NARS

NARS NARS Radiance Primer SPF35

Name: NARS - NARS Radiance Primer SPF35
Brand: NARS

SPF 35Efficacy100/100IrritancyMedium·6 UV filters

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Works for

1 of 1 advertised claim delivered

Sun protection

SPF 35 · 6 UV filters

Broad spectrum

SPF 35Broad spectrumChemical filters

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.

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.

UV spectrum

UVB290–320 nmUVA II320–340 nmUVA I340–400 nm

Homosalate

Octisalate

Butyloctyl Salicylate

Octocrylene

Titanium Dioxide

Avobenzone

FilterCoverageWhat it doesEst. amount

HomosalateUVB Photo-stable 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 formulation6%

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" sunscreen5%

Butyloctyl SalicylateUVBA 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~2.4–2.9%

OctocryleneUVB Photo-stable 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" sunscreen1.6%

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~0.2–0.35%

AvobenzoneButyl MethoxydibenzoylmethaneUVA1Avobenzone. 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.2%

~ marks concentrations estimated from label position and typical use levels

Reef-safe

No oxybenzone or octinoxate — the two filters banned in Hawaii, Florida Keys and Aruba.

Moisturizing

Not advertised by the brand · Panthenol, Lactobacillus ferment + 8 more

Strong evidence

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: lactobacillus ferment, 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, isododecane.

The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: panthenol

Lactobacillus fermentKey active· HumectantEffect: HighA fermentation product created by bacteria Lactobacillus. The fermented product has anti-bacterial properties and might be helpful in calming down inflammation, but studies are lacking. Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Can be used as a preservative~1.7–2.1%

Sodium hyaluronateKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin~0.3–0.55%

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~3.5–4.3%

PanthenolHero· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function~0.45–0.65%

IsododecaneKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: MediumAn emollient that helps soften the skin and can decrease moisture loss. Helps create a nice product texture~1.7–2.1%

Caprylyl methiconeEffect: LowA type of silicone that helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product finish on the skin~6.7–8.2%

Pentylene glycol· EmollientEffect: LowUsed to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture~0.45–0.7%

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~0.3–0.55%

Dibutyl ethylhexanoyl glutamideEffect: LowHelps improve the product texture and soften the upper layer of the skin~0.35–0.6%

Dipotassium glycyrrhizateUnder-dosedEffect: HighA salt derived from licorice. Works as an emollient to soften the upper layer of the skin and can help calm down inflammation. Might be helpful for skin lightening~0.3–0.6%

Anti-aging

Not advertised by the brand · Ascorbyl palmitate

Strong evidence

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.

Ascorbyl palmitateEffect: Low, below effective doseBeing a lipid soluble form of vitamin C, it is more stable and can penetrate the skin better than L-Ascorbic acid. It is effective in protecting the skin from free radicals, as well as evening the skin tone, but is less effective in stimulating collagen production compared to L-Ascorbic acid.~0.25–0.45%

Evens skin tone

Not advertised by the brand · Dipotassium glycyrrhizate

Strong evidence

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).

Dipotassium glycyrrhizateEffect: Low, below effective doseA salt derived from licorice. Works as an emollient to soften the upper layer of the skin and can help calm down inflammation. Might be helpful for skin lightening~0.3–0.6%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy

1 strong irritant: Parfum

Medium risk

We flagged 19 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.

IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount

ParfumAn aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredientsHigh~0.35–0.65%est.

Ci 19140A yellow dyeHigh~0.2–0.35%est.

Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethaneAvobenzone. 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.Medium2%

HomosalateA 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 formulationMedium6%

OctocryleneA 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" sunscreenMedium1.6%

Butyloctyl salicylateA 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 ownMedium~2.4–2.9%est.

Polysorbate 60Helps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.75–1.15%est.

Dextrin palmitateHelps water and oil mix togetherMedium~0.6–0.9%est.

Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymerA gelling agent that thickens the product consistency and leaves the skin with a velvety finishMedium~0.5–0.75%est.

Dibutyl ethylhexanoyl glutamideHelps improve the product texture and soften the upper layer of the skinMedium~0.35–0.6%est.

Dibutyl lauroyl glutamideHelps improve the product texture and soften the upper layer of the skinMedium~0.45–0.7%est.

