Insight Cosmetics Highlighter - Mermaid Scale Versus e.l.f. cosmetics Baked Highlighter - Blush Gems
Updated on July 24, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free highlighters. They have a total of 7 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain exfoliants
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, fragrances, parabens or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain 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
Insight Cosmetics Highlighter 19 ingredients
e.l.f. cosmetics Baked Highlighter 25 ingredients
What's inside
What's inside
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Insight Cosmetics Highlighter 19 ingredients
e.l.f. cosmetics Baked Highlighter 25 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Polyisobutene
Octyldodecanol
Emollient
Beeswax
Emulsion Stabilising
Copernicia Cerifera Wax
Microcrystalline Wax
Emulsion Stabilising
Polyethylene
Abrasive
Ethylhexyl Palmitate
Emollient
Mica
Cosmetic Colorant
Talc
Abrasive
Silica
Abrasive
Dimethicone
Emollient
Isohexyl Neopentanoate
EmollientPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Lanolin
Emollient
Zea Mays Starch
AbsorbentCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantNylon-12
Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate
Emollient
Ethylhexyl Palmitate
Emollient
Boron Nitride
AbsorbentSilica
Abrasive
Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate
Absorbent
Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2
Emollient
Magnesium Aluminum Silicate
AbsorbentSorbitan Sesquioleate
Emulsifying
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Dimethicone
Emollient
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Polyacrylamide
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil
Emollient
Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil
Skin Conditioning
Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil
Emollient
Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
Emollient
Rosa Canina Fruit Oil
Emollient
C13-14 Isoparaffin
Emollient
Laureth-7
EmulsifyingTin Oxide
Abrasive
Mica
Cosmetic Colorant
CI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantNylon-12, Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Boron Nitride, Silica, Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate, Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Phenoxyethanol, Dimethicone, Caprylyl Glycol, Polyacrylamide, Tocopheryl Acetate, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil, Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Rosa Canina Fruit Oil, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Laureth-7, Tin Oxide, Mica, CI 77891, CI 77492
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Ci 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 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 77891Dimethicone 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 DimethiconeEthylhexyl Palmitate is created from 2-ethylhexyl alcohol and palmitic acid. It is a fatty acid ester.
The fatty acid content of Ethylhexyl Palmitate makes it an emollient. Emollients help soften and hydrate your skin by trapping moisture within.
Ethylhexyl Palmitate is also used to help improve the texture of cosmetics. It helps other ingredient dissolve in products and help disperse ingredients more evenly.
You'll likely find this ingredient in sunscreen, as it is often used to mix UV-blocking ingredients such as avobenzone and ethylhexyl triazone.
It can also help stabilize the fragrances in a product as a fragrance fixative.
Ethylhexyl Palmitate can be used to substitute mineral oil.
Due to its high fatty acid content, it may not be fungal-acne safe.
Learn more about Ethylhexyl PalmitateMica refers to a group of silicate minerals. Mica crystals are easily split to give products a shimmer. These crystals are able to reflect light to temporarily give your skin a glowy look.
Mica is found to be safe. Trace amounts of heavy metals may be found in mica, but these metals are not harmful in our personal products.
Mica has been used since prehistoric times throughout the world. Ancient Egyptian, Indian, Greek, Roman, Aztec, and Chinese civilizations have used mica.
Mica can be naturally found throughout the world. However, some sources of mica may be controversial. In 2016, mica mined in the Jharkhand state in India was found to be using child labor. However, companies are able to source ethical mica affiliated with international organizations that monitor the mica supply chain.
Learn more about MicaPhenoxyethanol 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.
Silica, also known as silicon dioxide, is a naturally occurring mineral. It is used as a fine, spherical, and porous powder in cosmetics.
The unique structure of silica enhances the spreadability and smoothness of textures. It also works as an active carrier, emulsifier, and mattifier due to its ability to absorb excess oil.
Ingredient Ratings
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