Can’t Stop Won’t Stop Setting Powder
Can’t Stop Won’t Stop Setting Powder
Product Description
Product overview
A featherlight loose setting powder that absorbs oil and locks in your makeup for an all-day smooth, matte finish. Available in six universally flattering shades that extend across multiple skin tones without cakiness, ashiness, or dryness. Talc-free, vegan, and cruelty-free.
Featherlight Formula
Ultra-lightweight texture that feels like wearing nothing on the skin. No heaviness, no cakiness, just a barely-there veil of soft-focus finish.
Texture & feel
SENSORYFeatherlight Formula
Ultra-lightweight texture that feels like wearing nothing on the skin. No heaviness, no cakiness, just a barely-there veil of soft-focus finish.
Oil-Absorbing Power
Aluminum starch octenylsuccinate and alumina work together to absorb excess oil throughout the day, keeping your T-zone shine-free for hours.
No Ashiness or White Cast
Six universally flattering shades that blend seamlessly into all skin tones without leaving a chalky, ashy, or ghostly appearance.
All-Day Wear
Sets makeup in place with no transfer and no smudging. Extends the wear of foundation and concealer from morning to night.
Soft-Focus Blur
Nylon-12 microspheres scatter light to blur fine lines and pores while keeping the skin looking natural and not overly powdered.
Clean & Vegan
100% vegan formula with no animal-derived ingredients. PETA certified cruelty-free. Free from talc, parabens, fragrances, and oils.
Safety & compatibility
SAFEContains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreens. All ingredients are considered safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Free from ferments, fatty acids, esters, polysorbates, and oils that feed the Malassezia yeast. Verified fungal acne safe by SkinSort and INCIDecoder analysis.
Minimal pore-clogging risk. The oil-free, talc-free formula uses non-comedogenic absorbents like aluminum starch octenylsuccinate and alumina.
No added fragrances, common allergens, parabens, or sulfates. Free from the top allergy-causing ingredients per SkinSAFE standards.
No animal-derived ingredients or by-products. PETA certified cruelty-free — not tested on animals at any stage of production.
Some ingredients (alumina) may potentially worsen itching or irritation for those with active eczema. Patch test recommended for very sensitive or eczema-prone skin.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSAluminum Starch OctenylsuccinateKey Ingredient
A modified starch that serves as the primary oil-absorbing and anti-caking agent in this formula. It gives the powder its featherlight, velvety texture and excellent spreadability while controlling shine throughout the day.
- Function: Absorbent, anti-caking agent, thickener
- Benefits: Superior oil absorption, smooth application, long-lasting matte finish
- Safety: Non-comedogenic, considered safe for all skin types
Nylon-12Texture Enhancer
A polymer microsphere that creates the silky, elegant texture of this powder. Each tiny spherical particle scatters light to blur fine lines and pores while letting enough light through for a natural-looking finish.
- Function: Light-diffusing, texture-smoothing, slip agent
- Benefits: Soft-focus blur effect, silky application, reduces visible pores
- Note: Not silica-based — avoids the slippery, creasing feel common in some powders
Zinc StearateBinding Agent
The most commonly used binding agent in powder cosmetics. It gives excellent adhesion, helping the powder stick to the skin on application and stay in place throughout the day without caking or sliding.
- Function: Binding agent, skin adhesion, lubricant
- Typical usage: 3–10% in powder formulations
- Benefits: Transfer-proof wear, smooth blending, prevents powder from becoming patchy
Trimethylsiloxyphenyl DimethiconeSilicone
A specialized silicone that provides a smooth, non-greasy skin feel and helps the powder glide on evenly. Creates a protective, breathable layer that enhances the wear time of your base makeup underneath.
- Function: Emollient, skin-conditioning, slip agent
- Benefits: Prevents dryness, smooth application, comfortable wear
- Safety: Non-comedogenic silicone that does not clog pores
AluminaMattifier
Aluminum oxide — a multi-functional ingredient used as a pigment carrier, absorbent, and mattifying agent. Helps coat and disperse color pigments evenly while adding extra oil-absorption power to the formula.
- Function: Absorbent, mattifier, pigment carrier
- Benefits: Enhanced oil control, even pigment distribution, smooth finish
- Note: Also used in mineral sunscreens to coat UV filter particles
8 ingredients (+ may contain colorants)
Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate, Water/Aqua/Eau, Nylon-12, Zinc Stearate, Trimethylsiloxyphenyl Dimethicone, Alumina, Caprylyl Glycol, Phenoxyethanol. May Contain/Peut Contenir (+/-): Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499), Mica, Yellow 5 Lake (CI 19140).
