I Reviewed Physicians Formula’s Super CC Cream and the Coverage Is Excellent

Physicians Formula Super CC Color-Correction + Care Cream SPF 30

What We Like

  1. SPF 30 broad-spectrum protection
  2. Lightweight, buildable texture
  3. Fragrance-free
  4. Non-comedogenic

What We Don’t Like

  1. Slightly orange tint
  2. Doesn’t last all day
  3. Smears easily
  4. Limited shade range

Physicians Formula Super CC and Care SPF 30 Cream is a real drugstore hero. I’m convinced it’s just as good as some of the more expensive options and even has enough coverage to take the place of my foundation.

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We put the Physicians Formula Super CC Color-Correction + Care CC Cream to the test after receiving a complimentary sample from the brand. Keep reading for our full product review.

I’ve struggled with acne in the past and, because of that, I prefer a full-coverage foundation. However, sometimes I’m looking for something a little quicker and easier. Enter: Physicians Formula Super CC Cream. It’s a cross between a true foundation and a hydrating skin-care product. I was hooked after the first use.

Keep reading to hear more about why this drugstore find has found a permanent place in my makeup bag.

Physicians Formula Super CC Color-Correction + Care CC Cream

  • Best for: Sensitive skin that is looking for coverage, color correction, and hydration
  • Active ingredients: Titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, vitamin C, shea butter, glycerin
  • Cruelty-Free: Yes
  • Price: $15.99
  • About the brand: Created by an allergist, all of Physicians Formula’s products are hypoallergenic and safe for sensitive skin.

About My Skin: Mostly clear and dry

I’ve worked hard to get my skin clear and smooth, and most days it behaves. However  I’m human and I do still get breakouts, occasional dry patches, and sunspots. I’m rarely ever going completely bare-faced; I feel most comfortable with just a hint of makeup on. Heavy-duty foundation feels too extreme for every day so I like to mix it up with a CC cream. Especially on days when I’m just hanging around the house, going to a workout, or running around town. Since this CC cream has SPF in it, it’s ideal. I just throw it on quickly after washing my face.

How to Apply: Like a face cream

One of the biggest differences between a foundation and a CC cream is the application. Foundations typically need tools like a beauty blender or foundation brush to smooth. Because this CC cream leans into skincare (with ingredients like shea butter and glycerin) it’s tackier and you can apply it with just your fingertips. To apply, put a pea size amount on your fingertips, rub in circular motions, again like face cream, and it blurs beautifully into the skin, almost like a powder when dry.

Coverage: Light but buildable

To my surprise, this product only comes in two shades: light/medium and light. Since I’m fair, I opted for the light shade. In the tube, it looks darker than my natural skin tone and has a slight orange-y tint.

When I rubbed it in, it effortlessly blended to match my skin tone.

The product has color-correcting pigments that are specifically coded to brighten and balance your skin tone, according to the brand. Coverage-wise, it’s light but buildable. One layer is the perfect amount for every day. On days when I wanted more, I simply applied a second layer.

The Results: A dupe for foundation

This CC cream truly is a multi-tasking product. “While it’s intended for all skin types it does particularly work well for acne-prone in mature skin,” says Mendoza. I can attest to that, as it didn’t ever make me break out. I appreciate the zinc oxide for SPF protection and the vitamin C for protection against free radicals.12It made my skin look more even and radiant, covering up any unevenness. If I did have a harsh breakout, I would first apply concealer in that area, but otherwise, I used it alone. If I wanted it to last all day I used a primer first and topped it off with a setting powder.

 

The Value: A top-shelf drugstore find 

If you’re looking for an everyday foundation that doubles as a hydrating skincare product, this under $20 find is a great option. It does look a little orange in the tube, however, it does blend beautifully and adjusts to most skin tones. If you have sensitive skin that breaks out or dry, mature skin that needs a burst of moisture, this will take care of both. It’s certainly cheaper than a lot of options on the market and it’s one drugstore item that tops our list.

Similar Products: You have options

ILIA Beauty Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 ($48): This tinted serum is a lot more lightweight (with minimal coverage), but still boasts skincare ingredients. A blend of hyaluronic acid, squalane, and niacinamide calm and hydrate while SPF 40 protects against harsh UV rays.

ILIAs Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 Aced My 12-Hour Wear Test

IT Cosmetics CC+ Cream with SPF 50+ ($42): This award-winning full-coverage CC cream comes in a whopping 12 shades that range from fair to deep. It includes an SPF of 50 plus and ingredients like collagen and peptides that work double-time to nourish your skin.

IT Cosmetics CC+ Cream with SPF 50+ Is Lightweight and Hydrating

Final Verdict

In my book, Physicians Formula’s Super CC Cream is right up there with my favorite foundation. Especially when I’m experiencing dry patches or just need a little hydration, I reach for this. It’s already packed with SPF and feels like a skincare product on my face. It’s a win-win.

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Specs

  • Product Name Super CC Color-Correction + Care Cream SPF 30
  • Product Brand Physicians Formula
  • Price $15.99
  • Weight 1.2 oz.
  • Color Light Shades Light, Light/Medium
  • Ingredients Active Ingredients: Titanium Dioxide 5.76%, Zinc Oxide 2.94% Inactive
  • Ingredients: Water, Cyclopentasiloxane, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Butylene Glycol, Dimethicone, Neopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate, Bis-PEG/PPG-14/14 Dimethicone, Cetearyl Alcohol, C30-45 Alkyl Cetearyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Sodium Chloride, Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate, Glycerin, Teprenone, Hydroxycapric Acid, Hydroxycaprylic Acid, Hydroxycinnamic Acid, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Caprylyl Glycol , Castor Oil Phosphate, Disodium EDTA, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Ethylhexylglycerin, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Hexylene Glycol, Laureth-12, Mica, PEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone, PEG-4, Polysilicone-11, Polysorbate 60, Propylene Carbonate, Sodium Hydroxide, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Tin Oxide, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Xanthan Gum, Phenoxyethanol. May Contain: Iron Oxides, Titanium Dioxide

Article Sources

We takes every opportunity to use high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.

Ginzburg AL, Blackburn RS, Santillan C, Truong L, Tanguay RL, Hutchison JE. Zinc oxide-induced changes to sunscreen ingredient efficacy and toxicity under UV irradiation. Photochem Photobiol Sci. 2021;20(10):1273-1285. doi:10.1007/s43630-021-00101-2

Pullar JM, Carr AC, Vissers MCM. The Roles of Vitamin C in Skin Health. Nutrients. 2017;9(8):866. Published 2017 Aug 12. doi:10.3390/nu9080866

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