VDL Cosmetics Cover Stain Perfecting Foundation SPF 35 Versus Hera Silky Stay 24H Longwear Foundation SPF 20
What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientMethyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV AbsorberCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingAlcohol Denat.
AntimicrobialTrimethylsiloxysilicate
EmollientPEG-10 Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantButylene Glycol
HumectantCyclohexasiloxane
EmollientDiphenyl Dimethicone/Vinyl Diphenyl Dimethicone/Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer
Panthenol
Skin ConditioningCetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
EmulsifyingSynthetic Fluorphlogopite
Disteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingMagnesium/Potassium/Silicon/Fluoride/Hydroxide/Oxide
Aluminum Hydroxide
Emollient1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningMagnesium Sulfate
Zinc Stearate
Cosmetic ColorantStearic Acid
CleansingPalmitoyl Proline
Skin ConditioningDistearyldimonium Chloride
Palmitic Acid
EmollientTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantMagnesium Palmitoyl Glutamate
Skin ConditioningSodium Palmitoyl Sarcosinate
CleansingAdenosine
Skin ConditioningAluminum Myristate
Emulsion StabilisingTriethoxysilylethyl Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Hexyl Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Biosaccharide Gum-1
HumectantSilica
AbrasiveEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningTin Oxide
AbrasivePentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
AntioxidantAlchemilla Vulgaris Leaf Extract
AntioxidantEquisetum Arvense Leaf Extract
AstringentStellaria Media Extract
Skin ConditioningParfum
MaskingBenzyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialCitronellol
PerfumingLimonene
PerfumingAlpha-Isomethyl Ionone
PerfumingHexyl Cinnamal
PerfumingHydroxycitronellal
PerfumingCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Cyclopentasiloxane, Methyl Trimethicone, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Alcohol Denat., Trimethylsiloxysilicate, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Titanium Dioxide, Butylene Glycol, Cyclohexasiloxane, Diphenyl Dimethicone/Vinyl Diphenyl Dimethicone/Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Panthenol, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Magnesium/Potassium/Silicon/Fluoride/Hydroxide/Oxide, Aluminum Hydroxide, 1,2-Hexanediol, Magnesium Sulfate, Zinc Stearate, Stearic Acid, Palmitoyl Proline, Distearyldimonium Chloride, Palmitic Acid, Tocopheryl Acetate, Magnesium Palmitoyl Glutamate, Sodium Palmitoyl Sarcosinate, Adenosine, Aluminum Myristate, Triethoxysilylethyl Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Hexyl Dimethicone, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Silica, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tin Oxide, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Alchemilla Vulgaris Leaf Extract, Equisetum Arvense Leaf Extract, Stellaria Media Extract, Parfum, Benzyl Benzoate, Citronellol, Limonene, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Hexyl Cinnamal, Hydroxycitronellal, CI 77891, CI 77492, CI 77491, CI 77499
Water
Skin ConditioningCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantTrimethylsiloxysilicate
EmollientButylene Glycol
HumectantPEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone
EmulsifyingCyclohexasiloxane
EmollientTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantIsododecane
EmollientNylon-12
PEG-10 Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantPolyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate
EmulsifyingTribehenin
EmollientDisteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingSodium Chloride
MaskingPolymethylsilsesquioxane
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningTriethoxycaprylylsilane
CI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantAlumina
AbrasiveCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientParfum
MaskingGlyceryl Caprylate
EmollientCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantSilica Dimethicone Silylate
AbsorbentXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingDisodium EDTA
Simethicone
EmollientPropylene Glycol
HumectantSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningWater, Cyclopentasiloxane, CI 77891, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Butylene Glycol, PEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone, Cyclohexasiloxane, Titanium Dioxide, Isododecane, Nylon-12, PEG-10 Dimethicone, CI 77492, Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate, Tribehenin, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Sodium Chloride, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, 1,2-Hexanediol, Aluminum Hydroxide, Pentylene Glycol, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, CI 77491, Alumina, Caprylyl Glycol, Parfum, Glyceryl Caprylate, CI 77499, Silica Dimethicone Silylate, Xanthan Gum, Disodium EDTA, Simethicone, Propylene Glycol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Ethylhexylglycerin
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
1,2-Hexanediol is a synthetic liquid and another multi-functional powerhouse.Â
It is a:
- Humectant, drawing moisture into the skin
- Emollient, helping to soften skin
- Solvent, dispersing and stabilizing formulas
- Preservative booster, enhancing the antimicrobial activity of other preservativesÂ
Aluminum Hydroxide is a form of aluminum. It can be naturally found in nature as the mineral gibbsite. In cosmetics, Aluminum Hydroxide is used as a colorant, pH adjuster, and absorbent.
