Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of Alba Botanical Very Emollient Sport Fragrance Free Sunscreen Lotion SPF 40 versus Paula's Choice Ultra-Light Daily Hydrating Fluid SPF 30+ .
Published on August 24, 2021
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free sunscreens. They have a total of 14 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain SPF and Vitamin E
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin and reducing pores
Free From
They both do not contain any oils, parabens or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain harsh alcohols, common allergens, fragrances and silicones
We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that need an update? Let us know.
Sunscreen
Sunscreens help absorb or reflect UV radiation and protect skin against skin damage. Sunscreens may come in the form of lotion, gel, foam, spray, or solid-stick.
Sunscreen
Sunscreens help absorb or reflect UV radiation and protect skin against skin damage. Sunscreens may come in the form of lotion, gel, foam, spray, or solid-stick.
Price
Ingredient Info
Alba Botanical Very Emollient Sport Fragrance Free Sunscreen Lotion SPF 40 29 ingredients
Paula's Choice Ultra-Light Daily Hydrating Fluid SPF 30+ 29 ingredients
Contains Alcohol
Ingredients in this product that are types of alcohol:
Contains Silicon
Ingredients in this product that are types of silicon:
Contains Fragrance
Ingredients in this product that are forms of fragrance:
Sulfate Free
This product is free of sulfates 🎉
Paraben Free
This product is free of parabens 🎉
Oil Free
This product is free of oils 🎉
Not Malassezia Safe
Ingredients in this product that are not malassezia safe:
Not Reef Safe
Ingredients in this product that are not reef safe:
Contains EU Allergens
Ingredients in this product that are EU allergens:
Non Vegan
This product is not vegan 😥
Cruelty Free
This product is cruelty-free 🎉
Contains Alcohol
Ingredients in this product that are types of alcohol:
Contains Silicon
Ingredients in this product that are types of silicon:
Contains Fragrance
Ingredients in this product that are forms of fragrance:
Sulfate Free
This product is free of sulfates 🎉
Paraben Free
This product is free of parabens 🎉
Oil Free
This product is free of oils 🎉
Malassezia Safe
This product is free of malassezia feeding ingredients 🎉
Not Reef Safe
Ingredients in this product that are not reef safe:
Contains EU Allergens
Ingredients in this product that are EU allergens:
Non Vegan
This product is not vegan 😥
Cruelty Free
This product is cruelty-free 🎉
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Alba Botanical Very Emollient Sport Fragrance Free Sunscreen Lotion SPF 40 29 ingredients
Paula's Choice Ultra-Light Daily Hydrating Fluid SPF 30+ 29 ingredients
Notable Ingredients
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Benefits
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Concerns
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Notable Ingredients
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Benefits
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Concerns
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
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Join SkinSortIngredients Compared
Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.
Alba Botanical Very Emollient Sport Fragrance Free Sunscreen Lotion SPF 40 29 ingredients
Paula's Choice Ultra-Light Daily Hydrating Fluid SPF 30+ 29 ingredients
Homosalate 12% • Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate 7.5% • Octocrylene 7% • Ethylhexyl Salicylate 5% • Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 3% • Water • Glycerin • Vp/Hexadecene Copolymer • Dimethicone • Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate • Potassium Cetyl Phosphate • Phenoxyethanol • Glyceryl Stearate Se • Cetyl Alcohol • Xanthan Gum • Benzyl Alcohol • Sodium Benzoate • Potassium Sorbate • Tocopheryl Acetate • Lavandula Angustifolia Flower Extract • Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract • Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract • Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract • Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract • Echinacea Purpurea Extract • Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract • Panax Ginseng Root Extract • Citric Acid • Sodium Chloride
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 2% • Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate 7.5% • Ethylhexyl Salicylate 5% • Octocrylene 2% • Water • Glycerin • Silica • Dimethicone • Benzyl Alcohol • Tocopherol • Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract • Vitis Vinifera Seed Extract • Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract • Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract • Peucedanum Graveolens Extract • Sambucus Nigra Fruit Extract • Avena Sativa Bran Extract • Punica Granatum Extract • Lycium Barbarum Fruit Extract • Hydrogenated Lecithin • Titanium Dioxide • Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer • Diethylhexyl Syringylidenemalonate • Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer • Xanthan Gum • Sodium Carbomer • Sodium Benzoate • Potassium Sorbate • Phenoxyethanol
Ingredients Side-by-side
Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.
