Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of Paula's Choice Moisture Boost Daily Restoring Complex SPF 30 versus Murad Essential-C Day Moisture Broad Spectrum SPF 30 PA+++ .
Published on February 06, 2021
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free . They have a total of 13 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain retinoid, SPF, 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, 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 Moisture Boost Daily Restoring Complex SPF 30 29 ingredients
Murad Essential-C Day Moisture Broad Spectrum SPF 30 PA+++ 50 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 🎉
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 😥
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:
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:
Contains EU Allergens
Ingredients in this product that are EU allergens:
Non Vegan
This product is not vegan 😥
Cruelty Free
This product is cruelty-free 🎉
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Paula's Choice Moisture Boost Daily Restoring Complex SPF 30 29 ingredients
Murad Essential-C Day Moisture Broad Spectrum SPF 30 PA+++ 50 ingredients
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Benefits
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Concerns
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Notable Ingredients
This product contains 5 ingredients that may have this attribute:
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This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
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Benefits
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Join SkinSortIngredients Compared
Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.
Paula's Choice Moisture Boost Daily Restoring Complex SPF 30 29 ingredients
Murad Essential-C Day Moisture Broad Spectrum SPF 30 PA+++ 50 ingredients
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane • Homosalate • Ethylhexyl Salicylate • Octocrylene • Benzophenone-3 • Water • C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate • Butylene Glycol • Vp/Eicosene Copolymer • Sodium Cetearyl Sulfate • Cetearyl Alcohol • Dimethicone • Glyceryl Stearate • Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate • Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate • Retinyl Palmitate • Tocopheryl Acetate • Tocopherol • Picea Abies Wood Extract • Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice • Titanium Dioxide • Bentonite • Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer • Ethylhexylglycerin • Sodium Polyacrylate • Disodium EDTA • Sodium Hydroxide • Phenoxyethanol • Chlorphenesin
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 3% • Homosalate 6.5% • Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate 7.5% • Ethylhexyl Salicylate 5% • Benzophenone-3 2% • Water • Butylene Glycol • Stearic Acid • Diisopropyl Sebacate • Cocoglycerides • Lauryl Lactate • Glyceryl Stearate • Peg-100 Stearate • Isodecyl Neopentanoate • Dimethicone • Cetyl Alcohol • Cetyl Phosphate • Urea • Yeast Amino Acids • Trehalose • Inositol • Taurine • Betaine • Phospholipids • Retinyl Palmitate • Tocopheryl Acetate • Ascorbyl Palmitate • Pelvetia Canaliculata Extract • Ectoin • Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract • Vitis Vinifera Seed Extract • Passiflora Incarnata Extract • Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate • Sodium PCA • Panthenol • Tripleurospermum Maritimum Extract • Zinc Gluconate • Ethyl Linoleate • Magnesium Aluminum Silicate • Xanthan Gum • Aminomethyl Propanol • Disodium EDTA • Phenoxyethanol • Caprylyl Glycol • Chlorphenesin • Limonene • Linalool • Parfum • CI 15985 • CI 17200
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.
Also known as Avobenzone, this ingredient is a chemical sunscreen filter that provides protection in the UV-A range.
Avobenzone is globally approved and is the most commonly used UV-A filter in the world.
Studies have found that avobenzone becomes ineffective when exposed to UV light (it is not photostable; meaning that it breaks down in sunlight). Because of this, formulations that include avobenzone will usually contain stabilizers such as octocrylene.
However, some modern formulations (looking at you, EU!) are able to stabilize avobenzone by coating the molecules.
Avobenzone does not protect against the UV-B range, so it's important to check that the sunscreen you're using contains other UV filters that do!
The highest concentration of avobenzone permitted is 3% in the US, and 5% in the EU.
Learn more about Butyl MethoxydibenzoylmethanePaula's Choice Moisture Boost Daily Restoring Complex SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 1.
Murad Essential-C Day Moisture Broad Spectrum SPF 30 PA+++ contains this as ingredient number 1.
Homosalate is a chemical sunscreen filter that provides protection in the UV-B range (280nm - 320 nm), with a peak protection at 306 nm. It is internationally approved for use in sunscreens.
Homosalate is not photo-stable, meaning it's strength as a UV filter degrades over time with exposure to the sun. Because of this, it's often used in combination with other chemical sunscreen filters as avobenzone (which protects from the UV-A range). Homosalate also helps act as a solvent for harder-to-dissolve UV filters.
