Benefit Cosmetics Smooth Pores 101 Pore primer moisturizer
Cosmetic primer without known PFAS triggers, but no brand disclosure.
Benefit has not published PFAS information for this pore primer. Typical cosmetic formulations use silicones and waxes unlikely to contain PFAS, but waterproofing claims in some primers can raise concern.
We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade
Material
silicones, waxes, plant oils, pigments, emulsifiers
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
What Benefit Cosmetics Smooth Pores 101 Pore is made of, ingredients and materials
Benefit Smooth Pores 101 is a silicone-dominant primer moisturizer containing cyclopentasiloxane, dimethicone, and plant oils (jojoba, aloe) as the base matrix. Silicones are inert, non-volatile polymers that do not migrate into skin or degrade under normal use; they create a smooth cosmetic film without systemic absorption risk. The wax and pigment load is typical for pore-minimizing primers and carries minimal chemical hazard in topical application.
What’s concerning
Category baseline
The starting point for this type of product, before anything specific to this product is counted.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement from the brand about PFAS in this product.
Fragrance sensitization and undisclosed components
Benefit does not itemize fragrance components in public ingredient lists; silicone primers typically contain masking fragrance that may trigger contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals. Patch testing is advisable for those with fragrance-reactive skin.
1,4-dioxane contamination in emulsifiers
Some emulsifier syntheses can introduce trace 1,4-dioxane as a byproduct if not purged; Benefit does not disclose supplier testing or dioxane limits. Risk is low but not independently verified for this product.
What’s reassuring
Base material not linked to PFAS
The main material recorded for this product is not one associated with PFAS.
Talc or talc-like mineral contamination
Product ingredient list shows mica, not talc, as the primary optical-effect mineral. No recall or third-party detection of talc contamination in this line is on record.
Heavy metals
Benefit formulations use standard FDA-approved colorants (iron oxides, titanium dioxide) within regulated limits. No independent testing or recalls document elevated lead, cadmium, or arsenic in Smooth Pores 101.
Source, FDA ↗Formaldehyde / VOCs
Silicone-based primers do not require formaldehyde-releasing preservatives; Benefit's published ingredients do not list diazolidinyl urea, imidazolidinyl urea, or other formaldehyde donors for this product.
Source, ATSDR ↗The full breakdown
The brand's record and disclosure
Benefit Cosmetics (owned by LVMH) does not publish detailed ingredient safety or PFAS disclosure statements on their website, a stance consistent with most prestige cosmetics brands. No product recalls or regulatory warnings specific to Smooth Pores 101 are on record with the FDA or EU cosmetics authorities. The brand is subject to standard cosmetic safety regulations but does not voluntarily exceed them with third-party certification or transparency initiatives.
How it compares in its category
Silicone-based primers are industry standard for pore-filling cosmetics and carry lower chemical risk than some water-based or talc-containing alternatives. Benefit's formulation avoids known irritants like high-dose fragrance or essential oils that appear in some plant-oil primers. It occupies a mid-tier safety position, not certified organic or fragrance-free, but no identified problem ingredients or manufacturing controversies.
If you buy it
Apply a pea-sized amount to clean, dry skin before foundation; silicones do not require special temperature handling in normal bathroom storage (avoid extreme heat above 40°C to prevent minor separation). Replace after 12 months of regular use to avoid bacterial colonization of the jar; use a clean applicator or fingertip, never a wet brush. Discontinue if redness, itching, or acne worsening develops; test on forearm first if you have sensitive skin.
What we don’t know
- Basis
- Model estimate, 72% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- Benefit has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
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More foundation & primer 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.