COVER FX Mattifying Primer + Acne Treatment Review

COVER FX Mattifying Primer + Acne Treatment
2.8
/ 10
Moisturizing
4.9 Humectancy icon Humectancy
0.6 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
Rich
in Antioxidants
Rich Skin Soothing icon
in Skin Soothers
Ingredients

COVER FX Mattifying Primer + Acne Treatment Ingredients

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

Full Ingredient List (INCI):

Cyclopentasiloxane, Salix Nigra (Willow) Bark Extract, Water, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Butylene Glycol, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Bis-PEG/PPG-14/14 Dimethicone, Vaccinium Myrtillus Fruit Extract, Salicylic Acid, Glycerin, Dimethicone, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Squalane, Phenyl Methicone, Saccharum Officinarum (Sugarcane) Extract, Bisabolol, Caprylyl Glycol, Tocopherol, Dimethiconol, Phenoxyethanol, PEG-60 Almond Glycerides, Acer Saccharum (Sugar Maple) Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Fruit Extract, Enantia Chlorantha Bark Extract, Citrus Limon (Lemon) Fruit Extract, Phytosphingosine, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Ethyl Linoleate, Ethyl Linolenate, Ethyl Oleate, Carbomer, Silica, Polysorbate 20, Oleanolic Acid, Nordihydroguaiaretic Acid, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
Review

Does COVER FX Mattifying Primer + Acne Treatment Work?

 
According to CreamScan's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what COVER FX Mattifying Primer + Acne Treatment has to offer:
 
✅ Light moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 2.8 out of 10.
✅ Soothing: COVER FX Mattifying Primer + Acne Treatment contains a high concentration of soothing ingredients, which may help to reduce irritation and calm the skin.
✅ Antioxidant protection

  

Key Benefits of COVER FX Mattifying Primer + Acne Treatment

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using COVER FX Mattifying Primer + Acne Treatment:
 

🔵 Lightweight Moisturizer Suitable for Oily Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, COVER FX Mattifying Primer + Acne Treatment is lightly moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 2.8 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Rather humectant. It has a low occlusivity of 0.6 out of 10 and a moderate humectancy of 4.9 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Butylene Glycol (est. ≈4.0%).

This product, when used alone as a moisturizer, can provide light humectant hydration in a fast-absorbing formula with a minimal amount of occlusive ingredients. This could work for people with oily skin who need a basic level of hydration.

💧  A Humectant Add-on for Any Skincare Routine

But it’s not limited to oily skin - since it contains a moderate amount of humectants, such a humectant add-on will also positively contribute to the moisturizing efficacy of any skincare routine when used as a step before applying the main moisturizer.

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

🍀 Rich in Skin-Protecting Antioxidants

We estimate that COVER FX Mattifying Primer + Acne Treatment is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Vaccinium Myrtillus Fruit Extract (est. ≈1.5%), Saccharum Officinarum (Sugarcane) Extract (est. ≈0.3%), Tocopherol (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.

🔴 Skin Soothing and Calming Potential

Based on the ingredient list analysis, COVER FX Mattifying Primer + Acne Treatment is rich (> 5%) in soothing ingredients, particularly Salix Nigra (Willow) Bark Extract (est. ≈22.0%).

When applied to the skin, compounds of soothing ingredients, such as triglycerides, phospholipids, fatty acids, phenolic compounds, and antioxidants, work together to soothe the skin through various mechanisms: reducing inflammation, promoting wound healing, repairing the skin barrier, and providing antimicrobial and antioxidant activities.

