What does CC cream do?

In short, CC creams do a lot. “A CC cream is a multi-tasking product that color corrects, covers, and can offer skincare and sun protection benefits all in one step,” explains Figueroa.

How do you apply CC cream?

Figueroa suggests applying a pea-size amount onto the center of your face and blending outward towards the perimeter. You can use your fingers, then add a bit more product and build up the coverage on any problem areas by applying that second bit with a brush or makeup sponge, she says.

What’s the difference between BB and CC cream?

A CC cream provides more coverage and also color corrects, a better option for helping to cover any areas that need camouflaging explains Figueroa. BB creams, on the other hand, provide much sheer coverage and an overall more radiant look to the skin, she says.

The 14 Best CC Creams of 2022

We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products. Healthcare professionals review articles for medical accuracy. Learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.

When it comes to applying a full face of makeup, foundation is far from your only option. There are tinted moisturizers, BB creams (aka beauty balms), and liquid skin enhancers. Then you've got CC cream, which falls somewhere in the middle.

CC is short for color-correcting, but what does this mean exactly? "CC cream specifically targets areas that are more problematic, such as redness or discoloration,'' explains celebrity makeup artist Nydia Figueroa.

If you love multitasking makeup products as much as we do, this foundation alternative might be right up your alley. In addition to blurring blemishes and adjusting for uneven skin tone, Figueroa says, "It can also be used to protect the skin from sun damage, fine lines, and age spots."

With this in mind, we recommend formulas containing SPF—extra points for antioxidants like vitamin C and niacinamide that target hyperpigmentation.

Meet the Expert

Nydia Figueroa is a celebrity makeup artist and beauty educator with over 15 years of industry experience. In addition to offering professional makeup services, she works as a beauty director at Miss New Jersey Earth and Fashion Gxd Magazine. Nydia's work has been featured on The Dr. Oz Show, as well as in publications such as Allure and Nylon.

Scroll down to find the best CC creams for every skin tone and budget.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

IT Cosmetics CC+ Cream with SPF 50+ at Amazon

Best Budget:

e.l.f. Cosmetics Camo CC Cream at Ulta

Best Drugstore:

Physicians Formula Super CC+ Cream at Amazon

Best Splurge:

Clé de Peau Beauté UV Protective Cream Tinted SPF 50+ at Nordstrom

Best Buildable:

CLE Cosmetics SPF 45 at Amazon

Best With SPF:

Supergoop! CC Screen at Sephora

Best Blurring:

Erborian CC Cream at Ulta

Best Moisturizing:

Olay Total Effects Tone CC Cream at Amazon

Best for Mature Skin:

Hey Honey Trick and Treat CC² Active Moisturizing Cream at Amazon

Best for Sensitive Skin:

Tower 28 SunnyDays SPF 30 Tinted Sunscreen at Sephora

In This Article

Our Picks
Final Verdict
What to Look For
Why Trust Byrdie?

3.8

IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC&#43; Cream with SPF 50&#43;

Courtesy of Amazon

View On Amazon View On Sephora View On Nordstrom

What We Like

Contains SPF
Breathable
Resists creasing and caking

What We Don't Like

Limited shades

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

"IT Cosmetics CC cream is a favorite of mine because of how versatile it is and also how high the SPF is," Figueroa tells Byrdie. "It provides full coverage, anti-aging [benefits], and hydration and works beautifully with people of all ages and skin tones."

Byrdie senior email editor Karli Bendlin raves about this pick, but she's far from its only stan. Often touted as the best CC cream, we appreciate that it offers full coverage without sacrificing breathability and leaves a stunning natural finish that plays well under other makeup.

IT Cosmetics CC+ Cream with SPF 50+ — Byrdie / Tembe Denton-Hurst

View On Ulta View On Elfcosmetics.com

What We Like

Budget-friendly
Contains SPF
Hydrating
Diverse shade range

What We Don’t Like

Somewhat thick

Reviewed: e.l.f.'s Camo CC Cream Creates the Best No-Makeup Makeup Look

Sometimes referred to as a budget-friendly dupe of IT CC Cream, e.l.f.'s Camo Cream works to hydrate your skin with hyaluronic acid while leaning on niacinamide to boost your complexion. More to the point, it provides buildable medium-to-full coverage and leaves a natural finish in its wake.

