Dermalogica Oil Free Matte SPF 30 Versus Paula's Choice Ultra-Light Daily Hydrating Fluid SPF 30+
Updated on July 18, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free sunscreens. They have a total of 8 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain SPF and Vitamin E
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin, reducing pores, scar healing and dark spots
Free From
They both do not contain any oils, parabens or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain common allergens, fragrances and 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
Dermalogica Oil Free Matte SPF 30 46 ingredients
Paula's Choice Ultra-Light Daily Hydrating Fluid SPF 30+ 29 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
Dermalogica Oil Free Matte SPF 30 46 ingredients
Paula's Choice Ultra-Light Daily Hydrating Fluid SPF 30+ 29 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningHomosalate
Skin Conditioning
Benzophenone-3
UV Absorber
Ethylhexyl Salicylate
UV Absorber
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane
UV Absorber
PPG-3 Benzyl Ether Ethylhexanoate
EmollientNylon-12
Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate
Absorbent
Arachidyl Alcohol
EmollientStearic Acid
Cleansing
Polysorbate 80
Emulsifying
Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
Antimicrobial
Carthamus Tinctorius Oleosomes
Emollient
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Citrus Grandis Fruit Extract
Astringent
Aesculus Hippocastanum Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningAmmonium Glycyrrhizate
MaskingEnantia Chlorantha Bark Extract
Skin ConditioningPanthenol
Skin Conditioning
Zinc Gluconate
Skin Conditioning
Caffeine
Skin Conditioning
Biotin
AntiseborrhoeicOleanolic Acid
Skin ConditioningTocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Yeast Extract
Skin Conditioning
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingIsohexadecane
EmollientPolysorbate 60
Emulsifying
Behenyl Alcohol
Emollient
Arachidyl Glucoside
EmulsifyingAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingSorbitan Stearate
Emulsifying
Cetyl Alcohol
Emollient
Glyceryl Stearate Se
Emulsifying
Gluconic Acid
Propylene Glycol
Humectant
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Disodium EDTA
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingLimonene
Perfuming
Citral
Perfuming
Water, Homosalate, Benzophenone-3, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Butylene Glycol, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, PPG-3 Benzyl Ether Ethylhexanoate, Nylon-12, Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate, Arachidyl Alcohol, Stearic Acid, Polysorbate 80, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Carthamus Tinctorius Oleosomes, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Citrus Grandis Fruit Extract, Aesculus Hippocastanum Seed Extract, Ammonium Glycyrrhizate, Enantia Chlorantha Bark Extract, Panthenol, Zinc Gluconate, Caffeine, Biotin, Oleanolic Acid, Tocopheryl Acetate, Yeast Extract, Niacinamide, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Isohexadecane, Polysorbate 60, Behenyl Alcohol, Arachidyl Glucoside, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Xanthan Gum, Sorbitan Stearate, Cetyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate Se, Gluconic Acid, Propylene Glycol, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Hydroxide, Limonene, Citral
Water
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV Absorber
Glycerin
Humectant
Ethylhexyl Salicylate
UV Absorber
Silica
Abrasive
Octocrylene
UV Absorber
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane
UV Absorber
Dimethicone
Emollient
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
Masking
Vitis Vinifera Seed Extract
Antimicrobial
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract
AstringentPeucedanum Graveolens Extract
TonicSambucus Nigra Fruit Extract
AstringentAvena Sativa Bran Extract
Abrasive
Punica Granatum Fruit Extract
Antioxidant
Lycium Barbarum Fruit Extract
Astringent
Hydrogenated Lecithin
Emulsifying
Titanium Dioxide
Cosmetic Colorant
Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningDiethylhexyl Syringylidenemalonate
Skin ProtectingHydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingSodium Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingBenzyl Alcohol
Perfuming
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Water, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Glycerin, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Silica, Octocrylene, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Dimethicone, 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 Fruit 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, Benzyl Alcohol, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Phenoxyethanol
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
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 WaterEthylhexyl 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 SalicylateAlso 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 MethoxydibenzoylmethaneCamellia 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.
This ingredient has many skin benefits:
This ingredient contains polyphenols, a strong antioxidant. Antioxidants help fight off molecules that damage skin cells.
On top of that, 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. The caffeine in Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract helps calm inflamed blood vessels.
Other compounds found in tea include: Vitamin Bs, linoleic acid, magnesium, calcium, iron, and zinc.
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 ExtractThis is a synthetic polymer. It helps improve the texture of products by adding thickness and gel-like feel.
It is also an emulsifer, meaning it prevents ingredients such as oil and water from separating. It also helps evenly disperse other ingredients.
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 GumSodium 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.
It 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 BenzoatePotassium Sorbate is a preservative used to prevent yeast and mold in products. It is commonly found in both cosmetic and food products.
This ingredient comes from potassium salt derived from sorbic acid. Sorbic acid is a natural antibiotic and effective against fungus.
Both potassium sorbate and sorbic acid can be found in baked goods, cheeses, dried meats, dried fruit, ice cream, pickles, wine, yogurt, and more.
You'll often find this ingredient used with other preservatives.
Learn more about Potassium SorbateIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Dermalogica Oil Free Matte SPF 30 46 ingredients
Paula's Choice Ultra-Light Daily Hydrating Fluid SPF 30+ 29 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Dermalogica Oil Free Matte SPF 30 46 ingredients
Paula's Choice Ultra-Light Daily Hydrating Fluid SPF 30+ 29 ingredients
I received a few samples of this sunscreen, but I didn’t purchase it because it contains over eight oils and extracts. It’s not recommended for use during acne treatments due to these ingredients, which may not be suitable for acne-prone skin.
