Paula's Choice Hydralight Shine-Free Mineral Complex SPF 30 Versus DR's Secret Sunscreen 5 SPF25
Updated on July 18, 2024
Overview
Cool Features
They both contain SPF
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens or parabens
What's Inside
They both contain silicones
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Ingredient Info
Paula's Choice Hydralight Shine-Free Mineral Complex SPF 30 35 ingredients
DR's Secret Sunscreen 5 SPF25 18 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Paula's Choice Hydralight Shine-Free Mineral Complex SPF 30 35 ingredients
DR's Secret Sunscreen 5 SPF25 18 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Zinc Oxide 6%
Cosmetic Colorant
Titanium Dioxide 2.32%
Cosmetic Colorant
Water
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Palmitate
Emollient
Cyclomethicone
Emollient
Dimethicone
Emollient
Polysorbate 80
Emulsifying
Caprylyl Methicone
Skin Conditioning
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient
PEG-100 Stearate
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialSodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingIsohexadecane
EmollientCetyl Alcohol
Emollient
Propylene Glycol
Humectant
Polyglyceryl-6 Isostearate
Emulsifying
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
Bleaching
Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
Masking
Algae Extract
Emollient
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin Conditioning
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Glycerin
Humectant
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientAlumina
Abrasive
Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Polyhydroxystearic Acid
Emulsifying
Triethoxysilylethyl Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Hexyl Dimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Diethylhexyl Carbonate
EmollientTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Disodium EDTA
Chlorphenesin
Antimicrobial
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Zinc Oxide 6%, Titanium Dioxide 2.32%, Water, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Cyclomethicone, Dimethicone, Polysorbate 80, Caprylyl Methicone, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Isohexadecane, Cetyl Alcohol, Propylene Glycol, Polyglyceryl-6 Isostearate, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Algae Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Allantoin, Glycerin, Panthenol, Butylene Glycol, Caprylyl Glycol, Alumina, Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Triethoxysilylethyl Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Hexyl Dimethicone, Diethylhexyl Carbonate, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Disodium EDTA, Chlorphenesin, Phenoxyethanol
Water
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV Absorber
Titanium Dioxide
Cosmetic Colorant
Diglycerin
HumectantEthylhexyl Salicylate
UV Absorber
Dimethicone
Emollient
Isohexadecane
EmollientLauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Cyclopentasiloxane
Emollient
Cyclotetrasiloxane
Emollient
Magnesium Sulfate
Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer
Triethoxycaprylylsilane
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientCanola Oil
Emollient
Zea Mays Oil
Emulsifying
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Chlorphenesin
Antimicrobial
Water, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Titanium Dioxide, Diglycerin, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Dimethicone, Isohexadecane, Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Cyclotetrasiloxane, Magnesium Sulfate, Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Caprylyl Glycol, Canola Oil, Zea Mays Oil, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
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 DioxideWater. 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 WaterDimethicone 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 DimethiconeIsohexadecane is added to enhance texture, emulsify, and to help cleanse. It is an isoparrafin. It is a component of petrolatum.
Due to its large size, Isohexadecane is not absorbed by the skin. Instead, it sits on top and acts as an emollient. Emollients help keep your skin soft and smooth by trapping moisture within.
Isohexadecane is often used in products designed to help oily skin. It is lightweight and non-greasy while helping to moisturize. When mixed with silicones, it gives a product a silky feel.
Learn more about IsohexadecaneCaprylyl 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 GlycolLauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone is a type of silicone.
Triethoxycaprylylsilane is a silicone used to bind and stabilize ingredients.
As an emulsifier, it helps prevent ingredients from separating. This can help elongate the shelf life of products.
Triethoxycaprylylsilane is often used to coat mineral sunscreens ingredients to help give a better feel. It also helps reduce oxidative stress in sunscreens.
Learn more about TriethoxycaprylylsilaneChlorphenesin 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 ChlorphenesinPhenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent 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.
Ingredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Paula's Choice Hydralight Shine-Free Mineral Complex SPF 30 35 ingredients
DR's Secret Sunscreen 5 SPF25 18 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Paula's Choice Hydralight Shine-Free Mineral Complex SPF 30 35 ingredients
DR's Secret Sunscreen 5 SPF25 18 ingredients
SOS Sunscreen
I love this sunscreen, it hydrates my skin during the day when reapply.
It gives instant hydration to my skin during the day when reapply it.
