NARS Soft Matte Advanced Perfecting Powder Cliff

Common questions

Is NARS Soft Matte Advanced Perfecting Powder Cliff healthy?

NARS Soft Matte Advanced Perfecting Powder Cliff scores 78/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — a fair-to-good score — solid, with tradeoffs. This product contains several beneficial ingredients such as zinc oxide, cocoa seed butter, and shea butter, which provide moisturizing and protective properties.

Which ingredients drive NARS Soft Matte Advanced Perfecting Powder Cliff's score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, Mica, Zinc Oxide, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride count in its favor; Dimethicone, Glucose, Chlorphenesin are flagged as ingredients of concern. The full breakdown, with why each one matters, is in the Key ingredients section on this page.

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NARS Soft Matte Advanced Perfecting Powder Cliff

NARS
78 Good

Analysis updated September 2026 · How Scout scores

$37.45 · 0.31 oz · $120.81 / ounce
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At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 12
Harmful ingredients 4
Owned by Shiseido
Category Other Makeup
Summary

This product contains several beneficial ingredients such as zinc oxide, cocoa seed butter, and shea butter, which provide moisturizing and protective properties. However, it also includes chlorphenesin, a preservative that can cause irritation in some individuals. The presence of dimethicone and phenoxyethanol, while common in cosmetics, indicates a moderate level of processing.

Key ingredients 35

Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter
Very Good

Cocoa Seed Butter is a natural fat extracted from cocoa beans, known for its moisturizing properties. It is rich in antioxidants and beneficial for dry skin. It helps to nourish and protect the skin.

Risks

There are minimal risks, primarily related to potential allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

It deeply moisturizes and provides a protective barrier for the skin.

See more about Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter →
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter
Very Good

Shea Butter is a natural fat extracted from the nuts of the shea tree, known for its moisturizing properties. It is rich in vitamins and beneficial for dry skin. It helps to nourish and protect the skin.

Risks

There are minimal risks, primarily related to potential allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

It deeply moisturizes and provides a protective barrier for the skin.

See more about Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter →
Mica
Good

Beneficial ingredient — whole-food or functional value in this product class.

Risks

Inhalation of mica particles can be a concern, especially in loose powder products.

Benefits

It adds a natural shimmer and glow to the skin, enhancing the product's aesthetic appeal.

See more about Mica →
Zinc Oxide
Good

Zinc Oxide is a mineral used for its protective and soothing properties. It is known for its ability to provide broad-spectrum sun protection. It is beneficial for sensitive skin and can help soothe irritation.

Risks

There are minimal risks when used in non-nano form, primarily related to inhalation in powder form.

Benefits

It provides sun protection and has anti-inflammatory properties, making it suitable for sensitive skin.

See more about Zinc Oxide →
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Good

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride is derived from coconut oil and glycerin, used for its emollient properties. It helps to moisturize and condition the skin. It is considered safe and beneficial for most skin types.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with its use, primarily related to potential allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

It provides lightweight moisture and helps improve the texture of the product.

See more about Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride →
Alteromonas Ferment Extract
Good

Alteromonas Ferment Extract is derived from marine bacteria and is known for its moisturizing and soothing properties. It is considered beneficial for sensitive and dry skin. It helps to hydrate and protect the skin barrier.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with its use.

Benefits

It provides hydration and helps soothe irritated skin.

Tocopheryl Acetate
Good

Tocopheryl Acetate is a form of Vitamin E, known for its antioxidant properties. It helps to protect the skin from environmental damage. It is beneficial for maintaining healthy skin.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with its use.

Benefits

It provides antioxidant protection and helps to maintain skin health.

See more about Tocopheryl Acetate →
Quercetin
Good

Quercetin is a plant-derived flavonoid with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps to protect the skin from oxidative stress. It is beneficial for sensitive and irritated skin.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with its use.

Benefits

It provides antioxidant protection and helps soothe inflammation.

Tocopherol
Good

Tocopherol, or Vitamin E, is known for its antioxidant properties. It helps protect the skin from environmental damage. It is beneficial for maintaining healthy skin.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with its use.

Benefits

It provides antioxidant protection and helps to maintain skin health.

See more about Tocopherol →
Glycerin
Good

Glycerin is a humectant used to attract moisture to the skin. It is considered safe and beneficial for most skin types. It helps to hydrate and maintain the skin's moisture balance.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with its use.

Benefits

It provides hydration and helps maintain the skin's moisture balance.

See more about Glycerin →
Hydrolyzed Pea Protein
Good

Hydrolyzed Pea Protein is used for its conditioning and strengthening properties. It is considered beneficial for skin and hair. It helps to improve the texture and resilience of the skin.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with its use.

Benefits

It provides conditioning and helps improve skin texture.

Niacinamide
Good

Niacinamide is a form of Vitamin B3, known for its skin-soothing and brightening properties. It helps to improve skin texture and reduce the appearance of pores. It is beneficial for maintaining healthy skin.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with its use.

Benefits

It provides skin-soothing and brightening benefits, improving overall skin health.

See more about Niacinamide →
Synthetic Fluorphlogopite
Neutral

Synthetic Fluorphlogopite is a synthetic version of mica, used to add shimmer and improve texture. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics. However, it does not provide any direct skin benefits.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with its use, primarily related to inhalation in powder form.

Benefits

It enhances the appearance and feel of the product, providing a smooth application.

See more about Synthetic Fluorphlogopite →
Calcium Sodium Borosilicate
Neutral

Calcium Sodium Borosilicate is used to add shimmer and shine to cosmetics. It is considered safe for use in personal care products. It does not have any direct skin benefits.

Risks

There are minimal risks, mainly related to inhalation if used in powder form.

Benefits

It provides a shimmering effect, enhancing the visual appeal of the product.

