Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of Smashbox Photo Finish Revitalize 8-in-1 Primer Essence versus Mac Cosmetics Studio Radiance Moisturizing + Illuminating Silky Primer .
Published on July 07, 2023
Overview
What they are
These products are both reef safe face primers. They have a total of 14 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain hyaluronic acid and niacinamide
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, dry skin, brightening skin, oily skin, reducing pores and dark spots
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, parabens or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain common allergens and fragrances
We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that need an update? Let us know.
Face Primer
A base to help makeup products last longer on the face or to help control shine.
Face Primer
A base to help makeup products last longer on the face or to help control shine.
Price
Ingredient Info
Smashbox Photo Finish Revitalize 8-in-1 Primer Essence 27 ingredients
Mac Cosmetics Studio Radiance Moisturizing + Illuminating Silky Primer 44 ingredients
Alcohol Free
This product is free of harsh alcohols 🎉
Silicon Free
This product is free of silicons 🎉
Contains Fragrance
Ingredients in this product that are forms of fragrance:
Sulfate Free
This product is free of sulfates 🎉
Paraben Free
This product is free of parabens 🎉
Oil Free
This product is free of oils 🎉
Not Malassezia Safe
Ingredients in this product that are not malassezia safe:
Reef Safe
This product is free of ingredients that damage reefs 🎉
Contains EU Allergens
Ingredients in this product that are EU allergens:
Vegan
This product is vegan 🎉
Cruelty Free
This product is cruelty-free 🎉
Alcohol Free
This product is free of harsh alcohols 🎉
Contains Silicon
Ingredients in this product that are types of silicon:
Contains Fragrance
Ingredients in this product that are forms of fragrance:
Sulfate Free
This product is free of sulfates 🎉
Paraben Free
This product is free of parabens 🎉
Contains Oils
Ingredients in this product that are types of oil:
Not Malassezia Safe
Ingredients in this product that are not malassezia safe:
Reef Safe
This product is free of ingredients that damage reefs 🎉
Contains EU Allergens
Ingredients in this product that are EU allergens:
Non Vegan
This product is not vegan 😥
Not Cruelty Free
This product is not cruelty-free 😥
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Smashbox Photo Finish Revitalize 8-in-1 Primer Essence 27 ingredients
Mac Cosmetics Studio Radiance Moisturizing + Illuminating Silky Primer 44 ingredients
Notable Ingredients
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Concerns
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Notable Ingredients
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Benefits
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Concerns
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
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Join SkinSortIngredients Compared
Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.
Smashbox Photo Finish Revitalize 8-in-1 Primer Essence 27 ingredients
Mac Cosmetics Studio Radiance Moisturizing + Illuminating Silky Primer 44 ingredients
Water • Butylene Glycol • Niacinamide • Caffeine • Sodium Hyaluronate • Aminopropyl Ascorbyl Phosphate • Glycerin • Trehalose • Rosa Roxburghii Fruit Extract • Rosa Hybrid Flower Extract • Betaine • Paeonia Albiflora Root Extract • Lactobacillus Ferment • Yeast Extract • Sorbitol • Algae Extract • Sodium Polyaspartate • Polysorbate 80 • Parfum • Citronellol • Linalool • Limonene • Disodium EDTA • Hydroxyacetophenone • Phenoxyethanol • Sodium Benzoate • Potassium Sorbate
Water • Butylene Glycol • Olea Europaea Fruit Oil • Isononyl Isononanoate • Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil • Glycerin • Octyldodecanol • Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer • Polyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate • Tocopheryl Acetate • Sodium Hyaluronate • Squalane • Hordeum Vulgare Extract • Triticum Vulgare Germ Extract • Niacinamide • Sorbitol • Trehalose • Parfum • Dimethicone • Cetyl Peg/Ppg-10/1 Dimethicone • Sodium Polyaspartate • Polymethylsilsesquioxane • Hydroxyethyl Urea • Hdi/Ppg/Polycaprolactone Crosspolymer • Octyldodecyl Xyloside • Quaternium-90 Bentonite • Polysorbate 60 • Sodium Chloride • Silica • Propylene Carbonate • Isopropyl Isostearate • Caprylyl Glycol • Hexylene Glycol • Hydrogenated Polyisobutene • Peg-30 Dipolyhydroxystearate • Sorbitan Isostearate • Benzyl Salicylate • Limonene • Linalool • Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate • Disodium EDTA • Phenoxyethanol • Potassium Sorbate • Sodium Dehydroacetate
Ingredients Side-by-side
Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.
Learn more about what what Com. / Irr. ratings are
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Water. It's the most common cosmetic ingredient of all. You'll usually see it at the top of ingredient lists, meaning that it makes up the largest part of the product.
So why is it so popular? Water most often acts as a solvent - this means that it helps dissolve other ingredients into the formulation.
