Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of e.l.f. cosmetics Blemish Breakthrough Acne Calming Water Cream versus Paula's Choice Resist Skin Restoring Moisturizer with SPF 50 .
Published on November 28, 2022
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free general moisturizers. They have a total of 15 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain exfoliants, niacinamide and Vitamin E
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin, oily skin, reducing pores, scar healing and dark spots
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, 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.
General Moisturizer
All-purpose moisturizers hydrate the top layer of skin cells.
General Moisturizer
All-purpose moisturizers hydrate the top layer of skin cells.
Price
Ingredient Info
e.l.f. cosmetics Blemish Breakthrough Acne Calming Water Cream 28 ingredients
Paula's Choice Resist Skin Restoring Moisturizer with SPF 50 45 ingredients
Alcohol Free
This product is free of harsh alcohols 🎉
Silicon Free
This product is free of silicons 🎉
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:
Reef Safe
This product is free of ingredients that damage reefs 🎉
EU Allergen Free
This product is free of EU allergens 🎉
Vegan
This product is 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:
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 🎉
Oil Free
This product is free of oils 🎉
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
e.l.f. cosmetics Blemish Breakthrough Acne Calming Water Cream 28 ingredients
Paula's Choice Resist Skin Restoring Moisturizer with SPF 50 45 ingredients
Notable Ingredients
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Concerns
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Notable Ingredients
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Concerns
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
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Join SkinSortIngredients Compared
Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.
e.l.f. cosmetics Blemish Breakthrough Acne Calming Water Cream 28 ingredients
Paula's Choice Resist Skin Restoring Moisturizer with SPF 50 45 ingredients
Salicylic Acid 1% • Water • Niacinamide • Glycerin • Silica • Propanediol • Isododecane • Tranexamic Acid • Glyceryl Stearate Citrate • C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate • Acetyl Glucosamine • Tromethamine • Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate • Phenoxyethanol • Cetearyl Alcohol • Capryloyl Glycine • Potassium Cetyl Phosphate • Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer • Allantoin • Xanthan Gum • Caprylyl Glycol • Ethylhexylglycerin • Tocopherol • Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil • Disodium EDTA • Caprylic Acid • CI 77288 • CI 77492
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 3% • Homosalate 5% • Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate 7.5% • Ethylhexyl Salicylate 5% • Benzophenone-3 5% • Water • Silica • Glycerin • Cetearyl Alcohol • Dimethicone • Butylene Glycol • Pentylene Glycol • Potassium Cetyl Phosphate • Cyclopentasiloxane • Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract • Vp/Eicosene Copolymer • Butyrospermum Parkii Butter • Allantoin • Niacinamide • Tocopherol • Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract • Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice • Atractylodes Macrocephala Root Powder • Avena Sativa Kernel Extract • Coffea Arabica Seed Extract • Portulaca Oleracea Extract • Mahonia Aquifolium Root Extract • Diethylhexyl Syringylidenemalonate • Sarcosine • Capryloyl Glycine • Maltooligosyl Glucoside • Cetearyl Glucoside • Dimethiconol • Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer • Hydrogenated Starch Hydrolysate • Hexylene Glycol • 4-T-Butylcyclohexanol • Glyceryl Stearate • Peg-100 Stearate • Sodium Hydroxide • Xanthan Gum • Disodium EDTA • Phenoxyethanol • Caprylyl Glycol • Ethylhexylglycerin
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 Watere.l.f. cosmetics Blemish Breakthrough Acne Calming Water Cream contains this as ingredient number 2.
Paula's Choice Resist Skin Restoring Moisturizer with SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 6.
Niacinamide has emerged as an all-star ingredient due to its many benefits.
It is known to treat acne by reducing inflammation. It also helps fade dark-spots and strengthen the skin by promoting the growth of the ceramide barrier.
Other benefits include smoothing wrinkles and minimizing redness.
The cherry on top? Niacinamide can also help build keratin, a protein that keeps skin firm.
When incorporating niacinamide into your routine, look out for concentration amounts. Typically, 5% niacinamide provides benefits such as fading dark spots. However, if you have sensitive skin, it is better to begin with a smaller concentration.
Niacinamide can be mixed with other ingredients to boost benefits. For instance, it has shown to be effective when used with copper, folic acid, and zinc to treat acne.
Learn more about Niacinamidee.l.f. cosmetics Blemish Breakthrough Acne Calming Water Cream contains this as ingredient number 3.
Paula's Choice Resist Skin Restoring Moisturizer with SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 19.
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 Glycerine.l.f. cosmetics Blemish Breakthrough Acne Calming Water Cream contains this as ingredient number 4.
Paula's Choice Resist Skin Restoring Moisturizer with SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 8.
Silica is a mineral naturally found in our skin. It helps to thicken and smooth the texture of a product. It also acts as an agent for other ingredients by increasing the absorption of other ingredients into the skin.
Silica is often used for absorption and can help reduce shine when products are applied. Silica occurs in naturally in materials like clay and sandstone, and it can also be produced synthetically.
Silica is present naturally within the skin during collagen production and when reducing inflammation.
Learn more about Silicae.l.f. cosmetics Blemish Breakthrough Acne Calming Water Cream contains this as ingredient number 5.
Paula's Choice Resist Skin Restoring Moisturizer with SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 7.
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.
e.l.f. cosmetics Blemish Breakthrough Acne Calming Water Cream contains this as ingredient number 14.
Paula's Choice Resist Skin Restoring Moisturizer with SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 43.
Cetearyl alcohol is a mixture of two fatty alcohols: cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol. It is mainly used as an emulsifier. Emulsifiers help prevent the separation of oils and products. Due to its composition, it can also be used to thicken a product or help create foam.
