Avon Anew Vitamin C Illuminating Priming Moisturizer Review

Avon Anew Vitamin C Illuminating Priming Moisturizer
5.0
/ 10
Moisturizing
10.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
0.0 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
3Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle
Rich
in Antioxidants
Ingredients

Avon Anew Vitamin C Illuminating Priming Moisturizer Ingredients

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Full Ingredient List (INCI):

Water, Glycerin, C12-13 Alkyl Lactate, Cyclopentasiloxane, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Silica, Niacinamide, Tocopheryl Acetate, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Extract, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Extract, Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Extract, Citrus Tangerina (Tangerine) Peel Extract, Phytol, PEG-40 Stearate, Steareth-2, Glyceryl Stearate, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Carbomer, Nylon-12, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Behenyl Alcohol, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Sodium Hydroxide, Disodium EDTA, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Triethyl Citrate, Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer, Phosphoric Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Mica, Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Iron Oxides
Review

Does Avon Anew Vitamin C Illuminating Priming Moisturizer Work?

 
According to CreamScan's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Avon Anew Vitamin C Illuminating Priming Moisturizer has to offer:
 
✅ Strong humectant moisturizing. This lightweight, humectant-rich product, ideal for oily skin, has a moisturizing rating of 5.0 out of 10.
✅ Modest anti-wrinkle efficacy: Avon Anew Vitamin C Illuminating Priming Moisturizer has an anti-wrinkle rating of 3.0 out of 10 so you may expect some, although limited, effect on wrinkles.
✅ Antioxidant protection

  

Key Benefits of Avon Anew Vitamin C Illuminating Priming Moisturizer

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Avon Anew Vitamin C Illuminating Priming Moisturizer:
 

🔵 Lightweight Purely Humectant Moisturizing, Ideal for Oily Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, Avon Anew Vitamin C Illuminating Priming Moisturizer is quite moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 5.0 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? It is purely humectant. It has zero occlusivity (we didn't find any occlusive ingredients on the ingredient list) and a maximum humectancy of 10 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Glycerin (est. ≈9.0%) and Niacinamide (est. ≈2.0%).

This humectant-rich product, when used alone as a moisturizer, is ideal for oily skin, providing significant hydration in a lightweight, fast-absorbing formula without any occlusive ingredients.

📌 Certain studies suggest that humectants alone may not effectively moisturize the skin. If you use this product as your only moisturizer, we recommend following it with one that contains at least some occlusive ingredients.

💧 A Humectant Boost for Any Skincare Routine

But it’s not limited to oily skin - such a humectant boost will also positively contribute to the moisturizing efficacy of any skincare routine when used as a step before applying the main moisturizer. This type of formulation is typically used in serums, where a light, fast-absorbing texture is key.

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the moisturizing rating calculation.

🟣 Modest Anti-Wrinkle Efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, Avon Anew Vitamin C Illuminating Priming Moisturizer has a modest level of anti-wrinkle efficacy, rated 3.0 out of 10.

It contains one ingredient with proven anti-wrinkle efficacy: Niacinamide (est. ≈2.0%),
 one of the most effective and well-researched anti-wrinkle ingredients. A clinical study involving 30 participants (Kawada et al.) confirmed that a cream with 4% niacinamide reduced the average depth of wrinkles around the eyes by 9% after 8 weeks of use, compared to a vehicle (the same formulation without niacinamide).
 
Among others, Avon Anew Vitamin C Illuminating Priming Moisturizer also contains Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, an ingredient often marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate provide insufficient evidence of its efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards.
 
While this does not categorically rule out the possibility that Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate may reduce wrinkles, its efficacy is not supported by convincing, vehicle-controlled, double-blind clinical studies - at least none that were available to the CreamScan team at the time of publication.
 
Therefore, this ingredient does not contribute to the anti-wrinkle rating.
 
📌 Moisturizers, when used regularly, are proven to prevent wrinkle formation and even reduce existing wrinkles. Therefore, this product, like any other moisturizer, can deliver some additional anti-wrinkle effects through its moisturizing action.
 

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the anti-wrinkle rating calculation.