Silica
Neutral

Silica is used in cosmetics to improve texture and absorb excess oil. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics. It does not provide any direct skin benefits.

Risks

Inhalation of fine silica particles can be a concern in loose powder products.

Benefits

It helps control shine and provides a smooth, matte finish.

See more about Silica →
Zinc Myristate
Neutral

Zinc Myristate is used in cosmetics for its binding and texture-enhancing properties. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics. It does not provide any direct skin benefits.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with its use.

Benefits

It helps improve the texture and application of the product.

Diphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone
Neutral

Diphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone is a silicone used to enhance the texture and spreadability of cosmetics. It is considered safe for use in cosmetics. It does not provide any direct skin benefits.

Risks

There are minimal risks, primarily related to potential buildup on the skin.

Benefits

It improves the texture and feel of the product, providing a silky finish.

Hydrogen Dimethicone
Neutral

Hydrogen Dimethicone is a silicone used to improve the texture and spreadability of cosmetics. It is considered safe for use in cosmetics. It does not provide any direct skin benefits.

Risks

There are minimal risks, primarily related to potential buildup on the skin.

Benefits

It enhances the texture and application of the product.

Polysilicone-2
Neutral

Polysilicone-2 is a silicone used to improve the texture and spreadability of cosmetics. It is considered safe for use in cosmetics. It does not provide any direct skin benefits.

Risks

There are minimal risks, primarily related to potential buildup on the skin.

Benefits

It enhances the texture and application of the product.

Aluminum Hydroxide
Neutral

Aluminum Hydroxide is used in cosmetics as a thickening agent and to improve texture. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics. It does not provide any direct skin benefits.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with its use.

Benefits

It helps improve the texture and stability of the product.

See more about Aluminum Hydroxide →
Boron Nitride
Neutral

Boron Nitride is used in cosmetics to improve texture and provide a soft-focus effect. It is considered safe for use in cosmetics. It does not provide any direct skin benefits.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with its use.

Benefits

It enhances the texture and provides a soft-focus effect.

See more about Boron Nitride →
Sorbitan Sesquiisostearate
Neutral

Sorbitan Sesquiisostearate is an emulsifier used to stabilize formulations. It is considered safe for use in cosmetics. It does not provide any direct skin benefits.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with its use.

Benefits

It helps stabilize the formulation and improve texture.

See more about Sorbitan Sesquiisostearate →
Calcium Silicate
Neutral

Calcium Silicate is used in cosmetics to improve texture and absorb moisture. It is considered safe for use in cosmetics. It does not provide any direct skin benefits.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with its use.

Benefits

It helps improve texture and absorb excess moisture.

See more about Calcium Silicate →
Ethylhexylglycerin
Neutral

Ethylhexylglycerin is used as a preservative and skin conditioning agent. It is considered safe for use in cosmetics. It does not provide any direct skin benefits.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with its use.

Benefits

It helps preserve the product and condition the skin.

See more about Ethylhexylglycerin →
Water/Aqua/Eau
Neutral

Water is used as a solvent in cosmetics to dissolve other ingredients. It is considered safe and essential in many formulations. It does not provide any direct skin benefits.

Risks

There are no significant risks associated with its use.

Benefits

It acts as a solvent and helps to hydrate the skin.

See more about Water/Aqua/Eau →
Butylene Glycol
Neutral

Butylene Glycol is used as a solvent and conditioning agent in cosmetics. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics. It does not provide any direct skin benefits.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with its use.

Benefits

It helps improve the texture and spreadability of the product.

See more about Butylene Glycol →
Sodium Chloride
Neutral

Sodium Chloride, or table salt, is used as a thickening agent in cosmetics. It is considered safe for use in cosmetics. It does not provide any direct skin benefits.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with its use.

Benefits

It helps to thicken and stabilize formulations.

See more about Sodium Chloride →
Sodium Succinate
Neutral

Sodium Succinate is used as a buffering agent in cosmetics. It is considered safe for use in cosmetics. It does not provide any direct skin benefits.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with its use.

Benefits

It helps to stabilize the pH of formulations.

Lauroyl Lysine
Neutral

Lauroyl Lysine is used as a conditioning agent in cosmetics. It is considered safe for use in cosmetics. It does not provide any direct skin benefits.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with its use.

Benefits

It helps to condition and improve the texture of the product.

See more about Lauroyl Lysine →
Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499)
Neutral

Iron Oxides are used as colorants in cosmetics. They are considered safe for use in cosmetics. They do not provide any direct skin benefits.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with their use.

Benefits

They provide color and pigmentation to the product.

See more about Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499) →
Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)
Neutral

Titanium Dioxide is used as a pigment and UV filter in cosmetics. It is considered safe for use in cosmetics. It does not provide any direct skin benefits.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with its use, primarily related to inhalation in powder form.

Benefits

It provides pigmentation and UV protection.

See more about Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891) →
Dimethicone
Bad

Occlusive silicone film-former — flagged under clean-beauty doctrine.

Risks

There are minimal risks, primarily related to potential buildup on the skin.

Benefits

It provides a smooth application and helps to fill in fine lines and pores.

See more about Dimethicone →
Glucose
Bad

Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with its use.

Benefits

It helps to hydrate and condition the skin.

See more about Glucose →
Chlorphenesin
Bad

Chlorphenesin is a preservative used to prevent microbial growth in cosmetics. It is considered safe in low concentrations but can cause irritation in some individuals. It does not provide any direct skin benefits.

Risks

It can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

It helps to preserve the product and prevent microbial contamination.

See more about Chlorphenesin →
Phenoxyethanol
Bad

Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.

Risks

It can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

It helps to preserve the product and prevent microbial contamination.

See more about Phenoxyethanol →

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