Versus

Estée Lauder Futurist Aqua Brilliance Watery Glow Primer Versus La Mer The Perfecting Primer

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

Updated on June 28, 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 dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin, reducing pores, 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 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

Benefits

Concerns

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Ingredients Side-by-side

found in both products
Futurist Aqua Brilliance Watery Glow Primer

Water

Skin Conditioning

Methyl Trimethicone

Skin Conditioning
Silicon Icon

Butylene Glycol

Humectant
1 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Glycerin

Humectant
0 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps brighten skin Icon

Glycereth-26

Humectant
0 / 0

Propanediol

Solvent

Dimethicone

Emollient
1 / 0 Silicon Icon

Sodium Hyaluronate

Humectant
0 / 0 Hyaluronic Acid Icon

Tocopheryl Acetate

Antioxidant
0 / 0 Vitamin E IconAntioxidant Icon

Squalane

Emollient
1 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Helianthus Annuus Seed Extract

Skin Conditioning

Propylene Glycol Dicaprate

Emollient

Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract

Emollient

Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil

Emollient
0-2 / 0 Oil IconHelps hydrate Dry Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Haberlea Rhodopensis Leaf Extract

Skin Conditioning

Beta Vulgaris Root Extract

Skin Conditioning

Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1

Skin Conditioning
Peptide IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Artemia Extract

Skin Conditioning

Nymphaea Alba Root Extract

Skin Conditioning

Hordeum Vulgare Extract

Emollient

Polygala Senega Root Extract

Refreshing

Beta Vulgaris Extract

Skin Protecting

Caffeine

Skin Conditioning

Phenyl Trimethicone

Skin Conditioning
Silicon Icon

Ascorbyl Glucoside

Antioxidant
Vitamin C IconAntioxidant IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconGood for Skin Texture IconGood for Minimizing Pores IconHelps brighten skin Icon

Betaine

Humectant
Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps reduce irritation IconGood for Dark Spots Icon

Trehalose

Humectant

Ethylhexyl Palmitate

Emollient
2-3 / 0 May worsen Oily Skin IconBad for Acne Prone Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone

Emulsifying
Silicon Icon

Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone

Skin Conditioning
Silicon Icon

Cholesterol

Emollient
0 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Methyldihydrojasmonate

Masking

Methicone

Emollient
Silicon Icon

Caprylyl Glycol

Emollient

Triticum Vulgare Germ Extract

Skin Conditioning

Yeast Extract

Skin Conditioning
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Tribehenin

Emollient
0 / 0 Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Glucose

Humectant

Sucrose

Humectant

Tin Oxide

Abrasive
Exfoliant Icon

Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer

Dipropylene Glycol

Masking

PEG-75

Humectant

Silica Dimethyl Silylate

Emollient

Sorbitan Isostearate

Emulsifying
1-2 / 0 Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Polysilicone-11

Synthetic Fluorphlogopite

Xanthan Gum

Emulsifying

Polyquaternium-51

Skin Conditioning

Nylon-12

Non-Reef-Safe Icon

Citric Acid

Buffering
AHA IconGood for Oily Skin IconGood for Skin Texture IconGood for Minimizing Pores IconGood for Scar Healing IconHelps brighten skin IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Sodium Chloride

Masking
Can worsen Dry Skin IconBad for Acne Prone Skin IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Disodium EDTA

Sodium Citrate

Buffering

Chlorphenesin

Antimicrobial
Preservative Icon

Potassium Sorbate

Preservative
Preservative Icon

Phenoxyethanol

Preservative
Preservative Icon

Mica

Cosmetic Colorant
May worsen Eczema Icon

CI 77891

Cosmetic Colorant

CI 77491

Cosmetic Colorant

CI 77163

Cosmetic Colorant
The Perfecting Primer

Water

Skin Conditioning

Dimethicone

Emollient
1 / 0 Silicon Icon

Isododecane

Emollient

Algae Extract

Emollient
May worsen Oily Skin Icon

Polysilicone-11

Butylene Glycol

Humectant
1 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Ascorbyl Glucoside

Antioxidant
Vitamin C IconAntioxidant IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconGood for Skin Texture IconGood for Minimizing Pores IconHelps brighten skin Icon

