MAC Mineralize Skinfinish/Natural Might Break You Out!
A word of caution for those with sensitive skin: MAC Mineralize Skinfinish/Natural might break you out! Well… it did for me.
Given that I was impressed with MAC’s Mineralize Loose Foundation, I came in with that same level of mentality when trying out MAC’s Mineralize Skinfinish/Natural. Seriously, I had high hopes for this finishing powder. Yes, it did leave my skin with a natural/matte finish – but unfortunately several days later…I broke out! I was left with breakouts on my cheeks that lingered for weeks.
This product was promptly returned a week later.
The culprit? The ingredients!INGREDIENTS: TALC [] MICA [] DIMETHICONE [] POLYSORBATE 20 [] SIMMONDSIA CHINENSIS (JOJOBA) SEED OIL [] YEAST EXTRACT\FAEX\EXTRAIT DE LEVURE [] TOCOPHERYL ACETATE [] RETINYL PALMITATE [] LAUROYL LYSINE [] ISOPROPYL PALMITATE [] ETHYLHEXYL METHOXYCINNAMATE [] MAGNESIUM ALUMINUM SILICATE [] BHT [] SODIUM DEHYDROACETATE [] PHENOXYETHANOL [] [+/- TITANIUM DIOXIDE (CI 77891) [] IRON OXIDES (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499) [] BLUE 1 LAKE (CI 42090) [] BISMUTH OXYCHLORIDE (CI 77163) [] CARMINE (CI 75470) [] CHROMIUM HYDROXIDE GREEN (CI 77289) [] CHROMIUM OXIDE GREENS (CI 77288) [] FERRIC FERROCYANIDE (CI 77510) [] MANGANESE VIOLET (CI 77742) [] RED 6 (CI 15850) [] RED 7 LAKE (CI 15850) [] ULTRAMARINES (CI 77007) [] YELLOW 5 LAKE (CI 19140) [] YELLOW 6 LAKE (CI 15985)]
Talc, Dimethicone, and Bismuth Oxyhloride (also found in Bare Minerals) = culprits for breakouts!
Has anyone else experienced this as well?
Popularity: 51% [?]
January 16th, 2009 at 2:17 am
I have been wanting to try this..now I really have to look to the ingredients, my skin is quite sensitive !
thanks for this! I want to hear what others have to say 
January 16th, 2009 at 3:20 am
in general a lot of the foundations or powders from MAC break me out
January 16th, 2009 at 5:43 am
Awh, so sorry that this didn’t work out for you! I’ve heard so many good stuff about it
Luckily you can return products where you are. Over here, if a product doesn’t work for you, you’ll have to stick with it
January 17th, 2009 at 9:20 am
Thanks for the review! I find that most MAC face products i.e foundations break me out. Their only exception has been the Studio Fix powder & their blushes, but this is one product I was hoping wouldn't. But I might still try (just one) LOL because the shades are so lovely:)
January 17th, 2009 at 1:07 pm
Askmewhats – It’s definitely a good idea to look at the ingredients before you purchase foundation.
Nikki – I’m sorry to hear about your experience with MAC. I used to use their MAC Studiofix powder and that broke me out like no other.
Connie – They should enforce a return policy where you’re at!
Beauty Parler – Please let us know your experience with this.
January 18th, 2009 at 11:17 pm
It’s the Isopropyl Palmitate thats in it, trust me I know my stuff about acne causing ingredients! I’ve had cystic acne for years and am very careful about pressed anything…they usually have binders like this ingredient that clogs your pores. Now with talc, it depends on the person because talc does nothing to my skin, and bismuth is more of an irritant. Dimethicone is only slightly comeodogenic, so it can cause acne in some people. Oh and I love this blog!!!! Keep up the good work.
January 19th, 2009 at 8:16 pm
Yasmin – Thanks for your input! I was eyeing the Isopropyl Palmitate ingredient. Anyways, bismuth is a no no in my book.
January 20th, 2009 at 10:44 am
I absolutely agree with Yasmin, isopropyl palmitate is bad news!! On a scale from 0-5 on a comedogenic scale (5 being massively pore-clogging)it is a 4
January 20th, 2009 at 4:33 pm
i was about to buy it and the lady was likke “NOOO! you will break out like nuts” she screamed. and suggested me to keep using studio fix.
awe sorry you broke out i am so glad that lady warned me.
it is a pain though . this happened to me with the Smashbox products.
