Like a flattering filter, a good CC cream helps create a near-flawless complexion. At its core, this multitasking product works to camouflage blemishes, hyperpigmentation and dark spots caused by sun damage, melasma, inflammation and more. The best CC creams—like our top picks from IT Cosmetics and Clinique— also protect the skin from future damage and in turn help prevent new splotches from appearing.
As you can expect, CC creams are chock-full of beneficial skincare ingredients including moisturizing agents like hyaluronic acid and glycerin; antioxidants such as niacinamide and vitamin E; a chemical or mineral SPF to ward off sun damage; and iron oxide to add pigment and protect the skin from visible and infrared light. “Some CC creams are also formulated with a green tinted shade to address unwanted red pigment that could result from acne, sun damage or rosacea,” adds Francis. When shopping for these hardworking complexion products, keep in mind that while there are plenty of products with SPF on the market, they are not true CC creams unless they include other anti-aging or discoloration-fighting ingredients in their formulations. Ahead, we’ve rounded up the best CC creams for your skincare needs.
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
We love all things skincare here at Forbes Vetted, and regularly consult with well-known experts when conducting research for these stories. For this article, author Tina Chadha spoke with California-based dermatologist Dr. Shani Francis, Sephora Beauty Director David Razzano, Maryland-based dermatologist Elizabeth Tanzi and makeup artist Jillian Dempsey for the latest and greatest on all things CC creams. Additionally, deputy editor Jane Sung, who has 15-plus years of experience covering the beauty market, edited this article and incorporated her knowledge on leading skincare brands.
How We Chose The Best CC Creams
After considering highly rated favorites across top brands, documenting customer testimonials and filtering our picks by price point, we narrowed down this list to showcase the best selections addressing various skin types and common concerns. We also took into account ingredient formulations, ensuring we had the most up-to-date information on what makes for the best CC creams. Finally, we interviewed skincare pros for their expert insight and personal recommendations.
How To Choose The Best CC Cream For You
There are many factors to consider when choosing a CC cream. Ultimately, you’ll want this multitasking product to brighten and even out your complexion.
Skin Type
First figure out your skin needs. Do you have dry, normal or oily skin—or something in between? Then look for a CC cream that works best for your skin type. “In general, CC creams are more beneficial for normal to oily skin types because they don’t have as much moisturization as a BB cream,” says Maryland-based board-certified dermatologist Elizabeth Tanzi.
Shade Selection
The other big deciding factor: color. “Since they are color correcting, the best CC cream for an individual is the one that provides the best match for skin tone,” says Tanzi. You’re most likely to find a more precise match with products that offer an inclusive range of shades, like our Neutrogena pick featured in this story.
What Does A CC Cream Do?
A CC or color correction cream is a multi-tasking beauty product that functions as a foundation, color corrector, sunscreen and anti-aging serum. It’s best used to even out the skin tone or any hyperpigmentation on the face.
What’s The Difference Between CC Cream And BB Cream?
BB cream, or beauty balm cream, is a close cousin to a CC cream. The main difference is mostly related to the amount of coverage. While BBs also contain skincare benefits, they are a bit lighter and offer more of a sheer coverage. They are also more moisturizing.
How Do You Find The Best CC Cream For Your Skin Tone?
These days CC creams offer a wide number of options for different types of skin, and narrowing down the options takes some trial and error. To find your perfect shade, it’s imperative to first figure out your skin tone and undertones and check the product against your neck and décolletage, says makeup artist Jillian Dempsey. For example, “if you think you’re a bit on the pinkish side, then choose one with a yellow tone,” she says. “If you have a medium skin tone with warm undertones, you may also want to go with one with yellow tones.”
How Do You Apply CC Cream?
Dempsey recommends always starting with a small amount and building as needed. Apply the CC cream to the center of your face and work outward. For extra coverage, she first uses a concealer like her Spot Stick for a technique called “spot basing” to cover any imperfections before adding the product.
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