Power Grip Dewy Setting Spray
Power Grip Dewy Setting Spray
Product Description
e.l.f. cosmetics Power Grip Dewy Setting Spray is a bi-phase makeup mist that combines a makeup-gripping water phase with a moisturizing oil phase. Shake to activate, then spritz a shockingly fine mist that locks makeup in place while leaving skin hydrated and dewy. Boosted with 5% aloe, hyaluronic acid, squalane and green tea seed oil, it's a vegan, cruelty-free, fragrance-free favorite at an unbeatable drugstore price.
β¨ Texture & Feel
Bi-Phase Grip Technology
A makeup-gripping water phase and a moisturizing oil phase separate in the bottle. Shake to blend them into a shockingly fine mist that holds makeup without a tight, sticky feel.
5% Aloe + Skincare Actives
Loaded with 5% aloe vera, hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid, squalane and green tea seed oil to hydrate and soothe skin while it sets your look.
Vegan & Cruelty-Free
Leaping Bunny certified, vegan, reef safe and free from parabens, sulfates, silicones, phthalates and added fragrance.
Cult Favorite Value
A viral, award-style alternative to luxury dewy mists for around $11 β one of the best-rated setting sprays in the drugstore aisle.
π‘οΈ Safety & Compatibility
Contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone or chemical sunscreen filters. Generally considered low-risk, but always confirm with your OB-GYN.
Contains several seed oils (green tea, jojoba, moringa, sunflower) with fatty acids that can feed malassezia. Not ideal for strict fungal-acne avoiders.
No drying SD alcohol or denatured alcohol, so it won't dehydrate skin during wear.
Contains blue (CI 42090) and yellow (CI 19140 / tartrazine) dyes for the bi-phase look. Very reactive or dye-sensitive skin should patch test first.
Plays well with retinol, vitamin C, AHAs and BHAs β it sits on top of makeup, not in your active treatment step.
Includes neem, holy basil and turmeric extracts. Lovely for soothing, but those with very sensitive skin or nightshade allergies should patch test.
π¬ Ingredient Breakdown
π΅ Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice 5% Proven
The hero hydrator, used at a notable 5% concentration. Aloe soothes, calms redness and delivers lightweight moisture that keeps the dewy finish looking fresh rather than tight.
- Source: Rich in vitamins A, C and E plus polysaccharides that bind water to the skin's surface.
- Benefit: Well-documented anti-inflammatory and moisturizing action, ideal after a full face of makeup.
π§ Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate <1% Proven
An ultra-low-molecular-weight form of hyaluronic acid. The smaller size lets it sit and hold water in the upper layers of skin for that plumped, glassy dew.
- Source: Sodium hyaluronate broken down through hydrolysis into a "mini" HA molecule.
- Benefit: Adds surface hydration so makeup looks skin-like and less powdery.
π« Squalane ~1% Proven
A lightweight, skin-identical emollient from the oil phase. It mimics your skin's own lipids, so it conditions and seals in moisture without feeling greasy or clogging pores.
- Source: Stable, hydrogenated form of squalene; comedogenic rating of just 1.
- Benefit: Research links it to antioxidant protection and barrier support, suitable for all skin types.
π΅ Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Seed Oil <1% Promising
Pressed from tea-plant seeds, this oil is rich in oleic acid, vitamin E and polyphenols that bring antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits to the moisturizing phase.
- Source: Same plant family as green, black and oolong tea.
- Benefit: Antioxidant polyphenols help defend skin against environmental free radicals.
π‘οΈ Tocopherol (Vitamin E) 0.1β1% Proven
A fat-soluble antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals from UV and pollution while helping stabilize the oils in the formula so they stay fresh.
- Source: Naturally present in many of the formula's botanical oils and added directly.
- Benefit: Supports skin's water-binding capacity and pairs well with vitamin C in a wider routine.
35 ingredients
Water, Isononyl Isononanoate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glycerin, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Squalane, Camellia Sinensis Seed Oil, Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Corallina Officinalis Extract, Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil, Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract, Coccinia Indica Fruit Extract, Solanum Melongena Fruit Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Flower Extract, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Melia Azadirachta Bark Extract, Curcuma Longa Root Extract, Ocimum Basilicum Flower/Leaf Extract, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Hydroxyethyl Urea, Tocopherol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Potassium Sorbate, Pvp, Sodium Benzoate, Hydroxyacetophenone, Diethylhexyl Syringylidenemalonate, Sodium Chloride, Citric Acid, Arginine, Disodium EDTA. May Contain: CI 42090, CI 19140.
π Where It Fits in Your Routine
Use it as the final step to lock everything in. For best results, pair it with the matching Power Grip Primer; oily skin can prep with the Power Grip Matte Primer first to control shine.
π How to Use
Shake well
The water and oil phases separate naturally β shake the bottle vigorously to activate the bi-phase formula before each use.
Hold at a distance
Hold the bottle about 8β10 inches from your face, close your eyes and mouth, and mist evenly in an X or T motion.
Let it set
Allow roughly 60 seconds to dry down to a comfortable, dewy finish. Avoid touching your face while it sets.
Refresh anytime
Re-mist throughout the day for a hydration boost and to revive a dewy glow over makeup.
π€ Who Is It For?
β Perfect for you if:
- You love a glowy, dewy, "your skin but better" finish
- You have normal, dry or combination skin
- You want skincare benefits (aloe, HA, squalane) baked into your setting spray
- You prefer fragrance-free, vegan, cruelty-free makeup
- You want strong performance on a drugstore budget
β Consider alternatives if:
- You have very oily skin and want a fully matte finish
- You strictly avoid fungal-acne triggers like seed oils
- You're sensitive to added cosmetic dyes
- You need a true 16-hour transfer-proof lock for events
- You dislike having to shake a bottle before every use
π― Skin Type Compatibility
Aloe, hyaluronic acid and squalane keep makeup from clinging to dry patches and add a healthy glow.