January 24th, 2009 at 2:16 pm
so sorry this broke u out! usually when i see a product with too many ingredients, i usually don’t buy it, just to be safe…
January 29th, 2009 at 12:14 pm
i usually like to reference this site for ingredients: http://zerozits.com/Articles/acnedetect.htm#inglist
it has really helped me when selecting products. i love MAC for their shadows and lips stuff but their foundations have never been winners in my book.
April 16th, 2009 at 8:21 pm
DIMETHICONE is a silicone type thing and it’s like plastic wrap and it holds everything in so that’s probably why your skin broke out. I use it and personally have not had any problems
April 18th, 2009 at 8:28 pm
I too have extremely sensitive skin and tried MAC Mineralize makeup with high hopes. The colors of foundations and blushes are phenomenal. I was so excited. I used the foundation and finishing powder for several weeks and noticed irritation/small breakouts. At first I didn’t put it together (I wanted to use the makeup so badly). Finally I stopped and my face almost completely cleared up, except my cheeks were constantly irritated. Then I realized it was because I continued to use the beautiful mineral blushes. Today I did not wear MAC blush, and my cheeks did not itch. Yes, it broke me out too.
April 18th, 2009 at 11:52 pm
Ann – I’m sorry that MAC Mineralize broke you out too! It’s funny, because a lot of cosmetic companies are coming out with “natural” mineral makeup, but honestly, some have just as many ingredients as regular foundation. Hopefully you found a mineral foundation better suited for your skin.
June 9th, 2009 at 7:47 pm
I use this and love it! My acne has actually gotten better since I started using it; I have no idea why, all I know is that my skin looks better since I got this! Sorry to hear that it didn’t work for you, though.
July 13th, 2009 at 5:54 pm
I just Googled ‘MAC mineralize skinfinish natural breakouts’ and found your blog. I use Studiofix sometimes, and the blot powder regularly with no ill effects. I’ve been hearing such great stuff about the mineralize powder that I bought this last week and boy oh boy. I’ve never had my skin break out like this. Those things are popping one after another.
Love how my face looks with the powder, but I can’t wear it any more – and thanks so much to the commenter above who mentioned the brushes. So now I’ll sterilize mine and hope the store (out here in the Caribbean) accepts returns.
July 13th, 2009 at 10:14 pm
Liane – I’m sorry that the MAC Mineralize skinfinish did not work out for you. Unfortunately, it broke me out. However, StudioFix is a hit or miss in my book. Hopefully, you’ll be able to return the product.
July 31st, 2009 at 11:05 pm
MAC breaks me out as well, BUT I had a photo shoot on Saturday and I discussed my issue with my make-up artist. So we decided to test the MAC make-up over the MAC face primer. I wore the make-up for over 8 hrs. I wipe my face with the Wet Ones Wipettes for your face (I was so tired from the shot to wash my face). A week later my face was still clear. The primer protects your pores from being clogged. Make-up breaks me out so bad that even when I use my face cleansing regimen, I still get occasional break outs in certain areas and the mineral foundations normally leave my face more oily. Try the primer, it may help…
August 2nd, 2009 at 11:02 pm
ThatGlmrsChic – Thanks for the heads up! Honestly, I believe its the bismuth in it that broke me out. It would make sense that the primer can act as a buffer between your skin and foundation. You just got to make sure that the primer is oil free!
September 4th, 2009 at 2:23 pm
I recently bought this MSF and couldn’t wait to try it
after about 3 days my face came up in huge dry rash which is unusual as my skin is usually very oily
i didn’t associate witht the powder and kept using it – it obviously made it even worse!
Todays the first day without wearing it since i bought it and well i’ll have to see if the rash gets any better
September 4th, 2009 at 4:08 pm
Katie – I’m sorry that happened to you. Avoid the product for a week and see if your skin clears up and gets better.
October 24th, 2009 at 7:37 pm
Just bought this product. Thanks everyone for the heads up! I’m going to return it, I don’t want to take any chances.
October 31st, 2009 at 5:36 pm
Thank you for this review. I have ultra sensitive skin and have to be careful what I use. Sorry you had to be the guinea pig for us!
