Almay Smart Shade Skintone Matching Foundation - 100 My Best Light Versus Almay Ageless Smart Shade Foundation - 050 Fair
Updated on April 19, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both foundations. They have a total of 23 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain hyaluronic acid, niacinamide and Vitamin E
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin, oily skin, reducing pores, scar healing and dark spots
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens or oils
What's Inside
They both contain silicones
We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that needs an update? Let us know.
Ingredient Info
Almay Smart Shade Skintone Matching Foundation 48 ingredients
Almay Ageless Smart Shade Foundation 31 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Almay Smart Shade Skintone Matching Foundation 48 ingredients
Almay Ageless Smart Shade Foundation 31 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Titanium Dioxide 4.8%
Cosmetic Colorant
Zinc Oxide 2.4%
Cosmetic Colorant
Water
Skin ConditioningCyclopentasiloxane
Emollient
Dimethicone
Emollient
Phenyl Trimethicone
Skin Conditioning
PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Emulsifying
Glycerin
Humectant
Boron Nitride
AbsorbentTrimethylsiloxysilicate
Emollient
Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Disteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingAlumina
Abrasive
Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningPanax Ginseng Root Extract
Emollient
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Centaurea Cyanus Flower Extract
AstringentVitis Vinifera Seed Extract
Antimicrobial
Moringa Oleifera Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningTocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Melanin
Skin ProtectingSodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin Conditioning
Polyester-1
Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate
Emulsifying
Sodium Chloride
Masking
Methicone
Emollient
Triethoxycaprylylsilane
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingDimethicone Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingSilica Dimethyl Silylate
EmollientTetrasodium EDTA
Maltodextrin
AbsorbentDipropylene Glycol
MaskingSodium Citrate
BufferingTocopherol
Antioxidant
Propylene Glycol
Humectant
Pentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningPvp
Emulsion StabilisingHydrolyzed Glycosaminoglycans
HumectantPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Methylparaben
Preservative
Ethylparaben
Preservative
Mica
Cosmetic Colorant
CI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantIron Oxides
Titanium Dioxide 4.8%, Zinc Oxide 2.4%, Water, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Glycerin, Boron Nitride, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer, Butylene Glycol, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Alumina, Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Centaurea Cyanus Flower Extract, Vitis Vinifera Seed Extract, Moringa Oleifera Seed Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Niacinamide, Melanin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Polyester-1, Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate, Sodium Chloride, Methicone, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Xanthan Gum, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Tetrasodium EDTA, Maltodextrin, Dipropylene Glycol, Sodium Citrate, Tocopherol, Propylene Glycol, Pentylene Glycol, Pvp, Hydrolyzed Glycosaminoglycans, Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben, Ethylparaben, Mica, CI 77891, Iron Oxides
Water
Skin ConditioningCyclopentasiloxane
Emollient
Dimethicone
Emollient
Mica
Cosmetic Colorant
Glycerin
Humectant
PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Emulsifying
Trimethylsiloxysilicate
Emollient
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Phenyl Trimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Magnesium Sulfate
Sodium Chloride
Masking
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientDimethicone Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingDimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer
Disteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingMethicone
Emollient
Polyester-1
Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate
Emulsifying
Silica Dimethyl Silylate
EmollientSodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
Antioxidant
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
Antioxidant
Tetrasodium EDTA
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Triethoxycaprylylsilane
Triethyl Citrate
Masking
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
CI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Mica, Glycerin, PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Niacinamide, Phenyl Trimethicone, Magnesium Sulfate, Sodium Chloride, Caprylyl Glycol, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Methicone, Polyester-1, Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Tetrasodium EDTA, Tocopheryl Acetate, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Triethyl Citrate, Phenoxyethanol, CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499, CI 77891
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Water. It's the most common cosmetic ingredient of all. You'll usually see it at the top of ingredient lists, meaning that it makes up the largest part of the product.
