Smashbox Mindful 5 Nourishing Primer Serum Review

Smashbox Mindful 5 Nourishing Primer Serum
5.0
/ 10
Moisturizing
8.8 Humectancy icon Humectancy
1.1 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
Ingredients

Smashbox Mindful 5 Nourishing Primer Serum Ingredients

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Full Ingredient List (INCI):

Water, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Bis-PEG-8 Dimethicone, Butylene Glycol, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Glycerin, Bis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane, Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil, Sodium Hyaluronate, Citrullus Lanatus (Watermelon) Fruit Extract, Algae Extract, Lactobacillus Ferment, Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel Oil, Natto Gum, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Lens Esculenta (Lentil) Fruit Extract, Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract, Laminaria Digitata Extract, Ormenis Multicaulis Oil, Zea Mays (Corn) Starch, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Allantoin, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Lactate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Sodium PCA, Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-11, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Blue 1 (CI 42090), Red 40 (CI 16035), Yellow 5 (CI 19140)
Review

Does Smashbox Mindful 5 Nourishing Primer Serum Work?

 
According to CreamScan's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Smashbox Mindful 5 Nourishing Primer Serum has to offer:
 
Moderate moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 5.0 out of 10.

  

Key Benefits of Smashbox Mindful 5 Nourishing Primer Serum

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Smashbox Mindful 5 Nourishing Primer Serum:
 

🔵 Lightweight Humectant Moisturizer Ideal for Oily Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, Smashbox Mindful 5 Nourishing Primer Serum is quite moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 5.0 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Significantly more humectant. It has a low occlusivity of 1.1 out of 10 and a very high humectancy of 8.8 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Butylene Glycol (est. ≈3.0%).

This humectant-rich product, when used alone as a moisturizer, is ideal for oily skin, offering significant hydration in a lightweight, fast-absorbing formula with a minimal amount of occlusive ingredients.

It’s also a great choice for people with normal skin who prefer lightweight moisturizers.

💧 A Humectant Boost for Any Skincare Routine

But it’s not limited to oily skin - such a humectant boost will also positively contribute to the moisturizing efficacy of any skincare routine when used as a step before applying the main moisturizer. This type of formulation is typically used in serums, where a light, fast-absorbing texture is key.

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 model to incorporate anti-pigmentation, exfoliation and anti-acne ratings.

Things to Be Aware Of: Smashbox Mindful 5 Nourishing Primer Serum

 
CreamScan identified a few things to consider before adding Smashbox Mindful 5 Nourishing Primer Serum to your skincare routine:
 

⚠️ Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy

If one of your main reasons for choosing Smashbox Mindful 5 Nourishing Primer Serum is its potential anti-aging effects, please note that, according to CreamScan analysis, it currently has a zero anti-wrinkle rating.

It contains Lactobacillus Ferment and Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, two ingredients often marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of these ingredients provide insufficient evidence of efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards.

While this does not categorically rule out the possibility that these ingredients may reduce wrinkles, their efficacy is not supported by convincing, vehicle-controlled, double-blind clinical studies - at least none that were available to the CreamScan team at the time of publication.

Therefore, these ingredients do not generate the anti-wrinkle rating.

📌 Moisturizers, when used regularly, are proven to prevent wrinkle formation and even reduce existing wrinkles. Therefore, this product, like any other moisturizer, can deliver some anti-wrinkle effects through its moisturizing action.

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the anti-wrinkle rating calculation.

Pros & Cons of Smashbox Mindful 5 Nourishing Primer Serum

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Smashbox Mindful 5 Nourishing Primer Serum to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

🟩 Pros:

✅ When used alone: Provides humectant-rich moisturizing ideal for oily skin
✅ As part of a routine: A humectant moisturizing boost, beneficial for any skin type
✅ Lightweight texture
 

⭕ Cons: 

⚠️ Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy
   

Summary: Smashbox Mindful 5 Nourishing Primer Serum

 
Based on the ingredient list analysis, CreamScan AI suggests that Smashbox Mindful 5 Nourishing Primer Serum
, when used alone, delivers lightweight, humectant-rich moisturizing, making it ideal for oily skin. As part of a moisturizing routine, it provides a humectant boost, beneficial for all skin types.
 
That said, there are some things about Smashbox Mindful 5 Nourishing Primer Serum worth noting.
 
If one of your main reasons for considering Smashbox Mindful 5 Nourishing Primer Serum is its potential anti-aging effects, please note that, according to CreamScan analysis, its anti-wrinkle efficacy is questionable. None of the ingredients in this product provide substantial evidence of their anti-wrinkle efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards.
 
