MAC Cosmetics Studio Fix Soft Matte Foundation Stick Review

MAC Cosmetics Studio Fix Soft Matte Foundation Stick
2.0
/ 10
Moisturizing
2.3 Humectancy icon Humectancy
1.8 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
Review

Does MAC Cosmetics Studio Fix Soft Matte Foundation Stick Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what MAC Cosmetics Studio Fix Soft Matte Foundation Stick has to offer:
 
✅ Light moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 2.0 out of 10.

  

Key Benefits of MAC Cosmetics Studio Fix Soft Matte Foundation Stick

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using MAC Cosmetics Studio Fix Soft Matte Foundation Stick:
 

🔵 Slight Moisturizing When Used Alone

According to CreamScan analysis, MAC Cosmetics Studio Fix Soft Matte Foundation Stick is lightly moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 2.0 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? This product has relatively comparable levels of Humectancy and Occlusivity: a low Humectancy of 2.3 out of 10 and a low Occlusivity of 1.8 out of 10.

This type of product provides relatively light moisturizing on its own but can contribute to overall moisturizing efficacy when used as part of a skincare routine, alongside another moisturizer.

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the moisturizing rating calculation.

📌 Please note that this is not a complete list of benefits. We are in the process of enhancing our AI model to incorporate anti-pigmentation, exfoliation and anti-acne ratings.

Things to Be Aware Of: MAC Cosmetics Studio Fix Soft Matte Foundation Stick

 
CreamScan AI identified a few things to consider before adding MAC Cosmetics Studio Fix Soft Matte Foundation Stick to your skincare routine:
 

⚠️ As a Standalone Moisturizer, It Has Relatively Low Moisturizing Potential

If you use MAC Cosmetics Studio Fix Soft Matte Foundation Stick for moisturizing purposes, please keep in mind that it provides relatively light moisturizing on its own, and, more importantly, it’s not optimal for any skin type.

On one hand, it has low occlusivity, which suits oily and combination skin. On the other hand, it has a low estimated concentration of humectants, which are essential for effective moisturizing of all skin types, including oily skin.

Therefore, if used as a standalone moisturizer, this product should be paired with a humectant-rich moisturizer for optimal skin hydration.

⚠️ Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy

If one of your main reasons for choosing MAC Cosmetics Studio Fix Soft Matte Foundation Stick is its potential anti-aging effects, please note that, according to CreamScan analysis, it currently has a zero anti-wrinkle rating.

It contains Ascorbyl Palmitate, an ingredient often marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of Ascorbyl Palmitate provide insufficient evidence of its efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards.

While this does not categorically rule out the possibility that Ascorbyl Palmitate may reduce wrinkles, its efficacy is not supported by convincing, vehicle-controlled, double-blind clinical studies - at least none that were available to the CreamScan team at the time of publication.

Therefore, this ingredient does not generate the anti-wrinkle rating.

📌 Moisturizers, when used regularly, are proven to prevent wrinkle formation and even reduce existing wrinkles. Therefore, this product, like any other moisturizer, can deliver some anti-wrinkle effects through its moisturizing action.

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the anti-wrinkle rating calculation.

Pros & Cons of MAC Cosmetics Studio Fix Soft Matte Foundation Stick

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of MAC Cosmetics Studio Fix Soft Matte Foundation Stick to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

🟩 Pros:

Provides relatively light moisturizing on its own but can contribute to the moisturizing efficacy of any skincare routine
 

⭕ Cons: 

⚠️ Minimal moisturizing efficacy, even for oily skin - something to keep in mind if this is the only moisturizer in your routine
⚠️ Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy
   

Summary: MAC Cosmetics Studio Fix Soft Matte Foundation Stick

 
Based on the ingredient list analysis, CreamScan AI suggests that MAC Cosmetics Studio Fix Soft Matte Foundation Stick
, as a moisturizer, provides relatively light hydration on its own but can enhance the moisturizing efficacy of any skincare routine.
 
That said, there are some things about MAC Cosmetics Studio Fix Soft Matte Foundation Stick worth noting.
 
If you use MAC Cosmetics Studio Fix Soft Matte Foundation Stick as your primary moisturizer, please keep in mind that it provides only light hydration, which isn’t actually ideal for any skin type. While its low occlusivity may work for oily and combination skin, it lacks sufficient humectants, which are vital for effective hydration of any skin type. Therefore, for optimal moisturizing results, it should be paired with a humectant-rich moisturizer.
 
