Face Primers With Silicone
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September 1, 2022
By Lisa Petrison
TOP PICKS
♣ Living Clean Superstars:
Bare Minerals Good Hydrations ($27)
Bare Minerals Prime Time ($26)
Honest Everything Primer Glow + 2HA ($23)
Jane Iredale Smooth Affair ($50)
Mineral Fusion Color Correcting Primer ($28)
Mineral Fusion Hydrating Primer ($28)
Smashbox Photo Finish Correct Anti-Redness ($39)
Tatcha The Liquid Silk Canvas ($52)
♠ Additional Possibilities:
Bobbi Brown Face Base ($64)
Smashbox The Original Photo Finish Smooth & Blur Primer ($38)
♠ Not Yet Tried:
Fashion Fair Skin Priming Serum ($37)
Mineral Fusion Illuminating Primer ($28)
Tarte Sea Glotion Skin Protector Primer ($32)
♥ Lisa’s Personal Choice:
None
Notes:
1) Living Clean Superstars – Products with high scores on both Performance Rating (5) as well as Ingredients Rating (4/5). + Clean Pick (Ingredients Rating = 5).
2) Lisa’s Choice – Products that I would purchase for my own personal use. √ Lisa’s Favorite
Bare Minerals Good Hydrations Silky Face Primer – $27
♣ Living Clean Superstar
Overall Rating: 
(5 / 5)
Performance Rating: (5 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: 
(4 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: None
Processed Fragrance: None
Silicone Level: High
The description of this product on the Bare Minerals website reads, “This makeup primer hydrates and nourishes dry, flaky skin to create a smooth canvas for improved foundation application and wear. Rich, silky texture dries to a smooth, radiant finish with a soft focus effect. Provides immediate and lasting skin hydration. Minimizes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Improves application and wear time of foundation.”
I have tried both this Bare Minerals primer and their more popular Prime Time Foundation Primer.
Both of the products contain high levels of silicone and I thought that they felt virtually the same to me.
Although this one contains some sodium acetylated hyaluronate and some coconut-derived ingredients as hydrators, I did not really notice this product as being hydrating at all.
However, I do feel that this is a pretty clean product, with few problematic ingredients other than the silicone being flagged by EWG.
The only other ingredient of apparent concern is phenoxyethanol, a preservative that some people are not able to tolerate.
Although I felt that this product gave my skin the slick feeling that I associate with silicone, other than that it seemed fine to me and did not bother my skin at all.
I also appreciate the fact that the product basically just looks invisible on my face, rather than having the shiny appearance of many other primers that I have tried.
Size: 1 oz.
Bare Minerals Rating: 4.4 Stars (64 reviews)
Credo Clean: No
Clean at Sephora: Unclear
Drunk Elephant Clean: No
Bare Minerals Product Rating: 2 (green)
EWG Ingredient Rating: 3 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Dimethicone (3), Cyclopentasiloxane (3), Phenoxyethanol (4), Titanium dioxide (3). (Also contains Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Caprylyl Methicone, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Trehalose, PEG-8/SMDI Copolymer.)
Fragrance Ingredients: None
All Ingredients: Water, Dimethicone, Butylene Glycol, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Isododecane, Coconut Alkanes, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Glycerin, Silica, Caprylyl Methicone, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Sodium Chloride, Trehalose, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Tocopherol, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, PEG-8/SMDI Copolymer, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Propylene Carbonate, Phenoxyethanol. May Contain: Mica, Titanium Dioxide, Iron Oxides, Carmine
Bare Minerals Prime Time Foundation Primer – $26
♣ Living Clean Superstar
Overall Rating: (5 / 5)
Performance Rating: (5 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: (4 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: None
Processed Fragrance: None
Silicone Level: High
The Bare Minerals website describes this product as follows, “A vegan, oil-free primer that blurs imperfections while extending makeup wear. This cult-favorite combats dryness, evens texture and minimizes the look of pores. Smooth, oil-free formula blurs imperfections and extends makeup wear. Minimizes the look of fine lines, excess oil, enlarged pores and uneven texture. Combats flaky dryness and rough patches. Nourishes and soothes skin with antioxidants and plant extracts. Silky formula glides on without any stickiness. Pairs perfectly with any foundation. Dermatologist-tested.”
The primer consists basically of several kinds of silicone, along with a few added botanical ingredients.
I have found it to look virtually invisible on my face, which I consider to be preferable to the shiny or sparkly appearance that many primers give me.
The product does give my skin the somewhat slick feeling that I associate with silicone primers in general, however.
Based on the ingredients list, this seems like an unusually clean product other than the silicone.
I have not found that it has irritated my face at all and hardly can tell that I am wearing it.
It would be at the top of my list of products to consider if I were considering using a silicone-based primer on a regular basis.
Size: 1 oz.
