Smashbox Always On Skin-Balancing Foundation Review

Smashbox Always On Skin-Balancing Foundation
7.1
/ 10
Moisturizing
5.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
9.2 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
Review

Does Smashbox Always On Skin-Balancing Foundation Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Smashbox Always On Skin-Balancing Foundation has to offer:
 
  • Significant moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 7.1 out of 10.

Key Benefits of Smashbox Always On Skin-Balancing Foundation

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Smashbox Always On Skin-Balancing Foundation:
 

Rich Moisturizer with the Right Occlusivity for Dry Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, Smashbox Always On Skin-Balancing Foundation is highly moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 7.1 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Significantly more occlusive. It has a moderate humectancy of 5.0 out of 10, primarily due to the substantial concentration of Butylene Glycol (est. ≈2.0%), and a very high occlusivity of 9.2 out of 10, mainly due to the significant content of Dimethicone (est. ≈9.0%) and Trimethylsiloxysilicate (est. ≈6.0%).

This type of product, when used as a standalone moisturizer, can deliver a substantial level of occlusive hydration that is adequate for dry skin. The occlusive profile of Smashbox Always On Skin-Balancing Foundation suggests a rich, thick texture, making it perfectly suited for dry skin.

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the moisturizing rating calculation.

Please note that this is not a complete list of benefits. We are in the process of enhancing our AI model to incorporate anti-pigmentation, exfoliation and anti-acne ratings.

Things to Be Aware Of: Smashbox Always On Skin-Balancing Foundation

 
CreamScan AI identified a few things to consider before adding Smashbox Always On Skin-Balancing Foundation to your skincare routine:
 

Best for Dry Skin - May Be Too Thick for Other Skin Types

With high occlusivity, this product is optimal for dry skin but may be too thick for combination and especially oily skin. Even on normal skin, it can feel too rich depending on the quantity applied, the environment, and individual preferences.

If you have oily, combination, or normal skin and are considering purchasing this product for the first time, it might be a good idea to try a sample before buying.

If It’s Your Only Moisturizer, It’s Better When Paired with Some Humectants

An ideal moisturizer for any skin type should balance the right level of occlusivity (depending on skin type) with a significant amount of humectants, while Smashbox Always On Skin-Balancing Foundation contains a moderate level of humectants.

People with dry skin would definitely benefit from adding more humectants to their moisturizing routine beyond what this product offers. If this is your only moisturizer, it may be worth including a humectant-rich product, such as a serum, in your skincare routine.

Pros & Cons of Smashbox Always On Skin-Balancing Foundation

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Smashbox Always On Skin-Balancing Foundation to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

Pros:

  • Provides the right level of occlusivity to moisturize dry skin
  • Rich texture well-suited for dry skin

Cons: 

  • Ideally needs to be paired with extra humectants for optimal moisturizing efficacy

