Glossier Priming Moisturizer Balance Oil-Control Gel-Cream Review

Glossier Priming Moisturizer Balance Oil-Control Gel-Cream
5.2
/ 10
Moisturizing
10.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
0.4 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
2.3Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle
Rich
in Antioxidants
Review

Does Glossier Priming Moisturizer Balance Oil-Control Gel-Cream Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Glossier Priming Moisturizer Balance Oil-Control Gel-Cream has to offer:
 
  • Strong humectant moisturizing. This lightweight, humectant-rich product, ideal for oily skin, has a moisturizing rating of 5.2 out of 10.
  • Modest anti-wrinkle efficacy: Glossier Priming Moisturizer Balance Oil-Control Gel-Cream has an anti-wrinkle rating of 2.3 out of 10 so you may expect some, although limited, effect on wrinkles.
  • Antioxidant protection.

Key Benefits of Glossier Priming Moisturizer Balance Oil-Control Gel-Cream

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Glossier Priming Moisturizer Balance Oil-Control Gel-Cream:
 

Lightweight Humectant Moisturizer Ideal for Oily Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, Glossier Priming Moisturizer Balance Oil-Control Gel-Cream is quite moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 5.2 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Significantly more humectant. It has a low occlusivity of 0.4 out of 10 and a maximum humectancy of 10 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Glycerin (est. ≈7.5%), Propanediol (est. ≈3.0%) and Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract (est. ≈2.5%).

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.

Modest Anti-Wrinkle Efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, Glossier Priming Moisturizer Balance Oil-Control Gel-Cream has a modest level of anti-wrinkle efficacy, rated 2.3 out of 10.

It contains 2 active ingredients with proven anti-wrinkle efficacy:

  • Niacinamide (est. ≈1.0%),
     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).
  • Sodium Salicylate (est. ≈0.3%),
     a sodium salt of salicylic acid, with moderate anti-wrinkle efficacy confirmed by a single clinical study involving 30 participants (Merinville et al.). This study found that a cream containing 1% sodium salicylate reduced the average depth of periorbital wrinkles by 7% after 8 weeks of use, compared to a vehicle (the same formulation without sodium salicylate).
Among others, Glossier Priming Moisturizer Balance Oil-Control Gel-Cream also contains Pseudoalteromonas Ferment Extract, an ingredient often marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of Pseudoalteromonas Ferment Extract provide insufficient evidence of its efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards. 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 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 Glossier Priming Moisturizer Balance Oil-Control Gel-Cream is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract (est. ≈2.5%).

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 Glossier Priming Moisturizer Balance Oil-Control Gel-Cream

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Glossier Priming Moisturizer Balance Oil-Control Gel-Cream 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: 

  • We couldn't find any

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
70
7.5
5
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
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer
Function:
Origin:
Propanediol
Function:
Origin:
Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Pentylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Polymethylsilsesquioxane
Function:
Origin:
Pseudoalteromonas Ferment Extract
Function:
Origin:
Niacinamide
Function:
Origin:
Bambusa Arundinacea Stem Extract
Function:
Origin:
Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Salix Nigra (Willow) Bark Extract
Function:
Origin:
Tamarindus Indica Seed Gum
Function:
Origin:
Squalane
Function:
Origin:
Hydroxyacetophenone
Function:
Origin:
Isononyl Isononanoate
Function:
Origin:
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Function:
Origin:
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Function:
Origin:
Glyceryl Citrate/Lactate/Linoleate/Oleate
Function:
Origin:
Potassium Hydroxide
Function:
Origin:
Carbomer
Function:
Origin:
Glyceryl Caprylate
Function:
Origin:
Glyceryl Polyacrylate
Function:
Origin:
Tocopherol
Function:
Origin:
Polyglyceryl-3 Caprate
Function:
Origin:
Polyglyceryl-4 Cocoate
Function:
Origin:
Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Function:
Origin:
Polysorbate 60
Function:
Origin:
Sorbitan Isostearate
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Salicylate
Function:
Origin:
1,2-Hexanediol
Function:
Origin:
Caprylyl Glycol
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
17.9
7.5
3
2.5
2
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
0.9
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
5.2
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 17.9 10
10.0
7.5
3
2.5
2
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 0.9 20
0.4
0.3
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
5.2
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
7.5
3
2.5
2
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
All humectants 17.9 10
10
All humectants
17.9
7.5
3
2.5
2
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
0.3
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 0.9 20
0.4
All occlusives
0.9
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
6 /10 4 1 1.5
2.5 /10 1 0.3 0.8
n/a
- 1.3 -
Total
2.3
Niacinamide
1.5
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
6 /10
when present at, %
4
in this formula, est. %
1
Sodium Salicylate
0.8
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
2.5 /10
when present at, %
1
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Pseudoalteromonas Ferment Extract
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
1.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
2.3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
2.5
1
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 4.1 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
4.1
Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract
2.5
Niacinamide
1
Hydroxyacetophenone
0.3
Tocopherol
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
1.3
1
0.3
All soothing 2.6 5 No
All soothing
2.6
1.3
1
0.3
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.
Glycerin
Est. %7.5
Function
Origin
Glycerin