Ulta Rating: 4.5 Stars (2535 reviews)
Credo Clean: No
Clean at Sephora: Unclear
Drunk Elephant Clean: No
Think Dirty Rating: 3 (green)
EWG Product Rating: 2 (green)
EWG Ingredient Rating: 4 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Cyclopentasiloxane (3), Dimethicone (3), Aloe vera (3), Licorice root extract (4). (Also contains: Dimethicone Crosspolymer)
Fragrance Ingredients: Matricaria flower extract
All Ingredients: Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Dimethicone, Silica, Magnesium Silicate, Ascorbic Acid, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B5), Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Licorice Root Extract
Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Face Base – $64
Overall Rating: (4 / 5)
Performance Rating: (5 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: 
(3 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: None
Processed Fragrance: Grapefruit Oil, Geranium Oil, Limonene, Citronellol, Geraniol, Linalool
Silicone Level: High
The Bobbi Brown website describes this product as “Skincare made for makeup. Our bestselling multivitamin-enriched moisturizing primer for the face instantly nourishes, plumps, and preps skin with healthy hydration to improve the look of foundation. It’s full makeup prep in one step, blending the performance of a primer with the cushion of a face moisturizer. A blend of Vitamins B, C, and E helps replenish and condition skin with essential nourishment. A moisturizing complex of Hyaluronic Acid, Squalane, and Shea Butter helps instantly hydrate, plump, and prep skin for a fresh, healthy-looking glow. Rich yet lightweight and fast-absorbing texture cushions skin and grips foundation for smooth, flawless makeup application. Grapefruit and Geranium leave a light, uplifting scent on skin.”
This moisturizing primer from Bobbi Brown contains skincare ingredients plus a moderate amount of silicone.
It thus adds some extra hydration for those with drier skins (and may even function as both a primer and a moisturizer for those with more normal skins).
The silicone in the product consists of cyclopentasiloxane, which is on Credo’s “dirty” list. (EWG does not consider this form of silicone to be any worse than dimethicone, on the other hand.)
The moisturizers in the product include shea butter, squalane and sodium hyaluronate.
In addition to the silicone, ingredients in the product considered to be problematic by EWG include PEG-40 stearate and PEG-20 methyl glucose sesquistearate (polymers with the potential of being contaminated with hazardous substances such as 1,4-dioxane); sodium hydroxide (which is lye); and chlorphenesin and phenoxyethanol (synthetic preservatives).
Some other potentially problematic ingredients derived from botanical sources are included, apparently to help to preserve the product as well as to give it a mild citrus/floral type scent.
Despite the fact that this primer contains a long list of questionable ingredients, I have kind of liked using it and might be inclined to do so on a regular basis if I felt the need to try a silicone-based product.
Unlike the primers with high levels of silicone, this one feels less like I am putting an inpenetrable mask of silicone on my skin and more just like I am giving my face just a little bit of protection along with some moisturizing benefits.
I do not feel that the product has irritated my face at all and I also kind of like the smell of it.
As with many Bobbi Brown products that I have tried, I do wish the ingredients list were cleaner, though.
Size: 1.7 oz.
Sephora Rating: 4.5 Stars (2500 reviews)
Credo Clean: No
Clean at Sephora: No
Drunk Elephant Clean: No
Think Dirty Rating: 8 (red)
EWG Ingredient Rating: 5 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Cyclopentasiloxane (3), PEG-40 stearate (3), Grapefruit peel oil (3), Tocopheryl acetate (3), Geranium flower oil (4), PEG-20 methyl glucose sesquistearate (3), Sodium hydroxide (4), Limonene (5), Citronellol (4), Geraniol (4), Linalool (3), Chlorphenesin (3), Phenoxyethanol (4). (Also contains: PPG-2 Myristyl Ether Propionate, Dimethicone Crosspolymer)
Fragrance Ingredients: Grapefruit peel oil, Geranium flower oil, Limonene, Citronellol, Geraniol, Linalool
All Ingredients: Water, Cyclopentasiloxane, Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, Butylene Glycol, PPG-2 Myristyl Ether Propionate, Cetyl Alcohol, PEG-40 Stearate, Shea Butter, Squalane, Glyceryl Stearate, Sorbitan Stearate, Epilobium Angustifolium Extract, Yeast Extract, Beta-Carotene, Sodium Hyaluronate, Grapefruit Peel Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate, Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate, Geranium Flower Oil, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Carbomer, PEG-20 Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate, C12-15 Alkyl Ethylhexanoate, Tetrasodium Edta, Sodium Hydroxide, Panthenol, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Limonene, Citronellol, Geraniol, Linalool, Chlorphenesin, Phenoxyethanol
Fashion Fair Skin Priming Serum – $37
Performance Rating: Not Yet Rated
Ingredients Rating: (4 / 5)
Processed Fragrance: None
Silicone Level: High
The Fashion Fair website states, “This serum-primer was specifically designed by Dr. Caroline Robinson to even tone and texture, boost radiance and prep darker skin for seamless, glide-on makeup application. A potent blend of peptides, hyaluronic acid and skin-brightening actives smooths lines, plumps skin and helps fade the appearance of dark spots over time. Suspended powders instantly blur and mattify, for a day-to-night, photo-like finish. Peach-tinted hue and fragrance- free serum is perfect for all skin tones and types.”
