Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of Dr. Loretta Universal Glow Daily Defense Mineral Sunscreen Fluid SPF 40 versus Paula's Choice Skin Recovery Daily Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30 .
Published on December 27, 2023
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free . They have a total of 11 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain exfoliants, 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 scar healing
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, parabens or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain oils 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.
General Moisturizer
All-purpose moisturizers hydrate the top layer of skin cells.
Price
Ingredient Info
Dr. Loretta Universal Glow Daily Defense Mineral Sunscreen Fluid SPF 40 49 ingredients
Paula's Choice Skin Recovery Daily Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30 43 ingredients
Alcohol Free
This product is free of harsh alcohols 🎉
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 🎉
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:
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 🎉
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 🎉
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
Dr. Loretta Universal Glow Daily Defense Mineral Sunscreen Fluid SPF 40 49 ingredients
Paula's Choice Skin Recovery Daily Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30 43 ingredients
Notable Ingredients
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Benefits
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Concerns
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Notable Ingredients
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
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Benefits
This product contains 3 ingredients that may have this attribute:
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This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
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This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 3 ingredients that may have this attribute:
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.
Dr. Loretta Universal Glow Daily Defense Mineral Sunscreen Fluid SPF 40 49 ingredients
Paula's Choice Skin Recovery Daily Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30 43 ingredients
Water • Zinc Oxide • Isododecane • Propanediol • Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride • Polyglyceryl-6 Polyricinoleate • C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate • Dimethicone • Polymethylsilsesquioxane/Trimethylsiloxysilicate • Coco-Caprylate/Caprate • Ethylhexyl Palmitate • Polymethylsilsesquioxane • Disteardimonium Hectorite • Polyglyceryl-10 Dioleate • Polyhydroxystearic Acid • Lecithin • Phenoxyethanol • Tapioca Starch Polymethylsilsesquioxane • Propylene Carbonate • Polysilicone-11 • Butyrospermum Parkii Butter • Ectoin • Glycerin • Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate • Tromethamine • Ethylhexylglycerin • Octyldodecanol • Lavandula Angustifolia Oil • Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil • Decyl Glucoside • Dimethylmethoxy Chromanol • Sodium Benzoate • Betula Alba Bark Extract • Boswellia Serrata Extract • Polygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract • Caprylyl Glycol • Hexylene Glycol • Jojoba Esters • Trihydroxystearin • Alumina • Centella Asiatica Extract • Tocopherol • Silica • CI 77891 • CI 77491 • Citronellol • Geraniol • Limonene • Linalool
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 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. Loretta Universal Glow Daily Defense Mineral Sunscreen Fluid SPF 40 contains this as ingredient number 1.
Paula's Choice Skin Recovery Daily Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 3.
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 can be harmful to coral reefs.
More about harmful reef ingredients here.
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 OxideDr. Loretta Universal Glow Daily Defense Mineral Sunscreen Fluid SPF 40 contains this as ingredient number 2.
Paula's Choice Skin Recovery Daily Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 2.
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride is an emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping the skin prevent moisture loss.
Within a product, Caprylic Triglyceride can thicken the product and make spreadability easier by dissolving clumping compounds. An added benefit of Caprylic Triglyceride is its antioxidant properties.
Caprylic Triglyceride is made by combining glycerin with coconut oil, forming a clear liquid. Caprylic Triglyceride has not been found to be toxic for human use in concentrations under 50%.
While there is an assumption Caprylic Triglyceride can clog pores due to it being derived from coconut oil, there is no research supporting this.
Learn more about Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideDr. Loretta Universal Glow Daily Defense Mineral Sunscreen Fluid SPF 40 contains this as ingredient number 5.
Paula's Choice Skin Recovery Daily Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 30.
C12-15 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 BenzoateDr. Loretta Universal Glow Daily Defense Mineral Sunscreen Fluid SPF 40 contains this as ingredient number 7.
Paula's Choice Skin Recovery Daily Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 4.
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. Loretta Universal Glow Daily Defense Mineral Sunscreen Fluid SPF 40 contains this as ingredient number 8.
Paula's Choice Skin Recovery Daily Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 13.
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. Loretta Universal Glow Daily Defense Mineral Sunscreen Fluid SPF 40 contains this as ingredient number 15.
Paula's Choice Skin Recovery Daily Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 34.
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. Loretta Universal Glow Daily Defense Mineral Sunscreen Fluid SPF 40 contains this as ingredient number 17.
Paula's Choice Skin Recovery Daily Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 42.
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 GlycerinDr. Loretta Universal Glow Daily Defense Mineral Sunscreen Fluid SPF 40 contains this as ingredient number 23.
Paula's Choice Skin Recovery Daily Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 17.
Ethylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.
You might see Ethylhexylglycerin often paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol. Ethylhexylglycerin has been found to increase the effectiveness of these other preservatives.
Dr. Loretta Universal Glow Daily Defense Mineral Sunscreen Fluid SPF 40 contains this as ingredient number 26.
Paula's Choice Skin Recovery Daily Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 41.
Caprylyl 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 GlycolDr. Loretta Universal Glow Daily Defense Mineral Sunscreen Fluid SPF 40 contains this as ingredient number 36.
Paula's Choice Skin Recovery Daily Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 39.
Alumina is another name for the compound aluminum oxide. It is used as a thickener, absorbent, and abrasive.
As an absorbent, alumina can give a mattifying effect. It is used in mineral sunscreens to help coat nano-sized filters, such as titanium dioxide. By increasing the size of the UV filters, these ingredients stay on the skin for a longer time. By coating small sized ingredients, alumina helps thicken a product.
Alumina may be used as an abrasive, or exfoliant.
Alumina is naturally occurring in the mineral corundum. Certain varieties of corundum create rubies and sapphires. Corundum is also the crystalline form of alumina.
Learn more about AluminaDr. Loretta Universal Glow Daily Defense Mineral Sunscreen Fluid SPF 40 contains this as ingredient number 40.
Paula's Choice Skin Recovery Daily Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 35.
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.
Dr. Loretta Universal Glow Daily Defense Mineral Sunscreen Fluid SPF 40 49 ingredients
Paula's Choice Skin Recovery Daily Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30 43 ingredients
Usage
Here's some more info on how this product is used by our community.
When to use
Dr. Loretta Universal Glow Daily Defense Mineral Sunscreen Fluid SPF 40 49 ingredients
Paula's Choice Skin Recovery Daily Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30 43 ingredients
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