Smashbox The Original Photo Finish Smooth & Blur Oil-Free Primer Versus e.l.f. cosmetics Matte Putty Primer
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free face primers. They have a total of 6 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain exfoliants
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, dry skin, brightening skin, oily skin, reducing pores and scar healing
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 The Original Photo Finish Smooth & Blur Oil-Free Primer 15 ingredients
e.l.f. cosmetics Matte Putty Primer 26 ingredients
What's inside (and what isn't)
What's inside (and what isn't)
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Smashbox The Original Photo Finish Smooth & Blur Oil-Free Primer 15 ingredients
e.l.f. cosmetics Matte Putty Primer 26 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Cyclopentasiloxane
Emollient
Dimethicone
Emollient
Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Emulsion Stabilising
Trisiloxane
Skin Conditioning
Silica
Abrasive
Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin Conditioning
Ethylhexyl 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
Water
Skin ConditioningCyclopentasiloxane
Emollient
Polymethylsilsesquioxane
Dimethicone
Emollient
Ceresin
Emulsion StabilisingGlycerin
Humectant
Silica
Abrasive
Capryloyl Glycine
CleansingLauryl PEG-10 Tris(Trimethylsiloxy)Silylethyl Dimethicone
Emulsifying
Trimethylsiloxysilicate
Emollient
Propylene Glycol
Humectant
Hdi/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer
Sodium Chloride
Masking
Aminomethyl Propanol
BufferingHydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientDimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer
Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Emulsion Stabilising
Kaolin
Abrasive
Charcoal Powder
Abrasive
Disodium EDTA
Triethoxycaprylylsilane
Alumina
Abrasive
Oryza Sativa Bran Wax
Skin Conditioning
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Cyclopentasiloxane, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Dimethicone, Ceresin, Glycerin, Silica, Capryloyl Glycine, Lauryl PEG-10 Tris(Trimethylsiloxy)Silylethyl Dimethicone, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Propylene Glycol, Hdi/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer, Sodium Chloride, Aminomethyl Propanol, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Kaolin, Charcoal Powder, Disodium EDTA, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Alumina, Oryza Sativa Bran Wax, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, CI 77891
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 DimethiconeDimethicone 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.
Propylene Glycol is an odorless, colorless liquid. As a humectant, it helps skin retain moisture. It also aids in delivering active ingredients.
Another role of this ingredient is preventing a product from melting or freezing. Propylene glycol also adds antimicrobrial properties to a product, elongating product lifespan.
This ingredient is considered an organic alcohol and commonly added into both cosmetics and foods.
Those with sensitive skin or conditions may develop a rash when using this ingredient.
Learn more about Propylene GlycolSilica 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 SilicaWater. 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. If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about WaterIngredient Ratings
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When to use
Smashbox The Original Photo Finish Smooth & Blur Oil-Free Primer 15 ingredients
e.l.f. cosmetics Matte Putty Primer 26 ingredients
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Smashbox The Original Photo Finish Smooth & Blur Oil-Free Primer 15 ingredients
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