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Size: 1 oz.
Sephora Rating: 5.0 Stars (5 reviews)
Credo Clean: No
Clean at Sephora: No
Drunk Elephant Clean: No
EWG Ingredient Rating: 6 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Dimethicone (3), Phenoxyethanol (4), Polysorbate-60 (3), Aloe vera (3), Polysorbate-20 (3), Sodium hydroxide (4), Titanium dioxide (3), Yellow #5 (6), Red #40 (6). (Also contains Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Citrus unshiu peel extract.)
Fragrance Ingredients: Citrus unshiu peel extract
All Ingredients: Water, Dimethicone, Glycerin, Shea Butter, Glyceryl Stearate, Coconut Oil, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Polysilicone-11, Niacinamide, Citrus Unshiu Peel Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Hydroxyacetophenone, Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Polyisobutene, Butylene Glycol, Citric Acid, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Polysorbate 60, Sorbitan Isostearate, Sorbitan Oleate, Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Carbomer, Polysorbate-20, Mica, Sodium Hydroxide, Potassium Sorbate, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Sodium Citrate, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Biotin. May Contain: Titanium Dioxide, Iron Oxides, Yellow 5, Red 40.
Honest Everything Primer Glow + 2HA – $23
♣ Living Clean Superstar
Overall Rating: (5 / 5)
Performance Rating: (5 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: (4 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: None
Processed Fragrance: None
Silicone Level: Low
The description of this product on the Honest website states, “A Hyaluronic Acid infused illuminating primer that preps, brightens and hydrates your skin for a smooth, dewy canvas. This glow-getting primer leaves your skin smooth, radiant and ready from your everyday look to glam. Infused with glow giving Mica to brighten the skin’s appearance, while the blend of Watermelon, Apple and Lentil Fruit Extracts plus two types of Hyaluronic Acid provide hydration for a fresh, healthy-looking complexion.”
This hydrating primer from Honest apparently is mildly opaque, since it surprised me by being more effective at reducing the redness of my skin than virtually all the other primers that I have tried (including the green ones).
In addition, it includes only a small amount of dimethicone (silicone) and feels pretty good on my skin.
Even though I have not had that much interest in primers in general, I would consider wearing this one without any foundation over it on occasion to decrease redness (and also to keep my blush from disappearing into my skin), except that it’s somewhat more shiny than I would prefer in order to do that.
The shine transforms into just a pleasant glow if I put either foundation or powder over this product. But my feeling with regard to that is that if I am going to have to put on those products, I might as well skip the primer since those things reduce redness effectivel on their own.
However, if I were looking to wear foundation every day and wanting to wear something under it to make it last longer, this product might be ideal.
It looks very pretty with foundation over it, is hydrating, is reasonably priced, includes just a small amount of silicone, and has not irritated my skin at all.
Although I’m not an expert in terms of comparisons on this, it does seem to have allowed my makeup to last longer as well.
I have heard a few people object to the smell of this product, but I think the smell is slight and it doesn’t bother me pesonally at all.
Honest also does make a matte primer, but it seems to be designed primarily for oil-control purposes and thus would be inappropriate for me.
If Honest were to introduce a primer that was just like this one except not quite as shiny, I think I would be really happy and immediately stock up.
Size: 1 oz.
Ulta Rating: 4.0 Stars (44 reviews)
Credo Clean: Meets Criteria
Clean at Sephora: Meets Criteria
Drunk Elephant Clean: No
EWG Product Rating: EWG Verified
EWG Ingredient Rating: 4 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Dimethicone (3), Sodium lactate (3), Sodium benzoate (3), Titanium dioxide (3). (Also contains Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate)
Fragrance Ingredients: Watermelon fruit extract, Lentil fruit extract, Apple fruit extract
All Ingredients: Water, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Dimethicone, Shea Butter, Capryloyl Glycerin/Sebacic Acid Copolymer, Propanediol, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Watermelon Fruit Extract, Lentil Fruit Extract, Apple Fruit Extract, Sodium Lactate, Sodium PCA, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Xanthan Gum, Hectorite, Cellulose, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Hydroxyacetophenone, Citric Acid, Tocopherol, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Tin Oxide, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Mica, Titanium Dioxide, Iron Oxides
Jane Iredale Smooth Affair – $50
♣ Living Clean Superstar
Overall Rating: (5 / 5)
Performance Rating: (5 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: (4 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: None
Processed Fragrance: None
Silicone Level: High
The description of this product on the Jane Iredale website reads, “This skin-quenching primer prepares the skin so makeup goes on easier and lasts longer. It also helps maintain skin’s youthful appearance and minimize the appearance of pores and fine lines while bringing out your natural radiance.”
This silicone-based primer with some skincare ingredients is one of Jane Iredale’s more popular products.
The website copy states, “This skin-quenching primer prepares the skin so makeup goes on easier and lasts longer. It also helps maintain skin’s youthful appearance and minimize the appearance of pores and fine lines while bringing out your natural radiance.”
