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Product Comparison

Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of Estée Lauder Futurist Aqua Brilliance Watery Glow Primer versus Mac Cosmetics Prep + Prime Natural Radiance Base .

Last updated on September 02, 2023. Published on December 11, 2023

Overview

What they are

These products are both face primers. They have a total of 18 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain exfoliants, hyaluronic acid, Vitamin C and Vitamin E

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin, scar healing and better texture

Free From

They both do not contain any common allergens, fragrances, parabens or sulfates

What's Inside

They both contain oils

We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that need an update? Let us know.

Face Primer American Brand United States
Face Primer American Brand United States

Face Primer

A base to help makeup products last longer on the face or to help control shine.

Face Primer

A base to help makeup products last longer on the face or to help control shine.

Price

Ingredient Info

Click any item below to learn more and view relevant ingredients.
alcohol-free
silicon-free
fragrance-free
sulfate-free
paraben-free
oil-free
fungal-acne safe
reef-safe
eu-allergen-free
vegan
cruelty-free
alcohol-free
silicon-free
fragrance-free
sulfate-free
paraben-free
oil-free
fungal-acne safe
reef-safe
eu-allergen-free
vegan
cruelty-free

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Notable Ingredients

Vitamin C
Vitamin E
Exfoliators
Hyaluronic Acid
Peptides

Benefits

Hydrating (5)
Redness Reducing (3)
Reduces Irritation
Skin Texture
Anti-Aging
Dark Spots
Scar Healing
Brightening (3)

Concerns

Drying
May Worsen Oily Skin
Acne Trigger (2)
Rosacea
Eczema

Notable Ingredients

BHA
Vitamin C
Vitamin E
Exfoliators
Hyaluronic Acid

Benefits

Hydrating (5)
Good For Oily Skin (2)
Redness Reducing (2)
Reduces Irritation
Skin Texture
Reduces Large Pores
Scar Healing
Acne Fighting
Brightening (3)

Concerns

Drying (2)
May Worsen Oily Skin (2)
Acne Trigger
Irritating (2)
Rosacea (4)
Eczema (4)
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Ingredients Compared

Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.

Ingredients Side-by-side

Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.

Learn more about what what Com. / Irr. ratings are

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Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.

1
What it does: Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Community Rating: Loved

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 Water

Estée Lauder Futurist Aqua Brilliance Watery Glow Primer contains this as ingredient number 1.

Mac Cosmetics Prep + Prime Natural Radiance Base contains this as ingredient number 1.

2
What it does: Humectant, Masking, Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Community Rating: Mixed

Butylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:

  • It is a solvent, meaning that it helps to dissolve other ingredients. This also enhances the absorption of the product into one's skin.
  • It is a humectant, which means that it helps attract moisture into the skin.
  • It helps improve product application.

Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient. It is unlikely to irritate skin, and works well with pretty much all other ingredients.

Estée Lauder Futurist Aqua Brilliance Watery Glow Primer contains this as ingredient number 3.

Mac Cosmetics Prep + Prime Natural Radiance Base contains this as ingredient number 44.

3
What it does: Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Solvent
Community Rating: Loved

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 Glycerin

Estée Lauder Futurist Aqua Brilliance Watery Glow Primer contains this as ingredient number 4.

Mac Cosmetics Prep + Prime Natural Radiance Base contains this as ingredient number 2.

4
What it does: Solvent
Community Rating: Liked

Propanediol helps absorb ingredients into your skin, boosting their benefits. It can act as an emollient, making your skin softer. Propanediol can help products last longer by boosting the properties of preservatives within the formulation.

Propanediol is not likely to cause sensitivity and considered safe to use.

It is derived from corn or petroleum with a clear color and no scent.

Learn more about Propanediol

Estée Lauder Futurist Aqua Brilliance Watery Glow Primer contains this as ingredient number 6.

Mac Cosmetics Prep + Prime Natural Radiance Base contains this as ingredient number 5.

