
2 of 3 advertised claims delivered
This product does not offer good protection against UVA rays.
“Versatile and multi-use, the formula can be used as a primer for full coverage, drenching your base in moisture to lessen the look of dry skin.”
This product can help improve hydration of the skin with the two types of ingredients.
The first type is called “humectants”:
these ingredients help attract water.
When humectants are on the surface of the skin, they “pull in” the moisture from the outside environment, or from
within deeper layers of the skin. The following ingredients in this product do the job:
glycerin, sodium hyaluronate.
This product also contains ingredients called “occlusives”. They help reduce the speed with which our skin loses moisture to the outside environment. These ingredients also help soften the upper layer of the skin, so it feels less tight and nicer to the touch. The following ingredients in this product do the job: dimethicone, phenyl trimethicone.
The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: acetyl hexapeptide-8, linoleic acid, urea
“The lightweight formula leaves a breathable veil, blurring the appearance of enlarged pores and fine lines.”
This product contains acetyl hexapeptide-8. This ingredient might be able to help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness, but there is not enough evidence that it actually works. The biggest anti-aging effect in this product comes from sun protection. Sun damage is the main factor causing early signs of skin aging. We, however, do not recommend using this product as a sunscreen because the protection it offers is not strong enough).
This product contains antioxidants (glycyrrhetinic acid) that can help neutralize free radicals in skin. By doing so, they can lessen the damage the skin gets from the UV light (sun).
The following ingredient (ingredients) in this product might be helpful, but there is no evidence to confirm that it actually works: dimethoxytolyl propylresorcinol, glycyrrhetinic acid, glycyrrhiza glabra root extract.
The biggest effect for evening out skin tone in this product comes from sun protection. Sun damage is the main factor causing age spots, darkening of post-acne marks and other discolorations. This is why sun protection is the best strategy for maintaining an even skin tone. We, however, do not recommend using this product as a sunscreen because the protection it offers is not strong enough).
Be the first — your take helps the next person decide.
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Octinoxate. When used in higher concentrations, works as a sunscreen protecting the skin from UVB rays. When used in lower concentration, helps to preserve the product formulation. Is shown to be harmful to coral reefs - consider avoiding bathing in coral reef areas when wearing a product with this ingredient. It can be irritating
More about Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamateOctisalate. A UV filter. It offers some protection against the sun rays that cause sunburn (UVB), but does not protect against the most aging sun rays (UVA). It loses its effectiveness quickly when exposed to sunlight. It is an organic, or so called "chemical" sunscreen
More about Ethylhexyl salicylateSame as oxybenzone. Protects in the UVB and short UVA range. In small concentrations, used to stabilize product formulation. Can be irritating. Is shown to be harmful to coral reefs - consider avoiding bathing in coral reef areas when wearing a product with this ingredient. It can penetrate the skin and get absorbed into bloodstream faster than other popular filters available in the US. The study that produced this finding did not address any potential health effects of the absorption
More about Benzophenone-3A silicone that helps to reduce water loss from the surface of the skin. Can temporarily "fill in" lines and wrinkles, absorb oil, and create a nice product finish
More about DimethiconeUsed to create a nice product texture and help delivery of other ingredients. Might be somewhat helpful in attracting water to the upper layer of the skin
More about Butylene glycolActs as a solvent for other ingredients. Speeds up the absorption of other ingredients into the skin
More about PropanediolAn emollient that softens the skin and forms a protective layer on its surface. Helps water and oil mix together
More about Glyceryl stearateA type of silicone that can decrease loss of moisture from the skin surface. It helps create a nice product texture
