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Product Comparison

Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of Paula's Choice Hydralight Shine-Free Mineral Complex SPF 30 versus First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream Intense Hydration .

Last updated on December 20, 2023. Published on August 28, 2021

Overview

What they are

These products are both cruelty-free general moisturizers. They have a total of 10 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain exfoliants

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin, reducing pores and scar healing

Free From

They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, 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
General Moisturizer American Brand United States

General Moisturizer

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

General Moisturizer

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

Price

Shop

Buy Hydralight Shine-Free Mineral Complex SPF 30

Starts at $33.00
Shop

Buy Ultra Repair Cream Intense Hydration

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

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Notable Ingredients

Mineral UV Filter (2)
Exfoliators

Benefits

Hydrating
Redness Reducing (4)
Reduces Irritation (5)
Reduces Large Pores
Anti-Aging
Dark Spots
Scar Healing
Acne Fighting (2)
Brightening

Concerns

May Worsen Oily Skin (3)
Acne Trigger
Eczema

Notable Ingredients

Exfoliators
Ceramides

Benefits

Hydrating (4)
Redness Reducing (2)
Reduces Irritation (2)
Reduces Large Pores
Anti-Aging
Scar Healing
Acne Fighting
Brightening

Concerns

May Worsen Oily Skin (3)
Acne Trigger
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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.

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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: 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 Hydralight Shine-Free Mineral Complex SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 3.

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream Intense Hydration contains this as ingredient number 2.

2
What it does: Emollient, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting
Community Rating: Very Disliked

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 Hydralight Shine-Free Mineral Complex SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 6.

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream Intense Hydration contains this as ingredient number 10.

3
What it does: Emollient, Emulsifying
Community Rating: Disliked

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 Stearate

Paula's Choice Hydralight Shine-Free Mineral Complex SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 9.

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream Intense Hydration contains this as ingredient number 8.

4
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 Hydralight Shine-Free Mineral Complex SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 11.

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream Intense Hydration contains this as ingredient number 5.

5
What it does: Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Astringent, Emollient, Humectant, Masking, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Tonic
Community Rating: Loved

Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract is derived from the leaves of the tea plant. Black tea, green tea, and oolong tea are all harvested from this plant.

Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract has many benefits. It contains polyphenols, a strong antioxidant. Antioxidants help fight off free-radical molecules that damage skin cells. The antioxidants in green tea neutralize free-radicals from the sun. This gives the skin some extra UV protection, but should not replace sunscreen.

Many components of tea have anti-inflammatory properties. Polyphenols and L-theanine help soothe the skin and reduce irritation. L-theanine is an amino acid that makes up most of the amino acids found in tea leaves. The caffeine in Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract helps calm inflamed blood vessels.

Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract also contains Vitamin Bs, linoleic acid, magnesium, calcium, iron, and zinc.

Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract also has antimicrobial properties.

Research has shown both drinking Camellia Sinensis Leaf Tea and applying it to the skin can help boost skin elasticity and hydration. Studies also show using tea extract may reduce sebum, or oil, production.

Learn more about Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract

Paula's Choice Hydralight Shine-Free Mineral Complex SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 17.

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream Intense Hydration contains this as ingredient number 20.

6
What it does: Bleaching, Emollient, Skin Conditioning, Smoothing, Soothing
Community Rating: Liked

Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract is an extract of the roots of Licorice. It has been found to have several benefits such as skin hydrating, conditioning, and soothing.

One component, glabridin, has extra potent antioxidant and soothing properties. It has also been found to block pigmentation from UVB rays in guinea pigs.

Licorice Root also contains a flavonoid. Flavonoids are a natural substance from in plants. Flavonoids also have antioxidant properties.

Another component, glycyrrhizin, has been found to have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial benefits. This may make licorice root extract effective at treating acne. However, more research is needed to support this.

Liquiritin is one of the flavone compounds found in licorice. It has been found to help lighten skin by preventing tyrosinase from reacting with tyrosine. When the two react, protein is converted to melanin. Melanin is the substance in your body that gives your features pigmentation.

Learn more about Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract

Paula's Choice Hydralight Shine-Free Mineral Complex SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 18.

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream Intense Hydration contains this as ingredient number 21.

7
What it does: Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Soothing
Community Rating: Loved

Allantoin plays a role in soothing and moisturizing the skin. Because of this, it is often added to products with strong active ingredients.

Some studies have shown this ingredient can promote wound healing with higher concentrations.

Allantoin is derived from the comfrey plant but produced synthetically for cosmetic products to ensure purity.

Learn more about Allantoin

Paula's Choice Hydralight Shine-Free Mineral Complex SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 22.

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream Intense Hydration contains this as ingredient number 16.

8
What it does: Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Solvent
Community Rating: Loved

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 Glycerin

Paula's Choice Hydralight Shine-Free Mineral Complex SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 23.

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream Intense Hydration contains this as ingredient number 4.

9
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 Hydralight Shine-Free Mineral Complex SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 26.

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream Intense Hydration contains this as ingredient number 14.

10
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 Hydralight Shine-Free Mineral Complex SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 35.

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream Intense Hydration contains this as ingredient number 13.

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

29% are loved or liked
9% have mixed ratings
51% are disliked or very disliked
11% have no rating yet
43% are loved or liked
9% have mixed ratings
48% are disliked or very disliked
0% have no rating yet

Usage

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

When to use

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Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

Paula's Choice Hydralight Shine-Free Mineral Complex SPF 30 35 ingredients

Hydralight Shine-Free Mineral Complex SPF 30 hasn't been rated yet.
Rate it now

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream Intense Hydration 23 ingredients

3.5 /5
from 13 reviews
Mac_R's Avatar'
Mar 30, 2023

Cannot say enough good things
This is my all time favourite moisturizer. i use it anywhere needed and never feels oily or too heavy. absorbs right into the skin and feels hydrated, soft and clean. if you want to lessen steps in your skin...

Cannot say enough good things
This is my all time favourite moisturizer. i use it anywhere needed and never feels oily or too heavy. absorbs right into the skin and feels hydrated, soft and clean. if you want to lessen steps in your skin care routine, this is an awesome one to use instead of two face/body moisturizers

LeezG_503's Avatar'
Sep 22, 2023

Irritating
Sadly, this stuff burns, and it smells like menthol. I had high hopes because I like both oatmeal and squalane in skin products, but this is not good for extremely sensitive skin.

Irritating
Sadly, this stuff burns, and it smells like menthol. I had high hopes because I like both oatmeal and squalane in skin products, but this is not good for extremely sensitive skin.

Y's Avatar'
Jun 6, 2021

Nothing too special, it's not hydrating enough for super dry skin and it pills sometimes. It doesn't irritate my skin tho

Nothing too special, it's not hydrating enough for super dry skin and it pills sometimes. It doesn't irritate my skin tho

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