Estée Lauder Double Wear Flawless Hydrating Primer SPF45
Works for
2 of 2 advertised claims delivered
Sun protectionSPF 45 · 3 UV filtersBroad spectrum
This product offers a good level of protection against both UVB and UVA rays.
This sunscreen uses organic (so-called "chemical") sunscreen filters. Organic, or "chemical" filters usually provide reliable sun protection and rarely leave a white cast. Sunscreens with organic filters can sting eyes.
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.
Moisturizing23 ingredients credited for this claimStrong support
“Double Wear Flawless Hydrating Primer SPF45”
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, squalane.
The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: acetyl hexapeptide-8
Anti-agingNot advertised by the brand · 3 ingredients credited for this claimStrong support
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: acetyl hexapeptide-8.
Evens skin toneNot advertised by the brand · No ingredient credited for this claimStrong support
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).
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy2 strong irritants: Rosa damascena extract, ParfumMedium risk
Comedogenic3 ingredients rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale3 flagged
User reviews
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Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Water~45–55%
Dimethicone~6–7.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 DimethiconeTitanium dioxide~5.1–6.3%
- 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 dioxideButyloctyl salicylate~3.4–4.1%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A synthetic ester of salicylic acid that is used to help disperse pigments and boost effectiveness of sunscreen ingredients. It is able to absorb UV light (working as an organic, or chemical filter), but is not approved as a sunscreen ingredient on its own
More about Butyloctyl salicylateZinc oxide~3.8–4.7%
- 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 oxideC12-15 alkyl benzoate~2.2–2.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Enhances the product texture and makes it more spreadable. Helps reduce water loss from the outer layer of skin. Extands the shelf life by preventing bacteria growth
More about C12-15 alkyl benzoateMethyl trimethicone~1.8–2.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of silicone that helps create a silky product finish and dissolve other ingredients
More about Methyl trimethiconeIsononyl isononanoate~1.7–2.1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Forms a protective film on the surface of the skin to prevent moisture loss. Gives a velvety feel to products while reducing tackiness
More about Isononyl isononanoateDiethylhexyl succinate~1.5–1.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product texture
More about Diethylhexyl succinateNeopentyl glycol diheptanoate~1.2–1.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product consistency
More about Neopentyl glycol diheptanoateButylene glycol~1–1.2%
- 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 glycolDipentaerythrityl tri-polyhydroxystearate~0.8–1.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Lauryl peg-9 polydimethylsiloxyethyl dimethicone~0.75–1.1%
- 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~1–1.3%
Trimethylsiloxysilicate~0.7–1.05%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of silicone that helps create a nice product consistency and support the delivery of other ingredients
More about TrimethylsiloxysilicateHydroxyapatite~0.95–1.15%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Cetyl peg/ppg-10/1 dimethicone~0.65–0.95%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 dimethiconeAlgae extract~0.65–1%
- 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 extractWhey protein~0.6–0.85%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A protein derived from milk. In skincare products, might help to soften the upper layer of the skin
More about Whey proteinHordeum vulgare extract~0.55–0.85%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A plant extract that might have some anti-oxidant properties. Avoid if you are sensitive to gluten
More about Hordeum vulgare extractPolygonum cuspidatum root extract~0.55–0.8%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
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 extractCaffeine~0.5–0.75%
- 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 CaffeineGlycerin~0.5–0.75%
- 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 GlycerinHydrolyzed prunus domestica~0.45–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A plant extract that might have some anti-oxidant properties
More about Hydrolyzed prunus domesticaTrioctyldodecyl citrate~0.5–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Hydrolyzed wheat protein/pvp crosspolymer~0.5–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Tuna extract~0.45–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Laminaria digitata extract~0.5–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
- Comedogenicity
- 3/5
Seaweed extract that helps the skin to attract water and make it more smooth for touch. Also shows promise of anti-aging properties, but good research is lacking at the moment
More about Laminaria digitata extractBetula alba juice~0.45–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Rosa damascena extract~0.45–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- High
Oil of a very fragrant pink rose used as fragrance in cosmetics. Extensive research has shown it has mixed benefits. In the pro column, inhaling this flower’s scent seems to have relaxing properties and the plant’s petals contain skin-soothing and antioxidant compounds that can benefit skin. On the flipside, the numerous chemicals that create this rose’s distinctive fragrance pose a risk of causing skin aggravation.
