MAC Studio Fix Fluid Foundation - NW13 - 1 fl oz - Ulta Beauty
Analysis updated October 2026 · How Scout scores
At a glance
Summary
This foundation contains beneficial ingredients like sodium hyaluronate and algae extract, which provide moisturizing and antioxidant benefits. However, it also includes controversial ingredients such as BHT and phenoxyethanol, which are associated with potential health risks and skin irritation. The presence of these synthetic additives alongside beneficial components results in a mixed ingredient profile.
Key ingredients 40
Sodium HyaluronateVery Good
Sodium Hyaluronate is a form of hyaluronic acid known for its excellent moisturizing properties. It helps in retaining moisture and plumping the skin. It is highly beneficial in skincare products.
Risks
Minimal risk of skin irritation.
Benefits
Provides excellent moisturizing and plumping benefits.
Algae ExtractGood
Algae Extract is a natural ingredient known for its moisturizing and antioxidant properties. It helps in nourishing and protecting the skin. It is considered beneficial in skincare products.
Risks
Potential for allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
Provides moisturizing and antioxidant benefits.
Laminaria Saccharina ExtractGood
Laminaria Saccharina Extract is derived from seaweed and is known for its hydrating and soothing properties. It helps in calming and moisturizing the skin. It is considered beneficial in skincare products.
Risks
Potential for allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
Provides hydrating and soothing benefits.
Salix Nigra (Willow) Bark ExtractGood
Willow Bark Extract is a natural source of salicylic acid, known for its exfoliating and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps in improving skin texture and reducing inflammation. It is considered beneficial in skincare products.
Risks
Potential for skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
Provides exfoliating and anti-inflammatory benefits.
Tocopheryl AcetateGood
Tocopheryl Acetate is a form of Vitamin E known for its antioxidant properties. It helps in protecting the skin from free radical damage. It is considered beneficial in skincare products.
Risks
Potential for skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
Provides antioxidant protection.
CaffeineGood
Caffeine is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps in reducing puffiness and improving skin texture. It is considered beneficial in skincare products.
Risks
Potential for skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
Provides antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.
Salicylic AcidGood
Salicylic Acid is a beta hydroxy acid known for its exfoliating and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps in improving skin texture and reducing acne. It is considered beneficial in skincare products.
Risks
Potential for skin irritation and dryness.
Benefits
Provides exfoliating and anti-inflammatory benefits.
Water\Aqua\EauNeutral
Water is a common solvent used in cosmetics to dissolve other ingredients. It helps in the application and absorption of the product. It does not have any direct benefits or risks associated with its use in cosmetics.
Risks
There are no significant risks associated with water in cosmetics.
Benefits
Water helps in the application and absorption of the product.
Methyl TrimethiconeNeutral
Methyl Trimethicone is a silicone used to provide a smooth application and a silky feel. It helps in spreading the product evenly on the skin. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
There are minimal risks, primarily related to potential skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
It provides a smooth application and a silky feel to the skin.
DimethiconeNeutral
Dimethicone is a silicone-based polymer used to create a smooth, silky texture. It forms a barrier on the skin that can help retain moisture. It is widely used in cosmetics and considered safe.
Risks
Potential for skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
Helps retain moisture and provides a smooth texture.
TrimethylsiloxysilicateNeutral
Trimethylsiloxysilicate is a silicone resin that forms a flexible, breathable film on the skin. It enhances the longevity of the product on the skin. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
Minimal risk of skin irritation.
Benefits
Enhances product longevity and forms a breathable film.
Peg-10 DimethiconeNeutral
PEG-10 Dimethicone is a silicone-based polymer that acts as an emulsifier and conditioning agent. It helps in blending water and oil-based ingredients. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
Potential contamination with ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane.
Benefits
Acts as an emulsifier and conditioning agent.
Butylene GlycolNeutral
Butylene Glycol is a common solvent and conditioning agent in cosmetics. It helps in improving the texture and spreadability of the product. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
May cause irritation in sensitive skin.
Benefits
Improves texture and spreadability of the product.
IsododecaneNeutral
Isododecane is a hydrocarbon used as an emollient and solvent in cosmetics. It provides a lightweight, non-greasy feel. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
Minimal risk of skin irritation.
Benefits
Provides a lightweight, non-greasy feel.
PolyethyleneNeutral
Polyethylene is a polymer used as a thickening agent and film-former in cosmetics. It helps in improving the texture and stability of the product. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
Environmental concerns due to microplastic pollution.
Benefits
Improves texture and stability of the product.
Cetyl Peg/Ppg-10/1 DimethiconeNeutral
Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone is a silicone-based emulsifier used to blend water and oil-based ingredients. It enhances the texture and feel of the product. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
Potential contamination with ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane.
Benefits
Enhances texture and feel of the product.
Magnesium SulfateNeutral
Magnesium Sulfate is used as a thickening agent and absorbent in cosmetics. It helps in improving the texture and stability of the product. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
Minimal risk of skin irritation.
Benefits
Improves texture and stability of the product.
LecithinNeutral
Lecithin is used as an emulsifier and skin conditioning agent in cosmetics. It helps in blending ingredients and improving skin texture. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
Minimal risk of skin irritation.
Benefits
Acts as an emulsifier and improves skin texture.
Hydrogenated LecithinNeutral
Hydrogenated Lecithin is used as an emulsifier and skin conditioning agent in cosmetics. It helps in blending ingredients and improving skin texture. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
Minimal risk of skin irritation.