In addition to quite a lot of silicone, the product contains some coconut-derived ingredients, some oils, some fruit extracts, and a few other botanicals.
In addition to the silicones, EWG flags as problematic citrus extracts (which I suspect are used as preservatives) and zinc PCA (which supposedly helps to control acne and other skin irritation).
The website copy suggests that the product also can be mixed with liquid foundation for sheerer coverage, applied as an eyelid primer, or used as a hand and body moisturizer.
I find that last suggestion to be rather odd since I’m not sure it would be a good idea to coat my hands or body with silicone on a regular basis and also because the product would be rather expensive for that purpose.
On the other hand, the idea that this primer may be gentle enough to be used in the eye area does seem to have some potential benefit since products sold as eyelid primers tend to be on the expensive side and often contain undesirable ingredients.
My experience with the Jane Iredale primer is that it puts a noticeable layer of silicone with a slightly opaque finish on my skin.
It seems to me less shiny that most of the silicone-based primers that I have tried and thus possibly more appropriate for use on its own without foundation over it.
I have not found that the product has irritated my skin at all or that it has any kind of noticeable scent.
For those who want a primer that contains a high silicone content, this could be a good one to consider.
Ellen’s Comments: “I like this primer a lot.”
Size: 1.7 oz.
Amazon Rating: 4.6 Stars (1099 reviews)
Credo Clean: No
Clean at Sephora: Unclear
Drunk Elephant Clean: No
Think Dirty Rating: 4 (yellow)
EWG Product Rating: 2 (green)
EWG Ingredient Rating: 5 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Cyclopentasiloxane (3), Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 crosspolymer (3), Aloe vera (3), Grapefruit extract (4), Zinc PCA (3), Grapefruit peel extract (4). (Also contains: Dimethicone/Vinyl, Dimethicone Crosspolymer)
Fragrance Ingredients: Apple fruit extract, Grapefruit fruit extract, Bitter orange fruit extract, Grapefruit peel extract, Orange peel extract, Honeysuckle flower extract
All Ingredients: Water, Coconut Alkanes, Polysilicone 11, Dimethicone/Vinyl, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Cyclopentasiloxane, Glycerin, Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer, Apple Fruit Extract, Pectin, Chlorella Vulgaris/Lupinus Albus Protein Ferment, Maltodextrin, White Tea Leaf Extract, Green Tea Leaf Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Grapefruit Extract, Bitter Orange Fruit Extract, Malus Domestica Fruit Cell Culture Extract, Radish Root Extract, Lecithin, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Olive Leaf Extract, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Zinc PCA, Sodium Ascorbate, Royal Jelly, Tocopherol, Grapefruit Peel Extract, Orange Peel Extract, Sunflower Seed Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Honeysuckle Flower Extract, Xanthan Gum
Mineral Fusion Color Correcting Primer – $28
♣ Living Clean Superstar
Overall Rating: (5 / 5)
Performance Rating: (5 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: (4 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: None
Processed Fragrance: None
Silicone Level: Medium
The description of this product on the Mineral Fusion website reads, “Kiss redness goodbye. Mineral Fusion’s Color Correcting Primer helps conceal unwanted redness and hyperpigmentation to instantly bring out the best in your skin. Aloe and Chamomile soothe sensitive spots for an even-toned, balanced look. A dynamic duo, this primer simultaneously fills in lines while fighting lines—peptides plus natural antioxidants layer on wrinkle-fighting, collagen-boosting powers to help minimize the appearance of fine lines over time. Use anytime or when creating the perfect smooth canvas for makeup.”
This bright green primer from Mineral Fusion is stated as being designed for individuals (like me) who have sensitive skin that may easily become irritated and red.
The copy on the Mineral Fusion website reads: “Mineral Fusion’s Color Correcting Primer helps conceal unwanted redness and hyperpigmentation to instantly bring out the best in your skin. Aloe and Chamomile soothe sensitive spots for an even-toned, balanced look. A dynamic duo, this primer simultaneously fills in lines while fighting lines—peptides plus natural antioxidants layer on wrinkle-fighting, collagen-boosting powers to help minimize the appearance of fine lines over time.”
Although the color of the primer in the bottle looks quite bright, I have found that the extent to which the redness in my skin is calmed down is quite subtle when the product is actually on my face.
Probably this is a good thing since the redness in my face seems to me strongly preferable to looking like I have taken on the role of Elphaba in a stage production of “Wicked”!
Even if this primer were not serving the function of reducing the redness of my face, I still think that it might be one of my favorite primers since it seems to have a mix of characteristics that makes it seem particularly suitable for me (and maybe for others with my skin type as well).
For instance, it includes enough silicone (dimethicone) to feel that my skin is being given some protection without being sealed in an airtight covering with it.
Some wax in the formula provides some additional protection. (Note that while EWG expresses concern that the type of wax is not specified, I doubt that Mineral Fusion is using super-cheap toxic wax in its formulas and thus am not too worried about that.)
