Smashbox The Original Photo Finish Smooth & Blur Primer - 0.34 fl oz - Ulta Beauty: Gel, For All Skin Types
Analysis updated August 2026 · How Scout scores
At a glance
Summary
This primer contains beneficial ingredients like Caprylyl Glycol, Tocopheryl Acetate, and natural extracts such as Sunflower Seed and Cucumber, which provide moisturizing and antioxidant benefits. However, the presence of Phenoxyethanol, a preservative that can cause irritation, and the use of synthetic polymers and silicones contribute to its processed nature, impacting the overall safety and naturalness of the product.
Key ingredients 18
Tocopheryl AcetateGood
Tocopheryl Acetate is a form of Vitamin E, an antioxidant that helps protect the skin from damage. It is commonly used in cosmetics for its skin-conditioning properties. It is considered safe and beneficial.
Risks
There are minimal risks, though it may cause mild irritation in sensitive skin.
Benefits
It provides antioxidant benefits and helps condition the skin.
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed ExtractGood
Sunflower Seed Extract is a natural ingredient known for its moisturizing and antioxidant properties. It helps protect the skin and improve its texture. It is considered safe and beneficial in cosmetics.
Risks
There are minimal risks, though it may cause mild irritation in sensitive skin.
Benefits
It provides moisturizing and antioxidant benefits.
Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit ExtractGood
Cucumber Fruit Extract is a natural ingredient known for its soothing and hydrating properties. It helps calm the skin and reduce puffiness. It is considered safe and beneficial in cosmetics.
Risks
There are minimal risks, though it may cause mild irritation in sensitive skin.
Benefits
It provides soothing and hydrating benefits.
IsododecaneNeutral
Isododecane is a lightweight hydrocarbon commonly used in cosmetics for its ability to create a smooth application. It evaporates quickly, leaving no residue. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with isododecane, though it can cause mild irritation in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
It provides a silky texture and helps in the even application of the product.
Polysilicone-11Neutral
Polysilicone-11 is a silicone elastomer that provides a powdery, smooth finish. It is used to improve the texture and feel of cosmetic products. It is generally regarded as safe.
Risks
It may cause mild irritation in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
It enhances the smoothness and spreadability of the product.
Methyl TrimethiconeNeutral
Methyl Trimethicone is a volatile silicone that provides a lightweight, non-greasy feel. It helps in the even distribution of the product. It is considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with this ingredient.
Benefits
It provides a smooth application and quick-drying finish.
Caprylyl MethiconeNeutral
Caprylyl Methicone is a silicone fluid that provides a silky feel and enhances the spreadability of the product. It is used to improve the texture and application. It is considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
There are minimal risks, though it may cause mild irritation in sensitive skin.
Benefits
It improves the texture and application of the product.
Dimethicone CrosspolymerNeutral
Dimethicone Crosspolymer is a silicone elastomer that provides a smooth, powdery finish. It is used to enhance the texture and feel of cosmetic products. It is generally regarded as safe.
Risks
It may cause mild irritation in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
It enhances the smoothness and spreadability of the product.
TrisiloxaneNeutral
Trisiloxane is a volatile silicone that provides a lightweight, non-greasy feel. It helps in the even distribution of the product. It is considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with this ingredient.
Benefits
It provides a smooth application and quick-drying finish.
Caprylyl GlycolNeutral
Standard formulation ingredient — neither beneficial nor harmful at typical use.
Risks
There are minimal risks, though it may cause mild irritation in sensitive skin.
Benefits
It provides moisturizing benefits and helps preserve the product.
PEG-12 Dimethicone/PPG-20 CrosspolymerNeutral
This ingredient is a silicone-based polymer used for its smoothing properties. It enhances the texture and spreadability of the product. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
There are minimal risks, though it may cause mild irritation in sensitive skin.
Benefits
It improves the texture and application of the product.
Lauroyl LysineNeutral
Lauroyl Lysine is an amino acid derivative used to improve the texture and feel of cosmetic products. It provides a silky, smooth finish. It is generally regarded as safe.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with this ingredient.
Benefits
It enhances the smoothness and feel of the product.
Hordeum Vulgare ExtractNeutral
Hordeum Vulgare Extract, derived from barley, is used for its antioxidant properties. It helps protect the skin from environmental damage. It is generally regarded as safe.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with this ingredient.
Benefits
It provides antioxidant benefits and helps protect the skin.
Propylene Glycol DicaprateNeutral
Propylene Glycol Dicaprate is an emollient used to improve the texture and feel of cosmetic products. It provides a smooth, silky finish. It is generally regarded as safe.
Risks
There are minimal risks, though it may cause mild irritation in sensitive skin.
Benefits
It enhances the smoothness and feel of the product.
DimethiconeBad
Occlusive silicone film-former — flagged under clean-beauty doctrine.
Risks
It may cause breakouts in acne-prone skin due to its occlusive nature.
Benefits
It helps to fill in fine lines and gives the skin a smooth appearance.
Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone CrosspolymerBad
Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.
Risks
There are minimal risks, though it may cause mild irritation in sensitive skin.
Benefits
It improves the texture and application of the product.
PhenoxyethanolBad
Phenoxyethanol is a preservative used to prevent microbial growth in cosmetics. It is effective but can cause irritation in some individuals. It is considered safe in low concentrations but has potential risks.
Risks
It may cause skin irritation and allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
It helps preserve the product by preventing microbial growth.
BHTBad
Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.
Risks
There are concerns about potential skin irritation and long-term health effects with high exposure.
Benefits
It helps preserve the product by preventing oxidation.
Processing
Processed Foods
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