NYX Cosmetics Born To Glow! Illuminating Primer Review

NYX Cosmetics Born To Glow! Illuminating Primer
4.6
/ 10
Moisturizing
6.3 Humectancy icon Humectancy
2.8 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
Review

Does NYX Cosmetics Born To Glow! Illuminating Primer Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what NYX Cosmetics Born To Glow! Illuminating Primer has to offer:
 
  • Moderate moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 4.6 out of 10.

Key Benefits of NYX Cosmetics Born To Glow! Illuminating Primer

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using NYX Cosmetics Born To Glow! Illuminating Primer:
 

Lightweight Moisturizer Well-Suited for Combination and Oily Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, NYX Cosmetics Born To Glow! Illuminating Primer is quite moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 4.6 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Significantly more humectant. It has a low occlusivity of 2.8 out of 10 and a high humectancy of 6.3 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Glycerin (est. ≈5.0%).

This type of moisturizer is well-suited for people with combination and oily skin who want significant hydration in a relatively lightweight, non-greasy formula. It combines a substantial amount of humectants with a limited amount of occlusive to enhance moisturizing efficacy without feeling too heavy.

This product may also be an option for people with normal skin who prefer fast-absorbing textures, as it balances significant moisturizing potential with a relatively lightweight texture.

A Humectant Enhancement for Any Skincare Routine

But it’s not limited to combination and oily skin - such a humectant enhancement 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.

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 NYX Cosmetics Born To Glow! Illuminating Primer

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of NYX Cosmetics Born To Glow! Illuminating Primer to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

Pros:

  • When used alone: Provides humectant-rich moisturizing well-suited for combination and oily skin
  • Also an option for people with normal skin who prefer fast-absorbing textures
  • As part of a routine: A humectant moisturizing enhancement, beneficial for any skin type
  • Lightweight texture

Cons: 

  • We couldn't find any

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
75
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
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Cyclopentasiloxane
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Caprylyl Methicone
Function:
Origin:
Isododecane
Function:
Origin:
Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer
Function:
Origin:
Propylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
PEG-10 Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Phenyl Trimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Silica Dimethyl Silylate
Function:
Origin:
Magnesium Sulfate
Function:
Origin:
Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate
Function:
Origin:
Disteardimonium Hectorite
Function:
Origin:
Trimethylsiloxysilicate
Function:
Origin:
Bis-Isobutyl PEG/PPG-10/7/Dimethicone Copolymer
Function:
Origin:
Dimethiconol
Function:
Origin:
Propylene Carbonate
Function:
Origin:
Ethylhexylglycerin
Function:
Origin:
Bismuth Oxychloride (CI 77163)
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
6.3
5
1
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
5.6
3.0
2.0
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
4.6
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 6.3 10
6.3
5
1
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 5.6 20
2.8
3.0
2.0
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
4.6
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
5
1
0.3
All humectants 6.3 10
6.3
All humectants
6.3
5
1
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
3
2
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 5.6 20
2.8
All occlusives
5.6
3.0
2.0
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
None
Total
0
None
Anti-wrinkle rating
0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
None
All antioxidants 0 3 No
All antioxidants
0
None
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
None
All soothing 0 5 No
All soothing
0
None
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %75
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.
Cyclopentasiloxane
Est. %7.5
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.
Glycerin
Est. %5
Function
Origin
Glycerin

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

Caprylyl Methicone
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Caprylyl MethiconeA liquid silicone with occlusive moisturizing properties. Being compatible with natural oils is a challenge for most silicones, but caprylyl methicone plays well with all types of oils.
Isododecane
Est. %2.5
Function
Origin
IsododecaneAn emollient derived from petroleum with high spreadability. It is often used as a replacement for oils and silicones because it leaves no residue behind on the skin. When a product is labeled as “oil-free” it may contain isododecane instead of heavier oils.
Dimethicone
Est. %2
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.
Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 DimethiconeA silicone-based powerful emulsifier that helps to create lightweight and pleasant feeling lotions and creams.
Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer
Propylene Glycol
Est. %1
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.
PEG-10 Dimethicone
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PEG-10 DimethiconeA polyethylene-based emulsifying ingredient. It has a water-loving portion and an oil-loving portion that help to keep the water and oil phases connected to form an emulsion.
Phenyl Trimethicone
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Phenyl TrimethiconeA silicone fluid that is used as an occlusive moisturizer. It applies smoothly to the skin and reduces the tack associated with organic oils.
Silica Dimethyl Silylate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Silica Dimethyl SilylateA synthetic 'filler' powder primarily used as a formula helper. It is added in skincare products to adjust their consistency and thickness.
Magnesium Sulfate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Magnesium SulfateA naturally occurring mineral that is commonly used in skincare products as a bulking agent. It helps to control the viscosity of products by making them thicker.
Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Aluminum Starch OctenylsuccinateAn absorbent that takes in oils from the skin to reduce the oily sheen. It can also absorb oils from the skincare product itself, resulting in a softer, less greasy product, normally with better spreadability and less tack.
Disteardimonium Hectorite
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Disteardimonium HectoriteA clay ingredient that functions primarily as a viscosity controlling agent that thickens all types of formulas. Disteardimonium hectorite imparts a smooth, velvety feel, making it a luxurious addition to any formula.
Trimethylsiloxysilicate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
TrimethylsiloxysilicateAn occlusive moisturizing and emollient silicone resin that smoothes and softens the appearance of the skin. It also protects a product from rinsing away too easily with water, sweat, or friction.
Bis-Isobutyl PEG/PPG-10/7/Dimethicone Copolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Bis-Isobutyl PEG/PPG-10/7/Dimethicone Copolymer
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.
Propylene Carbonate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Propylene CarbonateA derivative of propylene glycol that is used most frequently as a solvent. Additionally, propylene carbonate serves as a viscosity controlling agent reducing the thickness of the products it is added to.
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.
Bismuth Oxychloride (CI 77163)
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Bismuth Oxychloride (CI 77163)An inorganic colorant that gives off a pearly white sheen. Its appearance is a result of light reflecting and refracting through the layers it forms.