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Reading every ingredient in the formula…
Getting you a comprehensive analysis of the product
Reading every ingredient in the formula…
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A high-performing foundation with strong cosmetic claims, but consumers should be aware of conflicting ingredient information and the presence of alcohol and fragrance (per brand's website) which may not suit all skin types.
Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Foundation is a premium-priced product in the Indian market, primarily available through Nykaa. Its claims of long-wear, sweat and humidity resistance, and a matte finish are well-suited for India's tropical and humid climate. The brand's claims are generally within cosmetic boundaries, with several quantified claims backed by consumer perception or clinical studies, which aligns with ASCI guidelines for substantiation.
The Clean Sheet takes no money from brands to analyse, rank, or approve a product. This is a web evidence analysis, not a Clean Sheet certification. We checked the ingredient list, publicly available test reports, marketing claims, and formula logic using only public information available at the time of analysis.
Supported by consumer perception studies and formula logic (blurring silicones).
Claim of 'award-winning' is common marketing. No specific award details provided.
Supported by consumer perception studies (93% agree weightless coverage) and claims of 16-24 hour wear.
Marketing language for a well-formulated product. Matte finish and airbrush effect are plausible due to silicones and silica.
Supported by formula logic (silicones, silica) and consumer perception (95% agree skin looks and feels smoother).
Refers to the inclusion of active ingredients, but their concentration for 'serum-level' benefits is inferred to be low based on INCI position.
Refers to specific active ingredients (REPLEXIUM™, MossCellTec™, C.T. DEFENCE™) but their overall impact as a 'magic matrix' is marketing language.
Specific active percentage disclosed and a time-bound, quantified claim. Brand states 'Wrinkles appear reduced by up to 22%* after 8 weeks of use!' based on clinical results. REPLEXIUM™ is a trademarked ingredient.
Brand states 'Skin moisture levels boosted by 2X in 1 hour!' and 'Skin is 3X more hydrated after 1 hour!' based on clinical results. MossCellTec™ is a trademarked ingredient.
C.T. DEFENCE™ is a trademarked ingredient. General research on peptides for anti-pollution exists, but specific finished product evidence for this claim is not detailed.
Checked against the ingredient list as declared. It is not a substitute for a full regulatory assessment.
How we read this product across five areas. Open any row for the full reasoning.
Alcohol: Solvent · Used as a solvent and can contribute to a quick-drying, lightweight feel, but may be drying for some skin types if in high concentration.
Menthyl Pca: Active · A menthol derivative that provides a cooling sensation, contributing to the 'Aircool Technology' claim.
The foundation's formula is rich in silicones and film-formers, which strongly support its claims of full coverage, smooth, blurred, poreless finish, and long-wear properties, including resistance to sweat and humidity. Humectants like Glycerin provide initial hydration. While several 'skincare' actives are included, their low position in the INCI suggests they contribute more to the marketing story than to significant, long-term treatment-level benefits. The presence of alcohol, though lower in the list, is a consideration for sensitive or dry skin.
While the formula contains several 'skincare' actives (Menthyl PCA, Marrubium Vulgare Extract, Glycogen, Tocopheryl Acetate, Isomalt, Phytol), many are listed after the preservative Phenoxyethanol, suggesting concentrations below 1%. This weakens the ambition of claims like 'Phytoyouth Essence: Hydrates, plumps, and revitalizes while targeting visible signs of aging' to deliver significant long-term anti-aging benefits from a foundation. The '7-in-1 miracle' claim is also an overreach without specific substantiation.
Worth knowing: Alcohol is present in the ingredient list, which can be drying or irritating for some sensitive skin types, especially with regular use..
Strongest public evidence: level 4 of 7. Delivers on its promise of a smooth, blurred, full-coverage, and long-lasting matte finish, well-suited for humid conditions.
FLAWLESS, PORELESS LOOKING skin: Supported by consumer perception studies and formula logic (blurring silicones).
stay all day, weightless, full coverage: Supported by consumer perception studies (93% agree weightless coverage) and claims of 16-24 hour wear.
SMOOTHING, PORE-BLURRING AIRBRUSH EFFECTS: Supported by formula logic (silicones, silica) and consumer perception (95% agree skin looks and feels smoother).
23 marketing claims checked. 0 ASCI concern(s), 0 drug-boundary flag(s).
Active percentages for most 'skincare' ingredients are not disclosed, except for 2% REPLEXIUM™ (found on brand website, not in provided INCI).
The provided INCI from INCIDecoder states 'fragrance & essential-oil free', which contradicts the INCI found on the brand's official website that lists 'Parfum (Fragrance)' and fragrance allergens. This discrepancy creates confusion regarding the product's actual formulation.
Daily use as a makeup base, suitable for special occasions requiring long-lasting coverage.
Pairs well with hydrating primers for less dry skin types. Can be set with powder for extended wear, though its matte finish may not always require it. Avoid layering with other strong actives if skin is sensitive due to alcohol content.
Smooth, blurred, matte, full-coverage finish with a lightweight feel and a cooling sensation.
Improved appearance of skin texture and fine lines over time, with consistent use, as suggested by clinical claims for REPLEXIUM™ and hydration.
No sourced pregnancy flags were found for the ingredients screened. This is not proof that the product is safe during pregnancy. Exposure category: unknown. Ingredients not resolved: Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Butylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Trisiloxane, Bis-Hydroxyethoxypropyl Dimethicone/Ipdi Copolymer Ethylcarbamate, Quaternium-90 Bentonite, Calcium Sodium Borosilicate, Di-C12-13 Alkyl Tartrate, Sorbitan Isostearate, Alcohol, Saccharomyces Ferment, Menthyl Pca, Marrubium Vulgare Extract, Dextrin Palmitate, Alumina, Polyphenylsilsesquioxane, C20-24 Olefin, Propylene Carbonate, Glycogen, Isomalt and Phytol. Ask a healthcare professional.
None is prohibited.
30ml · from Rs.4335 on Nykaa (discounted) (Rs.144.5/ml). Seen at Nykaa Rs.4335 and Charlotte Tilbury Official Website Approx. Rs.4150 (USD 50).
7 of 10 claims are publicly supported; 3 need proof.
People to take care with: Very dry or sensitive skin; Prefer a dewy finish; React to alcohol in cosmetics.
Analysed on 4 Nov 2026 from INKEE Decoder. Another INKEE Decoder page (31 ingredients) lists a different ingredient list; this analysis used the most complete one. We re-check analyses older than six months.
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Meets our review criteria
Available evidence supports the criteria assessed under The Clean Sheet Standard.
Further verification needed
Some assessment criteria require additional evidence or clarification.
Does not meet review criteria
One or more material criteria were not met based on the evidence reviewed. See assessment details.
Not yet assessed
We have not completed an assessment of this product.
Grey means we have not yet assessed this product. It does not mean the product is unsafe.
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