Tarte Amazonian Clay Full Coverage Foundation SPF 15 Review

Tarte Amazonian Clay Full Coverage Foundation SPF 15
1.4
/ 10
Moisturizing
2.5 Humectancy icon Humectancy
0.4 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
15
SPF icon
SPF
Ingredients

Tarte Amazonian Clay Full Coverage Foundation SPF 15 Ingredients

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Full Ingredient List (INCI):

Cyclopentasiloxane, Water, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), PEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone, Zinc Oxide, Octyldodecyl Neopentanoate, Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate, Butylene Glycol, Mica, Dimethicone, Silica, Aluminum Hydroxide, Caprylyl Glycol, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Hexyl Laurate, Hexylene Glycol, Kaolin, Lysine, Magnesium Chloride, Nylon-12, Nylon-12 Fluorescent Brightener 230 Salt, Phenoxyethanol, Phytantriol, Polyvinylalcohol Crosspolymer, Potassium Chloride, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Stearic Acid, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Tocopherol, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Zinc Chloride, Iron Oxides (CI 77491), Iron Oxides (CI 77492), Iron Oxides (CI 77499)
Review

Does Tarte Amazonian Clay Full Coverage Foundation SPF 15 Work?

 
According to CreamScan's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Tarte Amazonian Clay Full Coverage Foundation SPF 15 has to offer:
 
✅ A bit of moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 1.4 out of 10.
✅ Moderate sun protection for most daily activities or short periods spent outdoors.

  

Key Benefits of Tarte Amazonian Clay Full Coverage Foundation SPF 15

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Tarte Amazonian Clay Full Coverage Foundation SPF 15:
 

🔵 Slight Moisturizing When Used Alone

According to CreamScan analysis, Tarte Amazonian Clay Full Coverage Foundation SPF 15 is slightly moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 1.4 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? This product has relatively comparable levels of Humectancy and Occlusivity: a low Humectancy of 2.5 out of 10 and a low Occlusivity of 0.4 out of 10.

This type of product provides relatively light moisturizing on its own but can contribute to overall moisturizing efficacy when used as part of a skincare routine, alongside another moisturizer.

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

☀️☀️ Moderate Sun Protection for Short Outdoor Activities

With an SPF of 15, Tarte Amazonian Clay Full Coverage Foundation SPF 15 provides moderate sun protection. It is suitable for individuals with medium to darker skin tones who are less prone to sunburn and those engaging in short outdoor activities such as walking or brief errands, as well as cloudy days when UV exposure is less intense.

It helps protect against UVB rays, which are primarily responsible for sunburn and increase the risk of skin cancer by damaging the outer layers of the skin. When labeled as broad-spectrum, it also defends against UVA rays, which penetrate deeper into the skin and cause premature aging, hyperpigmentation, and long-term cellular damage.

📌 For optimal protection, choose products labeled broad-spectrum to ensure defense against both UVA rays, which contribute to skin aging and pigmentation, and UVB rays that cause sunburn.

However, if you spend a substantial amount of time outdoors, it is better to use a broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF 30 or higher.

📌 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: Tarte Amazonian Clay Full Coverage Foundation SPF 15

 
CreamScan identified a few things to consider before adding Tarte Amazonian Clay Full Coverage Foundation SPF 15 to your skincare routine:
 

⚠️ As a Standalone Moisturizer, It Has Relatively Low Moisturizing Potential

If you use Tarte Amazonian Clay Full Coverage Foundation SPF 15 for moisturizing purposes, please keep in mind that it provides relatively light moisturizing on its own, and, more importantly, it’s not optimal for any skin type.

On one hand, it has low occlusivity, which suits oily and combination skin. On the other hand, it has a low estimated concentration of humectants, which are essential for effective moisturizing of all skin types, including oily skin.

Therefore, if used as a standalone moisturizer, this product should be paired with a humectant-rich moisturizer for optimal skin hydration.

⚠️ Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy

If one of your main reasons for choosing Tarte Amazonian Clay Full Coverage Foundation SPF 15 is its potential anti-aging effects, please note that, according to CreamScan analysis, it currently has a zero anti-wrinkle rating.

