Works for:
based on ingredients and %- Moisturizing
- Anti-oxidation
Doesn't work for:
based on ingredients and %- Anti-aging
Can it cause trouble?
- Irritation risk: medium
- Comedogenic risk ingredients: 2
Key actives
Product Summary
"NARS - LIGHT REFLECTING HYDRATING PRIMER" could be helpful for: Moisturizing, but its actives are not the most effective or are not well-studied.
Ingredient callouts
- Humectants (hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid 0.30% - 0.50%, sodium pca 0.30% - 0.55%, sodium hyaluronate 0.50% - 0.75%, trehalose 1.10% - 1.40% and glycerin 3.80% - 4.70%). These ingredients help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improve the skin hydration.
Anti-oxidation
This product contains antioxidants (camellia japonica flower 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.
A plant extract that might help neutralize free radicals in skin
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and might have some antioxidant effect
Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and might have some anti-oxidant effect
A mix of amino acids and plant-based lipids. Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and reduce water loss over time
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
A polyhydroxy acid (PHA) that helps shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. Is believed to be genter than AHAs. It helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can stimulate production of skin's own hyaluronic acid resulting in improved hydration levels. It has been shown to be helpful against acne and clogged pores if used consistently (e.g over a period of 12 weeks) in high enough concentration. It can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles and improve skin tone with long-term application. Can help neutralize free radicals
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.
Moisturizing
What does the product description say?
LIGHT REFLECTING HYDRATING PRIMER
Source: From product name
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:
glycerin, hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid.
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: chondrus crispus extract, squalane.
A mix of amino acids and plant-based lipids. Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and reduce water loss over time
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin
Naturally present in skin and helps to attract water to its upper layer
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin. A version of it is naturally present in skin
Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and might have some anti-oxidant effect
An oil naturally present in skin. Works as an emollient to soften the skin and form a protective layer on its surface without a greasy feeling.
Red algae extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and create a nicer product consistency
A sugar that attracts water to the upper layer of the skin
Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin without creating a greasy texture
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and might have some antioxidant effect
Emollients that are naturaly present in skin. In addition, they help water and oil mix together in the product
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
An emollient that helps soften the skin. It also forms a protective on its surface to reduce water loss.
Used to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture
Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture
A polyhydroxy acid (PHA) that helps shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. Is believed to be genter than AHAs. It helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can stimulate production of skin's own hyaluronic acid resulting in improved hydration levels. It has been shown to be helpful against acne and clogged pores if used consistently (e.g over a period of 12 weeks) in high enough concentration. It can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles and improve skin tone with long-term application. Can help neutralize free radicals
A plant oil that can help soften the upper layer of the skin. Might be helpful in calming down inflammation in skin
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
Used mostly for creating emulsions - helping oil and water mix together. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin
Anti-aging
What does the product description say?
This innovative, makeup-skincare hybrid is infused with 93% skincare ingredients to improve skin’s texture, reduce the look of fine lines, and boost brightness over time.
Source: N/A
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.
This ingredient camellia japonica flower extract might be able to help neutralize free radicals in skin and help it fight off some of the sun damage.
A polyhydroxy acid (PHA) that helps shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. Is believed to be genter than AHAs. It helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can stimulate production of skin's own hyaluronic acid resulting in improved hydration levels. It has been shown to be helpful against acne and clogged pores if used consistently (e.g over a period of 12 weeks) in high enough concentration. It can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles and improve skin tone with long-term application. Can help neutralize free radicals
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
How honest is this product?
| Promise | Can it deliver? |
|---|---|
| Moisturizing | |
| Anti-aging |
Total Promises Fulfilled score: 62/100.
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Potential irritants
Comedogenic ingredients
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Key Actives
A polyhydroxy acid (PHA) that helps shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. Is believed to be genter than AHAs. It helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can stimulate production of skin's own hyaluronic acid resulting in improved hydration levels. It has been shown to be helpful against acne and clogged pores if used consistently (e.g over a period of 12 weeks) in high enough concentration. It can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles and improve skin tone with long-term application. Can help neutralize free radicals
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
A mix of amino acids and plant-based lipids. Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and reduce water loss over time
Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and might have some anti-oxidant effect
A plant oil that can help soften the upper layer of the skin. Might be helpful in calming down inflammation in skin
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant
An oil naturally present in skin. Works as an emollient to soften the skin and form a protective layer on its surface without a greasy feeling.
