Explore Routine Login

Product Comparison

Last updated on October 22, 2023. Published on April 28, 2021

Overview

What they are

These products are both cruelty-free . They have a total of 9 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain exfoliants, SPF, Vitamin C and Vitamin E

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, anti aging, brightening skin, sensitive skin, scar healing, dark spots and better texture

Free From

They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, fragrances, 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 need an update? Let us know.

General Moisturizer American Brand United States
Sunscreen American Brand United States

General Moisturizer

All-purpose moisturizers hydrate the top layer of skin cells.

Sunscreen

Sunscreens help absorb or reflect UV radiation and protect skin against skin damage. Sunscreens may come in the form of lotion, gel, foam, spray, or solid-stick.

Price

Shop

Buy Calm Redness Relief SPF 30 Mineral Moisturizer for Normal to Dry Skin

Starts at $37.00
Shop

Buy Resist Super-Light Wrinkle Defense SPF 30

Starts at $38.00

Ingredient Info

Click any item below to learn more and view relevant ingredients.
alcohol-free
silicon-free
fragrance-free
sulfate-free
paraben-free
oil-free
fungal-acne safe
reef-safe
eu-allergen-free
vegan
cruelty-free
spf rating
30
alcohol-free
silicon-free
fragrance-free
sulfate-free
paraben-free
oil-free
fungal-acne safe
reef-safe
eu-allergen-free
vegan
cruelty-free
spf rating
30

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Notable Ingredients

Mineral UV Filter (2)
Vitamin C
Vitamin E
Exfoliators (2)
Ceramides
Hyaluronic Acid
Peptides

Benefits

Hydrating (3)
Redness Reducing (3)
Reduces Irritation (2)
Skin Texture
Anti-Aging (3)
Dark Spots
Scar Healing
Acne Fighting
Brightening (3)

Concerns

May Worsen Oily Skin
Acne Trigger

Notable Ingredients

Mineral UV Filter
Vitamin C
Vitamin E
Exfoliators

Benefits

Redness Reducing
Reduces Irritation
Skin Texture
Anti-Aging (2)
Dark Spots
Scar Healing
Acne Fighting
Brightening (2)

Concerns

Drying
May Worsen Oily Skin
Acne Trigger
Rosacea
Join our community

Build your routine, track which ingredients work for you, and much more with your free account.

Join SkinSort

Ingredients Compared

Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.

Ingredients Side-by-side

Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.

Learn more about what what Com. / Irr. ratings are

Loading ingredients...

Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.

1
What it does: Cosmetic Colorant, Skin Protecting, UV Absorber, UV Filter
Community Rating: Liked

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 can be harmful to coral reefs.

More about harmful reef ingredients here.

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 Oxide

Paula's Choice Calm Redness Relief SPF 30 Mineral Moisturizer for Normal to Dry Skin contains this as ingredient number 2.

Paula's Choice Resist Super-Light Wrinkle Defense SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 3.

2
What it does: Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Community Rating: Loved

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 Water

Paula's Choice Calm Redness Relief SPF 30 Mineral Moisturizer for Normal to Dry Skin contains this as ingredient number 3.

Paula's Choice Resist Super-Light Wrinkle Defense SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 1.

3
What it does: Antimicrobial, Emollient, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Disliked

C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate is made up of Benzoic Acid and long chain alcohols. It has a low molecular weight.

C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate is an emollient and texture enhancer. Due to its solubility, it is often used in sunscreens to help evenly distribute active ingredients.

As an emollient, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate helps soften and hydrate your skin. Emollients create a film on your skin that traps moisture within.

This ingredient has been reported to cause eye irritation.

Learn more about C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate

Paula's Choice Calm Redness Relief SPF 30 Mineral Moisturizer for Normal to Dry Skin contains this as ingredient number 4.

Paula's Choice Resist Super-Light Wrinkle Defense SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 24.

4
What it does: Emollient, Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Community Rating: Disliked

Cyclopentasiloxane is a silicone used to improve texture and trap moisture. An easier name for this is D5.

D5 is considered lightweight and volatile. Volatile means it evaporates quickly after application. Once evaporated, D5 leaves a thin barrier that helps keep skin hydrated.