You'll also recognize water as that liquid we all need to stay alive. Talk about multi-purpose! If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about WaterSmashbox Photo Finish Revitalize 8-in-1 Primer Essence contains this as ingredient number 1.
Mac Cosmetics Studio Radiance Moisturizing + Illuminating Silky Primer contains this as ingredient number 1.
Butylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:
- It is a solvent, meaning that it helps to dissolve other ingredients. This also enhances the absorption of the product into one's skin.
- It is a humectant, which means that it helps attract moisture into the skin.
- It helps improve product application.
Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient. It is unlikely to irritate skin, and works well with pretty much all other ingredients.
Smashbox Photo Finish Revitalize 8-in-1 Primer Essence contains this as ingredient number 2.
Mac Cosmetics Studio Radiance Moisturizing + Illuminating Silky Primer contains this as ingredient number 2.
Niacinamide has emerged as an all-star ingredient due to its many benefits.
It is known to treat acne by reducing inflammation. It also helps fade dark-spots and strengthen the skin by promoting the growth of the ceramide barrier.
Other benefits include smoothing wrinkles and minimizing redness.
The cherry on top? Niacinamide can also help build keratin, a protein that keeps skin firm.
When incorporating niacinamide into your routine, look out for concentration amounts. Typically, 5% niacinamide provides benefits such as fading dark spots. However, if you have sensitive skin, it is better to begin with a smaller concentration.
Niacinamide can be mixed with other ingredients to boost benefits. For instance, it has shown to be effective when used with copper, folic acid, and zinc to treat acne.
Learn more about NiacinamideSmashbox Photo Finish Revitalize 8-in-1 Primer Essence contains this as ingredient number 3.
Mac Cosmetics Studio Radiance Moisturizing + Illuminating Silky Primer contains this as ingredient number 15.
Sodium Hyaluronate is hyaluronic acid's salt form. It is commonly derived from the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid.
Like hyaluronic acid, it is great at holding water and acts as a humectant. This makes it a great skin hydrating ingredient.
Sodium Hyaluronate is naturally occurring in our bodies and is mostly found in eye fluid and joints.
These are some other common types of Hyaluronic Acid:
Learn more about Sodium HyaluronateSmashbox Photo Finish Revitalize 8-in-1 Primer Essence contains this as ingredient number 5.
Mac Cosmetics Studio Radiance Moisturizing + Illuminating Silky Primer contains this as ingredient number 11.
Glycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.
A study from 2016 found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.
As a humectant, it helps the skin stay hydrated by pulling moisture to your skin. The low molecular weight of glycerin allows it to pull moisture into the deeper layers of your skin.
Hydrated skin improves your skin barrier; Your skin barrier helps protect against irritants and bacteria.
Glycerin has also been found to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Due to these properties, glycerin is often used in wound and burn treatments.
In cosmetics, glycerin is usually derived from plants such as soybean or palm. However, it can also be sourced from animals, such as tallow or animal fat.
This ingredient is organic, colorless, odorless, and non-toxic.
Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.
Learn more about GlycerinSmashbox Photo Finish Revitalize 8-in-1 Primer Essence contains this as ingredient number 7.
Mac Cosmetics Studio Radiance Moisturizing + Illuminating Silky Primer contains this as ingredient number 6.
Trehalose is a disaccharide made of two glucose molecules (glucose is sugar!). Trehalose is used to help moisturize skin. It also has antioxidant properties.
As a humectant, trehalose helps draw moisture from the air to your skin. This helps keep your skin hydrated.
Due to its antioxidant properties, trehalose may help with signs of aging. Antioxidants help fight free-radical molecules, unstable molecules that may damage your skin.
In medicine, trehalose and hyaluronic acid are used to help treat dry eyes.
Some animals, plants, and bacteria create trehalose as a source of energy to survive freeze or lack of water.
Learn more about TrehaloseSmashbox Photo Finish Revitalize 8-in-1 Primer Essence contains this as ingredient number 8.
Mac Cosmetics Studio Radiance Moisturizing + Illuminating Silky Primer contains this as ingredient number 17.
Sorbitol is a sugar alcohol. It is a hydrating and moisturizing agent created from the reduction process of glucose.
Most sorbitol is usually made from potato starch. It is also found in fruits such as apples and pears.
As a humectant, Sorbitol helps draw water to the skin. This helps keep the skin hydrated. Sorbitol also helps create a thicker texture in products. You might find sorbitol in your toothpaste and other gels.
It is a non-irritating ingredient that is great for those with dry skin.
Sorbitol is a prebiotic. It helps promote the growth of healthy bacteria on your skin. The bacteria on your skin form a microbiome. This microbiome helps protect your skin from infection and harmful bacteria.
Learn more about SorbitolSmashbox Photo Finish Revitalize 8-in-1 Primer Essence contains this as ingredient number 15.
Mac Cosmetics Studio Radiance Moisturizing + Illuminating Silky Primer contains this as ingredient number 16.
