Embryolisse Secret de Maquilleurs Complexion Illuminating Veil BB Cream SPF20

Embryolisse Secret de Maquilleurs Complexion Illuminating Veil BB Cream SPF20

SPF 20Efficacy45/100IrritancyMedium·2 UV filters

Works for

Sun protection
SPF 20 · 2 UV filters · Partial spectrum
Weak protectionSPF under 30
SPF 20Partial spectrumChemical 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~3.5–4.3%
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~0.35–0.6%
~ marks concentrations estimated from label position and typical use levels
Moisturizing
Dimethicone, Glycerin + 7 more
Works
What the product description says
“A moisturizer thanks to the hyaluronic acid, it plumps up and smoothes your skin.”
Source: Cocoon Center

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 acetylated 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: dimethicone, phytosteryl/octyldodecyl lauroyl glutamate.

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~2–2.4%
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~1.4–1.7%
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~0.95–1.15%
Phytosteryl/octyldodecyl lauroyl glutamateKey active· EmollientEffect: HighA mix of amino acids and plant-based lipids. Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and reduce water loss over time~0.45–0.7%
Sodium acetylated hyaluronateKey active· HumectantEffect: HighA type of hyaluronic acid that works as an excellent moisturizer by attracting water into the upper layer of the skin. Is typically feels less sticky on the skin compared to the usual hyaluronic acid~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~2.2–2.7%
Pentylene glycol· EmollientEffect: LowUsed to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture~1.2–1.4%
TocopherolEffect: Low, below effective dosePure 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~0.5–0.8%
Avena sativa kernel extractUnder-dosedAn effective moisturizing and skin barrier repair ingredient. Helps calm down inflammation and has some anti-oxidant properties~3.3–4.1%
Evens skin tone
No ingredient credited for this claim
Not delivered
What the product description says
“A stunning nude effect bright even skin tone and incredibly silky skin.”
Source: Cocoon Center

This product contains ingredients () that could help reduce hyperpigmentation (for example, post-acne marks or age spots) in theory, but there is not enough evidence that they actually work.

The biggest effect for evening out skin tone in this product comes from sun protection. Sun damage is the main factor causing age spots, darkening of post-acne marks and other discolorations. This is why sun protection is the best strategy for maintaining an even skin tone. We, however, do not recommend using this product as a sunscreen because the protection it offers is not strong enough).

Anti-aging
Tocopherol
Not delivered
What the product description says
“A complexion embellisher that blurs pores and fine lines, and conceals imperfections with its matifying light-reflecting mineral powders and colour-changing pigments.”
Source: Cocoon Center

This product does not contain ingredients that are able to reduce fine lines and wrinkles or help with skin elasticity, but it can improve the look of the skin temporarily through moisturization. Well-moisturized skin might also be able to repair the sun damage better.

The biggest anti-aging effect in this product comes from sun protection. Sun damage is the main factor causing early signs of skin aging. We, however, do not recommend using this product as a sunscreen because the protection it offers is not strong enough).

TocopherolEffect: Low, below effective dosePure 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~0.5–0.8%
Anti-blemish
No ingredient credited for this claim
Not delivered
What the product description says
“A complexion embellisher that blurs pores and fine lines, and conceals imperfections with its matifying light-reflecting mineral powders and colour-changing pigments.”
Source: Cocoon Center

Effective ingredients missing or their concentration is too low.

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
2 strong irritants: Parfum, Limonene
Medium risk
We flagged 8 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~3.5–4.3%est.
ParfumAn aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredientsHigh~0.65–1%est.
LimoneneA common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heatHigh~0.05%est.
Peg-9 polydimethylsiloxyethyl dimethiconeA type of silicone that helps water and oil mix togetherMedium~1.6–1.9%est.
Pentylene glycolUsed to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product textureMedium~1.2–1.4%est.
Dimethicone/peg-10/15 crosspolymerHelps oil and water mix togetherMedium~1–1.2%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~0.65–0.95%est.
EthylhexylglycerinA preservativeMedium~0.4–0.6%est.
Comedogenic
Clean of flagged comedogenic ingredients
None flagged

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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
Methyl methacrylate crosspolymer~5.3–6.5%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Mattifying

Helps thicken the product consistency

More about Methyl methacrylate crosspolymer
Oryza sativa~4.7–5.7%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Oryza sativa
Avena sativa kernel extract~3.3–4.1%
Under-dosed
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Reduces irritationMoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryReduces rednessAnti-oxidation

An effective moisturizing and skin barrier repair ingredient. Helps calm down inflammation and has some anti-oxidant properties

More about Avena sativa kernel extract
Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate~3.5–4.3%
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
Butylene glycol~2.2–2.7%
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
Dimethicone~2–2.4%
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
Peg-9 polydimethylsiloxyethyl dimethicone~1.6–1.9%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

A type of silicone that helps water and oil mix together

More about Peg-9 polydimethylsiloxyethyl dimethicone
Glycerin~1.4–1.7%
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
Pentylene glycol~1.2–1.4%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

Used to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture

More about Pentylene glycol
Dimethicone/peg-10/15 crosspolymer~1–1.2%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Dimethicone/peg-10/15 crosspolymer
Dipropylene glycol~0.75–1.1%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