Physicians Formula Super CC Color-Correction

View On Amazon View On Walmart

What We Like

Budget-friendly
Color-correcting pigments
Very blendable

What We Don't Like

Limited shades

Super CC Cream calls on yellow, green, and pink pigments to correct for discoloration. The fragrance-free formula is also gentle enough for sensitive skin.

ClÃ© de Peau BeautÃ© UV Protective Cream Tinted SPF 50+

Nordstrom

View On Nordstrom View On Bloomingdales View On Macy's

What We Like

Contains SPF
Luxurious texture
Resists creasing and caking

What We Don’t Like

Pricey
Limited shades

From the luxury beauty counter, we're big fans of Clé de Peau Beauté UV Protective Cream. In addition to offering SPF 50 protection, the creamy, dreamy texture delivers full coverage and a seamless natural finish.

Courtesy of Neiman Marcus

View On Amazon View On Clecosmetics.com View On Revolve.com

What We Like

Buildable coverage
Contains SPF
Fragrance-free

What We Don't Like

Not ideal for oily skin

If you like buildable coverage, this K-beauty concoction is your best bet. The SPF 50 formula starts out white, then blends into a complexion-matching hue, and leaves behind a delightfully dewy skin finish.

4.6

Courtesy of Supergoop!

View On Sephora View On Nordstrom View On Dermstore

What We Like

Contains SPF
Diverse shade range
Boosts radiance

What We Don't Like

Not ideal for dry skin

This CC Cream With SPF Is So Amazing, It's Now My New Foundation

From everyone's favorite sunscreen brand, this mineral-based CC cream provides SPF 50 protection, plus complexion-boosting benefits. We like that it comes in 15 shades, blends effortlessly, and works well under other makeup.

Erborian CC Cream Radiance Color Corrector Broad Spectrum SPF 25

Courtesy of Sephora

View On Ulta View On Erborian.com

What We Like

Contains SPF
Blurs blemishes
Hydrating

What We Don't Like

Limited shades
Pricey

This Korean CC Cream Neutralized the Redness on My Face in a Snap

We can't get enough of Erborian CC Crème. In addition to blurring blemishes, it's chock full of hydrating ingredients like centella asiatica (cica) and glycerin to provide a bouncier, healthy-looking complexion.

erborian cc cream radiance color corrector — Byrdie / Ashley Rebecca

What Our Testers Say

"This CC cream was so lightweight, I forgot I was wearing makeup several times throughout the day." — Ashley Rebecca, Product Tester

3.5

Olay Total Effects 7 In One CC Tone Correcting Moisturizer SPF 15

Courtesy of Amazon

View On Amazon View On Riteaid.com View On Walgreens

What We Like

Contains SPF
Moisturizing
Boosts radiance

What We Don't Like

Limited shades

The Total Effects CC Cream Is a Velvety Formula That Evens Skintone

This CC cream is everything you love about an Olay moisturizer with the blurring benefits of an SPF foundation. While you're wise to wear proper sunscreen underneath, it provides a layer of SPF 15 protection.

Hey Honey Trick and Treat CCÂ² Active Moisturizing Cream

Ulta

View On Amazon View On Ulta View On Heyhoney.com

What We Like

Moisturizing
Helps regenerate skin
Diverse shade range

What We Don’t Like

No SPF

Hey Honey CC² Cream contains naturally antibacterial bee propolis and a moisturizing blend of skincare ingredients to regenerate and plump up mature skin.