We don't have a description for Sodium Polyaspartate.
Smashbox Photo Finish Revitalize 8-in-1 Primer Essence contains this as ingredient number 17.
Mac Cosmetics Studio Radiance Moisturizing + Illuminating Silky Primer contains this as ingredient number 21.
Parfum is a catch-all term for an ingredient or more that is used to give aroma to products. Parfum, or fragrance, can be a blend of hundreds of chemicals or plant oils. This means every product with "fragrance" or "Parfum" in the ingredients list is a different mixture.
In the US, the alternative name for parfum is 'fragrance'. The term 'fragrance' is not regulated in many countries. In many cases, it is up to the brand to define this term.
For instance, many brands choose to label themselves as "fragrance-free" because they are not using synthetic fragrances. However, their products may still contain ingredients such as essential oils that are considered a fragrance. One example is Calendula flower extract. Essential oil ingredients still impart a scent or 'fragrance'.
Depending on the blend, it can cause allergies and sensitivities on the skin. Some ingredients that are known EU allergens include linalool and citronellol.
Products use parfum often to give products a scent or cover up smells of different ingredients.
The bottom line is: not all fragrances/parfum/ingredients are created equally. If you are worried about fragrances, we recommend taking a closer look at an ingredient. And of course, we always recommend speaking with a professional.
Learn more about ParfumSmashbox Photo Finish Revitalize 8-in-1 Primer Essence contains this as ingredient number 19.
Mac Cosmetics Studio Radiance Moisturizing + Illuminating Silky Primer contains this as ingredient number 18.
Linalool is a fragrance and helps add scent to products. It's derived from common plants such as cinnamon, mint, citrus, and lavender.
Linalool has the same effect as Limonene when exposed to air. Oxidized linalool can cause allergies and skin sensitivity.
Linalool has a scent that is floral, spicy tropical, and citrus-like.
Learn more about LinaloolSmashbox Photo Finish Revitalize 8-in-1 Primer Essence contains this as ingredient number 21.
Mac Cosmetics Studio Radiance Moisturizing + Illuminating Silky Primer contains this as ingredient number 39.
Limonene is a fragrance that adds scent and taste to a formulation.
It's found in the peel oil of citrus fruits and other plants such as lavender and eucalyptus. The scent of limonene is generally described as "sweet citrus".
Limonene acts as an antioxidant, meaning it helps neutralize free radicals.
When exposed to air, oxidized limonene may sensitize the skin. Because of this, limonene is often avoided by people with sensitive skin.
The term 'fragrance' is not regulated in many countries. In many cases, it is up to the brand to define this term. For instance, many brands choose to label themselves as "fragrance-free" because they are not using synthetic fragrances. However, their products may still contain ingredients such as essential oils that are considered a fragrance.
Learn more about LimoneneSmashbox Photo Finish Revitalize 8-in-1 Primer Essence contains this as ingredient number 22.
Mac Cosmetics Studio Radiance Moisturizing + Illuminating Silky Primer contains this as ingredient number 38.
Disodium EDTA plays a role in making products more stable by aiding other preservatives.
It is a chelating agent, meaning it neutralizes metal ions that may be found in a product.
Disodium EDTA is a salt of edetic acid and is found to be safe in cosmetic ingredients.
Learn more about Disodium EDTASmashbox Photo Finish Revitalize 8-in-1 Primer Essence contains this as ingredient number 23.
Mac Cosmetics Studio Radiance Moisturizing + Illuminating Silky Primer contains this as ingredient number 41.
Phenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent germ and 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.
Smashbox Photo Finish Revitalize 8-in-1 Primer Essence contains this as ingredient number 25.
Mac Cosmetics Studio Radiance Moisturizing + Illuminating Silky Primer contains this as ingredient number 42.
Potassium Sorbate is a preservative used to prevent yeast and mold in products. It is commonly found in both cosmetic and food products.
Potassium sorbate is potassium salt derived from sorbic acid. Sorbic acid is a natural antibiotic and effective against fungus.
Potassium sorbate and sorbic acid can be found in baked goods, cheeses, dried meats, dried fruit, ice cream, pickles, wine, yogurt, and more.
Potassium sorbate is often used with stronger preservatives.
Learn more about Potassium SorbateSmashbox Photo Finish Revitalize 8-in-1 Primer Essence contains this as ingredient number 27.
Mac Cosmetics Studio Radiance Moisturizing + Illuminating Silky Primer contains this as ingredient number 43.
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.
Smashbox Photo Finish Revitalize 8-in-1 Primer Essence 27 ingredients
Mac Cosmetics Studio Radiance Moisturizing + Illuminating Silky Primer 44 ingredients
Usage
Here's some more info on how this product is used by our community.
When to use
Smashbox Photo Finish Revitalize 8-in-1 Primer Essence 27 ingredients
Mac Cosmetics Studio Radiance Moisturizing + Illuminating Silky Primer 44 ingredients
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