So why is it so popular? Water most often acts as a solvent - this means that it helps dissolve other ingredients into the formulation.
You'll also recognize water as that liquid we all need to stay alive. If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about WaterCyclopentasiloxane, or D5, is a silicone used to improve texture of products and trap moisture.
D5 is considered lightweight and volatile. Volatile means it evaporates quickly after application. Once evaporated, D5 leaves a thin barrier that helps keep skin hydrated.
It is also an emollient. Emollients help soften the skin and prevent water loss. Silicones create a silky texture in products. D5 helps other ingredients become more spreadable.
Studies show D5 is safe to use in skincare products. We recommend speaking with a skincare professional if you have concerns.
Learn more about CyclopentasiloxaneDimethicone is a type of synthetic silicone created from natural materials such as quartz.
What it does:
Dimethicone comes in different viscosities:
Depending on the viscosity, dimethicone has different properties.
Ingredients lists don't always show which type is used, so we recommend reaching out to the brand if you have questions about the viscosity.
This ingredient is unlikely to cause irritation because it does not get absorbed into skin. However, people with silicone allergies should be careful about using this ingredient.
Note: Dimethicone may contribute to pilling. This is because it is not oil or water soluble, so pilling may occur when layered with products. When mixed with heavy oils in a formula, the outcome is also quite greasy.
Learn more about DimethiconePhenyl Trimethicone is a silicon-based polymer. It is derived from silica.
Phenyl Trimethicone is used as an emollient and prevents products from foaming.
As an emollient, it helps trap moisture in the skin. It is considered an occlusive.
Learn more about Phenyl TrimethiconePEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone is a type of silicone.
Glycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.
A study from 2016 found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.
As a humectant, it helps the skin stay hydrated by pulling moisture to your skin. The low molecular weight of glycerin allows it to pull moisture into the deeper layers of your skin.
Hydrated skin improves your skin barrier; Your skin barrier helps protect against irritants and bacteria.
Glycerin has also been found to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Due to these properties, glycerin is often used in wound and burn treatments.
In cosmetics, glycerin is usually derived from plants such as soybean or palm. However, it can also be sourced from animals, such as tallow or animal fat.
This ingredient is organic, colorless, odorless, and non-toxic.
Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.
Learn more about GlycerinThis silicone is an emollient. Emollients create a thin film on the skin to prevent moisture from escaping.
It is not soluble in water and helps increase water-resistance in products.
According to a manufacturer, it can blend seamlessly with silicone oils, such as Cyclopentasiloxane.
Learn more about TrimethylsiloxysilicateWe don't have a description for Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer yet.
Disteardimonium Hectorite comes from the clay mineral named hectorite. It is used to add thickness to a product.
It can also help stabilize a product by helping to disperse other ingredients.
Hectorite is a rare, white clay mineral.
Learn more about Disteardimonium HectoriteTocopheryl Acetate is AKA Vitamin E. It is an antioxidant and protects your skin from free radicals. Free radicals damage the skin by breaking down collagen.
One study found using Tocopheryl Acetate with Vitamin C decreased the number of sunburned cells.
Tocopheryl Acetate is commonly found in both skincare and dietary supplements.
Learn more about Tocopheryl AcetateNiacinamide has emerged as an all-star ingredient due to its many benefits.
It is known to treat acne by reducing inflammation. It also helps fade dark-spots and strengthen the skin by promoting the growth of the ceramide barrier.
Other benefits include smoothing wrinkles and minimizing redness.
The cherry on top? Niacinamide can also help build keratin, a protein that keeps skin firm.
When incorporating niacinamide into your routine, look out for concentration amounts. Typically, 5% niacinamide provides benefits such as fading dark spots. However, if you have sensitive skin, it is better to begin with a smaller concentration.
Niacinamide can be mixed with other ingredients to boost benefits. For instance, it has shown to be effective when used with copper, folic acid, and zinc to treat acne.
Learn more about NiacinamideSodium Hyaluronate is hyaluronic acid's salt form. It is commonly derived from the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid.
