Garnier BB Cream Anti-Aging Face Moisturizer, Light/Medium
Works for
2 of 4 advertised claims delivered
Sun protectionSPF 15 · 4 UV filters · Broad spectrumWeak protectionSPF under 30
This product offers broad spectrum sun protection, but it is weak. We recommend to use a broad spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30.
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.
Evens skin toneCapryloyl salicylic acid, Ascorbyl glucosideModerate evidence
“Get a youthful-looking, more even skin tone with just one product.”
The following ingredient (ingredients) in this product might be helpful, but there is no evidence to confirm that it actually works: capryloyl salicylic acid.
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).
MoisturizingDimethicone, Zinc pca + 14 moreGood evidence
“BB Cream Anti-Aging Face Moisturizer, Light/Medium”
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, magnesium pca.
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, ethylhexyl palmitate.
Anti-agingZinc pca, Ascorbyl glucosideLimited evidence
“BB Cream Anti-Aging Face Moisturizer, Light/Medium”
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.This ingredient - zinc pca - could be helpful for preventing or repairing signs of aging in theory, but there is no evidence that it actually works.
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).
ExfoliationNot advertised by the brand · Capryloyl salicylic acidStrong evidence
This product can help exfoliate the skin. In other words, it helps break down the bonds between dead cells on the surface of the skin and speed up the skin turnover. Skin often appears softer and brighter after exfoliation, but overdoing it can result in disrupted skin barrier. The following ingredient is doing the exfoliating job in this product: capryloyl salicylic acid.
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy7 strong irritants: Actinidia chinensis fruit water, Parfum + 5 more — patch-test recommendedHigh risk
Comedogenic1 ingredient rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale1 flagged
User reviews
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Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane3%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Avobenzone. An organic, or so-called "chemical" UV filter. Protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Needs to be combined with other filters in a formulation to be stable.
More about Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethaneEthylhexyl salicylate5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Octisalate. A UV filter. It offers some protection against the sun rays that cause sunburn (UVB), but does not protect against the most aging sun rays (UVA). It loses its effectiveness quickly when exposed to sunlight. It is an organic, or so called "chemical" sunscreen
More about Ethylhexyl salicylateOctocrylene7%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A weak sunscreen that protects against the sun rays that cause sunburn (UVB) and is somewhat effective against the UVA rays. It is quite stable and can help stabilize other, more vulnerable, sunscreen ingredients like Avobenzone. It is an organic, or so called "chemical" sunscreen
More about OctocryleneWater~45–55%
Isononyl isononanoate~4.9–5.9%
- 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 isononanoateGlycerin~4.6–5.6%
- 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 GlycerinCyclohexasiloxane~3.9–4.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A silicone that serves as an emollient. Helps create a nice non-greasy feels
More about CyclohexasiloxanePropylene glycol~2.6–3.2%
- 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 glycolEthylhexyl palmitate~2–2.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
- Comedogenicity
- 3/5
An emollient that helps soften the skin and create a nice product texture
More about Ethylhexyl palmitatePoly c10-30 alkyl acrylate~1.3–1.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Butylene glycol~1.1–1.3%
- 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 glycolAluminum starch octenylsuccinate~0.8–1.15%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to thicken the product's consistency
More about Aluminum starch octenylsuccinateDimethicone~0.75–1.1%
- 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 DimethiconeNylon-66~0.75–1.15%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Styrene/acrylates copolymer~0.65–1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create an even product consistency. Can help boost efficiency of sunscreen filters
More about Styrene/acrylates copolymerGlyceryl stearate~0.5–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that softens the skin and forms a protective layer on its surface. Helps water and oil mix together
More about Glyceryl stearateBehenyl alcohol~0.5–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Non-drying alcohol that helps water and oil mix together. Also serves as an emollient
More about Behenyl alcoholSolanum lycopersicum seed extract~0.35–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Ascorbyl glucoside~0.3–0.55%
- 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 glucosideTocopheryl acetate~0.3–0.6%
- 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 acetateActinidia chinensis fruit water~0.3–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- High
Claimed to have anti-oxidant properties but it is unlikely that it can have an effect in the skin
More about Actinidia chinensis fruit waterRosa canina fruit oil~0.3–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A great emollient. Contains vitamin E (tocopherol) which may give it some anti-oxidant properties. Can contain volatile compounds and can be irritating
More about Rosa canina fruit oilCapryloyl salicylic acid~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- High
Ammonium polyacryloyldimethyl taurate~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a thicker product consistency
More about Ammonium polyacryloyldimethyl taurateCaprylyl glycol~0.3–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture
More about Caprylyl glycolMagnesium pca~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin
