Cover FX Invisible Primer SPF 30 Versus NARS Cosmetics Radiance Face Primer SPF 35
Updated on May 31, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both face primers. They have a total of 8 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain exfoliants, SPF and Vitamin E
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for anti aging, dry skin and scar healing
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, oils, parabens or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain silicones
We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that needs an update? Let us know.
Ingredient Info
Cover FX Invisible Primer SPF 30 18 ingredients
NARS Cosmetics Radiance Face Primer SPF 35 42 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Cover FX Invisible Primer SPF 30 18 ingredients
NARS Cosmetics Radiance Face Primer SPF 35 42 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 3%
UV Absorber
Homosalate 10%
Skin Conditioning
Ethylhexyl Salicylate 5%
UV Absorber
Octocrylene 2.6%
UV Absorber
Isododecane
EmollientDimethicone/Bis-Isobutyl PPG-20 Crosspolymer
EmollientC12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialButyloctyl Salicylate
Skin Conditioning
Caprylyl Methicone
Skin Conditioning
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningSolanum Lycopersicum Fruit Extract
Antioxidant
Sesamum Indicum Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningTocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Squalane
Emollient
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Silica
Abrasive
Dimethyl Isosorbide
SolventButyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 3%, Homosalate 10%, Ethylhexyl Salicylate 5%, Octocrylene 2.6%, Isododecane, Dimethicone/Bis-Isobutyl PPG-20 Crosspolymer, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Caprylyl Methicone, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Solanum Lycopersicum Fruit Extract, Sesamum Indicum Seed Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Squalane, Tocopherol, Silica, Dimethyl Isosorbide
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 2%
UV Absorber
Homosalate 6%
Skin Conditioning
Ethylhexyl Salicylate 5%
UV Absorber
Octocrylene 1.6%
UV Absorber
Water
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Methicone
Skin Conditioning
Dipropylene Glycol
MaskingPropanediol
SolventDimethicone
Emollient
Butyloctyl Salicylate
Skin Conditioning
Lactobacillus Ferment
Skin ConditioningIsododecane
EmollientAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Trisiloxane
Skin Conditioning
Polysorbate 60
Emulsifying
Trimethylsiloxysilicate
Emollient
Dextrin Palmitate
Emulsifying
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
C14-22 Alcohols
Emulsion StabilisingHydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingHydrolyzed Wheat Protein/Pvp Crosspolymer
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Parfum
Masking
Evodia Rutaecarpa Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningDibutyl Ethylhexanoyl Glutamide
Skin ConditioningDibutyl Lauroyl Glutamide
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
C12-20 Alkyl Glucoside
EmulsifyingDipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Humectant
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Pentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningTin Oxide
Abrasive
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Hydroxyphenyl Propamidobenzoic Acid
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningAscorbyl Palmitate
Antioxidant
Mica
Cosmetic Colorant
Titanium Dioxide
Cosmetic Colorant
CI 14700
Cosmetic ColorantCI 19140
Cosmetic ColorantButyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 2%, Homosalate 6%, Ethylhexyl Salicylate 5%, Octocrylene 1.6%, Water, Caprylyl Methicone, Dipropylene Glycol, Propanediol, Dimethicone, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Lactobacillus Ferment, Isododecane, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Trisiloxane, Polysorbate 60, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Dextrin Palmitate, Phenoxyethanol, C14-22 Alcohols, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein/Pvp Crosspolymer, Panthenol, Parfum, Evodia Rutaecarpa Fruit Extract, Dibutyl Ethylhexanoyl Glutamide, Dibutyl Lauroyl Glutamide, Disodium EDTA, C12-20 Alkyl Glucoside, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Butylene Glycol, Pentylene Glycol, Tin Oxide, Potassium Sorbate, Hydroxyphenyl Propamidobenzoic Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Mica, Titanium Dioxide, CI 14700, CI 19140
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Also known as Avobenzone, this ingredient is a chemical sunscreen filter that provides protection in the UV-A range.
Avobenzone is globally approved and is the most commonly used UV-A filter in the world.
Studies have found that avobenzone becomes ineffective when exposed to UV light (it is not photostable; meaning that it breaks down in sunlight). Because of this, formulations that include avobenzone will usually contain stabilizers such as octocrylene.
However, some modern formulations (looking at you, EU!) are able to stabilize avobenzone by coating the molecules.