It contains Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, an ingredient often marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate provide insufficient evidence of its efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards.

While this does not categorically rule out the possibility that Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate may reduce wrinkles, its 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, this ingredient does 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 Tarte Amazonian Clay Full Coverage Foundation SPF 15

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Tarte Amazonian Clay Full Coverage Foundation SPF 15 to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

🟩 Pros:

Provides relatively light moisturizing on its own but can contribute to the moisturizing efficacy of any skincare routine
Provides moderate sun protection, suitable for short outdoor activities on cloudy or low-UV days
 

⭕ Cons: 

⚠️ Minimal moisturizing efficacy, even for oily skin - something to keep in mind if this is the only moisturizer in your routine
⚠️ Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy
   

Summary: Tarte Amazonian Clay Full Coverage Foundation SPF 15

 
Based on the ingredient list analysis, CreamScan AI suggests that Tarte Amazonian Clay Full Coverage Foundation SPF 15
, as a moisturizer, provides relatively light hydration on its own but can enhance the moisturizing efficacy of any skincare routine.
 
With an SPF of 15, Tarte Amazonian Clay Full Coverage Foundation SPF 15 offers moderate sun protection, making it suitable for short outdoor activities on cloudy or low-UV days.
 
That said, there are some things about Tarte Amazonian Clay Full Coverage Foundation SPF 15 worth noting.
 
If you use Tarte Amazonian Clay Full Coverage Foundation SPF 15 as your primary moisturizer, please keep in mind that it provides only light hydration, which isn’t actually ideal for any skin type. While its low occlusivity may work for oily and combination skin, it lacks sufficient humectants, which are vital for effective hydration of any skin type. Therefore, for optimal moisturizing results, it should be paired with a humectant-rich moisturizer.
 
If one of your main reasons for considering Tarte Amazonian Clay Full Coverage Foundation SPF 15 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:
Water
Function:
Origin:
Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Function:
Origin:
Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)
Function:
Origin:
PEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Zinc Oxide
Function:
Origin:
Octyldodecyl Neopentanoate
Function:
Origin:
Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate
Function:
Origin:
Butylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Mica
Function:
Origin:
Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Silica
Function:
Origin:
Aluminum Hydroxide
Function:
Origin:
Caprylyl Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Hexyl Laurate
Function:
Origin:
Hexylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Kaolin
Function:
Origin:
Lysine
Function:
Origin:
Magnesium Chloride
Function:
Origin:
Nylon-12
Function:
Origin:
Nylon-12 Fluorescent Brightener 230 Salt
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Phytantriol
Function:
Origin:
Polyvinylalcohol Crosspolymer
Function:
Origin:
Potassium Chloride
Function:
Origin:
Potassium Sorbate
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Chloride
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Dehydroacetate
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hyaluronate
Function:
Origin:
Stearic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
Function:
Origin:
Tocopherol
Function:
Origin:
Triethoxycaprylylsilane
Function:
Origin:
Zinc Chloride
Function:
Origin:
Iron Oxides (CI 77491)
Function:
Origin:
Iron Oxides (CI 77492)
Function:
Origin:
Iron Oxides (CI 77499)
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
2.5
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
0.9
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
1.4
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 2.5 10
2.5
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 0.9 20
0.4
0.3
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
1.4
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 2.5 10
2.5
All humectants
2.5
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
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
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
0
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
-
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
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 0.9 3 No
All antioxidants
0.9
Sodium Hyaluronate
0.3
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
0.3
Tocopherol
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

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.
Water
Est. %22
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. %11
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.
Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)
Est. %6
Function
Origin
Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)One of two the most commonly used mineral sunscreens. It can absorb UV light, including UVB – which causes burning, tanning, and even skin cancer. Also used as a colorant, titanium dioxide gives a product a bright white color.
PEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone
Est. %4
Function
Origin
PEG/PPG-18/18 DimethiconeA silicone-based emulsifier that has the ability to create non-sticky and non-greasy formulas.
Zinc Oxide
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Zinc OxideA white mineral powder mainly used in skincare as a physical sunscreen. It protects against UVA light that leads to visible signs of aging, including wrinkles and fine lines. Zinc oxide can also be used as a colorant to enhance the whiteness of a product.
Octyldodecyl Neopentanoate
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Octyldodecyl NeopentanoateA synthetic emollient ester. This clear, colorless liquid has a unique sensorial profile that is light and silky, with good lubricity.
Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Polyglyceryl-4 IsostearateA synthetic emollient emulsifier that helps oil and water phases to mix.
Butylene Glycol
Est. %1
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.