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
60
9
6
4
3
2.5
2
1.5
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Trimethylsiloxysilicate
Function:
Origin:
Methyl Trimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Phenyl Trimethicone
Function:
Origin:
PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Butylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Magnesium Sulfate
Function:
Origin:
Silica
Function:
Origin:
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hyaluronate
Function:
Origin:
Salicornia Herbacea Extract
Function:
Origin:
Tocopheryl Acetate
Function:
Origin:
Saccharide Isomerate
Function:
Origin:
Laminaria Saccharina Extract
Function:
Origin:
Polysilicone-11
Function:
Origin:
Polymethylsilsesquioxane
Function:
Origin:
Glycyrrhiza Inflata Root Extract
Function:
Origin:
Betaine
Function:
Origin:
Pullulan
Function:
Origin:
Polyglutamic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Dipropylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Triethoxycaprylylsilane
Function:
Origin:
Jania Rubens Extract
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Carrageenan
Function:
Origin:
Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate
Function:
Origin:
Disteardimonium Hectorite
Function:
Origin:
Triethyl Citrate
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Function:
Origin:
Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer
Function:
Origin:
Xanthan Gum
Function:
Origin:
Silica Dimethicone Silylate
Function:
Origin:
Laureth-7
Function:
Origin:
Alumina
Function:
Origin:
BHT
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Citrate
Function:
Origin:
Citric Acid
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Dehydroacetate
Function:
Origin:
Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)
Function:
Origin:
Iron Oxides (CI 77491)
Function:
Origin:
Iron Oxides (CI 77492)
Function:
Origin:
Iron Oxides (CI 77499)
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
5.0
2
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
18.3
9.0
6.0
3.0
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
7.1
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 5.0 10
5.0
2
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 18.3 20
9.2
9.0
6.0
3.0
0.3
Moisturizing rating
7.1
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
2
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 5.0 10
5
All humectants
5.0
2
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
9
6
3
0.3
All occlusives 18.3 20
9.2
All occlusives
18.3
9.0
6.0
3.0
0.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
None
Total
0
None
Anti-wrinkle rating
0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 1.2 3 No
All antioxidants
1.2
Sodium Hyaluronate
0.3
Salicornia Herbacea Extract
0.3
Tocopheryl Acetate
0.3
BHT
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
0.3
0.3
All soothing 0.6 5 No
All soothing
0.6
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %60
Function
Origin
WaterThe most used ingredient in skincare. Its concentration defines the product texture: rich creams may have about 50% of water while a light jelly about 90%. Water doesn’t moisturize the skin by itself and is used in skincare as a solvent for other ingredients.
Dimethicone
Est. %9
Function
Origin
DimethiconeThe most common silicone in skincare. It forms a silky, smooth film on the skin’s surface and can help to prevent water loss. It also aids in wound healing and can treat and soften scars. Dimethicone is considered to be very safe for use.
Trimethylsiloxysilicate
Est. %6
Function
Origin
TrimethylsiloxysilicateAn occlusive moisturizing and emollient silicone resin that smoothes and softens the appearance of the skin. It also protects a product from rinsing away too easily with water, sweat, or friction.
Methyl Trimethicone
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Methyl TrimethiconeA lightweight and volatile silicone known for its excellent solvency. This silicone has a silky, cushiony feel with excellent lubricity and is commonly used as an emollient in silicone-based skincare products.
Phenyl Trimethicone
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Phenyl TrimethiconeA silicone fluid that is used as an occlusive moisturizer. It applies smoothly to the skin and reduces the tack associated with organic oils.
PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Est. %2.5
Function
Origin
PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Butylene Glycol
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Butylene Glycol

A clear, colorless liquid humectant that draws moisture to the skin. The humectancy of butylene glycol, owed to its two hydroxyl groups, is quite considerable, although not as powerful as glycerin, which contains three hydroxyl groups.

Glycerin
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Glycerin

The most popular moisturizing ingredient in the world. It is a powerful humectant – cheap yet very effective.

Magnesium Sulfate
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
Magnesium SulfateA naturally occurring mineral that is commonly used in skincare products as a bulking agent. It helps to control the viscosity of products by making them thicker.
Silica
Est. %1
Function
Origin
SilicaA widely used cosmetic ingredient with the same chemical composition as the sand found on beaches. A common function of silica is its ability to control viscosity. In certain chemical forms, it can effectively thicken cream-style products.
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideA natural occlusive moisturizing and emollient ingredient, it is a blend of glycerin and two fatty acids, caprylic and capric acid. It creates an oil-based protective layer on the skin, thereby preventing water loss.
Sodium Hyaluronate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Hyaluronate

A sodium salt of famous hyaluronic acid. A potent humectant that hydrates the skin, supports collagen function, and fills out small wrinkles. Sodium hyaluronate also offers soothing and antioxidant properties.

Salicornia Herbacea Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Salicornia Herbacea ExtractA soothing and antioxidant extract derived from common glasswort. It contains plenty of minerals, various flavonoids, phenolic acids, and polysaccharides, and has the potential to perform anti-pigment activity.
Tocopheryl Acetate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tocopheryl Acetate

An antioxidant derivative of tocopherol (vitamin E). It helps to protect cells from free radicals and UV damage through the conversion to active vitamin E in the skin. It is more stable than tocopherol.

