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Smashbox Mindful 5 Nourishing Primer Serum
Smashbox

Smashbox Mindful 5 Nourishing Primer Serum

Efficacy75/100IrritancyMedium
See all ingredients

Works for

Moisturizing
Glycerin, Cannabis sativa seed oil + 18 more
Works
What the product description says
“Mindful 5 Nourishing Primer Serum”
Source: Lookfantastic

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: algae extract, glycerin.

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: helianthus annuus seed oil, algae extract.

GlycerinKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant~2.1–2.5%
Cannabis sativa seed oilKey active· EmollientEffect: HighA plant oil that due to its high linoleic acid content can help strengthen skin's barrier function and soften its upper layer~1.5–1.9%
Sodium hyaluronateKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin~1.2–1.5%
Algae extractKey active· Humectant, EmollientEffect: HighPlant extract that helps the skin to attract water and make it more smooth for touch. Also shows promise of anti-aging properties, but research is not extensive yet~0.95–1.15%
Lactobacillus fermentKey active· HumectantEffect: HighA fermentation product created by bacteria Lactobacillus. The fermented product has anti-bacterial properties and might be helpful in calming down inflammation, but studies are lacking. Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Can be used as a preservative~0.65–0.95%
Helianthus annuus seed oilKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighA great emollient due to its high linoleic acid content. One of the most effective plant oils in helping skin hydration and repairing skin barrier function~0.55–0.85%
Sodium lactateKey active· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Is often used to adjust the pH level of the product~0.3–0.55%
Sodium pcaKey active· HumectantEffect: HighNaturally present in skin and helps to attract water to its upper layer~0.3–0.5%
Glyceryl acrylate/acrylic acid copolymerKey active· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and provide a longer-lasting hydration. Can create a thicker product consistency~0.25–0.5%
Butylene glycol· HumectantEffect: LowUsed 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~3.1–3.8%
Bis-peg-18 methyl ether dimethyl silane· Humectant, EmollientEffect: LowA type of silicone that helps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product texture~1.7–2.1%
Camellia sinensis leaf extractEffect: LowCan contain potent anti-oxidant compounds (abbreviated ECG, GCG, EGC, and EGCG) that might help protect the skin from free radicals. Can help calm down inflammation and has some anti-bacterial properties. Unfortunately, these antioxidants are unstable and lose their effectiveness very quickly in products. The concentration of the antioxidant compounds in the extract also tends to be low to be effective in topical formulation~0.35–0.65%
Cucumis sativus fruit extractEffect: Low, below effective doseMight be somewhat helpful in reducing hyperpigmentation and neutralizing free radicals but its typical concentration in a product is too low for having an effect~0.35–0.65%
Prunus armeniaca kernel oilUnder-dosedAn emollient that helps soften the skin~0.65–0.95%
Simmondsia chinensis seed oilUnder-dosedSoftens the upper layer of skin and helps restore the healthy skin barrier. Has shown to help calm down inflammation in skin. It is a stable oil, meaning that it retains its properties even when exposed to air.~0.6–0.85%
Lens esculenta fruit extractUnder-dosedA plant extract containing sugars that might help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Is claimed by the manufacturer to help reduce pore size but evidence is lacking~0.5–0.75%
Pyrus malus fruit extractUnder-dosedCan have some moisturizing properties due to its sugar content~0.45–0.7%
Laminaria digitata extractUnder-dosedSeaweed extract that helps the skin to attract water and make it more smooth for touch. Also shows promise of anti-aging properties, but good research is lacking at the moment~0.45–0.7%
Caprylic/capric triglycerideUnder-dosedA good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerin~0.35–0.65%
AllantoinUnder-dosedHelps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated~0.3–0.55%
Anti-oxidation
Side benefit · Camellia sinensis leaf extract, Lactobacillus ferment + 6 more
May help

This product contains antioxidants (camellia sinensis leaf extract) that might be able to help neutralize free radicals in skin to lessen the damage it gets from the UV light (sun). There is not enough evidence to confirm their effectiveness in skin though.

