Superdrug Studio London Power Pout 12H Velvet Lipstick Versus e.l.f. cosmetics O Face Satin Lipstick
What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Octyldodecanol
Emollient
Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate
Absorbent
Isodecyl Neopentanoate
EmollientEuphorbia Cerifera Cera
Astringent
Polyethylene
Abrasive
Ethylhexyl Palmitate
Emollient
Silica
Abrasive
Mica
Cosmetic ColorantSynthetic Wax
Abrasive
Water
Skin ConditioningLecithin
Emollient
Polyhydroxystearic Acid
Emulsifying
Aroma
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Isopropyl Myristate
Emollient
Isostearic Acid
Cleansing
Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate
Emulsifying
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
CI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantIron Oxides
CI 15850
Cosmetic ColorantCI 19140
Cosmetic ColorantCI 42090
Cosmetic ColorantOctyldodecanol, Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate, Isodecyl Neopentanoate, Euphorbia Cerifera Cera, Polyethylene, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Silica, Mica, Synthetic Wax, Water, Lecithin, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Aroma, Phenoxyethanol, Isopropyl Myristate, Isostearic Acid, Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate, Tocopheryl Acetate, CI 77891, Iron Oxides, CI 15850, CI 19140, CI 42090
Polyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate
Emulsifying
Ethylhexyl Palmitate
Emollient
Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2
Emollient
Synthetic Wax
Abrasive
Silica
Abrasive
Euphorbia Cerifera Wax
Squalane
Emollient
Isononyl Isononanoate
EmollientJojoba Esters
Emollient
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Hydrogenated Polycyclopentadiene
Microcrystalline Wax
Emulsion StabilisingOryza Sativa Starch
AbsorbentHelianthus Annuus Seed Wax
Skin Conditioning
Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil
Humectant
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Parfum
Masking
Mica
Cosmetic ColorantPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Stearalkonium Hectorite
Gel FormingCaprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Acacia Decurrens Flower Wax
Emollient
Polyhydroxystearic Acid
Emulsifying
Lecithin
Emollient
Polyglycerin-3
Humectant
Propylene Carbonate
SolventPolyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate
Emulsifying
Isostearic Acid
Cleansing
Isopropyl Myristate
Emollient
Triethoxycaprylylsilane
Polyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, Synthetic Wax, Silica, Euphorbia Cerifera Wax, Squalane, Isononyl Isononanoate, Jojoba Esters, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Hydrogenated Polycyclopentadiene, Microcrystalline Wax, Oryza Sativa Starch, Helianthus Annuus Seed Wax, Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate, Parfum, Mica, Phenoxyethanol, Stearalkonium Hectorite, Caprylyl Glycol, Acacia Decurrens Flower Wax, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Lecithin, Polyglycerin-3, Propylene Carbonate, Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate, Isostearic Acid, Isopropyl Myristate, Triethoxycaprylylsilane
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Ethylhexyl Palmitate, also known as octyl palmitate, is created from 2-ethylhexyl alcohol and palmitic acid.
In cosmetics, it plays many roles:
One thing worth noting: a controlled study found this ingredient applied under occlusion to acne-prone subjects increased microcomedones. Just keep in mind this was under occlusive conditions and don't reflect how most products are used day-to-day.
For most people, this is a well-tolerated and lightweight ingredient.
This ingredient may not be fungal acne safe because it is an ester of palmitic acid, a C16 fatty acid that falls within the C11-24 range that Malassezia can metabolize.
Learn more about Ethylhexyl PalmitateIsopropyl Myristate is an ester made by combining isopropyl alcohol with myristic acid.
It is primarily an emollient and penetration enhancer that gives products a lightweight, silky feel without the heaviness of oils.
This ingredient is generally considered non-toxic, non-irritating, and has low absorption potential.
You might have heard that this ingredient clogs pores. This reputation comes from the older rabbit ear studies which are more sensitive than human skin to clogging.
Dermatologist Dr. Zoe Draelos has also confirmed in a peer-reviewed paper that products containing comedogenic ingredients are not necessarily comedogenic themselves.
A small subset of people (~2%) may experience contact sensitivity so patch testing is a reasonable idea if you have reactive skin.
Since this ingredient is an ester of myristic acid (a C14 fatty acid), it falls within the carbon chain range that is known to feed Malassezia. This ingredient may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Isopropyl MyristateIsostearic Acid is a fatty acid and a structural cousin of stearic acid. It is an emulsifier.
The branched structure of this ingredient enhances fluidity and gives it a lighter, less greasy feel compared to other fatty acids. It helps improve texture and consistency because it prevents oil and water phases from separating.
This ingredient is sourced from plant-based oils like soybean or rapeseed.
Clinical studies found no signs of irritation from this ingredient.
Since Isostearic Acid is an 18-carbon fatty acid, it is in the range that Malassezia can feed on. This ingredient may not be fungal acne safe.
You might have seen sources that this ingredient is comedogenic. The original comedogenic testing on rabbit ear actually tested the ester, Isopropyl Isostearate and not Isostearic acid itself. There has been no comedogenic testing done on this ingredient, but it may be worth patch testing if you have acne-prone skin.
Learn more about Isostearic AcidLecithin is a term for a group of substances found in the cell membranes of plants, animals, and humans. They are made up of phospholipids.
Thanks to its amphiphilic structure (water-loving head and oil-loving tail), it is a true multitasker:
It plays well with most ingredients and is typically used at 0.1-1%. However, concentrations up to 50% have been reported in moisturizers.
Learn more about LecithinMica is a naturally occurring mineral used to add shimmer and color in cosmetics. It can also help improve the texture of a product or give it an opaque, white/silver color.
Serecite is the name for very fine but ragged grains of mica.
This ingredient is often coated with metal oxides like titanium dioxide. 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.
Learn more about MicaPhenoxyethanol 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.
Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate is a plant-derived emulsifier made by combining glycerin and ricinoleic acid.
It works well for giving buttery lip balms and low-viscosity water-in-oil emulsions a non-greasy and pleasant skin feel.
Typical concentrations range from 0.1-3%.
This ingredient is mild and non-irritating in nature.
Because it is derived from ricinoleic acid, this ingredient may not be fungal acne safe. Ricinoleic acid is an unsaturated fatty acid that the Malassezia yeast can metabolize.
Learn more about Polyglyceryl-3 PolyricinoleatePolyhydroxystearic Acid is a vegetable-derived soft wax made from castor oil. It's an emulsion stabilizer, thickener, and film former.
You'll likely see it in sunscreens because it helps disperse pigments and UV-reflecting minerals like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide evenly.
Depending on the concentration, it can drastically change the texture of a product from pasty solid (like lipstick) to sprayable liquid.
The CIR Expert Panel for Cosmetic Ingredient Safety has concluded this ingredient to be safe in cosmetics. The highest reported use concentration is 14.2% in lipsticks.
Learn more about Polyhydroxystearic AcidSilica, 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 SilicaSynthetic Wax is a manufactured hydrocarbon wax. In formulas, it works as an occlusive emollient that helps reduce water loss and improves the spreadability of products.
Research comparing synthetic wax to traditional mineral-derived products found that formulas containing it perform as well for skin hydration.
It is considered non-comedogenic and vegan-friendly.
This ingredient has a well-established safety record by the CIR Expert Panel for Cosmetic Ingredient Safety.
Synthetic Waxes are straight/branched-chain hydrocarbons with no ester bond or fatty acids. That means there is nothing for the Malassezia yeast to feed on.
Learn more about Synthetic WaxTocopheryl 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 Acetate
