Ingredient Substitution Tables
BeAuTY: A Chemical Analysis
Ingredient Substitution Tables
Product Name and Brand: Foundation
Active Ingredient
Substitution for Active Ingredient
Reason for Substitution
octinoxate
zinc oxide
Safer
octisalate
avobenzone
absorb the full spectrum of UVA rays
Cyclopentasiloxane
phenyl trimethicone
is a better anti-foaming agent
Dimethicone
Trifluoropropyldimethyl
Works the same just is more organic which could mean safer to use
Trimethylsiloxysilicate
Silica Silylate
Safer, more powerful
Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Silica Dimethyl Silylate
It is safer and not so much of it is used in products
Titanium Dioxide
zinc oxide
Safer, more powerful, more organic
Inactive Ingredient
Substitution for Inactive Ingredient
Reason for Substitution
Talc
pyroxene
Talc is used in many cosmetic products, including foundation, as an anti-caking agent. It has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration as an anti-caking agent in foods and has been proven to be safe for use as directed.
Silica
Glycolic Acid
Silica is a mild abrasive so it can be irritating to the skin when applied through products like foundation depending on its location in the ingredients list. Silica is also a desiccant which means it is used as a moisture absorbing agent to keep it fresh in the package. Another benefit to this quality of silica is that it absorbs unwanted excess oils from the face when applied, however some users find that it does it job too well and dries out their face.
Nylon 12
Glycolic Acid
The safety of nylon polymers including nylon 12 have been reviewed by the Cosmetic Ingredients Review and were deemed safe to use in cosmetic and personal care products. Nylon resins have also been reviewed by the Food and Drug Administration and concluded safe to use as indirect food additives.
Polymethylmethacrylate
Methyl methacrylate
More organic; not handmade
Butylene Glycol
propylene glycol
Organic; requires less in products than butylene
Boron Nitride,
zinc oxide
More powerful
Ingredient Substitution Tables
Product Name and Brand: Foundation
Active Ingredient
Substitution for Active Ingredient
Reason for Substitution
octinoxate
zinc oxide
Safer
octisalate
avobenzone
absorb the full spectrum of UVA rays
Cyclopentasiloxane
phenyl trimethicone
is a better anti-foaming agent
Dimethicone
Trifluoropropyldimethyl
Works the same just is more organic which could mean safer to use
Trimethylsiloxysilicate
Silica Silylate
Safer, more powerful
Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Silica Dimethyl Silylate
It is safer and not so much of it is used in products
Titanium Dioxide
zinc oxide
Safer, more powerful, more organic
Inactive Ingredient
Substitution for Inactive Ingredient
Reason for Substitution
Talc
pyroxene
Talc is used in many cosmetic products, including foundation, as an anti-caking agent. It has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration as an anti-caking agent in foods and has been proven to be safe for use as directed.
Silica
Glycolic Acid
Silica is a mild abrasive so it can be irritating to the skin when applied through products like foundation depending on its location in the ingredients list. Silica is also a desiccant which means it is used as a moisture absorbing agent to keep it fresh in the package. Another benefit to this quality of silica is that it absorbs unwanted excess oils from the face when applied, however some users find that it does it job too well and dries out their face.
Nylon 12
Glycolic Acid
The safety of nylon polymers including nylon 12 have been reviewed by the Cosmetic Ingredients Review and were deemed safe to use in cosmetic and personal care products. Nylon resins have also been reviewed by the Food and Drug Administration and concluded safe to use as indirect food additives.
Polymethylmethacrylate
Methyl methacrylate
More organic; not handmade
Butylene Glycol
propylene glycol
Organic; requires less in products than butylene
Boron Nitride,
zinc oxide
More powerful