e.l.f. Cosmetics Power Grip Primer + 4% Niacinamide Review

e.l.f. Cosmetics Power Grip Primer + 4% Niacinamide
5.4
/ 10
Moisturizing
10.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
0.8 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
6Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle
Rich
in Antioxidants
Review

Does e.l.f. Cosmetics Power Grip Primer + 4% Niacinamide Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what e.l.f. Cosmetics Power Grip Primer + 4% Niacinamide has to offer:
 
  • Strong humectant moisturizing. This lightweight, humectant-rich product, ideal for oily skin, has a moisturizing rating of 5.4 out of 10.
  • Significant anti-wrinkle efficacy. With an anti-wrinkle rating of 6.0 out of 10, e.l.f. Cosmetics Power Grip Primer + 4% Niacinamide is effective in minimizing wrinkles.
  • Antioxidant protection.

Key Benefits of e.l.f. Cosmetics Power Grip Primer + 4% Niacinamide

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using e.l.f. Cosmetics Power Grip Primer + 4% Niacinamide:
 

Lightweight Humectant Moisturizer Ideal for Oily Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, e.l.f. Cosmetics Power Grip Primer + 4% Niacinamide is quite moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 5.4 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Significantly more humectant. It has a low occlusivity of 0.8 out of 10 and a maximum humectancy of 10 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Butylene Glycol (est. ≈7.5%), Glycerin (est. ≈5.0%) and Niacinamide (est. ≈4.0%).

This humectant-rich product, when used alone as a moisturizer, is ideal for oily skin, offering significant hydration in a lightweight, fast-absorbing formula with a minimal amount of occlusive ingredients.

It’s also a great choice for people with normal skin who prefer lightweight moisturizers.

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.

Significant Anti-Wrinkle Efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, e.l.f. Cosmetics Power Grip Primer + 4% Niacinamide has a high anti-wrinkle rating of 6.0 out of 10.

It contains one ingredient with proven anti-wrinkle efficacy: Niacinamide (est. ≈4.0%), 
 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).
 

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

Rich in Skin-Protecting Antioxidants

We estimate that e.l.f. Cosmetics Power Grip Primer + 4% Niacinamide is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Niacinamide (est. ≈4.0%).

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 AI model to incorporate anti-pigmentation, exfoliation and anti-acne ratings.

Pros & Cons of e.l.f. Cosmetics Power Grip Primer + 4% Niacinamide

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of e.l.f. Cosmetics Power Grip Primer + 4% Niacinamide to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

Pros:

  • Humectant-rich moisturizing ideal for oily skin
  • Lightweight texture
  • A humectant moisturizing boost for any skincare routine
  • Delivers signficant anti-wrinkle efficacy
  • Rich in antioxidants that combat oxidative stress associated with accelerated skin aging and defend against environmental damage such as UV radiation and pollution

Cons: 

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
70
7.5
5
4
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
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Butylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Niacinamide
Function:
Origin:
PEG-150 Distearate
Function:
Origin:
Polysorbate 80
Function:
Origin:
Tocopherol
Function:
Origin:
Hylocereus Undatus Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hyaluronate
Function:
Origin:
PEG-240/HDI Copolymer Bis-Decyltetradeceth-20 Ether
Function:
Origin:
Potassium Laurate
Function:
Origin:
1,2-Hexanediol
Function:
Origin:
Hydroxyacetophenone
Function:
Origin:
Disodium EDTA
Function:
Origin:
Pentylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Ethylhexylglycerin
Function:
Origin:
Caprylyl Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Red 40 (CI 16035)
Function:
Origin:
Yellow 5 (CI 19140)
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
18.4
7.5
5
4
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
1.5
1.5
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
5.4
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 18.4 10
10.0
7.5
5
4
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 1.5 20
0.8
1.5
Moisturizing rating
5.4
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
7.5
5
4
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 18.4 10
10
All humectants
18.4
7.5
5
4
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
1.5
All occlusives 1.5 20
0.8
All occlusives
1.5
1.5
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
6 /10 4 4 6
Total
6
Niacinamide
6
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
6 /10
when present at, %
4
in this formula, est. %
4
Anti-wrinkle rating
6
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
4
1.5
1
0.3
All antioxidants 6.8 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
6.8
Niacinamide
4
Tocopherol
1.5
Sodium Hyaluronate
1
Hydroxyacetophenone
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
4
All soothing 4 5 No
All soothing
4
4
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %70
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.
Butylene Glycol
Est. %7.5
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.

Glycerin
Est. %5
Function
Origin
Glycerin

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

Niacinamide
Est. %4
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.

PEG-150 Distearate
Est. %2.5
Function
Origin
PEG-150 DistearateA synthetic surfactant that thickens clear cleansers.
Polysorbate 80
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Polysorbate 80A non-ionic surfactant, which means that it contains no chemical charges. It can be used as a mild cleansing agent in skin cleansing products but is more commonly used for its emulsifying abilities.
Tocopherol
Est. %1.5
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.

Hylocereus Undatus Fruit Extract
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
Hylocereus Undatus Fruit Extract
Sodium Hyaluronate
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Sodium Hyaluronate

A sodium salt of famous hyaluronic acid. A potent humectant that hydrates the skin, supports collagen function, and fills out small wrinkles. Sodium hyaluronate also offers soothing and antioxidant properties.

PEG-240/HDI Copolymer Bis-Decyltetradeceth-20 Ether
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PEG-240/HDI Copolymer Bis-Decyltetradeceth-20 Ether
Potassium Laurate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Potassium Laurate
1,2-Hexanediol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
1,2-HexanediolA multi-functional formula helper. It is a well-studied preservtive against bacteria and can help pigments and fragrances disperse evenly in a formula.
Hydroxyacetophenone
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
HydroxyacetophenoneAn antioxidant compound that can be found in many plants, although it is manufactured synthetically for skincare purposes. It can boost the preservative action of other conservants.
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.
Pentylene Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Pentylene Glycol

A naturally or synthetically derived preservative that exhibits effective antifungal and antibacterial traits. It also acts as a booster for more traditional preservatives. Pentylene glycol can also serve as a moisturizing humectant and solvent.

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.
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.
Red 40 (CI 16035)
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Red 40 (CI 16035)A colorant that also goes by the name of Allura Red AC or FD&C Red 40. This ingredient is an approved colorant for skincare, food, and even tattoo inks. The color produced by Red 40 (CI 16035) is a jewel-tone red with yellow undertones.
Yellow 5 (CI 19140)
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Yellow 5 (CI 19140)A bright yellow colorant that is often also listed as FD&C Yellow 5.