Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of Paula's Choice Hydralight Shine-Free Mineral Complex SPF 30 versus SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50 .
Last updated on February 16, 2024. Published on June 10, 2021
Overview
Cool Features
They both contain exfoliants and SPF
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin and scar healing
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, oils or parabens
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 Hydralight Shine-Free Mineral Complex SPF 30 35 ingredients
SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50 38 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:
Contains Fragrance
Ingredients in this product that are forms of fragrance:
Contains Sulfate
Ingredients in this product that are types of sulfate:
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 Hydralight Shine-Free Mineral Complex SPF 30 35 ingredients
SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50 38 ingredients
Notable Ingredients
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Benefits
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Concerns
This product contains 3 ingredients that may have this attribute:
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Notable Ingredients
This product contains 2 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 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
Concerns
This product contains 1 ingredient 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 Hydralight Shine-Free Mineral Complex SPF 30 35 ingredients
SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50 38 ingredients
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
Titanium Dioxide • Zinc Oxide • Water • Dimethicone • Isododecane • C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate • Undecane • Triethylhexanoin • Isohexadecane • Nylon-12 • Caprylyl Methicone • Butyloctyl Salicylate • Phenethyl Benzoate • Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer • Silica • Tridecane • Dicaprylyl Carbonate • Dicaprylyl Ether • Talc • Dimethicone/Peg-10/15 Crosspolymer • Aluminum Stearate • Pentylene Glycol • Peg-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone • Alumina • Polyhydroxystearic Acid • Phenoxyethanol • Magnesium Sulfate • Caprylyl Glycol • CI 77492 • Peg-8 Laurate • Disteardimonium Hectorite • Triethoxycaprylylsilane • Tocopherol • Propylene Carbonate • Artemia Extract • Benzoic Acid • C9-15 Fluoroalcohol Phosphate • Peg-9
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.
Zinc Oxide is a mineral broad-spectrum UV filter; it is the broadest UVA and UVB reflector approved by the FDA. While it is most commonly man-made for cosmetics, it can naturally occur in zincite, a rare mineral.
Today, traditional and nano-sized zinc oxide can be found in beauty products. Nano-sized zinc oxide can enhance a product's UV protection. While it is not believed to have a negative effect on skin, nano-zinc oxide can be harmful to coral reefs.
More about harmful reef ingredients here.
Zinc Oxide also has antibacterial and calming properties. It is not water soluble.
Zinc has been used throughout history as an ingredient in paint and medicine. An Indian text from 500BC is believed to list zinc oxide as a salve for open wound. The Ancient Greek physician Dioscorides has also mentioned the use of zinc as an ointment in 1AD.
Learn more about Zinc OxidePaula's Choice Hydralight Shine-Free Mineral Complex SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 1.
SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 2.
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 DioxidePaula's Choice Hydralight Shine-Free Mineral Complex SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 2.
SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 1.
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 Hydralight Shine-Free Mineral Complex SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 3.
SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 3.
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.
SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 4.
Caprylyl Methicone is a type of silicone.
It helps soften and soothe the skin by creating a thin film on top. This film helps trap moisture, keeping your skin hydrated.
Paula's Choice Hydralight Shine-Free Mineral Complex SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 8.
SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 11.
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 Hydralight Shine-Free Mineral Complex SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 11.
SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 6.
Isohexadecane 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 IsohexadecanePaula's Choice Hydralight Shine-Free Mineral Complex SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 13.
SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 9.
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 Hydralight Shine-Free Mineral Complex SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 26.
SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 28.
Alumina is another name for the compound aluminum oxide. It is used as a thickener, absorbent, and abrasive.
As an absorbent, alumina can give a mattifying effect. It is used in mineral sunscreens to help coat nano-sized filters, such as titanium dioxide. By increasing the size of the UV filters, these ingredients stay on the skin for a longer time. By coating small sized ingredients, alumina helps thicken a product.
Alumina may be used as an abrasive, or exfoliant.
Alumina is naturally occurring in the mineral corundum. Certain varieties of corundum create rubies and sapphires. Corundum is also the crystalline form of alumina.
Learn more about AluminaPaula's Choice Hydralight Shine-Free Mineral Complex SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 27.
SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 24.
Polyhydroxystearic Acid is a soft wax made from castor oil.
It is is a texture thickener, emulsifier, and film-former. Emulsifiers prevent ingredients from separating, such as oils and waters.
Polyhydroxystearic Acid may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Polyhydroxystearic AcidPaula's Choice Hydralight Shine-Free Mineral Complex SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 29.
SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 25.
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 TriethoxycaprylylsilanePaula's Choice Hydralight Shine-Free Mineral Complex SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 32.
SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 32.
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.
SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 26.
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.
Paula's Choice Hydralight Shine-Free Mineral Complex SPF 30 35 ingredients
SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50 38 ingredients
Usage
Here's some more info on how this product is used by our community.
When to use
Paula's Choice Hydralight Shine-Free Mineral Complex SPF 30 35 ingredients
SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50 38 ingredients
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