5
What it does: Humectant, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Loved

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 Hyaluronate

Estée Lauder Futurist Aqua Brilliance Watery Glow Primer contains this as ingredient number 8.

Mac Cosmetics Prep + Prime Natural Radiance Base contains this as ingredient number 9.

6
What it does: Antioxidant, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Liked

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 Acetate

Estée Lauder Futurist Aqua Brilliance Watery Glow Primer contains this as ingredient number 9.

Mac Cosmetics Prep + Prime Natural Radiance Base contains this as ingredient number 8.

7
What it does: Emollient, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Loved

Squalane is an emollient that helps the skin hold onto moisture. It's an oily liquid that occurs naturally in certain types of fish and plant oils.

Because squalane boosts hydration in the skin, it also comes with plenty of benefits: it is an antioxidant and can help fight free radicals and skin damage. Squalane is also found to have a detoxifying effect when applied.

Squalane comes from squalene, which occurs naturally within the sebum of our skin. It is one of the oils our skin produces to keep itself hydrated. Squalane is the hydrogenated version of squalene and has a longer shelf life.

Research shows that squalane is non-irritating (even at 100% concentration).

In general, it's a fantastic ingredient. It does a great job at hydrating the skin, and it's suitable for those with sensitive skin.

The source of squalane may impact malassezia / fungal acne. This is because olive oil derived squalane can contain impurities such as fatty acids and plant waxes. Sugarcane derived squalane is recommended for anyone with malassezia concerns.

Is squalane vegan? This depends on the source. Squalane can be derived from both plants and animals. Most squalane used in skincare comes from plants.

Please note: the source of squalane is only known if disclosed by the brand. We recommend reaching out to the brand if you have any questions about their squalane.

Read more about squalene with an "e".

Learn more about Squalane

Estée Lauder Futurist Aqua Brilliance Watery Glow Primer contains this as ingredient number 10.

Mac Cosmetics Prep + Prime Natural Radiance Base contains this as ingredient number 11.

8
What it does: Emollient, Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Hordeum Vulgare Extract.

Estée Lauder Futurist Aqua Brilliance Watery Glow Primer contains this as ingredient number 20.

Mac Cosmetics Prep + Prime Natural Radiance Base contains this as ingredient number 15.

9
What it does: Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Loved

Caffeine is most associated with coffee, tea, and cacao. In skincare, it helps with calming inflammation and anti-aging.

Caffeine is an antioxidants, which help with the signs of aging. This is because antioxidants help fight skin-damaging free radical molecules.

While caffeine is used to treat cellulite and and dark circles, further studies are needed to prove this. It has been believed to help with these skin conditions due to its ability to dilate blood vessels and increase blood flow.

Some studies are looking into caffeine's ability to protect against UV rays.

Learn more about Caffeine

Estée Lauder Futurist Aqua Brilliance Watery Glow Primer contains this as ingredient number 23.

Mac Cosmetics Prep + Prime Natural Radiance Base contains this as ingredient number 23.

10
What it does: Humectant, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Loved

Betaine is a common humectant (a substance that promotes retention of moisture). It's known to be gentle on the skin and can help balance hydration.

Betaine is best for improving hydration and soothing irritated skin. Studies show betaine may help with uneven skin tones.

Betaine is naturally created in the skin and body. The form found within cosmetic products can be either plant-dervied or synthetic.

Learn more about Betaine

Estée Lauder Futurist Aqua Brilliance Watery Glow Primer contains this as ingredient number 26.

Mac Cosmetics Prep + Prime Natural Radiance Base contains this as ingredient number 26.

11
What it does: Humectant, Moisturising
Community Rating: Loved

Trehalose is a disaccharide made of two glucose molecules (glucose is sugar!). Trehalose is used to help moisturize skin. It also has antioxidant properties.

As a humectant, trehalose helps draw moisture from the air to your skin. This helps keep your skin hydrated.

Due to its antioxidant properties, trehalose may help with signs of aging. Antioxidants help fight free-radical molecules, unstable molecules that may damage your skin.

