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Product Comparison

Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of Estée Lauder Futurist Aqua Brilliance Watery Glow Primer versus La Mer The Perfecting Primer .

Last updated on September 02, 2023. Published on January 16, 2024

Overview

What they are

These products are both face primers. They have a total of 21 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain exfoliants, hyaluronic acid, peptides, Vitamin C and Vitamin E

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin, scar healing, dark spots and better texture

Free From

They both do not contain any parabens or sulfates

What's Inside

They both contain oils and silicones

We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that need an update? Let us know.

Face Primer American Brand United States
Face Primer American Brand United States

Face Primer

A base to help makeup products last longer on the face or to help control shine.

Face Primer

A base to help makeup products last longer on the face or to help control shine.

Price

Ingredient Info

Click any item below to learn more and view relevant ingredients.
alcohol-free
silicon-free
fragrance-free
sulfate-free
paraben-free
oil-free
fungal-acne safe
reef-safe
eu-allergen-free
vegan
cruelty-free
alcohol-free
silicon-free
fragrance-free
sulfate-free
paraben-free
oil-free
fungal-acne safe
reef-safe
eu-allergen-free
vegan
cruelty-free

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Notable Ingredients

Vitamin C
Vitamin E
Exfoliators
Hyaluronic Acid
Peptides

Benefits

Hydrating (5)
Redness Reducing (3)
Reduces Irritation
Skin Texture
Anti-Aging
Dark Spots
Scar Healing
Brightening (3)

Concerns

Drying
May Worsen Oily Skin
Acne Trigger (2)
Rosacea
Eczema

Notable Ingredients

Vitamin C
Vitamin E
Exfoliators (2)
Hyaluronic Acid
Peptides

Benefits

Hydrating (5)
Redness Reducing (3)
Reduces Irritation
Skin Texture
Anti-Aging (2)
Dark Spots (3)
Scar Healing (3)
Brightening (3)

Concerns

Drying
May Worsen Oily Skin (3)
Irritating (3)
Rosacea (2)
Eczema (2)
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Ingredients Compared

Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.

WaterDimethiconeIsododecaneAlgae ExtractPolysilicone-11Butylene GlycolAscorbyl GlucosidePeg-10 DimethiconeSesamum Indicum Seed OilMedicago Sativa Seed PowderHelianthus Annuus SeedcakePrunus Amygdalus Dulcis Seed MealEucalyptus Globulus Leaf OilSodium GluconateCopper GluconateCalcium GluconateGlycineZinc GluconateTocopheryl SuccinateNiacin Helianthus Annuus Seed ExtractSesamum Indicum Seed PowderSigesbeckia Orientalis ExtractPolygonum Cuspidatum Root ExtractPlankton ExtractHordeum Vulgare ExtractPalmaria Palmata ExtractTriticum Vulgare Germ ExtractLaminaria Saccharina ExtractTocopheryl Linoleate/OleateCorallina Officinalis ExtractCitrus Aurantifolia Peel ExtractCastanea Sativa Seed ExtractAcrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate CopolymerGlycerinPropylene Glycol DicaprateLaminaria Digitata ExtractSqualaneTourmalineSodium HyaluronateCaffeineAcetyl GlucosamineDipotassium GlycyrrhizateCaprylyl GlycolGlycyrrhetinic AcidCucumis Sativus Fruit ExtractPolysorbate 80CholesterolScutellaria Baicalensis Root ExtractMorus Bombycis Root ExtractSaccharomyces Lysate ExtractDimethoxytolyl PropylresorcinolYeast ExtractAlcohol Denat.Hexylene GlycolPeg-6Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp CopolymerAcetyl Hexapeptide-8Polysorbate 20ErgothioneineIsohexadecaneTromethamineLecithinEthylhexylglycerinParfumGeraniolLinaloolLimoneneHydroxycitronellalCitronellolTocopherolSodium SulfiteSodium MetabisulfiteCitric AcidBHADisodium EDTAPhenoxyethanolPotassium SorbateSodium DehydroacetateCI 14700

Ingredients Side-by-side

Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.

Learn more about what what Com. / Irr. ratings are

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Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

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

1
What it does: Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Community Rating: Loved

Water. It's the most common cosmetic ingredient of all. You'll usually see it at the top of ingredient lists, meaning that it makes up the largest part of the product.

So why is it so popular? Water most often acts as a solvent - this means that it helps dissolve other ingredients into the formulation.

