SHEGLAM Birthday Skin Primer Versus Urban Decay Optical Illusion Complexion Primer
Updated on January 06, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe face primers. They have a total of 12 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain exfoliants and Vitamin E
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for dry skin and brightening skin
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, fragrances, parabens or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain oils and 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
SHEGLAM Birthday Skin Primer 30 ingredients
Urban Decay Optical Illusion Complexion Primer 24 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
SHEGLAM Birthday Skin Primer 30 ingredients
Urban Decay Optical Illusion Complexion Primer 24 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningCyclopentasiloxane
Emollient
Dimethicone
Emollient
Glycerin
Humectant
Hydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientOzokerite
Emulsion StabilisingHdi/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Polymethylsilsesquioxane
Lauryl PEG-10 Tris(Trimethylsiloxy)Silylethyl Dimethicone
Emulsifying
Trimethylsiloxysilicate
Emollient
Sodium Chloride
Masking
Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer
Silica
Abrasive
Rosa Centifolia Flower Oil
Masking
Epilobium Fleischeri Extract
Skin ConditioningPaeonia Lactiflora Root Extract
Skin ConditioningPrunus Persica Kernel Extract
MoisturisingPerilla Ocymoides Leaf Extract
TonicDimethicone Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientGlyceryl Caprylate
EmollientTocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Disodium EDTA
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Citric Acid
Buffering
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Water, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Glycerin, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Ozokerite, Hdi/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer, Butylene Glycol, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Lauryl PEG-10 Tris(Trimethylsiloxy)Silylethyl Dimethicone, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Sodium Chloride, Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer, Silica, Rosa Centifolia Flower Oil, Epilobium Fleischeri Extract, Paeonia Lactiflora Root Extract, Prunus Persica Kernel Extract, Perilla Ocymoides Leaf Extract, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Caprylyl Glycol, Glyceryl Caprylate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Disodium EDTA, Ethylhexylglycerin, CI 77891, CI 77491, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Citric Acid, Potassium Sorbate
Cyclopentasiloxane
Emollient
Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningSilica
Abrasive
Ethylhexyl Hydroxystearate Benzoate
EmollientGlycerin
Humectant
Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil
Emollient
Rosa Canina Fruit Oil
Emollient
Limnanthes Alba Seed Oil
Skin Conditioning
Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate
Emulsifying
Dimethiconol
Emollient
Triethoxycaprylylsilane
Glyceryl Caprylate
EmollientTocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Water
Skin ConditioningHydroxyapatite
Abrasive
Sodium Olivoyl Glutamate
CleansingPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Propylene Glycol
Humectant
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningMica
Cosmetic Colorant
CI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Silica, Ethylhexyl Hydroxystearate Benzoate, Glycerin, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Rosa Canina Fruit Oil, Limnanthes Alba Seed Oil, Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate, Dimethiconol, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Glyceryl Caprylate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Water, Hydroxyapatite, Sodium Olivoyl Glutamate, Phenoxyethanol, Propylene Glycol, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Mica, CI 77891, CI 77491
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
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. If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about WaterCyclopentasiloxane, 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 CyclopentasiloxaneGlycerin 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 GlycerinSilica is a mineral naturally found in our skin. It helps to thicken and smooth the texture of a product. It also acts as an agent for other ingredients by increasing the absorption of other ingredients into the skin.
Silica is often used for absorption and can help reduce shine when products are applied. Silica occurs in naturally in materials like clay and sandstone, and it can also be produced synthetically.
Silica is present naturally within the skin during collagen production and when reducing inflammation.
Learn more about SilicaDimethicone Crosspolymer is a silicone created by modifying dimethicone with hydrocarbon side chains. Due to its large size, it does not penetrate skin. It is considered non-occlusive.
Dimethicone Crosspolymer is used to stabilize and thicken products. It also helps give products a silky feel.
Caprylyl 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 GlycolGlyceryl Caprylate comes from glycerin and caprylic acid, a fatty acid from coconut. It has emollient and emulsifier properties.
As an emollient, it helps hydrate your skin. Emollients work by creating a barrier on your skin to trap moisture in, helping to keep your skin soft and smooth.
On the other hand, emulsifiers prevent ingredients (such as oil and water) from separating.
Learn more about Glyceryl CaprylateTocopheryl 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 AcetateEthylhexylglycerin (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.
Ci 77891 is a white pigment from Titanium dioxide. It is naturally found in minerals such as rutile and ilmenite.
It's main function is to add a white color to cosmetics. It can also be mixed with other colors to create different shades.
Ci 77891 is commonly found in sunscreens due to its ability to block UV rays.
Learn more about CI 77891Ci 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 77491Triethoxycaprylylsilane is a silicone used to bind and stabilize ingredients.
As an emulsifier, it helps prevent ingredients from separating. This can help elongate the shelf life of products.
Triethoxycaprylylsilane is often used to coat mineral sunscreens ingredients to help give a better feel. It also helps reduce oxidative stress in sunscreens.
Learn more about TriethoxycaprylylsilaneIngredient Ratings
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