Essence Contouring Duo Stick - Light 20 Versus Sephora Collection Cream Contour Stick - 01 Fair to Light
Updated on October 15, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both reef safe contours. They have a total of 8 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain exfoliants and Vitamin E
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for dry skin and oily skin
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, fragrances, parabens or sulfates
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
Essence Contouring Duo Stick 16 ingredients
Sephora Collection Cream Contour Stick 24 ingredients
What's inside
What's inside
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Essence Contouring Duo Stick 16 ingredients
Sephora Collection Cream Contour Stick 24 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Euphorbia Cerifera Wax
Polybutene
Ethylhexyl Palmitate
Emollient
Diisostearyl Malate
EmollientHelianthus Annuus Seed Wax
Skin Conditioning
Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2
Emollient
Silica
Abrasive
Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate
Absorbent
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
CI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Euphorbia Cerifera Wax, Polybutene, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Diisostearyl Malate, Helianthus Annuus Seed Wax, Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, Silica, Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol, CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499, CI 77891
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Isostearyl Isostearate
Emollient
Octyldodecanol
Emollient
Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate
Absorbent
Lauroyl Lysine
Skin ConditioningCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantDimethicone
Emollient
Dicalcium Phosphate
Abrasive
Euphorbia Cerifera Wax
Copernicia Cerifera Wax
Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin Conditioning
CI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantOryza Sativa Bran Wax
Skin Conditioning
Synthetic Beeswax
Emulsion Stabilising
CI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantDisteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantHelianthus Annuus Seed Wax
Skin Conditioning
Synthetic Wax
Abrasive
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Propylene Carbonate
SolventHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
Emollient
Chlorella Vulgaris Extract
Skin Conditioning
Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Isostearyl Isostearate, Octyldodecanol, Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate, Lauroyl Lysine, CI 77891, Dimethicone, Dicalcium Phosphate, Euphorbia Cerifera Wax, Copernicia Cerifera Wax, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, CI 77499, Oryza Sativa Bran Wax, Synthetic Beeswax, CI 77492, Disteardimonium Hectorite, CI 77491, Helianthus Annuus Seed Wax, Synthetic Wax, Tocopherol, Propylene Carbonate, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Chlorella Vulgaris Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Aluminum 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 OctenylsuccinateThis ingredient is an emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping the skin prevent moisture loss.
It helps thicken a product's formula and makes it easier to spread by dissolving clumping compounds.
Caprylic Triglyceride is made by combining glycerin with coconut oil, forming a clear liquid.
While there is an assumption Caprylic Triglyceride can clog pores due to it being derived from coconut oil, there is no research supporting this.
Learn more about Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideCi 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.
Ci 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 77891Helianthus Annuus Seed Wax is created from the common sunflower.
Sunflower seed wax is made up of long chain non-glyceride esters, a small amount of fatty alcohols, and fatty acids.
This ingredient is often used to enhance the texture of products. The fatty acid properties also help hydrate the skin.
Learn more about Helianthus Annuus Seed WaxEuphorbia Cerifera wax comes from a shrub in Northern Mexico. It is used to stabilize formulations and has emollient properties.
Emollients form a thin layer on top of skin to prevent water from evaporating, keeping skin and lips hydrated.
According to a manufacturer, this wax can range from a yellow/brown color to translucent.
Learn more about Euphorbia Cerifera WaxIngredient Ratings
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When to use
Essence Contouring Duo Stick 16 ingredients
Sephora Collection Cream Contour Stick 24 ingredients
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