Kevyn Aucoin The Etherealist Skin Illuminating Foundation (Ingredients (2024)

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Color:Light EF 01

Published on April 14, 2024Submitted by screamadelica

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Overview

What it is

Foundation with 39 ingredients that contains exfoliants and Vitamin E

Cool Features

It is reef safe

Suited For

It has ingredients that are good for dry skin and brightening skin

Free From

It doesn't contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, fragrances, oils, parabens or sulfates

Fun facts

Kevyn Aucoin is from United States.

We independently verify ingredients and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research.Does this product need an update?Let us know.

Ingredient List(39)

Rosa Damascena Flower Water, Isododecane, Dimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Butylene Glycol, Cetyl Peg/Ppg-10/1 Dimethicone, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Talc, Cyclopentasiloxane, Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Sodium Chloride, Phenoxyethanol, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Boron Nitride, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Propylene Carbonate, Xanthan Gum, Aluminum Hydroxide,Polymethyl Methacrylate, Hydrogen Dimethicone, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Tetrasodium EDTA, Mica, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tocopheryl Acetate, Glycerin, Peg-8 Methyl Ether Dimethicone, Perfluorodecalin, Glycosphingolipids, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Extract, Yeast Extract, Sucrose Palmitate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, CI 77491

You should know

Here's our breakdown of the notable ingredients, benefits, and concernswe determined from the ingredients in this product.Click any item to learn more.

Notable Ingredients

Vitamin E

Vitamin E contains loads of antioxidants which help protect your skin from pollution and reduce hyperpigmentation.

This product contains1 ingredientthat may have this attribute:

Tocopheryl Acetate

Exfoliators(2)

Exfoliators

Exfoliants help remove dead skin cells and may aid in unclogging pores, smoothing rough skin, and help to increase hydration of skin.

This product contains2 ingredientsthat may have this attribute:

Talc
Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Extract

Benefits

Hydrating

Dry skin is often characterized by redness, itchiness, tightness, flaking, peeling, and cracking. Dryness can be caused by a variety of factors: genetics, over-exfoliating, climate, diet, age, and skin conditions.

This product contains1 ingredientthat may have this attribute:

Glycerin

Brightening(2)

Brightening

Dull skin is temporary; all it usually will need is a little perk-me-up, such as extra hydration, some exfoliation, and vitamin nourishment.

This product contains2 ingredientsthat may have this attribute:

Tocopheryl Acetate
Glycerin

Concerns

Drying

This product contains1 ingredientthat may have this attribute:

Sodium Chloride

Acne Trigger

Common acne is known as Acne vulgaris. Acne forms when skin follicles are clogged by sebum, hair, skin cells, or oils. There are several types of acne: whiteheads, blackheads, papules, pustules, nodules, and cysts.

This product contains1 ingredientthat may have this attribute:

Sodium Chloride

Rosacea

Rosacea may be genetic or triggered by mites, bacteria, or blood vessel issues. The most common symptom is redness of the face.

This product contains1 ingredientthat may have this attribute:

Sodium Chloride

Eczema

Eczema is also known as Atopic Dermatitis. Common symptoms include redness of the skin, itchiness, patches of rough skin, and small bumps.

This product contains1 ingredientthat may have this attribute:

Mica

Ingredient Info

Click any item below to learn more and view relevant ingredients.

alcohol-free

Alcohol Free

Some harsh forms of alcohol can break down your skin's natural barrier with prolonged use.

This product is free of harsh alcohols 🎉

silicon-free

Contains Silicon

Silicones are a colorless substance derived from the silicon mineral used to help boost the appearance and feel of a product.

Ingredients in this product that are types of silicon:

Dimethicone
Phenyl Trimethicone
Cetyl Peg/Ppg-10/1 Dimethicone
Cyclopentasiloxane
Polymethylsilsesquioxane
Hydrogen Dimethicone
Peg-8 Methyl Ether Dimethicone

fragrance-free

Fragrance Free

Fragrances are the ingredients in your skincare that either neutralize bad scents or are used to make a product smell good. Fragrances come in 3 forms: synthetic, natural, or essential oils.

