Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of Dr. Denese SkinScience Advanced SPF 30 Defense Day Cream versus Paula's Choice Defense Essential Glow Moisturizer SPF 30 .
Last updated on December 05, 2023. Published on April 18, 2023
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free . They have a total of 9 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain exfoliants, Vitamin C and Vitamin E
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, anti aging, brightening skin, sensitive skin, oily skin, reducing pores, scar healing, dark spots and better texture
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 need an update? Let us know.
Day Moisturizer
Day Moisturizers are marketed to hydrate the skin during the daytime.
General Moisturizer
All-purpose moisturizers hydrate the top layer of skin cells.
Price
Ingredient Info
Dr. Denese SkinScience Advanced SPF 30 Defense Day Cream 53 ingredients
Paula's Choice Defense Essential Glow Moisturizer SPF 30 45 ingredients
Alcohol Free
This product is free of harsh alcohols 🎉
Contains Silicon
Ingredients in this product that are types of silicon:
Fragrance Free
This product is free of fragrances 🎉
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:
Reef Safe
This product is free of ingredients that damage reefs 🎉
EU Allergen Free
This product is free of EU allergens 🎉
Non Vegan
This product is not vegan 😥
Cruelty Free
This product is cruelty-free 🎉
Alcohol Free
This product is free of harsh alcohols 🎉
Contains Silicon
Ingredients in this product that are types of silicon:
Fragrance Free
This product is free of fragrances 🎉
Sulfate Free
This product is free of sulfates 🎉
Paraben Free
This product is free of parabens 🎉
Contains Oils
Ingredients in this product that are types of oil:
Not Malassezia Safe
Ingredients in this product that are not malassezia safe:
Not Reef Safe
Ingredients in this product that are not reef safe:
EU Allergen Free
This product is free of EU allergens 🎉
Vegan
This product is vegan 🎉
Cruelty Free
This product is cruelty-free 🎉
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Dr. Denese SkinScience Advanced SPF 30 Defense Day Cream 53 ingredients
Paula's Choice Defense Essential Glow Moisturizer SPF 30 45 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 3 ingredients that may have this attribute:
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Join SkinSortIngredients Compared
Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.
Dr. Denese SkinScience Advanced SPF 30 Defense Day Cream 53 ingredients
Paula's Choice Defense Essential Glow Moisturizer SPF 30 45 ingredients
Water • Dimethicone • Octyldodecyl Neopentanoate • Cyclopentasiloxane • Coconut Alkanes • Peg-10 Dimethicone • Montmorillonite • Butylene Glycol • Polymethylsilsesquioxane • Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer • Dimethicone Crosspolymer • Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2 • Sodium PCA • Sodium Hyaluronate • Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid • Sodium Lactate • Arginine • Aspartic Acid • PCA • Phospholipids • Melanin • Triethoxycaprylylsilane • Glycine • Alanine • Serine • Pentylene Glycol • Valine • Proline • Threonine • Isoleucine • Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate • Retinyl Palmitate • Ascorbyl Palmitate • Tocopheryl Acetate • Calcium Pantothenate • Histidine • Phenylalanine • Polysilicone-11 • Sodium Chloride • Coco-Caprylate/Caprate • Disteardimonium Hectorite • Glyceryl Laurate • Peg/Ppg-18/18 Dimethicone • Polyhydroxystearic Acid • Cetyl Peg/Ppg-10/1 Dimethicone • Xanthan Gum • Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate • Silica • Disodium EDTA • Phenoxyethanol • CI 77492 • CI 77491 • CI 77499
Water • C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate • Zinc Oxide • Titanium Dioxide • Glycerin • Isononyl Isononanoate • Butylene Glycol • Cetearyl Alcohol • Potassium Cetyl Phosphate • Dimethicone • Glyceryl Stearate • Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract • Actinidia Chinensis Fruit Extract • Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil • Tetrapeptide-30 • Linoleic Acid • Resveratrol • Ascorbyl Glucoside • Niacinamide • Tocopheryl Acetate • Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate • Bisabolol • Tocopherol • Phospholipids • Lecithin • Glycine Soja Sterols • Xanthophylls • Pullulan • Sodium Gluconate • Xanthan Gum • Sclerotium Gum • Alumina • Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride • Citric Acid • Triethoxycaprylylsilane • C13-14 Isoparaffin • Acrylates Copolymer • Polyhydroxystearic Acid • Caprylyl Glycol • Polyacrylamide • Ceteareth-20 • Aluminum Stearate • Laureth-7 • Ethylhexylglycerin • 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.