PEG-10 Dimethicone

Skin Conditioning
Silicon Icon

Sesamum Indicum Seed Oil

Emollient
1-3 / 0 Oil IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Medicago Sativa Seed Powder

Skin Conditioning

Helianthus Annuus Seedcake

Abrasive
Exfoliant IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Seed Meal

Abrasive
Exfoliant Icon

Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil

Perfuming
Fragrance IconOil IconMay cause irritation IconEU Allergen Icon

Sodium Gluconate

Skin Conditioning

Copper Gluconate

Skin Conditioning

Calcium Gluconate

Humectant

Magnesium Gluconate

Skin Conditioning

Zinc Gluconate

Skin Conditioning
Helps fight Acne Icon

Tocopheryl Succinate

Antioxidant
Antioxidant Icon

Niacin

Smoothing
Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconGood for Dark Spots Icon

Helianthus Annuus Seed Extract

Skin Conditioning

Sesamum Indicum Seed Powder

Skin Conditioning

Sigesbeckia Orientalis Extract

Skin Conditioning

Polygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract

Antioxidant
Antioxidant Icon

Plankton Extract

Skin Conditioning

Hordeum Vulgare Extract

Emollient

Palmaria Palmata Extract

Skin Protecting

Triticum Vulgare Germ Extract

Skin Conditioning

Laminaria Saccharina Extract

Skin Protecting

Tocopheryl Linoleate/Oleate

Antioxidant
Antioxidant Icon

Corallina Officinalis Extract

Skin Conditioning

Citrus Aurantifolia Peel Extract

Cleansing
Fragrance Icon

Castanea Sativa Seed Extract

Skin Conditioning

Acrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Copolymer

Emulsion Stabilising

Glycerin

Humectant
0 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps brighten skin Icon

Propylene Glycol Dicaprate

Emollient

Laminaria Digitata Extract

Skin Protecting

Squalane

Emollient
1 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Tourmaline

Sodium Hyaluronate

Humectant
0 / 0 Hyaluronic Acid Icon

Caffeine

Skin Conditioning

Acetyl Glucosamine

Skin Conditioning

Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate

Humectant
Helps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation IconGood for Dark Spots Icon

Caprylyl Glycol

Emollient

Glycyrrhetinic Acid

Skin Conditioning

Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract

Emollient

Polysorbate 80

Emulsifying
0 / 0 May worsen Oily Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Cholesterol

Emollient
0 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract

Astringent

Morus Bombycis Root Extract

Skin Conditioning

Saccharomyces Lysate Extract

Humectant

Dimethoxytolyl Propylresorcinol

Antioxidant
Antioxidant Icon

Yeast Extract

Skin Conditioning
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Alcohol Denat.

Antimicrobial
Alcohol IconCan worsen Dry Skin IconMay worsen Oily Skin IconMay cause irritation IconMay worsen Eczema IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Hexylene Glycol

Emulsifying
0-2 / 0-1

PEG-6

Humectant

Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer

Acetyl Hexapeptide-8

Humectant
Peptide IconHelps with Anti-Aging Icon

Polysorbate 20

Emulsifying
0 / 0 Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Ergothioneine

Antioxidant
Antioxidant Icon

Isohexadecane

Emollient

Tromethamine

Buffering

Lecithin

Emollient

Ethylhexylglycerin

Skin Conditioning

Parfum

Masking
Fragrance IconMay worsen Eczema IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Geraniol

Perfuming
Fragrance IconMay cause irritation IconEU Allergen Icon

Linalool

Perfuming
Fragrance IconMay cause irritation IconEU Allergen IconMay worsen Eczema IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Limonene

Perfuming
Fragrance IconMay worsen Eczema IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Hydroxycitronellal

Perfuming
Fragrance IconMay cause irritation IconEU Allergen Icon

Citronellol

Perfuming
Fragrance IconMay cause irritation IconEU Allergen Icon

Tocopherol

Antioxidant
0-3 / 0-3 Vitamin E IconAntioxidant IconHelps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconGood for Scar Healing Icon

Sodium Sulfite

Preservative
Preservative Icon

Sodium Metabisulfite

Antioxidant
Antioxidant IconPreservative Icon

Citric Acid

Buffering
AHA IconGood for Oily Skin IconGood for Skin Texture IconGood for Minimizing Pores IconGood for Scar Healing IconHelps brighten skin IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