Hydrates drier zones while still gripping makeup, giving a balanced, natural dewy finish.
Great grip, but the dewy oil phase can read as extra shine β prep with a matte primer if you're very oily.
Fragrance-free and alcohol-free, but added dyes and botanical extracts mean a patch test is wise.
Low overall comedogenicity, but multiple seed oils make it a maybe for malassezia (fungal) acne.
π Results Timeline
Instant dewy melt
The fine mist melts powdery makeup into the skin for a fresh, "lit-from-within" glass-skin look right away.
90% noticedSet & touch-dry
Makeup feels locked and comfortable, not sticky, with hydration that keeps the finish supple.
85% noticedExtended wear
Most users report makeup holding well for a full day, especially when layered over the Power Grip Primer.
80% noticedRevive the glow
A quick re-mist over makeup brings back hydration and dewiness whenever skin looks tired or flat.
75% noticedβ Ratings by Platform
βοΈ Pros & Cons
β Praised
- Beautiful, natural dewy finish that melts powder
- Genuinely hydrating thanks to aloe, HA and squalane
- Lightweight, non-sticky, comfortable on skin
- Extends makeup wear, especially over the matching primer
- Vegan, cruelty-free, fragrance-free and affordable
β Criticized
- Nozzle can spit or mist unevenly for some users
- Dewy oils may look greasy on very oily skin
- Contains seed oils and dyes β not for everyone
- Smaller 2.7 fl oz bottle
- Must be shaken before every single use
π° Budget-Friendly Alternatives (Dupes)
A cruelty-free, reef-safe dewy setting spray with vitamin E and a strong attribute overlap. Even cheaper than the original, though the ingredient list differs.
A frequently compared single-phase dewy mist. No shaking required and slightly cheaper, but without the bi-phase oil hydration boost.
A gel-to-water hydrating fixing spray with a comparable dewy effect. Lighter, more watery feel and a different active profile.
Shares vitamin E and a soothing botanical base, but adds fragrance and is geared toward blue-light protection rather than pure grip.
π Comparison with Competitors
e.l.f. Power Grip Dewy (Featured)
$11.00Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Set + Refresh
$38.00NYX Dewy Finish Setting Spray
$9.00Milani Make It Last Dewy
$11.00π¦ Storage & Shelf Life
12 months after opening
Store upright in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight
Non-aerosol fine-mist spray bottle
Yes β 2.7 fl oz / 80ml is under the 100ml carry-on limit
β Frequently Asked Questions
It contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone or chemical sunscreen filters, so it's generally considered low-risk during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Its key ingredients β aloe, hyaluronic acid, squalane and vitamin E β are widely regarded as gentle. As always, confirm with your OB-GYN or midwife about your specific situation.
Use caution. The formula contains several fatty seed oils β green tea seed oil, jojoba (Simmondsia Chinensis), moringa and sunflower seed oil β that fall in the fatty-acid range malassezia yeast can feed on. While some checkers flag it as borderline, strict fungal-acne avoiders may prefer an oil-free option.
Yes. This is a makeup setting spray applied as the very last step, on top of your makeup β not in your active treatment step. It doesn't interfere with retinol, vitamin C, AHAs or BHAs used earlier in your skincare routine, and its vitamin E even complements vitamin C nicely.
It shines on normal, dry and combination skin that wants a hydrated, glowy finish. Oily skin can still use it but may want to prep with a mattifying primer, since the dewy oil phase can add shine. Sensitive skin should patch test due to the added dyes and botanical extracts.
Instantly. As a setting spray, results are immediate β it melts powder into a dewy finish on application and sets in about 60 seconds. Makeup-extending benefits last through the day for most users, especially when layered over the matching Power Grip Primer.
It's the final step. Apply your skincare, primer and full face of makeup first, then shake the bottle and mist Power Grip Dewy over everything to lock it in. You can also re-mist over makeup during the day to refresh hydration and glow.
Its key oils are low on the comedogenic scale β squalane rates 1 and sunflower seed oil rates 0 β so the overall formula sits around a low 2/5. Most people won't experience clogged pores, but acne-prone skin should be mindful of the multiple seed oils and patch test if concerned.
Around 12 months after opening (12M PAO). Store it upright in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight, and shake before each use to keep the bi-phase formula performing at its best.
Verdict: The e.l.f. Power Grip Dewy Setting Spray is a deservedly viral, cult-favorite mist that punches far above its $11 price. The bi-phase formula grips makeup while genuinely hydrating skin with 5% aloe, hyaluronic acid and squalane for a fresh, dewy, glass-skin glow β a smart alternative to luxury options like Milk Hydro Grip. It's at its best on normal, dry and combination skin. The trade-offs: the nozzle can spit, very oily skin may find it too dewy, and the seed oils and added dyes make it less suitable for strict fungal-acne avoiders or highly reactive skin. For most makeup lovers chasing affordable, hydrating dew, it's an easy recommendation.
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 skinβs 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 Β«promisesΒ» 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
Anti-Aging from 2 ingredient(s):
Brightening from 2 ingredient(s):
Promotes Wound Healing from 6 ingredient(s):
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 1 |
Isononyl Isononanoate
Skin Conditioning, Emollient, Antistatic Agent
|
|
|
| 0 |
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin Conditioning
|
Hydrating
Redness
Irritation
|
|
| 1 |
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Solvent, Skin Conditioning, Masking, Perfuming, Emollient
|
|
|
| 2 |
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
|
Brightening
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|