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Product Comparison

Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of La Mer The Perfecting Primer versus Tom Ford Illuminating Primer .

Published on June 13, 2023

Overview

What they are

These products are both reef safe face primers. They have a total of 25 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain hyaluronic acid, peptides and Vitamin E

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for dry skin, brightening skin and scar healing

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.

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 (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)

Notable Ingredients

Vitamin E
Hyaluronic Acid
Peptides

Benefits

Hydrating
Scar Healing
Brightening (2)

Concerns

May Worsen Oily Skin (2)
Acne Trigger
Eczema
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Ingredients Compared

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

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

Water • Butyrospermum Parkii Oil • Caprylic/Capric/Myristic/Stearic Triglyceride • Methyl Trimethicone • Di-C12-15 Alkyl Fumarate • Dimethicone • Butylene Glycol • Steareth-2 • Stearyl Alcohol • Propanediol • Glyceryl Stearate • Glycerin • Steareth-21 • Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract • Dipteryx Odorata Seed Extract • Polygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract • Sapindus Mukorossi Fruit Extract • Morinda Citrifolia Fruit Extract • Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil • Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract • Boswellia Serrata Extract • Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract • Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract • Algae Extract • Cocos Nucifera Oil • Pogostemon Cablin Leaf Oil • Cananga Odorata Flower Oil • Amyris Balsamifera Bark Oil • Vetiveria Zizanoides Root Oil • Caffeine • Lecithin • Glycine Soja Protein • Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 • Polysilicone-11 • Trehalose • Acetyl Glucosamine • Caprylyl Glycol • Acrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Copolymer • Astrocaryum Murumuru Seed Butter • Isohexadecane • Sodium Dehydroacetate • Tocopheryl Acetate • Pentylene Glycol • Hexylene Glycol • Polysorbate 80 • Sodium Hyaluronate • Decarboxy Carnosine Hcl • Carbomer • Sodium Hydroxide • Caesalpinia Spinosa Gum • Disodium EDTA • Phenoxyethanol • Limonene • Linalool • CI 77499 • CI 19140 • 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

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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

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

Tom Ford Illuminating Primer contains this as ingredient number 1.

2
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.

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

Tom Ford Illuminating Primer contains this as ingredient number 6.

3
What it does: Emollient, Humectant, Masking, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Disliked

Algae Extract is derived from Algae. Algae is an informal term for a group of aquatic organisms that can photosynthesize. It is estimated there are at least 30,000 types of Algae.

Algae contains antioxidants. Antioxidants help fight free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells, such as pollution.

Algae can also help with soothing and hydrating skin.

Many different types of algae have different benefits.

Learn more about Algae Extract

La Mer The Perfecting Primer contains this as ingredient number 4.

Tom Ford Illuminating Primer contains this as ingredient number 24.

4
What it does:
Community Rating: Disliked

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

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

Tom Ford Illuminating Primer contains this as ingredient number 34.

5
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.

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

Tom Ford Illuminating Primer contains this as ingredient number 7.

6
What it does: Antioxidant
Community Rating: Loved

Polygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract comes from the Japanese Knotweed plant native to Japan, Korea, and China.

This plant contains anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It contains high amounts of resveratrol, a potent antioxidant.

The root of the plant has been used in traditional folk medicine throughout Asia.

Learn more about Polygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract

La Mer The Perfecting Primer contains this as ingredient number 24.

Tom Ford Illuminating Primer contains this as ingredient number 16.

7
What it does: Emulsion Stabilising
Community Rating: Mixed

We don't have a description for Acrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Copolymer.

La Mer The Perfecting Primer contains this as ingredient number 34.

Tom Ford Illuminating Primer contains this as ingredient number 38.

8
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

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

Tom Ford Illuminating Primer contains this as ingredient number 12.

9
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

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

Tom Ford Illuminating Primer contains this as ingredient number 46.

10
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

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

Tom Ford Illuminating Primer contains this as ingredient number 30.

11
What it does: Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Liked

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 Glucosamine

La Mer The Perfecting Primer contains this as ingredient number 42.

Tom Ford Illuminating Primer contains this as ingredient number 36.

12
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

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

Tom Ford Illuminating Primer contains this as ingredient number 37.

13
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

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

Tom Ford Illuminating Primer contains this as ingredient number 20.

14
What it does: Emulsifying
Community Rating: Very Disliked

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 80

La Mer The Perfecting Primer contains this as ingredient number 47.

Tom Ford Illuminating Primer contains this as ingredient number 45.

