MEDI-PEEL Vitamin Dr. Essence Sun Cream SPF50 PA++++ Versus Paula's Choice Defense Essential Glow Moisturizer SPF 30
Updated on August 29, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free . They have a total of 10 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain niacinamide, peptides, SPF, Vitamin C 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, dark spots and better texture
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, parabens or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain oils
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
MEDI-PEEL Vitamin Dr. Essence Sun Cream SPF50 PA++++ 79 ingredients
Paula's Choice Defense Essential Glow Moisturizer SPF 30 45 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
MEDI-PEEL Vitamin Dr. Essence Sun Cream SPF50 PA++++ 79 ingredients
Paula's Choice Defense Essential Glow Moisturizer SPF 30 45 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV Absorber
Diethylhexyl 2,6-Naphthalate
EmollientDipropylene Glycol
MaskingOctocrylene
UV Absorber
Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Skin Conditioning
Ethylhexyl Salicylate
UV Absorber
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane
UV Absorber
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
UV Filter
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningPanthenol
Skin Conditioning
Citrus Unshiu Peel Extract
MaskingCitrus Unshiu Fruit Extract
Antioxidant
Prunus Mume Fruit Extract
HumectantPyrus Malus Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningCitrus Medica Vulgaris Fruit Extract
Antioxidant
Actinidia Chinensis Fruit Extract
EmollientCitrus Aurantifolia Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningTerminalia Ferdinandiana Fruit Extract
Antioxidant
Xylitylglucoside
HumectantAnhydroxylitol
HumectantXylitol
HumectantUlmus Davidiana Root Extract
Skin ConditioningAloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
Emollient
Dioscorea Japonica Root Extract
Skin ConditioningLaminaria Japonica Extract
Skin ProtectingViola Mandshurica Flower Extract
Antioxidant
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Adenosine
Skin Conditioning
Glycerin
Humectant
Propanediol
SolventDipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Humectant
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Ectoin
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Guaiazulene Sulfonate
Hydrolyzed Glycosaminoglycans
HumectantSodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
Humectant
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate
Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
Humectant
Ceramide NP
Skin Conditioning
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5
Skin Conditioning
Solanum Lycopersicum Fruit Extract
Antioxidant
Biotin
AntiseborrhoeicAscorbic Acid
Antioxidant
Cyanocobalamin
Skin ConditioningPyridoxine Hcl
Skin ConditioningGlucose
HumectantOctyldodecanol
EmollientGlycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
Bleaching
Sesamum Indicum Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningAngelica Gigas Root Extract
Skin ConditioningMorus Alba Bark Extract
Skin ConditioningPhellinus Linteus Extract
Skin ConditioningPaeonia Lactiflora Root Extract
Skin ConditioningPolygonum Multiflorum Root Extract
Skin ConditioningScutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract
AstringentSophora Flavescens Root Extract
Antioxidant
Cimicifuga Racemosa Root Extract
Antimicrobial
Hydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingLecithin
EmollientRaspberry Ketone
Masking
Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingTromethamine
BufferingSodium Acrylates Copolymer
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Disodium EDTA
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientBenzyl Glycol
SolventHydroxyacetophenone
Antioxidant
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCymbopogon Schoenanthus Oil
Masking
Citral
Perfuming
Geraniol
Perfuming
Linalool
Perfuming
Water, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Diethylhexyl 2,6-Naphthalate, Dipropylene Glycol, Octocrylene, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Niacinamide, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Panthenol, Citrus Unshiu Peel Extract, Citrus Unshiu Fruit Extract, Prunus Mume Fruit Extract, Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract, Citrus Medica Vulgaris Fruit Extract, Actinidia Chinensis Fruit Extract, Citrus Aurantifolia Fruit Extract, Terminalia Ferdinandiana Fruit Extract, Xylitylglucoside, Anhydroxylitol, Xylitol, Ulmus Davidiana Root Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Dioscorea Japonica Root Extract, Laminaria Japonica Extract, Viola Mandshurica Flower Extract, Allantoin, Adenosine, Glycerin, Propanediol, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Ectoin, Sodium Guaiazulene Sulfonate, Hydrolyzed Glycosaminoglycans, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Ceramide NP, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5, Solanum Lycopersicum Fruit Extract, Biotin, Ascorbic Acid, Cyanocobalamin, Pyridoxine Hcl, Glucose, Octyldodecanol, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Sesamum Indicum Seed Extract, Angelica Gigas Root Extract, Morus Alba Bark Extract, Phellinus Linteus Extract, Paeonia Lactiflora Root Extract, Polygonum Multiflorum Root Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Sophora Flavescens Root Extract, Cimicifuga Racemosa Root Extract, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Lecithin, Raspberry Ketone, Carbomer, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Tromethamine, Sodium Acrylates Copolymer, Butylene Glycol, Disodium EDTA, Caprylyl Glycol, Benzyl Glycol, Hydroxyacetophenone, Ethylhexylglycerin, Cymbopogon Schoenanthus Oil, Citral, Geraniol, Linalool
Water
Skin ConditioningC12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialZinc Oxide
Cosmetic Colorant
Titanium Dioxide
Cosmetic Colorant
Glycerin
Humectant
Isononyl Isononanoate
EmollientButylene Glycol
Humectant
Cetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Potassium Cetyl Phosphate
EmulsifyingDimethicone
Emollient
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient
Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
Bleaching
Actinidia Chinensis Fruit Extract
EmollientArgania Spinosa Kernel Oil
Emollient
Tetrapeptide-30
Skin Conditioning
Linoleic Acid
Cleansing
Resveratrol
Antioxidant
Ascorbyl Glucoside
Antioxidant
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate
Antioxidant
Bisabolol
Masking
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Phospholipids
Skin ConditioningLecithin
EmollientGlycine Soja Sterols
Emollient
Xanthophylls
Skin ConditioningPullulan
Sodium Gluconate
Skin ConditioningXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingSclerotium Gum
Emulsion StabilisingAlumina
Abrasive
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingCitric Acid
Buffering
Triethoxycaprylylsilane
C13-14 Isoparaffin
Emollient
Acrylates Copolymer
Polyhydroxystearic Acid
Emulsifying
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientPolyacrylamide
Ceteareth-20
Cleansing
Aluminum Stearate
Cosmetic ColorantLaureth-7
EmulsifyingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Water, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Zinc Oxide, Titanium Dioxide, Glycerin, Isononyl Isononanoate, Butylene Glycol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Dimethicone, Glyceryl Stearate, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Actinidia Chinensis Fruit Extract, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Tetrapeptide-30, Linoleic Acid, Resveratrol, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Niacinamide, Tocopheryl Acetate, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Bisabolol, Tocopherol, Phospholipids, Lecithin, Glycine Soja Sterols, Xanthophylls, Pullulan, Sodium Gluconate, Xanthan Gum, Sclerotium Gum, Alumina, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Citric Acid, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Acrylates Copolymer, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Caprylyl Glycol, Polyacrylamide, Ceteareth-20, Aluminum Stearate, Laureth-7, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol
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 WaterNiacinamide 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 NiacinamideActinidia Chinensis is the extract from kiwi fruit. It contains antioxidants in the forms of Vitamin C and polyphenols.
Antioxidants help protect your skin against free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin.
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 GlycerinTocopheryl 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 AcetateGlycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract is an extract of the roots of Licorice. It has been found to have several benefits such as skin hydrating, conditioning, and soothing.
One component, glabridin, has extra potent antioxidant and soothing properties. It has also been found to block pigmentation from UVB rays in guinea pigs.
Licorice Root also contains a flavonoid. Flavonoids are a natural substance from in plants. Flavonoids also have antioxidant properties.
Another component, glycyrrhizin, has been found to have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial benefits. This may make licorice root extract effective at treating acne. However, more research is needed to support this.
Liquiritin is one of the flavone compounds found in licorice. It has been found to help lighten skin by preventing tyrosinase from reacting with tyrosine. When the two react, protein is converted to melanin. Melanin is the substance in your body that gives your features pigmentation.
Learn more about Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root ExtractLecithin is a term for a group of substances found in the cell membranes of plants, animals, and humans. They are made up of mixture of phospholipids.
This ingredient has emollient and emulsifying properties.
As an emollient, lecithen helps soften the skin and creates a barrier to keep moisture in.
As an emulsifier, it also helps prevent water and oil ingredients from separating. Lecithin can also help ingredients be better absorbed by the skin.
This is because the phospholipids in lecithin produce liposomes. Liposomes help other ingredients get through the skin barrier.
Depending on the source of this ingredient, lecithin may not be fungal acne safe. This is because some sources of lecithin come from soybean oil, which may feed the malassezia yeast that feeds fungal acne.
We recommend reaching out to the brand you are purchasing from to inquire about the source of their lecithin.
Learn more about LecithinButylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:
- It is a solvent, meaning that it helps to dissolve other ingredients. This also enhances the absorption of the product into one's skin.
- It is a humectant, which means that it helps attract moisture into the skin.
- It helps improve product application.
- It has mild preservative properties.
Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient that works well with other ingredients.
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 GlycolEthylhexylglycerin (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.
Ingredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
MEDI-PEEL Vitamin Dr. Essence Sun Cream SPF50 PA++++ 79 ingredients
Paula's Choice Defense Essential Glow Moisturizer SPF 30 45 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
MEDI-PEEL Vitamin Dr. Essence Sun Cream SPF50 PA++++ 79 ingredients
Paula's Choice Defense Essential Glow Moisturizer SPF 30 45 ingredients
It's hard to rate a product that gave you an allergic/irritant reaction. That's the case with this one for me.
So first, the positives. If your skin doesn't react badly to this, it could be great for you. It's a mineral sunscreen with minimal white cast. It's only barely visible on my fair/light skin tone. The finish is moderately glowy, not greasy or over the top. It looks nice. The texture is Show more
