e.l.f. Cosmetics e.l.f. Hydrating Primer Serum
Works for
MoisturizingGlycerin, Soluble collagen + 7 moreWorks
“e.l.f. Hydrating Primer Serum”
This product contains good ingredients to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. These ingredients are called "humectants": glycerin, sodium hyaluronate.
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. If the air is dry, humectants can speed up the moisture loss from the skin. This is why it is a good idea to use another product on top of this one to help "seal in" the moisture (look for ingredients like dimethicone, squalane, oils and butters).
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy9 flagged ingredientsLow risk
ComedogenicClean of flagged comedogenic ingredientsNone flagged
User reviews
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Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Water~40–60%
Glycerin~4.2–6.3%
- 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 GlycerinPropylene glycol~3.4–5.1%
- Irritation risk
- High
Helps oil and water mix together and can enhance the penetration of other ingredients into the skin. It can be irritating
More about Propylene glycolSoluble collagen~2.6–4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A typically plant-derived compound that is supposed mimic human collagen. Cannot penetrate the skin barrier so is not particularly useful in skincare products beyond attracting water to the upper layer of the skin
More about Soluble collagenSodium hyaluronate~1.9–2.9%
- Irritation risk
- Low
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin
More about Sodium hyaluronateTremella fuciformis polysaccharide~1.6–2.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Tocopheryl acetate~1.3–1.9%
- 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 acetateAloe barbadensis leaf extract~1.2–1.8%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Traditionally used to treat sunburns, dermatitis and inflammation, but evidence for its effectiveness is lacking. The extract can contain humectants that help attract water into the skin
More about Aloe barbadensis leaf extractPhenoxyethanol~0.5–1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolPpg-10 methyl glucose ether~0.6–1.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps create a nice product texture and can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin
More about Ppg-10 methyl glucose etherPeg-180~0.45–1.1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture
More about Peg-180Peg-32~0.4–0.95%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps dissolve other ingredients and attract water to the upper layer of the skin
More about Peg-32Xanthan gum~0.35–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a thicker product consistency
More about Xanthan gumCarbomer~0.2–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps create a thicker or gel-like product texture. It is not a surfactant but can be used in gentle cleansing formulations
More about CarbomerEthylhexylglycerin~0.15–0.6%
Tromethamine~0.15–0.55%
Caprylyl glycol~0.15–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture
More about Caprylyl glycolDisodium edta~0.05–0.3%
Coceth-7~0.05–0.2%
Ppg-1-peg-9 lauryl glycol ether~0.05–0.2%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps oil and water mix together
More about Ppg-1-peg-9 lauryl glycol etherPeg-40 hydrogenated castor oil~0.05–0.1%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps oil and water mix together
More about Peg-40 hydrogenated castor oilButylene glycol~0.01–0.05%
- 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 glycolIngredient list view
Water, Glycerin, Propylene glycol, Soluble collagen, Sodium hyaluronate, Tremella fuciformis polysaccharide, Tocopheryl acetate, Aloe barbadensis leaf extract, Phenoxyethanol, Ppg-10 methyl glucose ether, Peg-180, Peg-32, Xanthan gum, Carbomer, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tromethamine, Caprylyl glycol, Disodium edta, Coceth-7, Ppg-1-peg-9 lauryl glycol ether, Peg-40 hydrogenated castor oil, Butylene glycol
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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.
| e.l.f. Cosmeticse.l.f. Hydrating Primer SerumYOUR PRODUCT | StilaOne Step Correct Serum Primer | RimmelLasting Matte Primer | MUAPro Base Hydrating Hyaluronic Jelly Primer | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 28% | 22% | 22% |
| Price | — | $29.98 | — | $7.36 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 2 of 3 | 2 of 3 | 2 of 3 |
| Key difference | — | Retinyl Palmitate | Ascorbyl Glucoside | Panthenol |
| Irritancy | Low | Medium | High | Medium |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | Contains drying alcohol | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
More alternatives: The Beauty Crop Avocado Poreless Primer
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 9 studies and safety reviews.
- 1
- 2Surfactants and experimental irritant contact dermatitisncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 3Propylene Glycolpubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 4Skin-sensitizing and irritant properties of propylene glycolonlinelibrary.wiley.com
- 5Hyaluronic acid: A key molecule in skin agingncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 6
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