Learn more about what what Com. / Irr. ratings are
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate is an organic compound that provides UVB protection. It often goes by the more common name of octinoxate. It is created from methoxycinnamic acid and 2-ethylhexanol.
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate absorbs UVB rays with wavelengths between 280-320 nm. UV absorbers protect your skin by using chemical reactions to convert UV rays into heat and energy.
UVB (290-320 nm) rays emit more energy than UVA rays. They are capable of damaging DNA, causing sunburns and are thought to be linked to skin cancer.
The state of Hawaii has banned sunscreens containing octinoxate due to its potential impact on coral reefs. More research is needed to bridge gaps in this research. The European Union allows higher levels of octinoxate in sunscreens than the US and Australia.
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate is oil soluble. It is not stable and may lose efficacy when exposed to sunlight.
Learn more about Ethylhexyl MethoxycinnamateAlba Botanical Very Emollient Sport Fragrance Free Sunscreen Lotion SPF 40 contains this as ingredient number 2.
Paula's Choice Ultra-Light Daily Hydrating Fluid SPF 30+ contains this as ingredient number 2.
Octocrylene protects skin from sun damage. It absorbs UV-B with peak absorption of 304 nm. It is a common sunscreen ingredient and often paired with avobenzone, a UVA filter. This is because octocrylene stabilizes other sunscreen ingredients by protecting them from degradation when exposed to sunlight. Octocrylene is a photostable ingredient and loses about 10% of SPF in 95 minutes.
Octocrylene also acts as an emollient, meaning it helps skin retain moisture and softens skin. It is oil-soluble and hydrophobic, enhancing water-resistant properties in a product.
Those who are using ketoprofen, a topical anti-inflammatory drug, may experience an allergic reaction when using octocrylene. It is best to speak with a healthcare professional about using sunscreens with octocrylene.
The EU allows a maximum of these concentrations:
Learn more about OctocryleneAlba Botanical Very Emollient Sport Fragrance Free Sunscreen Lotion SPF 40 contains this as ingredient number 3.
Paula's Choice Ultra-Light Daily Hydrating Fluid SPF 30+ contains this as ingredient number 4.
Ethylhexyl Salicylate is an organic compound used to block UV rays. It primarily absorbs UVB rays but offers a small amount of UVA protection as well.
Commonly found in sunscreens, Ethylhexyl Salicylate is created from salicylic acid and 2-ethylhexanol. You might know salicylic acid as the effective acne fighter ingredient and BHA.
The ethylhexanol in this ingredient is a fatty alcohol and helps hydrate your skin, similar to oils. It is an emollient, which means it traps moisture into the skin.
According to manufacturers, Ethylhexyl Salicylate absorbs UV wavelength of 295-315 nm, with a peak absorption at 307-310 nm. UVA rays are linked to long term skin damage, such as hyperpigmentation. UVB rays emit more energy and are capable of damaging our DNA. UVB rays cause sunburn.
Learn more about Ethylhexyl SalicylateAlba Botanical Very Emollient Sport Fragrance Free Sunscreen Lotion SPF 40 contains this as ingredient number 4.
Paula's Choice Ultra-Light Daily Hydrating Fluid SPF 30+ contains this as ingredient number 3.
Also known as Avobenzone, this ingredient is a chemical sunscreen filter that provides protection in the UV-A range.
Avobenzone is globally approved and is the most commonly used UV-A filter in the world.
Studies have found that avobenzone becomes ineffective when exposed to UV light (it is not photostable; meaning that it breaks down in sunlight). Because of this, formulations that include avobenzone will usually contain stabilizers such as octocrylene.
However, some modern formulations (looking at you, EU!) are able to stabilize avobenzone by coating the molecules.
Avobenzone does not protect against the UV-B range, so it's important to check that the sunscreen you're using contains other UV filters that do!
The highest concentration of avobenzone permitted is 3% in the US, and 5% in the EU.
Learn more about Butyl MethoxydibenzoylmethaneAlba Botanical Very Emollient Sport Fragrance Free Sunscreen Lotion SPF 40 contains this as ingredient number 5.
Paula's Choice Ultra-Light Daily Hydrating Fluid SPF 30+ contains this as ingredient number 1.
Water. It's the most common cosmetic ingredient of all. You'll usually see it at the top of ingredient lists, meaning that it makes up the largest part of the product.
