Face Primers
This page contains affiliate links.
August 1, 2022
By Lisa Petrison
TOP PICKS
♣ Living Clean Superstars:
+100% Pure Luminous Primer ($38)
Beautycounter Glow First Priming Serum ($59)
Exa Jump Start Smoothing Primer ($34)
RMS Beauty “Re” Evolve Radiance Locking Primer ($40)
Vapour Essential Daily Primer ($40)
+Vapour Gentle Illuminating Primer ($50)
Victoria Beckham Cell Rejeuvenating Priming Moisturizer ($60+)
♦ Additional Possibilities:
+Beekman 1802 Milk Primer SPF35 ($25)
Burt’s Bees Goodness Glows Illuminating Face Primer ($12)
+W3LL People Bio Brightener Priming Serum ($25)
♦ Not Yet Rated:
Grown Alchemist Anti-Pollution Primer ($39)
Ilia True Skin Radiant Priming Serum ($52)
Milk Hydro Grip Primer ($34)
Smashbox Photo Finish Primerizer + Hydrating Primer ($39)
Lisa’s Personal Choice:
√ Vapour Gentle Illuminating Primer ($50)
100% Pure Luminous Primer – $38
♣ Living Clean Superstar
Overall Rating: 
(5 / 5)
Performance Rating: (5 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: (5 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: None
Processed Fragrance: None
The 100% Pure website describes this primer as follows: “Silicone-free, antioxidant infused face primer diffuses pores and illuminates, while creating a base for flawless, long lasting makeup application. This dewy and glowy primer uses light reflective pigments to make skin look more radiant, enhance luminous foundations, and blur imperfections.Made with anti-aging resveratrol, nourishing vitamin E, and intensely hydrating aloe.”
In looking at the ingredients list, it seems to me that it consists of basically just skincare ingredients and wax, along with some vitamin C and a little bit of mica and silica.
Especially since the moisturizers in the formula are ones (such as jojoba and avocado oils) that my skin really likes, I can see why this primer has felt good to me every time I have put it on.
It also does give my skin a very low-key glow that I think is attractive.
Whether this is actually has the potential of doing much in terms of serving as a primer rather than just skincare, I don’t know though.
I guess the idea here must be that the wax in the product serves to provide a coating on the face similar to putting wax on a car, and therefore may serve as a bit of a barrier between the skin and whatever makeup may be put on top of it.
I do think that the product may keep my cream blush from sinking into my face and disappearing quite as quickly.
Perhaps the wax may also fill in pores a bit and serve as a barrier that would delay sweat and skin oils from interfering with foundation products.
Whether enough benefit is provided that it is worth spending $38 on the product, I don’t know.
Personally, while I feel fine about putting this on my skin, I rarely have felt motivated to do it because I’m not convinced that it makes much of a difference for me.
Ellen’s Comments: “This primer went on very wet. It does a pretty good job of blurring. Scent neutral. I would not seek this out to use it.”
Size: 1 oz.
100% Pure Rating: 4.7 Stars (1874 reviews)
Credo Clean: Meets Criteria
Clean at Sephora: Meets Criteria
Drunk Elephant Clean: Meets Criteria
Think Dirty Rating: 0 (green)
EWG Product Rating: 1 (green)
EWG Ingredient Rating: 3 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Aloe (3)
Fragrance Ingredients: Lunicera caprifolium flower and honeysuckle flower extract
All Ingredients: Organic Aloe Juice Leaf Extract*, Jojoba Seed Oil, Jojoba Esters, Rice Starch, Tocopherol, Sodium Ascorbate, Candelilla Wax Extract, Organic Green Tea Leaf Extract*, Resveratrol, Silica, Avocado Butter, Lonicera Caprifolium Flower and Honeysuckle Flower Extract, Mica. * Certified Organic
Beautycounter Glow First Priming Serum – $59
♣ Living Clean Superstar
Overall Rating: (5 / 5)
Performance Rating: (5 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: 
(4 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: None
Processed Fragrance: None
The Beautycounter website states about this product, “The potent, skin-loving gel-serum has the complexion-improving results of a serum with the makeup-extending power of a primer—so basically, this one does it all. Made with Microdroplet Technology, a.k.a., ~4,000 encapsulated jojoba ester bubbles suspended in the formula designed to burst upon application, our innovative primer hydrates skin for an instantly plumper-looking and smooth appearance. Instantly hydrates and preps skin for the perfect canvas for long-lasting makeup, while helping to provide pollution defense from skin-drying environmental aggressors for your best-looking complexion with each use.”
