The Route Beauty The Girlfriend - Skincare + Makeup Primer

The Route Beauty The Girlfriend - Skincare + Makeup Primer
8.0
/ 10
Moisturizing
5.9 Humectancy icon Humectancy
10.0 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
0.1Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle
Rich
in Antioxidants

Review

Does The Route Beauty The Girlfriend - Skincare + Makeup Primer work?

Based on the ingredient list analysis by CreamScan AI, these are the key benefits you can expect from using The Route Beauty The Girlfriend - Skincare + Makeup Primer:

  • Intense moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 8.0 out of 10.
  • Little anti-wrinkle effect: The Route Beauty The Girlfriend - Skincare + Makeup Primer has an anti-wrinkle rating of 0.1 out of 10, so you may expect a positive, although insignificant, effect on wrinkles.
  • Antioxidant protection.

Moisturizer with the right occlusivity for dry to very dry skin, ideally to be used with extra humectants

According to CreamScan analysis, The Route Beauty The Girlfriend - Skincare + Makeup Primer is intensely moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 8.0 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Significantly more occlusive. It has a moderate humectancy of 5.9 out of 10, primarily due to the substantial concentration of Propanediol (est. ≈2.0%), and a maximum occlusivity of 10 out of 10, mainly due to the high content of Dimethicone (est. ≈35.0%) and Passiflora Edulis Seed Oil (est. ≈3.0%).

This type of product, when used as a standalone moisturizer, can deliver an exceptional level of occlusive hydration that is adequate for dry to very dry skin. The occlusive profile of The Route Beauty The Girlfriend - Skincare + Makeup Primer suggests a rich, thick texture, making it perfectly suited for dry skin.

However, it contains a moderate level of humectants, and people with dry skin would definitely benefit from adding more humectants to their moisturizing routine beyond what this product offers. If this is your only moisturizer, it may be worth including a humectant-rich product, such as a serum, in your skincare routine.

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

Little anti-wrinkle efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, The Route Beauty The Girlfriend - Skincare + Makeup Primer has a minimal anti-wrinkle rating of 0.1 out of 10.

It contains one ingredient with proven anti-wrinkle efficacy: Glycolic Acid (est. ≈0.3%), 
 a highly effective ingredient in peelings but with moderate anti-wrinkle efficacy in leave-on skincare products, as supported by a single clinical study. This study, involving 72 participants (Thibault et al.), demonstrated that a lotion with 5% GA reduced the fine wrinkling score by 6% after 34 days of use, compared to a vehicle (the same formulation without GA).
 
Among others, The Route Beauty The Girlfriend - Skincare + Makeup Primer also contains contains Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 and Beta-Glucan, 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. Therefore, these ingredients do 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 The Route Beauty The Girlfriend - Skincare + Makeup Primer is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Passiflora Edulis Seed 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.