This product is free of fragrances 🎉

sulfate-free

Sulfate Free

Sulfates are a type of salt mainly used as cleaning agents in skincare.

This product is free of sulfates 🎉

paraben-free

Paraben Free

Parabens are a type of preservative to preserve shelf-life and prevent growth of bacteria in products.

This product is free of parabens 🎉

oil-free

Oil Free

Oil is a hydrophobic (water-repelling) substance that can help regulate sebum production in skincare.

This product is free of oils 🎉

fungal-acne safe

Not Malassezia Safe

Malassezia (Pityrosporum) folliculitis is a skin condition with acne-like breakouts caused by malassezia, a type of yeast.

Ingredients in this product that are not malassezia safe:

Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate

reef-safe

Reef Safe

Many factors affect if a product is reef safe, including the particle size of ingredients. We do our best to ensure our data is accurate, so please get in touch if you spot an error.

This product is free of ingredients that damage reefs 🎉

eu-allergen-free

EU Allergen Free

A list of the most-known allergic substances from the European Union’s Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009.

This product is free of EU allergens 🎉

vegan

Non Vegan

Vegan products are formulated without animal products including honey, dairy, eggs, and more.

This product is not vegan 😥

cruelty-free

Not Cruelty Free

Cruelty-Free is a label that certifies a brand is not testing products on animals.

This product is not cruelty-free 😥

Ingredients Overview

Here's our quick-to-read summary of the ingredients in this product. Keep scrolling if you'd like to learn more about what each ingredient does!

Ingredient

Com. / Irr. Rating

Features

Masking, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting

Emollient, Solvent

Emollient, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting

1/0

Skin Conditioning

Humectant, Masking, Skin Conditioning, Solvent

1/0

Ingredients Explained

This product contains 39 ingredients. Click on any ingredient tolearn more about it

Rosa Damascena Flower Water

What it does:Masking, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting

Community Rating:Liked

Rosa Damascena Flower Water comes from the Damask rose. It is a dilluted version of the Rose Essential oil.

The Damask Roses' petals have been found to help sooth skin. The petals also contain antioxidant compounds.

Antioxidants help fight free-radical molecules. Free-radical molecules are capable of damaging our cells and other genetic material. Antioxidants help stabilize free-radicals by donating extra electrons. This may help reduce the signs of aging.

The fragrance of Rosa Damascena Flower Water may be used for masking. Masking ingredients are used to obscure or block properties of other ingredients. They are commonly used to block the scent of a product.

Learn more about Rosa Damascena Flower Water

Isododecane

What it does:Emollient, Solvent

Community Rating:Disliked

Isododecane is a fragrance, emollient, and solvent.

As an emollient, it helps your skin stay soft and hydrated. Emollients help trap moisture into your skin.

Isododecane's role as a solvent makes it a great texture enhancer. It spreads smoothly on skin and does not leave a sticky feeling behind. Isododecane also helps prevent color transfer in makeup products.

Isododecane is not absorbed into skin.

Learn more about Isododecane

Dimethicone

What it does:Emollient, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting

Community Rating:Very Disliked

Dimethicone is a silicone used for making products smooth and silky. It also has the added benefit of sealing in hydration. The amount of dimethicone found in beauty products is considered safe and non-comedogenic, meaning it won't clog pores.

Dimethicone has been found increase absorption in skin, boosting the benefits of other ingredients. While there is concern for the safety of dimethicone, the levels used in skincare are safe for use.

Phenyl Trimethicone

What it does:Skin Conditioning

Community Rating:Disliked

Phenyl Trimethicone is a silicon-based polymer. It is derived from silica.

Phenyl Trimethicone is used as an emollient and prevents products from foaming.

As an emollient, it helps trap moisture in the skin. It is considered an occlusive.

Learn more about Phenyl Trimethicone

Butylene Glycol

What it does:Humectant, Masking, Skin Conditioning, Solvent

Community Rating:Mixed

Butylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:

It is a solvent, meaning that it helps to dissolve other ingredients. This also enhances the absorption of the product into one's skin.
It is a humectant, which means that it helps attract moisture into the skin.
It helps improve product application.

Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient. It is unlikely to irritate skin, and works well with pretty much all other ingredients.

Cetyl Peg/Ppg-10/1 Dimethicone

What it does:Emulsifying, Skin Conditioning

Community Rating:Very Disliked

This ingredient is a high molecular weight silicone. It has emulsifying and skin conditioning properties.

C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate

What it does:Antimicrobial, Emollient, Skin Conditioning

Community Rating:Disliked

C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate is made up of Benzoic Acid and long chain alcohols. It has a low molecular weight.

C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate is an emollient and texture enhancer. Due to its solubility, it is often used in sunscreens to help evenly distribute active ingredients.

As an emollient, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate helps soften and hydrate your skin. Emollients create a film on your skin that traps moisture within.

This ingredient has been reported to cause eye irritation.

Learn more about C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate

Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer

What it does:

Community Rating:Very Disliked

We don't have a description for Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer.

Talc

What it does:Abrasive, Absorbent, Skin Protecting

Community Rating:Very Disliked

Talc is a clay mineral. It helps absorb moisture and improve the texture of products. Like other types of clay, Talc can have a slight exfoliating effect on skin. Talc can be added to increase the volume of products.

Some Baby powders are made by combining talc with corn starch. The word "talc" comes from Latin and originates from Arabic. Talc is a mineral commonly found throughout the world.

If you have any concerns about using talc, we recommend checking out the FDA's official page.

Learn more about Talc

Cyclopentasiloxane

What it does:Emollient, Skin Conditioning, Solvent

Community Rating:Disliked

Cyclopentasiloxane is a silicone used to improve texture and trap moisture. An easier name for this is D5.

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.

D5 is 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 Cyclopentasiloxane

Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate

What it does:Emulsifying

Community Rating:Very Disliked

Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate isn't fungal acne safe.

Polymethylsilsesquioxane

What it does:

Community Rating:Disliked

Polymethylsilsesquioxane is a silicone used as a film forming agent.

When applied to the skin, this ingredient creates an invisible film on the surface. This film still allows oxygen to pass through, but prevents moisture from escaping. This can help condition and hydrate the skin. It also leaves a silky feel when applied.

Polymethylsilsesquioxane has not been shown to clog pores. It has been deemed safe to use up to 55%, but most cosmetics use much less.

If you have concerns about using this ingredient, we recommend speaking with a professional.

Learn more about Polymethylsilsesquioxane

Sodium Chloride

What it does:Masking

Community Rating:Very Disliked

Chances are, you eat sodium chloride every day. Sodium Chloride is also known as table salt.

This ingredient has many purposes in skincare: thickener, emulsifier, and exfoliator.

You'll most likely find this ingredient in cleansers where it is used to create a gel-like texture. As an emulsifier, it also prevents ingredients from separating.

There is much debate on whether this ingredient is comedogenic. The short answer - comedogenic ratings don't tell the whole story. Learn more about comegodenic ratings here.

The concensus about this ingredient causing acne seems to be divided. Research is needed to understand if this ingredient does cause acne.

Scrubs may use salt as the primary exfoliating ingredient.

Learn more about Sodium Chloride

Phenoxyethanol

What it does:Preservative

Community Rating:Very Disliked

Phenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent germ and microbial growth. By itself, it has a scent that is similar to that of a rose.

It's often used in formulations along with Caprylyl Glycol to preserve the shelf life of products.

Disteardimonium Hectorite

What it does:Stabilising

Community Rating:Disliked

Disteardimonium 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 Hectorite

Boron Nitride

What it does:Absorbent, Skin Conditioning

Boron Nitride is compound consisting of boron and nitrogen. It is used to absorb oil and modify adherence/ slip in products.

This means it is often used in makeup products to help them last longer.

Sodium Dehydroacetate

What it does:Preservative

Community Rating:Loved

This ingredient is a preservative with antimicrobial properties. It is the sodium salt of dehydroacetic acid.

It is especially effective at preventing bacterial and fungal growth in low concentrations.