D5 is an emollient. Emollients help soften the skin and prevent water loss. Silicones create a silky texture in products. D5 helps other ingredients become more spreadable.

Studies show D5 is safe to use in skincare products. We recommend speaking with a skincare professional if you have concerns.

Learn more about Cyclopentasiloxane

Paula's Choice Calm Redness Relief SPF 30 Mineral Moisturizer for Normal to Dry Skin contains this as ingredient number 7.

Paula's Choice Resist Super-Light Wrinkle Defense SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 2.

5
What it does: Antioxidant, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Liked

Tocopheryl 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 Acetate

Paula's Choice Calm Redness Relief SPF 30 Mineral Moisturizer for Normal to Dry Skin contains this as ingredient number 20.

Paula's Choice Resist Super-Light Wrinkle Defense SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 13.

6
What it does: Antioxidant, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Loved

Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate is a form of Vitamin C.

Vitamin C helps reduce redness, improve skin texture, reduce the effects of aging, reduce the visibility of dark spots, and brighten skin.

Your skin uses Vitamin C to produce collagen and collagen production plays a role in having a strong skin barrier and having plump skin. As an antioxidant, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate also helps reduce the signs of aging such as fine-lines and wrinkles.

Studies show Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate is more stable when combined with stabilizing ingredients.

VItamin C helps brighten skin by blocking the process of skin darkening.

Read more about other types of Vitamin C:

Learn more about Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate

Paula's Choice Calm Redness Relief SPF 30 Mineral Moisturizer for Normal to Dry Skin contains this as ingredient number 22.

Paula's Choice Resist Super-Light Wrinkle Defense SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 14.

7
What it does: Emollient, Humectant, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Liked

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 Glycol

Paula's Choice Calm Redness Relief SPF 30 Mineral Moisturizer for Normal to Dry Skin contains this as ingredient number 39.

Paula's Choice Resist Super-Light Wrinkle Defense SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 26.

8
What it does: Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Mixed

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.

Paula's Choice Calm Redness Relief SPF 30 Mineral Moisturizer for Normal to Dry Skin contains this as ingredient number 41.

Paula's Choice Resist Super-Light Wrinkle Defense SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 28.

9
What it does: Preservative
Community Rating: Very Disliked

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.

Paula's Choice Calm Redness Relief SPF 30 Mineral Moisturizer for Normal to Dry Skin contains this as ingredient number 42.

Paula's Choice Resist Super-Light Wrinkle Defense SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 30.

Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.

37% are loved or liked
16% have mixed ratings
37% are disliked or very disliked
9% have no rating yet
43% are loved or liked
7% have mixed ratings
40% are disliked or very disliked
10% have no rating yet

Usage

Here's some more info on how this product is used by our community.

When to use

Loading routine usage...
Loading routine usage...

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

Paula's Choice Calm Redness Relief SPF 30 Mineral Moisturizer for Normal to Dry Skin 43 ingredients

Calm Redness Relief SPF 30 Mineral Moisturizer for Normal to Dry Skin hasn't been rated yet.
Rate it now

Paula's Choice Resist Super-Light Wrinkle Defense SPF 30 30 ingredients

5.0 /5
from 2 reviews
hydrationplease's Avatar'
Jan 14, 2024

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...

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 foundation shade matches are the NYX Born to Glow Foundation in Porcelain and the Revolution Beauty Fast Base Stick Foundation in F3.)

The tint is sheer, but it's absolutely going to leave a cast on anyone whose skintone is significantly deeper than mine.

Much like many other mineral sunscreens, this is also a touch drying. Probably best for oily / combo / normal skin, just as the brand states. But that said, I still love it even as someone with dry skin. I do need a separate moisturizer underneath though.

It's vegan, cruelty-free, fragrance-free, and doesn't make my eyes sting. The price... is doable.

All in all I think it's one of the best, if the tint works for you.

Drying
Light
No Scent
Works Well

Alternatives

Our Dupe Finder has found 45 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to Paula's Choice Calm Redness Relief SPF 30 Mineral Moisturizer for Normal to Dry Skin.

See 45 alternatives

Our Dupe Finder has found 9 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to Paula's Choice Resist Super-Light Wrinkle Defense SPF 30.

See 9 alternatives
Loading similar comparisons...