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Product Comparison

Last updated on April 15, 2024. Published on April 16, 2024

Overview

What they are

These products are both foundations. They have a total of 22 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain exfoliants, 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 common allergens, fragrances, oils or sulfates

What's Inside

They both contain silicones

We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that need an update? Let us know.

Foundation American Brand United States
Foundation American Brand United States

Foundation

A liquid, cream, or powder to help create an even complexion or cover blemishes.

Foundation

A liquid, cream, or powder to help create an even complexion or cover blemishes.

Price

Ingredient Info

Click any item below to learn more and view relevant ingredients.
alcohol-free
silicon-free
fragrance-free
sulfate-free
paraben-free
oil-free
fungal-acne safe
reef-safe
eu-allergen-free
vegan
cruelty-free
alcohol-free
silicon-free
fragrance-free
sulfate-free
paraben-free
oil-free
fungal-acne safe
reef-safe
eu-allergen-free
vegan
cruelty-free
spf rating
25

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Notable Ingredients

Vitamin E (2)
Exfoliators
Niacinamide
Hyaluronic Acid

Benefits

Hydrating (3)
Good For Oily Skin
Redness Reducing (4)
Reduces Irritation (2)
Reduces Large Pores (2)
Anti-Aging (2)
Dark Spots
Scar Healing
Acne Fighting (3)
Brightening (4)

Concerns

Drying
May Worsen Oily Skin
Acne Trigger
Irritating
Rosacea
Eczema (3)

Notable Ingredients

BHA
Vitamin C (3)
Vitamin E (2)
Exfoliators (3)
Niacinamide
Hyaluronic Acid

Benefits

Hydrating (3)
Good For Oily Skin (2)
Redness Reducing (6)
Reduces Irritation
Skin Texture (3)
Reduces Large Pores (3)
Anti-Aging (5)
Dark Spots (4)
Scar Healing (3)
Acne Fighting (3)
Brightening (7)

Concerns

Drying (3)
May Worsen Oily Skin (2)
Acne Trigger (3)
Irritating (3)
Rosacea (4)
Eczema (3)
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Ingredients Compared

Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.

DimethiconeWaterPeg-10 DimethiconeButylene GlycolVinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane CrosspolymerPhenyl TrimethiconeIsododecaneButyloctyl SalicylateIsodecyl IsononanoateLauryl Peg-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl DimethiconeAlcohol Denat.Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone CrosspolymerHydrated SilicaAscorbyl GlucosideTetrahexyldecyl AscorbateMagnesium Ascorbyl PhosphateSodium HyaluronateTocopheryl AcetateLaminaria Saccharina ExtractPolygala Senega Root Extract Berberis Vulgaris Bark ExtractNymphaea Alba Root ExtractCamellia Sinensis Leaf ExtractSalvia Hispanica Seed ExtractMolasses ExtractDimethoxytolyl PropylresorcinolCaffeineNiacinamideSalicylic AcidLinoleic AcidTocopherolLactoperoxidaseGlucose OxidaseLactobacillus FermentGlycyrrhetinic AcidCholesterolJojoba EstersGlucosePolysilicone-11Laureth-7TrimethylsiloxysilicateSorbitan SesquioleateLecithinXanthan GumSilicaCaprylyl GlycolDimethicone/Peg-10/15 CrosspolymerDisteardimonium HectoriteTriethoxycaprylylsilaneAluminaPropylene CarbonateDipropylene GlycolSodium ChlorideSodium HydroxideCitric AcidPotassium PhosphateTetrasodium EDTASodium CitratePotassium SorbatePhenoxyethanolCI 77891CI 77491CI 77492CI 77499

Ingredients Side-by-side

Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.

Learn more about what what Com. / Irr. ratings are

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Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.

1
What it does: Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Community Rating: Loved

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. Talk about multi-purpose! If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!

Learn more about Water

Almay Smart Shade Skintone Matching Foundation 100 My Best Light contains this as ingredient number 3.

Clinique Even Better Clinical Serum Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF 25 WN48 Oat contains this as ingredient number 2.

2
What it does: Emollient, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Dimethicone is a silicone used for making products smooth and silky. It also has the added benefit of sealing in hydration. The amount of dimethicone found in beauty products is considered safe and non-comedogenic, meaning it won't clog pores.

Dimethicone has been found increase absorption in skin, boosting the benefits of other ingredients. While there is concern for the safety of dimethicone, the levels used in skincare are safe for use.

Almay Smart Shade Skintone Matching Foundation 100 My Best Light contains this as ingredient number 5.

Clinique Even Better Clinical Serum Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF 25 WN48 Oat contains this as ingredient number 1.

3
What it does: Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Disliked

Phenyl 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 Trimethicone

Almay Smart Shade Skintone Matching Foundation 100 My Best Light contains this as ingredient number 6.

Clinique Even Better Clinical Serum Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF 25 WN48 Oat contains this as ingredient number 6.

4
What it does: Emollient, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Disliked

This 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 Trimethylsiloxysilicate

Almay Smart Shade Skintone Matching Foundation 100 My Best Light contains this as ingredient number 10.

