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Product Comparison

Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of No7 Essentially Natural Foundation Calico versus IMAGE skincare Flawless Foundation Beige .

Last updated on October 26, 2023. Published on March 05, 2024

Overview

What they are

These products are both cruelty-free foundations. They have a total of 18 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain exfoliants, hyaluronic acid, retinoid, Vitamin C 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, scar healing, dark spots and better texture

Free From

They both do not contain any common allergens or oils

What's Inside

They both contain silicones and sulfates

We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that need an update? Let us know.

Foundation British Brand United Kingdom
Foundation American Brand United States

Foundation

A liquid, cream, or powder to help create an even complexion or cover blemishes.

Foundation

A liquid, cream, or powder to help create an even complexion or cover blemishes.

Price

Shop

Buy Essentially Natural Foundation

Shop

Buy Flawless Foundation

Starts at $34.41

Ingredient Info

Click any item below to learn more and view relevant ingredients.
alcohol-free
silicon-free
fragrance-free
sulfate-free
paraben-free
oil-free
fungal-acne safe
reef-safe
eu-allergen-free
vegan
cruelty-free
alcohol-free
silicon-free
fragrance-free
sulfate-free
paraben-free
oil-free
fungal-acne safe
reef-safe
eu-allergen-free
vegan
cruelty-free

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Notable Ingredients

Retinoid
Vitamin C
Vitamin E (2)
Exfoliators
Ceramides (3)
Hyaluronic Acid

Benefits

Hydrating (4)
Good For Oily Skin
Redness Reducing (4)
Reduces Irritation (2)
Skin Texture (2)
Reduces Large Pores
Anti-Aging (4)
Dark Spots (2)
Scar Healing (2)
Acne Fighting
Brightening (4)

Concerns

Drying (2)
May Worsen Oily Skin (3)
Acne Trigger (2)
Irritating (3)
Rosacea
Eczema (3)

Notable Ingredients

BHA
Retinoid
Vitamin C
Vitamin E
Exfoliators (2)
Hyaluronic Acid
Peptides

Benefits

Hydrating (3)
Good For Oily Skin (2)
Redness Reducing (4)
Reduces Irritation (2)
Skin Texture (2)
Reduces Large Pores (2)
Anti-Aging (3)
Dark Spots (3)
Scar Healing (5)
Acne Fighting (4)
Brightening (4)

Concerns

Drying (3)
May Worsen Oily Skin (2)
Irritating (3)
Rosacea (2)
Eczema (4)
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Ingredients Compared

Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.

Zinc Oxide 8.5% • Titanium Dioxide 11.5% • Water • Coconut Alkanes • Dimethicone • Squalane • Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate • Silica • Glycerin • Isohexadecane • Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate • Vinyl Dimethicone • Methicone • Cyclopentasiloxane • Cetyl Peg/Ppg-10/1 Dimethicone • Hexyl Laurate • Hydroxypropylcocoate Peg-8 Dimethicone • Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate • Perfluorodecalin • Zinc PCA • Saccharomyces Lysate Extract • Centella Asiatica Extract • Olea Europaea Leaf Extract • Algae Extract • Artemisia Vulgaris Extract • Sodium Hyaluronate • Isomalt • Phospholipids • Cyperus Rotundus Root Extract • Lonicera Japonica Flower Extract • Xanthium Sibiricum Fruit Extract • Retinyl Palmitate • Ascorbyl Palmitate • Opuntia Ficus-Indica Stem Extract • Tocopherol • Sodium Benzoate • Beta-Carotene • Potassium Sorbate • Salicylic Acid • Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 • Sorbic Acid • Lecithin • Vitis Vinifera Fruit Cell Extract • Ergothioneine • Cyclohexasiloxane • Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone • Mica • Alumina • Coco-Caprylate/Caprate • Phenoxyethanol • Polyhydroxystearic Acid • Dimethicone/Peg-10/15 Crosspolymer • Magnesium Sulfate • Caprylyl Glycol • Ethylhexylglycerin • CI 77492

Ingredients Side-by-side

Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.

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Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.

1
What it does: Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Community Rating: Loved

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. Talk about multi-purpose! If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!

Learn more about Water

No7 Essentially Natural Foundation Calico contains this as ingredient number 1.

IMAGE skincare Flawless Foundation Beige contains this as ingredient number 3.

2
What it does: Emollient, Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Community Rating: Disliked

Cyclopentasiloxane is a silicone used to improve texture and trap moisture. An easier name for this is D5.

D5 is considered lightweight and volatile. Volatile means it evaporates quickly after application. Once evaporated, D5 leaves a thin barrier that helps keep skin hydrated.

D5 is an emollient. Emollients help soften the skin and prevent water loss. Silicones create a silky texture in products. D5 helps other ingredients become more spreadable.