So why is it so popular? Water most often acts as a solvent - this means that it helps dissolve other ingredients into the formulation.
You'll also recognize water as that liquid we all need to stay alive. Talk about multi-purpose! If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about WaterAlba Botanical Very Emollient Sport Fragrance Free Sunscreen Lotion SPF 40 contains this as ingredient number 6.
Paula's Choice Ultra-Light Daily Hydrating Fluid SPF 30+ contains this as ingredient number 5.
Glycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.
A study from 2016 found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.
As a humectant, it helps the skin stay hydrated by pulling moisture to your skin. The low molecular weight of glycerin allows it to pull moisture into the deeper layers of your skin.
Hydrated skin improves your skin barrier; Your skin barrier helps protect against irritants and bacteria.
Glycerin has also been found to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Due to these properties, glycerin is often used in wound and burn treatments.
In cosmetics, glycerin is usually derived from plants such as soybean or palm. However, it can also be sourced from animals, such as tallow or animal fat.
This ingredient is organic, colorless, odorless, and non-toxic.
Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.
Learn more about GlycerinAlba Botanical Very Emollient Sport Fragrance Free Sunscreen Lotion SPF 40 contains this as ingredient number 7.
Paula's Choice Ultra-Light Daily Hydrating Fluid SPF 30+ contains this as ingredient number 6.
Dimethicone is a silicone used for making products smooth and silky. It also has the added benefit of sealing in hydration. The amount of dimethicone found in beauty products is considered safe and non-comedogenic, meaning it won't clog pores.
Dimethicone has been found increase absorption in skin, boosting the benefits of other ingredients. While there is concern for the safety of dimethicone, the levels used in skincare are safe for use.
Alba Botanical Very Emollient Sport Fragrance Free Sunscreen Lotion SPF 40 contains this as ingredient number 9.
Paula's Choice Ultra-Light Daily Hydrating Fluid SPF 30+ contains this as ingredient number 8.
Phenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent germ and microbial growth. By itself, it has a scent that is similar to that of a rose.
It's often used in formulations along with Caprylyl Glycol to preserve the shelf life of products.
Alba Botanical Very Emollient Sport Fragrance Free Sunscreen Lotion SPF 40 contains this as ingredient number 12.
Paula's Choice Ultra-Light Daily Hydrating Fluid SPF 30+ contains this as ingredient number 30.
Xanthan gum is used as a stabilizer and thickener within cosmetic products. It helps give products a sticky, thick feeling - preventing them from being too runny.
On the technical side of things, xanthan gum is a polysaccharide - a combination consisting of multiple sugar molecules bonded together.
Xanthan gum is a pretty common and great ingredient. It is a natural, non-toxic, non-irritating ingredient that is also commonly used in food products.
Learn more about Xanthan GumAlba Botanical Very Emollient Sport Fragrance Free Sunscreen Lotion SPF 40 contains this as ingredient number 15.
Paula's Choice Ultra-Light Daily Hydrating Fluid SPF 30+ contains this as ingredient number 25.
Benzyl Alcohol is most commonly used as a preservative. It also has a subtle, sweet smell. Small amounts of Benzyl Alcohol is not irritating and safe to use in skincare products. Most Benzyl Alcohol is derived from fruits such as apricots.
Benzyl Alcohol has both antibacterial and antioxidant properties. These properties help lengthen the shelf life of products. Benzyl Alcohol is a solvent and helps dissolve other ingredients. It can also improve the texture and spreadability.
Alcohol comes in many different forms. Different types of alcohol will have different effects on skin. This ingredient is an astringent alcohol.
Using high concentrations of these alcohols are drying on the skin. They may strip away your skin's natural oils and even damage your skin barrier. Astringent alcohols may also irritate skin.
Other types of astringent alcohols include:
According to the National Rosacea Society based in the US, you should be mindful of products with these alcohols in the top half of ingredients.
Any type of sanitizing product will have high amounts of alcohol to help kill bacteria and viruses.
Learn more about Benzyl AlcoholAlba Botanical Very Emollient Sport Fragrance Free Sunscreen Lotion SPF 40 contains this as ingredient number 16.
Paula's Choice Ultra-Light Daily Hydrating Fluid SPF 30+ contains this as ingredient number 9.