Clinique Even Better Clinical Serum Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF 25 WN48 Oat contains this as ingredient number 41.

5
What it does:
Community Rating: Very Disliked

We don't have a description for Dimethicone/Peg-10/15 Crosspolymer.

Almay Smart Shade Skintone Matching Foundation 100 My Best Light contains this as ingredient number 11.

Clinique Even Better Clinical Serum Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF 25 WN48 Oat contains this as ingredient number 47.

6
What it does: Humectant, Masking, Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Community Rating: Mixed

Butylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:

  • It is a solvent, meaning that it helps to dissolve other ingredients. This also enhances the absorption of the product into one's skin.
  • It is a humectant, which means that it helps attract moisture into the skin.
  • It helps improve product application.

Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient. It is unlikely to irritate skin, and works well with pretty much all other ingredients.

Almay Smart Shade Skintone Matching Foundation 100 My Best Light contains this as ingredient number 12.

Clinique Even Better Clinical Serum Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF 25 WN48 Oat contains this as ingredient number 4.

7
What it does: Stabilising
Community Rating: Disliked

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 Hectorite

Almay Smart Shade Skintone Matching Foundation 100 My Best Light contains this as ingredient number 13.

Clinique Even Better Clinical Serum Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF 25 WN48 Oat contains this as ingredient number 48.

8
What it does: Abrasive, Absorbent
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Alumina is another name for the compound aluminum oxide. It is used as a thickener, absorbent, and abrasive.

As an absorbent, alumina can give a mattifying effect. It is used in mineral sunscreens to help coat nano-sized filters, such as titanium dioxide. By increasing the size of the UV filters, these ingredients stay on the skin for a longer time. By coating small sized ingredients, alumina helps thicken a product.

Alumina may be used as an abrasive, or exfoliant.

Alumina is naturally occurring in the mineral corundum. Certain varieties of corundum create rubies and sapphires. Corundum is also the crystalline form of alumina.

Learn more about Alumina

Almay Smart Shade Skintone Matching Foundation 100 My Best Light contains this as ingredient number 14.

Clinique Even Better Clinical Serum Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF 25 WN48 Oat contains this as ingredient number 50.

9
What it does: Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Astringent, Emollient, Humectant, Masking, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Tonic
Community Rating: Loved

Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract is derived from the leaves of the tea plant. Black tea, green tea, and oolong tea are all harvested from this plant.

Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract has many benefits. It contains polyphenols, a strong antioxidant. Antioxidants help fight off free-radical molecules that damage skin cells. The antioxidants in green tea neutralize free-radicals from the sun. This gives the skin some extra UV protection, but should not replace sunscreen.

Many components of tea have anti-inflammatory properties. Polyphenols and L-theanine help soothe the skin and reduce irritation. L-theanine is an amino acid that makes up most of the amino acids found in tea leaves. The caffeine in Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract helps calm inflamed blood vessels.

Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract also contains Vitamin Bs, linoleic acid, magnesium, calcium, iron, and zinc.

Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract also has antimicrobial properties.

Research has shown both drinking Camellia Sinensis Leaf Tea and applying it to the skin can help boost skin elasticity and hydration. Studies also show using tea extract may reduce sebum, or oil, production.

Learn more about Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract

Almay Smart Shade Skintone Matching Foundation 100 My Best Light contains this as ingredient number 17.

Clinique Even Better Clinical Serum Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF 25 WN48 Oat contains this as ingredient number 23.

10
What it does: Antioxidant, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Liked

Tocopheryl 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 Acetate

Almay Smart Shade Skintone Matching Foundation 100 My Best Light contains this as ingredient number 20.

Clinique Even Better Clinical Serum Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF 25 WN48 Oat contains this as ingredient number 18.

11
What it does: Smoothing
Community Rating: Loved

Niacinamide 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 Niacinamide

Almay Smart Shade Skintone Matching Foundation 100 My Best Light contains this as ingredient number 21.

Clinique Even Better Clinical Serum Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF 25 WN48 Oat contains this as ingredient number 28.

12
What it does: Humectant, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Loved

Sodium 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 Hyaluronate

Almay Smart Shade Skintone Matching Foundation 100 My Best Light contains this as ingredient number 23.

Clinique Even Better Clinical Serum Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF 25 WN48 Oat contains this as ingredient number 17.

13
What it does: Masking
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Chances 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 Chloride

Almay Smart Shade Skintone Matching Foundation 100 My Best Light contains this as ingredient number 27.

Clinique Even Better Clinical Serum Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF 25 WN48 Oat contains this as ingredient number 53.

14
What it does:
Community Rating: Disliked

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 Triethoxycaprylylsilane

Almay Smart Shade Skintone Matching Foundation 100 My Best Light contains this as ingredient number 29.

Clinique Even Better Clinical Serum Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF 25 WN48 Oat contains this as ingredient number 49.

