Maybelline Build-A-Brow 2-In-1 Brow Pen & Sealing Gel - Ash Brown Versus e.l.f. cosmetics Holy Strokes Micro-Fine Brow Pen - Neutral Brown
Updated on February 05, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both vegan and reef safe eyebrows. They have a total of 9 ingredients in common
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for dry skin
Free From
They both do not contain any common allergens, fragrances, parabens or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain harsh alcohols
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
Maybelline Build-A-Brow 2-In-1 Brow Pen & Sealing Gel 23 ingredients
e.l.f. cosmetics Holy Strokes Micro-Fine Brow Pen 17 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Maybelline Build-A-Brow 2-In-1 Brow Pen & Sealing Gel 23 ingredients
e.l.f. cosmetics Holy Strokes Micro-Fine Brow Pen 17 ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningVp/Va Copolymer
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Alcohol
Antimicrobial
Polyvinyl Alcohol
Pvp
Emulsion StabilisingPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientAminomethyl Propanediol
BufferingCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingGlycerin
Humectant
PEG/PPG-14/4 Dimethicone
Emulsifying
Laureth-21
CleansingSodium Dehydroacetate
Preservative
PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Emulsifying
Propylene Glycol
Humectant
Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
Antioxidant
Triisopropanolamine
BufferingCI 77266
CI 16035
Cosmetic ColorantCI 19140
Cosmetic ColorantCI 42090
Cosmetic ColorantTetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate
Water, Vp/Va Copolymer, Butylene Glycol, Alcohol, Polyvinyl Alcohol, Pvp, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Aminomethyl Propanediol, Carbomer, Glycerin, PEG/PPG-14/4 Dimethicone, Laureth-21, Sodium Dehydroacetate, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Propylene Glycol, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Triisopropanolamine, CI 77266, CI 16035, CI 19140, CI 42090, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate
Water
Skin ConditioningAcrylates Copolymer
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Propylene Glycol
Humectant
Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer
Alcohol
Antimicrobial
Styrene/Acrylates/Ammonium Methacrylate Copolymer
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Bis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane
EmollientCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientCeteareth-25
CleansingPolyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
Emulsion Stabilising1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
Antioxidant
CI 77266
CI 16035
Cosmetic ColorantCI 19140
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Acrylates Copolymer, Butylene Glycol, Propylene Glycol, Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer, Alcohol, Styrene/Acrylates/Ammonium Methacrylate Copolymer, Phenoxyethanol, Bis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane, Caprylyl Glycol, Ceteareth-25, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, 1,2-Hexanediol, Tocopherol, CI 77266, CI 16035, CI 19140
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:
- 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.
Alcohol comes in many different forms. Different types of alcohol will have different effects on skin. This ingredient is usually an astringent alcohol.
These alcohols are drying on the skin. They may strip away your skin's natural oils and even damage your skin barrier. Astringent alcohols may also irritate skin.
Other types of astringent alcohols include:
According to the National Rosacea Society based in the US, you should be mindful of products with these alcohols in the top half of ingredients.
Any type of sanitizing product will have high amounts of alcohol to help kill bacteria and viruses.
Fatty alcohols come from plant oils such as coconut oil. These can help hydrate the skin and are non-irritating. Some fatty alcohols include cetyl and stearyl alcohol.
Learn more about AlcoholPhenoxyethanol 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.
Caprylyl 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 is an odorless, colorless liquid. As a humectant, it helps skin retain moisture. It also aids in delivering active ingredients.
Another role of this ingredient is preventing a product from melting or freezing. Propylene glycol also adds antimicrobrial properties to a product, elongating product lifespan.
This ingredient is considered an organic alcohol and commonly added into both cosmetics and foods.
Those with sensitive skin or conditions may develop a rash when using this ingredient.
Learn more about Propylene GlycolWe don't have a description for CI 77266 yet.
Ci 16035 is a synthetic dark-red dye. This dye is created from an acid called Allura red AC, an azo dye.
Azo dyes need to be purified thoroughly before use. This makes them more stable and longer lasting.
This dye is commonly used in foods, approved by both the FDA and EFSA.
Learn more about CI 16035CI 19140 is also known as Tartrazine. Tartrazine is a synthetic dye used in cosmetics, foods, and medicine to add a yellow color.
Tartrazine is created from petroleum and is water-soluble.
Some people may experience allergies from this dye, especially asthmatics and those with an aspirin intolerance.
Learn more about CI 19140Ingredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Maybelline Build-A-Brow 2-In-1 Brow Pen & Sealing Gel 23 ingredients
e.l.f. cosmetics Holy Strokes Micro-Fine Brow Pen 17 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Maybelline Build-A-Brow 2-In-1 Brow Pen & Sealing Gel 23 ingredients
This brow pen is easy to use and the pigment is just right. This is perfect for beginners. I use this whenever I’m on a rush. This comes with a gel but I don’t use it because it doesn’t hold my brows.
