Versus

e.l.f. cosmetics Tone Adjusting Face Primer Versus The Ordinary High-Spreadability Fluid Primer

Face Primer
Face Primer
American Brand United States
Canadian Brand Canada

Updated on August 15, 2023

Overview

What they are

These products are both vegan, cruelty-free, fungal acne (malassezia) safe, and reef safe face primers. They have a total of 3 ingredients in common

Free From

They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, fragrances, 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

Click any item below to learn more and see relevant ingredients

About this product

About this product

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Key Ingredients

Concerns

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.

Emollient, Skin Conditioning, Solvent

Cyclopentasiloxane, or D5, is a silicone used to improve texture of products and trap moisture.

D5 is considered lightweight and volatile. Volatile means it evaporates quickly after application. Once evaporated, D5 leaves a thin barrier that helps keep skin hydrated.

It is also an emollient. Emollients help soften the skin and prevent water loss. Silicones create a silky texture in products. D5 helps other ingredients become more spreadable.

Studies show D5 is safe to use in skincare products. We recommend speaking with a skincare professional if you have concerns.

Learn more about Cyclopentasiloxane
Emollient, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting

Dimethicone is a type of synthetic silicone created from natural materials such as quartz.

What it does:

Dimethicone comes in different viscosities:

Depending on the viscosity, dimethicone has different properties.

Ingredients lists don't always show which type is used, so we recommend reaching out to the brand if you have questions about the viscosity.

This ingredient is unlikely to cause irritation because it does not get absorbed into skin. However, people with silicone allergies should be careful about using this ingredient.

Note: Dimethicone may contribute to pilling. This is because it is not oil or water soluble, so pilling may occur when layered with products. When mixed with heavy oils in a formula, the outcome is also quite greasy.

Learn more about Dimethicone

This ingredient is a silicone used to improve the texture of products and absorb oil. It does not get absorbed into the skin.

Like other silicones, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer helps condition the skin by creating a barrier. In this sense, it can act as an emollient and trap moisture in.

When to use

7 Routines
86% use in am
14% use in pm
100% use every day
19 Routines
95% use in am
5% use in pm
95% use every day

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

e.l.f. cosmetics Tone Adjusting Face Primer 11 ingredients

2.0 /5
from 2 ratings
Natural (2) Long Lasting (1)
TravelsWithHuckleberry's avatar

TravelsWithHuckleberry

3 months ago
Review

This is likely best for someone who needs to even out general skintone, vs. someone who is truly trying to hide redness (e.g. from rosacea).
Product is lite, blends beautifully, feels nice on skin.

#natural
karintrimble's avatar

Karin Trimble

18 days ago
Review

This breaks me out every time I use it. Causes fungal acne flair up. Not safe for fungal acne prone people.

#long-lasting
#natural

The Ordinary High-Spreadability Fluid Primer 7 ingredients

5.0 /5
from 1 rating
Dewy (1) Light Coverage (1) Long Lasting (1)
alyssaklein's avatar

Alyssa Klein

7 months ago
Review

Feels like a serum more than anything! Very light and easy to rub in. Leaves my skin moisturized and smooth, and none of my products pilled or anything on top! And sustainable packaging too. Love it!

#long-lasting
#light coverage
#dewy