📌 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: COVER FX Mattifying Primer + Acne Treatment

 
CreamScan identified a few things to consider before adding COVER FX Mattifying Primer + Acne Treatment to your skincare routine:
 

⚠️ Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy

If one of your main reasons for choosing COVER FX Mattifying Primer + Acne Treatment 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, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, and Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7. 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 COVER FX Mattifying Primer + Acne Treatment

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of COVER FX Mattifying Primer + Acne Treatment to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

🟩 Pros:

✅ When used alone: Provides moderate humectant moisturizing suitable for oily skin
✅ As part of a routine: A humectant moisturizing enhancement, beneficial for any skin type
✅ Lightweight texture
✅ Rich in antioxidants that combat oxidative stress associated with accelerated skin aging and defend against environmental damage
✅ Potentially soothing, as it contains a high concentration of soothing ingredients, specifically Salix Nigra (Willow) Bark Extract
 

⭕ Cons: 

⚠️ Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy
   

Summary: COVER FX Mattifying Primer + Acne Treatment

 
Based on the ingredient list analysis, CreamScan AI suggests that COVER FX Mattifying Primer + Acne Treatment
, when used alone, provides lightweight, moderate humectant moisturizing, making it suitable for oily skin. As part of a moisturizing routine, it offers a subtle humectant enhancement, beneficial for all skin types.
 
Rich in antioxidants, COVER FX Mattifying Primer + Acne Treatment 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. This product is also formulated with a high concentration of soothing ingredients, offering the potential to calm and comfort irritated skin. Whether you’re experiencing redness, irritation, or general sensitivity, its soothing properties may help restore balance and provide relief.
 
That said, there are some things about COVER FX Mattifying Primer + Acne Treatment worth noting.
 
If one of your main reasons for considering COVER FX Mattifying Primer + Acne Treatment 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
40
22
11
6
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
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Cyclopentasiloxane
Function:
Origin:
Salix Nigra (Willow) Bark Extract
Function:
Origin:
Water
Function:
Origin:
Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Function:
Origin:
Butylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Function:
Origin:
Bis-PEG/PPG-14/14 Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Vaccinium Myrtillus Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Salicylic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Function:
Origin:
Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Squalane
Function:
Origin:
Phenyl Methicone
Function:
Origin:
Saccharum Officinarum (Sugarcane) Extract
Function:
Origin:
Bisabolol
Function:
Origin:
Caprylyl Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Tocopherol
Function:
Origin:
Dimethiconol
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
PEG-60 Almond Glycerides
Function:
Origin:
Acer Saccharum (Sugar Maple) Extract
Function:
Origin:
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Enantia Chlorantha Bark Extract
Function:
Origin:
Citrus Limon (Lemon) Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Phytosphingosine
Function:
Origin:
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
Function:
Origin:
Ethyl Linoleate
Function:
Origin:
Ethyl Linolenate
Function:
Origin:
Ethyl Oleate
Function:
Origin:
Carbomer
Function:
Origin:
Silica
Function:
Origin:
Polysorbate 20
Function:
Origin:
Oleanolic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Nordihydroguaiaretic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1
Function:
Origin:
Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
4.9
4
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
1.2
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
2.8
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 4.9 10
4.9
4
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 1.2 20
0.6
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
2.8
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
4
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 4.9 10
4.9
All humectants
4.9
4
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 1.2 20
0.6
All occlusives
1.2
0.3
0.3
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
- 0.3 -
Total
0
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 3.6 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
3.6
Vaccinium Myrtillus Fruit Extract
1.5
Saccharum Officinarum (Sugarcane) Extract
0.3
Tocopherol
0.3
Acer Saccharum (Sugar Maple) Extract
0.3
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Fruit Extract
0.3
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
0.3
Oleanolic Acid
0.3
Nordihydroguaiaretic Acid
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
22
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All soothing 24.2 5 Rich in soothing
All soothing
24.2
22
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Cyclopentasiloxane
Est. %40
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.
Salix Nigra (Willow) Bark Extract
Est. %22
Function
Origin
Salix Nigra (Willow) Bark ExtractAn extract obtained from black willow bark. It contains astringent tannins and salicin (which is converted to salicylic acid). Salicin has similar anti-inflammatory activity to aspirin.
Water
Est. %11
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 Crosspolymer
Est. %6
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.
Butylene Glycol
Est. %4
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/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Est. %3
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.
Bis-PEG/PPG-14/14 Dimethicone
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Bis-PEG/PPG-14/14 Dimethicone
Vaccinium Myrtillus Fruit Extract
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Vaccinium Myrtillus Fruit ExtractAn extract derived from the berries of the bilberry plant, sometimes called European blueberry. It is rich in antioxidant anthocyanins and astringent tannins.
Salicylic Acid
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Salicylic AcidThis effective peeling and anti-inflammatory BHA is used as an anti-acne agent and works by breaking down the junctions between dead skin cells. This results in the peeling of dead skin and the unclogging of pores.
Glycerin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glycerin

