Colorescience Total Protection No-Show Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 Versus Paula's Choice Hydralight Shine-Free Mineral Complex SPF 30
Updated on July 19, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free . They have a total of 7 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain exfoliants and SPF
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, dry skin, sensitive skin, scar healing and dark spots
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, fragrances, oils, 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
Colorescience Total Protection No-Show Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 34 ingredients
Paula's Choice Hydralight Shine-Free Mineral Complex SPF 30 35 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
Colorescience Total Protection No-Show Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 34 ingredients
Paula's Choice Hydralight Shine-Free Mineral Complex SPF 30 35 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Zinc Oxide 10%
Cosmetic Colorant
Water
Skin ConditioningC12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialButyloctyl Salicylate
Skin Conditioning
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Caprylyl Methicone
Skin Conditioning
Isododecane
EmollientPolyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate
Emulsifying
Polymethylsilsesquioxane
Propanediol
Solvent
Tridecyl Salicylate
Skin ConditioningC13-15 Alkane
SolventPolyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate
Emulsifying
Silica
Abrasive
Maltodextrin
Absorbent
Polyglyceryl-4 Diisostearate/Polyhydroxystearate/Sebacate
Emulsifying
Sodium Chloride
Masking
Disteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Bisabolol
Masking
Lecithin
Emollient
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningAllantoin
Skin Conditioning
Tremella Fuciformis Sporocarp Extract
Antioxidant
Dimethylmethoxy Chromanol
Antioxidant
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientHexylene Glycol
EmulsifyingCaesalpinia Spinosa Fruit Pod Extract
Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate
Helianthus Annuus Sprout Extract
Skin ConditioningLauryl PEG-8 Dimethicone
Lauryl PEG-10 Tris(Trimethylsiloxy)Silylethyl Dimethicone
Emulsifying
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingSodium Benzoate
Masking
Zinc Oxide 10%, Water, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Caprylyl Methicone, Isododecane, Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Propanediol, Tridecyl Salicylate, C13-15 Alkane, Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate, Silica, Maltodextrin, Polyglyceryl-4 Diisostearate/Polyhydroxystearate/Sebacate, Sodium Chloride, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Phenoxyethanol, Bisabolol, Lecithin, Ethylhexylglycerin, Allantoin, Tremella Fuciformis Sporocarp Extract, Dimethylmethoxy Chromanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Hexylene Glycol, Caesalpinia Spinosa Fruit Pod Extract, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Helianthus Annuus Sprout Extract, Lauryl PEG-8 Dimethicone, Lauryl PEG-10 Tris(Trimethylsiloxy)Silylethyl Dimethicone, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Benzoate
Zinc Oxide 6%
Cosmetic Colorant
Titanium Dioxide 2.32%
Cosmetic Colorant
Water
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Palmitate
Emollient
Cyclomethicone
Emollient
Dimethicone
Emollient
Polysorbate 80
Emulsifying
Caprylyl Methicone
Skin Conditioning
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient
PEG-100 Stearate
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialSodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingIsohexadecane
EmollientCetyl Alcohol
Emollient
Propylene Glycol
Humectant
Polyglyceryl-6 Isostearate
Emulsifying
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
Bleaching
Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
Masking
Algae Extract
Emollient
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin Conditioning
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Glycerin
Humectant
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientAlumina
Abrasive
Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Polyhydroxystearic Acid
Emulsifying
Triethoxysilylethyl Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Hexyl Dimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Diethylhexyl Carbonate
EmollientTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Disodium EDTA
Chlorphenesin
Antimicrobial
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Zinc Oxide 6%, Titanium Dioxide 2.32%, Water, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Cyclomethicone, Dimethicone, Polysorbate 80, Caprylyl Methicone, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Isohexadecane, Cetyl Alcohol, Propylene Glycol, Polyglyceryl-6 Isostearate, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Algae Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Allantoin, Glycerin, Panthenol, Butylene Glycol, Caprylyl Glycol, Alumina, Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Triethoxysilylethyl Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Hexyl Dimethicone, Diethylhexyl Carbonate, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Disodium EDTA, Chlorphenesin, Phenoxyethanol
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 OxideWater. 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 WaterC12-15 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 Methicone is a type of silicone.
It helps soften and soothe the skin by creating a thin film on top. This film helps trap moisture, keeping your skin hydrated.
Phenoxyethanol 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.
Allantoin plays a role in soothing and moisturizing the skin. Because of this, it is often added to products with strong active ingredients.
Some studies have shown this ingredient can promote wound healing with higher concentrations.
Allantoin is derived from the comfrey plant but produced synthetically for cosmetic products to ensure purity.
Learn more about AllantoinCaprylyl 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 GlycolIngredient Ratings
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