As a colorant, Aluminum Hydroxide may add opacity, or reduce the transparency. Aluminum hydroxide is contains both basic and acidic properties.
According to manufacturers, this ingredient is an emollient and humectant. This means it helps hydrate the skin.
In medicine, this ingredient is used to help relieve heartburn and help heal ulcers.
There is currently no credible scientific evidence linking aluminum hydroxide in cosmetics to increased cancer risk.
Major health organizations allow the use of aluminum hydroxide in personal care products and have not flagged it as a carcinogenic risk at typical usage levels.
Learn more about Aluminum HydroxideButylene 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 77491 is also hydrated iron III oxide. It's sole purpose is to give a red/pink hue to products.
Iron III oxides are classified as inorganic chemicals for coloring.
Synthetically created Ci 77491 is considered safer than those naturally found. This is because the synthetically created version may contain less impurities. Iron oxides are generally non-toxic and non-allergenic.
Learn more about CI 77491CI 77492 is also hydrated iron III oxide. It's sole purpose is to give a yellow hue to products.
Iron III oxides are classified as inorganic chemicals for coloring.
Synthetically created CI 77492 is considered safer than those naturally found. This is because the synthetically created version may contain less impurities. Iron oxides are generally non-toxic and non-allergenic.
Learn more about CI 77492Ci 77499 is also hydrated iron III oxide. It is created from mixing red and black iron oxides. This helps give shades of darkness to a product.
Iron III oxides are classified as inorganic chemicals for coloring.
Ci 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 77891Cyclohexasiloxane is a type of silicone more commonly known as D6. It is an emollient and solvent.
Cyclohexasiloxane is used to evenly distribute ingredients throughout the product. When applied to the skin, Cyclohexasiloxane evaporates and leaves behind a silky feel.
As an emollient, it can help the skin feel soft and hydrated. It is also used to reduce frizz in hair products.
Learn more about CyclohexasiloxaneCyclopentasiloxane, or D5, is a silicone used to improve texture of products and trap moisture.
D5 is considered lightweight and volatile. Volatile means it evaporates quickly after application. Once evaporated, D5 leaves a thin barrier that helps keep skin hydrated.
It is also an emollient. Emollients help soften the skin and prevent water loss. Silicones create a silky texture in products. D5 helps other ingredients become more spreadable.
Studies show D5 is safe to use in skincare products. We recommend speaking with a skincare professional if you have concerns.
Learn more about CyclopentasiloxaneDisteardimonium 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 HectoriteEthylhexylglycerin 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 âFRAGRANCEâ or âPARFUMâ 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 ParfumPeg-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.
Titanium dioxide is a mineral UV filter widely used in sunscreens and cosmetics.
It is one of only two UV filters officially classified as âmineralâ by regulatory agencies, the other being zinc oxide.
Titanium dioxide provides broad-spectrum protection mostly in the UVB and UVAII range, with some protection in the UVAI range.
While its UVA protection isnât as strong as zinc oxideâs, the difference is minor.
A common myth is that mineral UV filters reflect UV light. However, modern research shows titanium dioxide absorbs UV radiation like chemical filters (~95% absorption & 5% reflection).
Thanks to its non-irritating nature, titanium dioxide is suitable for sensitive, acne-prone, or redness-prone skin. It is unlikely to cause "eye sting" like other sunscreen ingredients.
A major drawback of this ingredient is its white cast and thick texture. This is why mineral sunscreens often leave a white cast and are less cosmetically elegant than chemical/hybrid sunscreens.
To improve white cast and spreadability, micronized or nano-sized titanium dioxide is often used.
There are ongoing concerns surrounding nano-titanium oxide's impact on marine ecosystems.
There is no conclusive evidence that any form of titanium oxide (or any other sunscreen ingredients) will cause harm to marine ecosystems or coral reefs. The science is still developing but many consumers are keeping a close eye on this issue.
Please note, many destinations have reef-safety sunscreen rules. For instance, the U.S. Virgin Islands advises all visitors to use non-nano mineral sunscreens.
Nano mineral sunscreens once raised safety concerns about absorption into skin.
Extensive research has shown that they do not penetrate healthy or damaged skin; they remain safely on the surface and the top layer of dead skin (stratum corneum).
You'll likely find titanium dioxide bundled with alumina, silica, or dimethicone. These ingredients help make titanium dioxide highly photostable; this prevents it from interacting with other formula components under UV light.
Learn more about Titanium DioxideTriethoxycaprylylsilane is a silicon-based surface modifier that makes sunscreens feel silky and makeup stay put.
Its main job is to coat mineral particles like titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, and color pigments in a thin, oily layer so they spread smoothly, don't clump, and stick to skin better.
This ingredient is typically used at low levels (up to 2.5% in eyeshadow and 1% in lipstick).
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. Remember to stay hydrated!
Learn more about Water