🍀 Rich in Skin-Protecting Antioxidants

We estimate that Avon Anew Vitamin C Illuminating Priming Moisturizer is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Niacinamide (est. ≈2.0%).

A key benefit of antioxidants is their ability to reduce oxidative stress caused by free radicals and therefore prevent accelerated skin aging. Studies also show that antioxidants can protect against environmental damage such as UV radiation and pollution, and help reduce inflammation and skin redness.

📌 Please note that this is not a complete list of benefits. We are in the process of enhancing our model to incorporate anti-pigmentation, exfoliation and anti-acne ratings.

Things to Be Aware Of: Avon Anew Vitamin C Illuminating Priming Moisturizer

 
CreamScan identified a few things to consider before adding Avon Anew Vitamin C Illuminating Priming Moisturizer to your skincare routine:
 

⚠️ If It’s Your Only Moisturizer, It Needs to Be Paired with Some Occlusives

While humectants are highly effective at attracting water to the skin, studies (J. N. Kraft, C. W. Lynde) suggest they may not be efficient when used alone.

One major drawback of purely humectant moisturization is that the water attracted by humectants to the upper layers of the skin can evaporate completely into the environment through transepidermal water loss (TEWL). Adding occlusive ingredients helps seal this moisture into the skin and prevent further water loss.

If you’re using Avon Anew Vitamin C Illuminating Priming Moisturizer as your only moisturizer, consider pairing it with one that contains at least some occlusive ingredients, such as oils, butters, or silicones. These work alongside humectants to create a protective barrier, locking in hydration and ensuring longer-lasting moisturization. The amount of occlusive needed depends on your skin type - the drier the skin, the more occlusives it requires.

If this product is used not as a standalone moisturizer but as part of your skincare routine, such as a toner or serum, it should be applied before your main moisturizer (unless it's a sunscreen), which will provide the necessary occlusivity on top of it.

Pros & Cons of Avon Anew Vitamin C Illuminating Priming Moisturizer

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Avon Anew Vitamin C Illuminating Priming Moisturizer to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

🟩 Pros:

✅ When used alone: Provides humectant-rich moisturizing ideal for oily skin
✅ As part of a routine: A humectant moisturizing boost, beneficial for any skin type
✅ Lightweight texture
Offers modest anti-wrinkle efficacy
✅ Rich in antioxidants that combat oxidative stress associated with accelerated skin aging and defend against environmental damage
 

⭕ Cons: 

⚠️ Only if used as a standalone moisturizer - it needs to be paired with occlusives to seal in humectants
   

Summary: Avon Anew Vitamin C Illuminating Priming Moisturizer

 
Based on the ingredient list analysis, CreamScan AI suggests that Avon Anew Vitamin C Illuminating Priming Moisturizer
, when used alone, delivers lightweight, humectant-rich moisturizing, making it ideal for oily skin. As part of a moisturizing routine, it provides a humectant boost, beneficial for all skin types.
 
Avon Anew Vitamin C Illuminating Priming Moisturizer contains ingredients with proven evidence of anti-wrinkle efficacy that may provide a modest anti-wrinkle effect. As a result, you can expect a positive, though not very significant, impact on wrinkles.
 
With its high antioxidant content, Avon Anew Vitamin C Illuminating Priming Moisturizer helps protect against free radical damage and offers multiple benefits for all skin types, including preventing premature aging, defending against environmental damage, and calming inflammation.
 
That said, there are some things about Avon Anew Vitamin C Illuminating Priming Moisturizer worth noting.
 
Looking at its moisturizing profile, we found that it doesn’t contain any occlusive ingredients, potentially allowing the moisture attracted to the skin by humectants to evaporate. Therefore, if it’s used as the only moisturizer in a routine, it’s recommended to pair it with one that contains at least some occlusive ingredients, such as oils, butters, or silicones.
 
📌 Fact check. At CreamScan, we are committed to accuracy and fairness. If you spot any errors or something that doesn’t seem right, please click here to let us know. We regularly update the ingredient lists and monitor the latest research on ingredient efficacy to ensure that our information remains as complete and precise as possible. The information provided here is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional advice. We do not guarantee the efficacy or safety of any product, as individual results may vary.

