e.l.f. cosmetics Halo Glow Liquid Filter - 1 Fair Versus Hourglass Cosmetics Ambient Soft Glow Foundation - 1
Updated on October 26, 2023
Overview
What they are
These products are both vegan, cruelty-free, and reef safe . They have a total of 11 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain Vitamin E
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin and scar healing
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens or parabens
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
e.l.f. cosmetics Halo Glow Liquid Filter 36 ingredients
Hourglass Cosmetics Ambient Soft Glow Foundation 32 ingredients
What's inside (and what isn't)
What's inside (and what isn't)
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
e.l.f. cosmetics Halo Glow Liquid Filter 36 ingredients
Hourglass Cosmetics Ambient Soft Glow Foundation 32 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Didecene
Skin ConditioningSqualane
Emollient
Propylene Glycol
Humectant
Glycerin
Humectant
Octyldodecanol
EmollientCetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
Emulsifying
Dimethicone
Emollient
Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate
Emulsifying
Synthetic Fluorphlogopite
Isoamyl Laurate
Emollient
Hydrogenated Styrene/Isoprene Copolymer
Ethylhexyl Hydroxystearate
Emollient
Sodium Chloride
Masking
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Disteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingPropylene Carbonate
SolventEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
Emollient
Aluminum Hydroxide
EmollientHydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Disodium EDTA
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Triethoxycaprylylsilane
Polymethylsilsesquioxane
Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract
Masking
Tin Oxide
Abrasive
Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
Antioxidant
CI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77163
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Hydrogenated Didecene, Squalane, Propylene Glycol, Glycerin, Octyldodecanol, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Dimethicone, Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Isoamyl Laurate, Hydrogenated Styrene/Isoprene Copolymer, Ethylhexyl Hydroxystearate, Sodium Chloride, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Propylene Carbonate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Caprylyl Glycol, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Aluminum Hydroxide, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Disodium EDTA, Tocopherol, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Tin Oxide, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, CI 77891, CI 77492, CI 77491, CI 77499, CI 77163
Water
Skin ConditioningCyclopentasiloxane
Emollient
Cyclohexasiloxane
Emollient
Isododecane
EmollientTrimethylsiloxysilicate
Emollient
Glycerin
Humectant
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Dimethicone
Emollient
Lauryl PEG-10 Tris(Trimethylsiloxy)Silylethyl Dimethicone
Emulsifying
Polymethylsilsesquioxane
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Disteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingAcrylates/Polytrimethylsiloxymethacrylate Copolymer
Skin ConditioningMagnesium Sulfate
Sorbitan Sesquioleate
Emulsifying
Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin Conditioning
Triethoxycaprylylsilane
Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer
Aluminum Hydroxide
EmollientTribehenin
Emollient
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientTocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingCaesalpinia Spinosa Fruit Extract
Skin ProtectingDipropylene Glycol
MaskingSodium Citrate
BufferingKappaphycus Alvarezii Extract
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
Antioxidant
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
CI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantIron Oxides
Water, Cyclopentasiloxane, Cyclohexasiloxane, Isododecane, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Dimethicone, Lauryl PEG-10 Tris(Trimethylsiloxy)Silylethyl Dimethicone, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, 1,2-Hexanediol, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Acrylates/Polytrimethylsiloxymethacrylate Copolymer, Magnesium Sulfate, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer, Aluminum Hydroxide, Tribehenin, Caprylyl Glycol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Xanthan Gum, Caesalpinia Spinosa Fruit Extract, Dipropylene Glycol, Sodium Citrate, Kappaphycus Alvarezii Extract, Tocopherol, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, CI 77891, Iron Oxides
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
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 HydroxideCaprylyl 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 GlycolCi 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.
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 DimethiconeDisteardimonium 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 HectoriteEthylhexylglycerin (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.
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 GlycerinPolymethylsilsesquioxane is a silicone used as a film forming agent.
When applied to the skin, this ingredient creates an invisible film on the surface. This film still allows oxygen to pass through, but prevents moisture from escaping. This can help condition and hydrate the skin. It also leaves a silky feel when applied.
Polymethylsilsesquioxane has not been shown to clog pores. It has been deemed safe to use up to 55%, but most cosmetics use much less.
If you have concerns about using this ingredient, we recommend speaking with a professional.
Learn more about PolymethylsilsesquioxaneTocopherol (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 TocopherolTriethoxycaprylylsilane 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 TriethoxycaprylylsilaneWater. 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 WaterIngredient Ratings
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e.l.f. cosmetics Halo Glow Liquid Filter 36 ingredients
Hourglass Cosmetics Ambient Soft Glow Foundation 32 ingredients
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