Smashbox · Beauty Primers & Setting Sprays
Smashbox Photo Finish Ndurance Fixing Spray - 110 Ml
Waterproof cosmetic spray, likely contains PFAS but unconfirmed by brand.
Smashbox does not disclose PFAS content for this fixing spray. Waterproofing sprays often use fluorinated chemicals; no third-party testing publicly available to confirm or rule out PFAS.
The safe swap
Estée Lauder
Estee Lauder Set + Refresh Perfecting Makeup Mist
75/100 safety
Same rubric that flunked this product. The swap earned its C.
Still want this one anyway? Check the price on Amazon. We’d swap it.
Material
Acrylate polymer spray coating with waterproofing agents
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
Why this grade
Waterproof / stain-resistant treatment
water-repellent coating treatments have historically used PFAS.
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
Photo Finish Ndurance is an acrylate polymer-based spray designed to lock makeup in place with waterproofing agents. Acrylates are synthetic polymers that form a flexible film on skin; the waterproofing component is the concern, as water-resistant cosmetics typically rely on PFAS (PFAS "forever chemicals") to repel moisture. The spray format means inhalation exposure is the primary route, rather than dermal absorption alone. No independent composition breakdown has been published by Smashbox for this specific formulation.
The brand's record and disclosure
Smashbox (owned by Estee Lauder Companies) does not publicly commit to PFAS-free formulations or disclose PFAS content on product labels or marketing materials. The brand has no publicized third-party certifications (such as Clean Beauty certifications or dermatological testing statements specific to PFAS). No major product recalls or formal safety controversies involving this spray are documented in public records, though absence of disclosure does not indicate absence of risk.
How it compares in its category
Setting sprays occupy a middle ground in cosmetic safety concerns: they are not typically ingested and contact only outer skin layers, but spray inhalation is a notable exposure route. Many competitors (MAC Fix+, Urban Decay All Nighter, NYX setting spray) face identical PFAS questions and similarly lack transparent ingredient disclosure. Water-based or silicone-based setting sprays exist as lower-PFAS alternatives, though efficacy trade-offs are common. This product's emphasis on 'Ndurance' (durability) and waterproofing directly correlates with suspected PFAS use.
If you buy it
Apply in a well-ventilated area or outdoors to minimize inhalation of spray particles and acrylate volatiles. Avoid spraying near the face if possible; apply to set makeup on cheeks and forehead by directing spray away from your nose and mouth. Use the minimum amount needed (2-3 short bursts per application); the 110 mL bottle should last several months with typical use. Replace the bottle if the nozzle clogs or spray pattern becomes uneven, as this may indicate polymer buildup or bacterial contamination at the spray tip.
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.”
Inhalation exposure (spray aerosol)
Spray-format cosmetics pose inhalation risk of acrylate polymer particles and propellant/solvent vapors. Repeated or heavy use in enclosed spaces may cause respiratory irritation; no specific adverse event reports for this product are publicly documented, but inhalation remains a concern for all fixing sprays.
1,4-dioxane (suspected contaminant)
Waterproofing and polymer emulsification processes in cosmetic sprays can introduce trace 1,4-dioxane as a byproduct. Smashbox does not list testing or 1,4-dioxane removal steps; the likelihood is moderate given the spray format and waterproofing claims, though no specific testing of this product has been published.
Fragrance allergens (unlisted components)
Like most cosmetics, the product likely contains fragrance compounds not individually itemized on the label. Individuals with sensitive skin or fragrance sensitivities may experience contact dermatitis; no specific fragrance allergen warnings are provided by the brand.
Polymer film occlusion on skin
Acrylate polymers form an occlusive layer on skin, which can trap heat and moisture over prolonged wear (8+ hours). This may exacerbate acne or irritation in individuals with sensitive or barrier-compromised skin, particularly in warm or humid conditions.
Coating degradation and residue buildup
Repeated daily application of polymer sprays can accumulate on skin and may not fully rinse away with standard face washing. Long-term buildup could theoretically harbor bacteria or promote folliculitis; regular cleansing with micellar water or gentle oil-based remover is recommended to minimize residue.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 45% 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.
Safer alternatives in Beauty Primers & Setting Sprays
Estée Lauder
Estee Lauder Set + Refresh Perfecting Makeup Mist
liquid spray formulation, water and glycerin base
Lower concern. Spray cosmetic with no known PFAS triggers.
⚠Risky category by default
Estée Lauder
Estee Lauder The Smoother Universal Perfecting Primer
Silicone, glycerin, water, pigments
Liquid cosmetic primer with lower PFAS concern, no red flags identified.
⚠Risky category by default
Estée Lauder
Estee Lauder The Mattifier Shine Control Perfecting Primer and Finisher
silicones, talc, pigments, waxes
Lower concern; cosmetic primer with no known PFAS-prone ingredients.
⚠Risky category by default
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.