November 4th, 2009 at 10:25 pm
Thanks I already returned mind. That’s one thing I LOVE about MAC they will take it back if you have the receipt or box. It did break me out and I hated it. I did like the product but it just didn’t work for me =(
November 4th, 2009 at 10:30 pm
Dulce – I’m sorry that it did not work out for you. I’m glad I’m not the only one. And yes, thank goodness MAC has an excellent return policy.
November 5th, 2009 at 2:49 pm
I have tried many face products from low to high end and usually I have never had any problems with any of them granted that my skin is sensitive. I have tried super duper hard to love this product, but i simply can not just because it caused me to break out. Keep in mind I hardly ever get pimples, but every time I apply this little bumps appear on my face which makes me feel uncomfortable. Sadly enough I am going to return this product and stick to my bareminerals in which i love dearly.
November 5th, 2009 at 2:52 pm
Bellahoney – I’m sorry that it didn’t work for you as well. Yes, return it. And Bareminerals doesn’t break you out? It broke me out.
November 22nd, 2009 at 6:51 am
am sorry this didn’t work out for you but all the people i know use it without no bother it just depends on your skin type
i cant live without mine
November 22nd, 2009 at 5:10 pm
Jazz – I agree with you. Makeup works differently for everyone – it may work for some, while it may not work with others.
November 29th, 2009 at 2:17 am
I couldn’t figure out what was causing my breakouts for the longest time. Since I dont wear makeup on a daily basis, I kept thinking it was something I was eating or not eating. Now I notice when I use my mac powder even for a couple hours I immediately break out in little red bumps! It’s awful!! Can anyone recommend a good powder that doesn’t irritate the skin?? Help!
November 29th, 2009 at 3:17 pm
Meghan – I’m sorry MAC powder didn’t work out for you. I’m still on the search for my perfect foundation/powder. You might want to look into mineral foundation.
December 5th, 2009 at 11:52 am
Every product I’ve used makeup wise has been MAC for three years, and if anything my breakouts lessened.
Maybe you applied it too heavily, or you are just allergic to an ingredient, I don’t think it’s necessary to say that this product will make everyone break out.
December 6th, 2009 at 7:07 pm
Bethany – You’re lucky that MAC has been working for you. I am not saying that this product will break everyone out, but it might. Again, products work differently for each person.
December 23rd, 2009 at 5:47 pm
I ran out of my bareminerals and now im back to using my studio fix powder which i used back way back when in high school. The studio fix powder has not made me break out, but the mac mineralize skin finish did? hmm… I asked one of the make up artists in the mac counter and he said it might have been one of the ingredients(titanium dioxide)in the mineralize skin finish that made me get little bumps.
December 23rd, 2009 at 7:15 pm
bellahoney – I agree with the MAC makeup artist. Titanium dioxide could be the culprit and possibly even Bismuth.
March 17th, 2010 at 8:44 pm
Everyday Minerals is a great alternative for those looking for foundation that won’t break you out. It doesn’t have bismuth oxychloride (which is really important for me- it makes my skin itch and break out like crazy!). Also, there are different levels of coverage so you can blend products and create your own mix of the perfect color and consistency. For important events I like my Lancome foundation but EDM is fantastic for everyday use (like the name implies!)
March 18th, 2010 at 1:46 am
Amrita – I’m a fan of Everyday Minerals as well =) They have a great shade selection and excellent prices!
April 2nd, 2010 at 10:38 am
I DONT NEED MAKEUP BECAUSE I WAS BORN FLAWLESS
April 20th, 2010 at 11:51 pm
Broke me out too
.. and made my face itch so bad.. going to see if they take returns today.
Tried Maxfactor facefinity compact after that, thats working perfectly
no breakouts and good coverage without looking cakey.
April 21st, 2010 at 12:21 am
simran – I’m sorry it made you break out. But you found something that works for you! =)
April 24th, 2010 at 8:09 pm
I just bought MSF, and I’m afraid I might break-out, for I have sensitive skin as well.
I don’t get all red or inflamed, but I get tiny, white little bumps everywhere, and little pimples too.
I have good skin and just wanted to try something new…I tried Dior Natural Glow Hydrating Makeup a while ago, and it made me break out so bad.
It took a while for my skin to get back to normal! Ugh! lol!
Should I be weary of MAC’s MSF? Or should I try if for a week or so, and see? I’ve been using MAC studio fix forever!!! Never had any problems with it. So just wanted to branch out to their other foundations. We’ll see!
I hope not to break out!
I love this site, very informative!