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 WaterDr. Denese SkinScience Advanced SPF 30 Defense Day Cream contains this as ingredient number 1.
Paula's Choice Defense Essential Glow Moisturizer SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 1.
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.
Dr. Denese SkinScience Advanced SPF 30 Defense Day Cream contains this as ingredient number 2.
Paula's Choice Defense Essential Glow Moisturizer SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 10.
Butylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:
- It is a solvent, meaning that it helps to dissolve other ingredients. This also enhances the absorption of the product into one's skin.
- It is a humectant, which means that it helps attract moisture into the skin.
- It helps improve product application.
Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient. It is unlikely to irritate skin, and works well with pretty much all other ingredients.
Dr. Denese SkinScience Advanced SPF 30 Defense Day Cream contains this as ingredient number 8.
Paula's Choice Defense Essential Glow Moisturizer SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 7.
Phospholipids are naturally found in our skin as they are the main component of cell membranes. Phospholipids have humectant, emollient, antioxidant properties.
The phospholipids in our skin can be naturally depleted. Replenishing the phospholipids in our skin can help hydrate your skin. Due to their hygroscopic nature, they act as humectants and emollients. Humectants draw moisture from the air to your skin, while emollients help trap moisture in. This ingredient is non-occlusive.
Studies show phospholipids display antioxidant activity and may help with reducing the signs of aging.
Phospholipids are complex lipids that contain glycerin, two fatty acids, and a phosphate group. Some foods that contain phospholipids include soybeans and milk. The phospholipids found in soy come from Lecithin. This ingredient can also be synthetically created.
Some types of phospholipids:
Learn more about PhospholipidsDr. Denese SkinScience Advanced SPF 30 Defense Day Cream contains this as ingredient number 20.
Paula's Choice Defense Essential Glow Moisturizer SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 24.
Triethoxycaprylylsilane is a silicone used to bind and stabilize ingredients.
As an emulsifier, it helps prevent ingredients from separating. This can help elongate the shelf life of products.
Triethoxycaprylylsilane is often used to coat mineral sunscreens ingredients to help give a better feel. It also helps reduce oxidative stress in sunscreens.
Learn more about TriethoxycaprylylsilaneDr. Denese SkinScience Advanced SPF 30 Defense Day Cream contains this as ingredient number 22.
Paula's Choice Defense Essential Glow Moisturizer SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 35.
Tocopheryl 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 AcetateDr. Denese SkinScience Advanced SPF 30 Defense Day Cream contains this as ingredient number 34.
Paula's Choice Defense Essential Glow Moisturizer SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 20.
Polyhydroxystearic Acid is a soft wax made from castor oil.
It is is a texture thickener, emulsifier, and film-former. Emulsifiers prevent ingredients from separating, such as oils and waters.
Polyhydroxystearic Acid may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Polyhydroxystearic AcidDr. Denese SkinScience Advanced SPF 30 Defense Day Cream contains this as ingredient number 44.
Paula's Choice Defense Essential Glow Moisturizer SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 38.
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 GumDr. Denese SkinScience Advanced SPF 30 Defense Day Cream contains this as ingredient number 46.
Paula's Choice Defense Essential Glow Moisturizer SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 30.
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.
Dr. Denese SkinScience Advanced SPF 30 Defense Day Cream contains this as ingredient number 50.
Paula's Choice Defense Essential Glow Moisturizer SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 45.
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.
Dr. Denese SkinScience Advanced SPF 30 Defense Day Cream 53 ingredients
Paula's Choice Defense Essential Glow Moisturizer SPF 30 45 ingredients
Usage
Here's some more info on how this product is used by our community.
When to use
Dr. Denese SkinScience Advanced SPF 30 Defense Day Cream 53 ingredients
Paula's Choice Defense Essential Glow Moisturizer SPF 30 45 ingredients
Alternatives
Our Dupe Finder has found 1 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to Dr. Denese SkinScience Advanced SPF 30 Defense Day Cream.
See 1 alternativesOur Dupe Finder has found 30 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to Paula's Choice Defense Essential Glow Moisturizer SPF 30.
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