Pacifica Matte Greens Skin Solve Primer Versus Biossance Squalane + Zinc Sheer Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 PA +++
Updated on March 15, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both vegan and cruelty-free . They have a total of 5 ingredients in common
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, dry skin, brightening skin and scar healing
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, oils, parabens, silicones or sulfates
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
Pacifica Matte Greens Skin Solve Primer 29 ingredients
Biossance Squalane + Zinc Sheer Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 PA +++ 23 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
Pacifica Matte Greens Skin Solve Primer 29 ingredients
Biossance Squalane + Zinc Sheer Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 PA +++ 23 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Ethylhexyl Olivate
Skin Conditioning
Stearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Glycerin
Humectant
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient
Butyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin Conditioning
Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract
Skin Conditioning
Astrocaryum Tucuma Seed Butter
Emollient
Brassica Oleracea Acephala Leaf Extract
HumectantPisum Sativum Extract
Skin ConditioningNiacinamide
Smoothing
Lauroyl Lysine
Skin ConditioningSqualane
Emollient
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningMelia Azadirachta Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningHydroxyacetophenone
Antioxidant
Sodium Gluconate
Skin ConditioningCaprylhydroxamic Acid
Stearyl Phosphate
Emulsifying
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientParfum
Masking
Citric Acid
Buffering
Mica
Cosmetic Colorant
Titanium Dioxide
Cosmetic Colorant
CI 77510
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Ethylhexyl Olivate, Stearyl Alcohol, Glycerin, Glyceryl Stearate, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract, Astrocaryum Tucuma Seed Butter, Brassica Oleracea Acephala Leaf Extract, Pisum Sativum Extract, Niacinamide, Lauroyl Lysine, Squalane, Tocopherol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract, Hydroxyacetophenone, Sodium Gluconate, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Stearyl Phosphate, Caprylyl Glycol, Parfum, Citric Acid, Mica, Titanium Dioxide, CI 77510, CI 77491
Zinc Oxide
Cosmetic Colorant
Water
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Squalane
Emollient
Glycerin
Humectant
Cetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Methyl Dihydroabietate
Sorbitan Olivate
Emulsifying
Coco-Glucoside
CleansingCetyl Palmitate
Emollient
Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate
Emulsifying
Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside
CleansingNymphaea Alba Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningAcacia Senegal Gum
MaskingEthyl Ferulate
Antioxidant
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingSodium Gluconate
Skin ConditioningLecithin
Emollient
Sodium Palmitoyl Proline
Skin ConditioningPolyhydroxystearic Acid
Emulsifying
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Isostearic Acid
Cleansing
Zinc Oxide, Water, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Squalane, Glycerin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Methyl Dihydroabietate, Sorbitan Olivate, Coco-Glucoside, Cetyl Palmitate, Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate, Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside, Nymphaea Alba Flower Extract, Acacia Senegal Gum, Ethyl Ferulate, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Gluconate, Lecithin, Sodium Palmitoyl Proline, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Isostearic Acid
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
This ingredient is an emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping the skin prevent moisture loss.
It helps thicken a product's formula and makes it easier to spread by dissolving clumping compounds.
Caprylic Triglyceride is made by combining glycerin with coconut oil, forming a clear liquid.
While there is an assumption Caprylic Triglyceride can clog pores due to it being derived from coconut oil, there is no research supporting this.
Learn more about Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideGlycerin 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 GlycerinThis is the synthetic salt of gluconic acid, a form of PHA and mild exfoliant.
It is mainly used to stabilize oil and butter formulations from going bad. Sodium gluconate is a humectant, pH regulator, and chelating agent.
Chelating agents help neutralize unwanted metals from affecting the formulation.
Sodium gluconate is water-soluble.
Learn more about Sodium GluconateSqualane is an emollient that helps the skin hold onto moisture. It's an oily liquid that occurs naturally in certain types of fish and plant oils.
Because squalane boosts hydration in the skin, it also comes with plenty of benefits: it is an antioxidant and can help fight free radicals and skin damage. Squalane is also found to have a detoxifying effect when applied.
Squalane comes from squalene, which occurs naturally within the sebum of our skin. It is one of the oils our skin produces to keep itself hydrated. Squalane is the hydrogenated version of squalene and has a longer shelf life.
Research shows that squalane is non-irritating (even at 100% concentration).
In general, it's a fantastic ingredient. It does a great job at hydrating the skin, and it's suitable for those with sensitive skin.
The source of squalane may impact malassezia / fungal acne. This is because olive oil derived squalane can contain impurities such as fatty acids and plant waxes. Sugarcane derived squalane is recommended for anyone with malassezia concerns.
Is squalane vegan?
This depends on the source. Squalane can be derived from both plants and animals. Most squalane used in skincare comes from plants.
Please note: the source of squalane is only known if disclosed by the brand. We recommend reaching out to the brand if you have any questions about their squalane.
Read more about squalene with an "e".
Is squalane an oil?
Squalane is often called an oil, but it’s technically not; it’s a hydrocarbon, meaning it’s only made of carbon and hydrogen, unlike true oils which are triglycerides made of fatty acids and glycerol.
The term “oil-free” isn’t regulated, so companies can define it however they want. Some exclude all oils, while others just avoid mineral oil or comedogenic oils.
While some people avoid oils thinking they cause breakouts, the right kind of oil (or oil-like ingredient like squalane) can actually help balance and hydrate your skin. It’s worth testing out simple oils or squalane to see what works best for your skin.
Learn more about SqualaneWater. 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 WaterIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Pacifica Matte Greens Skin Solve Primer 29 ingredients
Biossance Squalane + Zinc Sheer Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 PA +++ 23 ingredients