The product is also stated as including tripeptides (“Help provide pollution defense from skin-drying environmental aggressors. Clinically shown to help brighten and even skin tone, boost skin elasticity, and minimize the appearance of skin imperfections.”) and biopolymer (“A natural film-former derived from red algae and tara gum that helps smooth the skin’s surface and improve makeup wear.”)
Copy goes here
Copy goes here
Copy goes here
Ellen’s Comments: “I like this primer. Decent blurring. Not sure that I prefer it to the Jane Iredale, but it is very close.”
Size: 1 oz.
Beautycounter Rating: 4.8 Stars (575 reviews)
Credo Clean: Unclear
Clean at Sephora: No
Drunk Elephant Clean: Meets Criteria
EWG Product Rating: EWG Verified
EWG Ingredient Rating: 4 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Sodium hydroxide (4), Phenoxyethanol (4), Titanium dioxide (3)
Fragrance Ingredients: Spinosa fruit
All Ingredients: Water, Diglycerin, Glycerin, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Pentylene Glycol, Isononyl Isononanoate, Jojoba Esters, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-2, Castor Oil/IPDI Copolymer, Caesalpinia Spinosa Fruit Extract, Acrylates/C10-30 Acrylate Crosspolymer, Carbomer, Kappaphycus Alvarezii Extract, Sodium Hydroxide, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Mica, Caprylyl Glycol, Tocopherol, Amodimethicone, Phenoxyethanol, Tin Oxide, Titanium Dioxide
Beekman 1802 Milk Primer SPF 35 – $25
Overall Rating: (4 / 5)
Performance Rating: (4 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: (5 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: None
Processed Fragrance: None
The Beekman website states about this product, “Beekman 1802’s Milk Primer is the only goat milk sunscreen to combine a weightless formula with SPF 35. Formulated with natural mineral Zinc Oxide, this 3-in-1 mineral sunscreen, moisturizer, and makeup primer acts like a physical shield against harmful UV rays and blue light while leaving skin brighter and more hydrated. It’s also pregnancy safe and completely oxybenzone-free and won’t damage coral reefs or irritate sensitive skin. Benefits: Provides daily defense with SPF 35 broad-spectrum sun protection. Sheer application brightens skin and helps to blur the appearance of pores and blemishes. Perfects skin for makeup application or that flawless no-makeup look by minimizing the appearance of pores with a velvety, matte finish. Silky, oil-free formula feels weightless.”
Size: 1 oz.
Ulta Rating: 4.3 Stars (212 reviews)
Credo Clean: Meets Criteria
Clean at Sephora: Meets Criteria
Drunk Elephant Clean: Meets Criteria
EWG Product Rating: EWG Verified
EWG Ingredient Rating: 3 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Zinc oxide (3)
Fragrance Ingredients: None
All Ingredients: Zinc Oxide (13%), Bentonite, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Goat Milk, Caprylhyxdroxamic Acid, Capryloyl Glycerin/Sebacic Acid Copolymer, Caprylyl Glycol, Safflower Oleosomes, Cetearyl Alcohol, Citric Acid, Coconut Extract, Cyclodextrin, Diheptyl Succinate, Glycerin, Glyceryl Stearate Citrate, Glyceryl Caprylate, Hydrolyzed Milk Protein, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein/PVP Crosspolymer, Propanediol, Shea Butter Ethyl Esters, Sodium Gluconate, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Tocopherol, Water.
Burt’s Bees Goodness Glows Illuminating Face Primer – $12
Overall Rating: (4 / 5)
Performance Rating: (4 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: (4 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: None
Processed Fragrance: None
The description of this primer on the Burt’s Bees website reads, “A lightweight and breathable makeup primer with natural minerals and moisturizing avocado oil for an illuminating finish while hydrating your skin. Naturally formulated without parabens, phthalates, SLS, or petrolatum.”
This makes it seem that the reason to use this primer is for its skincare benefits and for the slight glow that the mica in the product may provide.
I thus wonder if this product also has any other benefits such as filling pores or helping makeup to last longer.
Most of the ingredients in this product consist of synthetic laboratory-creaed ingredients, including moisturizers, thickeners and preservatives.
I wonder if the xanthan gum is acting as the main barrier agent since I am not really seeing anything else that might be accomplishing that.
My experience with the product is that while it does provide a mild blurring effect to the skin, it is not very noticeable.
