NARS

NARS NARS Smooth and Protect Primer SPF50

Name: NARS - NARS Smooth and Protect Primer SPF50
Brand: NARS

SPF 50Efficacy100/100IrritancyMedium·6 UV filters

See all ingredients

Edit

Works for

2 of 2 advertised claims delivered

Sun protection

SPF 50 · 6 UV filters

Broad spectrum

SPF 50Broad 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.

UV spectrum

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

Homosalate

Octisalate

Octocrylene

Oxybenzone

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 formulation10%

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%

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" sunscreen5%

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 absorption5%

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~0.05–0.2%

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.2.5%

~ marks concentrations estimated from label position and typical use levels

Anti-aging

Tocopherol

Strong evidence

What the product description says

“Instant Results , Blurs pores, fine lines, and wrinkles with a powerful refining effect, while broad spectrum SPF 50 provides daily skin protection.”

Source: Feelunique

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.

TocopherolEffect: Low, below effective dosePure 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~0.35–0.85%

Anti-oxidation

Not advertised by the brand · Dimethylmethoxy chromanol, Tocopherol

Strong evidence

This product contains antioxidants (dimethylmethoxy chromanol) that can help neutralize free radicals in skin. By doing so, they can lessen the damage the skin gets from the UV light (sun).

Dimethylmethoxy chromanolKey activeEffect: HighCan help neutralize free radicals in skin~0.1–0.35%

TocopherolUnder-dosedEffect: HighPure 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~0.35–0.85%

Evens skin tone

Not advertised by the brand · No ingredient credited for this claim

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).

Moisturizing

Not advertised by the brand · Dimethicone, Peg-10 dimethicone + 4 more

Good evidence

This product can help soften the skin and reduce its moisture loss with emollients and occlusives: dimethicone, peg-10 dimethicone.

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).

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~22–33%

Peg-10 dimethiconeKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighA silicone that works to soften the upper layer of the skin and reduce its water loss~0.9–1.4%

PolymethylsilsesquioxaneKey activeEffect: HighA silicone that improves product texture and helps dissolve other ingredients. Can form a non-greasy film on the skin to prevent moisture loss~1.9–2.9%

Dimethicone crosspolymerKey activeEffect: MediumUsed to create a thicker product texture. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and might be able to prevent moisture loss from its surface~3.6–5.4%

Hydrogenated polyisobutene· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: LowUsed to improve the product consistency and soften the upper layer of the skin~0.45–1.05%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy

2 strong irritants: Benzophenone-3, Lavandula angustifolia extract

Medium risk

We flagged 6 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.

IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount

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 absorptionHigh5%

Lavandula angustifolia extractUsed for fragrance and contains volatile compounds that can irritate the skinHigh~0.15–0.5%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.Medium2.5%

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 formulationMedium10%

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" sunscreenMedium5%

Vp/eicosene copolymerUsed to improve the product adherence to the skin, for example, to pro-long the protective effect of sunscreens. Can be irritating to very sensitive skinMedium~0.3–0.75%est.

Comedogenic

Clean of flagged comedogenic ingredients

None flagged

Edit

User reviews

Would you recommend?

No community reviews yet.

Be the first — your take helps the next person decide.

Write a review · ~30s

Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane2.5%

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

Homosalate10%

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

Octocrylene5%

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

Benzophenone-35%

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

Dimethicone~22–33%

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

Methyl trimethicone~5.4–8.1%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

A type of silicone that helps create a silky product finish and dissolve other ingredients

More about Methyl trimethicone

Dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer~4.4–6.6%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to stabilize product formulations and create a nice product texture

More about Dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer

Dimethicone crosspolymer~3.6–5.4%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Used to create a thicker product texture. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and might be able to prevent moisture loss from its surface

More about Dimethicone crosspolymer

Disteardimonium hectorite~2.6–3.9%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

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

More about Disteardimonium hectorite

Polymethylsilsesquioxane~1.9–2.9%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

A silicone that improves product texture and helps dissolve other ingredients. Can form a non-greasy film on the skin to prevent moisture loss

More about Polymethylsilsesquioxane

Silica~1.6–2.4%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to absorb oil and can temporarily mattify skin

More about Silica

Trimethylsiloxysilicate~1.3–2%

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

Hdi/trimethylol hexyllactone crosspolymer~1–1.5%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

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

More about Hdi/trimethylol hexyllactone crosspolymer

Peg-10 dimethicone~0.9–1.4%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

A silicone that works to soften the upper layer of the skin and reduce its water loss

More about Peg-10 dimethicone

Peg/ppg-19/19 dimethicone~0.5–1.15%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

More about Peg/ppg-19/19 dimethicone

Hydrogenated polyisobutene~0.45–1.05%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Used to improve the product consistency and soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Hydrogenated polyisobutene

Tocopherol~0.35–0.85%

Under-dosed

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-oxidationAnti-agingMoisturizingAnti-inflammatory

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 Tocopherol

Vinyl dimethicone/methicone silsesquioxane crosspolymer~0.3–0.7%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

A type of silicone that create a smooth product finish and can create an optical soft-focus effect on the skin. Helps to thicken the product consistency

More about Vinyl dimethicone/methicone silsesquioxane crosspolymer

Vp/eicosene copolymer~0.3–0.75%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Sun protection

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 copolymer

Dipropylene glycol~0.15–0.55%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

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

More about Dipropylene glycol

Water~0.15–0.6%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Plain old water

More about Water

Lavandula angustifolia extract~0.15–0.5%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Used for fragrance and contains volatile compounds that can irritate the skin

More about Lavandula angustifolia extract

Dimethylmethoxy chromanol~0.1–0.35%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-oxidation

Can help neutralize free radicals in skin

More about Dimethylmethoxy chromanol

Trisodium edta~0.1–0.35%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Helps preserve product formulations

More about Trisodium edta

Tin oxide~0.15–0.5%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

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

More about Tin oxide

Mica~0.1–0.3%

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~0.05–0.2%

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

Ingredient list view

Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane, Homosalate, Ethylhexyl salicylate, Octocrylene, Benzophenone-3, Dimethicone, Methyl trimethicone, Dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer, Dimethicone crosspolymer, Disteardimonium hectorite, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Silica, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Hdi/trimethylol hexyllactone crosspolymer, Peg-10 dimethicone, Peg/ppg-19/19 dimethicone, Hydrogenated polyisobutene, Tocopherol, Vinyl dimethicone/methicone silsesquioxane crosspolymer, Vp/eicosene copolymer, Dipropylene glycol, Water, Lavandula angustifolia extract, Dimethylmethoxy chromanol, Trisodium edta, Tin oxide, Mica, Titanium dioxide

Compare prices

Retailers ranked by price — lowest first.

No pricing data available yet for this product.

Cheaper alternatives? Browse formulas in the same category.

We compare ingredient profiles across our catalog — pick the closest match for your budget.

Open dupe finder

Product summary

Based on the ingredients included, we believe that "NARS Cosmetics - NARS Smooth and Protect Primer SPF50" can offer 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).

It should also be hydrating enough to use without an additional moisturizer during the day. 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 5.00% (declared), avobenzone 2.50% (declared), octisalate 5.00% (declared), homosalate 10.00% (declared) and octocrylene 5.00% (declared).

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 this product 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.