NYX Cosmetics Buttermelt Glaze Soft Glow Skin Tint SPF 30 Versus Mac Cosmetics Studio Fix Fluid SPF 15 24HR Matte Foundation + Oil Control
What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Caprylyl Methicone
Skin Conditioning
Dimethicone
Emollient
Silica
Abrasive
Butyloctyl Salicylate
Skin Conditioning
Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
Emulsifying
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Propanediol
Solvent
Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Mangifera Indica Seed Butter
Skin Conditioning
Butyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin Conditioning
Simethicone
Emollient
Sodium Chloride
MaskingSodium Citrate
BufferingSodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Silica Silylate
Emollient
Trimethylsiloxysilicate
Emollient
Aluminum Hydroxide
EmollientAdenosine
Skin Conditioning
Disodium Stearoyl Glutamate
CleansingDipropylene Glycol
HumectantCaprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Citric Acid
Buffering
Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Maltodextrin
Absorbent
Synthetic Fluorphlogopite
Disteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingTocopherol
Antioxidant
Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
Antioxidant
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Chlorphenesin
Antimicrobial
Parfum
Masking
Limonene
Perfuming
Titanium Dioxide
Cosmetic Colorant
Iron Oxides
Water, Glycerin, Caprylyl Methicone, Dimethicone, Silica, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Niacinamide, Propanediol, Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Mangifera Indica Seed Butter, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Simethicone, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Citrate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Silica Silylate, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Aluminum Hydroxide, Adenosine, Disodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Dipropylene Glycol, Caprylyl Glycol, Citric Acid, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Maltodextrin, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Tocopherol, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin, Parfum, Limonene, Titanium Dioxide, Iron Oxides
Water
Skin ConditioningMethyl Trimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Dimethicone
Emollient
Trimethylsiloxysilicate
Emollient
PEG-10 Dimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Isododecane
EmollientPolyethylene
Abrasive
Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
Emulsifying
Magnesium Sulfate
Algae Extract
EmollientLaminaria Saccharina Extract
Skin ProtectingSodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Salix Nigra Bark Extract
Skin ProtectingTocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Caffeine
Skin Conditioning
Lecithin
Emollient
Hydrogenated Lecithin
Emulsifying
Disteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingSilica
Abrasive
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingDimethicone Crosspolymer
Emulsion Stabilising
Triethoxycaprylylsilane
Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer
Methoxy Amodimethicone/Silsesquioxane Copolymer
Skin Conditioning
Sorbitan Sesquioleate
Emulsifying
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Sodium Citrate
BufferingLaureth-7
EmulsifyingMethyldihydrojasmonate
MaskingPropylene Carbonate
SolventAlumina
Abrasive
Dipropylene Glycol
HumectantPentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
Antioxidant
BHT
Antioxidant
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Sorbic Acid
Preservative
Chloroxylenol
Antimicrobial
CI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Methyl Trimethicone, Dimethicone, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Butylene Glycol, Isododecane, Polyethylene, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Magnesium Sulfate, Algae Extract, Laminaria Saccharina Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Salix Nigra Bark Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Caffeine, Lecithin, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Silica, Xanthan Gum, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer, Methoxy Amodimethicone/Silsesquioxane Copolymer, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Salicylic Acid, Sodium Citrate, Laureth-7, Methyldihydrojasmonate, Propylene Carbonate, Alumina, Dipropylene Glycol, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, BHT, Phenoxyethanol, Sorbic Acid, Chloroxylenol, CI 77891, CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
This ingredient is a silicone-based emulsifer that helps the water and oil phases play nicely together. It's so effective because one end of the molecule loves oil and the other one loves water.
Besides holding formulas together, it also leaves a silky and lightweight feel on skin without the greasiness. A manufacturer also claims it can help with the controlled release of active ingredients.
The CIR Expert Panel found this ingredient to not be sensitizing in concentrations up to 15% in human maximazation testing and dimethicone-based compounds were not comedogenic.
It has a high molecular weight well above 1,000 g/mol which means it limits meaningful skin penetration.
A 2019 study specifically tested this ingredient and found no observable Malassezia growth in its presence.
Learn more about Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 DimethiconeDimethicone is a type of synthetic silicone created from natural materials such as quartz. It is also known as polydimethylsiloxane.
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 DimethiconeThis is a silicone-based ingredient that helps create a smooth, silky, "bouncy" texture. It also acts as an emulsifier that prevents ingredients from separating in a formula.
Due to its large molecule size and water-insolubility, this ingredient is unlikely to be absorbed into skin. Irritation and sensitization tests have found reactions to silicones are considered very rare.
You'll likely see this ingredient in leave-on products at concentrations of 0.03%-3%.
Learn more about Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 CrosspolymerDipropylene Glycol is a synthetically created humectant, stabilizer, and solvent.
This ingredient helps:
Dipropylene glycol is technically an alcohol, but it belongs to the glycol family (often considered part of the ‘good’ alcohols). This means it is hydrating and gentle on skin unlike drying solvent alcohols like denatured alcohol.
As a masking agent, Dipropylene Glycol can be used to cover the smell of other ingredients. However, it does not have a scent.
Studies show Dipropylene Glycol is considered safe to use in skincare.
Learn more about Dipropylene GlycolDisteardimonium Hectorite comes from the clay mineral named hectorite. It is used to add thickness to a product.
It can also help stabilize a product by helping to disperse other ingredients.
Hectorite is a rare, white clay mineral.
Learn more about Disteardimonium HectoritePentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate (long name, huh?) is a synthetic antioxidant.
It is used to help stabilize other antioxidants or prevent the color from changing in a product.
As an antioxidant, it helps fight free-radical molecules. Free-radical molecules are capable of damaging our cells and other genetic material. Thus, antioxidants may reduce the signs of aging.
This ingredient is oil-soluble.
Learn more about Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl HydroxyhydrocinnamatePhenoxyethanol 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.
Silica, 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 SilicaSodium Citrate is the sodium salts of citric acid. In skincare, it is used to alter pH levels and acts as a preservative.
Its main functions are to maintain the pH of a product and neutralize metal ions.
The acidity of our skin is maintained by our glands and skin biome; normal pH level of skin is slightly acidic (~4.75-5.5).
Being slightly acidic allows our skin to create an "acid mantle". This acid mantle is a thin barrier that protects our skin from bacteria and contaminants.
Learn more about Sodium CitrateSodium Hyaluronate is the salt form of hyaluronic acid. It is a long sugar chain that is naturally found in your skin, joints, and connective tissue that maintains hydration and elasticity.
In skincare, it works as a humectant. It pulls water from the environment and deeper layers of skin and binds it to the surface.
Interestingly, the size of the molecule affects its behavior:
Some clinical evidence links low molecular weight versions to improved wrinkle depth, elasticity, anti-inflammatory effects, and barrier repair.
Many serums use a blend of both weights so you can get surface hydration plus longer-lasting and deeper effects.
You'll typically see concentrations between 0.1-2% for this ingredient.
Learn more about Sodium HyaluronateThis silicone is an emollient. Emollients create a thin film on the skin to prevent moisture from escaping.
It is not soluble in water and helps increase water-resistance in products.
According to a manufacturer, it can blend seamlessly with silicone oils, such as Cyclopentasiloxane.
Learn more about TrimethylsiloxysilicateWater. 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