Studies show D5 is safe to use in skincare products. We recommend speaking with a skincare professional if you have concerns.

Learn more about Cyclopentasiloxane

No7 Essentially Natural Foundation Calico contains this as ingredient number 2.

IMAGE skincare Flawless Foundation Beige contains this as ingredient number 14.

3
What it does: Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Solvent
Community Rating: Loved

Glycerin 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 Glycerin

No7 Essentially Natural Foundation Calico contains this as ingredient number 4.

IMAGE skincare Flawless Foundation Beige contains this as ingredient number 9.

4
What it does: Cosmetic Colorant
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Mica 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 Mica

No7 Essentially Natural Foundation Calico contains this as ingredient number 6.

IMAGE skincare Flawless Foundation Beige contains this as ingredient number 47.

5
What it does: Emollient, Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Community Rating: Disliked

Cyclohexasiloxane is a type of silicone more commonly known as D6. It is an emollient and solvent.

Cyclohexasiloxane is used to evenly distribute ingredients throughout the product. When applied to the skin, Cyclohexasiloxane evaporates and leaves behind a silky feel.

As an emollient, it can help the skin feel soft and hydrated. It is also used to reduce frizz in hair products.

Learn more about Cyclohexasiloxane

No7 Essentially Natural Foundation Calico contains this as ingredient number 8.

IMAGE skincare Flawless Foundation Beige contains this as ingredient number 45.

6
What it does: Emollient, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Dimethicone is a silicone used for making products smooth and silky. It also has the added benefit of sealing in hydration. The amount of dimethicone found in beauty products is considered safe and non-comedogenic, meaning it won't clog pores.

Dimethicone has been found increase absorption in skin, boosting the benefits of other ingredients. While there is concern for the safety of dimethicone, the levels used in skincare are safe for use.

No7 Essentially Natural Foundation Calico contains this as ingredient number 9.

IMAGE skincare Flawless Foundation Beige contains this as ingredient number 5.

7
What it does: Cosmetic Colorant, UV Absorber, UV Filter
Community Rating: Mixed

Titanium dioxide is known for its UVA and UVB protection properties. It is non-comedogenic and non-irritating. Titanium Dioxide is a physical sunscreen. Physical sunscreens reflect light and prevent it from reaching your skin.

Protecting your skin against UV radiation can prevent the signs of aging. Sun damage is associated with fine-lines, wrinkles, loss of firmness, and hyperpigmentation. Titanium dioxide can help prevent premature aging.

With modern production, nano-scale or fine-grade titanium dioxide can be easily produced for cosmetics. In sunscreen, titanium dioxide absorbs UV light. Our skin is not able to absorb Titanium dioxide, even nanoparticles.

Titanium itself is the 9th most common element in the Earth's crust. Titanium dioxide is formed when oxygen is introduced and can be found in ores, dust, sand, and soil.

Pure titanium dioxide is a white powder that is used in many products to add or change color.

Learn more about Titanium Dioxide

No7 Essentially Natural Foundation Calico contains this as ingredient number 10.

IMAGE skincare Flawless Foundation Beige contains this as ingredient number 2.

8
What it does:
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Magnesium Sulfate is a salt. It can be naturally found in sea water or mineral deposits.

In cosmetics, Magnesium Sulfate is used to thicken a product or help dilute other solids. It is a non-reactive and non-irritating ingredient.

You might recognize Magnesium Sulfate as epsom salt, or the bath salt used to help relieve muscle aches.

One study shows magnesium deficiency may lead to inflammation of the skin. Applying magnesium topically may help reduce inflammation.

Learn more about Magnesium Sulfate

No7 Essentially Natural Foundation Calico contains this as ingredient number 13.

IMAGE skincare Flawless Foundation Beige contains this as ingredient number 53.

9
What it does: Preservative
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Phenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent germ and 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.

No7 Essentially Natural Foundation Calico contains this as ingredient number 15.

IMAGE skincare Flawless Foundation Beige contains this as ingredient number 50.

10
What it does: Emulsifying, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Disliked

This ingredient is a high molecular weight silicone. It has emulsifying and skin conditioning properties.

No7 Essentially Natural Foundation Calico contains this as ingredient number 17.

IMAGE skincare Flawless Foundation Beige contains this as ingredient number 15.

11
What it does: Emollient, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Hexyl Laurate isn't fungal acne safe.

No7 Essentially Natural Foundation Calico contains this as ingredient number 18.

IMAGE skincare Flawless Foundation Beige contains this as ingredient number 16.

12
What it does: Emulsifying
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate isn't fungal acne safe.

No7 Essentially Natural Foundation Calico contains this as ingredient number 19.

IMAGE skincare Flawless Foundation Beige contains this as ingredient number 11.