BHT

Antioxidant
Antioxidant Icon

Disodium EDTA

Phenoxyethanol

Preservative
Preservative Icon

Potassium Sorbate

Preservative
Preservative Icon

Sodium Dehydroacetate

Preservative
Preservative Icon

CI 14700

Cosmetic Colorant
2 / 1

Water, Dimethicone, Isododecane, Algae Extract, Polysilicone-11, Butylene Glycol, Ascorbyl Glucoside, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Sesamum Indicum Seed Oil, Medicago Sativa Seed Powder, Helianthus Annuus Seedcake, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Seed Meal, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil, Sodium Gluconate, Copper Gluconate, Calcium Gluconate, Magnesium Gluconate, Zinc Gluconate, Tocopheryl Succinate, Niacin, Helianthus Annuus Seed Extract, Sesamum Indicum Seed Powder, Sigesbeckia Orientalis Extract, Polygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract, Plankton Extract, Hordeum Vulgare Extract, Palmaria Palmata Extract, Triticum Vulgare Germ Extract, Laminaria Saccharina Extract, Tocopheryl Linoleate/Oleate, Corallina Officinalis Extract, Citrus Aurantifolia Peel Extract, Castanea Sativa Seed Extract, Acrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Copolymer, Glycerin, Propylene Glycol Dicaprate, Laminaria Digitata Extract, Squalane, Tourmaline, Sodium Hyaluronate, Caffeine, Acetyl Glucosamine, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Caprylyl Glycol, Glycyrrhetinic Acid, Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract, Polysorbate 80, Cholesterol, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Morus Bombycis Root Extract, Saccharomyces Lysate Extract, Dimethoxytolyl Propylresorcinol, Yeast Extract, Alcohol Denat., Hexylene Glycol, PEG-6, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Polysorbate 20, Ergothioneine, Isohexadecane, Tromethamine, Lecithin, Ethylhexylglycerin, Parfum, Geraniol, Linalool, Limonene, Hydroxycitronellal, Citronellol, Tocopherol, Sodium Sulfite, Sodium Metabisulfite, Citric Acid, BHT, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Dehydroacetate, CI 14700

Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

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

Skin Conditioning, Solvent

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. If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!

Learn more about Water
Humectant, Masking, Skin Conditioning

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.
  • It has mild preservative properties.

Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient that works well with other ingredients.

Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting

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
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
Humectant, Skin Conditioning

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
Emollient, Skin Conditioning

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
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

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

Emollient, Skin Conditioning

This extract comes from cucumber. 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-inflammatory, barrier repair, and hydrating properties.

They contain shikimate dehydrigenase, an enzyme shown to help reduce inflammation and soothe the skin.

The amino acids found in cucumbers help nourish our skin's natural acid mantle (it's an important part of our skin barrier). This slightly acidic film acts as a barrier to protect us from bacteria, viruses, and other contaminants.

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

Fun fact: Cucumis Sativus is native to South Asia and can now be found on every continent.

Learn more about Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract
Emollient, Skin Conditioning

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

Skin Conditioning

Caffeine is most associated with coffee, tea, and cacao. In skincare, it helps with calming inflammation and is rich in antioxidants.

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
Antioxidant

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
Emollient, Emulsifying, Skin Conditioning

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
Emollient, Humectant, Skin Conditioning

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
Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting

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.

Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting

Yeast extract is a silky, clear liquid derived from yeast (usually Saccharomyces cerevisiae or Torula yeast).

This ingredient has plenty of skin benefits:

Bioferments of yeast and soy have been found to reduce hyperpigmentation at low levels.

Due to its fatty acid content, this ingredient may not be fungal-acne safe.

Learn more about Yeast Extract

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

Buffering, Masking

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

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 even out skin tone.

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.

Read more about some other popular AHA's here:

Learn more about Citric Acid

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
Preservative

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

This ingredient comes from potassium salt derived from sorbic acid. Sorbic acid is a natural antibiotic and effective against fungus.

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

You'll often find this ingredient used with other preservatives.

Learn more about Potassium Sorbate
Preservative

Phenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent 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.

When to use

3 Routines
100% use in am
0% use in pm
100% use every day