Laura Mercier Pure Canvas Primer - Hydrating Versus e.l.f. cosmetics Poreless Putty Primer
Updated on January 23, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both reef safe face primers. They have a total of 7 ingredients in common
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin and scar healing
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, oils, parabens or sulfates
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
Laura Mercier Pure Canvas Primer 36 ingredients
e.l.f. cosmetics Poreless Putty Primer 27 ingredients
What's inside (and what isn't)
What's inside (and what isn't)
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Laura Mercier Pure Canvas Primer 36 ingredients
e.l.f. cosmetics Poreless Putty Primer 27 ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract
Skin Conditioning
Isododecane
EmollientNeopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate
EmollientPPG-51/Smdi Copolymer
Rosa Centifolia Flower Extract
AstringentRosa Multiflora Fruit Extract
MaskingRhododendron Ferrugineum Extract
MaskingSea Water
HumectantPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Polyurethane-35
Sorbeth-30 Tetraisostearate
Emulsifying
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Ethylhexyl Olivate
Skin Conditioning
Dipropylene Glycol
MaskingLinoleic Acid
Cleansing
Phospholipids
Skin Conditioning
Phytosterols
Skin Conditioning
Sorbitan Sesquiisostearate
Emulsifying
Acrylates/Beheneth-25 Methacrylate Copolymer
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingPPG-8-Ceteth-20
EmulsifyingGlyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer
HumectantSodium Hydroxide
BufferingSqualane
Emollient
Methylpropanediol
SolventTetrasodium EDTA
Sodium Citrate
BufferingCitric Acid
Buffering
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientMica
Cosmetic Colorant
Phenylpropanol
Masking
Iron Oxides
Water, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract, Isododecane, Neopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate, PPG-51/Smdi Copolymer, Rosa Centifolia Flower Extract, Rosa Multiflora Fruit Extract, Rhododendron Ferrugineum Extract, Sea Water, Phenoxyethanol, Polyurethane-35, Sorbeth-30 Tetraisostearate, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Ethylhexyl Olivate, Dipropylene Glycol, Linoleic Acid, Phospholipids, Phytosterols, Sorbitan Sesquiisostearate, Acrylates/Beheneth-25 Methacrylate Copolymer, Xanthan Gum, PPG-8-Ceteth-20, Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer, Sodium Hydroxide, Squalane, Methylpropanediol, Tetrasodium EDTA, Sodium Citrate, Citric Acid, Caprylyl Glycol, Mica, Phenylpropanol, Iron Oxides
Water
Skin ConditioningCyclopentasiloxane
Emollient
Ceresin
Emulsion StabilisingDimethicone
Emollient
Glycerin
Humectant
Hydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientHdi/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer
Polymethylsilsesquioxane
Trimethylsiloxysilicate
Emollient
Propylene Glycol
Humectant
Lauryl PEG-10 Tris(Trimethylsiloxy)Silylethyl Dimethicone
Emulsifying
Sodium Chloride
Masking
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Squalane
Emollient
Oryza Sativa Bran Wax
Skin Conditioning
Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer
Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingSilica
Abrasive
Triethoxycaprylylsilane
Talc
Abrasive
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Disodium EDTA
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
CI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantIron Oxides
Water, Cyclopentasiloxane, Ceresin, Dimethicone, Glycerin, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Hdi/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Propylene Glycol, Lauryl PEG-10 Tris(Trimethylsiloxy)Silylethyl Dimethicone, Sodium Chloride, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Squalane, Oryza Sativa Bran Wax, Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Silica, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Talc, Butylene Glycol, Disodium EDTA, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol, CI 77891, Iron Oxides
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. If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about WaterGlycerin 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 GlycerinButylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:
Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient that works well with other ingredients.
Though this ingredient works well with most skin types, some people with sensitive skin may experience a reaction such as allergic rashes, closed comedones, or itchiness.
Learn more about Butylene GlycolPhenoxyethanol 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.
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".
Is squalane an oil?
Squalane is often called an oil, but it’s technically not; it’s a hydrocarbon, meaning it’s only made of carbon and hydrogen, unlike true oils which are triglycerides made of fatty acids and glycerol.
The term “oil-free” isn’t regulated, so companies can define it however they want. Some exclude all oils, while others just avoid mineral oil or comedogenic oils.
While some people avoid oils thinking they cause breakouts, the right kind of oil (or oil-like ingredient like squalane) can actually help balance and hydrate your skin. It’s worth testing out simple oils or squalane to see what works best for your skin.
Learn more about SqualaneCaprylyl 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 GlycolThis ingredient is a combination of red, black, and yellow iron oxide pigments. This combination of colors is usually found in foundation, because it results in a "skin" color.
Ingredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Laura Mercier Pure Canvas Primer 36 ingredients
e.l.f. cosmetics Poreless Putty Primer 27 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
e.l.f. cosmetics Poreless Putty Primer 27 ingredients
as a primer, its quite good, however it can break you out but i feel that if you prep your skin well beforehand it will lessen the risk of clogging your pores. just make sure to clean your face well at night when using this
