SHEGLAM Camera On Smooth & Blur Primer Versus GRWM Cosmetics All About That Base Makeup Prep Squad Primer
What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Dimethicone
Emollient
Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin Conditioning
Isododecane
EmollientMethyl Trimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer
Polymethylsilsesquioxane
Trisiloxane
Skin Conditioning
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Silica Dimethyl Silylate
EmollientParfum
Masking
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningTetramethyl Acetyloctahydronaphthalenes
Masking
Centella Asiatica Extract
Cleansing
Cyanocobalamin
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
Antioxidant
Mandelic Acid
Antimicrobial
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Water
MaskingWater
Skin ConditioningTremella Fuciformis Sporocarp Extract
Antioxidant
Hexylene Glycol
EmulsifyingDimethicone, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Isododecane, Methyl Trimethicone, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Trisiloxane, Phenoxyethanol, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Parfum, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tetramethyl Acetyloctahydronaphthalenes, Centella Asiatica Extract, Cyanocobalamin, Tocopherol, Mandelic Acid, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Water, Water, Tremella Fuciformis Sporocarp Extract, Hexylene Glycol
Water
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
Emollient
Polymethylsilsesquioxane
Propylene Glycol
Humectant
Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin Conditioning
Glycerin
Humectant
Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
Emulsifying
Glycereth-26
Humectant
PEG-10 Dimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Magnesium Sulfate
Magnesium Stearate
Cosmetic ColorantPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Silica Dimethyl Silylate
EmollientDisteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingCaprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningSqualane
Emollient
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Parfum
Masking
CI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Dimethicone, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Propylene Glycol, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Glycerin, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Glycereth-26, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Niacinamide, Magnesium Sulfate, Magnesium Stearate, Phenoxyethanol, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Squalane, Tocopheryl Acetate, Parfum, 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.
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 DimethiconeThis ingredient is a silicone elastomer that works as a texture enhancer, adds a silky slip, and also helps absorb excess oil.
Because it's a large macromolecule that's insoluble in water and chemically inert, it's not expected to penetrate or be absorbed into skin.
Human patch tests with a facial lotion containing 1% of this ingredient found no sensitization.
Learn more about Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone CrosspolymerEthylhexylglycerin 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 EthylhexylglycerinParfum is a catch-all term for an ingredient or more that is used to give a scent to products.
Also called "fragrance", this ingredient can be a blend of hundreds of chemicals or plant oils. This means every product with "fragrance" or "parfum" in the ingredients list is a different mixture.
For instance, Habanolide is a proprietary trade name for a specific aroma chemical. When used as a fragrance ingredient in cosmetics, most aroma chemicals fall under the broad labeling category of “FRAGRANCE” or “PARFUM” according to EU and US regulations.
The term 'parfum' or 'fragrance' is not regulated in many countries. In many cases, it is up to the brand to define this term.
For instance, many brands choose to label themselves as "fragrance-free" because they are not using synthetic fragrances. However, their products may still contain ingredients such as essential oils that are considered a fragrance by INCI standards.
One example is Calendula flower extract. Calendula is an essential oil that still imparts a scent or 'fragrance'.
Depending on the blend, the ingredients in the mixture can cause allergies and sensitivities on the skin. Some ingredients that are known EU allergens include linalool and citronellol.
Parfum can also be used to mask or cover an unpleasant scent.
The bottom line is: not all fragrances/parfum/ingredients are created equally. If you are worried about fragrances, we recommend taking a closer look at an ingredient. And of course, we always recommend speaking with a professional.
Learn more about ParfumPhenoxyethanol 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.
Polymethylsilsesquioxane is a silicone used as a film forming agent.
When applied to the skin, this ingredient creates an invisible film on the surface. This film still allows oxygen to pass through, but prevents moisture from escaping. This can help condition and hydrate the skin. It also leaves a silky feel when applied.
Polymethylsilsesquioxane has not been shown to clog pores. It has been deemed safe to use up to 55%, but most cosmetics use much less.
If you have concerns about using this ingredient, we recommend speaking with a professional.
Learn more about PolymethylsilsesquioxaneThis 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 SilylateWater. 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