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

More about Dipropylene glycol
Polymethylsilsesquioxane~0.95–1.15%
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
Calcium aluminum borosilicate~0.75–1.1%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to thickenthe product consistency

More about Calcium aluminum borosilicate
Parfum~0.65–1%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients

More about Parfum
Aluminum hydroxide~0.7–1.05%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Is used to add opaque (non-transparent) appearance to formulations. Can be used to coat other ingredients for even dispersion. This is a different ingredient compared to the ones used in antipersperants (aluminium chloride and aluminium chlorohydrate)

More about Aluminum hydroxide
Sodium citrate~0.65–0.95%
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
Silica~0.7–1.05%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to absorb oil and can temporarily mattify skin

More about Silica
Magnesium carbonate~0.55–0.85%
Formula
Tocopherol~0.5–0.8%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-oxidationMoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryAnti-aging

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 Tocopherol
Phytosteryl/octyldodecyl lauroyl glutamate~0.45–0.7%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

A mix of amino acids and plant-based lipids. Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and reduce water loss over time

More about Phytosteryl/octyldodecyl lauroyl glutamate
Ethylhexylglycerin~0.4–0.6%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Ethylhexylglycerin
Alumina~0.5–0.75%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

The same compound that is used safely in dental implants and bone cements. In cosmetics, it is used to improve the consistency of products

More about Alumina
Sodium acetylated hyaluronate~0.3–0.6%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

A type of hyaluronic acid that works as an excellent moisturizer by attracting water into the upper layer of the skin. Is typically feels less sticky on the skin compared to the usual hyaluronic acid

More about Sodium acetylated hyaluronate
Mica~0.3–0.55%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Creates an illusion of smoother and more radiant skin tone. Adds shimmer to the skin by reflecting light

More about Mica
Ci 77891~0.25–0.45%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Ci 77891
Titanium dioxide~0.35–0.6%
UV filterUnder-dosed
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
Ci 77491~0.2–0.4%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A red colorant made of iron oxide. Typically is not irritating

More about Ci 77491
Ci 77492~0.2–0.35%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A colorant. Usually well-tolerated

More about Ci 77492
Ci 77499~0.15–0.25%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

An iron oxide. Used as a colorant. Is usually well tolerated

More about Ci 77499
Iron oxides~0.15–0.25%
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
Ci 77120~0.1–0.2%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Ci 77120
Barium sulfate~0.1–0.15%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Barium sulfate
Hydrogen dimethicone~0.05–0.1%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Helps the function of sunscreen and pigment ingredients in the formulation

More about Hydrogen dimethicone
Limonene~0.05%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

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

More about Limonene
Ingredient list view

Water, Methyl methacrylate crosspolymer, Oryza sativa, Avena sativa kernel extract, Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, Butylene glycol, Dimethicone, Peg-9 polydimethylsiloxyethyl dimethicone, Glycerin, Pentylene glycol, Dimethicone/peg-10/15 crosspolymer, Dipropylene glycol, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Calcium aluminum borosilicate, Parfum, Aluminum hydroxide, Sodium citrate, Silica, Magnesium carbonate, Tocopherol, Phytosteryl/octyldodecyl lauroyl glutamate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Alumina, Sodium acetylated hyaluronate, Mica, Ci 77891, Titanium dioxide, Ci 77491, Ci 77492, Ci 77499, Iron oxides, Ci 77120, Barium sulfate, Hydrogen dimethicone, Limonene

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🇬🇧 Cocoon Center (UK)30 ml
≈ $37.02
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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
EmbryolisseSecret de Maquilleurs Complexion Illuminating Veil BB Cream SPF20YOUR PRODUCTKansosanSkincare Moisture Base SPF 37AvèneVery High Protection Anti-Ageing SPF50+ Sun Cream for Sensitive SkinesfolioMulti Grain Sun Cream
Match—58%56%53%
Price—$15.65$18.81$9.10
Shared key ingredients—3 of 103 of 105 of 10
Key difference—NiacinamideAscorbyl GlucosideNiacinamide
Irritancy Medium Low Low Medium
SPFSPF 20SPF 37SPF 50SPF 50
Drying alcohol————
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More alternatives: Glo Skin Beauty Oil Free SPF 40+Badger Active Mineral Sunscreen Cream SPF 30

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Product summary

"Embryolisse - Secret de Maquilleurs Complexion Illuminating Veil BB Cream SPF20" does not provide enough UVA protection. UVA rays do not cause sunburn, but still damage the skin, leading to early signs of aging and pigmentation issues.

Its formula is also hydrating, so you might not need an additional moistruizer during the day.

Sunscreen filters

This is a so-called "chemical" sunscreen. It means that it uses organic UV filters. They typically offer good sun protection and rarely leave a white cast, but they can be irritating for some people with sensitive skin. These are the sun protection ingredients in this sunscreen: octinoxate 3.50% - 4.30%.

Irritation risk

There are some common irritants in this product, including ingredients that do not have benefits for the skin. We assess the overall irritancy of this moisturizer to be medium. 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 "Embryolisse" is cruelty free and so is its parent company.

Price

The product retails for 27.66£ in the United Kingdom.

For a detailed price comparison: click here.

Embryolisse Secret de Maquilleurs Complexion Illuminating Veil BB Cream SPF20
EmbryolisseSecret de Maquilleurs Complexion Illuminating Veil BB Cream SPF20

Affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.

As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.