MAKE UP FOR EVER UV PRIME SPF50/PA +++ PRIMER

MAKE UP FOR EVER UV PRIME SPF50/PA +++ PRIMER

SPF 50Efficacy60/100IrritancyHigh·4 UV filters

Works for

Sun protection
SPF 50 · 4 UV filters · Partial spectrum
Weak protection
SPF 50Partial spectrumMineral + chemical filters

This product does not offer good protection against UVA rays.

UV spectrum
UVB290–320 nmUVA II320–340 nmUVA I340–400 nm
Octinoxate
Octisalate
Titanium Dioxide
Oxybenzone
FilterCoverageWhat it doesEst. amount
OctinoxateEthylhexyl MethoxycinnamateUVBOctinoxate. When used in higher concentrations, works as a sunscreen protecting the skin from UVB rays. When used in lower concentration, helps to preserve the product formulation. Is shown to be harmful to coral reefs - consider avoiding bathing in coral reef areas when wearing a product with this ingredient. It can be irritating~3.9–4.8%
OctisalateEthylhexyl SalicylateUVBOctisalate. 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~1–1.3%
Titanium Dioxide Mineral UVBUVA2 Photo-stable 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~5–6.1%
OxybenzoneBenzophenone-3UVBUVA2Same 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~1.6–2%
~ marks concentrations estimated from label position and typical use levels
Anti-aging
No ingredient credited for this claim
Not delivered
What the product description says
“Its ultra-fine, SPF50 formula protects your skin from UVA and UVB rays.”
Source: Feelunique

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.

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).

Moisturizing
Side benefit · Cyclopentasiloxane, Ethylhexyl palmitate + 13 more
Works

This product contains good ingredients to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. These ingredients are called "humectants": faex, glycerin.

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. If the air is dry, humectants can speed up the moisture loss from the skin. This is why it is a good idea to use another product on top of this one to help "seal in" the moisture (look for ingredients like dimethicone, squalane, oils and butters).

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~5.9–7.3%
Ethylhexyl palmitateKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumAn emollient that helps soften the skin and create a nice product texture~2.3–2.8%
C12-15 alkyl benzoateKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumEnhances 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~1.6–2%
GlycerinKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant~0.95–1.15%
Stearyl glycyrrhetinateKey activeEffect: MediumA fatty acid derived from licorice. Works as an emollient and can help calm down inflammation~0.5–0.75%
MannitolKey active· HumectantEffect: HighHelps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.45–0.7%
Sodium hyaluronateKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin~0.35–0.6%
FaexKey active· HumectantEffect: HighYeast extract. Helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.25–0.5%
Isohexadecane· EmollientEffect: LowImproves the texture of the product and helps soften the skin. Helps oil and water mix together and can be used as a cleansing agent~2.7–3.3%
Cetyl peg/ppg-10/1 dimethiconeEffect: LowA type of silicone that helps water and oil mix together. Can help to soften upper layer of the skin~1.9–2.3%
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~1–1.2%
Caprylyl glycol· Humectant, EmollientEffect: LowHelps preserve products and creates a nice product texture~0.65–0.95%
Propylene carbonateEffect: LowIs used to dissolve other ingredients and create nice product texture~0.5–0.75%
Stearic acidEffect: Low, below effective doseHelps oil and water mix together and works as an emollient~0.95–1.2%
Yeast extractUnder-dosedHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might have some anti-oxidant and skin lightening properties. It can help calm down inflammation in skin~0.25–0.45%
Evens skin tone
Side benefit · Stearyl glycyrrhetinate, Yeast extract
May help

The following ingredient (ingredients) in this product might be helpful, but there is no evidence to confirm that it actually works: stearyl glycyrrhetinate.

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).