You'll also recognize water as that liquid we all need to stay alive. Talk about multi-purpose! If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!

Learn more about Water

Estée Lauder Futurist Aqua Brilliance Watery Glow Primer contains this as ingredient number 1.

La Mer The Perfecting Primer contains this as ingredient number 1.

2
What it does: Humectant, Masking, Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Community Rating: Mixed

Butylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:

  • It is a solvent, meaning that it helps to dissolve other ingredients. This also enhances the absorption of the product into one's skin.
  • It is a humectant, which means that it helps attract moisture into the skin.
  • It helps improve product application.

Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient. It is unlikely to irritate skin, and works well with pretty much all other ingredients.

Estée Lauder Futurist Aqua Brilliance Watery Glow Primer contains this as ingredient number 3.

La Mer The Perfecting Primer contains this as ingredient number 6.

3
What it does: Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Solvent
Community Rating: Loved

Glycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.

A study from 2016 found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.

As a humectant, it helps the skin stay hydrated by pulling moisture to your skin. The low molecular weight of glycerin allows it to pull moisture into the deeper layers of your skin.

Hydrated skin improves your skin barrier; Your skin barrier helps protect against irritants and bacteria.

Glycerin has also been found to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Due to these properties, glycerin is often used in wound and burn treatments.

In cosmetics, glycerin is usually derived from plants such as soybean or palm. However, it can also be sourced from animals, such as tallow or animal fat.

This ingredient is organic, colorless, odorless, and non-toxic.

Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.

Learn more about Glycerin

Estée Lauder Futurist Aqua Brilliance Watery Glow Primer contains this as ingredient number 4.

La Mer The Perfecting Primer contains this as ingredient number 35.

4
What it does: Emollient, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Dimethicone is a silicone used for making products smooth and silky. It also has the added benefit of sealing in hydration. The amount of dimethicone found in beauty products is considered safe and non-comedogenic, meaning it won't clog pores.

Dimethicone has been found increase absorption in skin, boosting the benefits of other ingredients. While there is concern for the safety of dimethicone, the levels used in skincare are safe for use.

Estée Lauder Futurist Aqua Brilliance Watery Glow Primer contains this as ingredient number 7.

La Mer The Perfecting Primer contains this as ingredient number 2.

5
What it does: Humectant, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Loved

Sodium Hyaluronate is hyaluronic acid's salt form. It is commonly derived from the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid.

Like hyaluronic acid, it is great at holding water and acts as a humectant. This makes it a great skin hydrating ingredient.

Sodium Hyaluronate is naturally occurring in our bodies and is mostly found in eye fluid and joints.

These are some other common types of Hyaluronic Acid:

Learn more about Sodium Hyaluronate

Estée Lauder Futurist Aqua Brilliance Watery Glow Primer contains this as ingredient number 8.

La Mer The Perfecting Primer contains this as ingredient number 40.

6
What it does: Emollient, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Loved

Squalane is an emollient that helps the skin hold onto moisture. It's an oily liquid that occurs naturally in certain types of fish and plant oils.

Because squalane boosts hydration in the skin, it also comes with plenty of benefits: it is an antioxidant and can help fight free radicals and skin damage. Squalane is also found to have a detoxifying effect when applied.

Squalane comes from squalene, which occurs naturally within the sebum of our skin. It is one of the oils our skin produces to keep itself hydrated. Squalane is the hydrogenated version of squalene and has a longer shelf life.

Research shows that squalane is non-irritating (even at 100% concentration).

In general, it's a fantastic ingredient. It does a great job at hydrating the skin, and it's suitable for those with sensitive skin.

The source of squalane may impact malassezia / fungal acne. This is because olive oil derived squalane can contain impurities such as fatty acids and plant waxes. Sugarcane derived squalane is recommended for anyone with malassezia concerns.

Is squalane vegan? This depends on the source. Squalane can be derived from both plants and animals. Most squalane used in skincare comes from plants.

Please note: the source of squalane is only known if disclosed by the brand. We recommend reaching out to the brand if you have any questions about their squalane.

Read more about squalene with an "e".

Learn more about Squalane

Estée Lauder Futurist Aqua Brilliance Watery Glow Primer contains this as ingredient number 10.

La Mer The Perfecting Primer contains this as ingredient number 38.

7
What it does: Skin Conditioning

Helianthus Annuus Seed Extract comes from sunflower seeds.

