Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of Estée Lauder Idealist Pore Minimizing Skin Refinisher versus La Mer The Perfecting Primer .
Published on December 30, 2023
Overview
What they are
These products are both reef safe . They have a total of 24 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, dark spots and better texture
Free From
They both do not contain any parabens or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain common allergens, fragrances, 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.
Serum
Serums are highly concentrated with ingredients to provide skin with benefits. They should be used after cleansing and before moisturizing.
Face Primer
A base to help makeup products last longer on the face or to help control shine.
Price
Ingredient Info
Estée Lauder Idealist Pore Minimizing Skin Refinisher 54 ingredients
La Mer The Perfecting Primer 80 ingredients
Alcohol Free
This product is free of harsh alcohols 🎉
Contains Silicon
Ingredients in this product that are types of silicon:
Contains Fragrance
Ingredients in this product that are forms of fragrance:
Sulfate Free
This product is free of sulfates 🎉
Paraben Free
This product is free of parabens 🎉
Contains Oils
Ingredients in this product that are types of oil:
Not Malassezia Safe
Ingredients in this product that are not malassezia safe:
Reef Safe
This product is free of ingredients that damage reefs 🎉
Contains EU Allergens
Ingredients in this product that are EU allergens:
Non Vegan
This product is not vegan 😥
Not Cruelty Free
This product is not cruelty-free 😥
Contains Alcohol
Ingredients in this product that are types of alcohol:
Contains Silicon
Ingredients in this product that are types of silicon:
Contains Fragrance
Ingredients in this product that are forms of fragrance:
Sulfate Free
This product is free of sulfates 🎉
Paraben Free
This product is free of parabens 🎉
Contains Oils
Ingredients in this product that are types of oil:
Not Malassezia Safe
Ingredients in this product that are not malassezia safe:
Reef Safe
This product is free of ingredients that damage reefs 🎉
Contains EU Allergens
Ingredients in this product that are EU allergens:
Non Vegan
This product is not vegan 😥
Not Cruelty Free
This product is not cruelty-free 😥
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Estée Lauder Idealist Pore Minimizing Skin Refinisher 54 ingredients
La Mer The Perfecting Primer 80 ingredients
Notable Ingredients
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Benefits
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Concerns
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Notable Ingredients
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Benefits
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Concerns
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
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Join SkinSortIngredients Compared
Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.
Estée Lauder Idealist Pore Minimizing Skin Refinisher 54 ingredients
La Mer The Perfecting Primer 80 ingredients
Water • Cyclopentasiloxane • Dimethicone • Polysilicone-11 • Acetyl Glucosamine • Sodium Lactate • Morus Nigra Root Extract • Yeast Extract • Serenoa Serrulata Fruit Extract • Triticum Vulgare Germ Extract • Vitis Vinifera Fruit Extract • Scutellaria Baicalensis Extract • Castanea Sativa Seed Extract • Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract • Hordeum Vulgare Extract • Lavandula Angustifolia Extract • Amorphophallus Konjac Root Powder • Caffeine • Laminaria Saccharina Extract • Tocopheryl Acetate • Salvia Sclarea Extract • Sodium Hyaluronate • Coriandrum Sativum Oil • Citrus Grandis • Cholesterol • Glycerin • Ethylhexylglycerin • Squalane • Polyethylene • Isopentyldiol • Phenyl Trimethicone • Isohexadecane • Polysorbate 20 • Pantethine • Methyldihydrojasmonate • Acrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Copolymer • Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer • Polysorbate 80 • Peg-8 • Ethyl 2,2-Dimethylhydrocinnamal • Phospholipids • Palmitoyl Oligopeptide • Butylene Glycol • Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate • Glyceryl Polymethacrylate • Disodium Succinoyl Glycyrrhetinate • Nordihydroguaiaretic Acid • Chlorphenesin • Phenoxyethanol • Limonene • Linalool • CI 77491 • Mica • CI 77891
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 • Glycine • 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 • BHA • Disodium EDTA • Phenoxyethanol • Potassium Sorbate • Sodium Dehydroacetate • CI 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
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
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 WaterEstée Lauder Idealist Pore Minimizing Skin Refinisher contains this as ingredient number 1.
