Smashbox Photo Finish Correct Anti-Redness Primer Review

Smashbox Photo Finish Correct Anti-Redness Primer
5.7
/ 10
Moisturizing
7.4 Humectancy icon Humectancy
4.0 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
Ingredients

Smashbox Photo Finish Correct Anti-Redness Primer Ingredients

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Full Ingredient List (INCI):

Water, Dimethicone, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Methyl Trimethicone, Butylene Glycol, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Glycerin, Silica, Hydroxyethyl Urea, Algae Extract, Rosa Hybrid Flower Extract, Fuscoporia Obliqua Sclerotium Extract, Lycium Chinense Fruit Extract, Lactobacillus Ferment, Vaccinium Angustifolium (Blueberry) Fruit Extract, Vaccinium Macrocarpon (Cranberry) Fruit Extract, Poria Cocos Sclerotium Extract, Caffeine, Yeast Extract, Sorbitol, Sodium Polyaspartate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Pantethine, Trehalose, Sodium Hyaluronate, Isohexadecane, Isopropyl Isostearate, PPG-15 Stearyl Ether, PEG-8 Dimethicone, Polyglyceryl-3 Disiloxane Dimethicone, Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer, Acrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Copolymer, Polysorbate 80, Disodium EDTA, Tin Oxide, Cellulose, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Tocopheryl Acetate, Tocopherol, Salicylic Acid, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Potassium Sorbate, Phenoxyethanol, Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Chromium Oxide Greens (CI 77288), Mica, Bismuth Oxychloride (CI 77163), Iron Oxides (CI 77492)
Review

Does Smashbox Photo Finish Correct Anti-Redness Primer Work?

 
According to CreamScan's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Smashbox Photo Finish Correct Anti-Redness Primer has to offer:
 
Moderate moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 5.7 out of 10.

  

Key Benefits of Smashbox Photo Finish Correct Anti-Redness Primer

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Smashbox Photo Finish Correct Anti-Redness Primer:
 

🔵🔵 Well-Suited Moisturizer for Normal Skin with a Balanced Texture, Neither Too Light nor Too Heavy

According to CreamScan analysis, Smashbox Photo Finish Correct Anti-Redness Primer is quite moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 5.7 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Rather humectant. It has a high humectancy of 7.4 out of 10, primarily due to the substantial concentration of Butylene Glycol (est. ≈2.5%), and a moderate occlusivity of 4.0 out of 10, mainly due to the significant content of Dimethicone (est. ≈7.5%).

This type of moisturizer is well-suited for people with normal skin who want significant hydration in a formula with a balanced texture - neither too light nor too heavy. It combines a high concentration of humectants with a moderate amount of occlusive ingredients to deliver effective dual-action moisturizing for normal 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 model to incorporate anti-pigmentation, exfoliation and anti-acne ratings.

Things to Be Aware Of: Smashbox Photo Finish Correct Anti-Redness Primer

 
CreamScan identified a few things to consider before adding Smashbox Photo Finish Correct Anti-Redness Primer to your skincare routine:
 

⚠️ Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy

If one of your main reasons for choosing Smashbox Photo Finish Correct Anti-Redness Primer 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 Caffeine, 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 Photo Finish Correct Anti-Redness Primer

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Smashbox Photo Finish Correct Anti-Redness Primer to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

🟩 Pros:

Well-suited for moisturizing normal skin
Balanced texture, neither too light nor too heavy
 

⭕ Cons: 

⚠️ Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy
   

Summary: Smashbox Photo Finish Correct Anti-Redness Primer

 
Based on the ingredient list analysis, CreamScan AI suggests that Smashbox Photo Finish Correct Anti-Redness Primer
That said, there are some things about Smashbox Photo Finish Correct Anti-Redness Primer worth noting.
 