Stearyl glycyrrhetinateKey activeEffect: MediumA fatty acid derived from licorice. Works as an emollient and can help calm down inflammation~0.5–0.75%
Yeast extractEffect: Low, below effective doseHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might have some anti-oxidant and skin lightening properties. It can help calm down inflammation in skin~0.25–0.45%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
6 strong irritants: Benzophenone-3, Parfum + 4 more — patch-test recommended
High risk
We flagged 15 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.
IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount
Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamateOctinoxate. When used in higher concentrations, works as a sunscreen protecting the skin from UVB rays. When used in lower concentration, helps to preserve the product formulation. Is shown to be harmful to coral reefs - consider avoiding bathing in coral reef areas when wearing a product with this ingredient. It can be irritatingHigh~3.9–4.8%est.
Benzophenone-3Same 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 absorptionHigh~1.6–2%est.
ParfumAn aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredientsHigh~0.55–0.8%est.
LinaloolA fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.3–0.6%est.
CitronellolA fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.3–0.55%est.
GeraniolA fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.25–0.5%est.
LimoneneA common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heatHigh~0.25–0.45%est.
Caprylyl glycolHelps preserve products and creates a nice product textureMedium~0.65–0.95%est.
Stearyl glycyrrhetinateA fatty acid derived from licorice. Works as an emollient and can help calm down inflammationMedium~0.5–0.75%est.
Tetrasodium edtaHelps to stabilize the product formulationMedium~0.5–0.75%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~0.5–0.7%est.
Citric acidCan work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pHMedium~0.3–0.6%est.
BhtA preservativeMedium~0.3–0.6%est.
EthylhexylglycerinA preservativeMedium~0.25–0.4%est.
Disodium edtaStabilizes the product formulationMedium~0.15–0.25%est.
Comedogenic
1 ingredient rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale
1 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
Ethylhexyl palmitateAn emollient that helps soften the skin and create a nice product texture3/5~2.3–2.8%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~5.9–7.3%
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
Titanium dioxide~5–6.1%
UV filterKey active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Sun protection

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 dioxide
Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate~3.9–4.8%
UV filterKey activeIrritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Sun protection

Octinoxate. When used in higher concentrations, works as a sunscreen protecting the skin from UVB rays. When used in lower concentration, helps to preserve the product formulation. Is shown to be harmful to coral reefs - consider avoiding bathing in coral reef areas when wearing a product with this ingredient. It can be irritating

More about Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate
Isohexadecane~2.7–3.3%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

Improves the texture of the product and helps soften the skin. Helps oil and water mix together and can be used as a cleansing agent

More about Isohexadecane
Ethylhexyl palmitate~2.3–2.8%
Key activeComedogenic 3/5
Irritation risk
Low
Comedogenicity
3/5
Works for
Moisturizing

An emollient that helps soften the skin and create a nice product texture

More about Ethylhexyl palmitate
Cetyl peg/ppg-10/1 dimethicone~1.9–2.3%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

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 dimethicone
C12-15 alkyl benzoate~1.6–2%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

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 benzoate
Ethylene/acrylic acid copolymer~1.4–1.8%
Formula
Benzophenone-3~1.6–2%
UV filterKey activeIrritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Sun protection

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-3
Butylene glycol~1–1.2%
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
Glycerin~0.95–1.15%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

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 Glycerin
Stearic acid~0.95–1.2%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

Helps oil and water mix together and works as an emollient

More about Stearic acid
Ethylhexyl salicylate~1–1.3%
UV filter
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Sun protection

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 salicylate
Alumina~1–1.2%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

The same compound that is used safely in dental implants and bone cements. In cosmetics, it is used to improve the consistency of products

More about Alumina
Silica dimethyl silylate~0.7–1.05%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Silica dimethyl silylate
Phenoxyethanol~0.65–1%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products

More about Phenoxyethanol
Caprylyl glycol~0.65–0.95%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture

More about Caprylyl glycol
Parfum~0.55–0.8%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients

More about Parfum
Disteardimonium hectorite~0.55–0.8%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A type of clay that is used to thicken the product consistency

More about Disteardimonium hectorite
Stearyl glycyrrhetinate~0.5–0.75%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
MoisturizingEvens skin toneReduces rednessAnti-inflammatory

A fatty acid derived from licorice. Works as an emollient and can help calm down inflammation

More about Stearyl glycyrrhetinate
Tetrasodium edta~0.5–0.75%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Helps to stabilize the product formulation

More about Tetrasodium edta
Tocopheryl acetate~0.5–0.7%
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
Propylene carbonate~0.5–0.75%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Is used to dissolve other ingredients and create nice product texture