Tower 28 SunnyDays SPF 30 Tinted Sunscreen

Credo Beauty

View On Sephora View On Credo Beauty View On Kohls.com

What We Like

Contains SPF
Soothing
Diverse shade range

What We Don’t Like

Reviewers note it clings to dry patches

Tower 28’s Sunscreen Foundation: Our Honest Review

Reactive skin? You can't go wrong with Tower 28. The brand's tinted sunscreen offers broad-spectrum SPF 30 protection with non-nano zinc oxide while soothing your stressed complexion and camouflaging uneven texture.

Sephora

View On Sephora View On Kohls.com

What We Like

Diverse shade range
Hydrating
Fragrance-free

What We Don’t Like

No SPF

Glowish's MultiDew Skin Tint Helped Me Look Radiant

GloWish MultiDew comes in an impressive 13 shades, ranging from extra-rich to medium to fair. This fragrance-free tinted moisturizer is infused with plant-derived squalane to moisturize the skin and provide a radiant, dewy finish.

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Purlisse.com View On Walmart

What We Like

Contains SPF
Hydrating
Boosts radiance

What We Don’t Like

Limited shades

If it's a dewy complexion you're after, you can count on this Korean CC cream to deliver. Pūrlisse Youth Glow goes on like a moisturizer, boosts radiance with vitamin C, hydrates with hyaluronic acid, and provides SPF 50 protection.

PÃR 4-in-1 Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 20

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Ulta View On Walmart

What We Like

Contains SPF
Hydrating
Diverse shade range

What We Don’t Like

Not long-lasting

"When I want to achieve beautiful, natural coverage, this is the product I reach for," says Figueroa. "It acts as a hybrid primer, moisturizer, foundation, and sunscreen all in one!"

4.7

Courtesy

View On Amazon View On Nordstrom

What We Like

Multi-use product
Resists creasing and caking
Diverse shade range

What We Don’t Like

Unhygienic container
Small amount

The Tiniest Drop of This Concealer Is Like "Sensual Skin" on Tap

The Sensual Skin Enhancer can be used as a foundation, color corrector, under-eye concealer, you name it. This iconic multi-use product goes on super-smooth, offers buildable coverage, and resists creasing throughout the day.

Final Verdict

The best option overall is IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream, a makeup artist-approved formula that provides full coverage and SPF 50 protection while quenching the skin. On a budget? Your best bet is e.l.f. Cosmetics Camo CC Cream, a hydrating, radiance-boosting formula that offers buildable coverage and SPF 30 protection.

What to Look for in a CC Cream

Creamy Texture

Figueroa says that since CCs are intended to offer more coverage than other similar products, it’s best to choose one that has a slightly richer, creamier consistency.

SPF

A CC with SPF is not an absolute must (so long as you’re getting your sunscreen elsewhere), but it’s always an added benefit when you can combine the essential sun protection step of your skincare routine with your makeup routine. If your CC cream doesn't have SPF, however, we recommend applying a powder sunscreen underneath it—this will protect your skin from the sun without compromising the color and coverage of your CC cream.

Shade

While you do have a bit more wiggle room with a CC cream than a foundation when it comes to finding the right match, more and more formulas now come in a wider range of shades to make it easier to find the right hue for you.

FAQ

What does CC cream do?

In short, CC creams do a lot. “A CC cream is a multi-tasking product that color corrects, covers, and can offer skincare and sun protection benefits all in one step,” explains Figueroa.
How do you apply CC cream?

Figueroa suggests applying a pea-size amount onto the center of your face and blending outward towards the perimeter. You can use your fingers, then add a bit more product and build up the coverage on any problem areas by applying that second bit with a brush or makeup sponge, she says.
What’s the difference between BB and CC cream?

A CC cream provides more coverage and also color corrects, a better option for helping to cover any areas that need camouflaging explains Figueroa. BB creams, on the other hand, provide much sheer coverage and an overall more radiant look to the skin, she says.

Why Trust Byrdie?