A sugar that attracts water to the upper layer of the skin
Red algae extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and create a nicer product consistency
A plant extract that might help neutralize free radicals in skin
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin
Naturally present in skin and helps to attract water to its upper layer
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin. A version of it is naturally present in skin
Creates a thin drying film on the skin resulting in a short-term tightening effect
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
Potential irritants
A plant extract that might help neutralize free radicals in skin
Helps mask the smell of other ingredients and helps preserve the product formulation
Creates a thin drying film on the skin resulting in a short-term tightening effect
A preservative. Can be used to mask unpleasant smell. Can be irritating
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and might have some antioxidant effect
A polyhydroxy acid (PHA) that helps shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. Is believed to be genter than AHAs. It helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can stimulate production of skin's own hyaluronic acid resulting in improved hydration levels. It has been shown to be helpful against acne and clogged pores if used consistently (e.g over a period of 12 weeks) in high enough concentration. It can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles and improve skin tone with long-term application. Can help neutralize free radicals
Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture
Used to thicken the product formulation and might help to add minerals to the surface of the skin. It is used in scrubs as a physical exfoliant. Can increase sensitivity to other ingredients if left on the skin or used in high concentration
Used to thicken the product formulation and might help to add minerals to the surface of the skin. It is used in scrubs as a physical exfoliant. Can increase sensitivity to other ingredients if left on the skin or used in high concentration
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.
A gelling agent that thickens the product consistency and leaves the skin with a velvety finish
Helps to control the skin's pH level. Maintains the skin's natural film of amino-lactic acids and oils. Helps to preserve products
Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH
Used to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture
Comedogenic ingredients
Red algae extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and create a nicer product consistency
All ingredients
Acts as a solvent for other ingredients. Speeds up the absorption of other ingredients into the skin
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant
An oil naturally present in skin. Works as an emollient to soften the skin and form a protective layer on its surface without a greasy feeling.
An emollient that helps soften the skin. It also forms a protective on its surface to reduce water loss.
Creates an illusion of smoother and more radiant skin tone. Adds shimmer to the skin by reflecting light
Red algae extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and create a nicer product consistency
A plant extract that might help neutralize free radicals in skin
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and might have some antioxidant effect
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin
A polyhydroxy acid (PHA) that helps shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. Is believed to be genter than AHAs. It helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can stimulate production of skin's own hyaluronic acid resulting in improved hydration levels. It has been shown to be helpful against acne and clogged pores if used consistently (e.g over a period of 12 weeks) in high enough concentration. It can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles and improve skin tone with long-term application. Can help neutralize free radicals
Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture
Helps mask the smell of other ingredients and helps preserve the product formulation
Helps to retain moisture by creating a protective barrier on the skin. Rich in fatty acids. Improves product texture and helps with the penetration of other ingredients.
Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin without creating a greasy texture
Used to thicken the product formulation and might help to add minerals to the surface of the skin. It is used in scrubs as a physical exfoliant. Can increase sensitivity to other ingredients if left on the skin or used in high concentration
Used to thicken the product formulation and might help to add minerals to the surface of the skin. It is used in scrubs as a physical exfoliant. Can increase sensitivity to other ingredients if left on the skin or used in high concentration
A mix of amino acids and plant-based lipids. Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and reduce water loss over time
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
Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and might have some anti-oxidant effect
A plant oil that can help soften the upper layer of the skin. Might be helpful in calming down inflammation in skin
Emollients that are naturaly present in skin. In addition, they help water and oil mix together in the product
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.