Whether the product would be effective at allowing makeup to last longer, I don’t know since I have yet to try to test that.
Although the product contains a long list of synthetic ingredients, EWG flags just three of these as potentially problematic: sodium hydroxide (which is lye), phenoxyethanol (a preservative) and fragrance.
Like many Burt’s Bees products, this primer has an unspecified natural fragrance that smells on the fruity side. While I do not find this scent to be appealing, I found that it dissipated almost immediately after applying this product and that the short exposure when I was putting it on was tolerable.
I don’t feel like my face has been bothered by this primer at all and think it looks okay on my skin.
I’m not convinced that it does anything for me beyond what my skincare products were doing already though.
Size: 1 oz.
Ulta Rating: 4.7 Stars (49 reviews)
Credo Clean: Unclear
Clean at Sephora: Unclear
Drunk Elephant Clean: No
EWG Product Rating: 5 (yellow)
EWG Ingredient Rating: 7 (red)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Natural fragrance (8), Sodium hydroxide (4), Phenoxyethanol (4)
Fragrance Ingredients: Natural fragrance
All Ingredients: Water, decyl cocoate, caprylic/capric triglyceride, avocado oil, propanediol, sorbitan stearate, glycerin, mica, titanium dioxide, xanthan gum, sucrose cocoate, sodium phytate, citric acid, sodium hydroxide, fragrance*, phenoxyethanol, citronellol. *parfum naturel/natural fragrance
Exa Jump Start Smoothing Primer – $34
♣ Living Clean Superstar
Overall Rating: (5 / 5)
Performance Rating: (5 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: (4 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: None
Processed Fragrance: None
This primer was developed by Credo (a retailer of cleaner beauty products) as a companion for its house brand of foundation, the Exa High Fidelity Foundation.
The website copy reads, “Exa Jump Start Smoothing Primer is a vegan primer in a universally flattering shade that doubles as skin care. The formula includes soothing cocoa fruit powder, CoQ10 and free radical-fighting fatty acids from raspberry seed to protect skin against blue-light damage. Positively charged quartz crystals magically extend the wear of your makeup and deliver a breakthrough blurring effect-like a photo filter, but IRL! This cruelty-free primer is made with 97% natural, gluten-free ingredients, is safe for sensitive skin and approved by dermatologists.”
The product appears to be an opaque pinky-beige when squirted onto the back of my hand and does seem to give a very slight blurring to my skin when applied to my face.
The feeling is less slick than I have found to be the case with primers containing any silicone at all, but still is smoother than my bare skin.
Although I was not that happy to see both phenoxyethanol and benzyl alcohol used (apparently as preservatives) in this product, it does not seem to have an appreciably negative effect on my skin.
I have not found that it seems to make any difference in terms of how well my Exa foundation wears on my skin, but perhaps it would make more of a difference for those with a different skin type than I have.
Ellen’s Comments: “Decent blurring, slight tint. Not very tacky. Slight smell but not offensive.”
Size: 1.1 oz.
Credo Rating: 4.6 Stars (112 reviews)
Credo Clean: Yes
Clean at Sephora: Yes
Drunk Elephant Clean: Meets Criteria
Think Dirty Rating: 4 (yellow)
EWG Product Rating: 1 (green)
EWG Ingredient Rating: 3 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Phenoxyethanol (4), Benzyl alcohol (6)
Fragrance Ingredients: None
All Ingredients: Water, caprylic/capric triglyceride, stearyl alcohol, glycerin, cetyl alcohol, glyceryl stearate citrate, cetearyl alcohol, silica, rubus idaeus (raspberry) seed oil, glyceryl caprylate, theobroma cocoa (cocoa) powder, ubiquinone, sodium anisate, sodiym levulinate, galactoarabinan, phenoxyethanol, benzyl alcohol
Grown Alchemist Anti-Pollution Primer – $39
Performance Rating: Not Yet Rated
Ingredients Rating: (4 / 5)
Processed Fragrance: Grapefruit Oil, Lavender Oil, Rose Absolute Oil
The description of this product reads: “Grown Alchemist Anti-Pollution Primer is a lightweight, detoxifying facial primer that absorbs quickly and works to protect and smooth skin. This silicone-free gel primer hydrates skin and works to strengthen the skin’s natural barrier function, while blurring pores to create a flawless look. This primer is formulated with Indian ginseng root extract and powerful peptides to protect skin cells from blue light emissions and environmental stressors. Prebiotic-peptide works to enhance the skin’s microbiota to help improve epidermal barrier function, boost hydration and protect the skin.”