Sunflower seeds are rich in vitamin E. Studies show sunflowers contain antimicrobial and antioxidant properties.

The fatty acids found in sunflower seeds include (from highest amount to least): linoleic acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, arachidic acid, oleic acid, and linolenic acid.

These fatty acids hydrate your skin. Emollients create a film on the skin to prevent moisture from escaping.

Learn more about Helianthus Annuus Seed Extract

Estée Lauder Futurist Aqua Brilliance Watery Glow Primer contains this as ingredient number 11.

La Mer The Perfecting Primer contains this as ingredient number 21.

8
What it does: Emollient

Propylene Glycol Dicaprate is an emollient and emulsifier. It is created from a mixture of fatty acids.

Estée Lauder Futurist Aqua Brilliance Watery Glow Primer contains this as ingredient number 12.

La Mer The Perfecting Primer contains this as ingredient number 36.

9
What it does: Emollient, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Liked

Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract comes from the cucumber. Cucumis Sativus is native to South Asia and can now be found on every continent.

Cucumbers are mostly made up of water (95%), and the other 5% is composed of: vitamin C, caffeic acid, fatty acids, amino acids, and other minerals.

Cucumbers have anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, and hydrating properties.

Vitamin C and Caffeic acid are potent antioxidants that may help with anti-aging. Antioxidants help neutralize free-radical molecules, or unstable molecules that may damage our skin cells and DNA.

Cucumbers contain shikimate dehydrigenase, an enzyme shown to help reduce inflammation and soothe the skin. The amino acids help nourish our skin's natural acid mantle. Our acid mantle is formed from the mixing of sebum and sweat. This slightly acidic film acts as a barrier to protect us from bacteria, viruses, and other contaminants.

Unless you have an allergy to cucumbers, it is generally a non-irritating ingredient.

Learn more about Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract

Estée Lauder Futurist Aqua Brilliance Watery Glow Primer contains this as ingredient number 13.

La Mer The Perfecting Primer contains this as ingredient number 46.

10
What it does: Emollient, Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Hordeum Vulgare Extract.

Estée Lauder Futurist Aqua Brilliance Watery Glow Primer contains this as ingredient number 20.

La Mer The Perfecting Primer contains this as ingredient number 26.

11
What it does: Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Loved

Caffeine is most associated with coffee, tea, and cacao. In skincare, it helps with calming inflammation and anti-aging.

Caffeine is an antioxidants, which help with the signs of aging. This is because antioxidants help fight skin-damaging free radical molecules.

While caffeine is used to treat cellulite and and dark circles, further studies are needed to prove this. It has been believed to help with these skin conditions due to its ability to dilate blood vessels and increase blood flow.

Some studies are looking into caffeine's ability to protect against UV rays.

Learn more about Caffeine

Estée Lauder Futurist Aqua Brilliance Watery Glow Primer contains this as ingredient number 23.

La Mer The Perfecting Primer contains this as ingredient number 41.

12
What it does: Antioxidant
Community Rating: Liked

Ascorbyl Glucoside is a stable form of Vitamin C. It is created by combining glucose from starch.

When applied to skin, Ascorbyl Glucoside turns into Ascorbic Acid.

Ascorbyl Glucoside is an antioxidant. Antioxidants help fight free-radicals, or molecules that may damage skin cells.

It can help to reduce redness, improve skin texture, reduce the effects of aging, reduce the visibility of dark spots, and brighten skin.

Read more about other types of Vitamin C:

Learn more about Ascorbyl Glucoside

Estée Lauder Futurist Aqua Brilliance Watery Glow Primer contains this as ingredient number 25.

La Mer The Perfecting Primer contains this as ingredient number 7.

13
What it does: Emollient, Emulsifying, Skin Conditioning, Stabilising
Community Rating: Liked

Cholesterol is a class of organic molecules called lipids. It helps hydrate your skin and is essential to having a healthy skin barrier.

Our skin naturally contains cholesterol in the outermost layer. Besides cholesterol, it also contains ceramides and fatty acids. Cholesterol makes up about 1/4 of your skin's outer layer and barrier. Your skin barrier is responsible for keeping allergens and microbes out. Having a healthy skin barrier is also responsible for keeping your skin firm and plump.

Our bodies use cholestrol to create vitamin D, steroid hormones, and more.

