Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of e.l.f. cosmetics Prep & Glimmer Stick versus e.l.f. cosmetics Prep & Hydrate Balm .
Last updated on October 26, 2023. Published on April 04, 2023
Overview
What they are
These products are both vegan, cruelty-free, and reef safe . They have a total of 14 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain Vitamin E
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for dry skin and brightening skin
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, parabens or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain fragrances and oils
We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that need an update? Let us know.
Highlighter
Highlighters emulate the glow of light and help brighten features.
Face Primer
A base to help makeup products last longer on the face or to help control shine.
Ingredient Info
e.l.f. cosmetics Prep & Glimmer Stick 23 ingredients
e.l.f. cosmetics Prep & Hydrate Balm 19 ingredients
Alcohol Free
This product is free of harsh alcohols 🎉
Contains Silicon
Ingredients in this product that are types of silicon:
Contains Fragrance
Ingredients in this product that are forms of fragrance:
Sulfate Free
This product is free of sulfates 🎉
Paraben Free
This product is free of parabens 🎉
Contains Oils
Ingredients in this product that are types of oil:
Not Malassezia Safe
Ingredients in this product that are not malassezia safe:
Reef Safe
This product is free of ingredients that damage reefs 🎉
EU Allergen Free
This product is free of EU allergens 🎉
Vegan
This product is vegan 🎉
Cruelty Free
This product is cruelty-free 🎉
Alcohol Free
This product is free of harsh alcohols 🎉
Silicon Free
This product is free of silicons 🎉
Contains Fragrance
Ingredients in this product that are forms of fragrance:
Sulfate Free
This product is free of sulfates 🎉
Paraben Free
This product is free of parabens 🎉
Contains Oils
Ingredients in this product that are types of oil:
Not Malassezia Safe
Ingredients in this product that are not malassezia safe:
Reef Safe
This product is free of ingredients that damage reefs 🎉
EU Allergen Free
This product is free of EU allergens 🎉
Vegan
This product is vegan 🎉
Cruelty Free
This product is cruelty-free 🎉
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
e.l.f. cosmetics Prep & Glimmer Stick 23 ingredients
e.l.f. cosmetics Prep & Hydrate Balm 19 ingredients
Notable Ingredients
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This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
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Benefits
This product contains 3 ingredients that may have this attribute:
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This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
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Concerns
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 3 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
Notable Ingredients
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
Benefits
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
Concerns
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
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Join SkinSortIngredients Compared
Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.
e.l.f. cosmetics Prep & Glimmer Stick 23 ingredients
e.l.f. cosmetics Prep & Hydrate Balm 19 ingredients
Water • Propylene Glycol • Bis-Peg-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane • Sodium Stearate • Glycerin • Magnesium Aluminum Silicate • Phenoxyethanol • Calcium Titanium Borosilicate • Synthetic Fluorphlogopite • Sodium Chloride • Peg-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil • Citric Acid • Parfum • Ethylhexylglycerin • Tocopheryl Acetate • Butyrospermum Parkii Butter • Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil • Butylene Glycol • Peg-12 Dimethicone • Citrullus Lanatus Fruit Extract • CI 77891 • CI 16035 • CI 19140
Water • Propylene Glycol • Bis-Peg-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane • Glycerin • Sodium Stearate • Portulaca Oleracea Extract • Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract • Tocopheryl Acetate • Peg-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil • Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil • Theobroma Cacao Seed Butter • Butyrospermum Parkii Butter • Parfum • Phenoxyethanol • Ethylhexylglycerin • Sodium Chloride • Citric Acid • CI 42090 • CI 19140
Ingredients Side-by-side
Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.
Learn more about what what Com. / Irr. ratings are
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. Talk about multi-purpose! If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about Watere.l.f. cosmetics Prep & Glimmer Stick contains this as ingredient number 1.
e.l.f. cosmetics Prep & Hydrate Balm contains this as ingredient number 1.
Propylene Glycol is an odorless, colorless liquid. As a humectant, it helps skin retain moisture. It also aids in delivering active ingredients.
Another role of this ingredient is preventing a product from melting or freezing. Propylene glycol also adds antimicrobrial properties to a product, elongating product lifespan.
This ingredient is considered an organic alcohol and commonly added into both cosmetics and foods.
Those with sensitive skin or conditions may deliver a rash when using this ingredient.
Learn more about Propylene Glycole.l.f. cosmetics Prep & Glimmer Stick contains this as ingredient number 2.
e.l.f. cosmetics Prep & Hydrate Balm contains this as ingredient number 2.
Bis-Peg-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane belongs to the siloxanes and silicones classes. It is synthetically created and has a waxy composition.
Bis-Peg-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane is a humectant and emollient, meaning it helps hydrate the skin. Humectants draw moisture to your skin, while emollients prevent moisture from escaping.
e.l.f. cosmetics Prep & Glimmer Stick contains this as ingredient number 3.
e.l.f. cosmetics Prep & Hydrate Balm contains this as ingredient number 3.
Sodium stearate is the sodium salt of stearic acid.