The product also includes some moisturizers (olive squalane, glycerin and rosehip oil) and some various botanicals that are thought to have the potential of reducing overall skin sensitivity.
On the downside, phenoxyethanol (a preservative that can be irritating for some people) also is included.
Personally, I feel like I have done fine with this primer and that it has not been irritating to me at all.
It seems to have made my skin look slightly less red and slightly more refined; has been slightly moisturizing; and has helped my makeup to peform slightly better.
While these benefits have been marginal enough that I usually have been disinclined to bother with the product, conceivably it could be more helpful for those who have more uneven skin than I do.
Ellen’s Comments: “This primer is very smoothing and does a good job of offsetting red cheeks.”
Size: 1 oz.
Mineral Fusion Rating: 4.4 Stars (36 reviews)
Credo Clean: Meets Criteria
Clean at Sephora: Unclear
Drunk Elephant Clean: No
EWG Ingredient Rating: 4 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Dimethicone (3), Emulsifying wax (4), Aloe vera (3), Tocopheryl acetate (3), Sodium hydroxide (4), Phenoxyethanol (4), Chromium hydroxide green (4), Titanium dioxide (3)
Fragrance Ingredients: Matricaria flower extract, Ginkgo biloba extract, Rosehip fruit oil
All Ingredients: Mineral Water, Dimethicone, Emulsifying Wax, Aloe Vera Leaf Juice*, Stearic Acid, Olive Squalane, Lecithin, Octyl Palmitate, Silica, Tocopheryl Acetate, Olive Leaf Extract*, Sodium Hydroxide, White Tea Leaf Extract*, Allantoin, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5, Matricaria Flower Extract*, Vegetable Glycerin, Ginkgo Biloba Extract, Rosehip Fruit Oil*, Phenoxyethanol. May Contain: Chromium Hydroxide Green, Iron Oxides, Titanium Dioxide. *Certified organic.
Mineral Fusion Hydrating Primer – $28
♣ Living Clean Superstar
Overall Rating: (5 / 5)
Performance Rating: (5 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: (4 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: None
Processed Fragrance: None
Silicone Level: Low
The description of this product on the Mineral Fusion website states, “Like a tall drink of water for your skin, Mineral Fusion’s Hydrating Primer replenishes lost nutrients and moisture, quenching your skin’s thirst for cushiony bounce and glow. An ultra-calming blend of Aloe, Lavender, and Cucumber soothes dehydrated skin and fills in lines for a flawless foundation setup. Helps encourage firmer, more youthful skin with a blend of wrinkle-fighting, collagen-boosting peptides and natural antioxidants.”
The most noteworthy component of this primer for me is that it has a pretty strong natural floral scent that reminds me of the refrigerator in my grandmother’s flower shop when I was growing up.
The florals listed in the ingredients are rosa canina, ginkgo biloba, lavender, chamomile, and arnica.
While I think the smell is pleasant, those who do not like floral scents may want to avoid this one.
The other ingredients in the primer consist mostly of a variety of processed or synthetic moisturizers; a little bit of silicone; some emulsifying wax; and some preservatives (including phenoxyethanol, which can be irritating to some people).
The silicone used is cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 dimethicone, which I think would automatically put it on Credo’s “dirty list.”
Although EWG does not like the fact that the exact type of wax is not specified, I think that Mineral Fusion’s quality in general is good enough that the wax they are choosing is likely fine.
My face seems to have done fine with this product in terms of not being irritated by it. It feels more like a wax than a silicone coating to me.
Although I am not usually a fan of using expensive primers on my hands, in this case the product seems to work quite well for that purpose since just a tiny little squirt provides some hydration and protection from the dry winter weather (and what I think is a pleasant scent) without any greasiness at all.
So even though I am not all that inclined to use this one on my face, I do feel like I am getting some use out of it anyway.
Ellen’s Comments: “The smell of this product puts me off. The texture is nice. It feels good and is tacky. I put Chanel Les Beiges over it and it seemed to dilute the foundation somewhat.”
Size: 1 oz.
Mineral Fusion Rating: 4.3 Stars (32 reviews)
Credo Clean: No
Clean at Sephora: Unclear
Drunk Elephant Clean: No
EWG Ingredient Rating: 2 (green)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Emulsifying wax (4), Aloe vera juice (3), Rosa canina oil (3), Phenoxyethanol (4). (Also contains Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 dimethicone)
Fragrance Ingredients: Rosa canina fruit oil, Ginkgo biloba extract, Lavender flower extract, Matricaria flower extract, Arnica montana flower extract
All Ingredients: Mineral Water, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Emulsifying Wax, Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate, Cetyl Dimethicone (also known as cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 dimethicone), Hexyl Laurate, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5, Rosa Canina Fruit Oil, Aloe Vera Leaf Juice, Tocopherol, Ginkgo Biloba Extract, Lavender Flower Extract, Matricaria Flower Extract, White Tea Leaf Extract, Arnica Montana Flower Extract, Carbomer, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin. *Certified organic.