Copy goes here
Copy goes here
Copy goes here
Size: 1.69 oz.
Credo Rating: 4.7 Stars (45 reviews)
Credo Clean: Yes
Clean at Sephora: Meets Criteria
Drunk Elephant Clean: No
Think Dirty Rating: 0 (green)
EWG Ingredient Rating: 4 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Grapefruit peel oil (3), Benzyl alcohol (6)
Fragrance Ingredients: Withania somnifera root extract, Grapefruit peel oil, Lavender oil, Rose absolute flower oil
All Ingredients: Water, Sodium Acrylates Crosspolymer-2, Acetyl Heptapeptide-4, Caprylyl Glycol, Glycerin, Fructose, Withania Somnifera Root Extract, Mushroom Extract, Grapefruit Peel Oil, Lavender Oil, Rose Absolute Flower Oil, Benzyl Alcohol, Dehydroacetic Acid.
Ilia True Skin Radiant Priming Serum – $52
Performance Rating: Not Yet Rated
Ingredients Rating: (4 / 5)
Processed Fragrance: None
The description of this product on the Ilia website reads, “Bridging the gap between makeup and skincare, Ilia’s True Skin Radiant Priming Serum does more than create a perfect base for makeup application. Utilizing ingredients like Hibiscus Extract, Aloe and Beta-Glucan, this silicone-free primer helps to firm, moisturize and soothe skin, while protecting it from harmful environmental factors that cause aging. Upon application, the serum has a tightening effect that diminishes the look of pores and fine lines, while improving skin texture on dry down for a silky and soft-to-the-touch feel. Skin is left with a radiant glow and prepped for effortless makeup application that lasts.”
Copy goes here
Copy goes here
Copy goes here
Size: 1 oz.
Sephora Rating: 4.4 Stars (974 reviews)
Credo Clean: Yes
Clean at Sephora: Yes
Drunk Elephant Clean: Meets Criteria
EWG Ingredient Rating: 5 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Aloe vera (3), Sodium benzoate (3), Benzyl alcohol (6), Sodium hydroxide (4), Benzoic acid (3), Titanium dioxide (3)
Fragrance Ingredients: Hibiscus sabdariffa flower extract
All Ingredients: Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Maltose, Gluconolactone, Glycerin, Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside, Propanediol, Sodium Benzoate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Agave Tequilana Leaf Extract, Xanthan Gum, Chondrus Crispus Extract, Mastic Gum, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Mica, Calcium Gluconate, Benzyl Alcohol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Lithothamnion Calcareum Extract, Beta- Glucan, Caprylyl Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Citric Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Benzoic Acid, Phenethyl Alcohol, Dehydroacetic Acid, Hibiscus Sabdariffa Flower Extract, Potassium Sorbate, Titanium Dioxide.
Milk Hydro Grip Primer – $34
Performance Rating: Not Yet Rated
Ingredients Rating: 
(3 / 5)
Processed Fragrance: None
The description of this product on the Milk Makeup website reads, “An award-winning, invisible makeup primer with a 94% natural gel formula that smooths skin, grips makeup up to 12 hours, and locks in hydration. The silicone-free, oil-free, clear formula works for all skin types, but we especially recommend our face primer for normal to dry skin. You can wear this hydrating primer under any type of face makeup, or alone as a skincare step for hydration and a glassy glow. Hydro Grip Primer keeps your makeup locked on for up to 12 hours, so one application has you covered from morning to night.”
Copy goes here
Copy goes here
Copy goes here
Size: 1.52 oz.
Sephora Rating: 4.1 Stars (4286 reviews)
Credo Clean: No
Clean at Sephora: Yes
Drunk Elephant Clean: No
Think Dirty Rating: 4 (yellow)
EWG Product Rating: 5 (yellow)
EWG Ingredient Rating: 6 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Aloe vera (3), PEG-150 distearate (3), Benzyl alcohol (6), Sodium hydroxide (4), Sodium benzoate (3), Sulisobenzone (3), Phenoxyethanol (4), Propylene glycol (3), Benzoic acid (3), Yellow #5 (6), Blue #1 (7), Red #33 (4)
Fragrance Ingredients: Hemp seed extract, Opuntia Ficus-Indica Flower Extract, Prunus Avium Flower Extract
All Ingredients: Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Water, Water, Glycerin, PEG-150 Distearate, Alcohol Denat., Polyglyceryl-10 Eicosanedioate/Tetradecanedioate, Diglycerin, PVP, Benzyl Alcohol, Sorbitol, Pullulan, Inositol, Betaine, Carbomer, Maltose, Xylitol, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Phytate, Benzophenone-4, Dehydroacetic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Agave Tequilana Stem Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Niacinamide, Propylene Glycol, Panthenol, Vegetable Amino Acids, Hemp Seed Extract, Opuntia Ficus-Indica Flower Extract, Prunus Avium Flower Extract, Citric Acid, Benzoic Acid, Yellow 5, Blue 1, Red 33.