If one of your main reasons for considering Smashbox Photo Finish Correct Anti-Redness Primer 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
65
7.5
5
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
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer
Function:
Origin:
Methyl Trimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Butylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Silica
Function:
Origin:
Hydroxyethyl Urea
Function:
Origin:
Algae Extract
Function:
Origin:
Rosa Hybrid Flower Extract
Function:
Origin:
Fuscoporia Obliqua Sclerotium Extract
Function:
Origin:
Lycium Chinense Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Lactobacillus Ferment
Function:
Origin:
Vaccinium Angustifolium (Blueberry) Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Vaccinium Macrocarpon (Cranberry) Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Poria Cocos Sclerotium Extract
Function:
Origin:
Caffeine
Function:
Origin:
Yeast Extract
Function:
Origin:
Sorbitol
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Polyaspartate
Function:
Origin:
Ethylhexylglycerin
Function:
Origin:
Pantethine
Function:
Origin:
Trehalose
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hyaluronate
Function:
Origin:
Isohexadecane
Function:
Origin:
Isopropyl Isostearate
Function:
Origin:
PPG-15 Stearyl Ether
Function:
Origin:
PEG-8 Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Polyglyceryl-3 Disiloxane Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Trimethylsiloxysilicate
Function:
Origin:
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer
Function:
Origin:
Acrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Copolymer
Function:
Origin:
Polysorbate 80
Function:
Origin:
Disodium EDTA
Function:
Origin:
Tin Oxide
Function:
Origin:
Cellulose
Function:
Origin:
Synthetic Fluorphlogopite
Function:
Origin:
Triethoxycaprylylsilane
Function:
Origin:
Tocopheryl Acetate
Function:
Origin:
Tocopherol
Function:
Origin:
Salicylic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Dehydroacetate
Function:
Origin:
Potassium Sorbate
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)
Function:
Origin:
Chromium Oxide Greens (CI 77288)
Function:
Origin:
Mica
Function:
Origin:
Bismuth Oxychloride (CI 77163)
Function:
Origin:
Iron Oxides (CI 77492)
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
7.4
2.5
1.5
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
8.1
7.5
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
5.7
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 7.4 10
7.4
2.5
1.5
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 8.1 20
4.0
7.5
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
5.7
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
2.5
1.5
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 7.4 10
7.4
All humectants
7.4
2.5
1.5
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
7.5
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 8.1 20
4.0
All occlusives
8.1
7.5
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
Caffeine
-
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
0.3
All antioxidants 2.4 3 No
All antioxidants
2.4
Algae Extract
0.3
Lycium Chinense Fruit Extract
0.3
Vaccinium Angustifolium (Blueberry) Fruit Extract
0.3
Vaccinium Macrocarpon (Cranberry) Fruit Extract
0.3
Caffeine
0.3
Sodium Hyaluronate
0.3
Tocopheryl Acetate
0.3
Tocopherol
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
0.3
0.3
0.3
All soothing 0.9 5 No
All soothing
0.9
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %65
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. %7.5
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.
Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer
Est. %5
Function
Origin
Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer
Methyl Trimethicone
Est. %3
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.
Butylene Glycol
Est. %2.5
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.

Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone CrosspolymerThis ingredient can refer to several kinds of dimethicone crosspolymers. Like other silicones, it makes products feel slippery and non-greasy but can also increase the thickness or improve the water-resistance of a formula.
Glycerin
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Glycerin

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

Silica
Est. %1.3
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.
Hydroxyethyl Urea
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Hydroxyethyl UreaHydroxyethyl urea is a synthetic derivative of regular urea (read about it here). This ingredient, similarly to urea, is humectant moisturizing and helps to retain more water to the skin’s surface, leaving it more moisturized. There aren't any studies that analyze the effects of this ingredient in great detail.
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.
Rosa Hybrid Flower Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Rosa Hybrid Flower Extract
Fuscoporia Obliqua Sclerotium Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Fuscoporia Obliqua Sclerotium Extract
Lycium Chinense Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Lycium Chinense Fruit ExtractDerived from Goji berries, also known as wolfberries, this extract is packed with potent antioxidant polysaccharides, vitamins B and C, carotenoids (mainly zeaxanthin), flavonoids, and phytosterols.
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.
Vaccinium Angustifolium (Blueberry) Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Vaccinium Angustifolium (Blueberry) Fruit ExtractObtained from the fruits of the lowbush blueberry, this purple-blue extract is rich in antioxidant vitamin C and anthocyanins.
Vaccinium Macrocarpon (Cranberry) Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Vaccinium Macrocarpon (Cranberry) Fruit ExtractA bright red extract derived from cranberry fruits that is rich in powerful antioxidant anthocyanins, as well as astringent tannins.
Poria Cocos Sclerotium Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Poria Cocos Sclerotium ExtractAn anti-pigment and astringent extract from Poria cocos, an underground fungus. It has a proven skin brightening effect.
Caffeine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
CaffeineAn antioxidant compound that is obtained from coffee and tea leaves. It increases the microcirculation of blood in the skin and is claimed to be able to reduce the appearance of orange peel skin (although the research is lacking).
Yeast Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Yeast ExtractAlso labeled as faex extract, this is a natural ingredient derived from fresh yeast. It is used in skincare as a humectant. Yeast extract also helps to shield injured or exposed skin and can aid in the skin’s wound healing process.
Sorbitol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
SorbitolA sweet-tasting alcohol derived from glucose. Aside from its sweet taste (for which it is used as a very common sweetener), Sorbitol is also very good at retaining water and is used in skincare as a humectant.
Sodium Polyaspartate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium PolyaspartateAlso known as polymerized aspartic acid, this protein-like polymer is an excellent moisturizer and forms a smooth film on the skin’s surface. It can also prevent clumping and settling in a liquid product.
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.
Pantethine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PantethineA synthetic emollient that provides a soft and smooth feeling to skin. Most emollients are oil-based, but pantethine dissolves in water.
Trehalose
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
TrehaloseA sweet-tasting saccharide that can be found in various yeasts and fungi and that is manufactured from starch for cosmetic purposes. It is one of the most popular sugars in skincare and is mainly used for its humectant properties.
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.