Camellia sinensis leaf extractKey activeEffect: MediumCan contain potent anti-oxidant compounds (abbreviated ECG, GCG, EGC, and EGCG) that might help protect the skin from free radicals. Can help calm down inflammation and has some anti-bacterial properties. Unfortunately, these antioxidants are unstable and lose their effectiveness very quickly in products. The concentration of the antioxidant compounds in the extract also tends to be low to be effective in topical formulation~0.35–0.65%
Lactobacillus fermentEffect: LowA fermentation product created by bacteria Lactobacillus. The fermented product has anti-bacterial properties and might be helpful in calming down inflammation, but studies are lacking. Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Can be used as a preservative~0.65–0.95%
Citrullus lanatus fruit extractEffect: Low, below effective doseA plant extract that can contain an antioxidant compound~1–1.2%
Prunus armeniaca kernel oilEffect: Low, below effective doseAn emollient that helps soften the skin~0.65–0.95%
Lens esculenta fruit extractEffect: Low, below effective doseA plant extract containing sugars that might help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Is claimed by the manufacturer to help reduce pore size but evidence is lacking~0.5–0.75%
Laminaria digitata extractEffect: Low, below effective doseSeaweed extract that helps the skin to attract water and make it more smooth for touch. Also shows promise of anti-aging properties, but good research is lacking at the moment~0.45–0.7%
Pyrus malus fruit extractEffect: Low, below effective doseCan have some moisturizing properties due to its sugar content~0.45–0.7%
Cucumis sativus fruit extractEffect: Low, below effective doseMight be somewhat helpful in reducing hyperpigmentation and neutralizing free radicals but its typical concentration in a product is too low for having an effect~0.35–0.65%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
17 flagged ingredients
Medium risk
We flagged 17 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.
IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount
Ci 16035A red dyeHigh~0.1–0.2%est.
Ci 19140A yellow dyeHigh~0.1–0.15%est.
Peg-40 hydrogenated castor oilHelps oil and water mix togetherMedium~5.2–6.3%est.
Cannabis sativa seed oilA plant oil that due to its high linoleic acid content can help strengthen skin's barrier function and soften its upper layerMedium~1.5–1.9%est.
Citrullus lanatus fruit extractA plant extract that can contain an antioxidant compoundMedium~1–1.2%est.
Prunus armeniaca kernel oilAn emollient that helps soften the skinMedium~0.65–0.95%est.
Simmondsia chinensis seed oilSoftens the upper layer of skin and helps restore the healthy skin barrier. Has shown to help calm down inflammation in skin. It is a stable oil, meaning that it retains its properties even when exposed to air.Medium~0.6–0.85%est.
Lens esculenta fruit extractA plant extract containing sugars that might help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Is claimed by the manufacturer to help reduce pore size but evidence is lackingMedium~0.5–0.75%est.
Pyrus malus fruit extractCan have some moisturizing properties due to its sugar contentMedium~0.45–0.7%est.
Zea mays starchUsed to thicken the product's consistencyMedium~0.4–0.6%est.
Cucumis sativus 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 effectMedium~0.35–0.65%est.
EthylhexylglycerinA preservativeMedium~0.3–0.6%est.
Sodium lactateHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Is often used to adjust the pH level of the productMedium~0.3–0.55%est.
Caprylic/capric triglycerideA good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerinMedium~0.35–0.65%est.
Glyceryl acrylate/acrylic acid copolymerHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and provide a longer-lasting hydration. Can create a thicker product consistencyMedium~0.25–0.5%est.
Potassium sorbateA preservativeMedium~0.15–0.3%est.
Ci 42090A colorant (dye)Medium~0.15–0.25%est.
Comedogenic
4 ingredients rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale
4 flagged
These ingredients have a comedogenic rating of 2 or more on a 0–5 scale; the table shows each one's rating. In leave-on products they can clog pores in acne-prone skin.
IngredientFunctionRatingEst. amount
Algae extractPlant extract that helps the skin to attract water and make it more smooth for touch. Also shows promise of anti-aging properties, but research is not extensive yet3/5~0.95–1.15%est.
Laminaria digitata extractSeaweed extract that helps the skin to attract water and make it more smooth for touch. Also shows promise of anti-aging properties, but good research is lacking at the moment3/5~0.45–0.7%est.
Zea mays starchUsed to thicken the product's consistency3/5~0.4–0.6%est.
Ci 16035A red dye3/5~0.1–0.2%est.