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

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.
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Est. %0.3
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.
Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 DimethiconeA silicone-based powerful emulsifier that helps to create lightweight and pleasant feeling lotions and creams.
Squalane
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
SqualaneAn occlusive moisturizing and emollient compound that forms part of the skin’s sebum. The main source of squalane had always been shark liver. Now, however, it is manufactured synthetically or derived from plant oils, such as olive and peanut oil.
Phenyl Methicone
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Phenyl Methicone
Saccharum Officinarum (Sugarcane) Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Saccharum Officinarum (Sugarcane) ExtractAn antioxidant extract from sugarcane, the famous crop used to make sugar. It acts as a humectant and exfoliating agent – the little sugar crystals mechanically remove dead skin cells from the skin’s surface.
Bisabolol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Bisabolol

An anti-inflammatory compound found naturally in German chamomile essential oil. It has a pleasant, sweet, and floral scent. Bisabolol also has soothing and anti-inflammatory properties but can cause an allergic reaction in more sensitive individuals.

Caprylyl Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Caprylyl GlycolAn emollient that improves product spreadability and offers a silky feel on the skin. It also acts as a preservative booster that improves the efficacy of other preservatives. According to the manufacturer, it is also a humectant moisturizer.
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.

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.
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.
PEG-60 Almond Glycerides
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PEG-60 Almond Glycerides
Acer Saccharum (Sugar Maple) Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Acer Saccharum (Sugar Maple) ExtractAn antioxidant extract from sugar maple bark and sap – the same sweet sap used to make maple syrup. It has a faint vanilla smell and is used in skincare for its exfoliating properties. This is because of the small sugar crystals present in the extract.
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Fruit Extract

An extract from the fruit of the sweet orange. It contains fragrant sweet orange essential oil, high amounts of antioxidant flavonoids (mainly hesperidin), and carotenoids – which give it the orange color.

Enantia Chlorantha Bark Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Enantia Chlorantha Bark ExtractAn extract derived from a tropical tree native to Africa. Although it is rich in antimicrobial alkaloids, its functions in skincare have yet to be researched.
Citrus Limon (Lemon) Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Citrus Limon (Lemon) Fruit Extract

A fragrant extract from lemon peels that contains various antioxidant flavonoids, organic acids, and limonoids – which are currently under investigation as potential anti-wrinkle and anti-pigment compounds.

Phytosphingosine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PhytosphingosineA key component of ceramides NP, AP, and EOP. It has barrier repair properties and stimulates the production of the skin’s Natural Moisturizing Factor. Phytosphingosine has strong antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity, which can be used to treat acne.
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.
Ethyl Linoleate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ethyl Linoleate
Ethyl Linolenate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ethyl Linolenate
Ethyl Oleate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ethyl OleateAn emollient derived from oleic acid that sits on top of the skin and leaves it soft, shiny, and glossy. It has a faint floral scent.
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.
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.
Polysorbate 20
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Polysorbate 20A viscous, amber-colored liquid that functions as a solubilizer to disperse small amounts of oil into a large water phase. Polysorbate 20 is frequently used to solubilize fragrance oils into water-based emulsions.
Oleanolic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Oleanolic Acid

A plant-based terpenoid with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Nordihydroguaiaretic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Nordihydroguaiaretic AcidA powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory phytochemical obtained from Creosote bush. It can also be created synthetically.
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1

A small peptide consisting of three amino acids with anti-wrinkle effects. Together with Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, it is a part of the popular anti-wrinkle complex called Matrixyl™ 3000.

Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7

A synthetic peptide that mimics the activity of immunoglobulin G and signals to the skin to stop the inflammation. It has been shown in studies to reduce wrinkles and enhance collagen content.