15
What it does: Astringent, Humectant, Soothing
Community Rating: Loved

Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract comes from the Baikal skullcap or Chinese skullcap plant. This plant is native to Northeast Asia and can be found in China, Mongolia, Korea, and Siberia.

In cosmetics, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract provides antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits. This is due to the flavonoid composition of Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract.

In Chinese traditional folk medicine, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract is used to help treat lung and hypertension.

Learn more about Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract

La Mer The Perfecting Primer contains this as ingredient number 49.

Tom Ford Illuminating Primer contains this as ingredient number 23.

16
What it does: Emulsifying, Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Community Rating: Disliked

Hexylene Glycol is a surfactant. Glycols are a class of alcohols. Hexylene Glycol is a surfactant and emulsifier.

As a surfactant, Hexylene Glycol helps gather dirt and oil on your skin to be washed away.

As an emulsifier, Hexylene Glycol helps keep water and oil together. This prevents them from separating in a product. Hexylene Glycol also thins out the texture of a product by lessening viscosity.

Hexylene Glycol has a small molecular weight.

Learn more about Hexylene Glycol

La Mer The Perfecting Primer contains this as ingredient number 55.

Tom Ford Illuminating Primer contains this as ingredient number 44.

17
What it does: Humectant, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Loved

Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 is a peptide. A common name for this peptide is Argireline.

Argireline has a similar function to botox. It prevents muscle movement and contractions. By preventing muscles from moving, Argireline also prohibits the formation of fine lines and wrinkles. However, research is lacking in proving this ingredient to be as effective as botox.

Argireline tells our body to create more collagen. Collagen is a protein that makes connective tissue. Boosting collagen production leads to a healthier skin barrier. Having a healthy skin barrier means having firm and hydrated skin.

Read more about other common types of peptides here:

Learn more about Acetyl Hexapeptide-8

La Mer The Perfecting Primer contains this as ingredient number 58.

Tom Ford Illuminating Primer contains this as ingredient number 33.

18
What it does: Emollient, Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Community Rating: Mixed

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 Isohexadecane

La Mer The Perfecting Primer contains this as ingredient number 61.

Tom Ford Illuminating Primer contains this as ingredient number 40.

19
What it does: Emollient, Emulsifying, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Disliked

Lecithin is a term for a group of substances found in plants, animals, and humans. They are made up of mixture of fatty acids. These fatty acids usually are a mixture of phosphoric acid's choline ester connected to stearic, oleic, and palmitic acids. Most lecithins are created from plant ingredients scuh as sunflower.

Lecithin is an emollient. Emollients help soften the skin and creates a barrier to keep moisture in.

As an emulsifier, it also helps prevent water and oil ingredients from separating. Lecithin can help ingredients be better absorbed by the skin. The phospholipids in Lecithin can produce liposomes. Liposomes help other ingredients get through the skin barrier.

Learn more about Lecithin

La Mer The Perfecting Primer contains this as ingredient number 63.

Tom Ford Illuminating Primer contains this as ingredient number 31.

20
What it does: Perfuming
Community Rating: Very Disliked

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 Linalool

La Mer The Perfecting Primer contains this as ingredient number 67.

Tom Ford Illuminating Primer contains this as ingredient number 54.

21
What it does: Perfuming, Solvent
Community Rating: Very Disliked

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 Limonene

La Mer The Perfecting Primer contains this as ingredient number 68.

Tom Ford Illuminating Primer contains this as ingredient number 53.

22
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

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

Tom Ford Illuminating Primer contains this as ingredient number 51.

23
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.

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

Tom Ford Illuminating Primer contains this as ingredient number 52.

24
What it does: Preservative
Community Rating: Loved

This ingredient is a preservative with antimicrobial properties. It is the sodium salt of dehydroacetic acid.

It is especially effective at preventing bacterial and fungal growth in low concentrations.

La Mer The Perfecting Primer contains this as ingredient number 79.

Tom Ford Illuminating Primer contains this as ingredient number 41.

25
What it does: Cosmetic Colorant

Ci 14700 is a synthetic red dye.

La Mer The Perfecting Primer contains this as ingredient number 80.

Tom Ford Illuminating Primer contains this as ingredient number 57.

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

33% are loved or liked
10% have mixed ratings
35% are disliked or very disliked
23% have no rating yet
32% are loved or liked
14% have mixed ratings
37% are disliked or very disliked
18% have no rating yet

Usage

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

When to use

Alternatives

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

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We haven't detected any alternatives for Tom Ford Illuminating Primer.

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