Smashbox · Beauty Primers & Setting Sprays
SmashBox On-Set Essentials Prime Plus Set
Lower concern; typical cosmetic primer without known PFAS risk factors.
Smashbox primer sets are cosmetics using standard formulation ingredients. No public PFAS disclosures or waterproofing claims suggesting fluorochemical coatings.
We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade
Material
pigments, waxes, oils, silicones in cosmetic formulation
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
Why this grade
Safe base material
Made from a material with no inherent PFAS use (ceramic, mineral, or natural fiber).
Category baseline
cosmetics is a category where PFAS exposure is more common.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement about PFAS in this product.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
On-Set Essentials Prime Plus is a silicone-based primer containing pigments, waxes, and emollients typical of prestige cosmetic formulations. Silicones in primers are inert on skin and do not penetrate dermis; they function as slip agents and film-formers. The pigment load in primers is minimal compared to foundations, reducing exposure to potential heavy metal contaminants in colorants. Waxes and oils provide occlusion and spreadability without known skin toxicity at cosmetic concentrations.
The brand's record and disclosure
Smashbox is owned by Estee Lauder Companies, which has published baseline safety and ingredient policies but does not voluntarily disclose detailed heavy metal testing or formaldehyde-releaser screening. The brand does not market hypoallergenic or clean-beauty credentials that would signal heightened ingredient scrutiny. No recalls or safety actions specific to this product line are on public record. Smashbox complies with FDA cosmetic regulations but provides limited transparency beyond statutory requirements.
How it compares in its category
Silicone-based primers like this are the industry standard and occupy the middle ground for safety transparency: better regulated than unbranded products, but less audited than indie brands with third-party certifications or claims of heavy-metal testing. Products marketed as clean, vegan, or hypoallergenic often undergo additional ingredient vetting; this product does not. Typical prestige primers (MAC, Urban Decay, Benefit) have similar disclosure profiles and use comparable formulation chemistry.
If you buy it
Apply primer to clean skin and allow 30-60 seconds to set before foundation application; do not use excessively as occlusion is intentional and overuse can clog pores in sensitive individuals. Store in a cool, dry place away from heat or direct sun, as silicone bases can separate if exposed to high temperatures. Discard if separation, color change, or odor develops, as this indicates formulation breakdown. Discontinue use immediately if rash, itching, or irritation develops; primers in contact with eyes require immediate rinsing.
Beyond PFAS: other things we checked
Established hazard classes for this product type, assessed from public information. These never change the PFAS grade; a Likely flag caps the Verdict at “Buy with care.”
Heavy metals in synthetic pigments
Smashbox primers use iron oxides and synthetic pigments regulated by FDA cosmetic safety rules; no recalls or testing reports document lead, cadmium, or arsenic in this product line. Prestige brands typically source certified colorants, though voluntary heavy-metal testing is not standard disclosure.
Formaldehyde-releasing preservatives
Estee Lauder brands generally avoid DMDM hydantoin and imidazolidinyl urea, which are formaldehyde releasers; standard preservation systems in this tier use benzoates and sorbates. No public records document formaldehyde releasers in On-Set Essentials formulations.
Fragrance allergens and sensitizers
This product contains fragrance or masking scent; full fragrance composition is not disclosed on the label or Smashbox website. Undisclosed fragrance components can trigger contact dermatitis or respiratory sensitivity in susceptible consumers. If reactions develop, discontinue use and consult a dermatologist.
Talc contamination
Silicone-based primers do not use talc as a base; talc litigation concerns do not apply to this product category or formulation type.
Skin barrier disruption and sensitization from occlusive film
Silicone primers are occlusive and may trap bacteria or exacerbate acne in individuals with compromised skin microbiota or fungal sensitivity. Overuse or failure to cleanse adequately can cause congestion; this is user-dependent, not a formulation defect.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 72% confidence. It is not a lab result.
No independent PFAS lab test is on record for this exact product. A lab test could move the score in either direction.
The brand has not made a specific, verifiable PFAS-free statement, so part of this score reflects that missing disclosure rather than a confirmed material.
Formulations and coatings change between production runs. Always check the current label before buying.
More beauty primers & setting sprays grades
How we score: every product runs through the same public 0–100 rubric based on materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls. See the full methodology → Spotted a mistake? Report an error.