Etude House Sunprise Mild Airy Finish SPF50+ Versus Paula's Choice Calm Barrier Protect Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30
Updated on August 08, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both sunscreens. They have a total of 8 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, dry skin, sensitive skin and scar healing
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, parabens or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain fragrances, 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
Etude House Sunprise Mild Airy Finish SPF50+ 34 ingredients
Paula's Choice Calm Barrier Protect Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 44 ingredients
What's inside (and what isn't)
What's inside (and what isn't)
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Etude House Sunprise Mild Airy Finish SPF50+ 34 ingredients
Paula's Choice Calm Barrier Protect Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 44 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningZinc Oxide
Cosmetic Colorant
Disiloxane
Skin Conditioning
Cyclohexasiloxane
Emollient
Butyloctyl Salicylate
Skin Conditioning
Propylene Glycol Dicaprylate
EmollientPropanediol
Solvent
Methyl Trimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer
Triethoxycaprylylsilane
Lauryl Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Chloride
Masking
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Polymethylsilsesquioxane
Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Parfum
Masking
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientGlyceryl Caprylate
EmollientEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil
Emollient
Adansonia Digitata Seed Oil
Emollient
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Opuntia Ficus-Indica Extract
Skin Conditioning
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin Conditioning
Citric Acid
Buffering
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Carex Humillis Root Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Benzoate
Masking
Malpighia Emarginata Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningEuterpe Oleracea Fruit Extract
Terminalia Ferdinandiana Fruit Extract
Antioxidant
Water, Zinc Oxide, Disiloxane, Cyclohexasiloxane, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Propylene Glycol Dicaprylate, Propanediol, Methyl Trimethicone, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Lauryl Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Sodium Chloride, 1,2-Hexanediol, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Parfum, Caprylyl Glycol, Glyceryl Caprylate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Adansonia Digitata Seed Oil, Butylene Glycol, Tocopherol, Opuntia Ficus-Indica Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Citric Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Carex Humillis Root Extract, Sodium Benzoate, Malpighia Emarginata Fruit Extract, Euterpe Oleracea Fruit Extract, Terminalia Ferdinandiana Fruit Extract
Water
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic Colorant
Zinc Oxide
Cosmetic Colorant
Ethylhexyl Methoxycrylene
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Polyester-8
Skin Conditioning
Aluminum Stearate
Cosmetic ColorantC15-19 Alkane
SolventHydrogenated Lecithin
Emulsifying
Silica
Abrasive
Trehalose
Humectant
Inulin
Skin ConditioningAlpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide
CleansingAscorbyl Palmitate
Antioxidant
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Echium Plantagineum Seed Oil
Skin Conditioning
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil
Emollient
Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
Emollient
Centella Asiatica Extract
Cleansing
Polyhydroxystearic Acid
Emulsifying
Alumina
Abrasive
Glyceryl Caprylate
EmollientHydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingLeuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
Antimicrobial
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Caprylhydroxamic Acid
Triethoxycaprylylsilane
Diheptyl Succinate
EmollientXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingAllantoin
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Polyacrylate
Absorbent
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingAcacia Senegal Gum
MaskingSodium Citrate
BufferingCapryloyl Glycerin/Sebacic Acid Copolymer
Skin ConditioningPolysorbate 60
Emulsifying
Sorbitan Isostearate
Emulsifying
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient
Lecithin
Emollient
Glyceryl Oleate
Emollient
Citric Acid
Buffering
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Water, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Titanium Dioxide, Zinc Oxide, Ethylhexyl Methoxycrylene, Glycerin, Polyester-8, Aluminum Stearate, C15-19 Alkane, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Silica, Trehalose, Inulin, Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Tocopherol, Echium Plantagineum Seed Oil, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Centella Asiatica Extract, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Alumina, Glyceryl Caprylate, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Diheptyl Succinate, Xanthan Gum, Allantoin, Sodium Polyacrylate, Sodium Hydroxide, Acacia Senegal Gum, Sodium Citrate, Capryloyl Glycerin/Sebacic Acid Copolymer, Polysorbate 60, Sorbitan Isostearate, Glyceryl Stearate, Lecithin, Glyceryl Oleate, Citric Acid, Sodium Benzoate
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 OxideTriethoxycaprylylsilane 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 TriethoxycaprylylsilaneGlyceryl Caprylate comes from glycerin and caprylic acid, a fatty acid from coconut. It has emollient and emulsifier properties.
