Mac Cosmetics Lightful C3 Radiant Hydration Skin Renewal Emulsion Versus Estée Lauder Nutritious Airy Lotion Moisturizer
Updated on June 28, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both reef safe emulsions. They have a total of 19 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain hyaluronic acid and Vitamin E
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for dry skin, brightening skin and reducing pores
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, 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
Mac Cosmetics Lightful C3 Radiant Hydration Skin Renewal Emulsion 54 ingredients
Estée Lauder Nutritious Airy Lotion Moisturizer 38 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Mac Cosmetics Lightful C3 Radiant Hydration Skin Renewal Emulsion 54 ingredients
Estée Lauder Nutritious Airy Lotion Moisturizer 38 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningPhenyl Trimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Propanediol
SolventGlycerin
Humectant
Dimethicone
Emollient
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Isopropyl Isostearate
Emollient
Hydrogenated Polydecene
EmollientAscorbyl Glucoside
Antioxidant
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningLens Esculenta Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningCitrullus Lanatus Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningHelianthus Annuus Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningCucumis Sativus Fruit Extract
EmollientHordeum Vulgare Extract
EmollientPersea Gratissima Oil
Skin Conditioning
Prunus Serrulata Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningSalicornia Herbacea Extract
Skin ConditioningMalt Extract
Skin ProtectingAlgae Extract
Emollient
Yeast Extract
Skin Conditioning
Caffeine
Skin ConditioningSodium PCA
HumectantTrehalose
HumectantSodium Lactate
BufferingSodium Polyaspartate
HumectantAcetyl Glucosamine
Skin ConditioningSucrose
HumectantTin Oxide
Abrasive
Synthetic Fluorphlogopite
Simethicone
Emollient
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingDehydroxanthan Gum
Emulsion StabilisingAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingSteareth-21
CleansingPolysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Hexylene Glycol
EmulsifyingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientPropylene Glycol Dicaprate
EmollientCetyl Alcohol
Emollient
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient
Parfum
Masking
Disodium EDTA
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Mica
Cosmetic Colorant
CI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 14700
Cosmetic ColorantCI 19140
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Phenyl Trimethicone, Propanediol, Glycerin, Dimethicone, Butylene Glycol, Isopropyl Isostearate, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Tocopheryl Acetate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract, Lens Esculenta Fruit Extract, Citrullus Lanatus Fruit Extract, Helianthus Annuus Seed Extract, Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract, Hordeum Vulgare Extract, Persea Gratissima Oil, Prunus Serrulata Flower Extract, Salicornia Herbacea Extract, Malt Extract, Algae Extract, Yeast Extract, Caffeine, Sodium PCA, Trehalose, Sodium Lactate, Sodium Polyaspartate, Acetyl Glucosamine, Sucrose, Tin Oxide, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Simethicone, Sodium Hydroxide, Carbomer, Dehydroxanthan Gum, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Steareth-21, Polysorbate 20, Hexylene Glycol, Caprylyl Glycol, Propylene Glycol Dicaprate, Cetyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate, Parfum, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Mica, CI 77891, CI 77491, CI 14700, CI 19140
Water
Skin ConditioningCoco-Caprylate/Caprate
Emollient
Propylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate
EmollientPropanediol
SolventGlycerin
Humectant
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate
Emulsifying
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Laminaria Saccharina Extract
Skin ProtectingPorphyridium Cruentum Extract
Skin ConditioningLactobacillus Ferment
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Rice Extract
Skin ConditioningPunica Granatum Extract
AstringentZinc PCA
Humectant
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Humectant
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Caffeine
Skin ConditioningNarcissus Tazetta Bulb Extract
Astringent
Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract
EmollientHelianthus Annuus Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningHordeum Vulgare Extract
EmollientSucrose
HumectantTocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Sodium Phytate
Citric Acid
Buffering
Propylene Glycol Dicaprate
EmollientCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientDicaprylyl Carbonate
EmollientHexylene Glycol
EmulsifyingHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingPotassium Cetyl Phosphate
EmulsifyingGlyceryl Stearate
Emollient
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingSodium Benzoate
Masking
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Water, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Propylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Propanediol, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Butylene Glycol, Laminaria Saccharina Extract, Porphyridium Cruentum Extract, Lactobacillus Ferment, Hydrolyzed Rice Extract, Punica Granatum Extract, Zinc PCA, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Caffeine, Narcissus Tazetta Bulb Extract, Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract, Helianthus Annuus Seed Extract, Hordeum Vulgare Extract, Sucrose, Tocopheryl Acetate, Sodium Phytate, Citric Acid, Propylene Glycol Dicaprate, Caprylyl Glycol, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Hexylene Glycol, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Glyceryl Stearate, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Benzoate, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Phenoxyethanol
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. If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about WaterPropanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.
