Beauty Pie Everyday Great Skin Foundation Versus La Prairie Skin Caviar Complexion Essence-In-Foundation
What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientDimethicone
EmollientAlcohol
AntimicrobialEthylene/Acrylic Acid Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingPEG-4
HumectantHdi/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer
Polysorbate 20
EmulsifyingPEG-10 Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningIsononyl Isononanoate
EmollientDisteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingTrimethylsiloxysilicate
EmollientCaprylyl Dimethicone Ethoxy Glucoside
EmulsifyingDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningMyristyl Lactate
EmollientPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeSodium Chloride
MaskingBenzyl Alcohol
PerfumingSynthetic Fluorphlogopite
Sodium Dehydroacetate
PreservativeAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantCetyl Dimethicone
EmollientSilica
AbrasiveStearoyl Inulin
EmollientDisodium EDTA
Sodium Lauroyl Glutamate
Lysine
Skin ConditioningTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Titanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Alcohol, Ethylene/Acrylic Acid Copolymer, PEG-4, Hdi/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer, Polysorbate 20, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Isononyl Isononanoate, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Caprylyl Dimethicone Ethoxy Glucoside, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Myristyl Lactate, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Chloride, Benzyl Alcohol, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Aluminum Hydroxide, Tocopheryl Acetate, Cetyl Dimethicone, Silica, Stearoyl Inulin, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Lauroyl Glutamate, Lysine, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Titanium Dioxide, CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane
UV AbsorberEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV AbsorberOctocrylene
UV AbsorberCaviar Water
Skin ConditioningCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientCetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
EmulsifyingWater
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantC12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialDimethicone
EmollientMyristyl Lactate
EmollientHdi/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer
Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate
EmulsifyingButylene Glycol
HumectantTrimethylsiloxysilicate
EmollientFomes Officinalis Extract
Skin ProtectingDimethicone Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingEthylene/Acrylic Acid Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingGlycoproteins
Skin ConditioningPanax Ginseng Root Extract
EmollientEquisetum Arvense Extract
AstringentCaviar Extract
Skin ConditioningLithothamnion Calcareum Extract
Skin ConditioningTetrapeptide-3
Skin ConditioningPropylene Glycol
HumectantChondrus Crispus Extract
Skin ConditioningPEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
EmulsifyingLactobacillus Ferment
Skin ConditioningTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantGlycine Soja Oil
EmollientDisteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingSynthetic Fluorphlogopite
Lactic Acid
BufferingAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingDisodium EDTA
Sodium Lauroyl Glutamate
Sodium Phytate
Triethoxycaprylylsilane
Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
AntioxidantLysine
Skin ConditioningMagnesium Chloride
Sodium Oleate
CleansingSilica Dimethyl Silylate
EmollientEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningAlcohol
AntimicrobialSaccharomyces Cerevisiae Extract
Skin ConditioningSilica
AbrasiveSodium Salicylate
PreservativeSodium Chloride
MaskingParfum
MaskingBenzyl Alcohol
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingLimonene
PerfumingAlpha-Isomethyl Ionone
PerfumingGeraniol
PerfumingCitronellol
PerfumingBenzyl Salicylate
PerfumingSodium Dehydroacetate
PreservativeSodium Benzoate
MaskingPotassium Sorbate
PreservativePhenoxyethanol
PreservativeCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantButyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Octocrylene, Caviar Water, Cyclopentasiloxane, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Water, Glycerin, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Dimethicone, Myristyl Lactate, Hdi/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer, Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate, Butylene Glycol, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Fomes Officinalis Extract, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Ethylene/Acrylic Acid Copolymer, Glycoproteins, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Equisetum Arvense Extract, Caviar Extract, Lithothamnion Calcareum Extract, Tetrapeptide-3, Propylene Glycol, Chondrus Crispus Extract, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Lactobacillus Ferment, Tocopheryl Acetate, Glycine Soja Oil, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Lactic Acid, Aluminum Hydroxide, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Lauroyl Glutamate, Sodium Phytate, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Lysine, Magnesium Chloride, Sodium Oleate, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Alcohol, Saccharomyces Cerevisiae Extract, Silica, Sodium Salicylate, Sodium Chloride, Parfum, Benzyl Alcohol, Linalool, Limonene, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Geraniol, Citronellol, Benzyl Salicylate, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Phenoxyethanol, CI 77891, CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
This ingredient is also called ethanol or ethyl alcohol. It is denatured, meaning made undrinkable for cosmetic use.
In formulas, it:
Is it bad for your skin?
The answer comes down to concentration. Patch and wash studies have found highly concentrated alcohol-based hand rubs (60-100%) cause less barrier disruption than washing with a basic detergent like SLS. The only measurable effect in these studies was a temporary dip in skin hydration.
Concentrations below 12-15% in leave-on cosmetics is generally well-tolerated. Concentrations above start to see increased transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and reduced hydration.
In concentrations about 58%, it creates temporary channels in your skin's lipid layers to become more permeable and allow other ingredients to slip through easily.
This ingredient can be up to 80% of the formula in alcohol-based perfumes.
Overall, this ingredient is probably harmless if found lower down an ingredients list but worth side-eyeing if it's high up (especially if your barrier is already struggling).
