Smashbox Photo Finish Pore-Vanishing Primer Versus NYX Cosmetics Born To Glow! Illuminating Primer
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free, fungal acne (malassezia) safe, and reef safe face primers. They have a total of 5 ingredients in common
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for dry skin
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, fragrances, 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
Smashbox Photo Finish Pore-Vanishing Primer 17 ingredients
NYX Cosmetics Born To Glow! Illuminating Primer 22 ingredients
What's inside
What's inside
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Smashbox Photo Finish Pore-Vanishing Primer 17 ingredients
NYX Cosmetics Born To Glow! Illuminating Primer 22 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Isododecane
EmollientDimethicone
Emollient
Isohexadecane
EmollientSilica
Abrasive
Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin Conditioning
Methyl Trimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Caprylyl Methicone
Skin Conditioning
Lauroyl Lysine
Skin ConditioningPolysilicone-11
Trisiloxane
Skin Conditioning
Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
PEG-12 Dimethicone/PPG-20 Crosspolymer
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
BHT
Antioxidant
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Isododecane, Dimethicone, Isohexadecane, Silica, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Methyl Trimethicone, Caprylyl Methicone, Lauroyl Lysine, Polysilicone-11, Trisiloxane, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, 1,2-Hexanediol, Tocopheryl Acetate, PEG-12 Dimethicone/PPG-20 Crosspolymer, Caprylyl Glycol, BHT, Phenoxyethanol
Water
Skin ConditioningCyclopentasiloxane
Emollient
Glycerin
Humectant
Caprylyl Methicone
Skin Conditioning
Isododecane
EmollientDimethicone
Emollient
Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
Emulsifying
Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer
Propylene Glycol
Humectant
PEG-10 Dimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Phenyl Trimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Silica Dimethyl Silylate
EmollientMagnesium Sulfate
Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate
Absorbent
Disteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingTrimethylsiloxysilicate
Emollient
Bis-Isobutyl PEG/PPG-10/7/Dimethicone Copolymer
Emulsifying
Dimethiconol
Emollient
Propylene Carbonate
SolventEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
CI 77163
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Cyclopentasiloxane, Glycerin, Caprylyl Methicone, Isododecane, Dimethicone, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Propylene Glycol, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Magnesium Sulfate, Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Bis-Isobutyl PEG/PPG-10/7/Dimethicone Copolymer, Dimethiconol, Propylene Carbonate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol, CI 77163
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Caprylyl Methicone is a type of silicone.
It helps soften and soothe the skin by creating a thin film on top. This film helps trap moisture, keeping your skin hydrated.
Dimethicone 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 DimethiconeIsododecane is a fragrance, emollient, and solvent.
As an emollient, it helps your skin stay soft and hydrated. Emollients help trap moisture into your skin.
Isododecane's role as a solvent makes it a great texture enhancer. It spreads smoothly on skin and does not leave a sticky feeling behind. Isododecane also helps prevent color transfer in makeup products.
Isododecane is not absorbed into skin.
Learn more about IsododecanePhenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent microbial growth. By itself, it has a scent that is similar to that of a rose.
It's often used in formulations along with Caprylyl Glycol to preserve the shelf life of products.
This ingredient is used in makeup and skincare to thicken formulas, reduce shine, and give skin a silky-smooth feel.
Itβs a white silicone powder that sits in fine lines and pores to blur their appearance though its effectiveness depends on the particle size.
You'll typically find this ingredient in amounts between 0.1-20%.
Learn more about Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane CrosspolymerIngredient Ratings
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