bareMinerals Prime Time BB Primer-Cream Daily Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Review

bareMinerals Prime Time BB Primer-Cream Daily Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 30
3.4
/ 10
Moisturizing
0.9 Humectancy icon Humectancy
5.8 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
30
SPF icon
SPF
Ingredients

bareMinerals Prime Time BB Primer-Cream Daily Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Ingredients

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Full Ingredient List (INCI):

Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Dimethicone, Zinc Oxide, Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer, Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Hexyl Laurate, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate, Stearic Acid, Alumina, Silica, Tocopherol, Magnesium Silicate, Panthenol, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Stearyl Triethoxysilane, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Retinyl Retinoate, Cyclodextrin, Iron Oxides
Review

Does bareMinerals Prime Time BB Primer-Cream Daily Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Work?

 
According to CreamScan's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what bareMinerals Prime Time BB Primer-Cream Daily Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 30 has to offer:
 
✅ Light moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 3.4 out of 10.
✅ Moderate to high sun protection for daily outdoor activities.

  

Key Benefits of bareMinerals Prime Time BB Primer-Cream Daily Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 30

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using bareMinerals Prime Time BB Primer-Cream Daily Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 30:
 

🔵🔵 Moisturizer with the Right Occlusivity for Normal Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, bareMinerals Prime Time BB Primer-Cream Daily Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 30 is lightly moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 3.4 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Rather occlusive. It has a low humectancy of 0.9 out of 10 and a moderate occlusivity of 5.8 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Dimethicone (est. ≈11.0%).

This type of product, when used as a standalone moisturizer, may provide some occlusive moisturizing that is adequate for normal skin.

 

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

☀️☀️ Moderate to High Sun Protection for Daily Outdoor Activities

With an SPF of 30, bareMinerals Prime Time BB Primer-Cream Daily Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 30 provides moderate to high sun protection, making it suitable for daily use during moderate sun exposure, such as commuting or light outdoor activities.

This level of SPF offers excellent defense against UVB rays, blocking up to 97% of harmful radiation. When labeled as broad-spectrum, these products also protect against UVA rays, which are responsible for skin aging and hyperpigmentation.

📌 For optimal protection, choose products labeled broad-spectrum to ensure defense against both UVA rays, which contribute to skin aging and pigmentation, and UVB rays that cause sunburn.

This level of SPF works well for skin types mildly prone to sunburn. It is particularly suitable for low-to-moderate UV index environments and non-tropical climates. However, it is not recommended for prolonged outdoor exposure or intense UV conditions. Reapplication every two hours is essential to maintain effectiveness.

📌 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: bareMinerals Prime Time BB Primer-Cream Daily Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 30

 
CreamScan identified a few things to consider before adding bareMinerals Prime Time BB Primer-Cream Daily Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 30 to your skincare routine:
 

⚠️ Needs to Be Paired with Extra Humectants for Optimal Moisturizing Efficacy

An ideal moisturizer for any skin type should balance the right level of occlusivity (depending on skin type) with a significant amount of humectants, while bareMinerals Prime Time BB Primer-Cream Daily Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 30 contains a low level of humectants.

People with normal skin would definitely benefit from adding more humectants to their moisturizing routine beyond what this product offers. If this is your only moisturizer, it may be worth including a humectant-rich product, such as a serum, in your skincare routine.

⚠️ Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy

If one of your main reasons for choosing bareMinerals Prime Time BB Primer-Cream Daily Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 30 is its potential anti-aging effects, please note that, according to CreamScan analysis, it currently has a zero anti-wrinkle rating.

It contains some ingredients often marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles, specifically Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, and Retinyl Retinoate. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of these ingredients provide insufficient evidence of efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards. 

While this does not categorically rule out the possibility that these ingredients may reduce wrinkles, their 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, these ingredients do not generate 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 anti-wrinkle effects through its moisturizing action.

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

Pros & Cons of bareMinerals Prime Time BB Primer-Cream Daily Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 30

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of bareMinerals Prime Time BB Primer-Cream Daily Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 30 to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

🟩 Pros:

Provides the right level of occlusivity to moisturize normal skin
Balanced texture, neither too light nor too heavy
Provides moderate to high sun protection, suitable for light outdoor activities in non-tropical climates
 

⭕ Cons: 

⚠️ Only if used as a standalone moisturizer - needs to be paired with extra humectants for optimal moisturizing efficacy
⚠️ Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy
   

Summary: bareMinerals Prime Time BB Primer-Cream Daily Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 30

 
Based on the ingredient list analysis, CreamScan AI suggests that bareMinerals Prime Time BB Primer-Cream Daily Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 30
, as a moisturizer, provides the right level of occlusivity to hydrate normal skin, with a balanced texture that’s neither too light nor too heavy.
 
With an SPF of 30, bareMinerals Prime Time BB Primer-Cream Daily Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 30 offers moderate to high sun protection, appropriate for light outdoor activities in non-tropical climates.
 
That said, there are some things about bareMinerals Prime Time BB Primer-Cream Daily Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 30 worth noting.
 