RMS Beauty “Re” Evolve Radiance Locking Primer – $40
♣ Living Clean Superstar
Overall Rating: (5 / 5)
Performance Rating: (5 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: (4 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: None
Processed Fragrance: Bergamot Oil, Orange Oil, Lavender Oil, Juniperus Virginiana Oil, Rose Geranium Oil, Common Myrtle Oil, Mugwort Oil, Rose Oil, Galbanum Resin Oil, Limonene, Linalool
The RMS website states, “Formulated with skin-firming Tightenyl, moisture-rich vegetable squalane, hyaluronic acid and eggplant fruit extract, this gel-textured primer visibly smooths the skin’s appearance and leaves skin looking radiant while allowing makeup to apply flawlessly. innovative, refillable package. It locks in skincare, grips makeup all day, and boosts hydration for up to 24 hours.”
This primer (introduced in 2020) uses a variety of synthetic ingredients designed to boost product performance as well as some essential oils.
Despite all this, I have found the product to work well on my skin, without causing it any noticeable irritation.
The product provides a finish that is more grippy than that of a hydrating day cream but without the lack of breathability of many silicone-based primers.
I have found that it feels good on my skin and that it helps foundations of all types to go on better and last longer.
In addition, the barrier that it provides has allowed me to wear certain makeup products that otherwise would be too irritating for my face.
The one thing that does concern me a little is that I have tried a few different samples of this product and have felt that my reaction to the scent has varied markedly.
The first time I tried the product (in little tear-open packages), the scent seemed quite unappealing to me. More recently, I received a small tube of the product and it smelled pleasant (with just a little bit of a floral-citrus scent).
That makes me wonder if the squalane in the product or another ingredient may have the potential of going bad.
That is something that I will keep in mind if I decide to buy a full-size version of the product (e.g. with the plan to return the product if it smells bad and to use it up quickly if it smells okay).
Size: 1 oz.
Sephora Rating: 4.9 Stars (76 reviews)
Credo Clean: Yes
Clean at Sephora: Yes
Drunk Elephant Clean: No
EWG Ingredient Rating: 6 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Orange oil (5), Geranium flower oil (4), Disodium acetyl glucosamine phosphate (4), Rose flower oil (3), Limonene (5), Linalool (3), Titanium dioxide (3)
Fragrance Ingredients: Bergamot fruit oil, Orange peel oil, Eggplant fruit extract, Lavender oil, Juniperus virginiana oil, Rose geranium oil, Balsam copaiba resin, Myrtus communis oil, Aremisia vulgaris oil, Rose damascena flower oil, Galbanum resin oil, Limonene, Linalool
All Ingredients: Water, Propanediol, Glycerin, Tricaprylin, Dipropylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Polyglyceryl-3 Distearate, Polyurethane-15, Betaine, Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Glyceryl Stearate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Tromethamine, Polyisobutene, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Hyaluronic Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Glyceryl Stearate Citrate, Mica, Sorbitan Oleate, Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside, Bergamot Fruit Oil, Olive Fruit Oil, Squalane (vegetable), Orange Peel Oil, Tin Oxide, Eggplant Fruit Extract, Lavender Oil, Juniperus Virginiana Oil, Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil, Disodium Acetyl Glucosamine Phosphate, Balsam Copaiba Resin, Sodium Glucuronate, Magnesium Sulfate, Myrtus Communis Oil, Artemisia Vulgaris Oil, Rosa Damascena Flower Oil, Galbanum Resin Oil, Limonene, Linalool, Titanium Dioxide, Iron Oxides.
Smashbox Photo Finish Primerizer+ Hydrating Primer – $39
Performance Rating: Not Yet Rated
Ingredients Rating: (4 / 5)
Processed Fragrance: None
The description of this product on the Smashbox website reads, “This hydrating primer 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 delivers a fresh, healthy look with a dewy finish.”
