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Product Comparison

Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of Shiseido Synchro Skin Radiant Lifting Foundation SPF 30 Quartz 240 versus Mac Cosmetics Studio Fix Fluid Foundation with SPF 15 NC13 .

Last updated on April 29, 2024. Published on April 15, 2023

Overview

What they are

These products are both foundations. They have a total of 12 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain exfoliants, SPF and Vitamin E

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin and scar healing

Free From

They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, fragrances, oils or parabens

What's Inside

They both contain silicones and sulfates

We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that need an update? Let us know.

Foundation Japanese Brand Japan
Foundation American Brand United States

Foundation

A liquid, cream, or powder to help create an even complexion or cover blemishes.

Foundation

A liquid, cream, or powder to help create an even complexion or cover blemishes.

Price

Ingredient Info

Click any item below to learn more and view relevant ingredients.
alcohol-free
silicon-free
fragrance-free
sulfate-free
paraben-free
oil-free
fungal-acne safe
reef-safe
eu-allergen-free
vegan
cruelty-free
spf rating
30
alcohol-free
silicon-free
fragrance-free
sulfate-free
paraben-free
oil-free
fungal-acne safe
reef-safe
eu-allergen-free
vegan
cruelty-free
spf rating
15

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Notable Ingredients

Chemical UV Filter
Mineral UV Filter
Vitamin E
Exfoliators

Benefits

Hydrating
Anti-Aging
Scar Healing
Brightening

Concerns

May Worsen Oily Skin
Irritating (2)
Eczema

Notable Ingredients

Chemical UV Filter
Mineral UV Filter
Vitamin E (2)
Exfoliators
Hyaluronic Acid

Benefits

Hydrating
Anti-Aging
Scar Healing
Brightening (2)

Concerns

May Worsen Oily Skin
Acne Trigger
Irritating (2)
Rosacea
Eczema (2)
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Ingredients Compared

Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.

Ingredients Side-by-side

Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.

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Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.

1
What it does: UV Absorber, UV Filter
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Ethylhexyl 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 Methoxycinnamate

Shiseido Synchro Skin Radiant Lifting Foundation SPF 30 Quartz 240 contains this as ingredient number 1.

Mac Cosmetics Studio Fix Fluid Foundation with SPF 15 NC13 contains this as ingredient number 1.

2
What it does: Cosmetic Colorant, UV Absorber, UV Filter
Community Rating: Mixed

Titanium dioxide is known for its UVA and UVB protection properties. It is non-comedogenic and non-irritating. Titanium Dioxide is a physical sunscreen. Physical sunscreens reflect light and prevent it from reaching your skin.

Protecting your skin against UV radiation can prevent the signs of aging. Sun damage is associated with fine-lines, wrinkles, loss of firmness, and hyperpigmentation. Titanium dioxide can help prevent premature aging.

With modern production, nano-scale or fine-grade titanium dioxide can be easily produced for cosmetics. In sunscreen, titanium dioxide absorbs UV light. Our skin is not able to absorb Titanium dioxide, even nanoparticles.

Titanium itself is the 9th most common element in the Earth's crust. Titanium dioxide is formed when oxygen is introduced and can be found in ores, dust, sand, and soil.

Pure titanium dioxide is a white powder that is used in many products to add or change color.

Learn more about Titanium Dioxide

Shiseido Synchro Skin Radiant Lifting Foundation SPF 30 Quartz 240 contains this as ingredient number 2.

Mac Cosmetics Studio Fix Fluid Foundation with SPF 15 NC13 contains this as ingredient number 2.

3
What it does: Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Community Rating: Loved

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. Talk about multi-purpose! If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!

Learn more about Water

Shiseido Synchro Skin Radiant Lifting Foundation SPF 30 Quartz 240 contains this as ingredient number 3.

Mac Cosmetics Studio Fix Fluid Foundation with SPF 15 NC13 contains this as ingredient number 3.

4
What it does: Emollient, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Dimethicone is a silicone used for making products smooth and silky. It also has the added benefit of sealing in hydration. The amount of dimethicone found in beauty products is considered safe and non-comedogenic, meaning it won't clog pores.

Dimethicone has been found increase absorption in skin, boosting the benefits of other ingredients. While there is concern for the safety of dimethicone, the levels used in skincare are safe for use.

Shiseido Synchro Skin Radiant Lifting Foundation SPF 30 Quartz 240 contains this as ingredient number 4.

Mac Cosmetics Studio Fix Fluid Foundation with SPF 15 NC13 contains this as ingredient number 8.