Sodium Benzoate is a preservative. It's used in both cosmetic and food products to inhibit the growth of mold and bacteria. It is typically produced synthetically.
Both the US FDA and EU Health Committee have approved the use of sodium benzoate. In the US, levels of 0.1% (of the total product) are allowed.
Sodium benzoate works as a preservative by inhibiting the growth of bacteria inside of cells. It prevents the cell from fermenting a type of sugar using an enzyme called phosphofructokinase.
Sodium Benzoate is the salt of benzoic acid. Foods containing sodium benzoate include soda, salad dressings, condiments, fruit juices, wines, and snack foods.
Studies for using ascorbic acid and sodium benzoate in cosmetics are lacking, especially in skincare routines with multiple steps.
We always recommend speaking with a professional, such as a dermatologist, if you have any concerns.
Learn more about Sodium BenzoateAlba Botanical Very Emollient Sport Fragrance Free Sunscreen Lotion SPF 40 contains this as ingredient number 17.
Paula's Choice Ultra-Light Daily Hydrating Fluid SPF 30+ contains this as ingredient number 28.
Potassium Sorbate is a preservative used to prevent yeast and mold in products. It is commonly found in both cosmetic and food products.
Potassium sorbate is potassium salt derived from sorbic acid. Sorbic acid is a natural antibiotic and effective against fungus.
Potassium sorbate and sorbic acid can be found in baked goods, cheeses, dried meats, dried fruit, ice cream, pickles, wine, yogurt, and more.
Potassium sorbate is often used with stronger preservatives.
Learn more about Potassium SorbateAlba Botanical Very Emollient Sport Fragrance Free Sunscreen Lotion SPF 40 contains this as ingredient number 18.
Paula's Choice Ultra-Light Daily Hydrating Fluid SPF 30+ contains this as ingredient number 29.
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract is derived from the leaves of the tea plant. Black tea, green tea, and oolong tea are all harvested from this plant.
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract has many benefits. It contains polyphenols, a strong antioxidant. Antioxidants help fight off free-radical molecules that damage skin cells. The antioxidants in green tea neutralize free-radicals from the sun. This gives the skin some extra UV protection, but should not replace sunscreen.
Many components of tea have anti-inflammatory properties. Polyphenols and L-theanine help soothe the skin and reduce irritation. L-theanine is an amino acid that makes up most of the amino acids found in tea leaves. The caffeine in Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract helps calm inflamed blood vessels.
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract also contains Vitamin Bs, linoleic acid, magnesium, calcium, iron, and zinc.
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract also has antimicrobial properties.
Research has shown both drinking Camellia Sinensis Leaf Tea and applying it to the skin can help boost skin elasticity and hydration. Studies also show using tea extract may reduce sebum, or oil, production.
Learn more about Camellia Sinensis Leaf ExtractAlba Botanical Very Emollient Sport Fragrance Free Sunscreen Lotion SPF 40 contains this as ingredient number 23.
Paula's Choice Ultra-Light Daily Hydrating Fluid SPF 30+ contains this as ingredient number 13.
Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract comes from the Chamomile flower.
Chamomile is rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties. Several compounds found in chamomile help with soothing, such as bisbolol.
Antioxidant components in chamomile make it an effective ingredient to help slow the signs of aging. Antioxidants help fight free-radical molecules, or molecules that may damage your skin.
Essential oils from chamomile have been found to improve wound healing due to its antimicrobial properties.
Ancient Greeks and Egyptians used Chamomile to treat skin redness and dryness. Chamomile has also been used to help treat stomach issues.
Learn more about Chamomilla Recutita Flower ExtractAlba Botanical Very Emollient Sport Fragrance Free Sunscreen Lotion SPF 40 contains this as ingredient number 24.
Paula's Choice Ultra-Light Daily Hydrating Fluid SPF 30+ contains this as ingredient number 11.
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.
Alba Botanical Very Emollient Sport Fragrance Free Sunscreen Lotion SPF 40 29 ingredients
Paula's Choice Ultra-Light Daily Hydrating Fluid SPF 30+ 29 ingredients
Usage
Here's some more info on how this product is used by our community.
When to use
Alba Botanical Very Emollient Sport Fragrance Free Sunscreen Lotion SPF 40 29 ingredients
Paula's Choice Ultra-Light Daily Hydrating Fluid SPF 30+ 29 ingredients
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