April 25th, 2010 at 4:20 pm
anna – Try MAC MSF for a week and see how your skin reacts. Some people have no problem with it and some people do. You should check out MAC Mineralize SPF 15 Foundation. I’ve been using it and no breakouts whatsoever! Check out the review here: http://www.fabulessbeauty.com/2010/03/22/mac-mineralize-spf-15-foundation-review/
May 2nd, 2010 at 8:34 pm
My daughter bought Mineralize Spf 15 foundation for her prom. It looked great on her skin, but now (a week later) her skin is breaking out in a rash.
May 2nd, 2010 at 10:19 pm
Sonia – I’m sorry that your daughter is breaking out now. I’m surprised that she broke out from the Cream foundation, since it is water based. She can try returning it for a refund.
June 23rd, 2010 at 4:14 pm
I have this, and the problem I have isn’t breaking out but just that my face goes REALLY oily!!! Worse than when i dont have anything on!!! so i really only use it to give bits of colour on me and i predominantly use studio fix powder cause it works waay better
June 23rd, 2010 at 4:18 pm
Sarah – People react differently to products. I’m sorry that MAC Mineralize Skinfinish made you oily. Since it is a powder, I would think it would help with the oiliness. I hope you returned it.
July 4th, 2010 at 6:56 pm
My Skinfinish Natural broke me out really bad and today i B2M it since i didnt have receipt nor box. I have a question though >> Are any of the ingredients found in skinfinish natural found in the mineralize skinfinish blushes/highlighters such as the ones about to be released (ex. Stereo Rose, Petticoat, etc) ? Please let me know , thanks !!
July 5th, 2010 at 3:05 pm
Carmen – Unfortunately, MAC doesn’t list their ingredients. Your best bet would be to email MAC directly for their ingredient list. If there’s bismuth in it, steer clear away from that product!
July 7th, 2010 at 9:11 pm
Omg.. I am currently going through the worst break out of my life.. I’ve never really had a problem with acne, but man!!! This MAC msf has messed me up… AND!!! i’m just getting the ‘dont pop your acne’ rule… now. i have tons of scarring on my face, on top of that, i have really crazy acne all ofer, even by my eyelids.. isnt that something… cant return it, because ive had it for a bit, but i know for sure, now that it was the msf that was breaking me out… smh..GIRLS BE CAREFUL… its so gross.. i cant even run my fingers over my forehead/cheek/chin/nose without coming over at least 5 zits in an area… omg… any Advice on getting rid of scarring and bumps…???
July 7th, 2010 at 9:39 pm
Ayree – I’m sorry this happened to you! First off, I would stop using MAC MSP now! Secondly, if you have the receipt, return it. And lastly, treat your current acne with an acne wash such as Neutrogena Oil Free Acne wash or any face wash that contains salicylic acid. A topical acne treatment for spot treatment can help clear up your face faster. Hope this helps!
July 30th, 2010 at 7:17 pm
Hi there! I’m so glad I ran into this article! I was thinking of getting this for the longest time…especially that summer’s here. I have combo (dry/oily) skin, have been dealing w. adult acne, and have been a bit skeptical about it bc MAC foundations are soo not for me. I’ve tried the studio fix powder and it’s made me break out. I thought since it was “mineralized” it might be different. I read this 2 days after making my purchase and thought i should just try it out. I’m on my 3rd day and i already have these random pimples all over my face!! Goodness….you were right and i’m soo returning it. Luckily, the foundation i’m currently on is “makeup forever’s HD invisible foundation” and it’s great. I just bought the microfinish powder and I think that’s what i’ll stick with! Thanks for this article!
(PS: Also the girl who sold me this gave me the wrong color….way too dark for me)
July 31st, 2010 at 1:03 pm
Dona – I’m sorry that MSF made you break out. I hope you returned it. However, I love MAC’s Mineralize Cream Foundation – no breakouts! I’m glad you found you found a foundation that works out for you – that’s the difficult part!
August 10th, 2010 at 11:49 pm
I used the Mac Mineralize SPF 15 loose for 2 weeks and my skins looks horrific!! My face is itchy and my cheeks are itchy and i’m getting whiteheads and pimples everywhere. I finally returned it today. I knew there was a reason my I only liked Mac nail polish, brushes, lipstick and nothing else!!!
August 11th, 2010 at 10:44 am
Kim – I’m sorry you experienced that! I hope you returned it!
