Smashbox Always On Skin-Balancing Foundation Versus Mac Cosmetics Studio Fix Fluid Foundation With SPF 15
What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
Emollient
Trimethylsiloxysilicate
Emollient
Methyl Trimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Phenyl Trimethicone
Skin Conditioning
PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Emulsifying
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Glycerin
Humectant
Magnesium Sulfate
Silica
Abrasive
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Salicornia Herbacea Extract
Skin ConditioningTocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Saccharide Isomerate
Humectant
Laminaria Saccharina Extract
Skin ProtectingPolysilicone-11
Polymethylsilsesquioxane
Glycyrrhiza Inflata Root Extract
Skin ConditioningBetaine
Humectant
Pullulan
Polyglutamic Acid
Skin Conditioning
Dipropylene Glycol
HumectantTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Jania Rubens Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Carrageenan
Emulsion StabilisingPolyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate
Emulsifying
Disteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingTriethyl Citrate
Masking
Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Emulsion StabilisingCetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
Emulsifying
Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingSilica Dimethicone Silylate
Absorbent
Laureth-7
EmulsifyingAlumina
Abrasive
BHT
Antioxidant
Sodium Citrate
BufferingCitric Acid
Buffering
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Sodium Dehydroacetate
Preservative
CI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Dimethicone, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Methyl Trimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Magnesium Sulfate, Silica, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Sodium Hyaluronate, Salicornia Herbacea Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Saccharide Isomerate, Laminaria Saccharina Extract, Polysilicone-11, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Glycyrrhiza Inflata Root Extract, Betaine, Pullulan, Polyglutamic Acid, Dipropylene Glycol, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Jania Rubens Extract, Sodium Carrageenan, Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Triethyl Citrate, Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer, Xanthan Gum, Silica Dimethicone Silylate, Laureth-7, Alumina, BHT, Sodium Citrate, Citric Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Dehydroacetate, CI 77891, CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate 2.5%
UV Absorber
Titanium Dioxide 1%
Cosmetic Colorant
Water
Skin ConditioningCyclopentasiloxane
Emollient
PEG-10 Dimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Trimethylsiloxysilicate
Emollient
Dimethicone
Emollient
Magnesium Sulfate
Laminaria Saccharina Extract
Skin ProtectingAlgae Extract
Emollient
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Lecithin
Emollient
Hydrogenated Lecithin
Emulsifying
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingSorbitan Sesquioleate
Emulsifying
Methoxy Amodimethicone/Silsesquioxane Copolymer
Skin Conditioning
Laureth-7
EmulsifyingDipropylene Glycol
HumectantDimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer
Dimethicone/PEG-10 Crosspolymer
Emollient
PEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone
Emulsifying
Disteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingSilica
Abrasive
Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Emulsion Stabilising
Triethoxycaprylylsilane
Propylene Carbonate
SolventPentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
Antioxidant
Sorbic Acid
Preservative
Chloroxylenol
Antimicrobial
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
CI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantIron Oxides
Chromium Oxide Greens
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate 2.5%, Titanium Dioxide 1%, Water, Cyclopentasiloxane, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Butylene Glycol, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Dimethicone, Magnesium Sulfate, Laminaria Saccharina Extract, Algae Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tocopherol, Lecithin, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Xanthan Gum, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Methoxy Amodimethicone/Silsesquioxane Copolymer, Laureth-7, Dipropylene Glycol, Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer, Dimethicone/PEG-10 Crosspolymer, PEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Silica, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Propylene Carbonate, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Sorbic Acid, Chloroxylenol, Phenoxyethanol, CI 77891, Iron Oxides, Chromium Oxide Greens
Reviews
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 GlycolCi 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 77891Dimethicone 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 DimethiconeDimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer is a type of silicone.
Dipropylene Glycol is a synthetically created humectant, stabilizer, and solvent.
This ingredient helps:
Dipropylene glycol is technically an alcohol, but it belongs to the glycol family (often considered part of the ‘good’ alcohols). This means it is hydrating and gentle on skin unlike drying solvent alcohols like denatured alcohol.
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 GlycolDisteardimonium 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 Laminaria Saccharina Extract yet.
Laureth-7 is created by the ethoxylation of lauryl alcohol using ethylene oxide. Lauryl alcohol is a fatty alcohol with hydrating properties.
This ingredient is an emulsifier and cleansing ingredient. As an emulsifier, it is used to prevent ingredients from separating. It also helps cleanse the skin by gathering dirt, oil, and pollutants to be rinsed away.
Magnesium Sulfate is a salt. More specifically, it is an epsom salt, or the bath salt used to help relieve muscle aches.
Despite having ‘sulfate’ in the name, it isn’t a surfactant or cleansing agent like sodium lauryl sulfate. Unlike those sulfates, magnesium sulfate doesn’t have the same cleansing or foaming properties (it's simply a type of salt).
In cosmetics, Magnesium Sulfate is used to thicken a product or help dilute other solids. It is a non-reactive and non-irritating ingredient.
One study shows magnesium deficiency may lead to inflammation of the skin. Applying magnesium topically may help reduce inflammation.
You can find this ingredient in sea water or mineral deposits.
Learn more about Magnesium SulfatePhenoxyethanol 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.
Silica, also known as silicon dioxide, is a naturally occurring mineral. It is used as a fine, spherical, and porous powder in cosmetics.
Though it has exfoliant properties, the function of silica varies depending on the product.
The unique structure of silica enhances the spreadability and adds smoothness, making it a great texture enhancer.
It is also used as an active carrier, emulsifier, and mattifier due to its ability to absorb excess oil.
In some products, tiny microneedles called spicules are made from silica or hydrolyzed sponge. When you rub them in, they lightly polish away dead skin layers and enhance the penetration of active ingredients.
Learn more about SilicaSodium Hyaluronate is hyaluronic acid's salt form. It is commonly derived from the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid.
Like hyaluronic acid, it is great at holding water and acts as a humectant. This makes it a great skin hydrating ingredient.
Sodium Hyaluronate is naturally occurring in our bodies and is mostly found in eye fluid and joints.
These are some other common types of Hyaluronic Acid:
Learn more about Sodium HyaluronateTocopheryl 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 AcetateTriethoxycaprylylsilane 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 TriethoxycaprylylsilaneThis silicone is an emollient. Emollients create a thin film on the skin to prevent moisture from escaping.
It is not soluble in water and helps increase water-resistance in products.
According to a manufacturer, it can blend seamlessly with silicone oils, such as Cyclopentasiloxane.
Learn more about TrimethylsiloxysilicateWater. 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 WaterXanthan gum is used as a stabilizer and thickener within cosmetic products. It helps give products a sticky, thick feeling - preventing them from being too runny.
On the technical side of things, xanthan gum is a polysaccharide - a combination consisting of multiple sugar molecules bonded together.
Xanthan gum is a pretty common and great ingredient. It is a natural, non-toxic, non-irritating ingredient that is also commonly used in food products.
Learn more about Xanthan Gum
