Revolution Beauty CC Perfecting Foundation SPF 30 Versus Estée Lauder Futurist Aqua Brilliance Foundation
What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningPhenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Stearate
EmollientEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV AbsorberDimethicone
EmollientCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantEthylhexyl Palmitate
EmollientDiisostearyl Malate
EmollientQuaternium-90 Bentonite
Hydrogenated Castor Oil
EmollientSodium Chloride
MaskingSorbitan Sesquioleate
EmulsifyingLauryl PEG-10 Tris(Trimethylsiloxy)Silylethyl Dimethicone
EmulsifyingCetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
EmulsifyingDimethicone Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingPropylene Carbonate
SolventEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningLecithin
EmollientPolyhydroxystearic Acid
EmulsifyingPentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
AntioxidantIsopropyl Myristate
EmollientIsostearic Acid
CleansingPolyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate
EmulsifyingPentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate
EmollientBHT
AntioxidantTribehenin
EmollientSorbitan Isostearate
EmulsifyingSilica Dimethyl Silylate
EmollientTrihydroxystearin
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantSodium Chondroitin Sulfate
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientAtelocollagen
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantHexylene Glycol
EmulsifyingPalmitoyl Tripeptide-1
Skin ConditioningTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Phenyl Trimethicone, Ethylhexyl Stearate, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Dimethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Glycerin, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Diisostearyl Malate, Quaternium-90 Bentonite, Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Sodium Chloride, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Lauryl PEG-10 Tris(Trimethylsiloxy)Silylethyl Dimethicone, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Propylene Carbonate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Lecithin, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Isopropyl Myristate, Isostearic Acid, Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate, Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate, BHT, Tribehenin, Sorbitan Isostearate, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Trihydroxystearin, Butylene Glycol, Sodium Chondroitin Sulfate, Caprylyl Glycol, Atelocollagen, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hexylene Glycol, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Tocopheryl Acetate, Phenoxyethanol, CI 77891, CI 77499, CI 77491, CI 77492
Water
Skin ConditioningPhenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
EmollientMethyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV AbsorberPEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone
EmulsifyingCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingIsocetyl Alcohol
EmollientPEG-10 Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningIsohexadecane
EmollientTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantSorbitan Sesquioleate
EmulsifyingMagnesium Sulfate
Tribehenin
EmollientSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantHaberlea Rhodopensis Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningBeta Vulgaris Root Extract
Skin ConditioningVaccinium Angustifolium Fruit Extract
Skin ProtectingVaccinium Macrocarpon Fruit Extract
AstringentNarcissus Extract
Lepidium Meyenii Root Extract
Skin ConditioningWild Berry Extract
Yeast Extract
Skin ConditioningSimmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
EmollientPalmitoyl Tripeptide-1
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantMethyldihydrojasmonate
MaskingTriethyl Citrate
MaskingMethicone
EmollientCholesterol
EmollientEthylhexyl Palmitate
EmollientEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientSilica Dimethyl Silylate
EmollientPropylene Carbonate
SolventHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientLaureth-7
EmulsifyingPolysilicone-11
Polymethylsilsesquioxane
Disteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingLinoleic Acid
CleansingStearic Acid
CleansingSorbitan Stearate
EmulsifyingSorbitan Isostearate
EmulsifyingCalcium Chloride
AstringentSodium Sulfate
Magnesium Chloride
Potassium Nitrate
SoothingPotassium Phosphate
BufferingHydroxyacetophenone
AntioxidantTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantBHT
AntioxidantAscorbyl Palmitate
AntioxidantTocopherol
AntioxidantSodium Dehydroacetate
PreservativePhenoxyethanol
PreservativePotassium Sorbate
PreservativeCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Phenyl Trimethicone, Dimethicone, Methyl Trimethicone, Butylene Glycol, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, PEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Isocetyl Alcohol, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Isohexadecane, Titanium Dioxide, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Magnesium Sulfate, Tribehenin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Haberlea Rhodopensis Leaf Extract, Beta Vulgaris Root Extract, Vaccinium Angustifolium Fruit Extract, Vaccinium Macrocarpon Fruit Extract, Narcissus Extract, Lepidium Meyenii Root Extract, Wild Berry Extract, Yeast Extract, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Glycerin, Methyldihydrojasmonate, Triethyl Citrate, Methicone, Cholesterol, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Caprylyl Glycol, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Propylene Carbonate, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Aluminum Hydroxide, Laureth-7, Polysilicone-11, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Linoleic Acid, Stearic Acid, Sorbitan Stearate, Sorbitan Isostearate, Calcium Chloride, Sodium Sulfate, Magnesium Chloride, Potassium Nitrate, Potassium Phosphate, Hydroxyacetophenone, Tocopheryl Acetate, BHT, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Tocopherol, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Sorbate, 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.
BHT is a synthetic antioxidant and preservative.
As an antioxidant, it helps your body fight off free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells.
As a preservative, it is used to stabilize products and prevent them from degrading. Specifically, BHT prevents degradation from oxidation.
The concerns related to BHT come from oral studies; this ingredient is currently allowed for use by both the FDA and EU.
However, it was recently restricted for use in the UK as of April 2024.
Learn more about BHTButylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:
Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient that works well with other ingredients.
Though this ingredient works well with most skin types, some people with sensitive skin may experience a reaction such as allergic rashes, closed comedones, or itchiness.
Learn more about Butylene GlycolCaprylyl Glycol is a humectant, skin conditioner, emollient, and preservative booster derived from either caprylic acid or synthetically created.
Typical use levels vary from 0.3-1% as a preservative booster and go up to 2% to condition skin.