If one of your main reasons for considering MAC Cosmetics Studio Fix Soft Matte Foundation Stick is its potential anti-aging effects, please note that, according to CreamScan analysis, its anti-wrinkle efficacy is questionable. None of the ingredients in this product provide substantial evidence of their anti-wrinkle efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards.
 
❗️ Fact check. At CreamScan, we are committed to accuracy and fairness. If you spot any errors or something that doesn’t seem right, please click here to let us know. We regularly update the ingredient lists and monitor the latest research on ingredient efficacy to ensure that our information remains as complete and precise as possible.

 

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
40
22
11
6
4
3
2
1.5
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Octyldodecanol
Function:
Origin:
Polyethylene
Function:
Origin:
Isohexadecane
Function:
Origin:
Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer
Function:
Origin:
Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2
Function:
Origin:
Phenyl Trimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Aluminum Hydroxide
Function:
Origin:
Arachidyl Propionate
Function:
Origin:
VP/Hexadecene Copolymer
Function:
Origin:
Microcrystalline Wax
Function:
Origin:
Tocopheryl Acetate
Function:
Origin:
Ascorbyl Palmitate
Function:
Origin:
Lauroyl Lysine
Function:
Origin:
Caprylyl Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Propionic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Tocopherol
Function:
Origin:
Mica
Function:
Origin:
Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)
Function:
Origin:
Iron Oxides (CI 77491)
Function:
Origin:
Iron Oxides (CI 77492)
Function:
Origin:
Iron Oxides (CI 77499)
Function:
Origin:
Bismuth Oxychloride (CI 77163)
Function:
Origin:
Blue 1 Lake (CI 42090)
Function:
Origin:
Chromium Hydroxide Green (CI 77289)
Function:
Origin:
Chromium Oxide Greens (CI 77288)
Function:
Origin:
Ferric Ferrocyanide (CI 77510)
Function:
Origin:
Manganese Violet (CI 77742)
Function:
Origin:
Red 6 (CI 15850)
Function:
Origin:
Red 21 (CI 45380)
Function:
Origin:
Red 27 (CI 45410)
Function:
Origin:
Red 7 Lake (CI 15850)
Function:
Origin:
Red 28 Lake (CI 45410)
Function:
Origin:
Red 30 Lake (CI 73360)
Function:
Origin:
Red 33 Lake (CI 17200)
Function:
Origin:
Ultramarines (CI 77007)
Function:
Origin:
Yellow 5 Lake (CI 19140)
Function:
Origin:
Yellow 6 Lake (CI 15985)
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
2.3
2
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
3.6
3.0
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
2.0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 2.3 10
2.3
2
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 3.6 20
1.8
3.0
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
2.0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
2
0.3
All humectants 2.3 10
2.3
All humectants
2.3
2
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
3
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 3.6 20
1.8
All occlusives
3.6
3.0
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
0
Ascorbyl Palmitate
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 0.9 3 No
All antioxidants
0.9
Tocopheryl Acetate
0.3
Ascorbyl Palmitate
0.3
Tocopherol
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
None
All soothing 0 5 No
All soothing
0
None
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Octyldodecanol
Est. %40
Function
Origin
OctyldodecanolAn emollient fatty alcohol that spreads easily without leaving a greasy residue on the skin. It is also used as a solvent and dispersing agent for other ingredients.
Polyethylene
Est. %22
Function
Origin
PolyethyleneCommonly used in dense plastic packaging, its primary function in skincare is as a film-forming agent, which protects the product from being easily rinsed away by water or sweat. It also controls viscosity by increasing the thickness of oily products.
Isohexadecane
Est. %11
Function
Origin
IsohexadecaneA clear, colorless liquid that is commonly used as an emollient. It is made up of pure hydrocarbons and leaves a dry feeling on the skin upon application. It also increases the spreadability of a product.
Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer
Est. %6
Function
Origin
Methyl Methacrylate CrosspolymerA synthetic ingredient that is used for bulking, film-forming, and controlling viscosity. It can absorb large amounts of water and oil and creates a network for other ingredients to live in.
Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2An emollient ester that is used as a non-animal substitute for lanolin. Similar to lanolin, it melts at body temperature, making it ideal for use in body butters, lip balms, and ointments.
Phenyl Trimethicone
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Phenyl TrimethiconeA silicone fluid that is used as an occlusive moisturizer. It applies smoothly to the skin and reduces the tack associated with organic oils.
Aluminum Hydroxide
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Aluminum HydroxideA white mineral powder, also known as alumina, that is derived from aluminum metal. It is frequently used as an abrasive in exfoliating products and as a thickener. Aluminum oxide is also a great opacifier.
Arachidyl Propionate
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Arachidyl Propionate
VP/Hexadecene Copolymer
Est. %1
Function
Origin
VP/Hexadecene Copolymer
Microcrystalline Wax
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Microcrystalline WaxA white, highly purified, solid substance consisting of petroleum hydrocarbons. It is used in skincare as a strong occlusive and emollient similar to Petrolatum, and also as a formula helper that thickens and stabilizes the product.
Tocopheryl Acetate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tocopheryl Acetate