The product is stated as including triple hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, antioxidants, probiotic extract, vitamins and algae.
Copy goes here
Copy goes here
Copy goes here
Ellen’s Comments: “Very nice. Goes on smoothly. Minimizes pores.”
Size: 1 oz.
Awards: Allure Best of Beauty 2022
Sephora Rating: 4.6 Stars (216 reviews)
Credo Clean: No
Clean at Sephora: No (Meets Criteria)
Drunk Elephant Clean: Meets Criteria
Think Dirty Rating: 4 (yellow)
EWG Product Rating: 3 (yellow)
EWG Ingredient Rating: 4 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Tocopheryl acetate (3), Sodium hydroxide (4), BHT (3), Phenoxyethanol (4). (Also contains Trehalose.)
Fragrance Ingredients: Lycium chinese fruit extract, Rosa hybrid flower extract, Cranberry fruit extract, Blueberry fruit extract
All Ingredients: Water, Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate, Glycerin, Isopropyl Isostearate, PPG-15 Stearyl Ether, Niacinamide, Hydroxyethyl Urea, Sodium Polyaspartate, Algae Extract, Caffeine, Lactobacillus Ferment, Yeast Extract, Lycium Chinense Fruit Extract, Rosa Hybrid Flower Extract, Cranberry Fruit Extract, Blueberry Fruit Extract, Trehalose, Sodium Hyaluronate, Pantethine, Sorbitol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Caprylyl Glycol, Butylene Glycol, HDI/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, 1,2-Hexanediol, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Hydroxide, Disodium EDTA, Propanediol, Nylon-12, Silica, BHT, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Sorbate.
Vapour Essential Daily Primer – $40
♣ Living Clean Superstar
Overall Rating: (5 / 5)
Performance Rating: (5 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: (4 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: None
Processed Fragrance: Lemon Oil, Citral, Limonene
The Vapour website describes this product as, “Lightweight. Super-fresh. Skin smoothing prep that lasts all day. Hydrates and soothes like a light moisturizer with Jojoba + Baobab. Tones and clarifies with Cranberry + Ginger. Goes with the flow to keep you balanced in both dry and humid conditions. Ideal base for foundation that locks in color and makes it last. Great for all skin types and skin tones. Pairs well with all Vapour Foundations.”
Copy goes here
Copy goes here
Copy goes here
Ellen’s Comments: “I like this primer a lot. Covers well, feels nice, good base for foundation.”
Size: 1.7 oz.
Credo Rating: 4.5 Stars (16 reviews)
Credo Clean: Yes
Clean at Sephora: Meets Criteria
Drunk Elephant Clean: No
EWG Ingredient Rating: 4 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Lemon peel oil (6), Sodium benzoate (3), Citral (5), Limonene (5)
Fragrance Ingredients: Ginger water, Lemon peel oil, Citral, Limonene
All Ingredients: Water, Cranberry Fruit Water*, Pentylene Glycol†, Macadamia Seed Oil*, Jojoba Seed Oil*, C10-18 Triglycerides†, Polyglyceryl-6 Distearate†, Octyldodecyl Myristate†, Baobab Seed Oil*, Lauroyl Lysine†, Undecane†, Cetearyl Alcohol†, Microcrystalline Cellulose†, Jojoba Esters†, Tridecane†, Mica‡, Polyglyceryl-3 Beeswax†, Cetyl Alcohol†, Cellulose Gum†, Xanthan Gum†, Tocopherol†, Honokiol†, Ginger Water†, Lemon Peel Oil†, Sodium Phytate†, Sunflower Seed Oil†, Kakadu Plum Fruit Extract*, Glycerin†, Alcohol†, Sodium Benzoate†, Citric Acid†, Citral†, Limonene†. * Organic. † Plant derived. ‡ Mineral derived.
Vapour Gentle Illuminating Primer – $50
♥ Lisa’s Choice
♣ Living Clean Superstar
Overall Rating: (5 / 5)
Performance Rating: (5 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: (5 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: None
Processed Fragrance: Bergamot Oil, Myrrh Oil
The description of this product on the Vapour website reads, “Transcends the boundaries between skin and makeup. Blurs the look of skin imperfections + color corrects redness. Wear alone or under foundation. Hydrate and refine your complexion. Skin honoring Organic Prickly Pear. Brightening Camellia + Pomegranate. Antioxidant Elderberry. Naturally soft, luminous finish. Great for sensitive, balanced, dry and mature skin. Wear when you want to perfect your skin without foundation. Pairs well with all Vapour foundations.”