Because it is not a free-fatty acid or alcohol, this ingredient is fungal acne safe (there's nothing for Malassezia to feed on).
Learn more about Caprylyl GlycolCi 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.
Dimethicone 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 DimethiconeEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate is an organic compound that provides UVB protection. It often goes by the more common name of octinoxate. It is created from methoxycinnamic acid and 2-ethylhexanol.
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate absorbs UVB rays with wavelengths between 280-320 nm. UV absorbers protect your skin by using chemical reactions to convert UV rays into heat and energy.
UVB (290-320 nm) rays emit more energy than UVA rays. They are capable of damaging DNA, causing sunburns and are thought to be linked to skin cancer.
The state of Hawaii has banned sunscreens containing octinoxate due to its potential impact on coral reefs. More research is needed to bridge gaps in this research. The European Union allows higher levels of octinoxate in sunscreens than the US and Australia.
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate is oil soluble. It is not stable and may lose efficacy when exposed to sunlight.
Learn more about Ethylhexyl MethoxycinnamateEthylhexyl Palmitate, also known as octyl palmitate, is created from 2-ethylhexyl alcohol and palmitic acid.
In cosmetics, it plays many roles:
One thing worth noting: a controlled study found this ingredient applied under occlusion to acne-prone subjects increased microcomedones. Just keep in mind this was under occlusive conditions and don't reflect how most products are used day-to-day.
For most people, this is a well-tolerated and lightweight ingredient.
This ingredient may not be fungal acne safe because it is a fatty acid ester.
Learn more about Ethylhexyl PalmitateEthylhexylglycerin is created from glycerin. It is a multitasker ingredient that:
The CIR Expert Panel found minimal skin absorption or sensitization of any kind in a safety assessment. Though this ingredient is considered well-tolerated, a small number of cases of allergic dermatitis have been published since 2002. Just be sure to patch test if you are unsure.
Industry-reported use ranges from 8% in rinse-off products and 2% in leave-on formulations.
Learn more about EthylhexylglycerinGlycerin (or glycerol) is a compound naturally found in your skin. It's a powerhouse humectant that pulls water into the stratum corneum.
Topically, glycerin does several things at once:
Your skin makes glycerin on its own (mostly from sebaceous oil breakdown) and shuttles it to your outermost layer of skin, or your epidermis, via aquaporin-3.
Aquaporin-3 is a transporter that is essential for normal skin hydration, elasticity, and repair. Interestingly, mice lacking in AQP3 have dry and less elastic skin that can be fully corrected with glycerin.
This ingredient is non-irritating, plays well with almost every ingredient, and works across all skin types. Typical use is anywhere between 3-10% but can go up to 79% in some leave-on products.
Just know very high concentrations (>40%) can feel tacky in low humidity.
Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.
Learn more about GlycerinPalmitoyl Tripeptide-1 is also known as pal-GHK. It is made up of 3 amino acids and palmitic acid, a fatty acid that helps it absorb into skin more easily.
This peptide is as a signal peptide, meaning it tells the skin to produce more collagen. Collagen is the key protein that helps form the skin's structure and keep it plump, firm, and hydrated.
By boosting collagen production, this ingredient supports a stronger skin barrier and helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
You'll most likely see this ingredient paired with Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 in the well-known Matrixyl 3000 complex. While results from in-house testing should be viewed cautiously, this peptide duo is among the most studied and widely used in modern skincare.
Due to its palmitic acid base, this ingredient may not be safe for Malassezia folliculitis.
Read more about other common types of peptides here:
Learn more about Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1Phenoxyethanol 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.
Phenyl Trimethicone is a silicon-based polymer. It is derived from silica.
Phenyl Trimethicone is used as an emollient and prevents products from foaming.
As an emollient, it helps trap moisture in the skin. It is considered an occlusive.
Learn more about Phenyl TrimethiconeThis ingredient is a solvent. It helps dissolve active ingredients and alter the texture of products.
Propylene Carbonate is commonly used in makeup and with clay, such as montmorillonite or bentonite.
Studies show this ingredient to be safe for cosmetics. When it is undiluted, it can cause skin irritation. (It is always diluted in skincare and makeup). This ingredient is water-soluble.
Propylene Carbonate is created from propylene glycol and carbonic acid.
Learn more about Propylene CarbonateThis silica is mainly used to thicken oils and suspend particles in oils. It is not water soluble.
According to the manufacturer, it:
The manufacturer also claims this ingredient to be useful in makeup.
In lipstick formulations, this ingredient improves color payoff, reduces pigment settling, and reduces oil bleeding. This ingredient also improves the grip of powder products such as dry shampoos.
Learn more about Silica Dimethyl SilylateSodium 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 HyaluronateSorbitan 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 IsostearateSorbitan Sesquioleate is derived from sorbitol and oleic acid. It is an emulsifier and prevents ingredients from separating.
Specifically, this ingredient is a water-in-oil emulsifier, meaning it helps water dissolve into oil.
Some studies suggest this ingredient may cause irritation in some people. If you are unsure, it is best to patch test.
This ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis, or fungal-acne safe.
Learn more about Sorbitan SesquioleateTocopheryl Acetate is AKA Vitamin E. It is an antioxidant and protects your skin from free radicals. Free radicals damage the skin by breaking down collagen.
One study found using Tocopheryl Acetate with Vitamin C decreased the number of sunburned cells.
Tocopheryl Acetate is commonly found in both skincare and dietary supplements.
Learn more about Tocopheryl AcetateTribehenin comes from glycerin and behenic acid.
It is used as an emollient, or moisturizer. Emollients form a thin barrier on skin to prevent moisture from escaping.
This ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis, or fungal-acne safe.
Learn more about TribeheninWater. 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