MDSolarSciences Mineral Crème SPF 50 Versus Paula's Choice Resist Super-Light Wrinkle Defense SPF 30
Updated on December 23, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both vegan and cruelty-free sunscreens. They have a total of 4 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain exfoliants, SPF and Vitamin C
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, anti aging, brightening skin, sensitive skin, reducing pores and better texture
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, fragrances, oils, parabens or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain 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
MDSolarSciences Mineral Crème SPF 50 19 ingredients
Paula's Choice Resist Super-Light Wrinkle Defense SPF 30 30 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
MDSolarSciences Mineral Crème SPF 50 19 ingredients
Paula's Choice Resist Super-Light Wrinkle Defense SPF 30 30 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Titanium Dioxide 2%
Cosmetic Colorant
Zinc Oxide 17%
Cosmetic Colorant
Dimethicone
Emollient
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingDimethicone Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningButyloctyl Salicylate
Skin Conditioning
Glyceryl Isostearate
Emollient
Polysilicone-15
UV FilterTetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
Antioxidant
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Punica Granatum Extract
AstringentVaccinium Macrocarpon Fruit Extract
AstringentSilica
Abrasive
Polyhydroxystearic Acid
Emulsifying
CI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantTitanium Dioxide 2%, Zinc Oxide 17%, Dimethicone, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Glyceryl Isostearate, Polysilicone-15, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Punica Granatum Extract, Vaccinium Macrocarpon Fruit Extract, Silica, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, CI 77891, CI 77492, CI 77491, CI 77499
Water
Skin ConditioningCyclopentasiloxane
Emollient
Zinc Oxide
Cosmetic Colorant
PEG-12 Dimethicone
Skin Conditioning
PEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone
Emulsifying
Lauroyl Lysine
Skin ConditioningSodium Chloride
Masking
Trihydroxystearin
Skin Conditioning
Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingResveratrol
Antioxidant
Quercetin
Antioxidant
Epigallocatechin Gallate
Antioxidant
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
Antioxidant
Adenosine
Skin Conditioning
Bisabolol
Masking
Salix Nigra Bark Extract
Skin ProtectingPunica Granatum Extract
AstringentHaematococcus Pluvialis Extract
Antioxidant
Hydrolyzed Corn Starch
HumectantPolysorbate 80
Emulsifying
Hydrated Silica
Abrasive
Triethoxycaprylylsilane
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialIsopropyl Titanium Triisostearate
Emollient
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientHexylene Glycol
EmulsifyingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningIron Oxides
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Water, Cyclopentasiloxane, Zinc Oxide, PEG-12 Dimethicone, PEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone, Lauroyl Lysine, Sodium Chloride, Trihydroxystearin, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Resveratrol, Quercetin, Epigallocatechin Gallate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Adenosine, Bisabolol, Salix Nigra Bark Extract, Punica Granatum Extract, Haematococcus Pluvialis Extract, Hydrolyzed Corn Starch, Polysorbate 80, Hydrated Silica, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Isopropyl Titanium Triisostearate, Caprylyl Glycol, Hexylene Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Iron Oxides, Phenoxyethanol
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
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 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 OxideDimethicone Crosspolymer is a silicone created by modifying dimethicone with hydrocarbon side chains. Due to its large size, it does not penetrate skin. It is considered non-occlusive.
Dimethicone Crosspolymer is used to stabilize and thicken products. It also helps give products a silky feel.
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate (THD) is a stable and oil-soluble form of Vitamin C.
THD is special in that it has the ability to travel deeper into skin than traditional ascorbic acid while maintaining the same skin benefits (double win!).
Because it’s oil-soluble, THD dives deep into your skin’s fatty layers (think ceramides and cholesterol) to fight off the kind of free radicals that mess with your skin barrier. This makes it a great pair with water-based vitamin C (ascorbic acid) that mainly works on the surface.
Even at just 0.1%, THD is already showing great antioxidant activity. When used up to 2%, it helps keep your skin happy and calm, especially when it’s stressed from pollution or sun.
Want to fade dark spots or tackle hyperpigmentation? You’ll want 5% or more. Pairing it with brightening buddies like niacinamide or licorice root gives even better results. One study even used 30% THD with other brighteners and saw real results on stubborn discoloration, even in melasma-prone skin.
A note on THD: It’s has a slightly silky, oily texture and usually shows up colorless or pale yellow (though the exact shade can vary by supplier).
While you can sneak it into water-based formulas, it really shines when paired with silicones or oils, which help your skin soak it up better.
THD is pretty stable, but it’s still vulnerable to degradation like ascorbic acid. Too much light or heat (above 113°F / 45°C) can break it down over time. Go for dark and opaque packaging that keeps it safe and shady!
Read more about other types of Vitamin C:
Learn more about Tetrahexyldecyl AscorbatePunica Granatum extract comes from the pomegranate fruit.
Pomegranates are rich in fatty acids, including an unsaturated fatty acid by the name of Punicic acid. Other components of pomegranates include Vitamin E, and Vitamin C.
As an astringent, Punica Granatum Extract shrinks tissue by drawing water out of your skin. This leads to a tightening effect in the skin.
Learn more about Punica Granatum ExtractIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
MDSolarSciences Mineral Crème SPF 50 19 ingredients
Paula's Choice Resist Super-Light Wrinkle Defense SPF 30 30 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
MDSolarSciences Mineral Crème SPF 50 19 ingredients
This is the only sunscreen I use, and I like how it’s matte, so it doesn’t leave a shine on your face or feel oily. The only downside is that it sometimes leaves a white residue on your face, and its heavy texture makes it a bit challenging to apply evenly across the face.
Paula's Choice Resist Super-Light Wrinkle Defense SPF 30 30 ingredients
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 Show more
For the girls who need a pale tinted sunscreen this one is for us! I’ve tried dozens of tinted “universal” sunscreens (and us fair skinned folks know that’s just not true) but this one is perfect! It dries down matte and is lightweight cream. Only downside it can be a tad drying (good if your oily/combo like me) but if you have a single dry patch, it will show. Overall I’ll keep using this one Show more