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEApply after foundation and concealer to lock everything in place. Pairs perfectly with the NYX Can't Stop Won't Stop Foundation and Contour Concealer for a complete matte look. Can also be used on bare skin to control oil.
How to use
HOW TO USEApply Foundation & Concealer
Complete your base makeup first. Allow foundation and concealer to set for about 30 seconds before applying powder.
Dispense a Small Amount
Twist open the jar and lightly tap powder into the lid. The built-in sifter helps control product dispensing. A little goes a long way.
Bake or Dust
For baking: Use a damp sponge to press powder under eyes and cheekbones. Let sit 3–5 minutes, then dust off excess. For setting: Use a fluffy brush to lightly dust over the entire face.
Focus on the T-Zone
Concentrate extra product along the T-zone (forehead, nose, chin) where oil tends to break through first. Blend outward for a seamless finish.
Touch Up Throughout the Day
Carry with you for midday touch-ups. Press gently onto any shiny areas with a puff or brush to instantly refresh your matte finish.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You have oily or combination skin that gets shiny throughout the day
- You want a talc-free, vegan, and cruelty-free setting powder
- You need a fungal acne safe formula for acne-prone skin
- You prefer a lightweight, barely-there feel that is not heavy or cakey
- You want a sheer, buildable powder with subtle color tint options
- You are looking for an affordable drugstore powder that performs like high-end
- You want to bake under eyes for a bright, crease-free finish
Consider alternatives if:
- You have very dry skin and need a hydrating, dewy finish powder
- You want full coverage from your setting powder alone
- You prefer a larger size container — this is only 0.21 oz / 6g
- You have active eczema or extremely reactive skin (patch test first)
- You want a pressed compact for easier on-the-go application
- You need a warm-toned powder — some shades lean slightly cool
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESThis powder was made for oily skin. Aluminum starch and alumina aggressively absorb excess sebum, keeping shine at bay for hours. The matte finish is long-lasting without looking dry or flat.
Perfect for targeting the oily T-zone while leaving drier cheeks alone. The lightweight formula does not overdry areas that do not need mattifying.
Works well as a general setting powder. Use a light hand for a natural finish rather than a flat-matte look. Great for extending foundation wear time.
May emphasize dry patches or flakiness if applied heavily. Use sparingly and only where needed (T-zone, under eyes). Pair with a hydrating primer and moisturizer underneath.
Fragrance-free, paraben-free, and hypoallergenic-friendly. The minimal ingredient list reduces irritation risk. Patch test recommended for highly reactive or eczema-prone skin.
Non-comedogenic (1/5 rating), fungal acne safe, oil-free, and fragrance-free. One of the cleanest setting powder formulas available for breakout-prone skin.
Results timeline
10+ HOURSInstant Matte Finish
Skin immediately appears smoother, shine-free, and softly blurred. Foundation and concealer are locked in with a comfortable, velvety feel. No cakiness or heaviness.
95% noticed immediatelyOil Control Holds Strong
T-zone remains matte and makeup shows no signs of transfer or fading. Under-eye concealer stays crease-free. The lightweight feel continues throughout the morning.
88% noticed at this stageMidday Touch-Up May Be Needed
Very oily skin types may begin to see slight shine breakthrough in the T-zone. A quick touch-up with a puff restores the matte finish instantly. Normal and combination skin still looks fresh.
75% still satisfied without touch-upExtended Wear with Touch-Up
With one midday touch-up, makeup remains intact and presentable through a long workday or evening event. Foundation has not separated or broken down underneath.
70% reported all-day satisfactionRatings by platform
10K+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Featherlight formula that feels like wearing nothing on skin
- Excellent oil absorption — keeps T-zone matte for hours
- Does not crease under the eyes when used for baking
- No cakiness, ashiness, or drying effect on any skin tone
- Vegan, cruelty-free, talc-free, and fragrance-free
- Fungal acne and pregnancy safe — clean minimal formula
- Affordable drugstore price with professional-quality results
- Brightening effect especially in Banana and Light shades
Criticized
- Very small container (0.21 oz / 6g) — runs out fast for daily users
- Packaging sifter can be messy and wastes product
- Only 6 shades — limited range for deeper skin tones
- Some shades lean slightly cool and can appear pasty if over-applied
- Not ideal for very dry skin — can emphasize flaky patches
- Loose powder format is not travel-friendly compared to pressed options
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPES
Available in more shades with similar oil-absorbing performance. Slightly less finely milled texture but comparable matte finish. Contains mineral-based formula. Larger product size for less money.
