Estée Lauder Futurist Aqua Brilliance Foundation Versus Mac Cosmetics Studio Radiance Serum-Powered Foundation
What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningPhenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
EmollientMethyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV AbsorberPEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone
EmulsifyingCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingIsocetyl Alcohol
EmollientPEG-10 Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningIsohexadecane
EmollientTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantSorbitan Sesquioleate
EmulsifyingMagnesium Sulfate
Tribehenin
EmollientSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantHaberlea Rhodopensis Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningBeta Vulgaris Root Extract
Skin ConditioningVaccinium Angustifolium Fruit Extract
Skin ProtectingVaccinium Macrocarpon Fruit Extract
AstringentNarcissus Extract
Ulmus Davidiana Root Extract
Skin ConditioningVaccinium Myrtillus Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningYeast Extract
Skin ConditioningSimmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
EmollientPalmitoyl Tripeptide-1
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantMethyldihydrojasmonate
MaskingTriethyl Citrate
MaskingMethicone
EmollientCholesterol
EmollientEthylhexyl Palmitate
EmollientEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientSilica Dimethyl Silylate
EmollientPropylene Carbonate
SolventHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientLaureth-7
EmulsifyingPolysilicone-11
Polymethylsilsesquioxane
Disteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingLinoleic Acid
CleansingStearic Acid
CleansingSorbitan Stearate
EmulsifyingSorbitan Isostearate
EmulsifyingCalcium Chloride
AstringentSodium Sulfate
Magnesium Chloride
Potassium Nitrate
SoothingPotassium Phosphate
BufferingHydroxyacetophenone
AntioxidantTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantBHT
AntioxidantAscorbyl Palmitate
AntioxidantTocopherol
AntioxidantSodium Dehydroacetate
PreservativePhenoxyethanol
PreservativePotassium Sorbate
PreservativeCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Phenyl Trimethicone, Dimethicone, Methyl Trimethicone, Butylene Glycol, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, PEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Isocetyl Alcohol, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Isohexadecane, Titanium Dioxide, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Magnesium Sulfate, Tribehenin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Haberlea Rhodopensis Leaf Extract, Beta Vulgaris Root Extract, Vaccinium Angustifolium Fruit Extract, Vaccinium Macrocarpon Fruit Extract, Narcissus Extract, Ulmus Davidiana Root Extract, Vaccinium Myrtillus Fruit Extract, Yeast Extract, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Glycerin, Methyldihydrojasmonate, Triethyl Citrate, Methicone, Cholesterol, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Caprylyl Glycol, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Propylene Carbonate, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Aluminum Hydroxide, Laureth-7, Polysilicone-11, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Linoleic Acid, Stearic Acid, Sorbitan Stearate, Sorbitan Isostearate, Calcium Chloride, Sodium Sulfate, Magnesium Chloride, Potassium Nitrate, Potassium Phosphate, Hydroxyacetophenone, Tocopheryl Acetate, BHT, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Tocopherol, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Sorbate, CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499
Water
Skin ConditioningPhenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningTricaprylin
MaskingGlycerin
HumectantButylene Glycol
HumectantC9-12 Alkane
SolventLauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningOctyldodecanol
EmollientTrimethylsiloxysilicate
EmollientPolyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate
EmulsifyingOlea Europaea Fruit Oil
MaskingSimmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
EmollientPPG-12/Smdi Copolymer
EmollientC12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialPEG/PPG/Polybutylene Glycol-8/5/3 Glycerin
HumectantPolymethylsilsesquioxane
Sodium Hyaluronate
HumectantHydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningHelianthus Annuus Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningCucumis Sativus Fruit Extract
EmollientTremella Fuciformis Sporocarp Extract
AntioxidantHordeum Vulgare Extract
EmollientTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantSorbitol
HumectantTrehalose
HumectantLecithin
EmollientDisteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingOctyldodecyl Xyloside
EmulsifyingPropylene Glycol Dicaprate
EmollientPolyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate
EmulsifyingTriethyl Citrate
MaskingDisodium Stearoyl Glutamate
CleansingPvp
Emulsion StabilisingSilica
AbrasivePolysorbate 60
EmulsifyingSorbitan Isostearate
EmulsifyingBetaine
HumectantDimethicone
EmollientHdi/PPG/Polycaprolactone Crosspolymer
Synthetic Fluorphlogopite
Tin Oxide
AbrasivePEG-30 Dipolyhydroxystearate
EmulsifyingHydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingAluminum Dimyristate
Emulsion StabilisingCitric Acid
BufferingSilica Dimethicone Silylate
AbsorbentTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Hydroxyacetophenone
AntioxidantBHT
AntioxidantDisodium EDTA
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientSodium Dehydroacetate
PreservativePotassium Sorbate
PreservativePhenoxyethanol
PreservativeCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Phenyl Trimethicone, Tricaprylin, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, C9-12 Alkane, Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Octyldodecanol, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Polyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate, Olea Europaea Fruit Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, PPG-12/Smdi Copolymer, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, PEG/PPG/Polybutylene Glycol-8/5/3 Glycerin, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Helianthus Annuus Seed Extract, Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract, Tremella Fuciformis Sporocarp Extract, Hordeum Vulgare Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Sorbitol, Trehalose, Lecithin, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Octyldodecyl Xyloside, Propylene Glycol Dicaprate, Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate, Triethyl Citrate, Disodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Pvp, Silica, Polysorbate 60, Sorbitan Isostearate, Betaine, Dimethicone, Hdi/PPG/Polycaprolactone Crosspolymer, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Tin Oxide, PEG-30 Dipolyhydroxystearate, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Aluminum Dimyristate, Citric Acid, Silica Dimethicone Silylate, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Hydroxyacetophenone, BHT, Disodium EDTA, Caprylyl Glycol, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Potassium Sorbate, Phenoxyethanol, CI 77891, CI 77492, CI 77491, CI 77499
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
BHT is a synthetic antioxidant and preservative.
