Colorescience Calming Perfector SPF 20 Review

Colorescience Calming Perfector SPF 20
10.0
/ 10
Moisturizing
10.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
10.0 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
0.1Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle
Rich
in Antioxidants
20
SPF icon
SPF
Ingredients

Colorescience Calming Perfector SPF 20 Ingredients

Hover to see details. On mobile? Tap for ingredient stories!

Full Ingredient List (INCI):

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Glycerin, Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Zinc Oxide, Water, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, Spirulina Maxima Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Opuntia Ficus-Indica Stem Extract, Palmaria Palmata Extract, Disodium Lauriminodipropionate Tocopheryl Phosphates, Citrus Paradisi (Grapefruit) Seed Extract, Ascorbic Acid, Dimethiconol, Butylene Glycol, Dimethicone, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Cyclotetrasiloxane, BHT, Propyl Gallate, Tyrosine, Glucose, Benzoic Acid, Dehydroacetic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Beta-Carotene (CI 40800), Iron Oxides (CI 77491), Iron Oxides (CI 77492), Iron Oxides (CI 77499)
Review

Does Colorescience Calming Perfector SPF 20 Work?

 
According to CreamScan's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Colorescience Calming Perfector SPF 20 has to offer:
 
✅ Intense moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 10.0 out of 10.
✅ Slight anti-wrinkle effect: Colorescience Calming Perfector SPF 20 has an anti-wrinkle rating of 0.1 out of 10, so you may expect a positive, although insignificant, effect on wrinkles.
✅ Antioxidant protection
✅ Moderate sun protection for most daily activities or short periods spent outdoors.

  

Key Benefits of Colorescience Calming Perfector SPF 20

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Colorescience Calming Perfector SPF 20:
 

🔵🔵🔵 Exceptionally Rich Moisturizer Perfect for Dry to Very Dry Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, Colorescience Calming Perfector SPF 20 is exceptionally moisturizing, with the highest possible moisturizing rating of 10.0 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? This is one of the most moisturizing products on the market, with a maximum humectancy of 10 out of 10, primarily due to the substantial concentration of Glycerin (est. ≈11.0%), and a maximum occlusivity of 10 out of 10, mainly due to the significant content of Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride (est. ≈40.0%).

This type of moisturizer is ideal for people with dry to very dry skin who want intense hydration. It combines a high concentration of humectants with an exceptional level of occlusive ingredients to provide effective dual-action moisturizing specifically for very dry skin.

The occlusive profile of Colorescience Calming Perfector SPF 20 suggests a rich, thick texture, making it perfectly suited for very dry skin.

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

🟣 Slight Anti-Wrinkle Efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, Colorescience Calming Perfector SPF 20 has a slight anti-wrinkle rating of 0.1 out of 10.

It contains one ingredient with proven anti-wrinkle efficacy: Ascorbic Acid (est. ≈0.3%),
 or Vitamin C, a popular ingredient, yet with moderate anti-wrinkle efficacy, as confirmed by a single clinical study involving 20 participants (Humbert et al.). This study showed that a cream with a relatively high concentration of 5% ascorbic acid reduced the average wrinkle depth by 7% after 6 months of use, compared to a vehicle (the same formulation without ascorbic acid).
 
Among others, Colorescience Calming Perfector SPF 20 also contains Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, an ingredient often marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract provide insufficient evidence of its efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards.
 
While this does not categorically rule out the possibility that Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract 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 Colorescience Calming Perfector SPF 20 is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Spirulina Maxima Extract (est. ≈1.0%), Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract (est. ≈0.3%), Opuntia Ficus-Indica Stem Extract (est. ≈0.3%), and others.

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.

☀️☀️ Moderate Sun Protection for Short Outdoor Activities

With an SPF of 20, Colorescience Calming Perfector SPF 20 provides moderate sun protection. It is suitable for individuals with medium to darker skin tones who are less prone to sunburn and those engaging in short outdoor activities such as walking or brief errands, as well as cloudy days when UV exposure is less intense.

It helps protect against UVB rays, which are primarily responsible for sunburn and increase the risk of skin cancer by damaging the outer layers of the skin. When labeled as broad-spectrum, it also defends against UVA rays, which penetrate deeper into the skin and cause premature aging, hyperpigmentation, and long-term cellular damage.

📌 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.

However, if you spend a substantial amount of time outdoors, it is better to use a broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF 30 or higher.