Completely translucent — works on all skin tones. Massive 3 oz size at a similar price point. Professional makeup artist favorite. Slightly more white cast than NYX but finely milled. Talc-based formula.
Classic formula with excellent coverage and blurring. Very affordable with a generous 2.3 oz size. Has a strong old-fashioned floral scent that some users dislike. Contains talc and fragrance. Not fungal acne safe.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDE
RCMA No Color Powder
Storage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and humidity. Keep lid tightly closed to prevent moisture from clumping the powder.
Plastic jar with built-in sifter and twist-lock lid. The sifter helps control product dispensing and prevents spills during storage.
Yes — compact 0.21 oz size fits easily in any makeup bag. The sifter helps contain loose powder during transit, but use caution in checked luggage.
Frequently asked questions
FAQYes. This setting powder contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, chemical sunscreens, or any other ingredients flagged as unsafe during pregnancy or breastfeeding. The formula is made up of simple absorbent powders, silicone, and gentle preservatives. As always, consult your healthcare provider if you have specific concerns about any cosmetic product during pregnancy.
Yes. This powder is confirmed fungal acne safe by SkinSort ingredient analysis. It contains no ferments, fatty acids (like oleic or lauric acid), esters, polysorbates, or oils that feed the Malassezia yeast responsible for fungal acne. The oil-free, minimal-ingredient formula makes it one of the safest setting powders for fungal acne sufferers.
Yes. This is a cosmetic setting powder, not a treatment product, so it does not interact negatively with active skincare ingredients. You can safely apply it over skin that has been treated with retinol, vitamin C, AHA, BHA, or any other active. Just ensure your skincare has fully absorbed before applying foundation and powder on top.
This powder is best suited for oily, combination, and acne-prone skin types. Its oil-absorbing formula excels at controlling shine and keeping makeup matte throughout the day. Normal skin types will also enjoy it. Those with dry skin should use it sparingly and only on areas that need mattifying, as heavy application may emphasize dryness.
Results are immediate. The moment you apply this setting powder, your skin will look smoother, more matte, and shine-free. Foundation and concealer are instantly locked in. Oil control typically lasts 4–8 hours depending on your skin type and activity level, with very oily skin potentially needing a midday touch-up.
Apply after primer, foundation, and concealer but before bronzer, blush, and highlighter. This locks your base in place before you add color products on top. You can also use it as the final step (before setting spray) to mattify your entire finished look, or apply it on bare moisturized skin to control oil throughout the day.
No, this powder has a very low comedogenic rating of 1 out of 5. It is oil-free, talc-free, and uses non-comedogenic absorbent ingredients. The formula is free from heavy oils, waxes, and other known pore-clogging agents. It is one of the most non-comedogenic setting powders available at the drugstore level.
The recommended Period After Opening (PAO) is 12 months. Loose powders generally have a long shelf life due to their low moisture content. Keep the lid tightly sealed and store in a cool, dry place to maximize longevity. If you notice any changes in texture, smell, or color, discontinue use.
Verdict: The NYX Can't Stop Won't Stop Setting Powder is one of the best drugstore loose setting powders for oily and acne-prone skin. Its talc-free, vegan, fungal acne safe, and fragrance-free formula stands out in a crowded market, and the featherlight texture delivers a smooth matte finish without cakiness or dryness. The main drawbacks are the small container size (0.21 oz) and limited shade range. If you prioritize clean ingredients, oil control, and skin-safe formulations at an accessible price point, this is an excellent choice. For those needing more product for their money, the RCMA No Color Powder offers better value per ounce.
Product Overview
What are Quick Product Notes?
Quick product notes are a great way to check if a product is free from commonly avoided ingredients by skincare enthusiasts. These preferences come about for different reasons depending on the ingredient such as personal experiences, sensitivities, health preferences & etc.
Pro Tip Alert!
Just because a product is not free from a common preference does not mean it's a bad product! You can make a personal decision whether or not you want to use a product that contains these ingredients or not - click the labels of the preference to read more about them.
Quick Product Notes
Paraben-Free
Paraben-Free
Understanding Parabens
Parabens are a large group of preservatives which are used to prevent bacteria growing in cosmetic formulations. There has been some healthy controversy surrounding them due to a few studies finding paraben presence in breast tumours and breast tissue. However, the majority of the scientific community have deemed these findings non-conclusive due to the limitations of these studies. There's still a lot of support for avoiding parabens following the better safe than sorry route. If you do we completely support you! If you are concerned about the health safety of parabens, then feel free to avoid them by looking out for the Paraben-Free icon. If not, don't worry about it - they do have had one of the longest safety records as preservatives!
