Lancome Prep & Hydrate Primer Review

Lancome Prep & Hydrate Primer
9.2
/ 10
Moisturizing
8.3 Humectancy icon Humectancy
10.0 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
Rich
in Antioxidants
Review

Does Lancome Prep & Hydrate Primer Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Lancome Prep & Hydrate Primer has to offer:
 
✅ Intense moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 9.2 out of 10.
✅ Antioxidant protection

  

Key Benefits of Lancome Prep & Hydrate Primer

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Lancome Prep & Hydrate Primer:
 

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

According to CreamScan analysis, Lancome Prep & Hydrate Primer is intensely moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 9.2 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Rather occlusive. It has a very high humectancy of 8.3 out of 10, primarily due to the substantial concentration of Glycerin (est. ≈4.0%) and Propanediol (est. ≈2.5%), and a maximum occlusivity of 10 out of 10, mainly due to the significant content of Dimethicone (est. ≈9.0%) and Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel Oil (est. ≈6.0%).

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 Lancome Prep & Hydrate Primer 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.

🍀 Rich in Skin-Protecting Antioxidants

We estimate that Lancome Prep & Hydrate Primer is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Oil (est. ≈3.0%).

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.

Things to Be Aware Of: Lancome Prep & Hydrate Primer

 
CreamScan AI identified a few things to consider before adding Lancome Prep & Hydrate Primer 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.

⚠️ Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy

If one of your main reasons for choosing Lancome Prep & Hydrate Primer is its potential anti-aging effects, please note that, according to CreamScan analysis, it currently has a zero anti-wrinkle rating.

It contains Adenosine and Acetyl Tetrapeptide-9, two ingredients often marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles. 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 Lancome Prep & Hydrate Primer

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Lancome Prep & Hydrate Primer 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
✅ Rich in antioxidants that combat oxidative stress associated with accelerated skin aging and defend against environmental damage
 

⭕ Cons: 

⚠️ May feel too rich and thick on skin types other than dry
⚠️ Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy
   

Summary: Lancome Prep & Hydrate Primer

 
Based on the ingredient list analysis, CreamScan AI suggests that Lancome Prep & Hydrate Primer
 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.
 
With its high antioxidant content, Lancome Prep & Hydrate Primer 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.
 
That said, there are some things about Lancome Prep & Hydrate Primer worth noting.
 
With its high occlusivity, Lancome Prep & Hydrate Primer 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.
 
If one of your main reasons for considering Lancome Prep & Hydrate Primer 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.

 

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
60
9
6
4
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
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.2
0.1
0.3
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel Oil
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Oil
Function:
Origin:
Propanediol
Function:
Origin:
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter
Function:
Origin:
Stearic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Palmitic Acid
Function:
Origin:
PEG-100 Stearate
Function:
Origin:
Glyceryl Stearate
Function:
Origin:
PEG-20 Stearate
Function:
Origin:
Stearyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Beeswax
Function:
Origin:
Rosa Canina Fruit Oil
Function:
Origin:
Saccharomyces/Xylinum/Black Tea Ferment
Function:
Origin:
Talc
Function:
Origin:
Triethanolamine
Function:
Origin:
Dimethiconol
Function:
Origin:
Isohexadecane
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hyaluronate
Function:
Origin:
Adenosine
Function:
Origin:
Cinnamic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Phloroglucinol Trimethyl Ether
Function:
Origin:
Disodium EDTA
Function:
Origin:
Propylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Hydrolyzed Linseed Extract
Function:
Origin:
Hydrolyzed Soy Protein
Function:
Origin:
Hydroxypropyl Tetrahydropyrantriol
Function:
Origin:
Caprylyl Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Acetyl Tetrapeptide-9
Function:
Origin:
Polysorbate 80
Function:
Origin:
Acrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Copolymer
Function:
Origin:
Tocopheryl Acetate
Function:
Origin:
Sorbic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Fragrance
Function:
Origin:
Linalool
Function:
Origin:
Limonene
Function:
Origin:
Hydroxyisohexyl 3-Cyclohexene Carboxaldehyde
Function:
Origin:
Butylphenyl Methylpropional
Function:
Origin:
Hexyl Cinnamal
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
8.3
4
2.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
23.4
9.0
6.0
3.0
2.0
1.5
1.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
9.2
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 8.3 10
8.3
4
2.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 23.4 20
10.0
9.0
6.0
3.0
2.0
1.5
1.3
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
9.2
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
4
2.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 8.3 10
8.3
All humectants
8.3
4
2.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
9
6
3
2
1.5
1.3
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 23.4 20
10.0
All occlusives
23.4
9.0
6.0
3.0
2.0
1.5
1.3
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 -
Total
0
Adenosine
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Acetyl Tetrapeptide-9
-
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
3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 3.9 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
3.9
Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Oil
3
Saccharomyces/Xylinum/Black Tea Ferment
0.3
Sodium Hyaluronate
0.3
Tocopheryl Acetate
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
0.3
All soothing 0.3 5 No
All soothing
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %60
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
Est. %9
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.
Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel Oil
Est. %6
Function
Origin
Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel OilA fatty oil expressed from the seed kernels of apricot fruits. This oil is an emollient and occlusive moisturizer comprised of around 60% oleic acid, followed by linoleic and palmitic acid, carotenoids, vitamin E, and other antioxidant compounds.
Glycerin
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Glycerin