📌 Fact check. At CreamScan, we are committed to accuracy and fairness. If you spot any errors or something that doesn’t seem right, please click here to let us know. We regularly update the ingredient lists and monitor the latest research on ingredient efficacy to ensure that our information remains as complete and precise as possible. The information provided here is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional advice. We do not guarantee the efficacy or safety of any product, as individual results may vary.

 

Ingredient Breakdown

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
75
6
4
3
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
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Function:
Origin:
Bis-PEG-8 Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Butylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Dimethyl Isosorbide
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Bis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane
Function:
Origin:
Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hyaluronate
Function:
Origin:
Citrullus Lanatus (Watermelon) Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Algae Extract
Function:
Origin:
Lactobacillus Ferment
Function:
Origin:
Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel Oil
Function:
Origin:
Natto Gum
Function:
Origin:
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Lens Esculenta (Lentil) Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Laminaria Digitata Extract
Function:
Origin:
Ormenis Multicaulis Oil
Function:
Origin:
Zea Mays (Corn) Starch
Function:
Origin:
Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Allantoin
Function:
Origin:
Ethylhexylglycerin
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hydroxide
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Lactate
Function:
Origin:
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Function:
Origin:
Sodium PCA
Function:
Origin:
Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer
Function:
Origin:
Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-11
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Potassium Sorbate
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Benzoate
Function:
Origin:
Blue 1 (CI 42090)
Function:
Origin:
Red 40 (CI 16035)
Function:
Origin:
Yellow 5 (CI 19140)
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
8.8
3
1.5
1.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
2.2
1.0
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
5.0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 8.8 10
8.8
3
1.5
1.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 2.2 20
1.1
1.0
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
5.0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
3
1.5
1.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 8.8 10
8.8
All humectants
8.8
3
1.5
1.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 2.2 20
1.1
All occlusives
2.2
1.0
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
n/a
- 0.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
0
Lactobacillus Ferment
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 2.1 3 No
All antioxidants
2.1
Sodium Hyaluronate
0.3
Citrullus Lanatus (Watermelon) Fruit Extract
0.3
Algae Extract
0.3
Lens Esculenta (Lentil) Fruit Extract
0.3
Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract
0.3
Laminaria Digitata Extract
0.3
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All soothing 1.2 5 No
All soothing
1.2
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %75
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.
PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Est. %6
Function
Origin
PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor OilA castor oil-derived ingredient often used to incorporate small amounts of oil (such as a fragrance) into a water-based product. PEG-4 HCO is a gold-standard solubilizer and can be used in low amounts due to its ability to solubilize things so well.
Bis-PEG-8 Dimethicone
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Bis-PEG-8 Dimethicone
Butylene Glycol
Est. %3
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.

Dimethyl Isosorbide
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Dimethyl IsosorbideA solvent for active ingredients that is claimed to help them better penetrate the outer layer of skin. It also helps to reduce the thickness of a product.
Glycerin
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Glycerin

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

Bis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
Bis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl SilaneA silicone with the unusual trait of being able to disperse in water. It moisturizes the skin as a humectant and leaves a soft and smooth after-feel. This ingredient also has foam-boosting properties.
Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Cannabis Sativa Seed OilAlso known as hemp seed oil, an occlusive moisturizing and emollient oil derived from the seeds of industrial hemp. It has nothing to do with full-spectrum CBD or THC. It contains unsaturated fatty acids, antioxidant phytosterols, phytol, and vitamin E.
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.