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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Water~45–55%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Plain old water

More about Water
Peg-40 hydrogenated castor oil~5.2–6.3%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Peg-40 hydrogenated castor oil
Bis-peg-8 dimethicone~4.3–5.2%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing
More about Bis-peg-8 dimethicone
Butylene glycol~3.1–3.8%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Used 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 glycol
Dimethyl isosorbide~2.4–2.9%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to dissolve other ingredients in a product and can enhance their ability to penetrate the skin

More about Dimethyl isosorbide
Glycerin~2.1–2.5%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

One 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 Glycerin
Bis-peg-18 methyl ether dimethyl silane~1.7–2.1%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

A type of silicone that helps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product texture

More about Bis-peg-18 methyl ether dimethyl silane
Cannabis sativa seed oil~1.5–1.9%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

A plant oil that due to its high linoleic acid content can help strengthen skin's barrier function and soften its upper layer

More about Cannabis sativa seed oil
Sodium hyaluronate~1.2–1.5%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin

More about Sodium hyaluronate
Citrullus lanatus fruit extract~1–1.2%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-oxidation

A plant extract that can contain an antioxidant compound

More about Citrullus lanatus fruit extract
Algae extract~0.95–1.15%
Key activeComedogenic 3/5
Irritation risk
Low
Comedogenicity
3/5
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-aging

Plant extract that helps the skin to attract water and make it more smooth for touch. Also shows promise of anti-aging properties, but research is not extensive yet

More about Algae extract
Lactobacillus ferment~0.65–0.95%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryAnti-oxidationReduces irritation

A fermentation product created by bacteria Lactobacillus. The fermented product has anti-bacterial properties and might be helpful in calming down inflammation, but studies are lacking. Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Can be used as a preservative

More about Lactobacillus ferment
Prunus armeniaca kernel oil~0.65–0.95%
Under-dosedIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

An emollient that helps soften the skin

More about Prunus armeniaca kernel oil
Natto gum~0.6–0.9%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Natto gum
Helianthus annuus seed oil~0.55–0.85%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

A great emollient due to its high linoleic acid content. One of the most effective plant oils in helping skin hydration and repairing skin barrier function

More about Helianthus annuus seed oil
Simmondsia chinensis seed oil~0.6–0.85%
Under-dosedIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

Softens the upper layer of skin and helps restore the healthy skin barrier. Has shown to help calm down inflammation in skin. It is a stable oil, meaning that it retains its properties even when exposed to air.

More about Simmondsia chinensis seed oil
Lens esculenta fruit extract~0.5–0.75%
Under-dosedIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

A plant extract containing sugars that might help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Is claimed by the manufacturer to help reduce pore size but evidence is lacking

More about Lens esculenta fruit extract
Pyrus malus fruit extract~0.45–0.7%
Under-dosedIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

Can have some moisturizing properties due to its sugar content

More about Pyrus malus fruit extract
Laminaria digitata extract~0.45–0.7%
Under-dosedComedogenic 3/5
Irritation risk
Low
Comedogenicity
3/5
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidationAnti-aging

Seaweed extract that helps the skin to attract water and make it more smooth for touch. Also shows promise of anti-aging properties, but good research is lacking at the moment

More about Laminaria digitata extract
Ormenis multicaulis oil~0.4–0.6%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Ormenis multicaulis oil
Zea mays starch~0.4–0.6%
Comedogenic 3/5Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Comedogenicity
3/5
Works for
Mattifying

Used to thicken the product's consistency

More about Zea mays starch
Cucumis sativus fruit extract~0.35–0.65%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-oxidationMoisturizing

Might 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 extract
Camellia sinensis leaf extract~0.35–0.65%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-oxidationAntibacterialAnti-agingMoisturizingAnti-blemishEvens skin tone