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

Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Oil
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran OilExtracted from the outer layer of rice grains, this oil is rich in occlusive moisturizing and emollient omega-6 fatty acids, vitamin E, and a potent antioxidant γ-oryzanol. It may have beneficial effects on dry or sun-damaged skin, as well as eczema.
Propanediol
Est. %2.5
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.
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) ButterA semi-solid, buttery fat extracted from the seeds of the Shea tree that is a wonderful occlusive and emollient ingredient mainly comprised of fatty acids. Shea butter contains a large amount of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds.
Stearic Acid
Est. %1.5
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.
Palmitic Acid
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
Palmitic AcidA saturated fatty acid used in skincare as a strongly occlusive moisturizer and barrier repairing, emollient ingredient. It is a waxy-looking, white solid. Palmitic acid can be commonly found in animal and vegetable fats, notably palm oil.
PEG-100 Stearate
Est. %1
Function
Origin
PEG-100 StearateThis surfactant is more specifically classified as an emulsifier that produces oil-in-water emulsions. PEG-100 stearate can also be used as a cleansing agent.
Glyceryl Stearate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glyceryl StearateAn emollient and emulsifier typically derived from vegetable sources through a chemical reaction with glycerin. It provides stability, texture, and consistency to formulations. Its main function is to allow oil and water to mix.
PEG-20 Stearate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PEG-20 Stearate
Stearyl Alcohol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Stearyl AlcoholA natural fatty alcohol that thickens, stabilizes, and keeps emulsions a bright white color. It has many uses, the main one being as an emulsifier. It also acts as an opacifying agent and emollient.
Beeswax
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
BeeswaxA waxy substance made by bees while they are building their honeycombs. It is an occlusive moisturizing and emollient ingredient with wound healing and antimicrobial properties similar to those of honey. Its bleached, purified form is called Cera alba.
Rosa Canina Fruit Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Rosa Canina Fruit OilAn occlusive moisturizing and emollient oil extracted from the little hard seeds inside of the red, fleshy rosehip. It contains mainly emollient fatty acids and a very high amount of antioxidant carotenoids, which give the oil its light orange color.
Saccharomyces/Xylinum/Black Tea Ferment
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Saccharomyces/Xylinum/Black Tea FermentThis is what you probably know as kombucha. It contains various B vitamins, organic acids, and phenolic compounds that have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties.
Talc
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
TalcA mineral powder used as a base material for powders, make-up, and pastes that absorbs sweat and oils very well. It is also often used in baby powders. Talc should never be applied to skin with a damaged lipid barrier (e.g. wounds and burns).
Triethanolamine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
TriethanolamineA clear, colorless, and highly viscous liquid, this ingredient is an excellent pH adjuster. When it is necessary to neutralize an acidic solution or to generally increase the pH of a product, triethanolamine is a common choice.
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.
Isohexadecane
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
IsohexadecaneA clear, colorless liquid that is commonly used as an emollient. It is made up of pure hydrocarbons and leaves a dry feeling on the skin upon application. It also increases the spreadability of a product.
Sodium Hyaluronate
Est. %0.3
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.

