Merit Beauty Bronze Balm Sheer Sculpting Bronzer Versus Sarah Creal Just Like Paradise 12H Peptide Sculpting Cream Bronzer
What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Octyldodecyl Myristate
EmollientIsononyl Isononanoate
EmollientPentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate
Emollient
Synthetic Wax
Abrasive
Diisostearyl Malate
EmollientSynthetic Fluorphlogopite
Silica
Abrasive
Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2
Emollient
Diisostearoyl Polyglyceryl-3 Dimer Dilinoleate
Emollient
Caprylic/Capric Glycerides
EmollientCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Sorbitan Isostearate
Emulsifying
Microcrystalline Wax
Emulsion StabilisingEthylene/Propylene Copolymer
Abrasive
Polyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate
Emulsifying
Lecithin
Emollient
Methicone
Emollient
Triethoxycaprylylsilane
Aluminum Hydroxide
EmollientWater
Skin ConditioningBHT
Antioxidant
Titanium Dioxide
Cosmetic Colorant
CI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantOctyldodecyl Myristate, Isononyl Isononanoate, Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate, Synthetic Wax, Diisostearyl Malate, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Silica, Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, Diisostearoyl Polyglyceryl-3 Dimer Dilinoleate, Caprylic/Capric Glycerides, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Sorbitan Isostearate, Microcrystalline Wax, Ethylene/Propylene Copolymer, Polyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate, Lecithin, Methicone, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Aluminum Hydroxide, Water, BHT, Titanium Dioxide, CI 77492, CI 77491, CI 77499
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Octyldodecanol
Emollient
Propylene Glycol Dibenzoate
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Polydecene
EmollientDiisostearyl Malate
EmollientPolyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate
Emulsifying
Synthetic Wax
Abrasive
Silica
Abrasive
Copernicia Cerifera Wax
Vinyldimethicone
Polyphenylsilsesquioxane
PEG-Crosspolymer
C13-15 Alkane
SolventEthylene/Propylene Copolymer
Abrasive
Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate
Emulsifying
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Sorbitan Isostearate
Emulsifying
Tremella Fuciformis Extract
Humectant
Hibiscus Esculentus Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningAcetyl Hexapeptide-8
Humectant
Acetyl Octapeptide-3
Humectant
Copper Tripeptide-1
Skin Conditioning
Tripeptide-1
Skin Conditioning
Tripeptide-2
Skin Conditioning
Tripeptide-3
Skin Conditioning
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1
Skin Conditioning
Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4
Skin Conditioning
Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
Skin Conditioning
Synthetic Beeswax
Emulsion Stabilising
Disteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingStearic Acid
Cleansing
Dimethicone
Emollient
Triethoxycaprylylsilane
Aluminum Hydroxide
EmollientWater
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
Humectant
CI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Octyldodecanol, Propylene Glycol Dibenzoate, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Diisostearyl Malate, Polyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate, Synthetic Wax, Silica, Copernicia Cerifera Wax, Vinyldimethicone, Polyphenylsilsesquioxane, PEG-Crosspolymer, C13-15 Alkane, Ethylene/Propylene Copolymer, Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Sorbitan Isostearate, Tremella Fuciformis Extract, Hibiscus Esculentus Fruit Extract, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Acetyl Octapeptide-3, Copper Tripeptide-1, Tripeptide-1, Tripeptide-2, Tripeptide-3, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Synthetic Beeswax, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Stearic Acid, Dimethicone, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Aluminum Hydroxide, Water, Butylene Glycol, CI 77891, CI 77491, CI 77499, CI 77492
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Aluminum Hydroxide is a form of aluminum. It can be naturally found in nature as the mineral gibbsite. In cosmetics, Aluminum Hydroxide is used as a colorant, pH adjuster, and absorbent.
As a colorant, Aluminum Hydroxide may add opacity, or reduce the transparency. Aluminum hydroxide is contains both basic and acidic properties.
According to manufacturers, this ingredient is an emollient and humectant. This means it helps hydrate the skin.
In medicine, this ingredient is used to help relieve heartburn and help heal ulcers.
There is currently no credible scientific evidence linking aluminum hydroxide in cosmetics to increased cancer risk.
