Smashbox The Original Photo Finish Smooth & Blur Oil-Free Primer Versus Tarte Timeless Smoothing Primer
Updated on May 14, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free face primers. They have a total of 7 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain exfoliants and Vitamin E
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, reducing pores, scar healing and better texture
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, 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
Tarte Timeless Smoothing Primer 40 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
Tarte Timeless Smoothing Primer 40 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
Cyclopentasiloxane
Emollient
Dimethicone
Emollient
Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin Conditioning
Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil
Emollient
Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate
Emollient
Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer
Mica
Cosmetic Colorant
Disteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingPEG-10 Dimethicone
Skin Conditioning
PPG-25-Laureth-25
EmulsifyingSilica Dimethyl Silylate
EmollientSilica
Abrasive
Water
Skin ConditioningTocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Parfum
Masking
Trimethylsiloxysilicate
Emollient
Diethylhexyl Syringylidenemalonate
Skin ProtectingAscorbyl Palmitate
Antioxidant
Propylene Glycol
Humectant
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Sodium Cocoyl Alaninate
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient
Citric Acid
Buffering
Hydrolyzed Collagen
Emollient
Triethoxycaprylylsilane
Hydrolyzed Elastin
EmollientCetyl Hydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingRutin
Antioxidant
Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
Skin Conditioning
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1
Skin Conditioning
Phaseolus Lunatus Seed Extract
EmollientPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Limonene
Perfuming
Linalool
Perfuming
Citral
Perfuming
Hexyl Cinnamal
Perfuming
Hydroxycitronellal
Perfuming
CI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCI 75470
Cosmetic ColorantCyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Mica, Disteardimonium Hectorite, PEG-10 Dimethicone, PPG-25-Laureth-25, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Silica, Water, Tocopheryl Acetate, Parfum, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Diethylhexyl Syringylidenemalonate, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Propylene Glycol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Sodium Cocoyl Alaninate, Butylene Glycol, Glyceryl Stearate, Citric Acid, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Hydrolyzed Elastin, Cetyl Hydroxyethylcellulose, Rutin, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Phaseolus Lunatus Seed Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Limonene, Linalool, Citral, Hexyl Cinnamal, Hydroxycitronellal, CI 77891, CI 75470
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 CrosspolymerPropylene 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 SilicaTocopheryl 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 AcetateWater. 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
Tarte Timeless Smoothing Primer 40 ingredients
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Smashbox The Original Photo Finish Smooth & Blur Oil-Free Primer 15 ingredients
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