MAC Studio Fix Fluid Foundation - NW13 - 1 fl oz - Ulta Beauty

Common questions

Is MAC Studio Fix Fluid Foundation - NW13 - 1 fl oz - Ulta Beauty healthy?

MAC Studio Fix Fluid Foundation - NW13 - 1 fl oz - Ulta Beauty scores 65/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — a fair-to-good score — solid, with tradeoffs. This foundation contains beneficial ingredients like sodium hyaluronate and algae extract, which provide moisturizing and antioxidant benefits.

Which ingredients drive MAC Studio Fix Fluid Foundation - NW13 - 1 fl oz - Ulta Beauty's score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, Algae Extract, Laminaria Saccharina Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate count in its favor; Bht, Phenoxyethanol 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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MAC Studio Fix Fluid Foundation - NW13 - 1 fl oz - Ulta Beauty

MAC
65 Fair

Analysis updated October 2026 · How Scout scores

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At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 7
Harmful ingredients 2
Owned by The Estée Lauder Companies Inc.
Category Foundation
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 Hyaluronate
Very 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.

See more about Sodium Hyaluronate →
Algae Extract
Good

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.

See more about Algae Extract →
Laminaria Saccharina Extract
Good

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 Extract
Good

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.

See more about Salix Nigra (Willow) Bark Extract →
Tocopheryl Acetate
Good

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.

See more about Tocopheryl Acetate →
Caffeine
Good

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.

See more about Caffeine →
Salicylic Acid
Good

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.

See more about Salicylic Acid →
Water\Aqua\Eau
Neutral

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.

See more about Water\Aqua\Eau →
Methyl Trimethicone
Neutral

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.

Dimethicone
Neutral

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.

See more about Dimethicone →
Trimethylsiloxysilicate
Neutral

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.

See more about Trimethylsiloxysilicate →
Peg-10 Dimethicone
Neutral

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 Glycol
Neutral

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.

See more about Butylene Glycol →
Isododecane
Neutral

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.

See more about Isododecane →
Polyethylene
Neutral

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.

See more about Polyethylene →
Cetyl Peg/Ppg-10/1 Dimethicone
Neutral

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.

See more about Cetyl Peg/Ppg-10/1 Dimethicone →
Magnesium Sulfate
Neutral

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.

See more about Magnesium Sulfate →
Lecithin
Neutral

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.

See more about Lecithin →
Hydrogenated Lecithin
Neutral

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.

See more about Hydrogenated Lecithin →
Disteardimonium Hectorite
Neutral

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.

See more about Disteardimonium Hectorite →
Silica
Neutral

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.

See more about Silica →
Xanthan Gum
Neutral

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.

See more about Xanthan Gum →
Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Neutral

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.

See more about Dimethicone Crosspolymer →
Triethoxycaprylylsilane
Neutral

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.

See more about Triethoxycaprylylsilane →
Dimethicone/Peg-10/15 Crosspolymer
Neutral

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 Copolymer
Neutral

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 Sesquioleate
Neutral

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.

See more about Sorbitan Sesquioleate →
Sodium Citrate
Neutral

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.

See more about Sodium Citrate →
Laureth-7
Neutral

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.

Methyldihydrojasmonate
Neutral

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 Carbonate
Neutral

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.

See more about Propylene Carbonate →
Alumina
Neutral

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.

See more about Alumina →
Dipropylene Glycol
Neutral

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.

See more about Dipropylene Glycol →
Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
Neutral

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.

See more about Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate →
Sorbic Acid
Neutral

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.

See more about Sorbic Acid →
Chloroxylenol
Neutral

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.

See more about Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891) →
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.

See more about Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499) →
Bht
Bad

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.

See more about Bht →
Phenoxyethanol
Bad

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.

See more about Phenoxyethanol →

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