Mineral Fusion Illuminating Primer – $28
Performance Rating: Not Yet Rated
Ingredients Rating: (4 / 5)
Processed Fragrance: Rosemary Oil, Calendula Officinalis Oil, Matricaria Oil, Cedarwood Bark Oil, Geranium Oil, Orange Oil
Silicone Level: Moderate
The description of this product on the Mineral Fusion website reads, “Show off your natural glow. With actual gold flecks in the mix, Mineral Fusion’s Illuminating Primer brightens your look with the perfect amount of shimmer and shine for a natural glow. Its pretty looks go skin deep: Vitamin C and Orange Fruit Oil help promote radiant, brighter, more even-toned skin, while wrinkle-fighting, collagen-boosting peptides minimize the appearance of fine lines over time.”
I have yet to try this product.
Size: 1 oz.
Mineral Fusion Rating: 4.2 Stars (70 reviews)
Credo Clean: Meets Criteria
Clean at Sephora: Meets Criteria
Drunk Elephant Clean: No
EWG Ingredient Rating: 5 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Dimethicone (3), Gold (4), Aloe vera (3), Geranium flower oil (4), Orange oil (5), Titanium dioxide (3)
Fragrance Ingredients: Rosa canina fruit oil, Gingko biloba fruit extract, Rosemary leaf oil, Calendula officinalis flower oil, Matricaria flower oil, Cucumber fruit extract, Cedarwood bark oil, Geranium flower oil, Orange fruit oil
All Ingredients: Dimethicone, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Flax Seed Oil*, Rosa Canina Fruit Oil*, Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract*, Olive Leaf Oil*, Rosemary Leaf Oil*, Shea Butter*, Borage Seed Oil*, Calendula Officinalis Flower Oil*, White Tea Leaf Oil*, Gold, Matricaria Flower Oil*, Aloe Vera Leaf Oil*, Cucumber Fruit Extract*, Cedarwood Bark Oil*, Geranium Flower Oil, Mineral Water, Pentapeptide, Panthenol, Orange Fruit Oil, L-Ascorbic Acid, Allantoin, Tocopherol. May Contain (+/-): Iron Oxides, Mica, Titanium Dioxide. *Certified organic.
Smashbox Photo Finish Correct Anti-Redness Face Primer – $39
Performance Rating: Not Yet Rated
Ingredients Rating: (4 / 5)
Processed Fragrance: None
Silicone Level: High
This product is described on the Smashbox website as, “A color-correcting primer infused with a Silkscreen Complex, Algae, Rose, and Mushroom. It creates a breathable, silky barrier that perfects the canvas by smoothing skin and strengthening it against damage from environmental aggressors like pollution and blue light. This vegan and cruelty-free formula calms the complexion and neutralizes redness with a satiny finish.”
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Size: 1 oz.
Sephora Rating: 4.3 Stars (332 reviews)
Credo Clean: No
Clean at Sephora: No
Drunk Elephant Clean: No
EWG Product Rating: 3 (yellow)
EWG Ingredient Rating: 5 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Dimethicone (3), PEG-8 dimethicone (3), Polysorbate-80 (3), Tocopheryl acetate (3), BHT (3), Phenoxyethanol (4), Titanium dioxide (3), Chromium oxide greens (5). (Also contains: Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Methyl Trimethicone, Trehalose, Polyglyceryl-3 Disiloxane Dimethicone, Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone)
Fragrance Ingredients: Rosa hybrid flower extract, Fuscoporia obliqua extract, Lycium chinense fruit extract, Blueberry fruit extract, Cranberry fruit extract, Poria cocos sclerotum extract, Trimethylsiloxysilicate
All Ingredients: Water, Dimethicone, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Methyl Trimethicone, Butylene Glycol, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Glycerin, Silica, Hydroxyethyl Urea, Algae Extract, Rosa Hybrid Flower Extract, Fuscoporia Obliqua Extract, Lycium Chinense Fruit Extract, Lactobacillus Ferment, Blueberry Fruit Extract, Cranberry Fruit Extract, Poria Cocos Sclerotium Extract, Caffeine, Yeast Extract, Sorbitol, Sodium Polyaspartate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Pantethine, Trehalose, Sodium Hyaluronate, Isohexadecane, Isopropyl Isostearate, PPG-15 Stearyl Ether, PEG-8 Dimethicone, Polyglyceryl-3 Disiloxane Dimethicone, Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer, Acrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Copolymer, Polysorbate 80, Disodium EDTA, Tin Oxide, Cellulose, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Tocopheryl Acetate, Tocopherol, BHT, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Potassium Sorbate, Phenoxyethanol, Titanium Dioxide, Chromium Oxide Greens, Mica, Bismuth Oxychloride, Iron Oxides.
Smashbox The Original Photo Finish Smooth & Blur Primer – $38
Overall Rating: (4 / 5)
Performance Rating: (5 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: (3 / 5)
Processed Fragrance: None
Lisa Irritation Level: None
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Size: 1 oz.
