e.l.f. cosmetics Halo Glow Liquid Filter - 3 Light/Medium Versus Mac Cosmetics Studio Waterweight SPF 30 Foundation - NC15
Updated on May 02, 2024
Overview
Cool Features
They both contain exfoliants, hyaluronic acid and Vitamin E
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for dry skin, brightening skin and scar healing
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, 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
e.l.f. cosmetics Halo Glow Liquid Filter 36 ingredients
Mac Cosmetics Studio Waterweight SPF 30 Foundation 56 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
e.l.f. cosmetics Halo Glow Liquid Filter 36 ingredients
Mac Cosmetics Studio Waterweight SPF 30 Foundation 56 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
MaskingDisteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingPropylene Carbonate
SolventEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
Emollient
Aluminum Hydroxide
EmollientHydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningSodium 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
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate 5%
UV Absorber
Titanium Dioxide 3.1%
Cosmetic Colorant
Zinc Oxide 2.1%
Cosmetic Colorant
Water
Skin ConditioningMethyl Trimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Phenyl Trimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Silica
Abrasive
Butyloctyl Salicylate
Skin Conditioning
Dimethicone
Emollient
Neopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate
EmollientC12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialButylene Glycol
Humectant
Dimethicone Silylate
Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Ethylhexyl Palmitate
Emollient
Glycerin
Humectant
Polysilicone-11
Citrus Medica Vulgaris Fruit Extract
Antioxidant
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Lecithin
EmollientPyrus Malus Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningLens Esculenta Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningGlycine Soja Protein
EmulsifyingLitchi Chinensis Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningLaminaria Saccharina Extract
Skin ProtectingPEG-10 Dimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Methicone
Emollient
Trimethylsiloxysilicate
Emollient
Sodium PCA
HumectantSodium Lactate
BufferingThermus Thermophillus Ferment
Skin ConditioningTriethyl Citrate
Masking
Laureth-7
EmulsifyingSilica Dimethyl Silylate
EmollientPolymethylsilsesquioxane
Magnesium Aluminum Silicate
AbsorbentXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingDimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer
Sodium Chloride
Masking
Dextrin
AbsorbentTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Disteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientHexylene Glycol
EmulsifyingPolyglutamic Acid
Skin Conditioning
Zinc Stearate
Cosmetic ColorantDisodium EDTA
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Sodium Dehydroacetate
Preservative
Mica
Cosmetic Colorant
CI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate 5%, Titanium Dioxide 3.1%, Zinc Oxide 2.1%, Water, Methyl Trimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Silica, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Dimethicone, Neopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Butylene Glycol, Dimethicone Silylate, Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Glycerin, Polysilicone-11, Citrus Medica Vulgaris Fruit Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Lecithin, Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract, Lens Esculenta Fruit Extract, Glycine Soja Protein, Litchi Chinensis Seed Extract, Laminaria Saccharina Extract, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Tocopheryl Acetate, Methicone, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Sodium PCA, Sodium Lactate, Thermus Thermophillus Ferment, Triethyl Citrate, Laureth-7, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Xanthan Gum, Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer, Sodium Chloride, Dextrin, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Caprylyl Glycol, Hexylene Glycol, Polyglutamic Acid, Zinc Stearate, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Mica, 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.
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. If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about WaterGlycerin 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 GlycerinDimethicone 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 DimethiconeChances 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 ChloridePhenoxyethanol 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.
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 HectoriteCaprylyl 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 GlycolSodium 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 HyaluronateDisodium EDTA plays a role in making products more stable by aiding other preservatives.
It is a chelating agent, meaning it neutralizes metal ions that may be found in a product.
Disodium EDTA is a salt of edetic acid and is found to be safe in cosmetic ingredients.
Learn more about Disodium EDTATriethoxycaprylylsilane 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 TriethoxycaprylylsilanePolymethylsilsesquioxane 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 PolymethylsilsesquioxaneCi 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 77891Ci 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 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 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.
Ingredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
e.l.f. cosmetics Halo Glow Liquid Filter 36 ingredients
Mac Cosmetics Studio Waterweight SPF 30 Foundation 56 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
e.l.f. cosmetics Halo Glow Liquid Filter 36 ingredients
Looks so good on but broke me out really bad unfortunately. If you’re not acne prone GET IT
This product is a great skin tint/glow dupe that I find works amazingly well. It definitely is higher coverage and can be hard to blend sometimes. When my skin is dry, it will stick to the dry spots. That’s not the products fault though, that’s more on me.
I haven’t had this product break me out. Maybe my skin is less sensitive than I thought?
I’ve been using this in place of the IT Show more