Alcohol can worsen dry skin, eczema, and oily skin, especially at higher concentrations. This is because it can increase transepidermal water loss and decrease hydration to disrupt the skin barrier.
According to the National Rosacea Society based in the US, you should be mindful of products with these alcohols in the top half of ingredients.
True allergic contact dermatitis to ethanol is uncommon, but be sure to patch test if you have dry or sensitive skin.
Learn more about AlcoholAluminum 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 HydroxideBenzyl Alcohol is most commonly used as a preservative. It also has a subtle, sweet smell. Small amounts of Benzyl Alcohol is not irritating and safe to use in skincare products. Most Benzyl Alcohol is derived from fruits such as apricots.
Benzyl Alcohol has both antibacterial and antioxidant properties. These properties help lengthen the shelf life of products. Benzyl Alcohol is a solvent and helps dissolve other ingredients. It can also improve the texture and spreadability.
Alcohol comes in many different forms. Different types of alcohol will have different effects on skin. This ingredient is an astringent alcohol.
Using high concentrations of these alcohols are drying on the skin. They may strip away your skin's natural oils and even damage your skin barrier. Astringent alcohols may also irritate skin.
Other types of astringent alcohols include:
According to the National Rosacea Society based in the US, you should be mindful of products with these alcohols in the top half of ingredients.
Any type of sanitizing product will have high amounts of alcohol to help kill bacteria and viruses.
Learn more about Benzyl AlcoholCi 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.
Cyclopentasiloxane, 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. 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 DimethiconeDisodium EDTA is a chelating agent. It grabs onto and deactivates metal ions that sneak into your products from water, packaging, or air.
This ingredient mainly works behind the scenes and helps with:
On top of that, this ingredient can counteract the effects of hard water by binding to the minerals in it.
One thing worth knowing is that Disodium EDTA has been shown to be a mild penetration enhancer. It can help other ingredients absorb into skin more effectively which can be a double-edged sword (great for actives, but can also make the active too strong if you have sensitive skin).
Clinical patch testing showed no significant skin irritation at typical use concentrations and minimal dermal absorption.
You'll most likely see this ingredient near the end of an ingredient list. It's typically found in concentrations less than 1%.
Learn more about Disodium EDTADisteardimonium 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 HectoriteWe don't have a description for Ethylene/Acrylic Acid Copolymer yet.
This ingredient is a powder used to improve texture, slip, and give products a silky texture.
Lysine is an essential amino acid (your body cannot make it on its own). It has skin conditioning properties and one of the key players in collagen synthesis.
When your body creates collagen, lysine is basically the glue that holds everything together. It helps collagen fibers lock into each other and stay strong, with vitamin C being its trusty sidekick. Without enough lysine, this glue gets flimsy and less firm, resulting in less bouncy skin.
In skincare, lysine is mostly there to help keep your skin moisturized. It carries water through your skin's layers so everything stays plump.
So will putting lysine on your face create bouncier skin?
It's hard to say; most of the exciting collagen research on lysine comes from oral supplements or lab studies on mice. Further research is needed to truly understand what role topical lysine plays in skincare and your skin.
However, there's no harm in adding lysine to your routine as a supportive and hydrating ingredient.
Learn more about LysineMyristyl lactate is created from myristyl alcohol and lactic acid.
It is an emollient and keeps the skin hydrated by trapping moisture. However, this may worsen oily skin and cause breakouts.
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.
Silica, also known as silicon dioxide, is a naturally occurring mineral. It is used as a fine, spherical, and porous powder in cosmetics.
Though it has exfoliant properties, the function of silica varies depending on the product.
The unique structure of silica enhances the spreadability and adds smoothness, making it a great texture enhancer.
It is also used as an active carrier, emulsifier, and mattifier due to its ability to absorb excess oil.
In some products, tiny microneedles called spicules are made from silica or hydrolyzed sponge. When you rub them in, they lightly polish away dead skin layers and enhance the penetration of active ingredients.
Learn more about SilicaChances 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.
You might see people debate whether Sodium Chloride is comedogenic, but there actually haven't been any comedogenic tests done on it. Either way, the overall formulation of a product matters a lot more than any single ingredient.
You might see this ingredient used in scrubs as a primary exfoliating ingredient.
Learn more about Sodium ChlorideThis ingredient is a preservative with antimicrobial properties. It is the sodium salt of dehydroacetic acid.
It is especially effective at preventing bacterial and fungal growth in low concentrations.
Sodium Lauroyl Glutamate is the sodium salt from the lauric acid of glutamic acid.
It is a surfactant and helps cleanse the skin. Surfactants gather oil, dirt, and other pollutants from your skin so they may be washed away easily.
Synthetic Fluorphlogopite is the synthethic version of mica. It consists of fluorine, aluminum and silicate.
Synthetic Fluorphlogopite is used to add volume to products.
It is considered non-irritating on the skin.
Learn more about Synthetic FluorphlogopiteTocopheryl 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 AcetateTriethoxycaprylylsilane is a silicon-based surface modifier that makes sunscreens feel silky and makeup stay put.
Its main job is to coat mineral particles like titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, and color pigments in a thin, oily layer so they spread smoothly, don't clump, and stick to skin better.
This ingredient is typically used at low levels (up to 2.5% in eyeshadow and 1% in lipstick).
Learn more about TriethoxycaprylylsilaneThis 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 TrimethylsiloxysilicateWater. 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