Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Perfect Natural Glow Foundation Versus Natasha Denona Hy-Glam Foundation Hydrating & Blurring Luminous Longwear Serum Foundation
What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
EmollientC15-19 Alkane
SolventIsododecane
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantSorbitol
HumectantAlcohol Denat.
AntimicrobialCetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
EmulsifyingPolyglyceryl-4 Isostearate
EmulsifyingAluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate
AbsorbentSynthetic Fluorphlogopite
Disteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeMagnesium Sulfate
Cellulose Gum
Emulsion StabilisingDimethiconol
EmollientSilica Silylate
EmollientDisodium Stearoyl Glutamate
CleansingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientPropylene Carbonate
SolventParfum
MaskingPEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone
EmulsifyingTrihydroxystearin
Skin ConditioningNiacinamide
SmoothingAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientHydrolyzed Lupine Protein
Skin ConditioningAcetylated Glycol Stearate
EmollientSilica
AbrasiveBenzyl Salicylate
PerfumingHexyl Cinnamal
PerfumingKaolin
AbrasiveBenzyl Alcohol
PerfumingPancratium Maritimum Extract
BleachingLimonene
PerfumingSodium Benzoate
MaskingLinalool
PerfumingPentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
AntioxidantTocopherol
AntioxidantCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77007
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77288
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Dimethicone, C15-19 Alkane, Isododecane, Glycerin, Sorbitol, Alcohol Denat., Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate, Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Phenoxyethanol, Magnesium Sulfate, Cellulose Gum, Dimethiconol, Silica Silylate, Disodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Caprylyl Glycol, Propylene Carbonate, Parfum, PEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone, Trihydroxystearin, Niacinamide, Aluminum Hydroxide, Hydrolyzed Lupine Protein, Acetylated Glycol Stearate, Silica, Benzyl Salicylate, Hexyl Cinnamal, Kaolin, Benzyl Alcohol, Pancratium Maritimum Extract, Limonene, Sodium Benzoate, Linalool, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Tocopherol, CI 77891, CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499, CI 77007, CI 77288
Water
Skin ConditioningCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantDiphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningPhenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
EmollientButylene Glycol
HumectantCaprylyl Methicone
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantLauryl Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningIsododecane
EmollientTrimethylsiloxysilicate
EmollientAlcohol Denat.
AntimicrobialPolyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningAcrylates/Polytrimethylsiloxymethacrylate Copolymer
Skin ConditioningPhenylpropyldimethylsiloxysilicate
EmollientSorbitan Sesquioleate
EmulsifyingC13-15 Alkane
Solvent1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningQuaternium-90 Bentonite
Acrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer
Skin ConditioningMagnesium Sulfate
Boron Nitride
AbsorbentDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantHydroxyacetophenone
AntioxidantDisodium Stearoyl Glutamate
CleansingCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingBambusa Arundinacea Stem Powder
AbrasiveAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientChlorella Emersonii Extract
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
AntioxidantJasminum Sambac Leaf Cell Extract
MaskingVitis Vinifera Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialWater, CI 77891, Diphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Dimethicone, Butylene Glycol, Caprylyl Methicone, Glycerin, CI 77492, Lauryl Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Isododecane, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Alcohol Denat., Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Acrylates/Polytrimethylsiloxymethacrylate Copolymer, Phenylpropyldimethylsiloxysilicate, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, C13-15 Alkane, 1,2-Hexanediol, Quaternium-90 Bentonite, Acrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer, Magnesium Sulfate, Boron Nitride, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, CI 77491, Hydroxyacetophenone, Disodium Stearoyl Glutamate, CI 77499, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Bambusa Arundinacea Stem Powder, Aluminum Hydroxide, Chlorella Emersonii Extract, Tocopherol, Jasminum Sambac Leaf Cell Extract, Vitis Vinifera Fruit Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Alcohol Denat. is an alcohol with a denaturant property. It is created by mixing ethanol with other additives.
The "denat" part just means "denatured"; common denaturants include Denatonium Benzoate, t-butyl alcohol, and Diethyl Phthalate. This step makes the alcohol undrinkable (and lets brand skip taxes related to beverage alcohol).
This ingredient gets a bad rep because it is irritating and drying due to its astringent property. Astringents draw out natural oils in tissue to constrict pores and dry out your skin.
However, alcohol denat. is not all that bad.
Due to its low molecular weight, alcohol denat. tends to evaporate quickly. One study on pig skin found half of applied alcohol evaporated in 10 seconds and less than 3% stayed on skin.
This also helps other ingredients become better absorbed upon application.
Studies are conflicted about whether this ingredient causes skin dehydration. One study from 2005 found adding emollients to propanol-based sanitizer decreased skin dryness and irritation. Another study found irritation only occurs if your skin is already damaged.
Small amounts of alcohol are generally tolerated by oily skin or people who live in humid environments.
The rule of thumb is this ingredient will probably not affect your skin much if it is near the end of an ingredients list.
One thing to note:
People with ALDH2 (aldehyde dehydrogenase 2) deficiency may experience skin irritation from continued alcohol use. About 8% of the world's population have this deficiency.
The Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel has determined denatured alcohols to be safe for use in concentrations between 0.05% and 12% (depending on which denaturant is used).
Also...
This ingredient has antimicrobial and solvent properties.
The antimicrobial property helps preserve products and increase their shelf life. As a solvent, it helps dissolve other ingredients.
