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M.A.C Cosmetics Prep + Prime Skin
M.A.C Cosmetics

M.A.C Cosmetics Prep + Prime Skin

Efficacy50/100IrritancyMedium
See all ingredients

Works for

Evens skin tone
Camellia sinensis leaf extract, Morus bombycis root extract + 1 more
Not delivered
What the product description says
“Enhance and even your skin tone with the Prep + Prime Skin from MAC .”
Source: Lookfantastic

This product contains ingredients (morus bombycis root extract) 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.

Camellia sinensis leaf extractEffect: LowCan contain potent anti-oxidant compounds (abbreviated ECG, GCG, EGC, and EGCG) that might help protect the skin from free radicals. Can help calm down inflammation and has some anti-bacterial properties. Unfortunately, these antioxidants are unstable and lose their effectiveness very quickly in products. The concentration of the antioxidant compounds in the extract also tends to be low to be effective in topical formulation~1.7–2%
Morus bombycis root extractEffect: LowA plant extract that might contain arbutin, a compound that has skin-lightening properties. Might have some anti-oxidant activity. Is unlikely to be effective though in the concentrations typically used in skincare products~1.1–1.4%
Magnesium ascorbyl phosphateEffect: Low, below effective doseA derivative of vitamin C that is more stable, but less bioavailable than the pure form of vitamin C. It does not penetrate the skin well, but has been shown to convert to pure vitamin C once in skin. It can be helpful in stimulating collagen production and lightening the skin tone, but the required concentration is likely to be very high~0.2–0.4%
Anti-oxidation
Side benefit · Camellia sinensis leaf extract, Gelidiella acerosa extract + 5 more
May help

This product contains antioxidants (camellia sinensis leaf extract) that might be able to help neutralize free radicals in skin to lessen the damage it gets from the UV light (sun). There is not enough evidence to confirm their effectiveness in skin though.

Camellia sinensis leaf extractKey activeEffect: MediumCan contain potent anti-oxidant compounds (abbreviated ECG, GCG, EGC, and EGCG) that might help protect the skin from free radicals. Can help calm down inflammation and has some anti-bacterial properties. Unfortunately, these antioxidants are unstable and lose their effectiveness very quickly in products. The concentration of the antioxidant compounds in the extract also tends to be low to be effective in topical formulation~1.7–2%
Gelidiella acerosa extractEffect: LowAn algae extract that can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and have some anti-oxidant properties~1.4–1.7%
Vitis vinifera fruit extractEffect: LowA plant extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. It might be helpful in neutralizing free radicals in skin, but is less potent than the extract from the seeds~0.65–1%
CaffeineEffect: LowMight be helpful in neutralizing free radicals. Can have a dehydration effect that might somewhat decrease the look of puffy eyes~0.4–0.6%
Scutellaria baicalensis root extractEffect: LowA plant extract that might contain a compound baicalin that could be helpful in neutralizing free radicals and reducing inflammation in skin. The baicalin concentration in skincare products is often too low for an effective action. Can be used for its fragrant properties~0.3–0.6%
Tocopheryl acetateEffect: Low, below effective doseA 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.~0.4–0.6%
Magnesium ascorbyl phosphateEffect: Low, below effective doseA derivative of vitamin C that is more stable, but less bioavailable than the pure form of vitamin C. It does not penetrate the skin well, but has been shown to convert to pure vitamin C once in skin. It can be helpful in stimulating collagen production and lightening the skin tone, but the required concentration is likely to be very high~0.2–0.4%
Moisturizing
Side benefit · Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone + 13 more
Works

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: saccharide isomerate, sodium 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, cyclopentasiloxane.

CyclopentasiloxaneKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumA silicone that helps improve the product texture and spreadability. Can absorb oil creating a short-term mattifying effect on the skin~7.1–8.7%
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~4.5–5.5%
SucroseKey active· HumectantEffect: HighCan help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. In crystal form, it can work as a gentle exfoliant, gentler than the salt scrub. Helps stabilize the emulsion~2.2–2.7%
Gelidiella acerosa extractKey activeEffect: HighAn algae extract that can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and have some anti-oxidant properties~1.4–1.7%
Hypnea musciformis extractKey active· HumectantEffect: MediumMight help to attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.95–1.15%
Vitis vinifera fruit extractKey activeEffect: MediumA plant extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. It might be helpful in neutralizing free radicals in skin, but is less potent than the extract from the seeds~0.65–1%
Peg/ppg-18/18 dimethiconeKey activeEffect: HighA silicone that mixes with water creating nice light-weight product texture~0.15–0.3%
Saccharide isomerateKey active· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.15–0.25%
Sodium hyaluronateKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin~0.15–0.3%
Polysilicone-11Effect: LowA silicone that forms a light film on the skin surface helping to bind water and temporarily absorb oils creating a matt and powdery feel~3.1–3.8%
Camellia sinensis leaf extractEffect: LowCan contain potent anti-oxidant compounds (abbreviated ECG, GCG, EGC, and EGCG) that might help protect the skin from free radicals. Can help calm down inflammation and has some anti-bacterial properties. Unfortunately, these antioxidants are unstable and lose their effectiveness very quickly in products. The concentration of the antioxidant compounds in the extract also tends to be low to be effective in topical formulation~1.7–2%
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~0.3–0.6%
Caprylyl glycol· Humectant, EmollientEffect: LowHelps preserve products and creates a nice product texture~0.3–0.55%
Scutellaria baicalensis root extract· HumectantEffect: LowA plant extract that might contain a compound baicalin that could be helpful in neutralizing free radicals and reducing inflammation in skin. The baicalin concentration in skincare products is often too low for an effective action. Can be used for its fragrant properties~0.3–0.6%
Laminaria saccharina extractUnder-dosedA seaweed extract that contains sugars and can be helpful in attracting water to the upper layers of the skin if used in high enough concentrations~0.4–0.65%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
1 strong irritant: Gelidiella acerosa extract
Medium risk
We flagged 11 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.
IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount
Gelidiella acerosa extractAn algae extract that can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and have some anti-oxidant propertiesHigh~1.4–1.7%est.
Morus bombycis root extractA plant extract that might contain arbutin, a compound that has skin-lightening properties. Might have some anti-oxidant activity. Is unlikely to be effective though in the concentrations typically used in skincare productsHigh~1.1–1.4%est.
Scutellaria baicalensis root extractA plant extract that might contain a compound baicalin that could be helpful in neutralizing free radicals and reducing inflammation in skin. The baicalin concentration in skincare products is often too low for an effective action. Can be used for its fragrant propertiesHigh~0.3–0.6%est.
Vitis vinifera fruit extractA plant extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. It might be helpful in neutralizing free radicals in skin, but is less potent than the extract from the seedsMedium~0.65–1%est.
Amorphophallus konjac root powder—Medium~0.6–0.9%est.
CaffeineMight be helpful in neutralizing free radicals. Can have a dehydration effect that might somewhat decrease the look of puffy eyesMedium~0.4–0.6%est.
Tocopheryl acetateA 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.Medium~0.4–0.6%est.
Caprylyl glycolHelps preserve products and creates a nice product textureMedium~0.3–0.55%est.
Hexylene glycolHelps create a more spreadable product textureMedium~0.2–0.4%est.
Potassium sorbateA preservativeMedium~0.2–0.4%est.
Magnesium ascorbyl phosphateA derivative of vitamin C that is more stable, but less bioavailable than the pure form of vitamin C. It does not penetrate the skin well, but has been shown to convert to pure vitamin C once in skin. It can be helpful in stimulating collagen production and lightening the skin tone, but the required concentration is likely to be very highMedium~0.2–0.4%est.
Comedogenic
2 ingredients rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale
2 flagged
These ingredients have a comedogenic rating of 2 or more on a 0–5 scale; the table shows each one's rating. In leave-on products they can clog pores in acne-prone skin.
IngredientFunctionRatingEst. amount
Hypnea musciformis extractMight help to attract water to the upper layer of the skin3/5~0.95–1.15%est.
Laminaria saccharina extractA seaweed extract that contains sugars and can be helpful in attracting water to the upper layers of the skin if used in high enough concentrations3/5~0.4–0.65%est.

