Smashbox Photo Finish Primerizer

Smashbox Photo Finish Primerizer
6.5
/ 10
Moisturizing
10.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
3.0 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
3.8Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle
Rich
in Antioxidants
$$$$

Review

Results you may expect from using Smashbox Photo Finish Primerizer:

Based on the ingredient analysis by CreamScan, these are the key benefits you can expect from using Smashbox Photo Finish Primerizer:

  • Significant moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 6.5 out of 10.
  • Some anti-wrinkle efficacy: Smashbox Photo Finish Primerizer has an anti-wrinkle rating of 3.8 out of 10 so you may expect some, although limited, effect on wrinkles.
  • Antioxidant protection.

How moisturizing is it?

Highly moisturizing: Smashbox Photo Finish Primerizer has a moisturizing rating of 6.5 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Significantly more humectant. It has a maximum humectancy of 10 out of 10, primarily due to the substantial concentration of Glycerin (est. ≈9.0%) and Niacinamide (est. ≈2.5%), and a moderate occlusivity of 3.0 out of 10, solely because of the high content of Dimethicone (est. ≈6.0%).

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

Anti-wrinkle efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, Smashbox Photo Finish Primerizer has a slight anti-wrinkle rating of 3.8 out of 10. It contains one ingredient with proven anti-wrinkle efficacy: Niacinamide (est. ≈2.5%), 
one of the most effective and well-researched anti-wrinkle ingredients.
Among others, Smashbox Photo Finish Primerizer also contains Caffeine, an ingredient marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of Caffeine provide insufficient evidence of its efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards. Therefore, this ingredient does not contribute to the anti-wrinkle rating.

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

Antioxidant benefits

We estimate that Smashbox Photo Finish Primerizer is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Niacinamide (est. ≈2.5%).

A key benefit of antioxidants is their ability to reduce oxidative stress caused by free radicals and therefore prevent accelerated skin aging. Studies also show that antioxidants can protect against environmental damage such as UV radiation and pollution, and help reduce inflammation and skin redness.

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
65
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
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Ratings

All humectants
18.8
9
2.5
2
1.5
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
6.0
6.0
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
6.5
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 18.8 10
10.0
9
2.5
2
1.5
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 6.0 20
3.0
6.0
Moisturizing rating
6.5
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
6
All occlusives 6.0 20
3.0
All occlusives
6.0
6.0
Benchmark
20
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
9
2.5
2
1.5
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 18.8 10
10
All humectants
18.8
9
2.5
2
1.5
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
6 /10 4 2.5 3.8
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
3.8
Niacinamide
3.8
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
6 /10
when present at, %
4
in this formula, est. %
2.5
Caffeine
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
3.8
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
2.5
1.3
1
0.3
All antioxidants 5.1 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
5.1
Niacinamide
2.5
Sodium Hyaluronate
1.3
Algae Extract
1
Caffeine
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Rating
2.5
All soothing 2.5 5 No
All soothing
2.5
2.5
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %65
Function
Origin
The 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.
Glycerin
Est. %9
Function
Origin

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

Dimethicone
Est. %6
Function
Origin
The 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.
Isopropyl Isostearate
Est. %4
Function
Origin
A synthetic ester that offers superior spreadability.
PPG-15 Stearyl Ether
Est. %3
Function
Origin
A synthetic ingredient that has a slippery feel and can be combined with many other ingredients acting as a solvent.
Niacinamide
Est. %2.5
Function
Origin

Also known as vitamin B3, this ingredient is a true superstar with confirmed moisturizing, anti-acne, hyperpigmentation, and antioxidant benefits. Two studies confirm its significant anti-wrinkle efficacy.

Hydroxyethyl Urea
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Hydroxyethyl 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.
Sodium Polyaspartate
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Also 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.
Sodium Hyaluronate
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
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.
Algae Extract
Est. %1
Function
Origin
The 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.
Caffeine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
An 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).
Trehalose
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A 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.
Sorbitol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A 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.
Decyl Glucoside
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A surfactant that can function as both a cleansing agent and emulsifier. As a cleansing agent, it is very mild on the skin. As an emulsifier, decyl glucoside will produce oil-in-water emulsions. It is naturally derived from vegetable oils and starch.
Xanthan Gum
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A 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.
1,2-Hexanediol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A multi-functional formula helper. It is a well-studied preservtive against bacteria and can help pigments and fragrances disperse evenly in a formula.
Propanediol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
An excellent solvent capable of mixing water with normally water-insoluble ingredients. It also functions as a humectant due to its water-loving alcohol groups. Propanediol can control the viscosity of a product by reducing its thickness.
Sodium Hydroxide
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
An ingredient that is able to bring the pH of a product up, thereby making it less harsh on the skin.
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A synthetic ingredient that is used to thicken water and alcohol. It results in a more lightweight formula and is commonly found in gel products.
Caprylyl Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
An emollient that improves product spreadability and offers a silky feel on the skin. It also acts as a preservative booster that improves the efficacy of other preservatives. According to the manufacturer, it is also a humectant moisturizer.
Butylene Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
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.
Phenoxyethanol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
The 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.