Incredients are stated as including organic prickly pear; organic camillia and pomegranate seed oils; frankincense, tulsi and lotus extracts; and elderberry.
Copy goes here
Copy goes here
Copy goes here
Ellen’s Comments: “Iridescent primer. Smell is a bit strong for me.”
Size: 1 oz.
Credo Rating: 4.4 Stars (55 reviews)
Credo Clean: Yes
Drunk Elephant Clean: No
Clean at Sephora: Meets Criteria
Drunk Elephant Clean: No
Think Dirty Rating: 3 (green)
EWG Ingredient Rating: 3 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Titanium dioxide (3)
Fragrance Ingredients: Elderberry fruit extract, Bergamot oil, Myrrh oil, Frankincense gum, Tulsi leaf extract
All Ingredients: Camellia Seed Oil*, Sunflower Seed Oil*, Silica‡, Titanium Dioxide, Lauroyl Lysine†, Isocetyl Stearoyl Stearate†, Beeswax*, Prickly Pear Seed Oil*, Pomegranate Seed Oil*, Mica‡, Elderberry Fruit Extract†, Tocopherol†, Bergamot Oil†, Myrrh Oil†, Frankincense Gum†, Tulsi Leaf Extract*, Lotus Leaf Extract*, Polyglyceryl-2-Caprate†, Glyceryl Caprylate†, Propanediol†, Pentylene Glycol†, Phenethyl Alcohol. *Organic. †Plant derived. ‡ Mineral derived
Victoria Beckham Cell Rejeuvenating Priming Moisturizer – $60
♣ Living Clean Superstar
Overall Rating: (5 / 5)
Performance Rating: (5 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: (4 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: None
Processed Fragrance: None
The Victoria Beckham website states, “Priming Moisturizer lays the groundwork for a youthful, glowy complexion. This lightweight daily moisturizer brings out the best in skin—deep hydration and radiance, blurred pores and smooth, firm texture. Backed by 30 years of research, Priming Moisturizer is developed with cell rejuvenating TFC8® technology and supercharged clean actives for long-term, skin-perfecting results. Test results confirm, this moisturizer speeds up your skin’s natural cell turnover process, revealing smoother, softer, brighter skin. TFC8 guides key nutrients and powerful natural ingredients to the skin, creating an optimal environment for cellular repair and renewal. Natural Papaya Enzymes gently and naturally brighten and soften, resulting in clear, smooth skin. Natural Black Tea Ferment plumps and smooths the skin while increasing radiance. Micro Algae Extract works to enhance elasticity and collagen production for improved firmness—skin feels tightened and lifted. Instantly, pores are diminished, lines and discolouration are blurred—Priming Moisturizer enhances your own radiance when worn alone on bare skin or under makeup. Nutrient-rich Avocado Oil intensely nourishes the skin. Blurring Powders help minimize the appearance of lines and imperfections, creating a perfect canvas for makeup. Natural, Plant-Derived Polymer acts as a breathable film on the skin, allowing makeup to apply smoothly without clogging pores.”
Victoria Beckham is a luxury makeup brand that also defines itself as being “clean beauty,” and I have seen some really good reviews of the company’s primer from some beauty gurus.
I therefore took a look at the ingredients list to see what is included in it.
The primer does not seem to include any silicone.
It does, however, seem to include several laboratory-created texturizing ingredients. Whether these would be worse or better for me than silicone, I don’t know.
The moisturizers in the product seem to include avocado oil, sodium hyaluronate, and some coconut-derived ingredients.
It also contains several other ingredients considered by EWG to be problematic.
Based on this, while I am still interested in trying the product, I haven’t been in a hurry to rush out and spend a lot of money on it since I fear it would not be good for me anyway.
Ellen’s Comments: “Excellent coverage. Minimizes pores. Scent neutral. I like this a lot.”
Size: 1 oz.
