Dr. Althea Face Blur Finishing Powder Versus The Saem Saemmul Perfect Pore Powder
Updated on June 17, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both fungal acne (malassezia) safe setting spray & powders. They have a total of 7 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain exfoliants
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, oils, parabens or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain fragrances and 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
Dr. Althea Face Blur Finishing Powder 9 ingredients
The Saem Saemmul Perfect Pore Powder 24 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Dr. Althea Face Blur Finishing Powder 9 ingredients
The Saem Saemmul Perfect Pore Powder 24 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Silica
Abrasive
Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate
AbsorbentPolymethyl Methacrylate
Nylon-12
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingMethicone
Emollient
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientDimethicone
Emollient
Parfum
Masking
Water
Skin ConditioningTocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Propanediol
SolventCaprylhydroxamic Acid
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningBetula Alba Juice
AstringentRosa Centifolia Flower Water
Skin ConditioningCamellia Japonica Flower Extract
EmollientCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Melaleuca Cajaputi Extract
Tonic
Geraniol
Perfuming
Citronellol
Perfuming
Linalool
Perfuming
Silica, Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Nylon-12, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Methicone, Phenoxyethanol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Dimethicone, Parfum, Water, Tocopheryl Acetate, Propanediol, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Betula Alba Juice, Rosa Centifolia Flower Water, Camellia Japonica Flower Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Melaleuca Cajaputi Extract, Geraniol, Citronellol, Linalool
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Silica is a mineral naturally found in our skin. It helps to thicken and smooth the texture of a product. It also acts as an agent for other ingredients by increasing the absorption of other ingredients into the skin.
Silica is often used for absorption and can help reduce shine when products are applied. Silica occurs in naturally in materials like clay and sandstone, and it can also be produced synthetically.
Silica is present naturally within the skin during collagen production and when reducing inflammation.
Learn more about SilicaAluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate is a synthetic powder used as an absorbent, thickener, and anti-caking agent.
As an absorbent, it is great at mattifying skin by soaking up the oil. This is why you'll find it in a range of products from makeup to moisturizers.
This ingredient is considered a modified starch. Starch can also be found naturally in plants.
One study from 1991 found that 5% of this ingredient enhanced titanium dioxide SPF by as much as 40%. The study found 1% titanium dioxide had a 5.6 SPF and adding 5% of aluminum starch octenylsuccinate boosted it to an SPF of 8.1
Although “aluminum” in an ingredient name can raise red flags for some consumers, the form and usage context matter significantly. For typical topical applications, there is no substantial evidence of health risks - such as cancer, neurotoxicity, or systemic “aluminum overload.”
Learn more about Aluminum Starch OctenylsuccinateWe don't have a description for Polymethyl Methacrylate yet.
1,2-Hexanediol is a synthetic liquid and another multi-functional powerhouse.
It is a:
- Humectant, drawing moisture into the skin
- Emollient, helping to soften skin
- Solvent, dispersing and stabilizing formulas
- Preservative booster, enhancing the antimicrobial activity of other preservatives
Caprylyl Glycol is a humectant and emollient, meaning it attracts and preserves moisture.
It is a common ingredient in many products, especially those designed to hydrate skin. The primary benefits are retaining moisture, skin softening, and promoting a healthy skin barrier.
Though Caprylyl Glycol is an alcohol derived from fatty acids, it is not the kind that can dry out skin.
This ingredient is also used as a preservative to extend the life of products. It has slight antimicrobial properties.
Learn more about Caprylyl GlycolEthylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.
You might see Ethylhexylglycerin often paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol. Ethylhexylglycerin has been found to increase the effectiveness of these other preservatives.
Parfum is a catch-all term for an ingredient or more that is used to give a scent to products.
Also called "fragrance", this ingredient can be a blend of hundreds of chemicals or plant oils. This means every product with "fragrance" or "parfum" in the ingredients list is a different mixture.
For instance, Habanolide is a proprietary trade name for a specific aroma chemical. When used as a fragrance ingredient in cosmetics, most aroma chemicals fall under the broad labeling category of “FRAGRANCE” or “PARFUM” according to EU and US regulations.
The term 'parfum' or 'fragrance' is not regulated in many countries. In many cases, it is up to the brand to define this term.
For instance, many brands choose to label themselves as "fragrance-free" because they are not using synthetic fragrances. However, their products may still contain ingredients such as essential oils that are considered a fragrance by INCI standards.
One example is Calendula flower extract. Calendula is an essential oil that still imparts a scent or 'fragrance'.
Depending on the blend, the ingredients in the mixture can cause allergies and sensitivities on the skin. Some ingredients that are known EU allergens include linalool and citronellol.
Parfum can also be used to mask or cover an unpleasant scent.
The bottom line is: not all fragrances/parfum/ingredients are created equally. If you are worried about fragrances, we recommend taking a closer look at an ingredient. And of course, we always recommend speaking with a professional.
Learn more about ParfumIngredient Ratings
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