In medicine, trehalose and hyaluronic acid are used to help treat dry eyes.

Some animals, plants, and bacteria create trehalose as a source of energy to survive freeze or lack of water.

Learn more about Trehalose

Estée Lauder Futurist Aqua Brilliance Watery Glow Primer contains this as ingredient number 27.

Mac Cosmetics Prep + Prime Natural Radiance Base contains this as ingredient number 27.

12
What it does: Emollient, Emulsifying, Skin Conditioning, Stabilising
Community Rating: Liked

Cholesterol is a class of organic molecules called lipids. It helps hydrate your skin and is essential to having a healthy skin barrier.

Our skin naturally contains cholesterol in the outermost layer. Besides cholesterol, it also contains ceramides and fatty acids. Cholesterol makes up about 1/4 of your skin's outer layer and barrier. Your skin barrier is responsible for keeping allergens and microbes out. Having a healthy skin barrier is also responsible for keeping your skin firm and plump.

Our bodies use cholestrol to create vitamin D, steroid hormones, and more.

Learn more about Cholesterol

Estée Lauder Futurist Aqua Brilliance Watery Glow Primer contains this as ingredient number 31.

Mac Cosmetics Prep + Prime Natural Radiance Base contains this as ingredient number 24.

13
What it does: Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting
Community Rating: Liked

This ingredient is extracted from the germ part of the wheat plant. The germ of a plant refers to the seed embryo, or part that sprouts into a new plant.

Some studies have found wheat germ to help with wound healing.

Estée Lauder Futurist Aqua Brilliance Watery Glow Primer contains this as ingredient number 35.

Mac Cosmetics Prep + Prime Natural Radiance Base contains this as ingredient number 19.

14
What it does: Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Liked

Polyquaternium-51 is a polymer salt. It helps hydrate the skin by creating a film on top. This film traps moisture in, keeping your skin soft and hydrated.

Estée Lauder Futurist Aqua Brilliance Watery Glow Primer contains this as ingredient number 49.

Mac Cosmetics Prep + Prime Natural Radiance Base contains this as ingredient number 37.

15
What it does:
Community Rating: Disliked

Disodium 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 EDTA

Estée Lauder Futurist Aqua Brilliance Watery Glow Primer contains this as ingredient number 53.

Mac Cosmetics Prep + Prime Natural Radiance Base contains this as ingredient number 48.

16
What it does: Preservative
Community Rating: Disliked

Potassium Sorbate is a preservative used to prevent yeast and mold in products. It is commonly found in both cosmetic and food products.

Potassium sorbate is potassium salt derived from sorbic acid. Sorbic acid is a natural antibiotic and effective against fungus.

Potassium sorbate and sorbic acid can be found in baked goods, cheeses, dried meats, dried fruit, ice cream, pickles, wine, yogurt, and more.

Potassium sorbate is often used with stronger preservatives.

Learn more about Potassium Sorbate

Estée Lauder Futurist Aqua Brilliance Watery Glow Primer contains this as ingredient number 56.

Mac Cosmetics Prep + Prime Natural Radiance Base contains this as ingredient number 51.

17
What it does: Preservative
Community Rating: Very Disliked

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.

Estée Lauder Futurist Aqua Brilliance Watery Glow Primer contains this as ingredient number 57.

Mac Cosmetics Prep + Prime Natural Radiance Base contains this as ingredient number 50.

18
What it does: Cosmetic Colorant
Community Rating: Disliked

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 77891

Estée Lauder Futurist Aqua Brilliance Watery Glow Primer contains this as ingredient number 59.

Mac Cosmetics Prep + Prime Natural Radiance Base contains this as ingredient number 52.

Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.

31% are loved or liked
13% have mixed ratings
38% are disliked or very disliked
18% have no rating yet
39% are loved or liked
7% have mixed ratings
31% are disliked or very disliked
22% have no rating yet

Usage

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