying how effective the topical application of Peptides is, but it is very likely that theynare helpful. Peptides might be able to support skin barrier restoration and even have an anti-aging benefit. At the very least, they certainly help attract water to the skin and support the hydration in this way.
- Humectants (glycerin 0.25% - 0.45%, acetyl hexapeptide-8 0.25% - 0.45%, sodium hyaluronate 0.60% - 0.95%, trehalose 1.40% - 1.70%, acetyl glucosamine 1.60% - 1.90%, algae extract 2.90% - 3.50% and betaine 3.50% - 4.20%). These ingredients help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improve the skin hydration.
Price
The product retails for 36.58£ in the United Kingdom.
For a detailed price comparison: click here.
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 19 studies and safety reviews.
- 1The Roles of Vitamin C in Skin Healthncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 2
- 3
- 4Glucosamine: an ingredient with skin and other benefitsncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 5
- 6Incorporation of D-(^H)glucosamine into normal and psoriatic epidermal glycoconjugatesonlinelibrary.wiley.com
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