More about Phenyl trimethiconeNon-drying alcohol that helps water and oil mix together. Also serves as an emollient
More about Behenyl alcoholA silicone that improves product texture and helps dissolve other ingredients. Can form a non-greasy film on the skin to prevent moisture loss
More about PolymethylsilsesquioxaneA vitamin C derivative that is more stable but less potent than pure form of vitamin C. Has a potential to boost collagen production, nutralise free radicals and reduce hyperpigmentation, but the required concentration is likely to be much higher than for the pure form of vitamin C, limiting the ingredient's effectiveness in products
More about Ascorbyl glucosideA plant extract that might have some anti-oxidant properties. Avoid if you are sensitive to gluten
More about Hordeum vulgare extractPlant extract that might have moisturizing properties. Avoid if you suffer from wheat or gluten intolerance
More about Triticum vulgare germ extractA plant extract that can help lighten the skin and calm down inflammation. Might be helpful in neutralizing free radicals
More about Glycyrrhiza glabra root extractCan have some moisturizing properties due to its sugar content
More about Pyrus malus fruit extractMight be somewhat helpful in reducing hyperpigmentation and neutralizing free radicals but its typical concentration in a product is too low for having an effect
More about Cucumis sativus fruit extractAn emollient that helps soften the skin. Often used to stabilize other ingredients, for example, sunscreen
More about Octyldodecyl neopentanoateIncreases thickness of a product. Texture enhancer for oil-in-water emulsions
More about Ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymerHelps oil and water mix together
More about Polyglyceryl-6 polyricinoleateA seaweed extract that contains sugars and can be helpful in attracting water to the upper layers of the skin if used in high enough concentrations
More about Laminaria saccharina extractActive compound of licorice root. Works to calm down inflammation, as an anti-oxidant, and might be helpful in lightening the skin and reducing hyperpigmentation
More about Glycyrrhetinic acidCan help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. In crystal form, it can work as a gentle exfoliant, gentler than the salt scrub. Helps stabilize the emulsion
More about SucroseA plant extract that might contain a compound baicalin that could be helpful in neutralizing free radicals and reducing inflammation in skin. The baicalin concentration in skincare products is often too low for an effective action. Can be used for its fragrant properties
More about Scutellaria baicalensis root extractUsed mostly for creating emulsions - helping oil and water mix together. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin
More about LecithinHelps oil and water mix together
More about Sodium stearoyl lactylateMight be helpful in neutralizing free radicals. Can have a dehydration effect that might somewhat decrease the look of puffy eyes
More about CaffeineA type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles
More about Acetyl hexapeptide-8An emollient that is naturally found in skin
More about CholesterolA more stable but less bio-available form of vitamin E compared to Tocopherol. Might help moisturize and protect the skin from free radicals, but mostly used in low concentrations to stabilize other ingredients.
More about Tocopheryl acetateBeing a lipid soluble form of vitamin C, it is more stable than ascorbic acid, but still degrades quickly and needs to be stabilized in a formulation with another ingredient. It is claimed to penetrate skin better than pure vitamin C and have the the similar benefits, but solid studies of its effectiveness are lacking. Is likely to require a higher concentration in a product than pure vitamin C to be effective. It might be able to help reduce pore clogging.
More about Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbateAn excellent emollient. Helps soften the skin, restore its barrier function, and can help to calm down inflammation. It can be helpful to prevent blemishes and clogged pores
More about Linoleic acidCan help reduce hyperpigmentation and lighten skin, but additional research is needed to test its effectiveness on human skin
More about Dimethoxytolyl propylresorcinolAn oil naturally present in skin. Works as an emollient to soften the skin and form a protective layer on its surface without a greasy feeling.