Victoria Beckham Rating: 4.5 Stars (435 reviews)
Credo Clean: No
Clean at Sephora: No
Drunk Elephant Clean: Meets Criteria
EWG Ingredient Rating: 5 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Titanium dioxide (3), Sodium hydroxide (5), Propylene glycol (3), Sodium benzoate (3), Polysorbate-80 (3)
Fragrance Ingredients: None
All Ingredients: Water, glycerin, triethylhexanoin, ethylhexyl polyhydroxystearate, isostearyl isostearate, saccharomyces/xylinum/black tea ferment, 1,2-hexanediol, octyldodecyl myristate, avocado oil, silica, sodium acrylates copolymer, titanium dioxide, potassium cetyl phosphate, tfc-8, sodium hyaluronate, papain, synthetic fluorphlogopite, chlorella vulgaris extract, lecithin, sodium polyacrylate, panthenol, caprylic/capric triglyceride, citric acid, cetyl palmitate, sorbitan stearate, tocopherol, sodium hydroxide, caprylyl glycol, carbomer, n-hydroxysuccinimide, propylene glycol, sodium benzoate, tin oxide, algin, o-cymen-5-ol, polysorbate 80, potassium sorbate, hydrogenated lecithin, palmitoyl tetrapeptide-10
W3LL People Bio Brightener Priming Serum – $25
Overall Rating: (4 / 5)
Performance Rating: (3 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: (5 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: None
Processed Fragrance: Hemp Oil
The W3LL People website states with regard to this product, “Create a smooth canvas for long-lasting makeup with this skin brightening serum. The ultimate skincare and makeup hybrid, the weightless formula conditions and preps your face for a silky application while restoring skin’s healthy radiance. Skin-boosting botanicals like Aloe Vera, Broccoli Seed Oil, and Jojoba Oil work to hydrate, soothe, and even out skin tone, promoting a youthful, glowing complexion. Use to prime skin for long-lasting makeup or alone to give skin a dewy glow.”
This new primer from W3LL People is on the glossy/shiny side, to the point that I would not want to use it unless I were wearing foundation on top.
In addition, even though it appears as matte beige when I put a drop on my hand, my face actually appears more reddish than usual when I have it one. The difference when I have tried it on just one side of my face is actually quite noticeable.
I do not exactly feel that my face is being irritated by the product but I’m not sure why else this could be happening.
Although the ingredients list looks pretty clean, maybe I am reacting to (say) glyphosate contamination of the oats or mycotoxin contamination of the hemp since those things are particular problems for me. It’s hard to know.
Although this primer does not contain any silicone, the texture of the product when it is on my face is slick enough that I would have guessed that it had a moderate amount of silicone in it if I didn’t know better.
Personally, trying the product a few times has been enough for me and I don’t think I will be using it again.
Conceivably other people could do better with it if they do not have the same reactivities that I do though.
Ellen’s Comments: “Nice primer, very light, very iridescent.”
Size: 1.75 oz.
W3LL People Rating: 5 Stars (7 reviews)
Credo Clean: Yes
Clean at Sephora: Yes
Drunk Elephant Clean: Meets Criteria
EWG Ingredient Rating: 3 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Titanium dioxide (3), Aloe vera (3)
Fragrance Ingredients: Cannabis sativa seed oil, Orange peel extract
All Ingredients: Water, coco-caprylate, coconut alkanes, glycerin, brassica campestris/aleurites fordioil copolymer, cocoa seed butter, candelilla/jojoba/rice bran polyglyceryl-3 esters, glyceryl stearate, coconut oil, broccoli seed oil, shea butter, synthetic fluorphlogopite, cetearyl alcohol, sodium stearoyl lactylate, titanium dioxide, hydroxyacetophenone, hydroxystearic/linolenic/oleic polyglycerides, mica, oat bran extract, xanthan gum, coco-caprylate/caprate, aloe barbadensis leaf juice, 1,2-hexandiol, caprylyl glycol, caffeine, cannabis sativa seed oil, sodium phytate, orange peel extract, citric acid, iron oxide, tin oxide
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.
Alima Pure Smooth + Prime – $48
Exa Splash Zone Oil-Free Primer – $34
Isla Face Base Priming Moisturizer – $46
Juice Beauty Phyto-Pigments Illuminating Primer – $36
Lawless Set The Stage Hydrating Primer Serum – $48
Lys Beauty Secure Skin Gripping Serum Primer – $20
Vapour Matte Smoothing Primer – $48
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 Products
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: 100% Pure, Alima Pure, Amazon, Beautycounter, Beekman 1802, Burt’s Bees, Credo, Goop, Grown Alchemist, Ilia, Isla, Juice Beauty, Lawless, Lys Beauty, Milk Makeup, Pharmaca, RMS Beauty, Sephora, Smashbox, Ulta, Vapour, Victoria Beckham, W3LL People,
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).