Citrullus Lanatus (Watermelon) Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Citrullus Lanatus (Watermelon) Fruit ExtractAn emollient extract from red watermelon fruit. Its pulp, seeds, and rinds are a source of beneficial compounds for the skin, and it has occlusive, emollient, and antioxidant properties.
Algae Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Algae ExtractThe name describes any extract made from any kind of algae. Algae extracts are moisturizing humectants – the gelatin-like polysaccharides bind and retain water, thereby hydrating the skin. Algae is a rich source of emollient and antioxidant compounds.
Lactobacillus Ferment
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Lactobacillus FermentA biotechnological product – a mixture of metabolic products of Lactobacillus culture. Some Lactobacillus forms have been reported to have anti-wrinkle and barrier repairing effects, as well as able to improve skin hydration, elasticity, and gloss.
Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel OilA fatty oil expressed from the seed kernels of apricot fruits. This oil is an emollient and occlusive moisturizer comprised of around 60% oleic acid, followed by linoleic and palmitic acid, carotenoids, vitamin E, and other antioxidant compounds.
Natto Gum
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Natto Gum
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed OilA fatty oil expressed from sunflower seeds and one of the most commonly used oils in skincare. It has great emollient and occlusive moisturizing properties. Sunflower oil is one of the richest sources of vitamin E – an important skin antioxidant.
Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed OilA liquid plant wax, also known as Jojoba oil, pressed from the seeds of Simmondsia chinensis. These seeds can contain up to 50% of liquid wax. It is used as an occlusive moisturizer, emollient, and emulsifier.
Lens Esculenta (Lentil) Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Lens Esculenta (Lentil) Fruit ExtractAn antioxidant extract obtained from lentil seeds that contains mainly humectant oligosaccharides. It is also a good source of amino acids and various antioxidant phenolic compounds.
Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit ExtractAn extract derived from apple fruit that has humectant moisturizing and antioxidant properties, as well as gentle anti-pigment effects. It contains humectant sugars, anti-pigment organic acids, and flavonoids.
Laminaria Digitata Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Laminaria Digitata ExtractAn antioxidant extract obtained from an edible brown seaweed called oarweed. It contains many humectant and gelling polysaccharides, as well as beneficial minerals.
Ormenis Multicaulis Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ormenis Multicaulis OilA fragrant essential oil isolated from the flowers of the Moroccan chamomile. The scent may vary from camphoraceous to fruity or balsamic, depending on the harvest location.
Zea Mays (Corn) Starch
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Zea Mays (Corn) StarchA white, very finely powdered starch extracted from corn. It works as an anti-caking and absorbent ingredient in powdered products, as well as as a thickening agent in liquids. It also helps to create a matte finish after application.
Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit ExtractA soothing, cooling, and emollient extract derived from cucumbers. Cucumber has been used in skincare for centuries and is used to treat skin problems such as eye swelling, sunburn, and itchy and irritated skin.
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract

An antioxidant green tea extract. In the deeper layers, it slows down the destruction of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid – thus delaying the signs of aging. It also acts as an anti-acne, soothing, moisturizing, and emollient ingredient.

Allantoin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
AllantoinA fluffy, white powder that acts as a humectant due to its water-loving chemistry and as an exfoliant that helps to remove dead skin cells. It has also been shown to be very soothing to irritated and inflamed skin.
Ethylhexylglycerin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
EthylhexylglycerinA preservative booster derived from glycerin. It is commonly paired with other preservatives to improve their efficacy. Ethylhexylglycerin is also a humectant due to its chemical base of glycerin.
Sodium Hydroxide
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Hydroxide

An ingredient that is able to bring the pH of a product up, thereby making it less harsh on the skin.

Sodium Lactate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium LactateA sodium salt of lactic acid. Its main function is as a humectant but it can also serve as a pH adjuster. Additionally, sodium lactate can also be used as a chemical exfoliant due to its close chemical relation to lactic acid.
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 PCA
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium PCAOne of the most important parts of the skin's Natural Moisturizing Factor, a mixture of various compounds that keeps the skin’s surface well hydrated. Sodium PCA is used in skincare for its fantastic humectant properties.
Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid CopolymerA synthetic humectant moisturizer often paired with glycerin. It also functions as a viscosity-controlling agent that creates gel-like formulas with thicker textures.
Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-11
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-11
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.
Potassium Sorbate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Potassium SorbateA preservative widely used in food and personal care products, available from natural sources or synthetically produced. Potassium sorbate works by inhibiting the growth of yeasts, molds, and some bacteria.
Sodium Benzoate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium BenzoateA preservative that usually works in combination with other preservatives. It has to be at low pH (<5.5) to be effective.
Blue 1 (CI 42090)
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Blue 1 (CI 42090)A synthetic dye commonly known as Brilliant Blue FCF that produces rich blue colors for various cosmetic uses. FD&C Blue #1 can also be found in foods, medications, and dietary supplements, as it is considered non-toxic and safe for use.
Red 40 (CI 16035)
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Red 40 (CI 16035)A colorant that also goes by the name of Allura Red AC or FD&C Red 40. This ingredient is an approved colorant for skincare, food, and even tattoo inks. The color produced by Red 40 (CI 16035) is a jewel-tone red with yellow undertones.
Yellow 5 (CI 19140)
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Yellow 5 (CI 19140)A bright yellow colorant that is often also listed as FD&C Yellow 5.