Smashbox Photo Finish Reduce Redness Primer Review

Smashbox Photo Finish Reduce Redness Primer
3.4
/ 10
Moisturizing
2.6 Humectancy icon Humectancy
4.2 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
Rich
in Antioxidants
Ingredients

Smashbox Photo Finish Reduce Redness Primer Ingredients

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Full Ingredient List (INCI):

Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Cyclohexasiloxane, Dimethicone, Tocopheryl Acetate, Cymbidium Grandiflorum (Orchid) Flower Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil, Cymbopogon Schoenanthus Oil, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil, Ethylhexylglycerin, Methicone, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Retinyl Palmitate, Octisalate, Talc, Caprylyl Glycol, Hexylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Iron Oxides (CI 77491), Iron Oxides (CI 77492), Iron Oxides (CI 77499), Chromium Oxide Greens (CI 77288), Manganese Violet (CI 77742), Ultramarines (CI 77007), Yellow 5 Lake (CI 19140)
Review

Does Smashbox Photo Finish Reduce Redness Primer Work?

 
According to CreamScan's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Smashbox Photo Finish Reduce Redness Primer has to offer:
 
✅ Light moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 3.4 out of 10.
✅ Antioxidant protection

  

Key Benefits of Smashbox Photo Finish Reduce Redness Primer

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

🔵🔵 Moisturizer with the Right Occlusivity for Normal Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, Smashbox Photo Finish Reduce Redness Primer is lightly moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 3.4 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Rather occlusive. It has a low humectancy of 2.6 out of 10 and a moderate occlusivity of 4.2 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Dimethicone (est. ≈6.0%).

This type of product, when used as a standalone moisturizer, may provide some occlusive moisturizing that is adequate for normal skin.

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

🍀 Rich in Skin-Protecting Antioxidants

We estimate that Smashbox Photo Finish Reduce Redness Primer is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Tocopheryl Acetate (est. ≈4.0%) and Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract (est. ≈2.0%).

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.

📌 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 Reduce Redness Primer

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

⚠️ Needs to Be Paired with Extra Humectants for Optimal Moisturizing Efficacy

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 Photo Finish Reduce Redness Primer contains a relatively low level of humectants.

People with normal 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.

⚠️ Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy

If one of your main reasons for choosing Smashbox Photo Finish Reduce 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 Retinyl Palmitate, an ingredient often marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of Retinyl Palmitate provide insufficient evidence of its efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards.

While this does not categorically rule out the possibility that Retinyl Palmitate may reduce wrinkles, its 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, this ingredient does 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 Reduce Redness Primer

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

🟩 Pros:

Provides the right level of occlusivity to moisturize normal skin
Balanced texture, neither too light nor too heavy
✅ Rich in antioxidants that combat oxidative stress associated with accelerated skin aging and defend against environmental damage
 

⭕ Cons: 

⚠️ Only if used as a standalone moisturizer - needs to be paired with extra humectants for optimal moisturizing efficacy
⚠️ Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy
   

Summary: Smashbox Photo Finish Reduce Redness Primer

 
Based on the ingredient list analysis, CreamScan AI suggests that Smashbox Photo Finish Reduce Redness Primer
, as a moisturizer, provides the right level of occlusivity to hydrate normal skin, with a balanced texture that’s neither too light nor too heavy.
 
With its high antioxidant content, Smashbox Photo Finish Reduce Redness Primer helps protect against free radical damage and offers multiple benefits for all skin types, including preventing premature aging, defending against environmental damage, and calming inflammation.
 
That said, there are some things about Smashbox Photo Finish Reduce Redness Primer worth noting.
 
If you use this product as your only moisturizer in a routine, please note that it contains only a small amount of humectants. Regardless of your skin type, adding extra humectants can enhance optimal moisturizing efficacy. Therefore, it may be worth pairing Smashbox Photo Finish Reduce Redness Primer with a humectant-rich product, such as a serum, in your skincare routine.
 
