Mac Cosmetics Studio Radiance Moisturizing + Illuminating Silky Primer Versus e.l.f. cosmetics Blemish Control Face Primer
Updated on June 01, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both reef safe face primers. They have a total of 9 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain exfoliants and Vitamin E
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin, oily skin, reducing pores and scar healing
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, 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
Mac Cosmetics Studio Radiance Moisturizing + Illuminating Silky Primer 44 ingredients
e.l.f. cosmetics Blemish Control Face Primer 28 ingredients
What's inside (and what isn't)
What's inside (and what isn't)
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Mac Cosmetics Studio Radiance Moisturizing + Illuminating Silky Primer 44 ingredients
e.l.f. cosmetics Blemish Control Face Primer 28 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
Humectant
Olea Europaea Fruit Oil
Masking
Isononyl Isononanoate
EmollientSimmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
Emollient
Glycerin
Humectant
Octyldodecanol
EmollientHydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingPolyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate
Emulsifying
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Squalane
Emollient
Hordeum Vulgare Extract
EmollientTriticum Vulgare Germ Extract
Skin ConditioningNiacinamide
Smoothing
Sorbitol
Humectant
Trehalose
Humectant
Parfum
Masking
Dimethicone
Emollient
Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
Emulsifying
Sodium Polyaspartate
HumectantPolymethylsilsesquioxane
Hydroxyethyl Urea
Humectant
Hdi/PPG/Polycaprolactone Crosspolymer
Octyldodecyl Xyloside
EmulsifyingQuaternium-90 Bentonite
Polysorbate 60
Emulsifying
Sodium Chloride
Masking
Silica
Abrasive
Propylene Carbonate
SolventIsopropyl Isostearate
Emollient
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientHexylene Glycol
EmulsifyingHydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientPEG-30 Dipolyhydroxystearate
Emulsifying
Sorbitan Isostearate
Emulsifying
Benzyl Salicylate
Perfuming
Limonene
Perfuming
Linalool
Perfuming
Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
Antioxidant
Disodium EDTA
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Sodium Dehydroacetate
Preservative
Water, Butylene Glycol, Olea Europaea Fruit Oil, Isononyl Isononanoate, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Glycerin, Octyldodecanol, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Polyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Squalane, Hordeum Vulgare Extract, Triticum Vulgare Germ Extract, Niacinamide, Sorbitol, Trehalose, Parfum, Dimethicone, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Sodium Polyaspartate, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Hydroxyethyl Urea, Hdi/PPG/Polycaprolactone Crosspolymer, Octyldodecyl Xyloside, Quaternium-90 Bentonite, Polysorbate 60, Sodium Chloride, Silica, Propylene Carbonate, Isopropyl Isostearate, Caprylyl Glycol, Hexylene Glycol, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, PEG-30 Dipolyhydroxystearate, Sorbitan Isostearate, Benzyl Salicylate, Limonene, Linalool, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Dehydroacetate
Salicylic Acid 2%
Masking
Water
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientDimethicone
Emollient
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Propylene Glycol
Humectant
Ethoxydiglycol
HumectantGlyceryl Stearate
Emollient
PEG-100 Stearate
Magnesium Aluminum Silicate
AbsorbentCetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Triethanolamine
BufferingPolyacrylamide
C13-14 Isoparaffin
Emollient
Laureth-7
EmulsifyingStearic Acid
Cleansing
Vp/Hexadecene Copolymer
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingSilica
Abrasive
Disodium EDTA
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Rosmarinus Officinalis Extract
AntimicrobialThymus Vulgaris Leaf Extract
Skin ProtectingCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Citrus Limon Fruit Extract
Masking
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientSalicylic Acid 2%, Water, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Dimethicone, Butylene Glycol, Propylene Glycol, Ethoxydiglycol, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Triethanolamine, Polyacrylamide, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Laureth-7, Stearic Acid, Vp/Hexadecene Copolymer, Tocopheryl Acetate, Xanthan Gum, Silica, Disodium EDTA, Panthenol, Rosmarinus Officinalis Extract, Thymus Vulgaris Leaf Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Citrus Limon Fruit Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol
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 WaterButylene 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 GlycolTocopheryl 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 AcetateDimethicone 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 DimethiconeSilica is a mineral naturally found in our skin. It helps to thicken and smooth the texture of a product. It also acts as an agent for other ingredients by increasing the absorption of other ingredients into the skin.
Silica is often used for absorption and can help reduce shine when products are applied. Silica occurs in naturally in materials like clay and sandstone, and it can also be produced synthetically.
Silica is present naturally within the skin during collagen production and when reducing inflammation.
Learn more about SilicaCaprylyl 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 GlycolHydrogenated Polyisobutene is a synthetic polymer. Polymers are compounds with high molecular weight. Hydrogenated Polyisobutene is an emollient and texture enhancer.
In one study, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene showed better skin hydration levels than Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride. As an emollient, it helps keep your skin soft and hydrated by trapping moisture in.
Hydrogenated Polyisobutene is often used as a mineral oil replacement.
Learn more about Hydrogenated PolyisobuteneDisodium 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 EDTAPhenoxyethanol 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.
Ingredient Ratings
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