📌 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: Colorescience Calming Perfector SPF 20

 
CreamScan identified a few things to consider before adding Colorescience Calming Perfector SPF 20 to your skincare routine:
 

⚠️ Best for Very Dry Skin - May Be Too Thick for Other Skin Types

With exceptional occlusivity, this product is optimal for moisturizing dry and very dry skin but may be too thick for other skin types, including normal, and especially combination and oily skin.

If you have oily, combination, or normal skin and are considering purchasing this product for the first time, it might be a good idea to try a sample before buying.

Pros & Cons of Colorescience Calming Perfector SPF 20

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Colorescience Calming Perfector SPF 20 to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

🟩 Pros:

✅ Very rich moisturizer perfect for dry and very dry skin: exceptionally occlusive and humectant-rich
Provides slight anti-wrinkle efficacy
✅ Rich in antioxidants that combat oxidative stress associated with accelerated skin aging and defend against environmental damage
Provides moderate sun protection, suitable for short outdoor activities on cloudy or low-UV days
 

⭕ Cons: 

⚠️ May feel too rich and thick on skin types other than dry
   

Summary: Colorescience Calming Perfector SPF 20

 
Based on the ingredient list analysis, CreamScan AI suggests that Colorescience Calming Perfector SPF 20
 is an ideal moisturizer for dry to very dry skin, combining a very high concentration of humectants and occlusive ingredients in a rich, thick texture.
 
Colorescience Calming Perfector SPF 20 contains ingredients with proven evidence of anti-wrinkle efficacy that may offer a slight anti-wrinkle effect. As a result, you can expect a positive, though relatively minimal, impact on wrinkles.
 
 
With its high antioxidant content, Colorescience Calming Perfector SPF 20 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.
 
With an SPF of 20, Colorescience Calming Perfector SPF 20 offers moderate sun protection, making it suitable for short outdoor activities on cloudy or low-UV days.
 
That said, there are some things about Colorescience Calming Perfector SPF 20 worth noting.
 
With its high occlusivity, Colorescience Calming Perfector SPF 20 is ideal for dry skin but may feel too thick on other skin types. If you have oily, combination, or normal skin, it’s a good idea to try a sample before purchasing.
 
📌 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
40
22
11
5.4
5.4
3
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
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Function:
Origin:
Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)
Function:
Origin:
Zinc Oxide
Function:
Origin:
Water
Function:
Origin:
Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Function:
Origin:
Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Spirulina Maxima Extract
Function:
Origin:
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Opuntia Ficus-Indica Stem Extract
Function:
Origin:
Palmaria Palmata Extract
Function:
Origin:
Disodium Lauriminodipropionate Tocopheryl Phosphates
Function:
Origin:
Citrus Paradisi (Grapefruit) Seed Extract
Function:
Origin:
Ascorbic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Dimethiconol
Function:
Origin:
Butylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Triethoxycaprylylsilane
Function:
Origin:
Cyclotetrasiloxane
Function:
Origin:
BHT
Function:
Origin:
Propyl Gallate
Function:
Origin:
Tyrosine
Function:
Origin:
Glucose
Function:
Origin:
Benzoic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Dehydroacetic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Beta-Carotene (CI 40800)
Function:
Origin:
Iron Oxides (CI 77491)
Function:
Origin:
Iron Oxides (CI 77492)
Function:
Origin:
Iron Oxides (CI 77499)
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
11.9
11
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
40.3
40.0
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
10.0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 11.9 10
10.0
11
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 40.3 20
10.0
40.0
0.3
Moisturizing rating
10.0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
11
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 11.9 10
10
All humectants
11.9
11
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
40
0.3
All occlusives 40.3 20
10.0
All occlusives
40.3
40.0
0.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
2.5 /10 5 0.3 0.1
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
0.1
Ascorbic Acid
0.1
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
2.5 /10
when present at, %
5
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
0.1
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 3.1 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
3.1
Spirulina Maxima Extract
1
Ascorbic Acid
0.3
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
0.3
Opuntia Ficus-Indica Stem Extract
0.3
Palmaria Palmata Extract
0.3
BHT
0.3
Propyl Gallate
0.3
Beta-Carotene (CI 40800)
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
All soothing 2.4 5 No
All soothing
2.4
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Est. %40
Function
Origin
Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideA natural occlusive moisturizing and emollient ingredient, it is a blend of glycerin and two fatty acids, caprylic and capric acid. It creates an oil-based protective layer on the skin, thereby preventing water loss.
Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Est. %22
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.
Glycerin
Est. %11
Function
Origin
Glycerin