The structure of sodium stearate makes it both a cleanser and emulsifier. As a cleanser, it helps dissolve dirt, oil, and other pollutants. As an emulsifier, it helps prevent ingredients from separating. This adds stability to the formula.
e.l.f. cosmetics Prep & Glimmer Stick contains this as ingredient number 4.
e.l.f. cosmetics Prep & Hydrate Balm contains this as ingredient number 5.
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 Glycerine.l.f. cosmetics Prep & Glimmer Stick contains this as ingredient number 5.
e.l.f. cosmetics Prep & Hydrate Balm contains this as ingredient number 4.
Phenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent germ and 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.
e.l.f. cosmetics Prep & Glimmer Stick contains this as ingredient number 7.
e.l.f. cosmetics Prep & Hydrate Balm contains this as ingredient number 14.
Chances 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 Chloridee.l.f. cosmetics Prep & Glimmer Stick contains this as ingredient number 10.
e.l.f. cosmetics Prep & Hydrate Balm contains this as ingredient number 16.
Peg-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil is derived from castor oil and polyethylene glycol (PEG). It is used as a emollient and emulsifier.
As an emulsifier, it helps prevent ingredients from separating. It also helps make the other ingredients more soluble; it is often used to solubilize fragrances. This increases spreadability and elongates shelf life in a product.
Emollients help soothe and soften the skin. They do this by creating a protective film on your skin. This barrier helps trap moisture and keeps your skin hydrated. Emollients may be effective at treating dry or itchy skin.
This ingredient may or may not be vegan, depending on the source.
Peg-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil may not be fungal-acne safe. We recommend speaking with a professional if you have any questions or concerns.
Learn more about Peg-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oile.l.f. cosmetics Prep & Glimmer Stick contains this as ingredient number 11.
e.l.f. cosmetics Prep & Hydrate Balm contains this as ingredient number 9.
Citric Acid is an AHA derived from citrus fruits (think oranges, lemons, and limes!).
If you spot Citric Acid near the end of an ingredient list, it's likely there as a pH adjuster rather than an active ingredient.
As an AHA, Citric Acid removes the top layer of skin cells from the newer layer of skin underneath. This helps skin to remove dark spots and look more even.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Citric Acide.l.f. cosmetics Prep & Glimmer Stick contains this as ingredient number 12.
e.l.f. cosmetics Prep & Hydrate Balm contains this as ingredient number 17.
Parfum is a catch-all term for an ingredient or more that is used to give aroma to products. Parfum, or fragrance, 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.
In the US, the alternative name for parfum is 'fragrance'. The term '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. One example is Calendula flower extract. Essential oil ingredients still impart a scent or 'fragrance'.
Depending on the blend, it can cause allergies and sensitivities on the skin. Some ingredients that are known EU allergens include linalool and citronellol.
Products use parfum often to give products a scent or cover up smells of different ingredients.
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 Parfume.l.f. cosmetics Prep & Glimmer Stick contains this as ingredient number 13.
e.l.f. cosmetics Prep & Hydrate Balm contains this as ingredient number 13.
Ethylhexylglycerin (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.
e.l.f. cosmetics Prep & Glimmer Stick contains this as ingredient number 14.
e.l.f. cosmetics Prep & Hydrate Balm contains this as ingredient number 15.
Tocopheryl 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 Acetatee.l.f. cosmetics Prep & Glimmer Stick contains this as ingredient number 15.
e.l.f. cosmetics Prep & Hydrate Balm contains this as ingredient number 8.
Butyrospermum Parkii Butter is a plant lipid from the fruit of the Shea Tree. It is an effective skin hydrator and emollient.
Emollients help soothe and soften your skin. It does this by creating a protective film on your skin. This barrier helps trap moisture and keeps your skin hydrated. Emollients may be effective at treating dry or itchy skin.
Shea butter is rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants help fight free-radicals, or molecules that may harm the body. It is also full of fatty acids including stearic acid and linoleic acid. These acids help replenish the skin and keep skin moisturized.
While Shea Butter has an SPF rating of about 3-4, it is not a sunscreen replacement.
Shea butter may not be fungal acne safe. We recommend speaking with a professional if you have any concerns.
Learn more about Butyrospermum Parkii Buttere.l.f. cosmetics Prep & Glimmer Stick contains this as ingredient number 16.
e.l.f. cosmetics Prep & Hydrate Balm contains this as ingredient number 12.
Ci 19140 is also known as Tartrazine. Tartrazine is a synthetic dye used in cosmetics, foods, and medicine to add a yellow color.
Tartrazine is created from petroleum and is water-soluble.
Some people may experience allergies from this dye, especially asthmatics and those with an aspirin intolerance.
Learn more about CI 19140e.l.f. cosmetics Prep & Glimmer Stick contains this as ingredient number 23.
e.l.f. cosmetics Prep & Hydrate Balm contains this as ingredient number 19.
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.
e.l.f. cosmetics Prep & Glimmer Stick 23 ingredients
e.l.f. cosmetics Prep & Hydrate Balm 19 ingredients
Usage
Here's some more info on how this product is used by our community.
When to use
e.l.f. cosmetics Prep & Glimmer Stick 23 ingredients
e.l.f. cosmetics Prep & Hydrate Balm 19 ingredients
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Our Dupe Finder has found 3 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to e.l.f. cosmetics Prep & Glimmer Stick.
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