Dermalogica Age Smart Skin Perfect Primer SPF 30
Works for
3 of 3 advertised claims delivered
Sun protectionSPF 30 · 2 UV filtersBroad spectrum
This product offers a good level of protection against both UVB and UVA rays.
It is a mineral sunscreen. In other words, it contains non-organic UV filters. It will probably not sting your eyes but might leave a white cast.
This product can be considered "reef safe" because it does not contain the UV filters (oxybenzone and octinoxate) that can be harmful to coral reefs when present in the water in high concentrations.
Anti-aging3 ingredients credited for this claimStrong support
“Age Smart Skin Perfect Primer SPF 30”
This product can help prevent early signs of skin aging because it offers a good level of broad spectrum sun protection. Sun damage is the main cause of premature skin aging, and protecting your skin from the sun is the best anti-aging strategy.
These ingredients in the product might also be helpful for reducing and preventing fine lines, wrinkles, and skin elasticity, even though there is no conclusive evidence for their effectiveness: arginine/lysine polypeptide, palmitoyl dipeptide-5 diaminobutyroyl hydroxythreonine.
Evens skin tone1 ingredient credited for this claimStrong support
“Creates an instantly smooth surface, balances skin tone and enhances radiance.”
This product offers broad spectrum sun protection. It means that it can prevent hyperpigmentation and help keep the skin tone even (sun damage is the main factor causing age spots, darkening of post-acne marks and other discolorations).
MoisturizingNot advertised by the brand · 16 ingredients credited for this claimStrong support
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:
glycerin, sodium hyaluronate.
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: caprylic/capric triglyceride, argania spinosa kernel oil.
The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: arginine/lysine polypeptide, palmitoyl dipeptide-5 diaminobutyroyl hydroxythreonine
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy5 strong irritants: Lavandula angustifolia flower extract, Zingiber officinale root extract + 3 more — patch-test recommendedHigh risk
ComedogenicClean of flagged comedogenic ingredientsNone flagged
User reviews
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Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Cyclopentasiloxane~26–32%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A silicone that helps improve the product texture and spreadability. Can absorb oil creating a short-term mattifying effect on the skin
More about CyclopentasiloxaneZinc oxide24.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A broad spectrum sunblock (protects from both UVA and UVB rays). Is suitable for most sensitive skins. In small concentrations, can be used as a colorant
More about Zinc oxideDimethicone crosspolymer~7.8–9.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a thicker product texture. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and might be able to prevent moisture loss from its surface
More about Dimethicone crosspolymerCaprylic/capric triglyceride~6.7–8.2%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerin
More about Caprylic/capric triglycerideDiisopropyl adipate~4.9–6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin
More about Diisopropyl adipateVinyl dimethicone/methicone silsesquioxane crosspolymer~3.6–4.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of silicone that create a smooth product finish and can create an optical soft-focus effect on the skin. Helps to thicken the product consistency
More about Vinyl dimethicone/methicone silsesquioxane crosspolymerLauryl peg-9 polydimethylsiloxyethyl dimethicone~2.9–3.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of silicone that helps to soften upper layer of the skin and create a nice product texture
More about Lauryl peg-9 polydimethylsiloxyethyl dimethiconeSilica~2.7–3.3%
Argania spinosa kernel oil~2.1–2.6%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
An emollient that helps soften the upper layer of the skin. Might have some weak anti-oxidant properties
More about Argania spinosa kernel oilPolyhydroxystearic acid~1.5–1.8%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to create a thicker product consistency and stabilize the formulation
More about Polyhydroxystearic acidTitanium dioxide~1.7–2%
- 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 dioxideArginine/lysine polypeptide~0.95–1.2%
- 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 Arginine/lysine polypeptideTocopheryl acetate~0.8–1.15%
- 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 acetatePalmitoyl dipeptide-5 diaminobutyroyl hydroxythreonine~0.7–1.05%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Palmitoyl dipeptide-5 diaminohydroxybutyrate~0.7–1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Polyglyceryl-3 polydimethylsiloxyethyl dimethicone~0.65–1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Hydrolyzed soy protein~0.6–0.95%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Might have some anti-aging, anti-oxidant, and skin lightening properties, but solid evidence is missing
More about Hydrolyzed soy proteinTocopherol~0.65–0.95%
- 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 Tocopherol1,2-hexanediol~0.6–0.85%
Bisabolol~0.5–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An active component of chamomile plant that historically has been used to calm down irritated skin. A recent study shows that bisabolol indeed can have some anti-inflammatory effect on skin, even though conclusive data is lacking. Bisabolol has a sweet floral scent and can be added to products for its aromatic properties
More about BisabololSodium hyaluronate~0.55–0.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin
More about Sodium hyaluronateLavandula angustifolia flower extract~0.55–0.85%