Like hyaluronic acid, it is great at holding water and acts as a humectant. This makes it a great skin hydrating ingredient.
Sodium Hyaluronate is naturally occurring in our bodies and is mostly found in eye fluid and joints.
These are some other common types of Hyaluronic Acid:
Learn more about Sodium HyaluronateWe don't have a description for Polyester-1 yet.
Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate is an emulsifer and emollient. It comes from Isostearic Acid and Polyglycerin-3.
As an emulsifier, it helps stabilize products by preventing oils and water from separating.
This ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis, or fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Polyglyceryl-3 DiisostearateChances are, you eat sodium chloride every day. Sodium Chloride is also known as table salt.
This ingredient has many purposes in skincare: thickener, emulsifier, and exfoliator.
You'll most likely find this ingredient in cleansers where it is used to create a gel-like texture. As an emulsifier, it also prevents ingredients from separating.
There is much debate on whether this ingredient is comedogenic. The short answer - comedogenic ratings don't tell the whole story. Learn more about comegodenic ratings here.
The concensus about this ingredient causing acne seems to be divided. Research is needed to understand if this ingredient does cause acne.
Scrubs may use salt as the primary exfoliating ingredient.
Learn more about Sodium ChlorideMethicone is a type of silicone and is a simpler form of dimethicone.
Silicones are used to enhance the texture of products and have emollient properties. Methicone is used to give products a silky texture and improves spreadability.
Triethoxycaprylylsilane is a silicone used to bind and stabilize ingredients.
As an emulsifier, it helps prevent ingredients from separating. This can help elongate the shelf life of products.
Triethoxycaprylylsilane is often used to coat mineral sunscreens ingredients to help give a better feel. It also helps reduce oxidative stress in sunscreens.
Learn more about TriethoxycaprylylsilaneDimethicone Crosspolymer is a silicone created by modifying dimethicone with hydrocarbon side chains. Due to its large size, it does not penetrate skin. It is considered non-occlusive.
Dimethicone Crosspolymer is used to stabilize and thicken products. It also helps give products a silky feel.
This silica is mainly used to thicken oils and suspend particles in oils. It is not water soluble.
According to the manufacturer, it:
The manufacturer also claims this ingredient to be useful in makeup.
In lipstick formulations, this ingredient improves color payoff, reduces pigment settling, and reduces oil bleeding. This ingredient also improves the grip of powder products such as dry shampoos.
Learn more about Silica Dimethyl SilylateTetrasodium EDTA is the salt formed from neutralizing ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid with sodium hydroxide. It is a chelating agent and used to prevent metal ions from binding to other ingredients. This helps keep the product and ingredients stable.
Tetrasodium EDTA comes as a white solid and is soluble in water.
Phenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent microbial growth. By itself, it has a scent that is similar to that of a rose.
It's often used in formulations along with Caprylyl Glycol to preserve the shelf life of products.
Mica refers to a group of silicate minerals. Mica crystals are easily split to give products a shimmer. These crystals are able to reflect light to temporarily give your skin a glowy look.
Mica is found to be safe. Trace amounts of heavy metals may be found in mica, but these metals are not harmful in our personal products.
Mica has been used since prehistoric times throughout the world. Ancient Egyptian, Indian, Greek, Roman, Aztec, and Chinese civilizations have used mica.
Mica can be naturally found throughout the world. However, some sources of mica may be controversial. In 2016, mica mined in the Jharkhand state in India was found to be using child labor. However, companies are able to source ethical mica affiliated with international organizations that monitor the mica supply chain.
Learn more about MicaCi 77891 is a white pigment from Titanium dioxide. It is naturally found in minerals such as rutile and ilmenite.
It's main function is to add a white color to cosmetics. It can also be mixed with other colors to create different shades.
Ci 77891 is commonly found in sunscreens due to its ability to block UV rays.
Learn more about CI 77891Ingredient Ratings
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