MAC Cosmetics - Official Site Prep + Prime Face Protect Lotion SPF 50
Works for
Sun protectionSPF 50 · 6 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.
Anti-agingNot advertised by the brand · Algae extract, Laminaria digitata extractWorks well
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.
Evens skin toneNot advertised by the brand · No ingredient credited for this claimWorks well
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).
MoisturizingSide benefit the brand mentions · Aleurites moluccanus seed oil, Sodium hyaluronate + 13 moreWorks
“Prep + Prime Face Protect Lotion SPF 50”
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, saccharide isomerate.
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: algae extract, cetyl alcohol.
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy4 strong irritants: Benzophenone-3, Lavandula angustifolia flower water + 2 more — patch-test recommendedHigh 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.
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 methoxydibenzoylmethaneHomosalate5%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A weak sunscreen that offers some protection against the sun rays that cause sunburn (UVB), but does not offer meaningful protection against 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. When used in low concentrations, helps to stabilize the product formulation
More about HomosalateEthylhexyl 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 salicylateOctocrylene2.7%
- 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 OctocryleneBenzophenone-33%
- Irritation risk
- High
Same as oxybenzone. Protects in the UVB and short UVA range. In small concentrations, used to stabilize product formulation. Can be irritating. Is shown to be harmful to coral reefs - consider avoiding bathing in coral reef areas when wearing a product with this ingredient. It can penetrate the skin and get absorbed into bloodstream faster than other popular filters available in the US. The study that produced this finding did not address any potential health effects of the absorption
More about Benzophenone-3Water~45–55%
Butyloctyl salicylate~6.2–7.5%
- 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 salicylateMethyl trimethicone~5–6.1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of silicone that helps create a silky product finish and dissolve other ingredients
More about Methyl trimethiconeNeopentyl glycol diheptanoate~4.2–5.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product consistency
More about Neopentyl glycol diheptanoateAleurites moluccanus seed oil~3–3.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin
More about Aleurites moluccanus seed oilLauryl peg-9 polydimethylsiloxyethyl dimethicone~2.2–2.6%
- 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 dimethiconePeg-100 stearate~1.7–2.1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps oil and water mix togehter and creates a nice product texture
More about Peg-100 stearateButylene glycol~1.4–1.7%
- 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 glycolGlyceryl stearate~1.2–1.5%
- 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 stearateDipentaerythrityl tri-polyhydroxystearate~1–1.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Sodium hyaluronate~0.65–1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin
More about Sodium hyaluronateLavandula angustifolia flower water~0.55–0.8%
- Irritation risk
- High
Laminaria ochroleuca extract~0.5–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
- Comedogenicity
- 3/5
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin
More about Laminaria ochroleuca extractLaminaria digitata extract~0.45–0.65%
- 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 extractAlgae extract~0.5–0.75%
- 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 extractCaffeine~0.35–0.65%
- 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 CaffeineEthylhexylglycerin~0.35–0.65%
Caprylic/capric triglyceride~0.45–0.7%
- 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 triglycerideSorbitol~0.3–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improves the product texture
More about SorbitolMethyldihydrojasmonate~0.25–0.5%
Ergothioneine~0.25–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Can help neutralize free radicals in skin. Preliminary studies show that it can be more effective than coenzyme Q10 but studies on effective concentration for topical applications are lacking
More about ErgothioneineDehydroxanthan gum~0.3–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps create thicker product formulations and stabilize emulsions
More about Dehydroxanthan gumVp/eicosene copolymer~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to improve the product adherence to the skin, for example, to pro-long the protective effect of sunscreens. Can be irritating to very sensitive skin
More about Vp/eicosene copolymerSaccharide isomerate~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin
More about Saccharide isomerateAmmonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymer~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Increases thickness of a product. Texture enhancer for oil-in-water emulsions
More about Ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymerPotassium cetyl phosphate~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps oil and water mix together
More about Potassium cetyl phosphateCaprylyl glycol~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture
More about Caprylyl glycolCitric acid~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH
More about Citric acidStearic acid~0.35–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps oil and water mix together and works as an emollient
More about Stearic acidCetyl alcohol~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A non-drying alcohol that works to soften the skin and stabilize product formulations helping oil and water mix together
More about Cetyl alcoholLinalool~0.15–0.25%
Limonene~0.15–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- High
A common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heat
More about LimoneneDisodium edta~0.15–0.25%
Phenoxyethanol~0.15–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolSodium dehydroacetate~0.1–0.2%
Mica~0.15–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Creates an illusion of smoother and more radiant skin tone. Adds shimmer to the skin by reflecting light
More about MicaIngredient list view
Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane, Homosalate, Ethylhexyl salicylate, Octocrylene, Benzophenone-3, Water, Butyloctyl salicylate, Methyl trimethicone, Neopentyl glycol diheptanoate, Aleurites moluccanus seed oil, Lauryl peg-9 polydimethylsiloxyethyl dimethicone, Peg-100 stearate, Butylene glycol, Glyceryl stearate, Dipentaerythrityl tri-polyhydroxystearate, Sodium hyaluronate, Lavandula angustifolia flower water, Laminaria ochroleuca extract, Laminaria digitata extract, Algae extract, Caffeine, Ethylhexylglycerin, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Sorbitol, Methyldihydrojasmonate, Ergothioneine, Dehydroxanthan gum, Vp/eicosene copolymer, Saccharide isomerate, Ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymer, Potassium cetyl phosphate, Caprylyl glycol, Citric acid, Stearic acid, Cetyl alcohol, Linalool, Limonene, Disodium edta, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium dehydroacetate, Mica
Compare prices
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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.
| MAC Cosmetics - Official SitePrep + Prime Face Protect Lotion SPF 50YOUR PRODUCT | La MerThe Broad Spectrum SPF 50 UV Protecting Fluid | PalmersEventone Suncare Baby Body & Face Cocoa Butter Moisturizing Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 50+ | VichyCapital Soleil Soft Sheer Face and Body Sunscreen Lotion SPF 60 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 51% | 44% | 44% |
| Price | — | $101.73 | — | — |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 12 of 13 | 5 of 13 | 5 of 13 |
| Key difference | — | Copper Gluconate | Butyrospermum Parkii Butter | Cyclopentasiloxane |
| Irritancy | High | High | Medium | Medium |
| SPF | SPF 50 | SPF 50 | SPF 50 | SPF 60 |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
More alternatives: Clinique NEW UV Solutions Hydrating Sunscreen SPF 50Face Reality Skincare Brilliant Defense SPF 50
Product summary
Based on the ingredient list, we assess that "MAC Cosmetics - Official Site - Prep + Prime Face Protect Lotion SPF 50" can provide reliable sun protection. We love that it can protect from both UVA and UVB rays (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).
Because it includes good moisturizing ingredients, it can also work as a hydrating day cream. Like all broad-spectrum sunscreens, this product helps prevent early signs of aging.
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. Here are the exact UV filters in this sunscreen: oxybenzone 3.00% (declared), avobenzone 3.00% (declared), butyloctyl salicylate 6.20% - 7.50%, octisalate 5.00% (declared), homosalate 5.00% (declared) and octocrylene 2.70% (declared).
Irritation risk
We assess the overall irritancy of it 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.
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 11 studies and safety reviews.
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4On Photostability of Oxybenzonecore.ac.uk
- 5
- 6Hyaluronic acid: A key molecule in skin agingncbi.nlm.nih.gov
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