 

Ingredient Breakdown

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
65
9
6
4
3
2.5
2
1.5
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
C12-13 Alkyl Lactate
Function:
Origin:
Cyclopentasiloxane
Function:
Origin:
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
Function:
Origin:
Silica
Function:
Origin:
Niacinamide
Function:
Origin:
Tocopheryl Acetate
Function:
Origin:
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Extract
Function:
Origin:
Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Extract
Function:
Origin:
Citrus Tangerina (Tangerine) Peel Extract
Function:
Origin:
Phytol
Function:
Origin:
PEG-40 Stearate
Function:
Origin:
Steareth-2
Function:
Origin:
Glyceryl Stearate
Function:
Origin:
Hydrogenated Polydecene
Function:
Origin:
Carbomer
Function:
Origin:
Nylon-12
Function:
Origin:
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
Function:
Origin:
Behenyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Function:
Origin:
Hydrogenated Polyisobutene
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hydroxide
Function:
Origin:
Disodium EDTA
Function:
Origin:
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Function:
Origin:
Triethyl Citrate
Function:
Origin:
Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer
Function:
Origin:
Phosphoric Acid
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Ethylhexylglycerin
Function:
Origin:
Mica
Function:
Origin:
Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)
Function:
Origin:
Iron Oxides
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
11.6
9
2
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
0.0
None
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
5.0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 11.6 10
10.0
9
2
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 0.0 20
0.0
None
Moisturizing rating
5.0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
9
2
0.3
0.3
All humectants 11.6 10
10
All humectants
11.6
9
2
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
None
All occlusives 0.0 20
0.0
All occlusives
0.0
None
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
6 /10 4 2 3
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
3
Niacinamide
3
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
6 /10
when present at, %
4
in this formula, est. %
2
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
2
1.5
1
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 5.1 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
5.1
Niacinamide
2
Tocopheryl Acetate
1.5
Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Extract
1
Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Extract
0.3
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
2
All soothing 2 5 No
All soothing
2
2
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %65
Function
Origin
WaterThe most used ingredient in skincare. Its concentration defines the product texture: rich creams may have about 50% of water while a light jelly about 90%. Water doesn’t moisturize the skin by itself and is used in skincare as a solvent for other ingredients.
Glycerin
Est. %9
Function
Origin
Glycerin

The most popular moisturizing ingredient in the world. It is a powerful humectant – cheap yet very effective.

C12-13 Alkyl Lactate
Est. %6
Function
Origin
C12-13 Alkyl Lactate
Cyclopentasiloxane
Est. %4
Function
Origin
CyclopentasiloxaneA lightweight, fast-spreading emollient that leaves a very soft and silky after-feel on the skin. Supplied as a clear and colorless liquid, cyclopentasiloxane is often used as a solvent to dissolve other silicones in.
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
Est. %3
Function
Origin
C12-15 Alkyl BenzoateA synthetic emollient ester. It works to improve the appearance of the skin by filling in the microcracks on the surface, thereby making the skin appear softer and smoother. It imparts a lightweight, velvety feel.
Silica
Est. %2.5
Function
Origin
SilicaA widely used cosmetic ingredient with the same chemical composition as the sand found on beaches. A common function of silica is its ability to control viscosity. In certain chemical forms, it can effectively thicken cream-style products.
Niacinamide
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Niacinamide

Also known as vitamin B3, this ingredient is a true superstar with confirmed moisturizing, anti-acne, hyperpigmentation, and antioxidant benefits. Two studies confirm its significant anti-wrinkle efficacy.

Tocopheryl Acetate
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Tocopheryl Acetate

An antioxidant derivative of tocopherol (vitamin E). It helps to protect cells from free radicals and UV damage through the conversion to active vitamin E in the skin. It is more stable than tocopherol.

Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Extract
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Extract

Citrus aurantium dulcis peel extract is the same extract as Citrus aurantium dulcis (orange) fruit extract. It has antioxidant properties and gives a skincare product a fresh orange scent. It also works as a thickener due to its pectin content. Read more about the extract here: Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Fruit Extract.

Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Extract
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Extract

A fragrant extract obtained from bergamot orange peels. It contains an essential oil and is a rich source of antioxidant flavonoids and organic acids.

Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Extract

Derived from lemon peels, this fresh and citrusy extract contains mostly fragrant limonene, but also antioxidant flavonoids and organic acids.

Citrus Tangerina (Tangerine) Peel Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Citrus Tangerina (Tangerine) Peel Extract
Phytol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Phytol
PEG-40 Stearate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PEG-40 StearateThis PEG, or polyethylene glycol, is excellent at emulsifying water and oil together to form oil-in-water emulsions. Due to its water-loving nature, PEG-40 stearate can also act as a cleansing agent.
Steareth-2
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Steareth-2A waxy, naturally derived or synthetic emulsifier that can handle extreme formula conditions such as a low pH. It offers emulsifying properties to a formula by helping oils and water to mix.
Glyceryl Stearate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glyceryl StearateAn emollient and emulsifier typically derived from vegetable sources through a chemical reaction with glycerin. It provides stability, texture, and consistency to formulations. Its main function is to allow oil and water to mix.
Hydrogenated Polydecene
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hydrogenated PolydeceneA clear, colorless, highly viscous liquid that commonly serves as an emollient. This rich emollient is on the heavier side but provides a smooth sensorial profile upon application.
Carbomer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
CarbomerA synthetic ingredient with the ability to gel water. When used in emulsions, such as lotions and creams, carbomer can also act as an emulsion stabilizer.
Nylon-12
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Nylon-12A synthetic powdered ingredient that imparts unique sensorial characteristics due to its microsphere structure. It can also control viscosity by bulking up the oil phase of a skincare product.
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tetrahexyldecyl AscorbateA lipid-soluble form of vitamin C that is more stable and less irritating than ascorbic acid. According to a recent clinical study, THDA has all the capabilities of regular vitamin C, including anti-wrinkle and anti-pigment activity.
Behenyl Alcohol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Behenyl AlcoholA fatty alcohol with emollient properties. It is used as a co-emulsifier and thickener and tends to result in a product with a smooth and creamy application texture.
Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Dimethicone CrosspolymerA group of ingredients that are typically added to skincare products to adjust the formula. Dimethicone Crosspolymers stabilize a formula, regulate its thickness and consistency and give the product a velvety feel.
Hydrogenated Polyisobutene
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hydrogenated PolyisobuteneA viscous liquid that makes a great oil base due to its smooth sensorial profile. It has emollient features, including good spreadability and little tack upon application. It also has the added benefit of being able to thicken products.
Sodium Hydroxide
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Hydroxide

An ingredient that is able to bring the pH of a product up, thereby making it less harsh on the skin.

Disodium EDTA
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Disodium EDTAA synthetic chelator that helps to maintain the look and smell of a product by 'locking up' troublesome metal ions.
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate CrosspolymerA synthetic ingredient that is used to thicken water and alcohol. It results in a more lightweight formula and is commonly found in gel products.
Triethyl Citrate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Triethyl Citrate
Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid CopolymerA synthetic humectant moisturizer often paired with glycerin. It also functions as a viscosity-controlling agent that creates gel-like formulas with thicker textures.
Phosphoric Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Phosphoric Acid
Phenoxyethanol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PhenoxyethanolThe most frequently used preservative in skincare. It is a clear, oil-like liquid synthetic substance that protects products from harmful bacteria and yeast, whilst still leaving skin microflora unharmed. It is confirmed by research to be harmless.
Ethylhexylglycerin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
EthylhexylglycerinA preservative booster derived from glycerin. It is commonly paired with other preservatives to improve their efficacy. Ethylhexylglycerin is also a humectant due to its chemical base of glycerin.
Mica
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
MicaA mineral powder made up of silicates with several functions (the main one being as a colorant). It has a shimmery appearance, making it highly desirable in certain cosmetic products. Mica also helps the product to apply more smoothly.
Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)One of two the most commonly used mineral sunscreens. It can absorb UV light, including UVB – which causes burning, tanning, and even skin cancer. Also used as a colorant, titanium dioxide gives a product a bright white color.
Iron Oxides
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Iron OxidesMineral pigments used to provide color in skincare products. These naturally occurring pigments are available in yellow, red, brown, and black powders.