An antioxidant derivative of tocopherol (vitamin E). It helps to protect cells from free radicals and UV damage through the conversion to active vitamin E in the skin. It is more stable than tocopherol.

Ascorbyl Palmitate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ascorbyl PalmitateA form of vitamin C derived from ascorbic acid and palmitic acid. It is more stable and less irritating than ascorbic acid. Unfortunately, Ascorbyl Palmitate lacks the studies to prove its anti-wrinkle efficacy.
Lauroyl Lysine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Lauroyl LysineA synthetic insoluble powder that improves the texture of a product, leaving the skin silky smooth and absorbing oils and sweat.
Caprylyl Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Caprylyl GlycolAn emollient that improves product spreadability and offers a silky feel on the skin. It also acts as a preservative booster that improves the efficacy of other preservatives. According to the manufacturer, it is also a humectant moisturizer.
Propionic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Propionic Acid
Tocopherol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tocopherol

Simply another name for vitamin E. Tocopherol is a fantastic ingredient and especially beneficial for dry and inflamed skin. It has occlusive moisturizing, emollient, antioxidant, and photoprotective properties.

Mica
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
MicaA mineral powder made up of silicates with several functions (the main one being as a colorant). It has a shimmery appearance, making it highly desirable in certain cosmetic products. Mica also helps the product to apply more smoothly.
Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)One of two the most commonly used mineral sunscreens. It can absorb UV light, including UVB – which causes burning, tanning, and even skin cancer. Also used as a colorant, titanium dioxide gives a product a bright white color.
Iron Oxides (CI 77491)
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Iron Oxides (CI 77491)A red colorant also known as red iron oxide. This is an EU-approved colorant used in a wide variety of products.
Iron Oxides (CI 77492)
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Iron Oxides (CI 77492)Also known as iron (III) oxide, this ingredient is a yellow-colored pigment that can either be derived from minerals or produced synthetically. It adds yellow tones to cosmetic products.
Iron Oxides (CI 77499)
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Iron Oxides (CI 77499)A black colorant also known as black iron oxide used in a wide range of skincare products.
Bismuth Oxychloride (CI 77163)
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Bismuth Oxychloride (CI 77163)An inorganic colorant that gives off a pearly white sheen. Its appearance is a result of light reflecting and refracting through the layers it forms.
Blue 1 Lake (CI 42090)
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Blue 1 Lake (CI 42090)
Chromium Hydroxide Green (CI 77289)
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Chromium Hydroxide Green (CI 77289)
Chromium Oxide Greens (CI 77288)
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Chromium Oxide Greens (CI 77288)
Ferric Ferrocyanide (CI 77510)
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ferric Ferrocyanide (CI 77510)
Manganese Violet (CI 77742)
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Manganese Violet (CI 77742)
Red 6 (CI 15850)
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Red 6 (CI 15850)
Red 21 (CI 45380)
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Red 21 (CI 45380)
Red 27 (CI 45410)
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Red 27 (CI 45410)
Red 7 Lake (CI 15850)
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Red 7 Lake (CI 15850)
Red 28 Lake (CI 45410)
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Red 28 Lake (CI 45410)
Red 30 Lake (CI 73360)
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Red 30 Lake (CI 73360)
Red 33 Lake (CI 17200)
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Red 33 Lake (CI 17200)
Ultramarines (CI 77007)
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ultramarines (CI 77007)
Yellow 5 Lake (CI 19140)
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Yellow 5 Lake (CI 19140)
Yellow 6 Lake (CI 15985)
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Yellow 6 Lake (CI 15985)