Ulta Rating: 4.5 Stars (1713 ratings)
Credo Clean: No
EWG Rating: 6 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Cyclopentasiloxane (3), Dimethicone (3), Tocopheryl acetate (3), Retinal Palmitate (9), Octisalate (3), Propylene glycol (3)
Fragrance Ingredients: Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
All Ingredients: Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Trisiloxane, Silica, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Tocopheryl Acetate, Retinyl Palmitate, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Safflower Seed Extract, Kola Seed Extract, Grape Seed Extract, Water, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Propylene Glycol
Tarte Sea Glowtion Skin Perfector Primer – $32
Performance Rating: Not Yet Rated
Ingredients Rating: (3 / 5)
Processed Fragrance: None
Silicone Level: Low
The description of this product on the Tarte website states, “Get a lit-from-within glow with this instant complexion perfector! Channel your best lighting anytime, anywhere. Inspired by the magical glow effect of bioluminescence. Emits a natural luminous glow onto skin (no glitter!). Micronized pearls reflect light to blur imperfections. 4-in-1 complexion perfector. Prime – lights up skin & works as a makeup magnet to improve & extend foundation wear. Perfect – wear alone to diffuse imperfections for a fresh, radiant look. Glow – add to high points of face to instantly brighten. Nourish – bio-lumi blend promotes better bare skin.”
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Size: 1.35 oz.
Sephora Rating: 3.8 Stars (31 reviews)
Credo Clean: No
Clean at Sephora: Yes
Drunk Elephant Clean: No
EWG Ingredient Rating: 5 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Dimethicone (3), Polysorbate-60 (3), Phenoxyethanol (4), Titanium dioxide (3)
Fragrance Ingredients: None
All Ingredients: Water, squalane, glycerin, caprylic/capric triglyceride, dipropylene glycol, glycereth-26, betaine, dipentaerythrityl hexa C5-9 acid esters, triisostearin, 1,2-hexanediol, cetearyl olivate, mica, sorbitan olivate, hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer, C14-22 alcohols, dimethicone, carbomer, tromethamine, C12-20 alkyl glucoside, ceramide NP, polysorbate 60, niacinamide, triethylhexanoin, xanthan gum, cetearyl alcohol, hydrogenated polydecene, phospholipids, cholesterol, sorbitan isostearate, phytosphingosine, betula alba juice, glutathione, tin oxide, silica, sargassum pacificum thallus extract, propanediol, phenoxyethanol, potassium sorbate, opuntia ficus-indica stem extract, citric acid, opuntia ficus-indica callus culture extract, titanium dioxide, iron oxides.
Tatcha The Liquid Silk Canvas – $52
♣ Living Clean Superstar
Overall Rating: (5 / 5)
Performance Rating: (5 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: (4 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: None
Processed Fragrance: Natural Fragrance
Silicone Level: High
The Tatcha website states about this product, “The Liquid Silk Canvas is inspired by bintsuke, the thin layer of soft wax geisha melt into the palm of their hands and massage onto their skin as the last step of their skincare ritual. In addition to creating a smooth, poreless canvas to help their makeup last all day, it protects the skin from makeup and pollution while holding moisture in, all at once. The Liquid Silk Canvas is a multi-tasking, skin-protecting, makeup-perfecting face primer. This featherweight makeup primer does the following for your face and eyes. Blurs – Nourishing silk extracts hydrate the skin and instantly diminish the appearance of pores, fine lines, and imperfections, creating the perfect canvas before makeup application. Primes – Silk powder allows makeup to glide on more evenly and last longer, creating a poreless appearance and minimizing excess shine with a soft focus finish. Protects – This protective barrier derived from botanicals acts as an added layer between makeup and skin, helping to minimize the clogged pores that can lead to breakouts. Anti-pollution natural active ingredients fight immediate attack from environmental stressors and help support the skin’s barrier to act against future attack, visibly reducing the appearance of wrinkles and dullness. Enhances – Pink and gold pearl help brighten and even skin tone for a healthy look.”
The box states that the product is made in Japan and that it is formulated without parabens, synthetic fragrances, mineral oil, sulfate detergents, phthalates, urea, DEA or TEA.
It contains at least seven different kinds of silicone and (perhaps even more than other silicone-based primers that I have tried) puts a shiny and seemingly inpenetrable barrier on my skin.
EWG objections primarily to the presence of fragrance in the ingredients list as well as to all the silicone, giving the product a quite high rating of 7.
Although I would be happier if the company elaborated on exactly what natural fragrances were being used, I felt like the product had virtually no scent at all and certainly was not bothered by the scent.
Other ingredients listed as mildly problematic by EWG are distearyldimonium chloride (a quaternary ammonium salt that apparently is used to give a silky feeling to the product) and phenoxyethanol (a preservative).
I don’t think that the product bothered my skin at all on the few occasions that I tried it.
I think that for those who feel that they need to use a silicone-based primer, this could be a good choice.
Size: 1 oz.