- Irritation risk
- High
Essential oil that can be irritating
More about Lavandula angustifolia flower extractZingiber officinale root extract~0.45–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- High
A plant extract that can contain an irritating essential oil. Might have some anti-oxidant effect, but evidence is lacking
More about Zingiber officinale root extractLavandula hybrida oil~0.5–0.8%
- Irritation risk
- High
Plant extract that can be irritating and is a known allergen
More about Lavandula hybrida oilPentylene glycol~0.6–0.9%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture
More about Pentylene glycolPropanediol~0.5–0.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Acts as a solvent for other ingredients. Speeds up the absorption of other ingredients into the skin
More about PropanediolSilica silylate~0.6–0.85%
Caprylyl glycol~0.55–0.8%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture
More about Caprylyl glycolPeg/ppg-20/15 dimethicone~0.55–0.8%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps oil and water mix together
More about Peg/ppg-20/15 dimethiconePeg/ppg-18/18 dimethicone~0.55–0.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A silicone that mixes with water creating nice light-weight product texture
More about Peg/ppg-18/18 dimethiconeTriethoxycaprylylsilane~0.5–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of silicone that helps oil and water mix well together. Helps to disperse other ingredients, e.g. pigments, evenly in a formulation
More about TriethoxycaprylylsilaneWater~0.5–0.75%
Eucalyptol~0.4–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Sodium pca~0.45–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Naturally present in skin and helps to attract water to its upper layer
More about Sodium pcaSodium hydroxide~0.45–0.7%
Caprylhydroxamic acid~0.45–0.65%
Potassium sorbate~0.3–0.6%
Glycerin~0.45–0.65%
- 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 GlycerinSorbic acid~0.3–0.6%
Ethylhexylglycerin~0.25–0.5%
Phenoxyethanol~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolLinalool~0.2–0.35%
Limonene~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- High
A common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heat
More about LimoneneTin oxide~0.3–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A colorant that can add a pearl-like appearance to the formulation
More about Tin oxideIron oxides~0.15–0.3%
- 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 oxidesIngredient list view
Cyclopentasiloxane, Zinc oxide, Dimethicone crosspolymer, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Diisopropyl adipate, Vinyl dimethicone/methicone silsesquioxane crosspolymer, Lauryl peg-9 polydimethylsiloxyethyl dimethicone, Silica, Argania spinosa kernel oil, Polyhydroxystearic acid, Titanium dioxide, Arginine/lysine polypeptide, Tocopheryl acetate, Palmitoyl dipeptide-5 diaminobutyroyl hydroxythreonine, Palmitoyl dipeptide-5 diaminohydroxybutyrate, Polyglyceryl-3 polydimethylsiloxyethyl dimethicone, Hydrolyzed soy protein, Tocopherol, 1,2-hexanediol, Bisabolol, Sodium hyaluronate, Lavandula angustifolia flower extract, Zingiber officinale root extract, Lavandula hybrida oil, Pentylene glycol, Propanediol, Silica silylate, Caprylyl glycol, Peg/ppg-20/15 dimethicone, Peg/ppg-18/18 dimethicone, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Water, Eucalyptol, Sodium pca, Sodium hydroxide, Caprylhydroxamic acid, Potassium sorbate, Glycerin, Sorbic acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Linalool, Limonene, Tin oxide, 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.
| DermalogicaAge Smart Skin Perfect Primer SPF 30YOUR PRODUCT | Sebastian ProfessionalDermalogica Skin Perfect Primer Spf 30, 0.75 Fluid Ounce | |
|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 61% |
| Price | $29.00 | $38.99+$9.99 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 10 of 13 |
| Key difference | — | Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract |
| Irritancy | High | High |
| SPF | SPF 30 | SPF 30 |
| Drying alcohol | — | — |
| View product | Shop |
Product summary
We believe that "Dermalogica - Age Smart Skin Perfect Primer SPF 30" can provide reliable sun protection based on the ingredients listed. We love that it can protect from both UVA and UVB rays (not all sunscreens with SPF ratings give UVA protection. UVA rays do not cause sunburn, but still damage our skin and lead to early aging).
This sunscreen should also be hydrating enough to use without an additional moisturizer during the day. This product prevents early signs of aging by protecting against sun damage (all broad spectrum sunscreens do that).
Sunscreen filters
This sunscreen is a mineral sunscreen. It uses titanium dioxide and zinc oxide for sun protection. Both titanium dioxide and zinc oxide almost never irritate even the most sensitive skin and eyes, but can leave a white cast.
Irritation risk
There are quite a few common irritants in this product, including ingredients without particular skin benefits. We would not recommend it for sensitive skin. We assess the overall irritancy of this sunscreen to be high. For a detailed overview of all potential irritants: click here
You can see the detailed formula review with the breakdown of all actives in the product and the full ingredient list with estimated concentrations in the tables below.
About the brand
According to Cruelty-Free Kitty "Dermalogica" is cruelty free, but its parent company is not.
Price
The product retails from 29.00$ up to 129.35$ in the United States.
For a detailed price comparison: click here.
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 20 studies and safety reviews.
- 1A review of inorganic UV filters zinc oxide and titanium dioxideonlinelibrary.wiley.com
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