If one of your main reasons for considering Smashbox Photo Finish Reduce 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
45
22
11
6
4
3
2
1.5
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
Est. %
Cyclopentasiloxane
Function:
Origin:
Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Function:
Origin:
Cyclohexasiloxane
Function:
Origin:
Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Tocopheryl Acetate
Function:
Origin:
Cymbidium Grandiflorum (Orchid) Flower Extract
Function:
Origin:
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Cymbopogon Schoenanthus Oil
Function:
Origin:
Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil
Function:
Origin:
Ethylhexylglycerin
Function:
Origin:
Methicone
Function:
Origin:
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Function:
Origin:
Retinyl Palmitate
Function:
Origin:
Octisalate
Function:
Origin:
Talc
Function:
Origin:
Caprylyl Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Hexylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
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:
Chromium Oxide Greens (CI 77288)
Function:
Origin:
Manganese Violet (CI 77742)
Function:
Origin:
Ultramarines (CI 77007)
Function:
Origin:
Yellow 5 Lake (CI 19140)
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
2.6
2
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
8.4
6.0
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
3.4
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 2.6 10
2.6
2
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 8.4 20
4.2
6.0
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
3.4
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
2
0.3
0.3
All humectants 2.6 10
2.6
All humectants
2.6
2
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
6
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 8.4 20
4.2
All occlusives
8.4
6.0
1.5
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 -
Total
0
Retinyl Palmitate
-
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
4
2
1.5
0.3
All antioxidants 7.8 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
7.8
Tocopheryl Acetate
4
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
2
Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil
1.5
Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
2
All soothing 2 5 No
All soothing
2
2
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Cyclopentasiloxane
Est. %45
Function
Origin
CyclopentasiloxaneA lightweight, fast-spreading emollient that leaves a very soft and silky after-feel on the skin. Supplied as a clear and colorless liquid, cyclopentasiloxane is often used as a solvent to dissolve other silicones in.
Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Est. %22
Function
Origin
Dimethicone CrosspolymerA group of ingredients that are typically added to skincare products to adjust the formula. Dimethicone Crosspolymers stabilize a formula, regulate its thickness and consistency and give the product a velvety feel.
Cyclohexasiloxane
Est. %11
Function
Origin
CyclohexasiloxaneA clear silicone fluid with very low viscosity that is commonly used as a solvent and emollient. It has excellent spreadability, rubs in quickly, and leaves a silky smooth after-feel on the skin.
Dimethicone
Est. %6
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.
Tocopheryl Acetate
Est. %4
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.

Cymbidium Grandiflorum (Orchid) Flower Extract
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Cymbidium Grandiflorum (Orchid) Flower Extract
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf ExtractDerived from Aloe vera leaves, this moisturizing humectant, soothing, and antioxidant extract is commonly used in products targeting eczema, sunburn, or dermatitis. It soothes the skin and reduces the signs of inflammation and sensitivity.
Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed OilA fatty oil pressed from safflower seeds that is used as an occlusive moisturizer and emollient. It contains unusually high amounts of linoleic acid (up to 70%), as well as antioxidant compounds such as vitamin E, phytosterols, and phenolics.
Cymbopogon Schoenanthus Oil
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Cymbopogon Schoenanthus OilAn essential oil with a fresh, minty, and lemony scent. It is obtained from the West Indian lemongrass, also known as camel grass, and some studies suggest that it has an antibacterial effect.
Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glycine Soja (Soybean) OilAn occlusive moisturizing oil expressed from soybeans. It does not leave an oily feeling on the skin due to its low content of saturated fatty acids. Glycine soja oil contains emollient fatty acids and a significant amount of antioxidants.
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.
Methicone
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
MethiconeA silicone oil that can function as an occlusive moisturizer and emollient. Occasionally, methicone is used as a surface modifier for various pigments to improve the longevity and vibrancy of colorants.
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.
Retinyl Palmitate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Retinyl Palmitate

An esterified form of retinol – it combines retinol and palmitic acid into one molecule. Retinyl palmitate is less irritating than retinol but lacks clinical proves of its anti-aging and acne-reducing efficacy.

Octisalate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
OctisalateA UVB sunscreen also known as ethylhexyl salicylate. It is normally paired with UVA sunscreens to provide broad-spectrum protection. Octisalate also protects other ingredients, like colorants and antioxidants, from deterioration due to exposure to UV light.
Talc
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
TalcA mineral powder used as a base material for powders, make-up, and pastes that absorbs sweat and oils very well. It is also often used in baby powders. Talc should never be applied to skin with a damaged lipid barrier (e.g. wounds and burns).
Caprylyl Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Caprylyl GlycolAn 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.
Hexylene Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hexylene GlycolA multifunctional ingredient that is best known for its use as a solvent. It can dissolve both water-based ingredients and oils. For this reason, it can also function as an emulsifier, allowing oil and water ingredients to mix and remain stable.
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.
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.
Chromium Oxide Greens (CI 77288)
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Chromium Oxide Greens (CI 77288)
Manganese Violet (CI 77742)
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Manganese Violet (CI 77742)
Ultramarines (CI 77007)
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ultramarines (CI 77007)
Yellow 5 Lake (CI 19140)
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Yellow 5 Lake (CI 19140)