Shiseido Synchro Skin Radiant Lifting Foundation SPF 30 - Quartz 240 Versus Mac Cosmetics Studio Waterweight SPF 30 Foundation - NC15
Updated on May 02, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both foundations. They have a total of 14 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain exfoliants, SPF and Vitamin E
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for dry skin, brightening skin and scar healing
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, oils, parabens or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain 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
Shiseido Synchro Skin Radiant Lifting Foundation SPF 30 39 ingredients
Mac Cosmetics Studio Waterweight SPF 30 Foundation 56 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Shiseido Synchro Skin Radiant Lifting Foundation SPF 30 39 ingredients
Mac Cosmetics Studio Waterweight SPF 30 Foundation 56 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate 6.9%
UV Absorber
Titanium Dioxide 1%
Cosmetic Colorant
Water
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
Emollient
Diphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Glycerin
Humectant
Trifluoropropyldimethyl/Trimethylsiloxysilicate
EmollientButylene Glycol
Humectant
Hydrogenated Polydecene
EmollientPEG-10 Dimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Bis-Butyldimethicone Polyglyceryl-3
CleansingDisteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingErythritol
HumectantXylitol
HumectantSorbitan Sesquiisostearate
Emulsifying
Polyquaternium-51
Skin ConditioningCitrus Unshiu Peel Extract
MaskingThymus Serpyllum Extract
Skin ConditioningFagus Sylvatica Bud Extract
TonicHydrolyzed Conchiolin Protein
Skin ConditioningDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningDimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer
CI 77120
Cosmetic ColorantSynthetic Fluorphlogopite
Aluminum Hydroxide
EmollientPolysilicone-2
Disodium EDTA
Stearic Acid
Cleansing
Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Dipropylene Glycol
MaskingTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Triethoxysilylethyl Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Skin Conditioning
BHT
Antioxidant
Alumina
Abrasive
Polymethylsilsesquioxane
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Iron Oxides
Mica
Cosmetic Colorant
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate 6.9%, Titanium Dioxide 1%, Water, Dimethicone, Diphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone, Glycerin, Trifluoropropyldimethyl/Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Butylene Glycol, Hydrogenated Polydecene, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Bis-Butyldimethicone Polyglyceryl-3, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Erythritol, Xylitol, Sorbitan Sesquiisostearate, Polyquaternium-51, Citrus Unshiu Peel Extract, Thymus Serpyllum Extract, Fagus Sylvatica Bud Extract, Hydrolyzed Conchiolin Protein, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer, CI 77120, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Aluminum Hydroxide, Polysilicone-2, Disodium EDTA, Stearic Acid, Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate, Tocopherol, Dipropylene Glycol, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Triethoxysilylethyl Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, BHT, Alumina, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Phenoxyethanol, Iron Oxides, Mica
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate 5%
UV Absorber
Titanium Dioxide 3.1%
Cosmetic Colorant
Zinc Oxide 2.1%
Cosmetic Colorant
Water
Skin ConditioningMethyl Trimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Phenyl Trimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Silica
Abrasive
Butyloctyl Salicylate
Skin Conditioning
Dimethicone
Emollient
Neopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate
EmollientC12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialButylene Glycol
Humectant
Dimethicone Silylate
Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Ethylhexyl Palmitate
Emollient
Glycerin
Humectant
Polysilicone-11
Citrus Medica Vulgaris Fruit Extract
Antioxidant
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Lecithin
EmollientPyrus Malus Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningLens Esculenta Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningGlycine Soja Protein
EmulsifyingLitchi Chinensis Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningLaminaria Saccharina Extract
Skin ProtectingPEG-10 Dimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Methicone
Emollient
Trimethylsiloxysilicate
Emollient
Sodium PCA
HumectantSodium Lactate
BufferingThermus Thermophillus Ferment
Skin ConditioningTriethyl Citrate
Masking
Laureth-7
EmulsifyingSilica Dimethyl Silylate
EmollientPolymethylsilsesquioxane
Magnesium Aluminum Silicate
AbsorbentXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingDimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer
Sodium Chloride
Masking
Dextrin
AbsorbentTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Disteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientHexylene Glycol
EmulsifyingPolyglutamic Acid
Skin Conditioning
Zinc Stearate
Cosmetic ColorantDisodium EDTA
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Sodium Dehydroacetate
Preservative
Mica
Cosmetic Colorant
CI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate 5%, Titanium Dioxide 3.1%, Zinc Oxide 2.1%, Water, Methyl Trimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Silica, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Dimethicone, Neopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Butylene Glycol, Dimethicone Silylate, Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Glycerin, Polysilicone-11, Citrus Medica Vulgaris Fruit Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Lecithin, Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract, Lens Esculenta Fruit Extract, Glycine Soja Protein, Litchi Chinensis Seed Extract, Laminaria Saccharina Extract, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Tocopheryl Acetate, Methicone, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Sodium PCA, Sodium Lactate, Thermus Thermophillus Ferment, Triethyl Citrate, Laureth-7, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Xanthan Gum, Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer, Sodium Chloride, Dextrin, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Caprylyl Glycol, Hexylene Glycol, Polyglutamic Acid, Zinc Stearate, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Mica, CI 77891, CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
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 MethoxycinnamateTitanium 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 DioxideWater. 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 WaterDimethicone is a type of synthetic silicone created from natural materials such as quartz.
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 DimethiconeGlycerin 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 GlycerinButylene 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.
- It has mild preservative properties.
Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient that works well with other ingredients.
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.
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 HectoriteWe don't have a description for Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer yet.
Disodium EDTA plays a role in making products more stable by aiding other preservatives.
It is a chelating agent, meaning it neutralizes metal ions that may be found in a product.
Disodium EDTA is a salt of edetic acid and is found to be safe in cosmetic ingredients.
Learn more about Disodium EDTATriethoxycaprylylsilane 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 TriethoxycaprylylsilanePolymethylsilsesquioxane 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 PolymethylsilsesquioxanePhenoxyethanol 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.
Mica refers to a group of silicate minerals. Mica crystals are easily split to give products a shimmer. These crystals are able to reflect light to temporarily give your skin a glowy look.
Mica is found to be safe. Trace amounts of heavy metals may be found in mica, but these metals are not harmful in our personal products.
Mica has been used since prehistoric times throughout the world. Ancient Egyptian, Indian, Greek, Roman, Aztec, and Chinese civilizations have used mica.
Mica can be naturally found throughout the world. However, some sources of mica may be controversial. In 2016, mica mined in the Jharkhand state in India was found to be using child labor. However, companies are able to source ethical mica affiliated with international organizations that monitor the mica supply chain.
Learn more about MicaIngredient Ratings
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