Disodium edtaStabilizes the product formulationMedium~0.3–0.55%est.

C12-20 alkyl glucosideHelps water and oil mix togetherMedium~0.3–0.6%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~0.3–0.6%est.

Pentylene glycolUsed to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product textureMedium~0.45–0.7%est.

Potassium sorbateA preservativeMedium~0.3–0.55%est.

EthylhexylglycerinA preservativeMedium~0.25–0.5%est.

Ascorbyl palmitateBeing a lipid soluble form of vitamin C, it is more stable and can penetrate the skin better than L-Ascorbic acid. It is effective in protecting the skin from free radicals, as well as evening the skin tone, but is less effective in stimulating collagen production compared to L-Ascorbic acid.Medium~0.25–0.45%est.

Ci 14700A colorantMedium~0.2–0.35%est.

Comedogenic

Clean of flagged comedogenic ingredients

None flagged

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NARS Radiance Primer SPF 35/PA+++

Closest match67% match

$36.00

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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane2%

UV filterKey activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Sun protection

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 methoxydibenzoylmethane

Homosalate6%

UV filterKey activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Sun protection

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 Homosalate

Ethylhexyl salicylate5%

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

Octocrylene1.6%

UV filterKey activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Sun protection

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 Octocrylene

Water~45–55%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Plain old water

More about Water

Caprylyl methicone~6.7–8.2%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

A type of silicone that helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product finish on the skin

More about Caprylyl methicone

Dipropylene glycol~5.7–6.9%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Helps to dissolve other ingredients in a formulation. Slows down the rate of product drying

More about Dipropylene glycol

Propanediol~4–4.8%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Acts as a solvent for other ingredients. Speeds up the absorption of other ingredients into the skin

More about Propanediol

Dimethicone~3.5–4.3%

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

Butyloctyl salicylate~2.4–2.9%

UV filterKey activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Sun protection

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 salicylate

Lactobacillus ferment~1.7–2.1%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryAnti-oxidationReduces irritation

A fermentation product created by bacteria Lactobacillus. The fermented product has anti-bacterial properties and might be helpful in calming down inflammation, but studies are lacking. Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Can be used as a preservative

More about Lactobacillus ferment

Isododecane~1.7–2.1%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

An emollient that helps soften the skin and can decrease moisture loss. Helps create a nice product texture

More about Isododecane

Ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymer~1.2–1.5%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Increases thickness of a product. Texture enhancer for oil-in-water emulsions

More about Ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymer

Trisiloxane~1–1.2%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

A type of silicone. Used to improve product texture

More about Trisiloxane

Polysorbate 60~0.75–1.15%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Polysorbate 60

Trimethylsiloxysilicate~0.7–1.05%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

A type of silicone that helps create a nice product consistency and support the delivery of other ingredients

More about Trimethylsiloxysilicate

Dextrin palmitate~0.6–0.9%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

Helps water and oil mix together

More about Dextrin palmitate

Phenoxyethanol~0.5–0.8%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products

More about Phenoxyethanol

C14-22 alcohols~0.5–0.75%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

A non-drying alcohol that helps stabilize product formulations

More about C14-22 alcohols

Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer~0.5–0.75%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A gelling agent that thickens the product consistency and leaves the skin with a velvety finish

More about Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer

Hydrolyzed wheat protein/pvp crosspolymer~0.6–0.85%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Hydrolyzed wheat protein/pvp crosspolymer

Panthenol~0.45–0.65%

Hero · Moisturizing

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Reduces rednessMoisturizingReduces irritation

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function

More about Panthenol

Parfum~0.35–0.65%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients

More about Parfum

Evodia rutaecarpa fruit extract~0.35–0.65%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Evodia rutaecarpa fruit extract

Dibutyl ethylhexanoyl glutamide~0.35–0.6%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps improve the product texture and soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Dibutyl ethylhexanoyl glutamide

Dibutyl lauroyl glutamide~0.45–0.7%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Helps improve the product texture and soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Dibutyl lauroyl glutamide

Disodium edta~0.3–0.55%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Stabilizes the product formulation

More about Disodium edta

C12-20 alkyl glucoside~0.3–0.6%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