Look for formulas that contain glycerin, hyaluronic acid, or panthenol if you want to offset any drying effect.
This ingredient will trip away your skin's natural oils/lipids that help it lock in moisture. This can worsen dryness, trigger eczema flare-ups, and aggravate rosacea.
Be sure to patch test any product with this ingredient if you have dry or sensitive skin, eczema, or rosacea.
Learn more about Alcohol Denat.Aluminum Hydroxide is a form of aluminum. It can be naturally found in nature as the mineral gibbsite. In cosmetics, Aluminum Hydroxide is used as a colorant, pH adjuster, and absorbent.
As a colorant, Aluminum Hydroxide may add opacity, or reduce the transparency. Aluminum hydroxide is contains both basic and acidic properties.
According to manufacturers, this ingredient is an emollient and humectant. This means it helps hydrate the skin.
In medicine, this ingredient is used to help relieve heartburn and help heal ulcers.
There is currently no credible scientific evidence linking aluminum hydroxide in cosmetics to increased cancer risk.
Major health organizations allow the use of aluminum hydroxide in personal care products and have not flagged it as a carcinogenic risk at typical usage levels.
Learn more about Aluminum HydroxideCi 77491 is also hydrated iron III oxide. It's sole purpose is to give a red/pink hue to products.
Iron III oxides are classified as inorganic chemicals for coloring.
Synthetically created Ci 77491 is considered safer than those naturally found. This is because the synthetically created version may contain less impurities. Iron oxides are generally non-toxic and non-allergenic.
Learn more about CI 77491CI 77492 is also hydrated iron III oxide. It's sole purpose is to give a yellow hue to products.
Iron III oxides are classified as inorganic chemicals for coloring.
Synthetically created CI 77492 is considered safer than those naturally found. This is because the synthetically created version may contain less impurities. Iron oxides are generally non-toxic and non-allergenic.
Learn more about CI 77492Ci 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.
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 77891Dimethicone is a type of synthetic silicone created from natural materials such as quartz. It is also known as polydimethylsiloxane.
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 DimethiconeDSG is used as a surfactant.
Surfactants are cleansing ingredients that help remove oil, dirt, and other impurities from the skin. They work by reducing surface tension between water and oils/dirt to allow them to be easily rinsed away.
Glycerin (or glycerol) is a compound naturally found in your skin. It's a powerhouse humectant that pulls water into the stratum corneum.
Topically, glycerin does several things at once:
Your skin makes glycerin on its own (mostly from sebaceous oil breakdown) and shuttles it to your outermost layer of skin, or your epidermis, via aquaporin-3.
Aquaporin-3 is a transporter that is essential for normal skin hydration, elasticity, and repair. Interestingly, mice lacking in AQP3 have dry and less elastic skin that can be fully corrected with glycerin.
This ingredient is non-irritating, plays well with almost every ingredient, and works across all skin types. Typical use is anywhere between 3-10% but can go up to 79% in some leave-on products.
Just know very high concentrations (>40%) can feel tacky in low humidity.
Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.
Learn more about GlycerinIsododecane is a fragrance, emollient, and solvent.
As an emollient, it helps your skin stay soft and hydrated. Emollients help trap moisture into your skin.
Isododecane's role as a solvent makes it a great texture enhancer. It spreads smoothly on skin and does not leave a sticky feeling behind. Isododecane also helps prevent color transfer in makeup products.
Isododecane is not absorbed into skin.
The chemical name for this ingredient is 2,2,4,6,6-PENTAMETHYLHEPTANE.
Learn more about IsododecaneMagnesium Sulfate is a salt. More specifically, it is an epsom salt, or the bath salt used to help relieve muscle aches.
Despite having ‘sulfate’ in the name, it isn’t a surfactant or cleansing agent like sodium lauryl sulfate. Unlike those sulfates, magnesium sulfate doesn’t have the same cleansing or foaming properties (it's simply a type of salt).
In cosmetics, Magnesium Sulfate is used to thicken a product or help dilute other solids. It is a non-reactive and non-irritating ingredient.
One study shows magnesium deficiency may lead to inflammation of the skin. Applying magnesium topically may help reduce inflammation.
You can find this ingredient in sea water or mineral deposits.
Learn more about Magnesium SulfateTocopherol is a fat-soluble antioxidant known as Vitamin E.
You'll find this ingredient in the vast majority of skincare (for good reason). It works to neutralize free radicals, or unstable molecules generated by UV exposure, pollution, and other environmental stressors, before they can cause oxidative damage to your skin cells.
Topically applied tocopherol has been shown to protect against UV damage by ramping up the skin's own natural defense enzymes.
It also acts as a skin conditioning agent; some studies show that regular topical use can improve the skin's water-binding capacity over 2-4 weeks.
This ingredient is especially loved for being a team player. When combined with Vitamin C, the photoprotective effect of both ingredients roughly doubles and the combo also helps reduce UV-induced DNA damage.
This ingredient has some brightening potential but it's more of a prevention ingredient than spot-fader. Cell studies show it can slow down melanin production but it's worth noting that it's not the most powerful brightener out there.
In formulations, it also serves as a stabilizer that helps protect other oxidation-prone ingredients from degrading.
Concentrations usually range from 0.1-1% in most leave-on products.
Learn more about TocopherolWater. 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. Remember to stay hydrated!
Learn more about Water