Isohexadecane
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
IsohexadecaneA clear, colorless liquid that is commonly used as an emollient. It is made up of pure hydrocarbons and leaves a dry feeling on the skin upon application. It also increases the spreadability of a product.
Isopropyl Isostearate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Isopropyl IsostearateA synthetic ester that offers superior spreadability.
PPG-15 Stearyl Ether
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PPG-15 Stearyl EtherA synthetic ingredient that has a slippery feel and can be combined with many other ingredients acting as a solvent.
PEG-8 Dimethicone
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PEG-8 Dimethicone
Polyglyceryl-3 Disiloxane Dimethicone
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Polyglyceryl-3 Disiloxane Dimethicone
Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Trimethylsiloxysilicate
Est. %0.3
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.
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP CopolymerA polymeric ingredient that creates lightweight and refreshing gel textures. It also works as a viscosity controlling agent.
Acrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Copolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Acrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate CopolymerA synthetic ingredient that forms a gel when mixed with water. It can thus thicken and stabilize a product.
Polysorbate 80
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Polysorbate 80A non-ionic surfactant, which means that it contains no chemical charges. It can be used as a mild cleansing agent in skin cleansing products but is more commonly used for its emulsifying abilities.
Disodium EDTA
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Disodium EDTAA synthetic chelator that helps to maintain the look and smell of a product by 'locking up' troublesome metal ions.
Tin Oxide
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tin OxideA multi-functional mineral that increases the physical space a product takes up, increases the viscosity of liquid products, and, when used as an opacifying agent, makes a transparent or translucent product become opaque or solid in color.
Cellulose
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
CelluloseA natural ingredient that can create water-based gels, absorb oils, and exfoliate the skin. One of the main functions of cellulose is as a bulking and viscosity controlling agent. Cellulose can also modify the slip aesthetics and act as an opacifying agent.
Synthetic Fluorphlogopite
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Synthetic FluorphlogopiteAlso known as synthetic mica, this ingredient’s best property is its ability to form thin, sheet-like crystals. This gives products (mostly makeup) great slip.
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.
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.

Tocopherol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tocopherol

Simply another name for vitamin E. Tocopherol is a fantastic ingredient and especially beneficial for dry and inflamed skin. It has occlusive moisturizing, emollient, antioxidant, and photoprotective properties.

Salicylic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Salicylic AcidThis effective peeling and anti-inflammatory BHA is used as an anti-acne agent and works by breaking down the junctions between dead skin cells. This results in the peeling of dead skin and the unclogging of pores.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Chromium Oxide Greens (CI 77288)
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Chromium Oxide Greens (CI 77288)
Mica
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
MicaA mineral powder made up of silicates with several functions (the main one being as a colorant). It has a shimmery appearance, making it highly desirable in certain cosmetic products. Mica also helps the product to apply more smoothly.
Bismuth Oxychloride (CI 77163)
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Bismuth Oxychloride (CI 77163)An inorganic colorant that gives off a pearly white sheen. Its appearance is a result of light reflecting and refracting through the layers it forms.
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.