As an emollient, it helps hydrate your skin. Emollients work by creating a barrier on your skin to trap moisture in, helping to keep your skin soft and smooth.
On the other hand, emulsifiers prevent ingredients (such as oil and water) from separating.
Learn more about Glyceryl CaprylateHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil is the oil derived from the seeds of a Sunflower. Sunflower seed oil is non-fragrant. It is an emollient, meaning it helps to soften the skin.
Sunflower seed oil contains many fatty acids. The fatty acids found in sunflower seeds include (from highest amount to least): linoleic acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, arachidic acid, oleic acid, and linolenic acid.
These fatty acids help the skin create ceramides. Ceramides play a role in repairing the skin barrier.
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil helps moisturize the skin. This in turn helps the skin look more rejuvenated and smoother.
Sunflowers are rich in vitamin E.
Historians believe Indigenous cultures of North America domesticated sunflowers before corn. Thus they relied on sunflower oil for a variety of uses. One such use is moisturizing skin and hair.
Sunflower seed oil may not be fungal acne safe. We recommend speaking with a professional if you have any concerns.
Learn more about Helianthus Annuus Seed OilTocopherol (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 TocopherolCitric Acid is an AHA derived from citrus fruits (think oranges, lemons, and limes!).
As an AHA, Citric Acid removes the top layer of skin cells from the newer layer of skin underneath. This helps skin to remove dark spots and even out skin tone.
If you spot Citric Acid near the end of an ingredient list, it's likely there as a pH adjuster rather than an active ingredient.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Citric AcidSodium Benzoate is a preservative. It's used in both cosmetic and food products to inhibit the growth of mold and bacteria. It is typically produced synthetically.
Both the US FDA and EU Health Committee have approved the use of sodium benzoate. In the US, levels of 0.1% (of the total product) are allowed.
Sodium benzoate works as a preservative by inhibiting the growth of bacteria inside of cells. It prevents the cell from fermenting a type of sugar using an enzyme called phosphofructokinase.
It is the salt of benzoic acid. Foods containing sodium benzoate include soda, salad dressings, condiments, fruit juices, wines, and snack foods.
Studies for using ascorbic acid and sodium benzoate in cosmetics are lacking, especially in skincare routines with multiple steps.
We always recommend speaking with a professional, such as a dermatologist, if you have any concerns.
Learn more about Sodium BenzoateIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Etude House Sunprise Mild Airy Finish SPF50+ 34 ingredients
Paula's Choice Calm Barrier Protect Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 44 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Etude House Sunprise Mild Airy Finish SPF50+ 34 ingredients
My skin immediately reacted to it: it was burning and red after I used it, even my eyes were tearing up, I felt it was because of the smell. I couldn’t use it.
Paula's Choice Calm Barrier Protect Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 44 ingredients
Very moisturizing and helped heal my skin barrier. Don’t think it’s breaking me out, and I have acne prone skin. It’s mineral, so it doesn’t burn the eyes. Can’t speak much for a white cast because I’m pale as a ghost, but it rubs in pretty nice!
I’ve tried my share of sunscreens, and this was one of the best. It’s far less greasy than many others I’ve tried, it takes a minute to absorb but within an hour I’d say is unnoticeable to the touch. It does not irritate my skin and there’s barely a white cast, it’s hardly noticeable once it’s rubbed in (I have light medium skin tone).