Which Ingredients are classified as Paraben?
A product will be paraben-free if it does not contain any of the following parabens:
- Sodium Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Ethylparaben
- Sodium Butylparaben
- Propylparaben
- Isopropylparaben
- Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Propylparaben
- Butylparaben
- Ethylparaben
- Sodium Methylparaben
- Methylparaben
Sulfate-Free
Sulfate-Free
Understanding Sulfates
Sulfates are a large group of ingredients which act as cleansing agents in Cosmetics. They help loosen up the dirt and grime from your skin and hair to allow for water to wash it away with ease. However some sulfates are so good at their job, they can wash off your skin’s own natural oils that keep it moisturised and protected which can lead to dryness and irritation. Most people will find no issues with sulfate, however if you find your skin doesn't like sulfates then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the sulfate-free icon on Skincarisma.
Which ingredients are classified as sulfates?
We've taken the Sulfates which are considered more harsh for our Sulfate-Free status. A product will be Sulfate-Free if it does not contain any of the following Sulfates:
- TEA-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate
- Ammonium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
- PEG-15 Cocamine
- Sodium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Cocoyl Sarcosinate
- Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
- Dioctyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate
- Ammonium Xylenesulfonate
- Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate
- Sodium Xylenesulfonate
- Sodium Myreth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate
Alcohol-Free
Alcohol-Free
Understanding Simple Alcohols
Alcohol ingredients are widely used in cosmetics and come in different types. For the most part alcohols are not problematic at all. However one type of alcohols, simple alcohols can be quite drying to the skin because it evaporates very quickly. This can cause irritation which can also lead to other skin complications. These alcohols should never be used alone on your skin, but combined with other cosmetic ingredients, they are normally without issue. However, for some people with sensitive and easily irritable skin, avoiding products with these simple alcohols may be beneficial. If you find your skin doesn't like these simple alcohols, then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the Alcohol-Free icon.
Which Ingredients are classified as Alcohol?
A product will be alcohol-free if it does not contain any of the following alcohol ingredients:
- SD Alcohol
- Alcohol Denat
- Isopropyl Alcohol
- Alcohol
Silicone-Free
Silicone-Free
Understanding Silicones
If you've ever used a skincare, makeup or beauty product that's made your skin look and feel smoother tempoarily - it's likely contained Silicone. They are a popular class of ingredients found in cosmetics due to their smooth, soft, easy-to-spread and smooth properties that help creates an artificial layer/barrier on top of skin or hair (commonly found in conditioners).
For the same reasons they are popularly used, they are also commonly avoided. Anecdotally, many individuals have reported that Silicones cause/excerbate breakouts, irritation, cause a feeling of skin being unable to breathe, cause clumping of cosmetic products and find it difficult to wash off. As a result, those who find them problematic are avoiding them and increasingly, cosmetic companies are avoiding them as well.
If you have had bad experiences with Silicones in the past, or suspect they are problematic then look out for the tick on the Silicone-free label.
Disclaimer
The Silicone-free label only includes the most common Silicone ingredients that have indentified been reported by individuals that could potentially cause issues.
These include: Amodimethicone, Behenoxy Dimethicone, Bis-Aminopropyl Dimethicone, Cetearyl Methicone, Cetyl Dimethicone, Cyclomethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Dimethicone Copolyol, Dimethiconol, Methicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Stearoxy Dimethicone, Stearyl Dimethicone, Trimethylsilylamodimethicone.
Note, that this does not include all ingredients part of the Silicone class of ingredients.
EU Allergen-Free
EU Allergen-Free
Understanding the Identified Contact Allergens
The EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has identified and established 26 cosmetic ingredients that are likely contact allergens (potential to cause skin allergies) as demonstrated in clinical or epidemiological studies. The EU's SCCS have recommend cosmetic companies to disclose them on the labels if used and in cases where the concentration exceeds 0.001% in leave-on products and 0.01% in rinse-off products, then they must be labelled.
Look out for the tick on the EU-Allergen free label to know your cosmetic is free from any of the 26 identified cosmetic ingredients.
For more information regarding the EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety, please visit their official website.