15
What it does: Emulsifying, Emulsion Stabilising, Gel Forming, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Disliked

Xanthan gum is used as a stabilizer and thickener within cosmetic products. It helps give products a sticky, thick feeling - preventing them from being too runny.

On the technical side of things, xanthan gum is a polysaccharide - a combination consisting of multiple sugar molecules bonded together.

Xanthan gum is a pretty common and great ingredient. It is a natural, non-toxic, non-irritating ingredient that is also commonly used in food products.

Learn more about Xanthan Gum

Almay Smart Shade Skintone Matching Foundation 100 My Best Light contains this as ingredient number 30.

Clinique Even Better Clinical Serum Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF 25 WN48 Oat contains this as ingredient number 44.

16
What it does:
Community Rating: Disliked

Tetrasodium 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.

Almay Smart Shade Skintone Matching Foundation 100 My Best Light contains this as ingredient number 33.

Clinique Even Better Clinical Serum Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF 25 WN48 Oat contains this as ingredient number 57.

17
What it does: Masking, Solvent
Community Rating: Disliked

Dipropylene Glycol is a synthetically created stabilizer and solvent. It is a part of the glycol class in the alcohol family.

Dipropylene Glycol helps dissolve and evenly distribute ingredients. It also helps decrease viscosity and thin out texture.

As a masking agent, Dipropylene Glycol can be used to cover the smell of other ingredients. However, it does not have a scent.

Studies show Dipropylene Glycol is considered safe to use in skincare.

Learn more about Dipropylene Glycol

Almay Smart Shade Skintone Matching Foundation 100 My Best Light contains this as ingredient number 35.

Clinique Even Better Clinical Serum Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF 25 WN48 Oat contains this as ingredient number 52.

18
What it does: Buffering, Masking
Community Rating: Mixed

Sodium Citrate is the sodium salts of citric acid. In skincare, it is used to alter pH levels and acts as a preservative.

Sodium Citrate helps maintain the pH of a product. Normal pH level of skin is slightly acidic (~4.75-5.5). The acidity of our skin is maintained by our glands and skin biome. Being slightly acidic allows our skin to create an "acid mantle". This acid mantle is a thin barrier that protects our skin from bacteria and contaminants.

Sodium Citrate is a chelating agent. It neutralizes metal ions from water and prevents them from binding to other ingredients. This ensures the other ingredients will not be altered.

Learn more about Sodium Citrate

Almay Smart Shade Skintone Matching Foundation 100 My Best Light contains this as ingredient number 36.

Clinique Even Better Clinical Serum Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF 25 WN48 Oat contains this as ingredient number 58.

19
What it does: Antioxidant, Masking, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Liked

Tocopherol (also known as Vitamin E) is a common antioxidant used to help protect the skin from free-radicals and strengthen the skin barrier. It's also fat soluble - this means our skin is great at absorbing it.

Vitamin E also helps keep your natural skin lipids healthy. Your lipid skin barrier naturally consists of lipids, ceramides, and fatty acids. Vitamin E offers extra protection for your skin’s lipid barrier, keeping your skin healthy and nourished.

Another benefit is a bit of UV protection. Vitamin E helps reduce the damage caused by UVB rays. (It should not replace your sunscreen). Combining it with Vitamin C can decrease sunburned cells and hyperpigmentation after UV exposure.

You might have noticed Vitamin E + C often paired together. This is because it is great at stabilizing Vitamin C. Using the two together helps increase the effectiveness of both ingredients.

There are often claims that Vitamin E can reduce/prevent scarring, but these claims haven't been confirmed by scientific research.

Learn more about Tocopherol

Almay Smart Shade Skintone Matching Foundation 100 My Best Light contains this as ingredient number 37.

Clinique Even Better Clinical Serum Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF 25 WN48 Oat contains this as ingredient number 31.

20
What it does: Preservative
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Phenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent germ and 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.

Almay Smart Shade Skintone Matching Foundation 100 My Best Light contains this as ingredient number 42.

Clinique Even Better Clinical Serum Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF 25 WN48 Oat contains this as ingredient number 60.

21
What it does: Cosmetic Colorant
Community Rating: Disliked

Ci 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 77891

Almay Smart Shade Skintone Matching Foundation 100 My Best Light contains this as ingredient number 46.

Clinique Even Better Clinical Serum Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF 25 WN48 Oat contains this as ingredient number 61.

22
What it does: Cosmetic Colorant
Community Rating: Mixed

Ci 77499 is also hydrated iron III oxide. It is created from mixing red and black iron oxides. This helps give shades of darkness to a product.

Iron III oxides are classified as inorganic chemicals for coloring.

Almay Smart Shade Skintone Matching Foundation 100 My Best Light contains this as ingredient number 47.

Clinique Even Better Clinical Serum Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF 25 WN48 Oat contains this as ingredient number 64.

Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.

32% are loved or liked
11% have mixed ratings
49% are disliked or very disliked
9% have no rating yet
27% are loved or liked
11% have mixed ratings
45% are disliked or very disliked
17% have no rating yet

Usage

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Reviews

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Almay Smart Shade Skintone Matching Foundation 47 ingredients

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