Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer: What to Know Before Buy

Are you looking for a good beauty product that combines the benefits of moisturizer, sunscreen, and foundation? It is always challenging to find a worthwhile formula. That’s why I took responsibility and did a review for one of the most wanted products of 2023 – Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer! Keep reading to learn more about my personal experience of using this product, its benefits, and more.

Packaging is What You See First

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer comes in a simple dark-brown box made of a fragile material. Why do I focus on this so much? The answer is short – it is a brand’s first impression. And, in this case, it lost a chance to make an impact on me.

On the front side of the box, you can see the company’s name and information about sun protection (SPF 20 UVB/UVA/PA+++). If we turn it around, we also observe the list of ingredients, warnings, expiration date, and a short excerpt about the product.

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer

When you open the box, you will find a collapsible tube. The label on the tube repeats the packaging design. It is excellent because you can find the necessary information about the product without keeping the box. The size of the tube is pretty convenient. You can put it in your purse and carry it wherever you go.

Review of Ingredients

Ingredients are vital for any skin care product as they create all the magic. Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer is formulated with a broad list of hard-to-pronounce components, which we need to analyze to ensure the product’s safety and effectiveness. I divided each ingredient into categories and described all my thoughts below.

• Solvents (water, isohexadecane, PPG-15 stearyl ether)

• Sun Protectors (octinoxate, ethylhexyl salicylate, iron oxides, titanium dioxide)

• Emollients (disiloxane, C12-15 alkyl benzoate, ethylhexyl palmitate, cyclopentasiloxane, isopropyl titanium triisostearate, jojoba esters, squalane, lauryl PCA)

• Humectant (glycerin)

• Emulsifiers (PEG 30 dipolyhydroxystearate, PPG-15 stearyl ether, isopropyl titanium triisostearate, magnesium stearate)

• Texture Enhancers (isohexadecane, boron nitride, magnesium stearate)

• Occlusive Agents (methicone, jojoba esters, squalane)

• Antioxidants (pentaerythrityl tetra-di-t-butyl hydroxyhydrocinnamate, tocopheryl acetate)

• Chelating Agent (disodium EDTA)

• Skin Conditioning Agent (dipotassium glycyrrhizate)

• Preservatives (phenoxyethanol, sodium dehydroacetate, methylparaben, Propylparaben)

Well, Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer contains safe ingredients, although one of them, like octinoxate, is questionable. Currently, this chemical sun filter is approved by the FDA but is considered ecotoxic and banned in Denmark in creams for kids. Besides, this component can raise the absorption of other substances and occur in breast milk.

In addition to my review, I can’t call this moisturizer absolutely non-comedogenic because it has ethylhexyl palmitate, is rated as a four on the comedogenic scale, and consequently causes breakouts. I also question the feasibility of using it for any skin type. The formula has oil absorbents, such as boron nitride, iron oxides, and titanium dioxide, that can make dry skin even drier.

My Experience

Before we start, I would like to provide a few details about myself. I am a 29-year-old woman in good health with a combination skin and slightly enlarged pores. Sometimes, I get blackheads on my T-zone, which I remove through regular at-home extractions. I also have occasional acne, which usually appears when my menstrual cycle is about to start. These pimples often leave behind red or brownish spots that take a while to disappear.

As I have grown older, my skin has become increasingly sensitive to certain components used in cosmetics. So, I always read the label and do a patch test before applying anything to my face. This time I also decided to check my skin reactions by placing a small amount of Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer on my inner arm and covering it with a patch for 48 hours. The result was fine, and I moved on.

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer

I washed my face, then applied a toner and hydrating serum. As part of this trial, I didn’t involve my regular moisturizer to get an unbiased result. I used my fingertips to apply Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer (2W1 Natural) in a stippling motion from the inside of my face outward. It was challenging because the product dried out fast and couldn’t spread evenly. Eventually, it turned into dry patches on my T-zone, and I felt the need for extra hydration.

As you might have guessed, I was not happy about my experience. Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer didn’t suit my skin, and I would prefer using something different or following a traditional way, applying moisturizer, foundation, and sunscreen separately. Personally, I would choose a product with full coverage, although I like how lightweight this tinted moisturizer is.

Pros of Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer

• Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer is a 3-in-1, meaning it can work as a moisturizer, foundation, and sunscreen.

• It provides sheer, natural-looking coverage that can help even out the skin tone and blur imperfections.

• This tinted moisturizer contains broad-spectrum SPF 20 to help protect the skin from the harmful effects of UVA and UVB rays.

• This product is lightweight, non-greasy, and easily absorbed into the skin.

• It can be used as a primer to create a smooth, even canvas for makeup application, helping it stay in place longer.

Cons of Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer

• It may not provide enough coverage for those who want a full coverage look.

• This product has oil absorbents, such as Boron Nitride, Iron Oxides, and Titanium Dioxide, that can make dry skin even drier.

• It contains octinoxate, which is considered ecotoxic and is banned in Denmark. Besides, this sun filter can increase the absorption of other substances and appear in breast milk.

• This moisturizer contains ethylhexyl palmitate, rated as a four on the comedogenic scale, and consequently causes breakouts.

• It dries out fast, which makes it a bit challenging to spread evenly on the skin.

Final Verdict: Should You Buy Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer?

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer is a highly-rated, cult-favorite product that has received praise from beauty experts. However, I suggest thinking twice before buying it. This tinted moisturizer is not suitable for dry skin because it can make their skin even drier. People with oily skin might like it for its silky matte finish, but there is a risk of developing breakouts due to the comedogenic ethylhexyl palmitate in its formula. Who is left? People with normal skin type, are you here? Well, you, guys, might try this product if you don’t mind dreadful octinoxate (chemical filter). Ultimately, it is FDA-approved.