Can contain potent anti-oxidant compounds (abbreviated ECG, GCG, EGC, and EGCG) that might help protect the skin from free radicals. Can help calm down inflammation and has some anti-bacterial properties. Unfortunately, these antioxidants are unstable and lose their effectiveness very quickly in products. The concentration of the antioxidant compounds in the extract also tends to be low to be effective in topical formulation

More about Camellia sinensis leaf extract
Allantoin~0.3–0.55%
Under-dosed
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryReduces irritationReduces rednessAnti-blemishExfoliation

Helps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated

More about Allantoin
Ethylhexylglycerin~0.3–0.6%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Ethylhexylglycerin
Sodium hydroxide~0.3–0.55%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to adjust the product's pH

More about Sodium hydroxide
Sodium lactate~0.3–0.55%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Is often used to adjust the pH level of the product

More about Sodium lactate
Caprylic/capric triglyceride~0.35–0.65%
Under-dosedIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

A good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerin

More about Caprylic/capric triglyceride
Sodium pca~0.3–0.5%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Naturally present in skin and helps to attract water to its upper layer

More about Sodium pca
Glyceryl acrylate/acrylic acid copolymer~0.25–0.5%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and provide a longer-lasting hydration. Can create a thicker product consistency

More about Glyceryl acrylate/acrylic acid copolymer
Polyacrylate crosspolymer-11~0.25–0.45%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Helps stabilize product formulations

More about Polyacrylate crosspolymer-11
Phenoxyethanol~0.2–0.35%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products

More about Phenoxyethanol
Potassium sorbate~0.15–0.3%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Potassium sorbate
Sodium benzoate~0.15–0.25%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A preservative

More about Sodium benzoate
Ci 42090~0.15–0.25%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A colorant (dye)

More about Ci 42090
Ci 16035~0.1–0.2%
Comedogenic 3/5Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Comedogenicity
3/5

A red dye

More about Ci 16035
Ci 19140~0.1–0.15%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A yellow dye

More about Ci 19140
Ingredient list view

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 fruit extract, Algae extract, Lactobacillus ferment, Prunus armeniaca kernel oil, Natto gum, Helianthus annuus seed oil, Simmondsia chinensis seed oil, Lens esculenta fruit extract, Pyrus malus fruit extract, Laminaria digitata extract, Ormenis multicaulis oil, Zea mays starch, Cucumis sativus 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, Ci 42090, Ci 16035, Ci 19140

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🇬🇧 Lookfantastic (UK)
≈ $39.77 Out of stock
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Worth comparing, line by line.

Match % combines shared ingredients, the first five ingredients, shared actives and hero ingredients, irritancy (lower counts in the alternative's favour), texture and body area. Only products in the same routine step are compared.

Side-by-side comparison of this product against its closest alternatives
SmashboxMindful 5 Nourishing Primer SerumYOUR PRODUCTPSA SkinThe Most: Hyaluronic Super Nutrient Hydration SerumSimply PureSuperdrug Simply Pure Hydrating Serumendota spaPeptide 8 Hyaluronic Serum
Match—32%31%31%
Price—$43.00$4.66—
Shared key ingredients—5 of 146 of 145 of 14
Key difference—MadecassosideLactic AcidNiacinamide
Irritancy Medium Low Low Low
Drying alcohol————
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Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 17 studies and safety reviews.

  1. 1
    Amended Safety Assessment of PEGylated Oils as Used in Cosmeticscir-safety.org
  2. 2
    Activity enhancement of ferulic acid with dimethyl isosorbride in cosmetic compositionspatents.google.com
  3. 3
    Glycerol and the skin: holistic approach to its origin and functionsncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  4. 4
    Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) seed oil: Analytical and phytochemical characterization of unsaponifiable fractionpubs.acs.org
  5. 5
    Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) as a Resource for Green Cosmeticstandfonline.com
  6. 6
    Hyaluronic acid: A key molecule in skin agingncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Smashbox Mindful 5 Nourishing Primer Serum
SmashboxMindful 5 Nourishing Primer Serum
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Find on Amazon

As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.