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Product Comparison

Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of Dr Sam’s Flawless Daily Sunscreen SPF 50 versus Paula's Choice Resist Super-Light Wrinkle Defense SPF 30 .

Last updated on October 22, 2023. Published on December 28, 2021

Overview

What they are

These products are both cruelty-free sunscreens. They have a total of 5 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain SPF and Vitamin E

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, anti aging, brightening skin, scar healing, dark spots and better texture

Free From

They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, fragrances, oils, parabens or sulfates

We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that need an update? Let us know.

Sunscreen Irish Brand Ireland
Sunscreen American Brand United States

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.

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.

Price

Shop

Buy Flawless Daily Sunscreen SPF 50

Shop

Buy Resist Super-Light Wrinkle Defense SPF 30

Starts at $38.00

Ingredient Info

Click any item below to learn more and view relevant ingredients.
alcohol-free
silicon-free
fragrance-free
sulfate-free
paraben-free
oil-free
fungal-acne safe
reef-safe
eu-allergen-free
vegan
cruelty-free
spf rating
50
alcohol-free
silicon-free
fragrance-free
sulfate-free
paraben-free
oil-free
fungal-acne safe
reef-safe
eu-allergen-free
vegan
cruelty-free
spf rating
30

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Notable Ingredients

Chemical UV Filter
Mineral UV Filter
AHA
Vitamin E
Niacinamide
Hyaluronic Acid

Benefits

Hydrating (2)
Good For Oily Skin
Redness Reducing
Skin Texture
Reduces Large Pores (2)
Anti-Aging
Dark Spots (2)
Scar Healing
Acne Fighting (2)
Brightening (3)

Concerns

May Worsen Oily Skin (2)
Acne Trigger (2)
Irritating (2)
Rosacea
Eczema

Notable Ingredients

Mineral UV Filter
Vitamin C
Vitamin E
Exfoliators

Benefits

Redness Reducing
Reduces Irritation
Skin Texture
Anti-Aging (2)
Dark Spots
Scar Healing
Acne Fighting
Brightening (2)

Concerns

Drying
May Worsen Oily Skin
Acne Trigger
Rosacea
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Ingredients Compared

Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.

Ingredients Side-by-side

Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.

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Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.

1
What it does: Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Community Rating: Loved

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 Water

Dr Sam’s Flawless Daily Sunscreen SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 1.

Paula's Choice Resist Super-Light Wrinkle Defense SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 1.

2
What it does: Cosmetic Colorant, Skin Protecting, UV Absorber, UV Filter
Community Rating: Liked

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 Oxide

Dr Sam’s Flawless Daily Sunscreen SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 2.

Paula's Choice Resist Super-Light Wrinkle Defense SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 3.

3
What it does: Preservative
Community Rating: Very Disliked

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 Sam’s Flawless Daily Sunscreen SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 12.

Paula's Choice Resist Super-Light Wrinkle Defense SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 30.

4
What it does: Antioxidant, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Liked

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 Acetate

Dr Sam’s Flawless Daily Sunscreen SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 17.

Paula's Choice Resist Super-Light Wrinkle Defense SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 13.

5
What it does: Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Mixed

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 Sam’s Flawless Daily Sunscreen SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 25.

Paula's Choice Resist Super-Light Wrinkle Defense SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 28.

Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.

25% are loved or liked
14% have mixed ratings
50% are disliked or very disliked
11% have no rating yet
43% are loved or liked
7% have mixed ratings
40% are disliked or very disliked
10% have no rating yet

Usage

Here's some more info on how this product is used by our community.

When to use

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Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

Dr Sam’s Flawless Daily Sunscreen SPF 50 28 ingredients

Flawless Daily Sunscreen SPF 50 hasn't been rated yet.
Rate it now

Paula's Choice Resist Super-Light Wrinkle Defense SPF 30 30 ingredients

5.0 /5
from 2 ratings
Drying (1) Light (1) No Scent (1) Works Well (1)
hydrationplease's avatar

hydrationplease

4 months ago · Dry Skin
Review

A phenomenal tinted mineral sunscreen. It has a light, lotion-like texture. Not greasy or heavy at all. It is quick and easy to apply. Dries down...

A phenomenal tinted mineral sunscreen. It has a light, lotion-like texture. Not greasy or heavy at all. It is quick and easy to apply. Dries down to a matte finish. Just very pleasant and effortless to use.

The tint claims to be universal, but of course it's not at all. In fact it's pretty much a perfect match for my skin tone, which is very light and cool toned. (For reference, two of my best foundation shade matches are the NYX Born to Glow Foundation in Porcelain and the Revolution Beauty Fast Base Stick Foundation in F3.)

The tint is sheer, but it's absolutely going to leave a cast on anyone whose skintone is significantly deeper than mine.

Much like many other mineral sunscreens, this is also a touch drying. Probably best for oily / combo / normal skin, just as the brand states. But that said, I still love it even as someone with dry skin. I do need a separate moisturizer underneath though.

It's vegan, cruelty-free, fragrance-free, and doesn't make my eyes sting. The price... is doable.

All in all I think it's one of the best, if the tint works for you.

Alternatives

Our Dupe Finder has found 50 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to Dr Sam’s Flawless Daily Sunscreen SPF 50.

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Our Dupe Finder has found 9 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to Paula's Choice Resist Super-Light Wrinkle Defense SPF 30.

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