Adenosine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Adenosine

A key molecule responsible for energy transportation, signaling, and enzyme activity. Adenosine is a popular anti-wrinkle ingredient, however, the key study about its anti-wrinkle efficacy (1) does not meet CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards as it is not double-blind.

Cinnamic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Cinnamic Acid
Phloroglucinol Trimethyl Ether
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Phloroglucinol Trimethyl Ether
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.
Propylene Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Propylene GlycolA clear, thick, odorless liquid of synthetic origin. Its main function is to stabilize cosmetic products exposed to varying temperatures. It is also a moderately strong humectant with similar properties to glycerin.
Hydrolyzed Linseed Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hydrolyzed Linseed ExtractThis is an emollient derivative of linseed extract that is also rich in beneficial amino acids.
Hydrolyzed Soy Protein
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hydrolyzed Soy ProteinA mixture of proteins obtained from soybeans. It can have many different functions depending on the manufacturer, although it is most commonly used in skincare products as a humectant moisturizing ingredient.
Hydroxypropyl Tetrahydropyrantriol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hydroxypropyl Tetrahydropyrantriol
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.
Acetyl Tetrapeptide-9
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Acetyl Tetrapeptide-9

A synthetically made peptide that works as a signal peptide, increasing the production of collagen in the skin.

Polysorbate 80
Est. %0.3
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.
Acrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Copolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Acrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate CopolymerA synthetic ingredient that forms a gel when mixed with water. It can thus thicken and stabilize a product.
Tocopheryl Acetate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tocopheryl Acetate

An antioxidant derivative of tocopherol (vitamin E). It helps to protect cells from free radicals and UV damage through the conversion to active vitamin E in the skin. It is more stable than tocopherol.

Sorbic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sorbic AcidAn organic acid that can be naturally found in the berries of the Mountain ash, although it is manufactured synthetically for skincare purposes. It is used as a preservative and antimicrobial agent, protecting a skincare product from spoiling.
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.
Fragrance
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
FragranceUnder trade secret law, manufacturers have the right not to disclose what exactly went into the fragrance and use the unspecific word Fragrance or Parfum instead. Many fragrances are highly allergenic.
Linalool
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
LinaloolA fragrant, volatile compound naturally present in many essential oils. It has a pleasant scent and is often used in skincare products as a fragrance. People with sensitive skin should try to avoid it, or at least do a patch test before using it.
Limonene
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Limonene

One of the most used fragrances in skincare products. It is produced from the peels of citrus fruits and has a fresh, pleasant, citrusy smell. People who are sensitive to citrus should try to avoid it, or at least do a patch test before using it.

Hydroxyisohexyl 3-Cyclohexene Carboxaldehyde
Est. %0.2
Function
Origin
Hydroxyisohexyl 3-Cyclohexene Carboxaldehyde

A synthetic fragrance with a scent similar to that of Lily of the Valley. It is on the list of allergens according to the International Fragrance Association (IFRA), which means that its use should be restricted to minimize potential reactions.

Butylphenyl Methylpropional
Est. %0.1
Function
Origin
Butylphenyl Methylpropional

A synthetic fragrance ingredient used to recreate the scent of lilies, this ingredient also features fresh, green, and powdery notes. Butylphenyl Methylpropional was recently labeled as Toxic to Reproduction in the EU and will be banned in 2022.

Hexyl Cinnamal
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hexyl Cinnamal

A synthetic scent ingredient that produces a jasmine-like fragrance. According to the International Fragrance Association (IFRA), hexyl cinnamal is a skin sensitizer and allergen and so its use in skincare should be limited.