Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of Paula's Choice Calm Redness Relief SPF 30 Mineral Moisturizer for Normal to Oily Skin versus NeoStrata Defend Sheer Hydration Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 40 .
Published on June 26, 2023
Overview
Cool Features
They both contain SPF
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for dry skin and brightening skin
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 need an update? Let us know.
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
Ingredient Info
Paula's Choice Calm Redness Relief SPF 30 Mineral Moisturizer for Normal to Oily Skin 35 ingredients
NeoStrata Defend Sheer Hydration Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 40 34 ingredients
Alcohol Free
This product is free of harsh alcohols 🎉
Contains Silicon
Ingredients in this product that are types of silicon:
Fragrance Free
This product is free of fragrances 🎉
Sulfate Free
This product is free of sulfates 🎉
Paraben Free
This product is free of parabens 🎉
Oil Free
This product is free of oils 🎉
Not Malassezia Safe
Ingredients in this product that are not malassezia safe:
Not Reef Safe
Ingredients in this product that are not reef safe:
EU Allergen Free
This product is free of EU allergens 🎉
Non Vegan
This product is not vegan 😥
Cruelty Free
This product is cruelty-free 🎉
Alcohol Free
This product is free of harsh alcohols 🎉
Contains Silicon
Ingredients in this product that are types of silicon:
Fragrance Free
This product is free of fragrances 🎉
Sulfate Free
This product is free of sulfates 🎉
Paraben Free
This product is free of parabens 🎉
Oil Free
This product is free of oils 🎉
Not Malassezia Safe
Ingredients in this product that are not malassezia safe:
Not Reef Safe
Ingredients in this product that are not reef safe:
EU Allergen Free
This product is free of EU allergens 🎉
Non Vegan
This product is not vegan 😥
Not Cruelty Free
This product is not cruelty-free 😥
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Paula's Choice Calm Redness Relief SPF 30 Mineral Moisturizer for Normal to Oily Skin 35 ingredients
NeoStrata Defend Sheer Hydration Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 40 34 ingredients
Notable Ingredients
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Benefits
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Concerns
This product contains 3 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
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Notable Ingredients
This product contains 3 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
Benefits
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
Concerns
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
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Join SkinSortIngredients Compared
Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.
Paula's Choice Calm Redness Relief SPF 30 Mineral Moisturizer for Normal to Oily Skin 35 ingredients
NeoStrata Defend Sheer Hydration Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 40 34 ingredients
Titanium Dioxide 2.32% • Zinc Oxide 6% • Water • Ethylhexyl Palmitate • Cyclomethicone • Dimethicone • C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate • Caprylyl Methicone • Glyceryl Stearate • Peg-100 Stearate • Polysorbate 80 • Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer • Isohexadecane • Cetyl Alcohol • Polyglyceryl-6 Isostearate • Propylene Glycol • Allantoin • Chamomilla Recutita Extract • Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract • Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract • Alumina • Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice • Glycerin • Panthenol • Algae Extract • Lauryl Peg-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone • Polyhydroxystearic Acid • Triethoxysilylethyl Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Hexyl Dimethicone • Caprylyl Glycol • Butylene Glycol • Diethylhexyl Carbonate • Triethoxycaprylylsilane • Disodium EDTA • Phenoxyethanol • Chlorphenesin
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 3% • Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate 7.5% • Ethylhexyl Salicylate 5% • Water • Acetyl Glucosamine • Butyloctyl Salicylate • Cyclopentasiloxane • Dimethicone • C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate • Glycerin • Butylene Glycol • Glyceryl Stearate • Octyldodecyl Neopentanoate • Cetyl Alcohol • Peg-100 Stearate • Cetearyl Alcohol • Vitis Vinifera Seed Extract • Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract • Lecithin • Arctium Lappa Root Extract • Tocopheryl Acetate • Dimethicone Crosspolymer • Propylene Glycol • Peg-75 Stearate • Steareth-20 • Xanthan Gum • Ceteth-20 • Ammonium Hydroxide • Carbomer • Disodium EDTA • Caprylyl Glycol • Phenoxyethanol • Chlorphenesin • Sodium Bisulfite
Ingredients Side-by-side
Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.
Learn more about what what Com. / Irr. ratings are
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. Talk about multi-purpose! If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about WaterPaula's Choice Calm Redness Relief SPF 30 Mineral Moisturizer for Normal to Oily Skin contains this as ingredient number 3.
NeoStrata Defend Sheer Hydration Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 40 contains this as ingredient number 4.
Dimethicone is a silicone used for making products smooth and silky. It also has the added benefit of sealing in hydration. The amount of dimethicone found in beauty products is considered safe and non-comedogenic, meaning it won't clog pores.
Dimethicone has been found increase absorption in skin, boosting the benefits of other ingredients. While there is concern for the safety of dimethicone, the levels used in skincare are safe for use.
Paula's Choice Calm Redness Relief SPF 30 Mineral Moisturizer for Normal to Oily Skin contains this as ingredient number 6.
NeoStrata Defend Sheer Hydration Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 40 contains this as ingredient number 8.
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 BenzoatePaula's Choice Calm Redness Relief SPF 30 Mineral Moisturizer for Normal to Oily Skin contains this as ingredient number 7.
NeoStrata Defend Sheer Hydration Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 40 contains this as ingredient number 9.