Propylene Carbonate

What it does:Solvent

This ingredient is a solvent. It helps dissolve active ingredients and alter the texture of products.

Propylene Carbonate is commonly used in makeup and with clay, such as montmorillonite or bentonite.

Studies show this ingredient to be safe for cosmetics. When it is undiluted, it can cause skin irritation. (It is always diluted in skincare and makeup). This ingredient is water-soluble.

Propylene Carbonate is created from propylene glycol and carbonic acid.

Learn more about Propylene Carbonate

Xanthan Gum

What it does:Emulsifying, Emulsion Stabilising, Gel Forming, Skin Conditioning

Community Rating:Disliked

Xanthan gum is used as a stabilizer and thickener within cosmetic products. It helps give products a sticky, thick feeling - preventing them from being too runny.

On the technical side of things, xanthan gum is a polysaccharide - a combination consisting of multiple sugar molecules bonded together.

Xanthan gum is a pretty common and great ingredient. It is a natural, non-toxic, non-irritating ingredient that is also commonly used in food products.

Learn more about Xanthan Gum

Aluminum Hydroxide

What it does:Emollient, Humectant, Skin Protecting

Community Rating:Disliked

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.

Learn more about Aluminum Hydroxide

Polymethyl Methacrylate

What it does:

Community Rating:Very Disliked

We don't have a description for Polymethyl Methacrylate.

Hydrogen Dimethicone

What it does:

Hydrogen Dimethicone is a type of silicone.

Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer

What it does:Skin Conditioning

Community Rating:Very Disliked

Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer is a silicone used to improve the texture of products and absorb oil. It does not get absorbed into the skin.

Like other silicones, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer helps condition the skin by creating a barrier. In this sense, it can act as an emollient and trap moisture in.

Tetrasodium EDTA

What it does:

Community Rating:Very Disliked

Tetrasodium EDTA is the salt formed from neutralizing ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid with sodium hydroxide. It is a chelating agent and used to prevent metal ions from binding to other ingredients. This helps keep the product and ingredients stable.

Tetrasodium EDTA comes as a white solid and is soluble in water.

Mica

What it does:Cosmetic Colorant

Community Rating:Very Disliked

Mica refers to a group of silicate minerals. Mica crystals are easily split to give products a shimmer. These crystals are able to reflect light to temporarily give your skin a glowy look.

Mica is found to be safe. Trace amounts of heavy metals may be found in mica, but these metals are not harmful in our personal products.

Mica has been used since prehistoric times throughout the world. Ancient Egyptian, Indian, Greek, Roman, Aztec, and Chinese civilizations have used mica.

Mica can be naturally found throughout the world. However, some sources of mica may be controversial. In 2016, mica mined in the Jharkhand state in India was found to be using child labor. However, companies are able to source ethical mica affiliated with international organizations that monitor the mica supply chain.

Learn more about Mica

Ethylhexylglycerin

What it does:Skin Conditioning

Community Rating:Mixed

Ethylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.

You might see Ethylhexylglycerin often paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol. Ethylhexylglycerin has been found to increase the effectiveness of these other preservatives.

Tocopheryl Acetate

What it does:Antioxidant, Skin Conditioning

Community Rating:Liked

Tocopheryl Acetate is AKA Vitamin E. It is an antioxidant and protects your skin from free radicals. Free radicals damage the skin by breaking down collagen.

One study found using Tocopheryl Acetate with Vitamin C decreased the number of sunburned cells.

Tocopheryl Acetate is commonly found in both skincare and dietary supplements.

Learn more about Tocopheryl Acetate

Glycerin

What it does:Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Solvent

Community Rating:Loved

Glycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.

A study from 2016 found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.

As a humectant, it helps the skin stay hydrated by pulling moisture to your skin. The low molecular weight of glycerin allows it to pull moisture into the deeper layers of your skin.

Hydrated skin improves your skin barrier; Your skin barrier helps protect against irritants and bacteria.

Glycerin has also been found to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Due to these properties, glycerin is often used in wound and burn treatments.