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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
Cyclopentasiloxane~7.1–8.7%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MattifyingMoisturizing

A silicone that helps improve the product texture and spreadability. Can absorb oil creating a short-term mattifying effect on the skin

More about Cyclopentasiloxane
Dimethicone~4.5–5.5%
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
Polysilicone-11~3.1–3.8%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MattifyingMoisturizing

A silicone that forms a light film on the skin surface helping to bind water and temporarily absorb oils creating a matt and powdery feel

More about Polysilicone-11
Sucrose~2.2–2.7%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. In crystal form, it can work as a gentle exfoliant, gentler than the salt scrub. Helps stabilize the emulsion

More about Sucrose
Isopentyldiol~1.9–2.4%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Helps dissolve other ingredients in a formulation

More about Isopentyldiol
Camellia sinensis leaf extract~1.7–2%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-oxidationAntibacterialAnti-agingMoisturizingAnti-blemishEvens skin tone

Can contain potent anti-oxidant compounds (abbreviated ECG, GCG, EGC, and EGCG) that might help protect the skin from free radicals. Can help calm down inflammation and has some anti-bacterial properties. Unfortunately, these antioxidants are unstable and lose their effectiveness very quickly in products. The concentration of the antioxidant compounds in the extract also tends to be low to be effective in topical formulation

More about Camellia sinensis leaf extract
Gelidiella acerosa extract~1.4–1.7%
Key activeIrritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

An algae extract that can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and have some anti-oxidant properties

More about Gelidiella acerosa extract
Morus bombycis root extract~1.1–1.4%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Evens skin tone

A plant extract that might contain arbutin, a compound that has skin-lightening properties. Might have some anti-oxidant activity. Is unlikely to be effective though in the concentrations typically used in skincare products

More about Morus bombycis root extract
Hypnea musciformis extract~0.95–1.15%
Key activeComedogenic 3/5
Irritation risk
Low
Comedogenicity
3/5
Works for
Moisturizing

Might help to attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Hypnea musciformis extract
Vitis vinifera fruit extract~0.65–1%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

A plant extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. It might be helpful in neutralizing free radicals in skin, but is less potent than the extract from the seeds

More about Vitis vinifera fruit extract
Poria cocos extract~0.55–0.85%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Poria cocos extract
Scutellaria baicalensis root extract~0.3–0.6%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
MoisturizingAntibacterialAnti-inflammatoryReduces irritationAnti-oxidation

A plant extract that might contain a compound baicalin that could be helpful in neutralizing free radicals and reducing inflammation in skin. The baicalin concentration in skincare products is often too low for an effective action. Can be used for its fragrant properties

More about Scutellaria baicalensis root extract
Amorphophallus konjac root powder~0.6–0.9%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
More about Amorphophallus konjac root powder
Laminaria saccharina extract~0.4–0.65%
Under-dosedComedogenic 3/5
Irritation risk
Low
Comedogenicity
3/5
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-aging

A seaweed extract that contains sugars and can be helpful in attracting water to the upper layers of the skin if used in high enough concentrations

More about Laminaria saccharina extract
Caffeine~0.4–0.6%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
De-puffingAnti-oxidation

Might be helpful in neutralizing free radicals. Can have a dehydration effect that might somewhat decrease the look of puffy eyes

More about Caffeine
Tocopheryl acetate~0.4–0.6%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-oxidation

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 acetate
Butylene glycol~0.3–0.6%
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
Caprylyl glycol~0.3–0.55%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture

More about Caprylyl glycol
Hexylene glycol~0.2–0.4%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Helps create a more spreadable product texture

More about Hexylene glycol
Potassium sorbate~0.2–0.4%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Potassium sorbate
Magnesium ascorbyl phosphate~0.2–0.4%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Evens skin toneAnti-agingAnti-oxidation

