e.l.f. Flawless Finish Foundation - Linen - 0.68 fl oz: Paraben-Free, Vegan, Semi-Matte Finish, Full Coverage
Analysis updated August 2026 · How Scout scores
At a glance
Summary
This foundation contains a mix of beneficial and concerning ingredients. Glycerin is a positive inclusion for its moisturizing properties, but the presence of fragrance can be problematic due to potential skin irritation and sensitivity. The product also includes PEG/PPG compounds, which are synthetic emulsifiers that contribute to its processing level, impacting the overall score.
Key ingredients 30
GlycerinGood
Glycerin is a humectant that attracts moisture to the skin, helping to keep it hydrated. It is widely used in skincare for its moisturizing properties. It is generally well-tolerated by all skin types.
Risks
Rarely, it can cause irritation in very sensitive skin.
Benefits
Helps to maintain skin hydration and improve skin barrier function.
Water (Aqua)Neutral
Water is a common solvent used in cosmetics to dissolve other ingredients. It helps in the application and spreadability of the product. It does not provide any direct skin benefits or risks.
Risks
There are no significant risks associated with water in cosmetics.
Benefits
Water helps in the even distribution of other ingredients in the formulation.
IsododecaneNeutral
Isododecane is a hydrocarbon used for its lightweight and non-greasy feel. It helps in the quick drying of the product. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
Minimal risks, though it can cause irritation if it comes into contact with the eyes.
Benefits
Contributes to a lightweight, non-greasy feel and quick drying time.
CyclopentasiloxaneNeutral
Cyclopentasiloxane is a silicone that provides a silky, smooth feel and helps in the even application of the product. It evaporates quickly, leaving no residue. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
May cause mild irritation in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
Enhances the smooth application and feel of the product.
CyclohexasiloxaneNeutral
Cyclohexasiloxane is a silicone used for its conditioning properties and smooth application. It is similar to cyclopentasiloxane but with a slightly different molecular structure. It is considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
May cause mild irritation in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
Provides a smooth application and conditioning effect.
Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 DimethiconeNeutral
Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone is an emulsifying agent that helps to blend water and oil-based ingredients. It provides a smooth texture to the product. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
May cause mild irritation in sensitive skin.
Benefits
Improves the texture and stability of the formulation.
C12-15 Alkyl BenzoateNeutral
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate is an emollient that provides a silky feel and helps to reduce greasiness. It is commonly used in cosmetics for its skin conditioning properties. It is considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
Minimal risks, though it can cause irritation in very sensitive skin.
Benefits
Enhances the texture and feel of the product.
Tridecyl TrimellitateNeutral
Tridecyl Trimellitate is an ester used for its emollient properties, providing a smooth and soft feel. It helps in the spreadability of the product. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
Minimal risks, though it can cause irritation in very sensitive skin.
Benefits
Improves the spreadability and feel of the product.
Sorbitan SesquioleateNeutral
Sorbitan Sesquioleate is an emulsifier that helps to stabilize formulations by blending water and oil components. It is commonly used in cosmetics for its emulsifying properties. It is considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
May cause mild irritation in sensitive skin.
Benefits
Enhances the stability and texture of the formulation.
Boron NitrideNeutral
Boron Nitride is a mineral used for its soft focus and oil-absorbing properties. It provides a matte finish and enhances the texture of the product. It is considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
Minimal risks, though it can cause irritation in very sensitive skin.
Benefits
Provides a matte finish and improves the texture of the product.
Polymethyl MethacrylateNeutral
Polymethyl Methacrylate is a polymer used for its film-forming and texture-enhancing properties. It provides a smooth finish and helps in the even application of the product. It is considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
Minimal risks, though it can cause irritation in very sensitive skin.
Benefits
Enhances the texture and application of the product.
Magnesium StearateNeutral
Magnesium Stearate is a salt used for its texture-enhancing and anti-caking properties. It helps in the smooth application of the product. It is considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
Minimal risks, though it can cause irritation in very sensitive skin.
Benefits
Improves the texture and application of the product.
Magnesium PalmitateNeutral
Magnesium Palmitate is a salt used for its texture-enhancing properties. It helps in the smooth application of the product. It is considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
Minimal risks, though it can cause irritation in very sensitive skin.
Benefits
Enhances the texture and application of the product.
Magnesium SulfateNeutral
Magnesium Sulfate is a salt used for its texture-enhancing and anti-caking properties. It helps in the smooth application of the product. It is considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
Minimal risks, though it can cause irritation in very sensitive skin.