Major health organizations allow the use of aluminum hydroxide in personal care products and have not flagged it as a carcinogenic risk at typical usage levels.
Learn more about Aluminum HydroxideThis ingredient is a lightweight emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping the skin prevent moisture loss.
It helps thicken a product's formula and makes it easier to spread by dissolving clumping compounds.
Caprylic Triglyceride is made by combining glycerin with coconut oil, forming a clear liquid. Though it behaves like an oil, it is not technically one due to its chemical composition. It is very stable, resistant to oxidation, and unlikely to go rancid. In practice, that translates to a long shelf life and a consistently elegant skin feel.
While there is an assumption Caprylic Triglyceride can clog pores due to it being derived from coconut oil, there is no research supporting this. Be sure to patch test if you have concerns.
Fractionated coconut oil and MCT Oil are both listed as Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride according to INCI. This is because INCI names are based on the ingredient’s final chemical composition and not its marketing name or source.
Learn more about Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideCi 77491 is also hydrated iron III oxide. It's sole purpose is to give a red/pink hue to products.
Iron III oxides are classified as inorganic chemicals for coloring.
Synthetically created Ci 77491 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 77491CI 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 77499 is also hydrated iron III oxide. It is created from mixing red and black iron oxides. This helps give shades of darkness to a product.
Iron III oxides are classified as inorganic chemicals for coloring.
Diisostearyl Malate is an emollient and most often used in lip products. It comes from isostearyl alcohol, a fatty acid, and malic acid, an AHA.
As an emollient, Diisostearyl Malate helps create a thin film on your skin to trap moisture in. This helps keep your skin soft and smooth.
Ethylene/Propylene Copolymer is an exfoliant.
This ingredient is a form of glycerin with emulsifying and emollient properties.
As an emulsifier, this ingredient helps keep products together while adding a thick texture. The manufacturer states this ingredient has emollient properties. Emollients help keep the skin hydrated by trapping moisture in.
Polyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate is created by reacting diglycerin and isostearic acid. Due to the isostearic acid base, it may not be safe for Malassezia or fungal acne.
Learn more about Polyglyceryl-2 TriisostearateSilica, also known as silicon dioxide, is a naturally occurring mineral. It is used as a fine, spherical, and porous powder in cosmetics.
Though it has exfoliant properties, the function of silica varies depending on the product.
The unique structure of silica enhances the spreadability and adds smoothness, making it a great texture enhancer.
It is also used as an active carrier, emulsifier, and mattifier due to its ability to absorb excess oil.
In some products, tiny microneedles called spicules are made from silica or hydrolyzed sponge. When you rub them in, they lightly polish away dead skin layers and enhance the penetration of active ingredients.
Learn more about SilicaSorbitan Isostearate is an emulsifer. It is created from isostearic acid and sorbitol.
As an emulsifier, it keeps the water and oil ingredients from separating. This keeps formulas stable and smooth.
In a 24 hour occlusive patch test on 56 subjects, 10% sorbitan isostearate was completely non-irritating. Most formulas use less than 10%.
Because it's a fatty acid ester, it may not be fungal acne safe since the Malassezia yeast can utilize it as a nutrient source.
Learn more about Sorbitan IsostearateSynthetic Wax is a manufactured hydrocarbon wax. In formulas, it works as an occlusive emollient that helps reduce water loss and improves the spreadability of products.
Research comparing synthetic wax to traditional mineral-derived products found that formulas containing it perform as well for skin hydration.
It is considered non-comedogenic and vegan-friendly.
It has a well-established safety record by the CIR Expert Panel for Cosmetic Ingredient Safety.
Learn more about Synthetic WaxTriethoxycaprylylsilane is a silicon-based surface modifier that makes sunscreens feel silky and makeup stay put.
Its main job is to coat mineral particles like titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, and color pigments in a thin, oily layer so they spread smoothly, don't clump, and stick to skin better.
This ingredient is typically used at low levels (up to 2.5% in eyeshadow and 1% in lipstick).
Learn more about TriethoxycaprylylsilaneWater. 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. Remember to stay hydrated!
Learn more about Water