La Mer The Perfecting Primer contains this as ingredient number 1.
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 Idealist Pore Minimizing Skin Refinisher contains this as ingredient number 3.
La Mer The Perfecting Primer contains this as ingredient number 2.
We don't have a description for Polysilicone-11.
Estée Lauder Idealist Pore Minimizing Skin Refinisher contains this as ingredient number 4.
La Mer The Perfecting Primer contains this as ingredient number 5.
Acetyl Glucosamine is an antioxidant and humectant. It is a form of Vitamin C.
Acetyl Glucosamine helps the skin produce hyaluronic acid and boost hydration.
Antioxidants help fight off free-radicals, molecules that may damage skin cells.
When paired with niacinamide, Acetyl Glucosamine has been shown to be effective at reducing discoloration.
Read more about other types of Vitamin C:
Learn more about Acetyl GlucosamineEstée Lauder Idealist Pore Minimizing Skin Refinisher contains this as ingredient number 5.
La Mer The Perfecting Primer contains this as ingredient number 42.
We don't have a description for Yeast Extract.
Estée Lauder Idealist Pore Minimizing Skin Refinisher contains this as ingredient number 8.
La Mer The Perfecting Primer contains this as ingredient number 53.
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 Idealist Pore Minimizing Skin Refinisher contains this as ingredient number 10.
La Mer The Perfecting Primer contains this as ingredient number 28.
We don't have a description for Castanea Sativa Seed Extract.
Estée Lauder Idealist Pore Minimizing Skin Refinisher contains this as ingredient number 13.
La Mer The Perfecting Primer contains this as ingredient number 33.
We don't have a description for Hordeum Vulgare Extract.
Estée Lauder Idealist Pore Minimizing Skin Refinisher contains this as ingredient number 15.
La Mer The Perfecting Primer contains this as ingredient number 26.
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 CaffeineEstée Lauder Idealist Pore Minimizing Skin Refinisher contains this as ingredient number 18.
La Mer The Perfecting Primer contains this as ingredient number 41.
We don't have a description for Laminaria Saccharina Extract.
Estée Lauder Idealist Pore Minimizing Skin Refinisher contains this as ingredient number 19.
La Mer The Perfecting Primer contains this as ingredient number 29.
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 HyaluronateEstée Lauder Idealist Pore Minimizing Skin Refinisher contains this as ingredient number 22.
La Mer The Perfecting Primer contains this as ingredient number 40.
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 CholesterolEstée Lauder Idealist Pore Minimizing Skin Refinisher contains this as ingredient number 25.
La Mer The Perfecting Primer contains this as ingredient number 48.
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 GlycerinEstée Lauder Idealist Pore Minimizing Skin Refinisher contains this as ingredient number 26.
La Mer The Perfecting Primer contains this as ingredient number 35.
Ethylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.
You might see Ethylhexylglycerin often paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol. Ethylhexylglycerin has been found to increase the effectiveness of these other preservatives.
Estée Lauder Idealist Pore Minimizing Skin Refinisher contains this as ingredient number 27.
La Mer The Perfecting Primer contains this as ingredient number 64.
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 SqualaneEstée Lauder Idealist Pore Minimizing Skin Refinisher contains this as ingredient number 28.
La Mer The Perfecting Primer contains this as ingredient number 38.
Isohexadecane is added to enhance texture, emulsify, and to help cleanse. It is an isoparrafin. It is a component of petrolatum.
Due to its large size, Isohexadecane is not absorbed by the skin. Instead, it sits on top and acts as an emollient. Emollients help keep your skin soft and smooth by trapping moisture within.
Isohexadecane is often used in products designed to help oily skin. It is lightweight and non-greasy while helping to moisturize. When mixed with silicones, it gives a product a silky feel.
Learn more about IsohexadecaneEstée Lauder Idealist Pore Minimizing Skin Refinisher contains this as ingredient number 32.
La Mer The Perfecting Primer contains this as ingredient number 61.
Polysorbate 20 is made by combining ethoxylation of sorbitan, ethylene oxide, and lauric acid. It is a mild cleansing agent, surfactant, and emulsifier.