It’s often used to:
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 PropanediolGlycerin 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 GlycerinButylene 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.
- It has mild preservative properties.
Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient that works well with other ingredients.
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 AcetateSodium 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 HyaluronateHelianthus Annuus Seed Extract comes from sunflower seeds.
Sunflower seeds are rich in vitamin E. Studies show sunflowers contain antimicrobial and antioxidant properties.
The fatty acids found in sunflower seeds include (from highest amount to least): linoleic acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, arachidic acid, oleic acid, and linolenic acid.
These fatty acids hydrate your skin. Emollients create a film on the skin to prevent moisture from escaping.
Learn more about Helianthus Annuus Seed ExtractThis extract comes from cucumber. Cucumbers are mostly made up of water (95%), and the other 5% is composed of: vitamin C, caffeic acid, fatty acids, amino acids, and other minerals.
Cucumbers have anti-inflammatory, barrier repair, and hydrating properties.
They contain shikimate dehydrigenase, an enzyme shown to help reduce inflammation and soothe the skin.
The amino acids found in cucumbers help nourish our skin's natural acid mantle (it's an important part of our skin barrier). This slightly acidic film acts as a barrier to protect us from bacteria, viruses, and other contaminants.
Unless you have an allergy to cucumbers, this is generally a non-irritating ingredient.
Fun fact: Cucumis Sativus is native to South Asia and can now be found on every continent.
Learn more about Cucumis Sativus Fruit ExtractWe don't have a description for Hordeum Vulgare Extract yet.
Caffeine is most associated with coffee, tea, and cacao. In skincare, it helps with calming inflammation and is rich in antioxidants.
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 CaffeineSucrose is a natural sugar found in fruits, vegetables, and nuts. It is the main constituent of white sugar.
In skincare, sucrose is a humectant and can be a mild exfoliant.
Sucrose is hydrophilic, meaning it attracts water. This makes it an effective humectant and helps hydrate the skin.
Studies show sugars may worsen acne-prone skin due to it disrupting the skin's natural biome. We recommend speaking with a professional if you have any concerns.
In some products such as body scrubs, sucrose is used as an gentle exfoliant.
The term 'sucrose' comes from the french word for sugar, 'sucre'.
Learn more about SucroseSodium Hydroxide is also known as lye or caustic soda. It is used to adjust the pH of products; many ingredients require a specific pH to be effective.
In small amounts, sodium hydroxide is considered safe to use. However, large amounts may cause chemical burns due to its high alkaline.
Your skin has a natural pH and acid mantle. This acid mantle helps prevent harmful bacteria from breaking through. The acid mantle also helps keep your skin hydrated.
"Alkaline" refers to a high pH level. A low pH level would be considered acidic.
Learn more about Sodium HydroxideAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer is a synthetic polymer. It is used to thicken and improve the texture of products. Due to its properties, it can prevent water and oil ingredients from separating.
Hexylene Glycol is a surfactant. Glycols are a class of alcohols. Hexylene Glycol is a surfactant and emulsifier.
As a surfactant, Hexylene Glycol helps gather dirt and oil on your skin to be washed away.
As an emulsifier, Hexylene Glycol helps keep water and oil together. This prevents them from separating in a product. Hexylene Glycol also thins out the texture of a product by lessening viscosity.
Hexylene Glycol has a small molecular weight.
Learn more about Hexylene 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 GlycolPropylene Glycol Dicaprate is an emollient and emulsifier. It is created from a mixture of fatty acids.
Glyceryl Stearate is a mix of glycerin and stearic acid.
It is used to stabilize the mixing of water and oil ingredients. By preventing these ingredients from separating, it can help elongate shelf life. It can also help thicken the product's texture.
As an emollient, it helps soften skin and supports barrier-replenishing ingredients.
In cosmetics, Glyceryl Stearate is often made from vegetable oils or synthetically produced.
This ingredient may not be fungal-acne safe
Fun fact: The human body also creates Glyceryl Stearate naturally.
Learn more about Glyceryl StearatePhenoxyethanol 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.
Sodium Benzoate is a preservative. It's used in both cosmetic and food products to inhibit the growth of mold and bacteria. It is typically produced synthetically.
Both the US FDA and EU Health Committee have approved the use of sodium benzoate. In the US, levels of 0.1% (of the total product) are allowed.
Sodium benzoate works as a preservative by inhibiting the growth of bacteria inside of cells. It prevents the cell from fermenting a type of sugar using an enzyme called phosphofructokinase.
It is the salt of benzoic acid. Foods containing sodium benzoate include soda, salad dressings, condiments, fruit juices, wines, and snack foods.
Studies for using ascorbic acid and sodium benzoate in cosmetics are lacking, especially in skincare routines with multiple steps.
We always recommend speaking with a professional, such as a dermatologist, if you have any concerns.
Learn more about Sodium BenzoateIngredient Ratings
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