Learn more about Cholesterol

Estée Lauder Futurist Aqua Brilliance Watery Glow Primer contains this as ingredient number 31.

La Mer The Perfecting Primer contains this as ingredient number 48.

14
What it does: Emollient, Humectant, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Liked

Caprylyl Glycol is a humectant and emollient, meaning it attracts and preserves moisture.

It is a common ingredient in many products, especially those designed to hydrate skin. The primary benefits are retaining moisture, skin softening, and promoting a healthy skin barrier.

Though Caprylyl Glycol is an alcohol derived from fatty acids, it is not the kind that can dry out skin.

This ingredient is also used as a preservative to extend the life of products. It has slight antimicrobial properties.

Learn more about Caprylyl Glycol

Estée Lauder Futurist Aqua Brilliance Watery Glow Primer contains this as ingredient number 34.

La Mer The Perfecting Primer contains this as ingredient number 44.

15
What it does: Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting
Community Rating: Liked

This ingredient is extracted from the germ part of the wheat plant. The germ of a plant refers to the seed embryo, or part that sprouts into a new plant.

Some studies have found wheat germ to help with wound healing.

Estée Lauder Futurist Aqua Brilliance Watery Glow Primer contains this as ingredient number 35.

La Mer The Perfecting Primer contains this as ingredient number 28.

16
What it does: Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting
Community Rating: Mixed

We don't have a description for Yeast Extract.

Estée Lauder Futurist Aqua Brilliance Watery Glow Primer contains this as ingredient number 36.

La Mer The Perfecting Primer contains this as ingredient number 53.

17
What it does:
Community Rating: Disliked

We don't have a description for Polysilicone-11.

Estée Lauder Futurist Aqua Brilliance Watery Glow Primer contains this as ingredient number 46.

La Mer The Perfecting Primer contains this as ingredient number 5.

18
What it does: Buffering, Masking
Community Rating: Disliked

Citric Acid is an AHA derived from citrus fruits (think oranges, lemons, and limes!).

If you spot Citric Acid near the end of an ingredient list, it's likely there as a pH adjuster rather than an active ingredient.

As an AHA, Citric Acid removes the top layer of skin cells from the newer layer of skin underneath. This helps skin to remove dark spots and look more even.

Read more about some other popular AHA's here:

Learn more about Citric Acid

Estée Lauder Futurist Aqua Brilliance Watery Glow Primer contains this as ingredient number 51.

La Mer The Perfecting Primer contains this as ingredient number 74.

19
What it does:
Community Rating: Disliked

Disodium EDTA plays a role in making products more stable by aiding other preservatives.

It is a chelating agent, meaning it neutralizes metal ions that may be found in a product.

Disodium EDTA is a salt of edetic acid and is found to be safe in cosmetic ingredients.

Learn more about Disodium EDTA

Estée Lauder Futurist Aqua Brilliance Watery Glow Primer contains this as ingredient number 53.

La Mer The Perfecting Primer contains this as ingredient number 76.

20
What it does: Preservative
Community Rating: Disliked

Potassium Sorbate is a preservative used to prevent yeast and mold in products. It is commonly found in both cosmetic and food products.

Potassium sorbate is potassium salt derived from sorbic acid. Sorbic acid is a natural antibiotic and effective against fungus.

Potassium sorbate and sorbic acid can be found in baked goods, cheeses, dried meats, dried fruit, ice cream, pickles, wine, yogurt, and more.

Potassium sorbate is often used with stronger preservatives.

Learn more about Potassium Sorbate

Estée Lauder Futurist Aqua Brilliance Watery Glow Primer contains this as ingredient number 56.

La Mer The Perfecting Primer contains this as ingredient number 78.

21
What it does: Preservative
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Phenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent germ and microbial growth. By itself, it has a scent that is similar to that of a rose.

It's often used in formulations along with Caprylyl Glycol to preserve the shelf life of products.

Estée Lauder Futurist Aqua Brilliance Watery Glow Primer contains this as ingredient number 57.

La Mer The Perfecting Primer contains this as ingredient number 77.

Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.

31% are loved or liked
13% have mixed ratings
38% are disliked or very disliked
18% have no rating yet
33% are loved or liked
10% have mixed ratings
35% are disliked or very disliked
23% have no rating yet

Usage

Here's some more info on how this product is used by our community.

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Our Dupe Finder has found 1 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to La Mer The Perfecting Primer.

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