More about Rosa damascena extractSqualane~0.55–0.8%
- 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 SqualaneLens esculenta fruit extract~0.45–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A plant extract containing sugars that might help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Is claimed by the manufacturer to help reduce pore size but evidence is lacking
More about Lens esculenta fruit extractTriticum vulgare germ extract~0.5–0.75%
- 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 extractPyrus malus fruit extract~0.45–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Can have some moisturizing properties due to its sugar content
More about Pyrus malus fruit extractAcetyl hexapeptide-8~0.45–0.7%
- 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-8Citrullus lanatus fruit extract~0.45–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A plant extract that can contain an antioxidant compound
More about Citrullus lanatus fruit extractSodium lactate~0.45–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Is often used to adjust the pH level of the product
More about Sodium lactateDimethicone/peg-10/15 crosspolymer~0.45–0.7%
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 pcaSea salt~0.45–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to thicken the product formulation and might help to add minerals to the surface of the skin. It is used in scrubs as a physical exfoliant. Can increase sensitivity to other ingredients if left on the skin or used in high concentration
More about Sea saltMaris sal~0.4–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to thicken the product formulation and might help to add minerals to the surface of the skin. It is used in scrubs as a physical exfoliant. Can increase sensitivity to other ingredients if left on the skin or used in high concentration
More about Maris salDimethicone silylate~0.35–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Tocopheryl acetate~0.4–0.6%
- 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 acetateDimethicone crosspolymer-3~0.3–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Caprylyl glycol~0.35–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture
More about Caprylyl glycolIsostearic acid~0.45–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a nice product texture
More about Isostearic acidPolyhydroxystearic acid~0.3–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to create a thicker product consistency and stabilize the formulation
More about Polyhydroxystearic acidSodium hyaluronate~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin
More about Sodium hyaluronateDipropylene glycol~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps to dissolve other ingredients in a formulation. Slows down the rate of product drying
More about Dipropylene glycolSodium hydroxide~0.25–0.45%
Sodium carrageenan~0.2–0.4%
Lecithin~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used mostly for creating emulsions - helping oil and water mix together. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin
More about LecithinParfum~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- High
An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients
More about ParfumBht~0.15–0.3%
Phenoxyethanol~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolIron oxides~0.15–0.25%
- 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
Water, Dimethicone, Titanium dioxide, Butyloctyl salicylate, Zinc oxide, C12-15 alkyl benzoate, Methyl trimethicone, Isononyl isononanoate, Diethylhexyl succinate, Neopentyl glycol diheptanoate, Butylene glycol, Dipentaerythrityl tri-polyhydroxystearate, Lauryl peg-9 polydimethylsiloxyethyl dimethicone, Silica, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Hydroxyapatite, Cetyl peg/ppg-10/1 dimethicone, Algae extract, Whey protein, Hordeum vulgare extract, Polygonum cuspidatum root extract, Caffeine, Glycerin, Hydrolyzed prunus domestica, Trioctyldodecyl citrate, Hydrolyzed wheat protein/pvp crosspolymer, Unknown, Tuna extract, Laminaria digitata extract, Betula alba juice, Rosa damascena extract, Squalane, Lens esculenta fruit extract, Triticum vulgare germ extract, Pyrus malus fruit extract, Acetyl hexapeptide-8, Citrullus lanatus fruit extract, Sodium lactate, Dimethicone/peg-10/15 crosspolymer, Sodium pca, Sea salt, Maris sal, Dimethicone silylate, Tocopheryl acetate, Dimethicone crosspolymer-3, Caprylyl glycol, Isostearic acid, Polyhydroxystearic acid, Sodium hyaluronate, Dipropylene glycol, Sodium hydroxide, Sodium carrageenan, Lecithin, Parfum, Bht, Phenoxyethanol, 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.
| Estée LauderDouble Wear Flawless Hydrating Primer SPF45YOUR PRODUCT | DermaquestYouth Protection SPF 30 | Bobbi BrownPrimer Plus Radiance SPF 35 | Dermaquest IncEssential Youth Protection SPF 30 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 54% | 54% | 53% |
| Price | $38.42 | $41.40+$2.98 | $40.00+$1.58 | — |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 7 of 12 | 9 of 12 | 7 of 12 |
| Key difference | — | Acetyl Hexapeptide-30 | Linoleic Acid | Acetyl Hexapeptide-30 |
| Irritancy | Medium | Medium | Medium | Medium |
| SPF | SPF 45 | SPF 30 | SPF 35 | SPF 30 |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
Product summary
We believe that "Estée Lauder - Double Wear Flawless Hydrating Primer SPF45" can provide reliable sun protection based on the ingredients listed. It can protect from both UVA and UVB rays. This is great news because 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).
It also works as a moisturizer, so you do not have to use an additional hydrating product. Like all broad-spectrum sunscreens, this product has an anti-aging benefit.
Sunscreen filters
This is a "mixed" sunscreen in the sense that it uses both mineral and organic (so-called "chemical") sun filters. The organic filters in the product are: butyloctyl salicylate. As for the mineral filters, this sunscreen uses both titanium dioxide and zinc oxide.
Irritation risk
This formulation includes some common irritants, including ingredients that do not provide a benefit for the skin. We assess the overall irritancy of this product 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.
Price
The product retails for 29.06£ 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 18 studies and safety reviews.
- 1
- 2Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Dimethicone Copolyoljournals.sagepub.com
- 3
- 4A review of inorganic UV filters zinc oxide and titanium dioxideonlinelibrary.wiley.com
- 5
- 6
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