A derivative of vitamin C that is more stable, but less bioavailable than the pure form of vitamin C. It does not penetrate the skin well, but has been shown to convert to pure vitamin C once in skin. It can be helpful in stimulating collagen production and lightening the skin tone, but the required concentration is likely to be very high

More about Magnesium ascorbyl phosphate
Magnesium myristate~0.2–0.4%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Magnesium myristate
Sodium hyaluronate~0.15–0.3%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin

More about Sodium hyaluronate
Peg/ppg-18/18 dimethicone~0.15–0.3%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

A silicone that mixes with water creating nice light-weight product texture

More about Peg/ppg-18/18 dimethicone
Saccharide isomerate~0.15–0.25%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Saccharide isomerate
Hdi/trimethylol hexyllactone crosspolymer~0.1–0.2%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to create a silky product texture and add volume to products

More about Hdi/trimethylol hexyllactone crosspolymer
Silica~0.15–0.3%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to absorb oil and can temporarily mattify skin

More about Silica
Polysorbate 20~0.1–0.15%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Polysorbate 20
Ingredient list view

Water, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Polysilicone-11, Sucrose, Isopentyldiol, Camellia sinensis leaf extract, Gelidiella acerosa extract, Morus bombycis root extract, Hypnea musciformis extract, Vitis vinifera fruit extract, Poria cocos extract, Scutellaria baicalensis root extract, Amorphophallus konjac root powder, Laminaria saccharina extract, Caffeine, Tocopheryl acetate, Butylene glycol, Caprylyl glycol, Hexylene glycol, Potassium sorbate, Magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, Magnesium myristate, Sodium hyaluronate, Peg/ppg-18/18 dimethicone, Saccharide isomerate, Hdi/trimethylol hexyllactone crosspolymer, Silica, Polysorbate 20

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Amazon USPrice as of 11/8 06:20 GMT
$25.76
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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
M.A.C CosmeticsPrep + Prime SkinYOUR PRODUCTEstée LauderThe Mattifier Shine Control Perfecting Primer + Finishere.l.f. CosmeticsLuminous Putty PrimerHerbal EssentialsFace Veil Hyaluronic Acid
Match—40%32%29%
Price$25.76—$8.60−$17.16$19.92−$5.84
Shared key ingredients—9 of 113 of 112 of 11
Key difference—Algae ExtractGlycerinCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Irritancy Medium Medium Low Low
Drying alcohol————
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Product summary

"MAC - Prep + Prime Skin" could be helpful for: Moisturizing, but its actives are not the most effective or are not well-studied.

Ingredient callouts

  • Humectants (saccharide isomerate 0.25% - 0.45%, sodium hyaluronate 0.25% - 0.50%, algae extract 0.50% - 0.75%, algae extract 1.50% - 1.90% and sucrose 2.20% - 2.70%). These ingredients help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improve the skin hydration.

Price

The product retails from 27.00$ up to 38.84$ in the United States and from 28.00£ up to 34.12£ 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 17 studies and safety reviews.

  1. 1
    Dimethicone as a protective ingredient in topical medicationsjaad.org
  2. 2
    Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Dimethicone Copolyoljournals.sagepub.com
  3. 3
    Marine Bioactive Compounds and Their Health Benefits: A Reviewonlinelibrary.wiley.com
  4. 4
    Antioxidant Capacity and Lipophilic Content of Seaweeds Collected from the Qingdao Coastlinepubs.acs.org
  5. 5
    Physiological and Whitening Effects of Morus alba Extractskoreascience.or.kr
  6. 6
    Safety Assessment of Vitis Vinifera (Grape)-Derived Ingredients as Used in Cosmeticscir-safety.org
M.A.C Cosmetics Prep + Prime Skin
M.A.C CosmeticsPrep + Prime Skin
Buy on Amazon$25.76 · as of 11/8 06:20 GMT

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

Buy on Amazon$25.76 · as of 11/8 06:20 GMT

As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.