If you use this product as your only moisturizer in a routine, please note that it contains only a small amount of humectants. Regardless of your skin type, adding extra humectants can enhance optimal moisturizing efficacy. Therefore, it may be worth pairing bareMinerals Prime Time BB Primer-Cream Daily Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 30 with a humectant-rich product, such as a serum, in your skincare routine.
 
If one of your main reasons for considering bareMinerals Prime Time BB Primer-Cream Daily Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 30 is its potential anti-aging effects, please note that, according to CreamScan analysis, its anti-wrinkle efficacy is questionable. None of the ingredients in this product provide substantial evidence of their anti-wrinkle efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards.
 
📌 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
45
22
11
6.2
4
2.6
2
1.5
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.1
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Function:
Origin:
Hydrogenated Polydecene
Function:
Origin:
Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Zinc Oxide
Function:
Origin:
Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer
Function:
Origin:
Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)
Function:
Origin:
Hexyl Laurate
Function:
Origin:
PEG-10 Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate
Function:
Origin:
Stearic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Alumina
Function:
Origin:
Silica
Function:
Origin:
Tocopherol
Function:
Origin:
Magnesium Silicate
Function:
Origin:
Panthenol
Function:
Origin:
Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract
Function:
Origin:
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Stearyl Triethoxysilane
Function:
Origin:
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
Function:
Origin:
Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate
Function:
Origin:
Retinyl Retinoate
Function:
Origin:
Cyclodextrin
Function:
Origin:
Iron Oxides
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
0.9
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
11.6
11.0
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
3.4
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 0.9 10
0.9
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 11.6 20
5.8
11.0
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
3.4
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 0.9 10
0.9
All humectants
0.9
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
11
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 11.6 20
5.8
All occlusives
11.6
11.0
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
n/a
- 0.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
n/a
- 0.1 -
Total
0
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Retinyl Retinoate
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.1
Anti-wrinkle rating
0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 1.5 3 No
All antioxidants
1.5
Tocopherol
0.3
Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract
0.3
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
0.3
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
0.3
Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
0.3
0.3
0.3
All soothing 0.9 5 No
All soothing
0.9
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Est. %45
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 Polydecene
Est. %22
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.
Dimethicone
Est. %11
Function
Origin
DimethiconeThe most common silicone in skincare. It forms a silky, smooth film on the skin’s surface and can help to prevent water loss. It also aids in wound healing and can treat and soften scars. Dimethicone is considered to be very safe for use.
Zinc Oxide
Est. %6.2
Function
Origin
Zinc OxideA white mineral powder mainly used in skincare as a physical sunscreen. It protects against UVA light that leads to visible signs of aging, including wrinkles and fine lines. Zinc oxide can also be used as a colorant to enhance the whiteness of a product.
Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer
Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)
Est. %2.6
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.
Hexyl Laurate
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Hexyl LaurateAn emollient ester with very high spreadability.
PEG-10 Dimethicone
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
PEG-10 DimethiconeA polyethylene-based emulsifying ingredient. It has a water-loving portion and an oil-loving portion that help to keep the water and oil phases connected to form an emulsion.
Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Polyglyceryl-4 IsostearateA synthetic emollient emulsifier that helps oil and water phases to mix.
Stearic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Stearic AcidA saturated fatty acid found in vegetable butter and animal fats. It is an occlusive moisturizing and emollient ingredient and also helps to maintain the barrier function of the skin.
Alumina
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
AluminaA mineral derived from the metal ore known as aluminum. It is commonly used as an abrasive and also acts as a thickening viscosity controlling agent (and thus as a bulking agent). Alumina is also a great opacifier.
Silica
Est. %0.3
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.
Tocopherol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tocopherol

Simply another name for vitamin E. Tocopherol is a fantastic ingredient and especially beneficial for dry and inflamed skin. It has occlusive moisturizing, emollient, antioxidant, and photoprotective properties.

Magnesium Silicate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Magnesium Silicate
Panthenol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PanthenolA popular soothing and moisturizing derivative of vitamin B5. Panthenol is particularly beneficial for dry, flaking, burned, or damaged skin. It is used to alleviate the symptoms of a rash, dermatitis, eczema, chapped lips, and sunburn.
Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root ExtractAn extract from the licorice root. It contains a well-researched anti-inflammatory compound called glycyrrhizin that can reduce inflammation. Licorice root extract is also used for its powerful antioxidant effects and ability to treat pigmentation.
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf ExtractDerived from Aloe vera leaves, this moisturizing humectant, soothing, and antioxidant extract is commonly used in products targeting eczema, sunburn, or dermatitis. It soothes the skin and reduces the signs of inflammation and sensitivity.
Stearyl Triethoxysilane
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Stearyl Triethoxysilane
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.
Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Magnesium Ascorbyl PhosphateOne of the best-researched derivatives of vitamin C. It is more resistant to light and air and retains all the properties of ascorbic acid – antioxidant, collagen-boosting, and anti-pigmentation, but with less irritation.
Retinyl Retinoate
Est. %0.1
Function
Origin
Retinyl Retinoate

A retinoid with questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy.

Cyclodextrin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
CyclodextrinA naturally derived ingredient with the ability to absorb other compounds and remove harmful metal ions from water.
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.