Awards: In Style Best Primer 2022
Sephora Rating: 4.4 Stars (1680 reviews)
Credo Clean: No
Clean at Sephora: Yes
Drunk Elephant Clean: No
Think Dirty Rating: 8 (red)
EWG Product Rating: 6 (yellow)
EWG Ingredient Rating: 7 (red)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Cyclopentasiloxane (3), Dimethicone (3), Natural fragrance (8), PEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone (3), Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer (3), Distearyldimonium Chloride (3), Phenoxyethanol (4), Titanium dioxide (3). (Also contains Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Isopropyl Alcohol)
Fragrance Ingredients: Natural fragrance, Tara gum fruit extract
All Ingredients: Saccharomyces/Camellia Sinensis Leaf/Cladosiphon Okamuranus/Rice Ferment Filtrate*, Cyclopentasiloxane, HDI/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer, Water , Propanediol, Glycerin, Dimethicone, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Fragrance, Silk Powder, Sericin, Hydrolyzed Silk, Caesalpinia Spinosa Fruit Extract, Kappaphycus Alvarezii Extract, Yeast Extract, PEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Polyglyceryl-2 Diisostearate, Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer, Distearyldimonium Chloride, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Silica, Disodium Edta, Zinc Stearate, Aluminum Hydroxide, Stearic Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Biosaccharide Gum-4, Isopropyl Alcohol, Dipropylene Glycol, Sodium Citrate, Tocopherol, Phenoxyethanol, Mica, Tin Oxide, Titanium Dioxide, Iron Oxides. *Hadasei-3.
Additional Possibilities
This section lists products that seem that they may have potential and that I am hoping to try in the near future.
Readers are highly encouraged to bring other relevant products that they have tried to my attention so that I can add them to this list.
Tarte Sea Quench Hydrating Primer – $32
About This Website
The Living Clean in a Dirty World shopping website is designed to provide guidance to those seeking out products that are relatively low in toxicity and that provide generally positive user experiences.
Although the skincare and makeup sections have a particular focus on products appropriate for women who are in their 40’s or beyond, the information provided may be useful for other people as well.
The products are curated by Lisa Petrison, who has been focused on helping people to improve their health by avoiding toxicity since 2008 and who heads the Paradigm Change organization.
Her Living Clean in a Dirty World blog site discusses a variety of topics of relevance to those who are working to pursue a more natural lifestyle with less exposure to harmful toxicity.
Lisa is the author of several books, including A Beginner’s Guide to Mold Avoidance (co-written with Erik Johnson).
She also runs the Paradigm Change website (focusing on issues related to toxic mold illness) and the Mold Avoiders Facebook group (designed for the discussion of all topics of interest to those pursuing the mold avoidance approach described in the Beginner’s Guide).
Lisa was born in August 1964 and has yet to try cosmetic surgery, Botox or other cosmetic treatments requiring interactions with a physician, or beauty products containing retinoids.
In her former life, Lisa worked as a business school professor, as a marketing consultant to a variety of large companies, and as a reporter covering the advertising industry.
She holds a Ph.D. in marketing and social psychology from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University as well as B.S./M.S. degrees from the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern.
Lisa would like to extend a special note of appreciation to Ellen Kleiman-Redden for her help in trying out products and discussing issues related to this project.
She also would like to thank the many members of the Mold Avoiders community who have shared suggestions of products to be included here.
About The Product Choices & Ratings
Products that I have tried or researched and that I have not found to be acceptable from a toxicity standpoint have been omitted entirely from the discussions on this website.
However, since a goal of this project is to introduce people to a range of options in terms of price and functionality, some products discussed on this site include ingredients that may not be appropriate for everyone.
It’s my hope that all individuals making their way to this site will find at least a few options from each product category that meet all of their own needs and wants from a variety of perspectives.
The vast majority of cosmetics marketers now offer affiliate programs in which Internet content creators may earn commissions if people who are referred to the companies’ sites by clicking on links end up making purchases.
I participate in quite a few individual affiliate programs as well as in the Sovrn/Viglinks program (which automatically converts regular links into revenue-generating links).
Links on this page that may result in affiliate income may include – but are not necessarily limited to – those from the following companies: Amazon, Bare Minerals, Bobbi Brown, Jane Iredale, Mineral Fusion, Pharmaca, Sephora, Smashbox, Tarte, Tatcha, Ulta, Vitacost.
Reader comments (positive or negative) about products discussed on this website are very welcome.
Thoughts may be shared either by posting them in the comments section at the bottom of this page or by sending them directly to me at the following email address:
info at paradigmchange dot me
Companies that would like to offer me complimentary products to try out may contact me at this address as well.
Individuals who are seeking out less-toxic products or who are interested in pursuing a cleaner and healthier lifestyle may want to sign up to receive occasional email newsletters from Living Clean in a Dirty World.
Those signing up will receive a free PDF copy of the book Back From The Edge (describing the extraordinary life of mold avoidance pioneer Erik Johnson) and also will be automatically entered in sweepstakes giving away a variety of cleaner products.
Thanks very much for visiting the Living Clean in a Dirty World shopping site.
Links on this page are in orange (no underlining).
