Paula's Choice Extra Care Non-Greasy Sunscreen SPF 50 Versus Good Molecules Niacinamide Brightening Toner
Updated on March 06, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free . They have a total of 3 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain 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, common allergens, fragrances, oils, parabens 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
Paula's Choice Extra Care Non-Greasy Sunscreen SPF 50 28 ingredients
Good Molecules Niacinamide Brightening Toner 17 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
Paula's Choice Extra Care Non-Greasy Sunscreen SPF 50 28 ingredients
Good Molecules Niacinamide Brightening Toner 17 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Ingredients Side-by-side
Homosalate 10%
Skin Conditioning
Benzophenone-3 6%
UV Absorber
Ethylhexyl Salicylate 5%
UV Absorber
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 3%
UV Absorber
Octocrylene 2%
UV Absorber
Water
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
Humectant
PEG-8
HumectantPolyethylene
Abrasive
Silica
Abrasive
Dimethicone
Emollient
Picrasma Excelsa Wood Extract
AstringentSodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
Antioxidant
Retinyl Palmitate
Skin Conditioning
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Titanium Dioxide
Cosmetic Colorant
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin Conditioning
Bentonite
Absorbent
Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate
Emollient
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingSodium Polyacrylate
Absorbent
Kaolin
Abrasive
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Chlorphenesin
Antimicrobial
Homosalate 10%, Benzophenone-3 6%, Ethylhexyl Salicylate 5%, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 3%, Octocrylene 2%, Water, Butylene Glycol, PEG-8, Polyethylene, Silica, Dimethicone, Picrasma Excelsa Wood Extract, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Retinyl Palmitate, Tocopherol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Titanium Dioxide, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Bentonite, Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Sodium Polyacrylate, Kaolin, Ethylhexylglycerin, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Hydroxide, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Niacinamide
Smoothing
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Propanediol
Solvent
Arbutin
Antioxidant
Betaine
Humectant
Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
Bleaching
3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
Skin Conditioning
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingTromethamine
BufferingTrisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Theobroma Cacao Seed Extract
Antioxidant
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Dextrin
AbsorbentTocopherol
Antioxidant
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 WaterTocopherol (also known as Vitamin E) is a common antioxidant used to help protect the skin from free-radicals and strengthen the skin barrier. It's also fat soluble - this means our skin is great at absorbing it.
Vitamin E also helps keep your natural skin lipids healthy. Your lipid skin barrier naturally consists of lipids, ceramides, and fatty acids. Vitamin E offers extra protection for your skin’s lipid barrier, keeping your skin healthy and nourished.
Another benefit is a bit of UV protection. Vitamin E helps reduce the damage caused by UVB rays. (It should not replace your sunscreen). Combining it with Vitamin C can decrease sunburned cells and hyperpigmentation after UV exposure.
You might have noticed Vitamin E + C often paired together. This is because it is great at stabilizing Vitamin C. Using the two together helps increase the effectiveness of both ingredients.
There are often claims that Vitamin E can reduce/prevent scarring, but these claims haven't been confirmed by scientific research.
Learn more about TocopherolEthylhexylglycerin (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
Paula's Choice Extra Care Non-Greasy Sunscreen SPF 50 28 ingredients
Good Molecules Niacinamide Brightening Toner 17 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Paula's Choice Extra Care Non-Greasy Sunscreen SPF 50 28 ingredients
Good for the body, bad for the face
Like the other review mentioned, still greasy on the face despite the name. I do have oily skin so many sunscreens have this problem. However, I found this to be a good body sunscreen, it blends out very easily and smoothly.
very greasy despite the name
this is just a typical greasy american sunscreen. not paula’s choice’s fault that the laws here are so awful, but it’s not a very good product. only OK for the body imo.
Good Molecules Niacinamide Brightening Toner 17 ingredients
Vitamin C Alternative
I am allergic to everything under the sun and I don't tolerate Vitamin C very well. This product is the only Vitamin C that hasn't made me break out. I plan to try more with the 3-0 Ethyl Ascorbic Acid version, but this is my go to in the meantime. I definitely don't have any chemical burns or sensitive reactions to this. It's my go to daily use for the summer!
Good for dullness
It didn't cause any irritation, redness, etc. Doesn't have a huge impact on dark spots or hyperpigmentation but brightens skin and makes your face look less dull.
