Blue Lizard Face Mineral-Based Sunscreen SPF 30+ Versus Paula's Choice Calm Redness Relief SPF 30 Mineral Moisturizer for Normal to Dry Skin
Updated on March 10, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free . They have a total of 8 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain hyaluronic acid, SPF and Vitamin E
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, anti aging, dry skin, sensitive skin and reducing pores
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, fragrances, parabens or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain silicones
We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that needs an update? Let us know.
Ingredient Info
Blue Lizard Face Mineral-Based Sunscreen SPF 30+ 21 ingredients
Paula's Choice Calm Redness Relief SPF 30 Mineral Moisturizer for Normal to Dry Skin 43 ingredients
What's inside (and what isn't)
What's inside (and what isn't)
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Blue Lizard Face Mineral-Based Sunscreen SPF 30+ 21 ingredients
Paula's Choice Calm Redness Relief SPF 30 Mineral Moisturizer for Normal to Dry Skin 43 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV Absorber
Zinc Oxide
Cosmetic Colorant
Beeswax
Emulsion Stabilising
BHT
Antioxidant
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialC13-14 Isoparaffin
Emollient
Caffeine
Skin Conditioning
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientChlorphenesin
Antimicrobial
Cyclomethicone
Emollient
Dimethoxydiphenylsilane/Triethoxycaprylylsilane Crosspolymer
Isostearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Laureth-7
EmulsifyingLauryl PEG/PPG-18/18 Methicone
Skin Conditioning
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Polyacrylamide
Water
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Triethoxycaprylylsilane
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Zinc Oxide, Beeswax, BHT, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Caffeine, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Caprylyl Glycol, Chlorphenesin, Cyclomethicone, Dimethoxydiphenylsilane/Triethoxycaprylylsilane Crosspolymer, Isostearyl Alcohol, Laureth-7, Lauryl PEG/PPG-18/18 Methicone, Phenoxyethanol, Polyacrylamide, Water, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Triethoxycaprylylsilane
Titanium Dioxide 3.85%
Cosmetic Colorant
Zinc Oxide 3.12%
Cosmetic Colorant
Water
Skin ConditioningC12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialIsononyl Isononanoate
EmollientPrunus Armeniaca Kernel Oil
Masking
Cyclopentasiloxane
Emollient
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient
PEG-100 Stearate
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Pentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningCetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Dimethicone
Emollient
Glycine Soja Sterols
Emollient
Vp/Eicosene Copolymer
Avena Sativa Kernel Extract
Abrasive
Glycerin
Humectant
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Hydrogenated Lecithin
Emulsifying
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
Antioxidant
Superoxide Dismutase
Antioxidant
Ubiquinone
Antioxidant
Ceramide Ng
Skin Conditioning
Methicone
Emollient
Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12
Skin Conditioning
PEG-10 Dimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract
Emollient
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Tribehenin
Emollient
PEG-10 Phytosterol
EmulsifyingSorbitan Stearate
Emulsifying
Polyhydroxystearic Acid
Emulsifying
Alumina
Abrasive
Polysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Aluminum Stearate
Cosmetic ColorantXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientDisodium EDTA
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Chlorphenesin
Antimicrobial
Titanium Dioxide 3.85%, Zinc Oxide 3.12%, Water, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Isononyl Isononanoate, Prunus Armeniaca Kernel Oil, Cyclopentasiloxane, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Butylene Glycol, Pentylene Glycol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Dimethicone, Glycine Soja Sterols, Vp/Eicosene Copolymer, Avena Sativa Kernel Extract, Glycerin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Allantoin, Tocopheryl Acetate, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Superoxide Dismutase, Ubiquinone, Ceramide Ng, Methicone, Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Tribehenin, PEG-10 Phytosterol, Sorbitan Stearate, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Alumina, Polysorbate 20, Aluminum Stearate, Xanthan Gum, Caprylyl Glycol, Disodium EDTA, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Zinc Oxide is a mineral broad-spectrum UV filter; it is the broadest UVA and UVB reflector approved by the FDA. While it is most commonly man-made for cosmetics, it can naturally occur in zincite, a rare mineral.
Today, traditional and nano-sized zinc oxide can be found in beauty products. Nano-sized zinc oxide can enhance a product's UV protection. While it is not believed to have a negative effect on skin, nano-zinc oxide may be harmful to coral reefs - though the verdict is not entirely out on this one.
Zinc Oxide also has antibacterial and calming properties. It is not water soluble.
Zinc has been used throughout history as an ingredient in paint and medicine. An Indian text from 500BC is believed to list zinc oxide as a salve for open wound. The Ancient Greek physician Dioscorides has also mentioned the use of zinc as an ointment in 1AD.
Learn more about Zinc OxideC12-15 Alkyl Benzoate is made up of Benzoic Acid and long chain alcohols. It has a low molecular weight.
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate is an emollient and texture enhancer. Due to its solubility, it is often used in sunscreens to help evenly distribute active ingredients.
As an emollient, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate helps soften and hydrate your skin. Emollients create a film on your skin that traps moisture within.
This ingredient has been reported to cause eye irritation.
Learn more about C12-15 Alkyl BenzoateCaprylyl Glycol is a humectant and emollient, meaning it attracts and preserves moisture.
It is a common ingredient in many products, especially those designed to hydrate skin. The primary benefits are retaining moisture, skin softening, and promoting a healthy skin barrier.
Though Caprylyl Glycol is an alcohol derived from fatty acids, it is not the kind that can dry out skin.
This ingredient is also used as a preservative to extend the life of products. It has slight antimicrobial properties.
Learn more about Caprylyl GlycolChlorphenesin is a synthetic preservative. It helps protect a product against bacteria in order to extend shelf life. In most cases, Chlorphenesin is paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol and caprylyl glycol.
Chlorphenesin is a biocide. This means it is able to help fight the microorganisms on our skin. It is also able to fight odor-releasing bacteria.
Chlorphenesin is soluble in both water and glycerin.
Studies show Chlorphenesin is easily absorbed by our skin. You should speak with a skincare professional if you have concerns about using Chlorphenesin.
Learn more about ChlorphenesinPhenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent 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.
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. If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about WaterSodium Hyaluronate is hyaluronic acid's salt form. It is commonly derived from the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid.
Like hyaluronic acid, it is great at holding water and acts as a humectant. This makes it a great skin hydrating ingredient.
Sodium Hyaluronate is naturally occurring in our bodies and is mostly found in eye fluid and joints.
These are some other common types of Hyaluronic Acid:
Learn more about Sodium HyaluronateTocopheryl Acetate is AKA Vitamin E. It is an antioxidant and protects your skin from free radicals. Free radicals damage the skin by breaking down collagen.
One study found using Tocopheryl Acetate with Vitamin C decreased the number of sunburned cells.
Tocopheryl Acetate is commonly found in both skincare and dietary supplements.
Learn more about Tocopheryl AcetateIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Blue Lizard Face Mineral-Based Sunscreen SPF 30+ 21 ingredients
Paula's Choice Calm Redness Relief SPF 30 Mineral Moisturizer for Normal to Dry Skin 43 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Blue Lizard Face Mineral-Based Sunscreen SPF 30+ 21 ingredients
Feels cooling, love tbag it’s zinc only, didn’t break me out. Sad it’s discontinued!!