As an antioxidant, it helps your body fight off free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells.
As a preservative, it is used to stabilize products and prevent them from degrading. Specifically, BHT prevents degradation from oxidation.
The concerns related to BHT come from oral studies; this ingredient is currently allowed for use by both the FDA and EU.
However, it was recently restricted for use in the UK as of April 2024.
Learn more about BHTButylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:
Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient that works well with other ingredients.
Though this ingredient works well with most skin types, some people with sensitive skin may experience a reaction such as allergic rashes, closed comedones, or itchiness.
Learn more about Butylene GlycolCaprylyl 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 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.
Dimethicone 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 HectoriteGlycerin 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 GlycerinHydroxyacetophenone is antioxidant with skin conditioning and soothing properties. It also boosts the efficiency of preservatives.
This ingredient is not irritating or sensitizing.
Phenoxyethanol 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.
Phenyl Trimethicone is a silicon-based polymer. It is derived from silica.
Phenyl Trimethicone is used as an emollient and prevents products from foaming.
As an emollient, it helps trap moisture in the skin. It is considered an occlusive.
Learn more about Phenyl TrimethiconePolymethylsilsesquioxane 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 PolymethylsilsesquioxanePotassium Sorbate is a preservative used to prevent yeast and mold in products. It is commonly found in both cosmetic and food products.
This ingredient comes from potassium salt derived from sorbic acid. Sorbic acid is a natural antibiotic and effective against fungus.
Both potassium sorbate and sorbic acid can be found in baked goods, cheeses, dried meats, dried fruit, ice cream, pickles, wine, yogurt, and more.
You'll often find this ingredient used with other preservatives.
Learn more about Potassium SorbateThis oil comes from the seeds of the desert shrub called Jojoba. It is more commonly known as jojoba oil, a non-comedogenic oil.
Jojoba oil does not contain fragrance and has many fatty-acids, making it a great soothing ingredient.
It also contains Vitamin E, a great moisturizing ingredient. Vitamin E is also an antioxidant and protects your skin against oxidative damage.
This ingredient humectant properties, meaning it helps draw moisture from the air. This helps keep your skin hydrated.
While jojoba has antibacterial properties, it is only able to kill some strains of bacteria.
Studies also show it helps in wound healing. In fact, Indigenous cultures have used jojoba as a moisturizer and to help treat burns for centuries.
Fun fact: Jojoba oil similar to natural human skin sebum, so it has a great effect on dry skin. It is also promising with helping to regulate sebum production.
Due to its fatty acid content, Jojoba oil may not be fungal acne safe. We recommend speaking with a professional if you have any concerns.
Learn more about Simmondsia Chinensis Seed OilThis ingredient is a preservative with antimicrobial properties. It is the sodium salt of dehydroacetic acid.
It is especially effective at preventing bacterial and fungal growth in low concentrations.
Sodium 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 HyaluronateSorbitan Isostearate is an emulsifer and cleaning agent. It is created from isostearic acid and sorbitol.
As an emulsifier, Sorbitan Isostearate prevents oils and water from separating.
Due to its isostearic acid base, it may not be safe for Malassezia or fungal acne.
Learn more about Sorbitan IsostearateTocopheryl 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 AcetateTriethyl Citrate comes from citric acid. It has masking, perfuming, and solvent properties. As a solvent, this ingredient helps disperse ingredients evenly in skincare.
One manufacturer claims this ingredient can:
According to perfume manufacturers, this ingredient is almost odorless but has a mild fruity, wine and plum scent. It can be used to mask the scent of other ingredients.
This ingredient can be plant-sourced or synthetic; it can naturally be found in cabbage and white wine.
Learn more about Triethyl CitrateWater. 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 Water