August 20th, 2010 at 11:59 pm
So weird..I have been trying to find what the ingredients in this stuff because the results I get is the exact opposite!!! I only use this only on the weekends because I go to work only at that time, but when I take it off Sunday night, my skin is gorgeous the next day. But then during the week it goes back to its normal condition. I don’t have bad skin at all, but I am very surprise on how this stuff makes my skin look after I use so now I am trying to figure what is in the product. I went to the counter and the couldn’t really give me much info only the ingredients on the back of the package. Well wish me luck on finding it.
August 22nd, 2010 at 4:19 pm
K.Las – Products work different on everyone. I’m glad that MSF worked out for you. To find out the ingredients of MAC products, email them directly. Hope this helps!
August 31st, 2010 at 4:16 pm
I used the mineral liquid and it broke me out as well. I am very faithful to the studio fix line. I always get compliments on it and alot of people say they cant even tell I have makeup on.
September 2nd, 2010 at 11:27 am
sharon – I’m sorry you experienced breakouts! If you find a product that works well with you, I say just stick to it!
April 13th, 2011 at 12:31 pm
What everyone is failing to realize is that MAC makeup was NOT invented for everyday use for the “everyday” person. It was created for the theater, for the stage. It is stage makeup. This is the reason the pigmentation in all of its blushes, lipsticks, foundations, etc. it so strong; so when actors are on stage the lighting will not wash them out. MAC corporation will NOT tell you this because it makes more money selling to the every day/ household consumer. Just an fyi
April 13th, 2011 at 12:49 pm
“The company’s products were initially specifically designed for professional make-up artists, but are now sold to consumers worldwide.” http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Make-up_Art_Cosmetics
As a result, the formula is not suited to protect, maintain or enhance skin health. The ingedients are formulated to make the skin and features more pronounced. So whichever ingredient, no matter how comedogenic, that will help them reach this goal with be place in the products.
Also, another thing women should keep in mind is, the more perfect a product may make you look, the higher the possibily that the product is very unnautural and can possibly do harm to your body.
April 13th, 2011 at 1:11 pm
melissa0917 – Thanks for your input. Yes, I do agree that MAC was originally designed for makeup artists but it is now more mainstream. And yes, I do agree that some of their products are a bit too heavy for everyday wear. Nevertheless, I do love their products!
July 8th, 2011 at 12:55 pm
Searching “Mineralize Skin finish natural + breakout” led me here..
For the past week I have been having tiny red bumps and uncomfortable patches of dryness along my cheeks and chin. I only started using MSF Natural in June and as I haven’t changed any other aspect of my makeup routine- I guess this is the culprit!
SO disappointing! I love the way it looks- but going from having a completely clear complexion to this is pretty awful!
Any other suggestions for a good setting powder? Currently use MUFE HD foundation and love it!
Also, how long will this awful breakout last? I miss my regular skin….
July 8th, 2011 at 3:06 pm
Caitrin – Hi Caitrin! I’m so sorry that Mineralize Skin finish broke you out! I hope you returned it. As for my personal experience, my breakout lasted two weeks. Those two weeks were horrible.
To answer your question, I currently use Buff’d Mineral Foundation as a setting powder. It can be purchased online and no breakouts! =) Hope this helps!
December 2nd, 2011 at 3:17 am
Wow, that is all I can say. I just found this blog and I am adding it to my bookmarks. Makes sense now. I visit the Mac store probably 2 X’s in a year. I went there in June/July and spent about $250 on products. 3 days later, I had to return their wipes/make up remover because I was breaking out to the point where I had to go see a dermatologist!I started using the mineral powder about a month later and that’s when my face went from bad to worse!!! I broke out SO Bad, nothing would work for me so I went back to see the dermatologist again. I have spent at least $1,000 trying to clear up the acne and blemish I got from using the Mac mineral powder.I took pictures of myself on a daily basis and when I showed them to my friends, the reaction I got was “eww, that is not your face” Yes,it was that bad and I’m still recovering from it. The funny thing is, when I go out, I used this same product to cover up my blemish and by the end of the night, my face starts itching really bad. Never thought it was Mac. Thanks for sharing!
December 2nd, 2011 at 9:05 am
Nana – Oh no! I’m sorry that you experienced breakouts! Trust me, it is never fun. Hopefully, you found a better foundation/powder that works better for you!