As a surfactant, it helps collect dirt and oils for washing. Emulsifiers prevent oils and water from separating.
Polysorbate 20 also adds scent to a product. Since it is made using sorbitol, it has a sweet scent. Sorbitol can also be found in fruits such as apples and peaches.
The lauric acid used to create Polysorbate 20 is often derived from coconuts.
Polysorbate 20 may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Polysorbate 20Estée Lauder Idealist Pore Minimizing Skin Refinisher contains this as ingredient number 33.
La Mer The Perfecting Primer contains this as ingredient number 59.
We don't have a description for Acrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Copolymer.
Estée Lauder Idealist Pore Minimizing Skin Refinisher contains this as ingredient number 36.
La Mer The Perfecting Primer contains this as ingredient number 34.
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer (let's call it AAVC for short) is a synthetically created polymer. It's used as a film-forming agent and used to thicken the consistency of products.
AAVC is able to increase the consistency and viscosity of products due to its large molecule size. It also prevents ingredients from separating.
Estée Lauder Idealist Pore Minimizing Skin Refinisher contains this as ingredient number 37.
La Mer The Perfecting Primer contains this as ingredient number 57.
Polysorbate 80 is a surfactant and emulsifier. It is used to keep ingredients together, and prevent oils and waters from separating.
It is made from polyethoxylated sorbitan and oleic acid. This ingredient can be found in cosmetics, foods, and medicine. It is water-soluble.
Polysorbate 80 may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Polysorbate 80Estée Lauder Idealist Pore Minimizing Skin Refinisher contains this as ingredient number 38.
La Mer The Perfecting Primer contains this as ingredient number 47.
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 Idealist Pore Minimizing Skin Refinisher contains this as ingredient number 43.
La Mer The Perfecting Primer contains this as ingredient number 6.
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 Idealist Pore Minimizing Skin Refinisher contains this as ingredient number 49.
La Mer The Perfecting Primer contains this as ingredient number 77.
Limonene is a fragrance that adds scent and taste to a formulation.
It's found in the peel oil of citrus fruits and other plants such as lavender and eucalyptus. The scent of limonene is generally described as "sweet citrus".
Limonene acts as an antioxidant, meaning it helps neutralize free radicals.
When exposed to air, oxidized limonene may sensitize the skin. Because of this, limonene is often avoided by people with sensitive skin.
The term 'fragrance' is not regulated in many countries. In many cases, it is up to the brand to define this term. For instance, many brands choose to label themselves as "fragrance-free" because they are not using synthetic fragrances. However, their products may still contain ingredients such as essential oils that are considered a fragrance.
Learn more about LimoneneEstée Lauder Idealist Pore Minimizing Skin Refinisher contains this as ingredient number 50.
La Mer The Perfecting Primer contains this as ingredient number 68.
Linalool is a fragrance and helps add scent to products. It's derived from common plants such as cinnamon, mint, citrus, and lavender.
Linalool has the same effect as Limonene when exposed to air. Oxidized linalool can cause allergies and skin sensitivity.
Linalool has a scent that is floral, spicy tropical, and citrus-like.
Learn more about LinaloolEstée Lauder Idealist Pore Minimizing Skin Refinisher contains this as ingredient number 51.
La Mer The Perfecting Primer contains this as ingredient number 67.
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.
Estée Lauder Idealist Pore Minimizing Skin Refinisher 54 ingredients
La Mer The Perfecting Primer 80 ingredients
Usage
Here's some more info on how this product is used by our community.
When to use
Estée Lauder Idealist Pore Minimizing Skin Refinisher 54 ingredients
La Mer The Perfecting Primer 80 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Estée Lauder Idealist Pore Minimizing Skin Refinisher 54 ingredients
ChristineQuimbo_318
I've been using Idealist since it first came out in 2000, and have loved it ever since. They've discontinued just this year, and I'm now desperate...
I've been using Idealist since it first came out in 2000, and have loved it ever since. They've discontinued just this year, and I'm now desperate for any stock left, or for EL to bring it back...
La Mer The Perfecting Primer 80 ingredients
Alternatives
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See 12 alternativesOur Dupe Finder has found 1 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to La Mer The Perfecting Primer.
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