More about SqualaneNaturally present in skin and helps to attract water to its upper layer
More about Sodium pcaNaturally present in skin (urea makes up about 7% of natural moisturizing factors in skin). Attracts water to the upper layer of the skin. Also has a positive effect on the skin barrier beyond the humectant action. Can enhance penetration of other ingredients. Is an exfoliating ingredient when used in high concentrations
More about UreaAn active component of chamomile plant that historically has been used to calm down irritated skin. A recent study shows that bisabolol indeed can have some anti-inflammatory effect on skin, even though conclusive data is lacking. Bisabolol has a sweet floral scent and can be added to products for its aromatic properties
More about BisabololHelps water and oil mix together
More about Isopropyl titanium triisostearateOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant
More about GlycerinAn anti-oxidant that helps stabilize product formulations. Might help neutralise free radicals in skin
More about OryzanolOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin
More about Sodium hyaluronateA sugar that attracts water to the upper layer of the skin
More about TrehaloseAn emollient that helps create a nice silky finish on the skin
More about Polyquaternium-51Helps oil and water mix together and works as an emollient
More about Stearic acidCan help neutralize free radicals in skin. Preliminary studies show that it can be more effective than coenzyme Q10 but studies on effective concentration for topical applications are lacking
More about ErgothioneineUsed to create a thicker product consistency
More about Xanthan gumUsed to increase stability of product formulations
More about Pentaerythrityl tetra-di-t-butyl hydroxyhydrocinnamateThe same compound that is used safely in dental implants and bone cements. In cosmetics, it is used to improve the consistency of products
More about AluminaA preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolAn umbrella term for the following three colorants: CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499. They might be able to offer some protection against visible light, but the degree of the protection is not clear
More about Iron oxidesA broad spectrum sunblock (protects from both UVA and UVB rays). Is suitable for most sensitive skins. In small concentrations, can be used as a colorant
More about Zinc oxideWorks as a UV filter when used in high concentrations. It is photostable and is effective mostly against the UVB light, with some protection in the UVA range. In small concentrations, used for its ability to improve the color of cosmetic products. Is usually well tolerated by the skin
More about Titanium dioxideAn umbrella term for the following three colorants: CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499. They might be able to offer some protection against visible light, but the degree of the protection is not clear
More about Iron oxidesA red colorant made of iron oxide. Typically is not irritating
More about Ci 77491An umbrella term for the following three colorants: CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499. They might be able to offer some protection against visible light, but the degree of the protection is not clear
More about Iron oxidesEthylhexyl methoxycinnamate, Ethylhexyl salicylate, Benzophenone-3, Water, Dimethicone, Butylene glycol, Propanediol, Glyceryl stearate, Phenyl trimethicone, Behenyl alcohol, Trioctyldodecyl citrate, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Ascorbyl glucoside, Peg-40 stearate, Polyglyceryl-10 pentastearate, Octyldodecyl stearoyl stearate, Hordeum vulgare extract, Triticum vulgare germ extract, Glycyrrhiza glabra root extract, Pyrus malus fruit extract, Cucumis sativus fruit extract, Octyldodecyl neopentanoate, Ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymer, Polyglyceryl-6 polyricinoleate, Laminaria saccharina extract, Glycyrrhetinic acid, Sucrose, Scutellaria baicalensis root extract, Lecithin, Sodium stearoyl lactylate, Caffeine, Acetyl hexapeptide-8, Cholesterol, Tocopheryl acetate, Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, Tocopheryl linoleate/oleate, Linoleic acid, Dimethoxytolyl propylresorcinol, Squalane, Sodium pca, Urea, Bisabolol, Isopropyl titanium triisostearate, Glycerin, Oryzanol, Sodium hyaluronate, Trehalose, Polyquaternium-51, Stearic acid, Silica, Ergothioneine, Xanthan gum, Pentaerythrityl tetra-di-t-butyl hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Alumina, Disodium edta, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium dehydroacetate, Chlorphenesin, Iron oxides, Ci 77492, Zinc oxide, Titanium dioxide, Ci 77891, Iron oxides, Ci 77491, Iron oxides, Ci 77499
Retailers ranked by price — lowest first.
Affiliate links · prices updated regularly
"Smashbox - Camera Ready BB Cream SPF35" does not provide enough UVA protection. UVA rays do not cause sunburn, but still damage the skin, leading to early signs of aging and pigmentation issues.
Its formula is also hydrating, so you might not need an additional moistruizer during the day.
This is a "mixed" sunscreen in the sense that it uses both mineral and organic (so-called "chemical") sun filters. Here are the organic filters this product uses: oxybenzone, octinoxate and octisalate. As for the mineral filters, this sunscreen uses titanium dioxide.
This product contains actives that can be irritating. We assess the overall irritancy of this product to be medium. For a detailed overview of all potential irritants: click here
You can see the detailed formula review with the breakdown of all actives in the product and the full ingredient list with estimated concentrations in the tables below.
According to Cruelty-Free Kitty "Smashbox" is cruelty free, but its parent company is not.
The product retails for 27.00£ in the United Kingdom.
For a detailed price comparison: click here.
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 42 studies and safety reviews.
Affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.