BB cream stands for "beauty balm" or "blemish balm" and is a makeup product formulated with skin care benefits that include hydration, anti-aging properties, and SPF protection. It is an all-in-one product for the skin that can replace several products in a morning routine, such as moisturizer, foundation, concealer, anti-aging cream, bronzer, highlighter, oil absorber, and sunscreen. However, not all BB creams are created equal, and some contain potentially hazardous ingredients such as oxybenzone, an ingredient linked to hormone disruption, and vitamin A derivatives, linked to skin cancer. Consumers should read labels carefully and use the Environmental Working Groups Skin Deep Database to check the scores of the BB cream they are considering.

Here are some positive and negative aspects of BB creams:

Positive:

• Multitasking, all-in-one treatments
• Can save time and money
• Can provide hydration, anti-aging properties, and SPF protection

Negative:

• Some BB creams contain potentially hazardous ingredients
• The more ingredients that have to be stuffed into a product, the higher the chance of reactivity with the skin
• Some traditional beauty brands have BB creams filled with harsh chemicals that can be unsafe and/or toxic

Ingredients or materials vary depending on the brand and formulation of the BB cream. For example, the 100% Pure BB Cream contains natural ingredients such as aloe vera, green tea, and goji berry, while the Perfect Glow BB Cream SPF 30 by Purlisse contains ingredients such as titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, and hawthorn berry. The ingredients in BB creams are often listed in descending amounts, with the first 10 ingredients making up the bulk of the product.