More about Magnesium pcaManganese pca~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Often used as a part of an ingredient complex Physiogenyl together with Sodium PCA, Magnesium PCA and Zinc PCA. The manufacturer claims that it does more than attracting water, but there is no evidence or studies supporting this claim
More about Manganese pcaMica~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Creates an illusion of smoother and more radiant skin tone. Adds shimmer to the skin by reflecting light
More about MicaSodium pca~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Naturally present in skin and helps to attract water to its upper layer
More about Sodium pcaZinc pca~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A compound that combines zinc with a hydrating ingredient PCA. Might to be helpful against acne and clogged pores. Can help calm down inflammation in skin. Could be helpful in reducing the formation of free radicals in skin. Might help to reduce fine lines in wrinkles, but solid evidence is missing
More about Zinc pcaTitanium dioxide~0.25–0.5%
- 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 dioxideDimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer~0.25–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to stabilize product formulations and create a nice product texture
More about Dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymerDimethyl isosorbide~0.25–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to dissolve other ingredients in a product and can enhance their ability to penetrate the skin
More about Dimethyl isosorbidePeg-8 laurate~0.25–0.45%
Disodium edta~0.2–0.4%
Glyceryl stearate citrate~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps oil and water mix together while softening the upper layer of the skin
More about Glyceryl stearate citrateOctyldodecanol~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that helps to soften the skin and create a pleasant product texture and stabilize the formulation
More about OctyldodecanolPolycaprolactone~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 citrateEthylenediamine~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Peg-9~0.2–0.4%
Sodium hydroxide~0.2–0.35%
Xanthan gum~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a thicker product consistency
More about Xanthan gumMethylparaben~0.15–0.3%
Propylparaben~0.2–0.35%
Butylparaben~0.2–0.35%
Parfum~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- High
An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients
More about ParfumLinalool~0.15–0.25%
Benzyl salicylate~0.1–0.2%
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 LimoneneGeraniol~0.1–0.25%
Citral~0.1–0.2%
Ingredient list view
Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane, Ethylhexyl salicylate, Octocrylene, Water, Isononyl isononanoate, Glycerin, Cyclohexasiloxane, Propylene glycol, Ethylhexyl palmitate, Poly c10-30 alkyl acrylate, Butylene glycol, Aluminum starch octenylsuccinate, Dimethicone, Nylon-66, Styrene/acrylates copolymer, Glyceryl stearate, Behenyl alcohol, Solanum lycopersicum seed extract, Ascorbyl glucoside, Tocopheryl acetate, Actinidia chinensis fruit water, Rosa canina fruit oil, Capryloyl salicylic acid, Ammonium polyacryloyldimethyl taurate, Caprylyl glycol, Magnesium pca, Manganese pca, Mica, Sodium pca, Zinc pca, Titanium dioxide, Dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer, Dimethyl isosorbide, Peg-8 laurate, Disodium edta, Glyceryl stearate citrate, Octyldodecanol, Polycaprolactone, Sodium citrate, Unknown, Ethylenediamine, Peg-9, Unknown, Sodium hydroxide, Xanthan gum, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Butylparaben, Parfum, Linalool, Benzyl salicylate, Limonene, Geraniol, Citral, Unknown
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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.
| GarnierBB Cream Anti-Aging Face Moisturizer, Light/MediumYOUR PRODUCT | La Roche-PosayEffaclar Duo+ Cream SPF30 | VichySlow Âge Day Cream | Singh CartGarnier Light Complete Serum Cream SPF 40 PA+++ | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 62% | 60% | 59% |
| Price | $13.99 | $23.80+$9.81 | $30.00+$16.01 | $5.98−$8.01 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 6 of 12 | 7 of 12 | 7 of 12 |
| Key difference | — | Salicylic Acid | Dimethiconol | Niacinamide |
| Irritancy | High | Medium | Medium | High |
| SPF | SPF 15 | SPF 30 | SPF 30 | SPF 40 |
| Drying alcohol | — | Contains drying alcohol | Contains drying alcohol | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
Product summary
"Garnier SkinActive - BB Cream Anti-Aging Face Moisturizer, Light/Medium" offers broad spectrum protection. It means that it protects from both UVA and UVB rays (you can remember UVB as "burning" sunlight - they cause sunburn. You can remember UVA rays as "aging" - they do not lead to sunburn, but they cause photodamage and contribute to early signs of skin aging and hyperpigmentation). On the negative side, the SPF of this moisturizer is not high enough. We recommend to use a sunscreen with at least SPF 30 daily.
This moisturizer should also be hydrating enough to use without an additional moisturizer during the day.
Sunscreen filters
This sunscreen uses a mixture of both mineral and organic (so-called "chemical") UV filters. Here are the organic filters this product uses: avobenzone, octisalate and octocrylene. As for the mineral filters, this sunscreen uses titanium dioxide.
Irritation risk
There are quite a few common irritants in this product, including ingredients without particular skin benefits. We would not recommend it for sensitive skin. We assess the overall irritancy of this moisturizer to be high. For a detailed overview of all potential irritants: click here
You can see the detailed formula review with the breakdown of all actives in the product and the full ingredient list with estimated concentrations in the tables below.
Price
The product retails from 13.99$ up to 32.99$ 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 14 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
- 5
- 6Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Dimethicone Copolyoljournals.sagepub.com
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