Dr. Loretta Universal Glow Daily Defense Mineral Sunscreen Fluid SPF 40 Versus Paula's Choice Skin Recovery Daily Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
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 needs an update? Let us know.
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
About this product
About this product
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
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningZinc Oxide
Cosmetic Colorant
Isododecane
EmollientPropanediol
SolventCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingPolyglyceryl-6 Polyricinoleate
Emulsifying
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialDimethicone
Emollient
Polymethylsilsesquioxane/Trimethylsiloxysilicate
Coco-Caprylate/Caprate
Emollient
Ethylhexyl Palmitate
Emollient
Polymethylsilsesquioxane
Disteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingPolyglyceryl-10 Dioleate
Emulsifying
Polyhydroxystearic Acid
Emulsifying
Lecithin
EmollientPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Tapioca Starch Polymethylsilsesquioxane
Absorbent
Propylene Carbonate
SolventPolysilicone-11
Butyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin Conditioning
Ectoin
Skin Conditioning
Glycerin
Humectant
Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate
Skin Conditioning
Tromethamine
BufferingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningOctyldodecanol
EmollientLavandula Angustifolia Oil
Masking
Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil
Masking
Decyl Glucoside
CleansingDimethylmethoxy Chromanol
Antioxidant
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Betula Alba Bark Extract
Masking
Boswellia Serrata Extract
Skin ConditioningPolygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract
Antioxidant
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientHexylene Glycol
EmulsifyingJojoba Esters
Emollient
Trihydroxystearin
Skin Conditioning
Alumina
Abrasive
Centella Asiatica Extract
Cleansing
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Silica
Abrasive
CI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantIron Oxides
Citronellol
Perfuming
Geraniol
Perfuming
Limonene
Perfuming
Linalool
Perfuming
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, Iron Oxides, Citronellol, Geraniol, Limonene, Linalool
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
EmulsifyingTetrahexyldecyl 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
EmollientCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingTribehenin
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.
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 WaterZinc 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 OxideThis ingredient is an emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping the skin prevent moisture loss.
It helps thicken a product's formula and makes it easier to spread by dissolving clumping compounds.
Caprylic Triglyceride is made by combining glycerin with coconut oil, forming a clear liquid.
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 TriglycerideC12-15 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 BenzoateDimethicone is a type of synthetic silicone created from natural materials such as quartz.
What it does:
Dimethicone comes in different viscosities:
Depending on the viscosity, dimethicone has different properties.
Ingredients lists don't always show which type is used, so we recommend reaching out to the brand if you have questions about the viscosity.
This ingredient is unlikely to cause irritation because it does not get absorbed into skin. However, people with silicone allergies should be careful about using this ingredient.
Note: Dimethicone may contribute to pilling. This is because it is not oil or water soluble, so pilling may occur when layered with products. When mixed with heavy oils in a formula, the outcome is also quite greasy.
Learn more about DimethiconePolyhydroxystearic 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 AcidPhenoxyethanol 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.
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 GlycerinEthylhexylglycerin (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.
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 GlycolAlumina 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 AluminaIngredient Ratings
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