Disclaimer
The EU Allergen Free label is for the 26 ingredients identified by the EU SCCS and products will be only flagged if a suspected ingredient is on it's ingredient list. It is possible for cosmetics to contain one of the suspect ingredients without it appearing on the ingredient list due to it not reaching the concentration threshold to disclose it and cosmetic manufacturers choice to not disclose it.
Also note, the EU Allergen Free label is not personalized for your own allergies you may have and it does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Understanding Fungal Acne (Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia Folliculitis)
Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia folliculitis or simply known as Fungal Acne is a persistent acne-like condition that commonly responds poorly to traditional acne-treating methods. Unlike most cases of Acne where bacteria is the culprit, Fungi is the culprit of Fungal Acne (Hence the name!). There are certain classes & groups of ingredients that have been shown to promote and feed the growth of the Fungal Acne, Fungi such as fatty acids, oils, esters, polysorbates and fermented ingredients.
For more information regarding Fungal Acne, please visit Simple Skincare Science (f.c) - #3 of our Recommend Skincare Resources for an amazing comprehensive guide!
Please Read: How to use the Fungal Acne (Malassezia) Label
At SkinCarisma, we've done our best to identify as many ingredients as possible but note the fungal-free label may not be 100% accurate due to the complexconditions and combination of ingredients that malezzeria can thrive on.
Additionally, products that may contain ingredients that have shown to feed Malassezia may not neccessarily exacerbate the condition due to concentration of ingredient used in the product, this information is simply not available on the products.
As a result, please note this is only an experimental label that can be best used to possible identify problematic products you have used in the past. It is in no way a perfect identifier nor a predictor in whether or not it will exacerbate or cause fungal acne. It will continue to be worked on as more information and research comes to light.
If you find any ingredients you believe should be included, please email us at snails@skincarisma.com.
Disclaimer
Due to the lack of substantial research into this area it is very likely there are other ingredients and class/groups of ingredients that could feed Fungal Acne which have not been indentified.
The Fungal-Safe label does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
What are Notable Effects & Ingredients?
Ever used a product that promised a certain effect but provided no results? It might not have contained any notable ingredients that could have been responsible for that promised effect. It doesn't matter what the marketing or packaging «promises» it can do, if it doesn't contain anything that can help - then the likelihood of it helping is low.
We help you identify key notable ingredients that have been shown to help with effects such as acne-fighting, brightening, UV-protection, wound healing & anti-aging to help you achieve your skincare goals smarter. Please note that different notable ingredients have varying levels of research behind them, some are extremely well proven yet some have mixed research in their efficacy.
Pro Tip Alert!
Just because a product doesn't contain any notable ingredients doesn't mean it's bad. And a product with notable ingredients (or even many) doesn't necessarily guarantee the efficacy of the product performing these effects either. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine this.
Be smart and use this as just a starting point for you to make more informed and smarter choices and compare it with reviews to see if the product is right for you
Notable Effects & Ingredients
What are Ingredients Related to Skin Type?
Why are some products great for some people and horrible for others? Well everyone has different skin types and different reactions to the same ingredients.
We've identified a range of ingredients that are commonly regarded as potentially good or bad for those with Dry, Oily/Acne-Prone or Sensitive skin.
Pro Tip Alert!
A product that contains good or bad ingredients for your skin type doesn't always flat out make the entire product good or bad for your skin. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine your skins reaction.
One of the best ways to use this section is to troubleshoot products you've had bad experiences with in the past. Check if it contains any of the marked ingredients to point out suspect ingredients to avoid in the future!
Ingredients Related to Skin Types
Dry Skin
Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
Sensitive Skin
What is the Ingredient Safety Breakdown?
Ingredient Safety Breakdown refers to the percentage % of ingredients in different risk categories as classified by EWG (Environment Working Group) if they are available. There are almost endless cosmetic ingredients and they are one of the few organisations globally that have assigned ratings to a lot of the more commonly used ingredients which is why we reference them.
Pro Tip Alert!
EWG is seen by many to be more on the alarmist side in their assignment of health ratings resulting in rating ingredients as riskier than they actually are. We recommend using this a reference point rather than a strict guide of ingredient safety and to always do further research if into ingredients that you may find suspect.
Ingredient Safety Breakdown
Product ingredient list
| EWG | CIR | Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 |
Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate
Absorbent
|
|
|
| 1 |
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 1 |
Nylon-12
Viscosity Controlling, Bulking Agent, Opacifying
|
|
|
| 0 |
Zinc Stearate
Cosmetic Colorant
|
|
|
| 0 |
Trimethylsiloxyphenyl Dimethicone
|
|