Revolution Beauty CC Perfecting Foundation SPF 30 Versus Joah Beauty Crystal Glow Peptide-Infused 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 ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantDimethicone
EmollientCetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
EmulsifyingOrbignya Oleifera Seed Oil
EmollientCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientButylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate
EmollientButyloctyl Salicylate
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantDipropylene Glycol
HumectantMagnesium Sulfate
Cyclohexasiloxane
Emollient1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientAnthemis Nobilis Flower Oil
MaskingCalcium Stearate
Cosmetic ColorantCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingCerium Oxide
Cetyl Palmitate
EmollientCitric Acid
BufferingCollagen
MoisturisingDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
Disteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingEthylhexyl Palmitate
EmollientEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientHexyl Laurate
EmollientHyaluronic Acid
HumectantHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantIsopropyl Myristate
EmollientIsostearic Acid
CleansingLecithin
EmollientLeuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
AntimicrobialPalmitoyl Tetrapeptide-10
Skin ConditioningPolyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate
EmulsifyingPolyglyceryl-4 Isostearate
EmulsifyingPolyhydroxystearic Acid
EmulsifyingPolysorbate 80
EmulsifyingPotassium Sorbate
PreservativePropanediol
SolventPropylene Carbonate
SolventSilica
AbrasiveSodium Benzoate
MaskingSodium Chloride
MaskingSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantSorbitan Isostearate
EmulsifyingSorbitan Stearate
EmulsifyingStearic Acid
CleansingTocopherol
AntioxidantTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Triethyl Citrate
MaskingTromethamine
BufferingTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantIron Oxides
Water, Phenyl Trimethicone, Butylene Glycol, Dimethicone, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Orbignya Oleifera Seed Oil, Cyclopentasiloxane, Butylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Glycerin, Dipropylene Glycol, Magnesium Sulfate, Cyclohexasiloxane, 1,2-Hexanediol, Aluminum Hydroxide, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Oil, Calcium Stearate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cerium Oxide, Cetyl Palmitate, Citric Acid, Collagen, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Disodium EDTA, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Hexyl Laurate, Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Isopropyl Myristate, Isostearic Acid, Lecithin, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-10, Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate, Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Polysorbate 80, Potassium Sorbate, Propanediol, Propylene Carbonate, Silica, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sorbitan Isostearate, Sorbitan Stearate, Stearic Acid, Tocopherol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Triethyl Citrate, Tromethamine, Titanium Dioxide, Iron Oxides
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Butylene 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 GlycolThis 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 DimethiconeCyclopentasiloxane, or D5, is a silicone used to improve texture of products and trap moisture.
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.
It is also 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 CyclopentasiloxaneDimethicone 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 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 GlycerinIsopropyl Myristate is an emollient, thickening agent, and texture enhancer. It is created from isopropyl alcohol and myristic acid.
It is used to help other ingredients be better absorbed. It is also an emollient and may help soften and hydrate the skin.
The comedogenic rating of this ingredient depends on the concentration. Lower amounts results in a lower rating.
Isopropyl Myristate may not be fungal acne safe. It can potentially worsen acne prone skin.
Learn more about Isopropyl MyristateIsostearic acid is a saturated fatty acid. Its structure makes it a great surfactant.
Surfactants help decrease the surface tension between two liquids. This property also makes it an effective emulsifier. Emulsifiers help prevent waters and oils from separating in a product.
Isostearic Acid is created from oleic acid.
This ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis, or fungal-acne safe.
Learn more about Isostearic AcidLecithin is a term for a group of substances found in the cell membranes of plants, animals, and humans. They are made up of phospholipids.
Thanks to its amphiphilic structure (water-loving head and oil-loving tail), it is a true multitasker:
It plays well with most ingredients and is typically used at 0.1-1%. However, concentrations up to 50% have been reported in moisturizers.
Depending on the source of this ingredient, lecithin may not be fungal acne safe. This is because some sources of lecithin come from soybean oil, which may feed the malassezia yeast that causes fungal acne.
We recommend reaching out to the brand you are purchasing from to inquire about the source of their lecithin.
Learn more about LecithinPhenyl 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 an emulsifier. It is created from Polyglycerin-3 and Ricinoleic Acid.
As an emulsifier, it prevents waters and oils from separating. According to a manufacturer this ingredient is fully biodegradable.
This ingredient may not be safe for Malassezia folliculitis due to its Ricinoleic Acid base. Ricinoleic Acid is a fatty acid derived from castor oil.
Learn more about Polyglyceryl-3 PolyricinoleatePolyhydroxystearic Acid is a vegetable-derived soft wax made from castor oil. It's an emulsion stabilizer, thickener, and film former.
You'll likely see it in sunscreens because it helps disperse pigments and UV-reflecting minerals like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide evenly.
Depending on the concentration, it can drastically change the texture of a product from pasty solid (like lipstick) to sprayable liquid.
The CIR Expert Panel for Cosmetic Ingredient Safety has concluded this ingredient to be safe in cosmetics. The highest reported use concentration is 14.2% in lipsticks.
Learn more about Polyhydroxystearic AcidThis 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 CarbonateChances are, you eat sodium chloride every day. Sodium Chloride is also known as table salt. This ingredient has many purposes in skincare: thickener, emulsifier, and exfoliator.
You'll most likely find this ingredient in cleansers where it is used to create a gel-like texture. As an emulsifier, it also prevents ingredients from separating.
You might see people debate whether Sodium Chloride is comedogenic, but there actually haven't been any comedogenic tests done on it. Either way, the overall formulation of a product matters a lot more than any single ingredient.
You might see this ingredient used in scrubs as a primary exfoliating ingredient.
Learn more about Sodium ChlorideSodium 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 IsostearateTocopheryl 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 AcetateWater. 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