Smashbox The Original Photo Finish Smooth & Blur Primer - 1 fl oz - Ulta Beauty: Oil-Free, Vegan, Alcohol-Free, Paraben-Free
Analysis updated September 2026 · How Scout scores
At a glance
Summary
This primer contains beneficial ingredients like Retinyl Palmitate and Tocopheryl Acetate, which offer anti-aging and antioxidant benefits. However, it also includes several silicones such as Cyclopentasiloxane and Dimethicone, which are synthetic and can be occlusive, potentially leading to skin irritation for some users. The absence of alcohol and parabens is positive, but the presence of synthetic compounds affects the overall ingredient safety score.
Key ingredients 15
Retinyl PalmitateGood
Retinyl Palmitate is a form of Vitamin A used for its anti-aging properties. It helps in skin renewal and can improve skin texture. However, it can increase sensitivity to sunlight.
Risks
Can increase sensitivity to sunlight, requiring additional sun protection.
Benefits
Promotes skin renewal and improves skin texture.
Tocopheryl AcetateGood
Tocopheryl Acetate is a form of Vitamin E used for its antioxidant properties. It helps protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals. It is generally well-tolerated but can cause irritation in very sensitive skin.
Risks
May cause irritation in very sensitive skin.
Benefits
Provides antioxidant protection and helps in skin repair.
Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed ExtractGood
Safflower Seed Extract is used for its moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties. It is rich in linoleic acid, which helps maintain the skin's barrier. It is generally safe and beneficial for most skin types.
Risks
Rarely causes allergic reactions.
Benefits
Moisturizes and provides anti-inflammatory benefits.
Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed ExtractGood
Grape Seed Extract is rich in antioxidants and helps protect the skin from environmental damage. It has anti-inflammatory properties and can improve skin elasticity. It is generally safe and beneficial for most skin types.
Risks
Rarely causes allergic reactions.
Benefits
Provides antioxidant protection and improves skin elasticity.
Camellia Oleifera Leaf ExtractGood
Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract, also known as Green Tea Extract, is rich in antioxidants and provides anti-inflammatory benefits. It helps protect the skin from environmental damage and soothes irritation. It is generally safe and beneficial for most skin types.
Risks
Rarely causes allergic reactions.
Benefits
Provides antioxidant protection and soothes skin irritation.
CyclopentasiloxaneNeutral
Cyclopentasiloxane is a silicone used for its smooth application and quick-drying properties. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics. However, it can be a mild irritant for some individuals.
Risks
Potential for mild skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
Provides a smooth application and helps in even distribution of the product.
Dimethicone CrosspolymerNeutral
Dimethicone Crosspolymer is used to enhance the texture and spreadability of cosmetic products. It is considered safe for use in cosmetics. It may cause mild irritation in sensitive skin types.
Risks
Potential for mild irritation in sensitive skin types.
Benefits
Improves texture and spreadability of the product.
TrisiloxaneNeutral
Trisiloxane is a volatile silicone used for its lightweight feel and quick-drying properties. It is generally safe for use in cosmetics. It may cause mild irritation in some individuals.
Risks
Potential for mild irritation in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
Provides a lightweight feel and quick-drying properties.
SilicaNeutral
Silica is used in cosmetics for its oil-absorbing properties and to improve the texture of products. It is generally considered safe for use. Inhalation of fine silica particles can be harmful, but this is not a concern in topical applications.
Risks
Inhalation of fine particles can be harmful, but not a concern in topical use.
Benefits
Improves texture and provides oil-absorbing properties.
Ethylhexyl SalicylateNeutral
Ethylhexyl Salicylate is a UV filter used to protect the skin from UVB rays. It is generally considered safe but can cause skin irritation in some individuals. It is not as effective as other UV filters, which may limit its protective benefits.
Risks
Can cause skin irritation in some individuals.
Benefits
Provides UVB protection, though less effective than other filters.
WaterNeutral
Water is used as a solvent in cosmetic formulations. It is essential for dissolving other ingredients and providing a base for the product. It poses no risks and is universally safe.
Risks
No risks associated with water in cosmetics.
Benefits
Acts as a solvent and base for the formulation.
Cola Acuminata (Kola) Seed ExtractNeutral
Kola Seed Extract is used for its stimulating and antioxidant properties. It can help improve skin tone and texture. It is generally safe but can cause irritation in sensitive skin.
Risks
May cause irritation in sensitive skin.
Benefits
Improves skin tone and provides antioxidant benefits.
DimethiconeBad
Occlusive silicone film-former — flagged under clean-beauty doctrine.
Risks
May cause breakouts in acne-prone skin due to its occlusive nature.
Benefits
Helps in smoothing skin texture and retaining moisture.
Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone CrosspolymerBad
Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.
Risks
Potential for mild irritation in sensitive skin types.
Benefits
Improves texture and spreadability of the product.
Propylene GlycolBad
Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.
Risks
Can cause irritation in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
Helps retain moisture and enhances skin hydration.
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