Versus

Paula's Choice Extra Care Non-Greasy Sunscreen SPF 50 Versus Supergoop! Mattescreen Sunscreen SPF 40

Sunscreen
Sunscreen
American Brand United States
American Brand United States

Updated on April 15, 2025

Overview

What they are

These products are both cruelty-free sunscreens. They have a total of 5 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain exfoliants, SPF and Vitamin E

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, anti aging, dry skin, sensitive skin and dark spots

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 needs an update? Let us know.

Ingredient Info

Click any item below to learn more and see relevant 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

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Ingredients Side-by-side

found in both products
Extra Care Non-Greasy Sunscreen SPF 50
Mattescreen Sunscreen SPF 40

Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

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

Skin Conditioning, Solvent

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 Water
Emollient, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting

Dimethicone is a type of synthetic silicone created from natural materials such as quartz.

What it does:

Dimethicone comes in different viscosities:

Depending on the viscosity, dimethicone has different properties.

Ingredients lists don't always show which type is used, so we recommend reaching out to the brand if you have questions about the viscosity.

This ingredient is unlikely to cause irritation because it does not get absorbed into skin. However, people with silicone allergies should be careful about using this ingredient.

Note: Dimethicone may contribute to pilling. This is because it is not oil or water soluble, so pilling may occur when layered with products. When mixed with heavy oils in a formula, the outcome is also quite greasy.

Learn more about Dimethicone
Antioxidant, Skin Conditioning

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
Cosmetic Colorant, UV Absorber, UV Filter

Titanium dioxide is known for its UVA and UVB protection properties. It is non-comedogenic and non-irritating. Titanium Dioxide is a physical sunscreen. Physical sunscreens reflect light and prevent it from reaching your skin.

Protecting your skin against UV radiation can prevent the signs of aging. Sun damage is associated with fine-lines, wrinkles, loss of firmness, and hyperpigmentation. Titanium dioxide can help prevent premature aging.

With modern production, nano-scale or fine-grade titanium dioxide can be easily produced for cosmetics. In sunscreen, titanium dioxide absorbs UV light. Our skin is not able to absorb Titanium dioxide, even nanoparticles.

Titanium itself is the 9th most common element in the Earth's crust. Titanium dioxide is formed when oxygen is introduced and can be found in ores, dust, sand, and soil.

Pure titanium dioxide is a white powder that is used in many products to add or change color.

Learn more about Titanium Dioxide
Skin Conditioning

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.

When to use

65 Routines
91% use in am
9% use in pm
97% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->
100 Routines
100% use in am
0% use in pm
97% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

Paula's Choice Extra Care Non-Greasy Sunscreen SPF 50 28 ingredients

2.5 /5
from 2 ratings
PallasCat_310's avatar

PallasCat_310

1 year ago
Review

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.

anemone's avatar

anemone

2 years ago
Review

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.

Supergoop! Mattescreen Sunscreen SPF 40 36 ingredients

4.5 /5
from 2 ratings
Expensive (2) Works Well (2) Drying (1)
alanae's avatar

Alana E

11 months ago
Review

No reaction on my super sensitive eczema prone skin. I’ve used about half a tube now. So far it’s my favorite sunscreen I’ve ever used. I personally cannot stand strong sunscreen smells, fragrances, or stickiness.

This sunscreen does have a faint scent and has a dryer texture.

#expensive
#light
#light scent
#works well
Cityofstars's avatar

Cityofstars

8 months ago
Review

Definitely oil controlling, but only until you need to apply it again. If you don’t wait long enough to apply it after moisturizer or before makeup it will pill so I usually give it 5 minutes. The tint the sunscreen has is kind of strong and leaves a cast so you have to apply this in layers. Also it does attach to your dry spots.. Because this is the only mattifying sunscreen I can count on I keep Show more

#expensive
#drying
#pilling
#no scent