Benefits
Acts as an emulsifier and improves skin texture.
Disteardimonium HectoriteNeutral
Disteardimonium Hectorite is a thickening agent used to stabilize emulsions in cosmetics. It helps in improving the texture and consistency of the product. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
Minimal risk of skin irritation.
Benefits
Improves texture and consistency of the product.
SilicaNeutral
Silica is used as an absorbent and anti-caking agent in cosmetics. It helps in improving the texture and mattifying the skin. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
Inhalation of fine silica particles can pose respiratory risks.
Benefits
Improves texture and mattifies the skin.
Xanthan GumNeutral
Xanthan Gum is a natural thickening agent used to stabilize emulsions in cosmetics. It helps in improving the texture and consistency of the product. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
Minimal risk of skin irritation.
Benefits
Improves texture and consistency of the product.
Dimethicone CrosspolymerNeutral
Dimethicone Crosspolymer is a silicone-based polymer used to provide a smooth, silky texture. It helps in improving the spreadability and feel of the product. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
Minimal risk of skin irritation.
Benefits
Provides a smooth, silky texture.
TriethoxycaprylylsilaneNeutral
Triethoxycaprylylsilane is a silicone-based compound used as a surface modifier in cosmetics. It helps in improving the adhesion and durability of the product. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
Minimal risk of skin irritation.
Benefits
Improves adhesion and durability of the product.
Dimethicone/Peg-10/15 CrosspolymerNeutral
Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer is a silicone-based polymer used to provide a smooth, silky texture. It helps in improving the spreadability and feel of the product. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
Minimal risk of skin irritation.
Benefits
Provides a smooth, silky texture.
Methoxy Amodimethicone/Silsesquioxane CopolymerNeutral
Methoxy Amodimethicone/Silsesquioxane Copolymer is a silicone-based polymer used to provide a smooth, silky texture. It helps in improving the spreadability and feel of the product. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
Minimal risk of skin irritation.
Benefits
Provides a smooth, silky texture.
Sorbitan SesquioleateNeutral
Sorbitan Sesquioleate is an emulsifier used to blend water and oil-based ingredients in cosmetics. It helps in improving the texture and stability of the product. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
Minimal risk of skin irritation.
Benefits
Improves texture and stability of the product.
Sodium CitrateNeutral
Sodium Citrate is used as a buffering agent to maintain the pH balance in cosmetics. It helps in stabilizing the product formulation. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
Minimal risk of skin irritation.
Benefits
Maintains pH balance and stabilizes formulation.
Laureth-7Neutral
Laureth-7 is a surfactant and emulsifier used to blend water and oil-based ingredients in cosmetics. It helps in improving the texture and stability of the product. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
Potential contamination with ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane.
Benefits
Improves texture and stability of the product.
MethyldihydrojasmonateNeutral
Methyldihydrojasmonate is a fragrance ingredient used to impart a pleasant scent to cosmetics. It helps in enhancing the sensory experience of the product. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
Potential for allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
Enhances sensory experience with a pleasant scent.
Propylene CarbonateNeutral
Propylene Carbonate is a solvent used to dissolve other ingredients in cosmetics. It helps in improving the texture and spreadability of the product. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
Minimal risk of skin irritation.
Benefits
Improves texture and spreadability of the product.
AluminaNeutral
Alumina is used as an abrasive and thickening agent in cosmetics. It helps in improving the texture and stability of the product. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
Minimal risk of skin irritation.
Benefits
Improves texture and stability of the product.
Dipropylene GlycolNeutral
Dipropylene Glycol is a solvent and humectant used to dissolve other ingredients and retain moisture in cosmetics. It helps in improving the texture and hydration of the product. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
Minimal risk of skin irritation.
Benefits
Improves texture and hydration of the product.
Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl HydroxyhydrocinnamateNeutral
Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate is an antioxidant used to prevent the oxidation of other ingredients in cosmetics. It helps in extending the shelf life of the product. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
Minimal risk of skin irritation.
Benefits
Extends shelf life by preventing oxidation.
Sorbic AcidNeutral
Sorbic Acid is a preservative used to prevent microbial growth in cosmetics. It helps in extending the shelf life of the product. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
Potential skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
Prevents microbial growth and extends shelf life.
ChloroxylenolNeutral
Chloroxylenol is an antimicrobial agent used to prevent microbial growth in cosmetics. It helps in extending the shelf life of the product. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
Potential skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
Prevents microbial growth and extends shelf life.
Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)Neutral
Titanium Dioxide is a mineral used as a pigment and UV filter in cosmetics. It helps in providing coverage and sun protection. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
Inhalation of fine particles can pose respiratory risks.
Benefits
Provides coverage and sun protection.
Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499)Neutral
Iron Oxides are pigments used to provide color in cosmetics. They help in achieving the desired shade and coverage. They are generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
Minimal risk of skin irritation.
Benefits
Provide color and coverage.
BhtBad
BHT is a synthetic antioxidant used to prevent the oxidation of other ingredients in cosmetics. It has been associated with potential health risks, including endocrine disruption. It is considered controversial in cosmetics.
Risks
Potential endocrine disruption and other health concerns.
Benefits
Prevents oxidation and extends shelf life.
PhenoxyethanolBad
Phenoxyethanol is a preservative used to prevent microbial growth in cosmetics. It has been associated with potential skin irritation and allergic reactions. It is considered controversial in cosmetics.
Risks
Potential skin irritation and allergic reactions.
Benefits
Prevents microbial growth and extends shelf life.
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