Helps water and oil mix together

More about C12-20 alkyl glucoside

Dipotassium glycyrrhizate~0.3–0.6%

Under-dosed

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryEvens skin tone

A salt derived from licorice. Works as an emollient to soften the upper layer of the skin and can help calm down inflammation. Might be helpful for skin lightening

More about Dipotassium glycyrrhizate

Tocopheryl acetate~0.3–0.6%

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

Sodium hyaluronate~0.3–0.55%

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

Butylene glycol~0.3–0.55%

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

Pentylene glycol~0.45–0.7%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

Used to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture

More about Pentylene glycol

Tin oxide~0.5–0.75%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

A colorant that can add a pearl-like appearance to the formulation

More about Tin oxide

Potassium sorbate~0.3–0.55%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about Potassium sorbate

Hydroxyphenyl propamidobenzoic acid~0.3–0.55%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-inflammatory

Might help to reduce inflammation in skin, but solid research is lacking

More about Hydroxyphenyl propamidobenzoic acid

Ethylhexylglycerin~0.25–0.5%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about Ethylhexylglycerin

Ascorbyl palmitate~0.25–0.45%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Anti-agingAnti-oxidation

Being a lipid soluble form of vitamin C, it is more stable and can penetrate the skin better than L-Ascorbic acid. It is effective in protecting the skin from free radicals, as well as evening the skin tone, but is less effective in stimulating collagen production compared to L-Ascorbic acid.

More about Ascorbyl palmitate

Mica~0.3–0.55%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Creates an illusion of smoother and more radiant skin tone. Adds shimmer to the skin by reflecting light

More about Mica

Titanium dioxide~0.2–0.35%

UV filterUnder-dosed

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

Ci 14700~0.2–0.35%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A colorant

More about Ci 14700

Ci 19140~0.2–0.35%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A yellow dye

More about Ci 19140

Ingredient list view

Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane, Homosalate, Ethylhexyl salicylate, Octocrylene, Water, Caprylyl methicone, Dipropylene glycol, Propanediol, Dimethicone, Butyloctyl salicylate, Lactobacillus ferment, Isododecane, Ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymer, Trisiloxane, Polysorbate 60, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Dextrin palmitate, Phenoxyethanol, C14-22 alcohols, Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer, Hydrolyzed wheat protein/pvp crosspolymer, Panthenol, Parfum, Evodia rutaecarpa fruit extract, Dibutyl ethylhexanoyl glutamide, Dibutyl lauroyl glutamide, Disodium edta, C12-20 alkyl glucoside, Dipotassium glycyrrhizate, Tocopheryl acetate, Sodium hyaluronate, Butylene glycol, Pentylene glycol, Tin oxide, Potassium sorbate, Hydroxyphenyl propamidobenzoic acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Ascorbyl palmitate, Mica, Titanium dioxide, Ci 14700, Ci 19140

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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
	NARSNARS Radiance Primer SPF35YOUR PRODUCT	NARSRadiance Primer SPF 35/PA+++	Face Reality SkincareBrilliant Defense SPF 50	La Roche-PosayAnthelios UV Correct SPF 70 Daily Anti-Aging Face Sunscreen
Match	—	67%	64%	60%
Price	—	$36.00	$42.00	$32.99
Shared key ingredients	—	10 of 10	7 of 10	5 of 10
Key difference	—	—	Aminopropyl Ascorbyl Phosphate	Niacinamide
Irritancy	Medium	Medium	Low	Low
SPF	SPF 35	SPF 35	SPF 50	SPF 70
Drying alcohol	—	—	—	—
	View product	Shop	Shop	Shop

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Product summary

Based on the ingredient list, we assess that "NARS Cosmetics - NARS Radiance Primer SPF35" 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).

Its formula is also hydrating, so you might not need an additional moistruizer during the day. Like all broad-spectrum sunscreens, this product helps prevent early signs of aging.

Sunscreen filters

This sunscreen uses so-called "chemical", or organic UV filters (organic simply means that their molecules contain atoms of carbon). These filters typically give good sun protection and rarely leave a white cast, but they can be irritating for sensitive skin. The UV filters in this sunscreen are: avobenzone 2.00% (declared), butyloctyl salicylate 2.40% - 2.90%, octisalate 5.00% (declared), homosalate 6.00% (declared) and octocrylene 1.60% (declared).

Irritation risk

There are some common irritants in this product, including ingredients that do not have benefits 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.