5
What it does: Humectant, Masking, Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Community Rating: Mixed

Butylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:

  • It is a solvent, meaning that it helps to dissolve other ingredients. This also enhances the absorption of the product into one's skin.
  • It is a humectant, which means that it helps attract moisture into the skin.
  • It helps improve product application.

Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient. It is unlikely to irritate skin, and works well with pretty much all other ingredients.

Shiseido Synchro Skin Radiant Lifting Foundation SPF 30 Quartz 240 contains this as ingredient number 7.

Mac Cosmetics Studio Fix Fluid Foundation with SPF 15 NC13 contains this as ingredient number 6.

6
What it does: Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Peg-10 Dimethicone is silicone with conditioner and emulsifier properties. It mostly acts as an emollient in skincare and and humectant in haircare.

According to the manufacturer, acidic formulations decrease the stability of this ingredient. It works best in neutral or near neutral formulations.

Shiseido Synchro Skin Radiant Lifting Foundation SPF 30 Quartz 240 contains this as ingredient number 9.

Mac Cosmetics Studio Fix Fluid Foundation with SPF 15 NC13 contains this as ingredient number 5.

7
What it does: Stabilising
Community Rating: Disliked

Disteardimonium Hectorite comes from the clay mineral named hectorite. It is used to add thickness to a product.

It can also help stabilize a product by helping to disperse other ingredients.

Hectorite is a rare, white clay mineral.

Learn more about Disteardimonium Hectorite

Shiseido Synchro Skin Radiant Lifting Foundation SPF 30 Quartz 240 contains this as ingredient number 11.

Mac Cosmetics Studio Fix Fluid Foundation with SPF 15 NC13 contains this as ingredient number 25.

8
What it does:
Community Rating: Very Disliked

We don't have a description for Dimethicone/Peg-10/15 Crosspolymer.

Shiseido Synchro Skin Radiant Lifting Foundation SPF 30 Quartz 240 contains this as ingredient number 21.

Mac Cosmetics Studio Fix Fluid Foundation with SPF 15 NC13 contains this as ingredient number 22.

9
What it does: Antioxidant, Masking, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Liked

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 Tocopherol

Shiseido Synchro Skin Radiant Lifting Foundation SPF 30 Quartz 240 contains this as ingredient number 29.

Mac Cosmetics Studio Fix Fluid Foundation with SPF 15 NC13 contains this as ingredient number 14.

10
What it does: Masking, Solvent
Community Rating: Disliked

Dipropylene Glycol is a synthetically created stabilizer and solvent. It is a part of the glycol class in the alcohol family.

Dipropylene Glycol helps dissolve and evenly distribute ingredients. It also helps decrease viscosity and thin out texture.

As a masking agent, Dipropylene Glycol can be used to cover the smell of other ingredients. However, it does not have a scent.

Studies show Dipropylene Glycol is considered safe to use in skincare.

Learn more about Dipropylene Glycol

Shiseido Synchro Skin Radiant Lifting Foundation SPF 30 Quartz 240 contains this as ingredient number 30.

Mac Cosmetics Studio Fix Fluid Foundation with SPF 15 NC13 contains this as ingredient number 21.

11
What it does:
Community Rating: Disliked

Triethoxycaprylylsilane 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 Triethoxycaprylylsilane

Shiseido Synchro Skin Radiant Lifting Foundation SPF 30 Quartz 240 contains this as ingredient number 31.

Mac Cosmetics Studio Fix Fluid Foundation with SPF 15 NC13 contains this as ingredient number 28.

12
What it does: Preservative
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Phenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent germ and 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.

Shiseido Synchro Skin Radiant Lifting Foundation SPF 30 Quartz 240 contains this as ingredient number 36.

Mac Cosmetics Studio Fix Fluid Foundation with SPF 15 NC13 contains this as ingredient number 33.

Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.

13% are loved or liked
13% have mixed ratings
50% are disliked or very disliked
24% have no rating yet
17% are loved or liked
8% have mixed ratings
61% are disliked or very disliked
14% have no rating yet

Usage

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Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

Shiseido Synchro Skin Radiant Lifting Foundation SPF 30 38 ingredients

Synchro Skin Radiant Lifting Foundation SPF 30 hasn't been rated yet.
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Mac Cosmetics Studio Fix Fluid Foundation with SPF 15 36 ingredients

4.5 /5
from 2 ratings
screamadelica's avatar

screamadelica

1 year ago · Normal Skin
Review

classic formula
incredible shade range, even better than fenty. very few people won’t be able to find their shade here. i wish you didn’t have to...

classic formula
incredible shade range, even better than fenty. very few people won’t be able to find their shade here. i wish you didn’t have to buy a separate pump, though.

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