
Makeup · Concealer · Luxury
We put NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer through our full ingredient analysis.
Chapter I · The Score
After analyzing 11 ingredients across four dimensions, our algorithm returned a verdict that surprised us.
Overall
Conditionally Approved
Chapter II · The Ingredients
We scored every ingredient individually. Some impressed us. Others raised serious questions.
Dimethicone
Provides a silky skin feel, but is ecologically concerning due to its poor biodegradability.
PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
This PEG compound can make the skin barrier more permeable to pollutants and is poorly biodegradable.
PEG-10 Dimethicone
A synthetic PEG-based emulsifier that can weaken the skin's natural protective function.
Polymethyl Methacrylate
Considered a solid microplastic and represents a persistent burden on the environment.
Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
A synthetic polymer important for texture, but hardly biodegradable.
Phenoxyethanol
A preservative that can cause irritation in higher concentrations or on very sensitive skin.
Trisodium EDTA
A chelating agent that harms the environment as it binds heavy metals and is hardly biodegradable in wastewater treatment plants.
Sodium Metabisulfite
This antioxidant can trigger allergic reactions in asthmatics or sensitive individuals.
Tocopheryl Acetate
A stable form of Vitamin E that strengthens the skin barrier and protects against free radicals.
Ci 77163 (Bismuth Oxychloride)
A shimmering pigment that can occasionally cause itching or irritation in sensitive skin.
Ci 42090 (Blue 1 Lake)
A synthetic dye widely used in cosmetics, but considered ecologically critical.
Full ingredient list
Aqua (Water), Dimethicone, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Propanediol, Butylene Glycol, PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Glycerin, Disteardimonium Hectorite, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Bis-Butyldimethicone Polyglyceryl-3, Sorbitan Sesquiisostearate, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Phenoxyethanol, Isostearic Acid, Polysilicone-2, Aluminum Hydroxide, Maltodextrin, Trisodium EDTA, Lecithin, Silica, Tin Oxide, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Tocopheryl Acetate, Sodium Metabisulfite, Magnolia Officinalis (Magnolia Officinalis Bark Extract), Tocopherol, Vitis Vinifera, [Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Extract], Mica, Ci 77891 (Titanium Dioxide), Ci 77491 (Iron Oxides), Ci 77492 (Iron Oxides), Ci 77499 (Iron Oxides), Ci 77163 (Bismuth Oxychloride), Ci 42090 (Blue 1 Lake), Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Chapter III · The Deep Dive
The NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer is a liquid make-up product primarily used to cover blemishes and dark circles, as well as to highlight specific facial areas. It is a classic, silicone-based formulation with pigments and skin-caring extracts.
While the formulation is functionally very sophisticated, it contains a high concentration of silicones and synthetic polymers, as well as PEGs. While these substances are usually well-tolerated by the skin, they pose a burden on the environment.
| Ingredient | Rating | Function & Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Aqua (Water) | 🟢 | Solvent and base of the product. |
| Dimethicone | 🟡 | Silicone oil, provides a silky texture and smoothness, not biodegradable. |
| Propanediol / Butylene Glycol | 🟢 | Solvents and moisturizing active ingredients. |
| PEG-9 / PEG-10 Dimethicone | 🟡 | PEG-based emulsifiers, can temporarily make the skin's barrier function more permeable. |
| Glycerin | 🟢 | Effective humectant that protects the skin from drying out. |
| Polymethyl Methacrylate | 🟡 | Synthetic polymer (plastic), serves as a blurring agent and film-former. |
| Bis-Butyldimethicone Polyglyceryl-3 | 🟢 / 🟡 | A silicone derivative that serves as an emulsifier and skin-conditioning agent. |
| Phenoxyethanol | 🟡 | A common preservative that can be irritating in high concentrations. |
| Maltodextrin | 🟢 | A plant-derived carbohydrate that acts as a stabilizer and skin-conditioning agent. |
| Tocopheryl Acetate / Tocopherol | 🟢 | Vitamin E and its derivative, have antioxidant and nourishing effects. |
| Magnolia Officinalis Bark Extract | 🟢 | Magnolia bark extract, has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. |
| Vitis Vinifera Seed Extract | 🟢 | Grape seed extract, a strong antioxidant that protects the skin. |
| Trisodium EDTA | 🟡 | A chelating agent that increases stability but is poorly biodegradable in the environment. |
| Sodium Metabisulfite | 🟡 | A preservative and antioxidant that can trigger allergies in very sensitive individuals. |
| Ci 77891 (Titanium Dioxide) | 🟢 | A mineral white pigment that provides coverage. |
The ecological balance of this product should be viewed critically, as many synthetic components are included.
Conclusion: The concealer offers excellent performance in terms of blendability and finish due to its silicone-based structure. The included extracts (magnolia, grape seed) enhance the formulation but cannot fully compensate for the ecological disadvantages of the synthetic film-formers.
Recommendation:
High Concern — Flagged Ingredient
Trisodium EDTA
A chelating agent that harms the environment as it binds heavy metals and is hardly biodegradable in wastewater treatment plants.
Chapter IV · The Verdict
NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer earns a 65/100 from our algorithm. A good score with some areas worth reviewing before purchase.