Cetearyl alcohol is an emollient. Emollients help soothe and hydrate the skin by trapping moisture.
Studies show Cetearyl alcohol is non-toxic and non-irritating. The FDA allows products labeled "alcohol-free" to have fatty alcohols.
This ingredient is usually derived from plant oils such as palm, vegetable, or coconut oils. There is debate on whether this ingredient will cause acne.
Due to the fatty acid base, this ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis safe.
Learn more about Cetearyl Alcohole.l.f. cosmetics Blemish Breakthrough Acne Calming Water Cream contains this as ingredient number 15.
Paula's Choice Resist Skin Restoring Moisturizer with SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 9.
Capryloyl Glycine is created by adding an acyl group to glycine and caprylic acid chloride.
It is a cleanser due to its surfactant properties. Surfactants help dirt, oil, and other polluants be more easily rinsed away. According to manufacturers, Capryloyl Glycine also helps soften the skin and regulate sebum production.
Emerging studies show Capryloyl Glycine may inhibit hair growth. It may also cause allergies for some people. We recommend speaking with a professional if you have any questions about this ingredient.
Learn more about Capryloyl Glycinee.l.f. cosmetics Blemish Breakthrough Acne Calming Water Cream contains this as ingredient number 16.
Paula's Choice Resist Skin Restoring Moisturizer with SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 30.
Potassium Cetyl Phosphate is the potassium salt of a mixture. This mixture consists of the esters from phosphoricacid and cetyl alcohol.
Potassium Cetyl Phosphate is an emulsifier and cleansing agent. Emulsifiers help stabilize a product. It does this by preventing certain ingredients from separating.
As a cleansing agent, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate helps gather oils, dirts, and pollutants from your skin. This makes it easier to rinse them away with water.
Learn more about Potassium Cetyl Phosphatee.l.f. cosmetics Blemish Breakthrough Acne Calming Water Cream contains this as ingredient number 17.
Paula's Choice Resist Skin Restoring Moisturizer with SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 13.
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer is a synthetic polymer. It is used to thicken and improve the texture of products.
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer is also an emulsifier. Due to its properties, it can prevent water and oil ingredients from separating.
e.l.f. cosmetics Blemish Breakthrough Acne Calming Water Cream contains this as ingredient number 18.
Paula's Choice Resist Skin Restoring Moisturizer with SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 34.
Allantoin plays a role in soothing and moisturizing the skin. Because of this, it is often added to products with strong active ingredients.
Some studies have shown this ingredient can promote wound healing with higher concentrations.
Allantoin is derived from the comfrey plant but produced synthetically for cosmetic products to ensure purity.
Learn more about Allantoine.l.f. cosmetics Blemish Breakthrough Acne Calming Water Cream contains this as ingredient number 19.
Paula's Choice Resist Skin Restoring Moisturizer with SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 18.
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 Gume.l.f. cosmetics Blemish Breakthrough Acne Calming Water Cream contains this as ingredient number 20.
Paula's Choice Resist Skin Restoring Moisturizer with SPF 50 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 Glycole.l.f. cosmetics Blemish Breakthrough Acne Calming Water Cream contains this as ingredient number 21.
Paula's Choice Resist Skin Restoring Moisturizer with SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 44.
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.
e.l.f. cosmetics Blemish Breakthrough Acne Calming Water Cream contains this as ingredient number 22.
Paula's Choice Resist Skin Restoring Moisturizer with SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 45.
Tocopherol (also known as Vitamin E) is a common antioxidant used to help protect the skin from free-radicals and strengthen the skin barrier. It's also fat soluble - this means our skin is great at absorbing it.
Vitamin E also helps keep your natural skin lipids healthy. Your lipid skin barrier naturally consists of lipids, ceramides, and fatty acids. Vitamin E offers extra protection for your skin’s lipid barrier, keeping your skin healthy and nourished.
Another benefit is a bit of UV protection. Vitamin E helps reduce the damage caused by UVB rays. (It should not replace your sunscreen). Combining it with Vitamin C can decrease sunburned cells and hyperpigmentation after UV exposure.
You might have noticed Vitamin E + C often paired together. This is because it is great at stabilizing Vitamin C. Using the two together helps increase the effectiveness of both ingredients.
There are often claims that Vitamin E can reduce/prevent scarring, but these claims haven't been confirmed by scientific research.
Learn more about Tocopherole.l.f. cosmetics Blemish Breakthrough Acne Calming Water Cream contains this as ingredient number 23.
Paula's Choice Resist Skin Restoring Moisturizer with SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 20.
Disodium EDTA plays a role in making products more stable by aiding other preservatives.
It is a chelating agent, meaning it neutralizes metal ions that may be found in a product.
Disodium EDTA is a salt of edetic acid and is found to be safe in cosmetic ingredients.
Learn more about Disodium EDTAe.l.f. cosmetics Blemish Breakthrough Acne Calming Water Cream contains this as ingredient number 25.
Paula's Choice Resist Skin Restoring Moisturizer with SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 42.
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.
e.l.f. cosmetics Blemish Breakthrough Acne Calming Water Cream 28 ingredients
Paula's Choice Resist Skin Restoring Moisturizer with SPF 50 45 ingredients
Usage
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When to use
e.l.f. cosmetics Blemish Breakthrough Acne Calming Water Cream 28 ingredients
Paula's Choice Resist Skin Restoring Moisturizer with SPF 50 45 ingredients
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e.l.f. cosmetics Blemish Breakthrough Acne Calming Water Cream 28 ingredients
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