13
What it does: Humectant, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Loved

Sodium 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 Hyaluronate

No7 Essentially Natural Foundation Calico contains this as ingredient number 27.

IMAGE skincare Flawless Foundation Beige contains this as ingredient number 26.

14
What it does: Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Mixed

Retinyl palmitate is a form of retinoid. Retinoids are the superstar class of anti-aging ingredients that include tretinoin and retinol.

This particular ingredient has had a bumpy year with its rise and fall in popularity.

First, Retinyl palmitate is created from palmitic acid and retinol. It is a retinol ester and considered one of the weaker forms of retinoid.

This is because all retinoids have to be converted to Tretinoin, AKA retinoic acid. Retinyl Palmitate is pretty far down the line and has to go through multiple conversions before its effects are seen.

Due to this long and ineffective conversion line, the benefits of Retinyl Palmitate are debated.

Studies show Retinyl Palmitate to help:

Dermatologists say this ingredient is ineffective because it isn't used in high enough concentrations in cosmetics.

This ingredient used to be found in sunscreens to boost the efficacy of sunscreen filters.

The downfall of Retinyl Palmitate was due to released reports about the ingredient being correlated to sun damage and skin tumors.

While there is a study showing this ingredient to cause DNA damage when exposed to UV-A, there is no concrete proof of it being linked to skin cancer. It is safe to use when used correctly.

All retinoids increase your skin's sensitivity to the sun in the first few months of usage. Be especially careful with reapplying sunscreen when using any form of retinoid.

Currently, this ingredient is still allowed in cosmetics all over the world. In Canada, cosmetics must have a warning label stating the product to contain Retinyl Palmitate

Fun fact: This ingredient is often added to low-fat milk to increase the levels of Vitamin A.

Learn more about Retinyl Palmitate

No7 Essentially Natural Foundation Calico contains this as ingredient number 28.

IMAGE skincare Flawless Foundation Beige contains this as ingredient number 32.

15
What it does: Emollient, Emulsifying, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Disliked

Lecithin is a term for a group of substances found in plants, animals, and humans. They are made up of mixture of fatty acids. These fatty acids usually are a mixture of phosphoric acid's choline ester connected to stearic, oleic, and palmitic acids. Most lecithins are created from plant ingredients scuh as sunflower.

Lecithin is an emollient. Emollients help soften the skin and creates a barrier to keep moisture in.

As an emulsifier, it also helps prevent water and oil ingredients from separating. Lecithin can help ingredients be better absorbed by the skin. The phospholipids in Lecithin can produce liposomes. Liposomes help other ingredients get through the skin barrier.

Learn more about Lecithin

No7 Essentially Natural Foundation Calico contains this as ingredient number 32.

IMAGE skincare Flawless Foundation Beige contains this as ingredient number 42.

16
What it does: Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Mixed

Ethylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.

You might see Ethylhexylglycerin often paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol. Ethylhexylglycerin has been found to increase the effectiveness of these other preservatives.

No7 Essentially Natural Foundation Calico contains this as ingredient number 43.

IMAGE skincare Flawless Foundation Beige contains this as ingredient number 55.

17
What it does: Antioxidant, Masking, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Liked

Tocopherol (also known as Vitamin E) is a common antioxidant used to help protect the skin from free-radicals and strengthen the skin barrier. It's also fat soluble - this means our skin is great at absorbing it.

Vitamin E also helps keep your natural skin lipids healthy. Your lipid skin barrier naturally consists of lipids, ceramides, and fatty acids. Vitamin E offers extra protection for your skin’s lipid barrier, keeping your skin healthy and nourished.

Another benefit is a bit of UV protection. Vitamin E helps reduce the damage caused by UVB rays. (It should not replace your sunscreen). Combining it with Vitamin C can decrease sunburned cells and hyperpigmentation after UV exposure.

You might have noticed Vitamin E + C often paired together. This is because it is great at stabilizing Vitamin C. Using the two together helps increase the effectiveness of both ingredients.

There are often claims that Vitamin E can reduce/prevent scarring, but these claims haven't been confirmed by scientific research.

Learn more about Tocopherol

No7 Essentially Natural Foundation Calico contains this as ingredient number 46.

IMAGE skincare Flawless Foundation Beige contains this as ingredient number 35.

18
What it does: Cosmetic Colorant
Community Rating: Mixed

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 77492

No7 Essentially Natural Foundation Calico contains this as ingredient number 48.

IMAGE skincare Flawless Foundation Beige contains this as ingredient number 56.

Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.

28% are loved or liked
12% have mixed ratings
54% are disliked or very disliked
6% have no rating yet
30% are loved or liked
11% have mixed ratings
43% are disliked or very disliked
16% have no rating yet

Usage

Here's some more info on how this product is used by our community.

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