Benefit Cosmetics The POREfessional Face Primer - Original Versus Smashbox The Original Photo Finish Smooth & Blur Oil-Free Primer
Updated on March 07, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both face primers. They have a total of 6 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain exfoliants and Vitamin E
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, oils, parabens or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain silicones
We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that needs an update? Let us know.
Ingredient Info
Benefit Cosmetics The POREfessional Face Primer 20 ingredients
Smashbox The Original Photo Finish Smooth & Blur Oil-Free Primer 15 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Benefit Cosmetics The POREfessional Face Primer 20 ingredients
Smashbox The Original Photo Finish Smooth & Blur Oil-Free Primer 15 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Cyclopentasiloxane
Emollient
Dimethicone
Emollient
Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningIsononyl Isononanoate
EmollientSilica
Abrasive
Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingIsododecane
EmollientPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Polymethyl Methacrylate
CI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCyclohexasiloxane
Emollient
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Parfum
Masking
Mica
Cosmetic Colorant
CI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantLimonene
Perfuming
CI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantTriethoxycaprylylsilane
BHT
Antioxidant
Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Isononyl Isononanoate, Silica, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Isododecane, Phenoxyethanol, Polymethyl Methacrylate, CI 77891, Cyclohexasiloxane, Tocopheryl Acetate, Parfum, Mica, CI 77492, Limonene, CI 77491, CI 77499, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, BHT
Cyclopentasiloxane
Emollient
Dimethicone
Emollient
Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingTrisiloxane
Skin Conditioning
Silica
Abrasive
Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Salicylate
UV Absorber
Retinyl Palmitate
Skin Conditioning
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Carthamus Tinctorius Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningPropylene Glycol
Humectant
Water
Skin ConditioningVitis Vinifera Seed Extract
Antimicrobial
Cola Acuminata Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningCamellia Oleifera Leaf Extract
AstringentCyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Trisiloxane, Silica, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Retinyl Palmitate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Carthamus Tinctorius Seed Extract, Propylene Glycol, Water, Vitis Vinifera Seed Extract, Cola Acuminata Seed Extract, Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Cyclopentasiloxane, or D5, is a silicone used to improve texture of products and trap moisture.
D5 is considered lightweight and volatile. Volatile means it evaporates quickly after application. Once evaporated, D5 leaves a thin barrier that helps keep skin hydrated.
It is also an emollient. Emollients help soften the skin and prevent water loss. Silicones create a silky texture in products. D5 helps other ingredients become more spreadable.
Studies show D5 is safe to use in skincare products. We recommend speaking with a skincare professional if you have concerns.
Learn more about CyclopentasiloxaneDimethicone is a type of synthetic silicone created from natural materials such as quartz.
What it does:
Dimethicone comes in different viscosities:
Depending on the viscosity, dimethicone has different properties.
Ingredients lists don't always show which type is used, so we recommend reaching out to the brand if you have questions about the viscosity.
This ingredient is unlikely to cause irritation because it does not get absorbed into skin. However, people with silicone allergies should be careful about using this ingredient.
Note: Dimethicone may contribute to pilling. This is because it is not oil or water soluble, so pilling may occur when layered with products. When mixed with heavy oils in a formula, the outcome is also quite greasy.
Learn more about DimethiconeThis ingredient is a silicone used to improve the texture of products and absorb oil. It does not get absorbed into the skin.
Like other silicones, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer helps condition the skin by creating a barrier. In this sense, it can act as an emollient and trap moisture in.
This ingredient is a type of elastomer.
Learn more about Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone CrosspolymerSilica is a mineral naturally found in our skin. It helps to thicken and smooth the texture of a product. It also acts as an agent for other ingredients by increasing the absorption of other ingredients into the skin.
Silica is often used for absorption and can help reduce shine when products are applied. Silica occurs in naturally in materials like clay and sandstone, and it can also be produced synthetically.
Silica is present naturally within the skin during collagen production and when reducing inflammation.
Learn more about SilicaDimethicone Crosspolymer is a silicone created by modifying dimethicone with hydrocarbon side chains. Due to its large size, it does not penetrate skin. It is considered non-occlusive.
Dimethicone Crosspolymer is used to stabilize and thicken products. It also helps give products a silky feel.
Tocopheryl Acetate is AKA Vitamin E. It is an antioxidant and protects your skin from free radicals. Free radicals damage the skin by breaking down collagen.
One study found using Tocopheryl Acetate with Vitamin C decreased the number of sunburned cells.
Tocopheryl Acetate is commonly found in both skincare and dietary supplements.
Learn more about Tocopheryl AcetateIngredient Ratings
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When to use
Benefit Cosmetics The POREfessional Face Primer 20 ingredients
Smashbox The Original Photo Finish Smooth & Blur Oil-Free Primer 15 ingredients
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