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Brand Overview
CC creams are now sold alongside BB creams—you're likely wondering what's the difference? The answer: It's all about marketing language, nothing more. Generally, a BB cream from a U.S. brand is akin to a tinted moisturizer, while a CC cream is just like a liquid foundation; in reality, however, there is no rhyme or reason for the names as companies launch their versions of these products. BB and CC creams typically provide sun protection and may or may not include beneficial ingredients such as antioxidants or skin-lightening agents (but the best ones do). Neither BB nor CC creams are as revolutionary as they're made out to be—it's just a new twist on tinted moisturizers and foundations.
Peter Thomas Roth's contribution to the crop of CC creams (by the way, the "CC" stands for color and correct) is, surprise, very much like a liquid foundation with sunscreen. Here, the sunscreen actives are the minerals titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, so broad-spectrum protection is assured and it's great for sensitive skin.
This has a smooth, creamy texture that blends easily, setting to a satin finish that feels a bit thick yet also matte. The matte feel is due to the high amount of mineral actives, which, in large amounts, can feel thick and heavy. The amount of mineral actives in this product comes close to crossing that "feels heavy" line, so this is definitely a CC cream to sample before buying.
You may also want to sample it to make sure one of the three colors works on your skin. Each has a slight to moderate peachy to golden cast that many will find tricky to work with, but none of the colors are so bad that we wouldn't recommend them to anyone.
The fragrance-free formula is best for normal to slightly dry or oily skin not prone to breakouts. As for beneficial ingredients, this contains arbutin to help lighten dark spots and a plant-based antioxidant, but that's it. Because the inactive ingredients are listed in alphabetical order rather than descending order of amount, it's tricky to determine how much of each ingredient you're really getting. The alphabetical list is permissible because this CC cream's sunscreen makes it an over-the-counter drug, but it doesn't help consumers make a more informed decision.
Ultimately, if you can get past the CC cream hype, you'll find better options on our list of Best Foundations With Sunscreen.
- Provides mineral-based, broad-spectrum sun protection.
- Smooth, creamy texture is easy to blend.
- Expensive for a product that's little more than a foundation with sunscreen.
- Alphabetical list of inactive ingredients makes it tricky to tell how much of the beneficial ingredients you're getting.
- Non-sheer shades tend to be peachy or golden, limiting their appeal.
An anti-aging sunscreen, complexion corrector & tint in one that helps protect, brighten & moisturize. Camu Camu & Arbutin help improve the appearance of uneven skin tone, imperfections, fine lines & wrinkles.
Peter Thomas Roth At-A-Glance
Peter Thomas Roth is a large but straightforward line with mostly uncomplicated formulations that, for the most part, are quite good and state-of-the-art. Unlike many product lines, most of the acne, AHA, BHA, sunscreen, and moisturizing products contain what they should to be effective and helpful for skin.
Even more impressive are the well-formulated cleansers, sunscreens, AHA products, and skin brighteners. The moisturizers have improved somewhat, and most are now packaged so that the light- and air-sensitive ingredients remain stable. In fact, Roth's packaging deserves special mention because it is exceptionally utilitarian.
After all that glowing praise, what you should be aware of are the instances of products containing potential irritants (noted in their respective reviews) as well as the products in jar packaging that contain ingredients which are sensitive to air and light.
For more information about Peter Thomas Roth, call (800) PTR-SKIN or visit www.peterthomasroth.com.
About the Experts
The Beautypedia team consists of skin care and makeup experts personally trained by the original Cosmetics Cop and best-selling beauty author, Paula Begoun. We’re fascinated by skin care and makeup products and thrilled when they meet or exceed our expectations, but we’re also disappointed when they fail to perform as claimed, are wildly overpriced, or contain ingredients scientific research has proven can hurt skin.
Our mission has always been to help you find the best products for your skin, no matter your budget or preferences. Beautypedia’s thorough and insightful reviews cut through the hype and provide reliable recommendations for all ages, skin types, and skin tones.
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