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
35
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
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. %
Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Water
Function:
Origin:
Polysilicone-11
Function:
Origin:
Lauryl Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Polymethylsilsesquioxane
Function:
Origin:
Passiflora Edulis Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Propanediol
Function:
Origin:
Alumina
Function:
Origin:
Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)
Function:
Origin:
Diamond Powder
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hyaluronate
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
Function:
Origin:
Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Function:
Origin:
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8
Function:
Origin:
N-Prolyl Palmitoyl Tripeptide-56 Acetate
Function:
Origin:
Solanum Lycopersicum (Tomato) Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Magnesium Carboxymethyl Beta-Glucan
Function:
Origin:
Ceramide NP
Function:
Origin:
Tremella Fuciformis Sporocarp Extract
Function:
Origin:
Rheum Rhaponticum Root Extract
Function:
Origin:
Hydroxymethoxyphenyl Decanone
Function:
Origin:
Beta-Glucan
Function:
Origin:
Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root Extract
Function:
Origin:
Orobanche Rapum Extract
Function:
Origin:
Trehalose
Function:
Origin:
Bisabolol
Function:
Origin:
Squalane
Function:
Origin:
Hordeum Vulgare Seed Extract
Function:
Origin:
Betaine
Function:
Origin:
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Pentylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Disodium Phosphate
Function:
Origin:
Caprylyl Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate
Function:
Origin:
1,2-Hexanediol
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Benzoate
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Phosphate
Function:
Origin:
Hydrogenated Lecithin
Function:
Origin:
Ethylhexylglycerin
Function:
Origin:
Sucrose Stearate
Function:
Origin:
Potassium Sorbate
Function:
Origin:
Maltodextrin
Function:
Origin:
Tocopherol
Function:
Origin:
Glycolic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Chloroacetic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Synthetic Fluorphlogopite
Function:
Origin:
Iron Oxides (CI 77491)
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
5.9
2
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
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
38.9
35.0
3.0
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
8.0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 5.9 10
5.9
2
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
Occlusivity All occlusives 38.9 20
10.0
35.0
3.0
0.3
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
8.0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
2
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
All humectants 5.9 10
5.9
All humectants
5.9
2
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
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
35
3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 38.9 20
10.0
All occlusives
38.9
35.0
3.0
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
1.5 /10 5 0.3 0.1
n/a
- 0.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
0.1
Glycolic Acid
0.1
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
1.5 /10
when present at, %
5
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Beta-Glucan
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
0.1
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 5.1 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
5.1
Passiflora Edulis Seed Oil
3
Sodium Hyaluronate
0.3
Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
0.3
Solanum Lycopersicum (Tomato) Fruit Extract
0.3
Tremella Fuciformis Sporocarp Extract
0.3
Beta-Glucan
0.3
Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root Extract
0.3
Tocopherol
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All soothing 1.2 5 No
All soothing
1.2
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Dimethicone
Est. %35
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.
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.
Polysilicone-11
Est. %11
Function
Origin
Polysilicone-11A synthetic rubber-like substance of the silicone family that has no color or distinct scent. These are large molecules that cannot penetrate the skin but instead create a thin silky film on the skin's surface.
Lauryl Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Est. %6
Function
Origin
Lauryl Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Polymethylsilsesquioxane
Est. %4
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.
Passiflora Edulis Seed Oil
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Passiflora Edulis Seed OilA fatty oil derived from passion fruit seeds. It contains emollient and occlusive linoleic and oleic fatty acids, as well as antioxidants (among which are famous vitamin E and resveratrol).
Propanediol
Est. %2
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.
Alumina
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
AluminaA mineral derived from the metal ore known as aluminum. It is commonly used as an abrasive and also acts as a thickening viscosity controlling agent (and thus as a bulking agent). Alumina is also a great opacifier.
Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)
Est. %1
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.
Diamond Powder
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Diamond PowderA synthetically produced luxury ingredient that has both light-scattering and exfoliating properties.
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.

Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Acetylated HyaluronateA chemically modified version of hyaluronic acid. It is more stable and less sticky than regular HA, while still providing the same humectant moisturizing properties (according to the manufacturer). There have been no clinical studies to confirm this.
Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Hyaluronate CrosspolymerA modified version of regular hyaluronic acid. It attracts large volumes of water, thereby making it an effective humectant moisturizing ingredient.
Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hydrolyzed Sodium HyaluronateA very small-molecule version of regular sodium hyaluronate. It is a powerful humectant skin-identical ingredient that absorbs into the skin and offers plumping, smoothing, and anti-wrinkle effects.
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8

A small synthetic peptide that is thought to act similarly to Botox by calming contractions of the facial muscles and reducing expression wrinkles. The effect is only temporary and it does not improve the skin structure in any way.

