Make Up For Ever Step 1 Primer Pore Minimizer Versus Dr. Brandt Skincare Pores No More® Pore Refiner Primer
Updated on January 10, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both face primers. They have a total of 6 ingredients in common
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, parabens or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain fragrances 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
Make Up For Ever Step 1 Primer Pore Minimizer 21 ingredients
Dr. Brandt Skincare Pores No More® Pore Refiner Primer 28 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Make Up For Ever Step 1 Primer Pore Minimizer 21 ingredients
Dr. Brandt Skincare Pores No More® Pore Refiner Primer 28 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer
Dimethicone
Emollient
Cyclopentasiloxane
Emollient
Diphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningTrimethylsiloxysilicate
Emollient
Titanium Dioxide
Cosmetic Colorant
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Silica Silylate
EmollientParfum
Masking
CI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantLepidium Meyenii Root Extract
Skin ConditioningMagnesium Carbonate
AbsorbentMaltodextrin
AbsorbentPolymethylsilsesquioxane
Aluminum Hydroxide
EmollientTocopherol
Antioxidant
CI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantHydrogen Dimethicone
CI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantWater
Skin ConditioningMethyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Dimethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Diphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Titanium Dioxide, Phenoxyethanol, Silica Silylate, Parfum, CI 77492, Lepidium Meyenii Root Extract, Magnesium Carbonate, Maltodextrin, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Aluminum Hydroxide, Tocopherol, CI 77491, Hydrogen Dimethicone, CI 77499, Water
Cyclopentasiloxane
Emollient
Water
Skin ConditioningDimethicone Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingLauryl PEG/PPG-18/18 Methicone
Skin Conditioning
Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer
Polymethylsilsesquioxane
Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningPolysilicone-11
CI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantDimethyl Isosorbide
SolventPolymethyl Methacrylate
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
PEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone
Emulsifying
Isopentyldiol
HumectantEthylhexyl Palmitate
Emollient
Capryloyl Salicylic Acid
Exfoliating
Chlorphenesin
Antimicrobial
Lavandula Angustifolia Oil
Masking
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningMelaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil
Antioxidant
Silica
Abrasive
Triethoxycaprylylsilane
Hdi/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer
Dimethyl Oxobenzo Dioxasilane
Skin ConditioningSilica Dimethyl Silylate
EmollientTrifolium Pratense Flower Extract
Astringent
Laureth-12
EmulsifyingIron Oxides
Cyclopentasiloxane, Water, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Lauryl PEG/PPG-18/18 Methicone, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Polysilicone-11, CI 77891, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Phenoxyethanol, PEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone, Isopentyldiol, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Capryloyl Salicylic Acid, Chlorphenesin, Lavandula Angustifolia Oil, Ethylhexylglycerin, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil, Silica, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Hdi/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer, Dimethyl Oxobenzo Dioxasilane, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Trifolium Pratense Flower Extract, Laureth-12, 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.
This ingredient comes as a powder made up of small, porous, microbeads. It is used to add a silky feel to products and also helps absorb oil.
Cyclopentasiloxane, or D5, is a silicone used to improve texture of products and trap moisture.
D5 is considered lightweight and volatile. Volatile means it evaporates quickly after application. Once evaporated, D5 leaves a thin barrier that helps keep skin hydrated.
It is also an emollient. Emollients help soften the skin and prevent water loss. Silicones create a silky texture in products. D5 helps other ingredients become more spreadable.
Studies show D5 is safe to use in skincare products. We recommend speaking with a skincare professional if you have concerns.
Learn more about CyclopentasiloxaneThis ingredient is a silicone used to improve the texture of products and absorb oil. It does not get absorbed into the skin.
Like other silicones, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer helps condition the skin by creating a barrier. In this sense, it can act as an emollient and trap moisture in.
This ingredient is a type of elastomer.
Learn more about Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone CrosspolymerPhenoxyethanol 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.
Polymethylsilsesquioxane is a silicone used as a film forming agent.
When applied to the skin, this ingredient creates an invisible film on the surface. This film still allows oxygen to pass through, but prevents moisture from escaping. This can help condition and hydrate the skin. It also leaves a silky feel when applied.
Polymethylsilsesquioxane has not been shown to clog pores. It has been deemed safe to use up to 55%, but most cosmetics use much less.
If you have concerns about using this ingredient, we recommend speaking with a professional.
Learn more about PolymethylsilsesquioxaneWater. 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 WaterIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Make Up For Ever Step 1 Primer Pore Minimizer 21 ingredients
Dr. Brandt Skincare Pores No More® Pore Refiner Primer 28 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Make Up For Ever Step 1 Primer Pore Minimizer 21 ingredients
returned. didn't do anything bad, just didn't seem that effective at minimizing pores or making foundation work better.