Benefits
Improves the texture and application of the product.
Disteardimonium HectoriteNeutral
Disteardimonium Hectorite is a clay-derived thickening agent used to stabilize emulsions. It helps in the even application of the product. It is considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
Minimal risks, though it can cause irritation in very sensitive skin.
Benefits
Enhances the stability and application of the product.
PEG/PPG-15/15 DimethiconeNeutral
PEG/PPG-15/15 Dimethicone is a silicone-based emulsifier that helps to blend water and oil components. It provides a smooth texture to the product. It is considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
May cause mild irritation in sensitive skin.
Benefits
Improves the texture and stability of the formulation.
Silica Dimethyl SilylateNeutral
Silica Dimethyl Silylate is a thickening agent used to enhance the texture and stability of the product. It provides a matte finish and helps in oil absorption. It is considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
Minimal risks, though it can cause irritation in very sensitive skin.
Benefits
Enhances the texture and provides a matte finish.
EthylhexylglycerinNeutral
Ethylhexylglycerin is a preservative and skin conditioning agent used to enhance the efficacy of other preservatives. It is considered a safer alternative to parabens. It is generally well-tolerated by most skin types.
Risks
May cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
Enhances the preservation and conditioning of the product.
Caprylyl GlycolNeutral
Caprylyl Glycol is a skin conditioning agent and preservative used to enhance the efficacy of other preservatives. It provides moisturizing properties and is generally well-tolerated. It is considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
May cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
Enhances the preservation and moisturizing properties of the product.
TriethoxycaprylylsilaneNeutral
Triethoxycaprylylsilane is a silicone-based coupling agent used to improve the dispersion of pigments. It enhances the texture and application of the product. It is considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
Minimal risks, though it can cause irritation in very sensitive skin.
Benefits
Improves the dispersion of pigments and enhances the texture.
SilicaNeutral
Silica is a mineral used for its oil-absorbing and texture-enhancing properties. It provides a matte finish and helps in the smooth application of the product. It is considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
Minimal risks, though it can cause irritation in very sensitive skin.
Benefits
Provides a matte finish and enhances the texture of the product.
Red Iron Oxide (CI 77491)Neutral
Red Iron Oxide is a pigment used to provide color to the product. It is commonly used in cosmetics for its stable and non-reactive properties. It is considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
Minimal risks, though it can cause irritation in very sensitive skin.
Benefits
Provides stable and consistent color to the product.
Yellow Iron Oxide (CI 77492)Neutral
Yellow Iron Oxide is a pigment used to provide color to the product. It is commonly used in cosmetics for its stable and non-reactive properties. It is considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
Minimal risks, though it can cause irritation in very sensitive skin.
Benefits
Provides stable and consistent color to the product.
Black Iron Oxide (CI 77499)Neutral
Black Iron Oxide is a pigment used to provide color to the product. It is commonly used in cosmetics for its stable and non-reactive properties. It is considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
Minimal risks, though it can cause irritation in very sensitive skin.
Benefits
Provides stable and consistent color to the product.
Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)Neutral
Titanium Dioxide is a mineral used as a pigment and UV filter in cosmetics. It provides opacity and sun protection. It is considered safe for use in cosmetics, though inhalation of its powder form should be avoided.
Risks
Inhalation of powder form can be harmful; otherwise, minimal risks.
Benefits
Provides opacity and sun protection in the product.
DimethiconeBad
Occlusive silicone film-former — flagged under clean-beauty doctrine.
Risks
Potential for skin buildup and may cause breakouts in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
Provides a smooth application and helps in moisture retention.
Propylene GlycolBad
Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.
Risks
May cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
Enhances moisture retention and improves the absorption of other ingredients.
Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone CrosspolymerBad
Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.
Risks
May cause mild irritation in sensitive skin.
Benefits
Improves the texture and application of the product.
PhenoxyethanolBad
Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.
Risks
May cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
Helps to preserve the product and extend its shelf life.
Fragrance (Parfum)Very Bad
Fragrance is used to impart a pleasant scent to the product. However, it can be a mixture of various chemicals, some of which may cause irritation or allergic reactions. It is often criticized for its potential to cause skin sensitivity.
Risks
May cause skin irritation, allergic reactions, or sensitivity in some individuals.
Benefits
Provides a pleasant scent to the product.
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