Avobenzone does not protect against the UV-B range, so it's important to check that the sunscreen you're using contains other UV filters that do!
The highest concentration of avobenzone permitted is 3% in the US, and 5% in the EU.
Learn more about Butyl MethoxydibenzoylmethaneHomosalate is a chemical sunscreen filter that provides protection in the UV-B range (280nm - 320 nm), with a peak protection at 306 nm. It is internationally approved for use in sunscreens.
Homosalate is not photo-stable, meaning it's strength as a UV filter degrades over time with exposure to the sun. Because of this, it's often used in combination with other chemical sunscreen filters as avobenzone (which protects from the UV-A range). Homosalate also helps act as a solvent for harder-to-dissolve UV filters.
(Part of the reason that sunscreens need to be frequently re-applied is due to the photo instability of many chemical sunscreen filters)
Currently, homosalate is approved in concentrations up to 10% in the EU and 15% in the US. The FDA is currently doing further research on the effects of homosalate, and it is possible that these approved concentrations will change in the future.
Learn more about HomosalateEthylhexyl Salicylate is an organic compound used to block UV rays. It primarily absorbs UVB rays but offers a small amount of UVA protection as well.
Commonly found in sunscreens, Ethylhexyl Salicylate is created from salicylic acid and 2-ethylhexanol. You might know salicylic acid as the effective acne fighter ingredient and BHA.
The ethylhexanol in this ingredient is a fatty alcohol and helps hydrate your skin, similar to oils. It is an emollient, which means it traps moisture into the skin.
According to manufacturers, Ethylhexyl Salicylate absorbs UV wavelength of 295-315 nm, with a peak absorption at 307-310 nm. UVA rays are linked to long term skin damage, such as hyperpigmentation. UVB rays emit more energy and are capable of damaging our DNA. UVB rays cause sunburn.
Learn more about Ethylhexyl SalicylateOctocrylene protects skin from sun damage. It absorbs UV-B with peak absorption of 304 nm. It is a common sunscreen ingredient and often paired with avobenzone, a UVA filter. This is because octocrylene stabilizes other sunscreen ingredients by protecting them from degradation when exposed to sunlight. Octocrylene is a photostable ingredient and loses about 10% of SPF in 95 minutes.
Octocrylene also acts as an emollient, meaning it helps skin retain moisture and softens skin. It is oil-soluble and hydrophobic, enhancing water-resistant properties in a product.
Those who are using ketoprofen, a topical anti-inflammatory drug, may experience an allergic reaction when using octocrylene. It is best to speak with a healthcare professional about using sunscreens with octocrylene.
The EU allows a maximum of these concentrations:
Learn more about OctocryleneIsododecane is a fragrance, emollient, and solvent.
As an emollient, it helps your skin stay soft and hydrated. Emollients help trap moisture into your skin.
Isododecane's role as a solvent makes it a great texture enhancer. It spreads smoothly on skin and does not leave a sticky feeling behind. Isododecane also helps prevent color transfer in makeup products.
Isododecane is not absorbed into skin.
Learn more about IsododecaneButyloctyl Salicylate is similar to octisalate. It a photostabilizer, SPF booster, emollient and solvent. Its main purpose is to evenly spread out ingredients.
This ingredient is a common sunscreen ingredient carrier and photostabilizer. According to a manufacturer, it is suitable for carrying micro Titanium Dioxide, Zinc Oxide, and pigments.
Photostabilizers help stabilize UV-filters and prevents them from degrading quickly.
Due to regulation loopholes, this ingredient is not required to be labeled as an active chemical filter like other UV ingredients. This is why you'll likely find this ingredient in mineral sunscreens from the US.
According to EU regulation, this ingredient can cause harmful effects to aquatic life.
Learn more about Butyloctyl SalicylateCaprylyl Methicone is a type of silicone.
It helps soften and soothe the skin by creating a thin film on top. This film helps trap moisture, keeping your skin hydrated.
Tocopheryl Acetate is AKA Vitamin E. It is an antioxidant and protects your skin from free radicals. Free radicals damage the skin by breaking down collagen.
One study found using Tocopheryl Acetate with Vitamin C decreased the number of sunburned cells.
Tocopheryl Acetate is commonly found in both skincare and dietary supplements.
Learn more about Tocopheryl AcetateIngredient Ratings
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