Saccharide Isomerate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Saccharide IsomerateA naturally-derived humectant that provides moisturization at low levels and is less sticky than other humectants like glycerin.
Laminaria Saccharina Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Laminaria Saccharina ExtractA soothing extract derived from a species of edible brown seaweed called sugar kelp or Devil’s apron (due to its shape and large surface). It contains water-binding and soothing polysaccharides, as well as many beneficial minerals.
Polysilicone-11
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Polysilicone-11A synthetic rubber-like substance of the silicone family that has no color or distinct scent. These are large molecules that cannot penetrate the skin but instead create a thin silky film on the skin's surface.
Polymethylsilsesquioxane
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PolymethylsilsesquioxaneA type of spherical powder that functions on a ball-bearing effect in which the tiny microspheres roll around on the skin and create lubricity. Polymethylsilsesquioxane offers extra slip to skincare products and makes the skin feel soft and smooth.
Glycyrrhiza Inflata Root Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glycyrrhiza Inflata Root Extract
Betaine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
BetaineAn ingredient derived from the sucrose in sugar beets. It has a negative chemical charge and a positive chemical charge on the same molecule. This allows betaine to be hygroscopic or humectant and thus provide moisturization by drawing water to the skin.
Pullulan
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Pullulan
Polyglutamic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Polyglutamic AcidA natural polymer with incredible water-binding properties that is prepared from glutamic acid through fermentation.
Dipropylene Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Dipropylene GlycolA clear, colorless liquid that has several uses. One of its main functions is as a solvent. Dipropylene glycol is also used to reduce the thickness of skincare products.
Triethoxycaprylylsilane
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
TriethoxycaprylylsilaneA binding and coating ingredient that allows pigments like iron oxides and mica to disperse better in oily environments. This leads to more vibrant colors.
Jania Rubens Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Jania Rubens Extract
Sodium Carrageenan
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Carrageenan
Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Polyglyceryl-3 DiisostearateA vegetable-based ingredient that stabilizes mixtures of oil and water.
Disteardimonium Hectorite
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Disteardimonium HectoriteA clay ingredient that functions primarily as a viscosity controlling agent that thickens all types of formulas. Disteardimonium hectorite imparts a smooth, velvety feel, making it a luxurious addition to any formula.
Triethyl Citrate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Triethyl Citrate
Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 DimethiconeA silicone-based powerful emulsifier that helps to create lightweight and pleasant feeling lotions and creams.
Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 CrosspolymerA self-emulsifying surfactant, which means that it can help facilitate the formation of water-in-silicone emulsions. This results in lightweight formulas with a soft finish. It can also act as a film-former and thickener.
Xanthan Gum
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Xanthan GumA natural multi-functional ingredient that originates from fermented sugars. Xanthan gum acts as a viscosity-building agent to thicken skincare products. It is also an excellent stabilizer and works well to hold other ingredients together.
Silica Dimethicone Silylate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Silica Dimethicone Silylate
Laureth-7
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Laureth-7A mild but effective functional ingredient. It can emulsify (efficiently mix water and oil) without needing too much in a formula.
Alumina
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
AluminaA mineral derived from the metal ore known as aluminum. It is commonly used as an abrasive and also acts as a thickening viscosity controlling agent (and thus as a bulking agent). Alumina is also a great opacifier.
BHT
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
BHTAn antioxidant ingredient that naturally occurs in green algae and some bacteria or fungi but, for commercial use, is created synthetically. BHT is also used occasionally as a fragrance, where it presents a sweet, camphor-like odor.
Sodium Citrate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium CitrateA salt of citric acid that has a salty and tart flavor and is used as a fragrance. It is mildly basic, meaning that its addition to a skincare product can adjust the pH upward.
Citric Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Citric AcidA gently exfoliating AHA that helps to remove the top layer of dead skin cells. In comparison to other AHAs, citric acid has been shown to be one of the least effective. It is also very commonly used as a stabilizing and pH-controlling agent.
Phenoxyethanol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PhenoxyethanolThe most frequently used preservative in skincare. It is a clear, oil-like liquid synthetic substance that protects products from harmful bacteria and yeast, whilst still leaving skin microflora unharmed. It is confirmed by research to be harmless.
Sodium Dehydroacetate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium DehydroacetateA sodium salt of dehydroacetic acid that is most commonly used as a preservative. It is a strong fungicide and a moderate bactericide, which makes it an effective broad-spectrum preservative.
Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)One of two the most commonly used mineral sunscreens. It can absorb UV light, including UVB – which causes burning, tanning, and even skin cancer. Also used as a colorant, titanium dioxide gives a product a bright white color.
Iron Oxides (CI 77491)
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Iron Oxides (CI 77491)A red colorant also known as red iron oxide. This is an EU-approved colorant used in a wide variety of products.
Iron Oxides (CI 77492)
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Iron Oxides (CI 77492)Also known as iron (III) oxide, this ingredient is a yellow-colored pigment that can either be derived from minerals or produced synthetically. It adds yellow tones to cosmetic products.
Iron Oxides (CI 77499)
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Iron Oxides (CI 77499)A black colorant also known as black iron oxide used in a wide range of skincare products.