Glyceryl Stearate is a mix of glycerin and stearic acid.
Glyceryl Stearate is used to stabilize the mixing of water and oil ingredients. By preventing these ingredients from separating, it can help elongate shelf life. It can also help thicken the product's texture.
As an emollient, it helps soften skin and supports barrier-replenishing ingredients.
In cosmetics, Glyceryl Stearate is often made from vegetable oils or synthetically produced. The human body also creates Glyceryl Stearate naturally.
Learn more about Glyceryl StearatePaula's Choice Calm Redness Relief SPF 30 Mineral Moisturizer for Normal to Oily Skin contains this as ingredient number 9.
NeoStrata Defend Sheer Hydration Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 40 contains this as ingredient number 12.
Peg-100 Stearate is an emollient and emulsifier. PEGS are a hydrophilic polyether compound . There are 100 ethylene oxide monomers in Peg-100 Stearate. Peg-100 Stearate is polyethylene glycol ester of stearic acid.
Peg-100 Stearate helps keep skin soft by trapping moisture in. It helps prevent oil and water from separating in a product. By binding oil and water, it helps remove dirt and oil to be rinsed away.
Paula's Choice Calm Redness Relief SPF 30 Mineral Moisturizer for Normal to Oily Skin contains this as ingredient number 10.
NeoStrata Defend Sheer Hydration Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 40 contains this as ingredient number 15.
Cetyl Alcohol is a fatty alcohol. Fatty Alcohols are most often used as an emollient or to thicken a product.
Cetyl Alcohol is not related to SD alcohol, denatured alcohol, or ethyl alcohol. The FDA allows products labeled "alcohol-free" to have fatty alcohols.
Its main roles are:
Learn more about Cetyl AlcoholPaula's Choice Calm Redness Relief SPF 30 Mineral Moisturizer for Normal to Oily Skin contains this as ingredient number 14.
NeoStrata Defend Sheer Hydration Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 40 contains this as ingredient number 14.
Propylene Glycol is an odorless, colorless liquid. As a humectant, it helps skin retain moisture. It also aids in delivering active ingredients.
Another role of this ingredient is preventing a product from melting or freezing. Propylene glycol also adds antimicrobrial properties to a product, elongating product lifespan.
This ingredient is considered an organic alcohol and commonly added into both cosmetics and foods.
Those with sensitive skin or conditions may deliver a rash when using this ingredient.
Learn more about Propylene GlycolPaula's Choice Calm Redness Relief SPF 30 Mineral Moisturizer for Normal to Oily Skin contains this as ingredient number 16.
NeoStrata Defend Sheer Hydration Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 40 contains this as ingredient number 23.
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 GlycerinPaula's Choice Calm Redness Relief SPF 30 Mineral Moisturizer for Normal to Oily Skin contains this as ingredient number 23.
NeoStrata Defend Sheer Hydration Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 40 contains this as ingredient number 10.
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 GlycolPaula's Choice Calm Redness Relief SPF 30 Mineral Moisturizer for Normal to Oily Skin contains this as ingredient number 29.
NeoStrata Defend Sheer Hydration Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 40 contains this as ingredient number 31.
Butylene 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.
Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient. It is unlikely to irritate skin, and works well with pretty much all other ingredients.
Paula's Choice Calm Redness Relief SPF 30 Mineral Moisturizer for Normal to Oily Skin contains this as ingredient number 30.
NeoStrata Defend Sheer Hydration Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 40 contains this as ingredient number 11.
Disodium EDTA plays a role in making products more stable by aiding other preservatives.
It is a chelating agent, meaning it neutralizes metal ions that may be found in a product.
Disodium EDTA is a salt of edetic acid and is found to be safe in cosmetic ingredients.
Learn more about Disodium EDTAPaula's Choice Calm Redness Relief SPF 30 Mineral Moisturizer for Normal to Oily Skin contains this as ingredient number 33.
NeoStrata Defend Sheer Hydration Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 40 contains this as ingredient number 30.
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 Oily Skin contains this as ingredient number 34.
NeoStrata Defend Sheer Hydration Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 40 contains this as ingredient number 32.
Chlorphenesin is a synthetic preservative. It helps protect a product against bacteria in order to extend shelf life. In most cases, Chlorphenesin is paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol and caprylyl glycol.
Chlorphenesin is a biocide. This means it is able to help fight the microorganisms on our skin. It is also able to fight odor-releasing bacteria.
Chlorphenesin is soluble in both water and glycerin.
Studies show Chlorphenesin is easily absorbed by our skin. You should speak with a skincare professional if you have concerns about using Chlorphenesin.
Learn more about ChlorphenesinPaula's Choice Calm Redness Relief SPF 30 Mineral Moisturizer for Normal to Oily Skin contains this as ingredient number 35.
NeoStrata Defend Sheer Hydration Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 40 contains this as ingredient number 33.
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.
Paula's Choice Calm Redness Relief SPF 30 Mineral Moisturizer for Normal to Oily Skin 35 ingredients
NeoStrata Defend Sheer Hydration Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 40 34 ingredients
Usage
Here's some more info on how this product is used by our community.
When to use
Paula's Choice Calm Redness Relief SPF 30 Mineral Moisturizer for Normal to Oily Skin 35 ingredients
NeoStrata Defend Sheer Hydration Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 40 34 ingredients
Alternatives
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