Theresa Holland is a beauty aficionado and commerce writer specializing in cosmetics. For this story, she interviewed a professional makeup artist for product suggestions and insight into formulations, then considered dozens of CC creams from myriad brands and retailers. From the above list, she has personally tried IT Cosmetics, e.l.f., Kevyn Aucoin, Pūrlisse, Supergoop!, and Physicians Formula. Theresa has been contributing to Byrdie since 2020, where she covers makeup, skincare, and wellness products.

According to our Diversity Pledge, 15% of products in our newly-published market roundups will feature Black-owned and/or Black-founded brands. At the time of publishing, we were not able to find any CC creams from a Black-owned and/or Black-founded business. If you know of one we should consider, please email us at contact@byrdie.com and we will evaluate the product ASAP.

14 Incredible Face Primers You Can Always Rely on

Article Sources

Byrdie 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.

Sarkar R, et al. Cosmeceuticals for Hyperpigmentation: What is Available? J Cutan Aesthet Surg. 2013 Jan-Mar; 6(1): 4–11. doi: 10.4103/0974-2077.110089.
Wohlrab J, Kreft D. Niacinamide - mechanisms of action and its topical use in dermatology. Skin Pharmacol Physiol. 2014;27(6):311-315. doi:10.1159/000359974
Milani M, Sparavigna A. The 24-hour skin hydration and barrier function effects of a hyaluronic 1%, glycerin 5%, and Centella asiatica stem cells extract moisturizing fluid: an intra-subject, randomized, assessor-blinded study. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol.
Braakhuis A. Evidence on the Health Benefits of Supplemental Propolis. Nutrients. 2019;11(11):2705. doi:10.3390/nu11112705
Pullar JM, Carr AC, Vissers MCM. The Roles of Vitamin C in Skin Health. Nutrients. 2017;9(8):866. doi:10.3390/nu9080866

Best Overall: IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream with SPF 50+

Best Budget: e.l.f. Cosmetics Camo CC Cream

Best Drugstore: Physicians Formula Super CC+ Cream SPF 30

Best Splurge: Clé de Peau Beauté UV Protective Cream Tinted SPF 50+

Best Buildable: CLE Cosmetics CCC Cream SPF 45

Best With SPF: Supergoop! CC Screen 100% Mineral CC Cream SPF 50

Best Blurring: Erborian CC Cream

Best Moisturizing: Olay Total Effects Tone CC Cream

Best for Mature Skin: Hey Honey Trick and Treat CC² Active Moisturizing Cream

Best for Sensitive Skin: Tower 28 SunnyDays SPF 30 Tinted Sunscreen

Best Shade Range: Huda Beauty GloWish MultiDew Vegan Tint

Best K-Beauty: Pūrlisse Youth Glow Vitamin C CC Cream

Best Hybrid: PÜR 4-in-1 Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 20

Best Multi-Use: Kevyn Aucoin The Sensual Skin Enhancer

Related Stories

The 14 Best CC Creams That Go Beyond Color Correcting

Best Overall: IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream with SPF 50+

Best Budget: e.l.f. Cosmetics Camo CC Cream

Best Drugstore: Physicians Formula Super CC+ Cream SPF 30

Best Splurge: Clé de Peau Beauté UV Protective Cream Tinted SPF 50+

Best Buildable: CLE Cosmetics CCC Cream SPF 45

Best With SPF: Supergoop! CC Screen 100% Mineral CC Cream SPF 50

Best Blurring: Erborian CC Cream

Best Moisturizing: Olay Total Effects Tone CC Cream

Best for Mature Skin: Hey Honey Trick and Treat CC² Active Moisturizing Cream

Best for Sensitive Skin: Tower 28 SunnyDays SPF 30 Tinted Sunscreen

Best Shade Range: Huda Beauty GloWish MultiDew Vegan Tint

Best K-Beauty: Pūrlisse Youth Glow Vitamin C CC Cream

Best Hybrid: PÜR 4-in-1 Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 20

Best Multi-Use: Kevyn Aucoin The Sensual Skin Enhancer

Final Verdict

What to Look for in a CC Cream

Creamy Texture

SPF

Shade

Why Trust Byrdie?

Related Stories