More about Propylene carbonate
Mannitol~0.45–0.7%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Mannitol
Helianthus annuus seed extract~0.45–0.65%
Formula
Citric acid~0.3–0.6%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH

More about Citric acid
Sodium hyaluronate~0.35–0.6%
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
Linalool~0.3–0.6%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Linalool
Bht~0.3–0.6%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Bht
Citronellol~0.3–0.55%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Citronellol
Geraniol~0.25–0.5%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Geraniol
Limonene~0.25–0.45%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heat

More about Limonene
Faex~0.25–0.5%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Yeast extract. Helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Faex
Yeast extract~0.25–0.45%
Under-dosed
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidationReduces irritationAnti-inflammatoryEvens skin tone

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might have some anti-oxidant and skin lightening properties. It can help calm down inflammation in skin

More about Yeast extract
Ethylhexylglycerin~0.25–0.4%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Ethylhexylglycerin
Disodium phosphate~0.2–0.35%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Helps adjust the product pH and stabilize the formulation

More about Disodium phosphate
Pentaerythrityl tetra-di-t-butyl hydroxyhydrocinnamate~0.2–0.35%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to increase stability of product formulations

More about Pentaerythrityl tetra-di-t-butyl hydroxyhydrocinnamate
Disodium edta~0.15–0.25%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Stabilizes the product formulation

More about Disodium edta
Disodium succinate~0.15–0.3%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing
More about Disodium succinate
Potassium phosphate~0.15–0.25%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Helps regulate the pH of the formulation

More about Potassium phosphate
Ingredient list view

Water, Cyclopentasiloxane, Titanium dioxide, Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, Isohexadecane, Ethylhexyl palmitate, Cetyl peg/ppg-10/1 dimethicone, C12-15 alkyl benzoate, Ethylene/acrylic acid copolymer, Benzophenone-3, Butylene glycol, Glycerin, Stearic acid, Ethylhexyl salicylate, Alumina, Silica dimethyl silylate, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl glycol, Parfum, Disteardimonium hectorite, Stearyl glycyrrhetinate, Tetrasodium edta, Tocopheryl acetate, Propylene carbonate, Mannitol, Helianthus annuus seed extract, Citric acid, Sodium hyaluronate, Linalool, Bht, Citronellol, Geraniol, Limonene, Faex, Yeast extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Disodium phosphate, Pentaerythrityl tetra-di-t-butyl hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Disodium edta, Disodium succinate, Potassium phosphate

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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
MAKE UP FOR EVERUV PRIME SPF50/PA +++ PRIMERYOUR PRODUCTNorevaActipur Anti-Imperfection Sun Care SPF50+ Light TintLa Roche-PosayAnthelios HA Mineral Daily Moisturizing Face Sunscreen SPF 30 with Hyaluronic AcidMISSHAMagic Cushion Cover Lasting SPF50+/PA+++, No.23
Match—37%36%36%
Price—$12.19—$13.99
Shared key ingredients—4 of 103 of 104 of 10
Key difference—Ceramide ApCapryloyl Salicylic AcidNiacinamide
Irritancy High Medium Low High
SPFSPF 50SPF 50SPF 30SPF 50
Drying alcohol————
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Product summary

"MAKE UP FOR EVER - UV PRIME SPF50/PA +++ PRIMER" does not provide enough UVA protection. UVA rays do not cause sunburn, but still damage the skin, leading to early signs of aging and pigmentation issues.

It contains good moisturizing ingredients and can double as a hydrating day cream.

Sunscreen filters

This is a "mixed" sunscreen in the sense that it uses both mineral and organic (so-called "chemical") sun filters. Here are the organic filters this product uses: oxybenzone and octinoxate. As for the mineral filters, this sunscreen uses titanium dioxide.

Irritation risk

This sunscreen contains a bunch of common irritants, including ingredients that do not provide any known benefit for the skin. It might not be the best choice if your skin is sensitive. We assess the overall irritancy of this sunscreen 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.

MAKE UP FOR EVER UV PRIME SPF50/PA +++ PRIMER
MAKE UP FOR EVERUV PRIME SPF50/PA +++ PRIMER

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