Ulta Anti-Caking Primer Review

Ulta Anti-Caking Primer
4.3
/ 10
Moisturizing
5.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
3.6 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
Rich
in Antioxidants
Review

Does Ulta Anti-Caking Primer Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Ulta Anti-Caking Primer has to offer:
 
  • Moderate moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 4.3 out of 10.
  • Antioxidant protection.

Key Benefits of Ulta Anti-Caking Primer

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Ulta Anti-Caking Primer:
 

Lightweight Moisturizer Suitable for Combination and Oily Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, Ulta Anti-Caking Primer is quite moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 4.3 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? This product has relatively comparable levels of humectancy and occlusivity: a moderate humectancy of 5.0 out of 10, primarily due to the substantial concentration of Monascus/Angelica Gigas Root Ferment Extract (est. ≈4.0%), and a moderate occlusivity of 3.6 out of 10, mainly due to the high content of Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil (est. ≈3.0%) and Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil (est. ≈2.0%).

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

A Humectant Add-on for Any Skincare Routine

But it’s not limited to combination and oily skin - since it contains a moderate amount of humectants, such a humectant add-on will also positively contribute to the moisturizing efficacy of any skincare routine when used as a step before applying the main moisturizer.

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

Rich in Skin-Protecting Antioxidants

We estimate that Ulta Anti-Caking Primer is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil (est. ≈2.0%).

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: Ulta Anti-Caking Primer

 
CreamScan AI identified a few things to consider before adding Ulta Anti-Caking Primer to your skincare routine:
 

Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy

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

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

While this does not categorically exclude the possibility that Ubiquinone may reduce wrinkles, its efficacy is not supported by convincing, vehicle-controlled, double-blind clinical studies - at least none that were accessible 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 Ulta Anti-Caking Primer

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Ulta Anti-Caking Primer to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

Pros:

  • When used alone: Provides moderate humectant moisturizing suitable for combination and oily skin
  • As part of a routine: A humectant moisturizing enhancement, beneficial for any skin type
  • Lightweight texture
  • Rich in antioxidants that combat oxidative stress associated with accelerated skin aging and defend against environmental damage such as UV radiation and pollution

Cons: 

  • Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
50
22
11
6
4
3
2
1.5
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Cyclopentasiloxane
Function:
Origin:
Ethylhexyl Cocoate
Function:
Origin:
Dimethiconol
Function:
Origin:
Methyl Trimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Monascus/Angelica Gigas Root Ferment Extract
Function:
Origin:
Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Schisandra Chinensis Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Propolis Extract
Function:
Origin:
Spilanthes Acmella Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Function:
Origin:
Astragalus Membranaceus Root Extract
Function:
Origin:
Ubiquinone
Function:
Origin:
Tocopherol
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
5.0
4
1
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
7.1
3.0
2.0
1.5
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
4.3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 5 10
5.0
4
1
Occlusivity All occlusives 7.1 20
3.6
3.0
2.0
1.5
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
4.3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
4
1
All humectants 5 10
5
All humectants
5.0
4
1
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
3
2
1.5
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 7.1 20
3.6
All occlusives
7.1
3.0
2.0
1.5
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
Ubiquinone
-
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
2
1.5
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 5.4 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
5.4
Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil
2
Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil
1.5
Schisandra Chinensis Fruit Extract
1
Propolis Extract
0.3
Ubiquinone
0.3
Tocopherol
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
1
0.3
All soothing 1.3 5 No
All soothing
1.3
1
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Cyclopentasiloxane
Est. %50
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.
Ethylhexyl Cocoate
Est. %22
Function
Origin
Ethylhexyl Cocoate
Dimethiconol
Est. %11
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.
Methyl Trimethicone
Est. %6
Function
Origin
Methyl TrimethiconeA lightweight and volatile silicone known for its excellent solvency. This silicone has a silky, cushiony feel with excellent lubricity and is commonly used as an emollient in silicone-based skincare products.
Monascus/Angelica Gigas Root Ferment Extract
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Monascus/Angelica Gigas Root Ferment Extract
Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Sclerocarya Birrea Seed OilA famous but not well enough researched emollient fatty oil from the seeds of Marula fruits. It contains fatty acids and a lot of antioxidant and emollient phytosterols.
Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed OilAn emollient and occlusive moisturizing oil derived from grape seeds that are leftover after juicing or wine production. It contains linoleic, oleic, palmitic, and stearic acids, squalene, as well as phytosterols and various antioxidant compounds.
Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed OilA fatty oil pressed from safflower seeds that is used as an occlusive moisturizer and emollient. It contains unusually high amounts of linoleic acid (up to 70%), as well as antioxidant compounds such as vitamin E, phytosterols, and phenolics.
Schisandra Chinensis Fruit Extract
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Schisandra Chinensis Fruit ExtractAn antioxidant, soothing, and humectant moisturizing extract obtained from Chinese magnolia-vine berries. Its main compounds are soothing and immunomodulatory lignans.
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed OilA fatty oil expressed from sunflower seeds and one of the most commonly used oils in skincare. It has great emollient and occlusive moisturizing properties. Sunflower oil is one of the richest sources of vitamin E – an important skin antioxidant.
Propolis Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Propolis ExtractA famous bee product that has traditionally been used to treat inflammation and wounds. The extract is soothing and promotes skin healing.
Spilanthes Acmella Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Spilanthes Acmella Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Astragalus Membranaceus Root Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Astragalus Membranaceus Root Extract
Ubiquinone
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
UbiquinoneAlso known as Coenzyme Q10, this bright orange antioxidant supports the skin's energy metabolism. It also offers some anti-pigment action. Dietary supplementation of Ubiquinone improves the appearance of wrinkles.
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.