In cosmetics, glycerin is usually derived from plants such as soybean or palm. However, it can also be sourced from animals, such as tallow or animal fat.

This ingredient is organic, colorless, odorless, and non-toxic.

Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.

Learn more about Glycerin

Peg-8 Methyl Ether Dimethicone

What it does:Cleansing, Skin Conditioning

Peg-8 Methyl Ether Dimethicone is a type of silicone.

Perfluorodecalin

What it does:Skin Conditioning, Solvent

Community Rating:Very Disliked

We don't have a description for Perfluorodecalin.

Glycosphingolipids

What it does:Emollient, Skin Conditioning

Glycosphingolipids are naturally found in the cell membranes of organisms. In animals, they are the major glycolipids found.

Glyolipids help ensure the stability of cell membranes. They also help with cellular recognition, such as allowing cells to form tissues in skin.

Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Extract

What it does:Abrasive, Emollient, Skin Conditioning

Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Extract is an exfoliant.

Yeast Extract

What it does:Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting

Community Rating:Mixed

We don't have a description for Yeast Extract.

Sucrose Palmitate

What it does:Emollient, Emulsifying, Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Sucrose Palmitate.

1,2-Hexanediol

What it does:Skin Conditioning, Solvent

Community Rating:Mixed

1,2-Hexanediol is a multi-tasker ingredient. It acts as a preservative to increase shelf-life and can aid other preservatives in preventing microbe growth. 1,2-Hexanediol also helps the skin retain moisture as a humectant.

In products that are water-based, this ingredient can help stabilize perfumes and fragrances. It can also help make the texture of products softer and more smooth.

Caprylyl Glycol

What it does:Emollient, Humectant, Skin Conditioning

Community Rating:Liked

Caprylyl Glycol is a humectant and emollient, meaning it attracts and preserves moisture.

It is a common ingredient in many products, especially those designed to hydrate skin. The primary benefits are retaining moisture, skin softening, and promoting a healthy skin barrier.

Though Caprylyl Glycol is an alcohol derived from fatty acids, it is not the kind that can dry out skin.

This ingredient is also used as a preservative to extend the life of products. It has slight antimicrobial properties.

Learn more about Caprylyl Glycol

Potassium Sorbate

What it does:Preservative

Community Rating:Disliked

Potassium Sorbate is a preservative used to prevent yeast and mold in products. It is commonly found in both cosmetic and food products.

Potassium sorbate is potassium salt derived from sorbic acid. Sorbic acid is a natural antibiotic and effective against fungus.

Potassium sorbate and sorbic acid can be found in baked goods, cheeses, dried meats, dried fruit, ice cream, pickles, wine, yogurt, and more.

Potassium sorbate is often used with stronger preservatives.

Learn more about Potassium Sorbate

Sodium Benzoate

What it does:Masking, Preservative

Community Rating:Disliked

Sodium Benzoate is a preservative. It's used in both cosmetic and food products to inhibit the growth of mold and bacteria. It is typically produced synthetically.

Both the US FDA and EU Health Committee have approved the use of sodium benzoate. In the US, levels of 0.1% (of the total product) are allowed.

Sodium benzoate works as a preservative by inhibiting the growth of bacteria inside of cells. It prevents the cell from fermenting a type of sugar using an enzyme called phosphofructokinase.

Sodium Benzoate is the salt of benzoic acid. Foods containing sodium benzoate include soda, salad dressings, condiments, fruit juices, wines, and snack foods.

Studies for using ascorbic acid and sodium benzoate in cosmetics are lacking, especially in skincare routines with multiple steps.

We always recommend speaking with a professional, such as a dermatologist, if you have any concerns.

Learn more about Sodium Benzoate

CI 77491

What it does:Cosmetic Colorant

Community Rating:Mixed

Ci 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 77491

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Here's what our community thinks of the 39 ingredients in this product ✨

13%are loved or liked

13%have mixed ratings

56%are disliked or very disliked

18%have no rating yet

Verified by SkinSort

We're dedicated to providing you with the most up-to-date and science-backed ingredient info out there.

The data we've presented on this page has been verified by a member of the SkinSort Team.

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