Rare Beauty Always an Optimist Soft Radiance Setting Powder - Deep Versus Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder - Glow Finish
Updated on January 17, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both setting spray & powders. They have a total of 7 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain exfoliants and Vitamin E
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for anti aging, dry skin and scar healing
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, fragrances, 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
Rare Beauty Always an Optimist Soft Radiance Setting Powder 17 ingredients
Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder 20 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
Rare Beauty Always an Optimist Soft Radiance Setting Powder 17 ingredients
Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder 20 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Mica
Cosmetic Colorant
Silica
Abrasive
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialMagnesium Myristate
Nylon-12
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientCoco-Caprylate/Caprate
Emollient
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningMagnesium Stearate
Cosmetic ColorantPolymethylsilsesquioxane
Squalane
Emollient
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Iron Oxides
Talc
Abrasive
Mica
Cosmetic Colorant
Magnesium Myristate
Nylon-12
Ethylhexyl Palmitate
Emollient
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Zea Mays Starch
AbsorbentGlycine Soja Oil
Emollient
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Lauroyl Lysine
Skin ConditioningMethicone
Emollient
Polymethyl Methacrylate
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientSodium Dehydroacetate
Preservative
Titanium Dioxide
Cosmetic Colorant
CI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77007
Cosmetic ColorantTalc, Mica, Magnesium Myristate, Nylon-12, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Zea Mays Starch, Glycine Soja Oil, Tocopherol, Lauroyl Lysine, Methicone, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Titanium Dioxide, CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499, CI 77007
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 an 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.
While there is an assumption Caprylic Triglyceride can clog pores due to it being derived from coconut oil, there is no research supporting this.
Learn more about Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideCaprylyl 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 GlycolWe don't have a description for Magnesium Myristate yet.
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 MicaNylon-12 is a polymer. It is derived from 12-aminododecanoic acid, an omega-amino fatty acid
According to a manufacturer, it is a talc substitute. Like talc, nylon-12 gives products a satin feel. The manufacturer also claims this ingredients does not block pores and has moderate oil absorption.
This ingredient may not be reef-safe.
Learn more about Nylon-12Phenoxyethanol 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.
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 TocopherolIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Rare Beauty Always an Optimist Soft Radiance Setting Powder 17 ingredients
Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder 20 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
