Indie Lee Daily SPF 50 Primer
Works for
3 of 3 advertised claims delivered
Sun protectionSPF 50 · 1 UV filterBroad 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.
Moisturizing10 ingredients credited for this claimStrong support
“Allantoin soothes and moisturizes the skin, while Rosemary Leaf Extract and Vitamin E Oil deliver a rush of antioxidants, leaving skin with a soft, fresh finish, the ultimate skincare finale.”
This product can help soften the skin and reduce its moisture loss with emollients and occlusives: caprylic/capric triglyceride, helianthus annuus extract.
Keep in mind that this product does not contain effective ingredients to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. This is why an additional product with humectants like glycerin or hyaluronic acid can be helpful (apply it before this product for the best results).
The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: niacinamide
Evens skin tone1 ingredient credited for this claimStrong support
“The perfect way to prep your face, this SPF primer melts into skin, leaving every shade of complexion a golden veil of SPF 50 that smoothes uneven skin tone.”
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).
Anti-agingNot advertised by the brand · 2 ingredients credited for this claimStrong support
This product can help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness because it contains niacinamide.
Keep in mind that it typically takes at least 6 weeks to notice any results because the changes that are needed to improve fine lines and elasticity happen in the deeper layers of the skin. No topical anti-aging product can “erase” wrinkles or fully reverse signs of aging.
This product can also 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.
Anti-blemishNot advertised by the brand · 3 ingredients credited for this claimStrong support
This product can help reduce breakouts and clogged pores because it contains the following ingredient: niacinamide. This ingredient is used for treating acne and can have a noticeable effect.
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy1 strong irritant: Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extractMedium 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%
C12-15 alkyl benzoate~5.4–8.1%
- 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 benzoateCaprylic/capric triglyceride~4.1–6.1%
- 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 triglycerideJojoba esters~2.9–4.3%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
An emollient made of jojoba oil. Helps soften the skin and support its barrier function
More about Jojoba estersPolyglyceryl-4 diisostearate/polyhydroxystearate/sebacate~2.1–3.1%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps water and oil mix together
More about Polyglyceryl-4 diisostearate/polyhydroxystearate/sebacatePropanediol~1.8–2.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Acts as a solvent for other ingredients. Speeds up the absorption of other ingredients into the skin
More about PropanediolTridecyl salicylate~1.4–2.1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Methylheptyl isostearate~1.2–1.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Niacinamide~1–1.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Is proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture. The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production
More about NiacinamideNylon-12~0.9–1.35%
Methylpropanediol~0.5–1.1%
Silica~0.6–1.35%
Coco-caprylate~0.4–0.9%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
An emollient that softens skin and creates a nice product texture
More about Coco-caprylateAllantoin~0.2–0.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated
More about AllantoinBisabolol~0.2–0.7%
- 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 BisabololOryza sativa bran extract~0.2–0.8%
Helianthus annuus extract~0.2–0.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin
More about Helianthus annuus extractTocopherol~0.15–0.7%
- 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 TocopherolRosmarinus officinalis leaf extract~0.15–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- High
Can be helpful in reducing inflammation in skin, including inflamed acne. It can be irritating
More about Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extractSodium chloride~0.15–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to stabilize mixtures of oil and water, and create thicker, gel-like product textures
More about Sodium chlorideCaprylyl glycol~0.15–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture
More about Caprylyl glycolLecithin~0.15–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used mostly for creating emulsions - helping oil and water mix together. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin
More about LecithinPhenylpropanol~0.1–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- High
Helps mask the smell of other ingredients and helps preserve the product formulation
More about PhenylpropanolTetrasodium glutamate diacetate~0.1–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps stabilize the product formulation
More about Tetrasodium glutamate diacetateHydrogenated lecithin~0.1–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps to retain moisture by creating a protective barrier on the skin. Rich in fatty acids. Improves product texture and helps with the penetration of other ingredients.
More about Hydrogenated lecithinSodium hydroxide~0.05–0.25%
Iron oxides~0.05–0.15%
- 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 oxidesZinc oxide12%
- 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 oxideIngredient list view
Water, C12-15 alkyl benzoate, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Jojoba esters, Polyglyceryl-4 diisostearate/polyhydroxystearate/sebacate, Propanediol, Tridecyl salicylate, Methylheptyl isostearate, Niacinamide, Nylon-12, Methylpropanediol, Silica, Coco-caprylate, Allantoin, Bisabolol, Oryza sativa bran extract, Helianthus annuus extract, Tocopherol, Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extract, Sodium chloride, Caprylyl glycol, Lecithin, Phenylpropanol, Tetrasodium glutamate diacetate, Hydrogenated lecithin, Sodium hydroxide, Iron oxides, Zinc oxide
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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.
| Indie LeeDaily SPF 50 PrimerYOUR PRODUCT | AvèneSolaire UV Mineral Multi-Defense Sunscreen Fluid SPF 50+ | indē wild12% Zinc Oxide, SPF 50+ | OdaciteSPF 50 Sheer Sunscreen Mineral Drops | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 93% | 93% | 93% |
| Price | $46.00 | $34.00−$12.00 | — | $48.00+$2.00 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 7 of 8 | 7 of 8 | 8 of 8 |
| Key difference | — | Polyglyceryl-2 Dipolyhydroxystearate | Centella Asiatica Extract | Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract |
| Irritancy | Medium | Medium | Medium | Medium |
| SPF | SPF 50 | SPF 50 | SPF 50 | SPF 50 |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
Product summary
The ingredient list suggests that "Indie Lee - Daily SPF 50 Primer" can provide reliable sun protection. It can protect from both UVA and UVB rays. This is great news because not all sunscreens with SPF ratings give UVA protection. (UVA rays do not cause sunburn, but still damage our skin and lead to early aging).
This sunscreen should also be hydrating enough to use without an additional moisturizer during the day. Like all broad-spectrum sunscreens, this product has an anti-aging benefit.
Sunscreen filters
It is a mineral sunscreen. It uses zinc oxide for sun protection. Zinc oxide almost never irritates the skin or stings eyes, but it can leave a white cast.
Irritation risk
This formulation includes some common irritants, including ingredients that do not provide a benefit for the skin. We assess the overall irritancy of it to be medium. For a detailed overview of all potential irritants: click here
You can see the detailed formula review with the breakdown of all actives in the product and the full ingredient list with estimated concentrations in the tables below.
About the brand
According to Cruelty-Free Kitty "Indie Lee" is cruelty free and so is its parent company.
Price
The product retails for 46.00$ 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
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5Vitamin E in dermatologyncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 6Vitamin E and Skin Healthlpi.oregonstate.edu
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