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

Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer
Est. %5
Function
Origin
Methyl Methacrylate CrosspolymerA synthetic ingredient that is used for bulking, film-forming, and controlling viscosity. It can absorb large amounts of water and oil and creates a network for other ingredients to live in.
Propanediol
Est. %3
Function
Origin
PropanediolAn excellent solvent capable of mixing water with normally water-insoluble ingredients. It also functions as a humectant due to its water-loving alcohol groups. Propanediol can control the viscosity of a product by reducing its thickness.
Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract
Est. %2.5
Function
Origin
Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit ExtractAn extract derived from apple fruit that has humectant moisturizing and antioxidant properties, as well as gentle anti-pigment effects. It contains humectant sugars, anti-pigment organic acids, and flavonoids.
Pentylene Glycol
Est. %2
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.

Polymethylsilsesquioxane
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
PolymethylsilsesquioxaneA type of spherical powder that functions on a ball-bearing effect in which the tiny microspheres roll around on the skin and create lubricity. Polymethylsilsesquioxane offers extra slip to skincare products and makes the skin feel soft and smooth.
Pseudoalteromonas Ferment Extract
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
Pseudoalteromonas Ferment ExtractAn ingredient obtained from a bacterial culture. According to the patent holder, it produces a special glycoprotein that promotes collagen and elastin synthesis and moisturizes the skin by drawing water to it.
Niacinamide
Est. %1
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.

Bambusa Arundinacea Stem Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Bambusa Arundinacea Stem Extract
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.
Salix Nigra (Willow) Bark Extract
Est. %0.3
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.
Tamarindus Indica Seed Gum
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tamarindus Indica Seed Gum
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.
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.
Isononyl Isononanoate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Isononyl IsononanoateAn ester of a branched fatty acid with a branched fatty alcohol. It is an easily spreadable emollient that has a silky, dry, non-greasy feel on the skin.
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate CopolymerAn emulsion stabilizer and thickener that helps to create a pleasant, satiny, and light formula texture. It works by forming a gel-like network within water or oil, which both stabilizes other ingredients and produces a thickening effect.
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.
Glyceryl Citrate/Lactate/Linoleate/Oleate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glyceryl Citrate/Lactate/Linoleate/Oleate
Potassium Hydroxide
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Potassium HydroxideA very alkaline ingredient, meaning that it has a high pH. Potassium hydroxide is therefore useful in bringing a low pH in a cosmetic product up to a more neutral, skin-safe level.
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.
Glyceryl Caprylate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glyceryl CaprylateA waxy solid derived from vegetable oils that has emollient and emulsifying properties. It is also known to boost the efficacy of organic acid preservatives by destabilizing the microbe's cell membrane.
Glyceryl Polyacrylate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glyceryl PolyacrylateA synthetic thickening polymer that can be used in a variety of product types. This polymer can feel lightweight but can also stand up to heavier ingredients in products like body butters.
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.

Polyglyceryl-3 Caprate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Polyglyceryl-3 Caprate
Polyglyceryl-4 Cocoate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Polyglyceryl-4 Cocoate
Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Trisodium Ethylenediamine DisuccinateA chelating agent that disables harmful heavy metal ions present in skincare.
Polysorbate 60
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Polysorbate 60An ester based on sorbitan. It is good for emulsifying water and oils together – specifically making oil-in-water emulsions. Polysorbate 60 is also said to give a product a notable fragrance.
Sorbitan Isostearate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sorbitan IsostearateA mild yet powerful emulsifier primarily utilized to produce water-in-oil emulsions. It helps to create a particularly rich and substantial emulsion.
Sodium Salicylate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Salicylate

A synthetic derivative of salicylic acid with confirmed anti-wrinkle efficacy.

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.
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.