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

Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)
Est. %5.4
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.
Zinc Oxide
Est. %5.4
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.
Water
Est. %3
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.
Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone CrosspolymerThis ingredient can refer to several kinds of dimethicone crosspolymers. Like other silicones, it makes products feel slippery and non-greasy but can also increase the thickness or improve the water-resistance of a formula.
Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit ExtractA soothing, cooling, and emollient extract derived from cucumbers. Cucumber has been used in skincare for centuries and is used to treat skin problems such as eye swelling, sunburn, and itchy and irritated skin.
Spirulina Maxima Extract
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Spirulina Maxima ExtractA dark green emollient and antioxidant extract derived from spirulina - a dried mass of tiny blue-green algae. It is rich in proteins, amino acids, minerals, and vitamins (namely B1 and B2).
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract

An antioxidant green tea extract. In the deeper layers, it slows down the destruction of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid – thus delaying the signs of aging. It also acts as an anti-acne, soothing, moisturizing, and emollient ingredient.

Opuntia Ficus-Indica Stem Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Opuntia Ficus-Indica Stem ExtractA soothing and antioxidant extract from prickly pear succulent stems. These stems contain a cooling and anti-inflammatory watery gel that is similar to aloe.
Palmaria Palmata Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Palmaria Palmata ExtractAn extract derived from a species of large red algae that has various amino acids, lipids, and algal pigments. Not much is known about its effects on the skin.
Disodium Lauriminodipropionate Tocopheryl Phosphates
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Disodium Lauriminodipropionate Tocopheryl Phosphates
Citrus Paradisi (Grapefruit) Seed Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Citrus Paradisi (Grapefruit) Seed Extract
Ascorbic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ascorbic Acid

Also known as vitamin C, this multi-benefit ingredient has proven anti-wrinkle, antioxidant, and anti-pigmentation efficacy. It degrades easily when exposed to air and light, so it requires proper packaging to maintain its stability.

Dimethiconol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
DimethiconolA synthetic dimethicone with rich, non-tacky emolliency. It features the typical sensorial profile of silicones, with high spreadability and a luxurious, oil-free after-feel. Dimethiconol can also serve as an antifoaming agent.
Butylene Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Butylene Glycol

A clear, colorless liquid humectant that draws moisture to the skin. The humectancy of butylene glycol, owed to its two hydroxyl groups, is quite considerable, although not as powerful as glycerin, which contains three hydroxyl groups.

Dimethicone
Est. %0.3
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.
Triethoxycaprylylsilane
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
TriethoxycaprylylsilaneA binding and coating ingredient that allows pigments like iron oxides and mica to disperse better in oily environments. This leads to more vibrant colors.
Cyclotetrasiloxane
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
CyclotetrasiloxaneA synthetic extremely light silicone-based ingredient which provides a slippery, non-greasy feel.
BHT
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
BHTAn antioxidant ingredient that naturally occurs in green algae and some bacteria or fungi but, for commercial use, is created synthetically. BHT is also used occasionally as a fragrance, where it presents a sweet, camphor-like odor.
Propyl Gallate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Propyl GallateA semi-synthetic antioxidant manufactured from plant-based gallic acid. It protects the oils in the formulation from degrading and going rancid.
Tyrosine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tyrosine
Glucose
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
GlucoseA simple sugar that is also one of two components of sucrose, or table sugar. It is used as a humectant in skincare products. Glucose is also used to flavor lip care cosmetics because of its mildly sweet taste.
Benzoic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Benzoic AcidA preservative effective against fungi, yeast, and some bacteria. It is commonly paired with phenoxyethanol to create a broad spectrum preservation system. Benzoic acid can also serve as a pH adjuster, fragrance, and bulking agent.
Dehydroacetic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Dehydroacetic AcidA globally approved preservative ingredient. It is a powerful fungicide and a moderate bactericide, which makes it a broad-spectrum preservative. Because it is mildly effective against bacteria, it is often paired with stronger bactericides.
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.
Beta-Carotene (CI 40800)
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Beta-Carotene (CI 40800)An orange-red plant pigment with powerful antioxidant activity.
Iron Oxides (CI 77491)
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Iron Oxides (CI 77491)A red colorant also known as red iron oxide. This is an EU-approved colorant used in a wide variety of products.
Iron Oxides (CI 77492)
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Iron Oxides (CI 77492)Also known as iron (III) oxide, this ingredient is a yellow-colored pigment that can either be derived from minerals or produced synthetically. It adds yellow tones to cosmetic products.
Iron Oxides (CI 77499)
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Iron Oxides (CI 77499)A black colorant also known as black iron oxide used in a wide range of skincare products.