N-Prolyl Palmitoyl Tripeptide-56 Acetate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
N-Prolyl Palmitoyl Tripeptide-56 Acetate
Solanum Lycopersicum (Tomato) Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Solanum Lycopersicum (Tomato) Fruit ExtractA bright red extract obtained from tomato fruit. Its main bioactive compound is lycopene, a powerful antioxidant. It also contains other antioxidants like various phenolic acids and flavonoids.
Magnesium Carboxymethyl Beta-Glucan
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Magnesium Carboxymethyl Beta-Glucan
Ceramide NP
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ceramide NPAlso known as ceramide 3, it is the most common ceramide in our skin. It helps to restore the skin’s lipid barrier and alleviate the symptoms of dry and cracked skin. Research has shown that skin suffering from conditions such as AD lacks ceramides.
Tremella Fuciformis Sporocarp Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tremella Fuciformis Sporocarp ExtractA fungi extract. The mushroom contains various proteins, fiber, and humectant and antioxidant polysaccharides - which help to restore the water and collagen content in the skin.
Rheum Rhaponticum Root Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Rheum Rhaponticum Root Extract
Hydroxymethoxyphenyl Decanone
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hydroxymethoxyphenyl Decanone
Beta-Glucan
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Beta-GlucanA special polysaccharide obtained from cereals, mushrooms, yeast, bacteria, and some species of seaweed. It is a promising anti-wrinkle, wound healing, antioxidant, and moisturizing ingredient.
Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root ExtractA fragrant and anti-inflammatory extract derived from ginger roots. It is a major part of Chinese traditional medicine. In can increase blood circulation, which helps with skin healing and skin metabolism.
Orobanche Rapum Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Orobanche Rapum Extract
Trehalose
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
TrehaloseA sweet-tasting saccharide that can be found in various yeasts and fungi and that is manufactured from starch for cosmetic purposes. It is one of the most popular sugars in skincare and is mainly used for its humectant properties.
Bisabolol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Bisabolol

An anti-inflammatory compound found naturally in German chamomile essential oil. It has a pleasant, sweet, and floral scent. Bisabolol also has soothing and anti-inflammatory properties but can cause an allergic reaction in more sensitive individuals.

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.
Hordeum Vulgare Seed Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hordeum Vulgare Seed Extract
Betaine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
BetaineAn ingredient derived from the sucrose in sugar beets. It has a negative chemical charge and a positive chemical charge on the same molecule. This allows betaine to be hygroscopic or humectant and thus provide moisturization by drawing water to the skin.
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideA natural occlusive moisturizing and emollient ingredient, it is a blend of glycerin and two fatty acids, caprylic and capric acid. It creates an oil-based protective layer on the skin, thereby preventing water loss.
Glycerin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glycerin

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

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.

Disodium Phosphate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Disodium PhosphateAn inorganic ingredient primarily used in skincare products as a pH adjuster.
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.
Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Polyglyceryl-10 StearateA naturally-derived or synthetically produced mild emulsifier.
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.
Sodium Benzoate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium BenzoateA preservative that usually works in combination with other preservatives. It has to be at low pH (<5.5) to be effective.
Sodium Phosphate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium PhosphateA sodium salt of phosphoric acid that increases pH.
Hydrogenated Lecithin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hydrogenated LecithinA version of plain lecithin that has been saturated with hydrogen atoms. This ingredient can be derived from plants, like soy or sunflower, from egg yolks, or made synthetically. Its major function is to emulsify water and oils.
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.
Sucrose Stearate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sucrose StearateSucrose stearate is a sugar-based emulsifier, typically used in lotions or creams that are oil in water emulsions. One of the main benefits to these kinds of emulsifiers is their sustainability, but they are also milder on the skin.
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.
Maltodextrin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
MaltodextrinA formula helper manufactured from starch. It has a sweet flavor and is often used in rinse-off products to support their foaming structure. Maltodextrin is also used to stabilize emulsions and to absorb and bind other ingredients in the formula.
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.

Glycolic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glycolic Acid

The second most used AHA (after lactic acid) known for its potent exfoliating and smoothing effects. It increases skin cell turnover, which is beneficial for treating acne. When used in peels, glycolic acid has confirmed anti-wrinkle efficacy, though it is less effective in leave-on products like creams and serums.

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.
Chloroacetic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Chloroacetic Acid
Synthetic Fluorphlogopite
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Synthetic FluorphlogopiteAlso known as synthetic mica, this ingredient’s best property is its ability to form thin, sheet-like crystals. This gives products (mostly makeup) great slip.
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.