A gelling agent that thickens the product consistency and leaves the skin with a velvety finish
Increases thickness of a product. Texture enhancer for oil-in-water emulsions
Naturally present in skin and helps to attract water to its upper layer
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin. A version of it is naturally present in skin
Used mostly for creating emulsions - helping oil and water mix together. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin
Creates a thin drying film on the skin resulting in a short-term tightening effect
A mineral that is used as an optical filter (makes the skin looks nicer through light reflection) and to improve the texture of cosmetic products
Helps to control the skin's pH level. Maintains the skin's natural film of amino-lactic acids and oils. Helps to preserve products
Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH
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
Used to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture
Helps adjust the product pH and stabilize the formulation
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
A preservative. Can be used to mask unpleasant smell. Can be irritating
An umbrella term for the following three colorants: CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499. They might be able to offer some protection against visible light, but the degree of the protection is not clear
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
Ingredient list view
Water, Propanediol, Glycerin, Squalane, Isodecyl neopentanoate, C9-12 alkane, Polyurethane-35, Mica, Trehalose, Chondrus crispus extract, Camellia japonica flower extract, Theobroma cacao seed extract, Moringa oleifera seed extract, Sodium hyaluronate, Gluconolactone, Methylpropanediol, Caprylyl glycol, Phenylpropanol, Hydrogenated lecithin, Coco-caprylate/caprate, Sodium carrageenan, Sea salt, Maris sal, Phytosteryl/octyldodecyl lauroyl glutamate, Tocopherol, Mangifera indica seed butter, Orbignya oleifera seed oil, Phospholipids, Tocopheryl acetate, Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer, Polysorbate 60, Sorbitan isostearate, Ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymer, Sodium pca, Sodium acrylates crosspolymer-2, Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid, Xanthan gum, Lecithin, Sclerotium gum, Pullulan, Silica, Synthetic fluorphlogopite, Trisodium edta, Sodium citrate, Citric acid, Butylene glycol, Pentylene glycol, Disodium phosphate, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium benzoate, Benzyl alcohol, Iron oxides, Ci 77491, Ci 14700, Titanium dioxide, Ci 77891, Ci 19140
- Glycerol and the skin: holistic approach to its origin and functions
- Moringa oleifera Seeds and Oil: Characteristics and Uses for Human Health
- Hyaluronic acid: A key molecule in skin aging
- Hyaluronan (Hyaluronic Acid): a natural moisturizer for skin care
- A comparative study of gluconolactone versus benzoyl peroxide in the treatment of acne
- The Polyhydroxy Acid Gluconolactone Protects Against Ultraviolet Radiation in an In Vitro Model of Cutaneous Photoaging
- Applications of hydroxy acids: classification, mechanisms, and photoactivity
- The efficacy of glycolic acid, salicylic acid, gluconolactone, and licochalcone A combined with 0.1% adapalene vs adapalene monotherapy in mild-to-moderate acne vulgaris: a double-blinded within-person comparative study
- A polyhydroxy acid skin care regimen provides antiaging effects comparable to an alpha-hydroxyacid regimen
- The use of polyhydroxy acids (PHAs) in photoaged skin
- Blackwell Publishing, Ltd. Alpha-hydroxyacids and carboxylic acids
- An evaluation of a polyhydroxy acid skin care regimen in combination with azelaic acid 15% gel in rosacea patients
- Aging Skin: Causes, Treatments, and Prevention
- Clinical and cosmeceutical uses of hydroxyacids
- Polyhydroxy Acids (PHAs) Provide Conditioning Effects to Skin Without Increasing Sensitivity to UV Light
- Safety Assessment of Alkyl Esters as Used in Cosmetics
- Vitamin E in dermatology
- Vitamin E and Skin Health
- Extraction and Characteristics of Seed Kernel Oil from Mango
- Promising features of mango (Mangifera indica L.) kernel oil: a review
- Evaluation of the fatty acid composition of the seeds of Mangifera indica L. and their application
- Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Babassu Oil and Development of a Microemulsion System for Topical Delivery
- Efficacy of a New Topical Nano-hyaluronic Acid in Humans
- Physiochemical properties and application of hyaluronic acid: a systematic review
- Final report on the safety assessment of EDTA, calcium disodium EDTA, diammonium EDTA, dipotassium EDTA, disodium EDTA, TEA-EDTA, tetrasodium EDTA, tripotassium EDTA, trisodium EDTA, HEDTA, and trisodium HEDTA
- Analysis of Dyes in Cosmetics: Challenges and Recent Developments