Mica
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
MicaA mineral powder made up of silicates with several functions (the main one being as a colorant). It has a shimmery appearance, making it highly desirable in certain cosmetic products. Mica also helps the product to apply more smoothly.
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.
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.
Aluminum Hydroxide
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Aluminum HydroxideA white mineral powder, also known as alumina, that is derived from aluminum metal. It is frequently used as an abrasive in exfoliating products and as a thickener. Aluminum oxide is also a great opacifier.
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.
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.
Hexyl Laurate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hexyl LaurateAn emollient ester with very high spreadability.
Hexylene Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hexylene GlycolA multifunctional ingredient that is best known for its use as a solvent. It can dissolve both water-based ingredients and oils. For this reason, it can also function as an emulsifier, allowing oil and water ingredients to mix and remain stable.
Kaolin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
KaolinA type of mineral clay milled into a white, very fine powder. It is able to absorb sweat and oil, which then helps to keep the skin matte. The larger particles of kaolin are used in skin scrubs as an abrasive ingredient.
Lysine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
LysineA humectant moisturizing amino acid that is a part of the skin's Natural Moisturizing Factor. It is slightly alkaline and helps to balance the product's pH. It may have a slightly fishy smell.
Magnesium Chloride
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Magnesium ChlorideA chloride salt with a bitter taste and the ability to thicken water-in-oil emulsions.
Nylon-12
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Nylon-12A synthetic powdered ingredient that imparts unique sensorial characteristics due to its microsphere structure. It can also control viscosity by bulking up the oil phase of a skincare product.
Nylon-12 Fluorescent Brightener 230 Salt
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Nylon-12 Fluorescent Brightener 230 Salt
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.
Phytantriol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Phytantriol
Polyvinylalcohol Crosspolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Polyvinylalcohol Crosspolymer
Potassium Chloride
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Potassium ChlorideA salt of hydrochloric acid that stabilizes emulsions through thickening.
Potassium Sorbate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Potassium SorbateA preservative widely used in food and personal care products, available from natural sources or synthetically produced. Potassium sorbate works by inhibiting the growth of yeasts, molds, and some bacteria.
Sodium Chloride
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Chloride

You’re definitely familiar with sodium chloride, even if you don’t think you are. It’s table salt! Salt works well with some cleansing ingredients (surfactants) to thicken them into gels. It also acts as a stabilizer for water-in-oil emulsions.

Sodium Dehydroacetate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium DehydroacetateA sodium salt of dehydroacetic acid that is most commonly used as a preservative. It is a strong fungicide and a moderate bactericide, which makes it an effective broad-spectrum preservative.
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.

Stearic Acid
Est. %0.3
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.
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.
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.

Triethoxycaprylylsilane
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
TriethoxycaprylylsilaneA binding and coating ingredient that allows pigments like iron oxides and mica to disperse better in oily environments. This leads to more vibrant colors.
Zinc Chloride
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Zinc Chloride
Iron Oxides (CI 77491)
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Iron Oxides (CI 77491)A red colorant also known as red iron oxide. This is an EU-approved colorant used in a wide variety of products.
Iron Oxides (CI 77492)
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Iron Oxides (CI 77492)Also known as iron (III) oxide, this ingredient is a yellow-colored pigment that can either be derived from minerals or produced synthetically. It adds yellow tones to cosmetic products.
Iron Oxides (CI 77499)
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Iron Oxides (CI 77499)A black colorant also known as black iron oxide used in a wide range of skincare products.