(Part of the reason that sunscreens need to be frequently re-applied is due to the photo instability of many chemical sunscreen filters)
Currently, homosalate is approved in concentrations up to 10% in the EU and 15% in the US. The FDA is currently doing further research on the effects of homosalate, and it is possible that these approved concentrations will change in the future.
Learn more about HomosalatePaula's Choice Moisture Boost Daily Restoring Complex SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 2.
Murad Essential-C Day Moisture Broad Spectrum SPF 30 PA+++ contains this as ingredient number 2.
Ethylhexyl Salicylate is an organic compound used to block UV rays. It primarily absorbs UVB rays but offers a small amount of UVA protection as well.
Commonly found in sunscreens, Ethylhexyl Salicylate is created from salicylic acid and 2-ethylhexanol. You might know salicylic acid as the effective acne fighter ingredient and BHA.
The ethylhexanol in this ingredient is a fatty alcohol and helps hydrate your skin, similar to oils. It is an emollient, which means it traps moisture into the skin.
According to manufacturers, Ethylhexyl Salicylate absorbs UV wavelength of 295-315 nm, with a peak absorption at 307-310 nm. UVA rays are linked to long term skin damage, such as hyperpigmentation. UVB rays emit more energy and are capable of damaging our DNA. UVB rays cause sunburn.
Learn more about Ethylhexyl SalicylatePaula's Choice Moisture Boost Daily Restoring Complex SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 3.
Murad Essential-C Day Moisture Broad Spectrum SPF 30 PA+++ contains this as ingredient number 4.
You probably know this ingredient as Oxybenzone, a sunscreen ingredient. It is a broad-spectrum sunscreen ingredient, meaning it can protect the skin against UVB and short UVA rays. The absorption range is 270-350 nm with peak absorption at 288 and 350 nm.
This chemical ingredient protects your skin by using chemical reactions to convert UV rays into heat and energy. UV absorbers may absorb both UVA and UVB rays. It is often combined with other sunscreen ingredients to help with stability.
Ongoing research is looking into whether oxybenzone causes skin irritation and sensitivity. However, it has been shown to trigger contact dermatitis in some studies.
Oxybenzone is allowed in certain concentrations by many countries. It is allowed up to 6% in the US, and Canada, 5% in Japan, and 10% in Australia. Other countries and regions of the US have banned this ingredient to protect coral reefs and marine ecosystems. These places include Hawaii, Key West, US Virgin Islands, marine parks in Thailand, Aruba, and Palau.
The EU currently allows the following maximum concentrations:
Studies show conflicting results about oxybenzone being absorbed into the human body. The Swedish Research Institute has advised careful use of this ingredient by pregnant women and children. We always recommend speaking with a professional if you have concerns about this ingredient and your health.
Learn more about Benzophenone-3Paula's Choice Moisture Boost Daily Restoring Complex SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 5.
Murad Essential-C Day Moisture Broad Spectrum SPF 30 PA+++ contains this as ingredient number 5.
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 Moisture Boost Daily Restoring Complex SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 6.
Murad Essential-C Day Moisture Broad Spectrum SPF 30 PA+++ contains this as ingredient number 6.
Butylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:
- It is a solvent, meaning that it helps to dissolve other ingredients. This also enhances the absorption of the product into one's skin.
- It is a humectant, which means that it helps attract moisture into the skin.
- It helps improve product application.
Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient. It is unlikely to irritate skin, and works well with pretty much all other ingredients.
Paula's Choice Moisture Boost Daily Restoring Complex SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 8.
Murad Essential-C Day Moisture Broad Spectrum SPF 30 PA+++ contains this as ingredient number 7.
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 Moisture Boost Daily Restoring Complex SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 12.
Murad Essential-C Day Moisture Broad Spectrum SPF 30 PA+++ contains this as ingredient number 15.
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 StearatePaula's Choice Moisture Boost Daily Restoring Complex SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 13.
Murad Essential-C Day Moisture Broad Spectrum SPF 30 PA+++ contains this as ingredient number 12.
Retinyl palmitate is a form of retinoid. It is created from palmitic acid and retinol.
This ingredient has antioxidant and exfoliating properties. Like other types of retinols, retinyl palmitate increases cell turnover. Removing dead skin cells and encouraging the growth of new ones improves skin tone and unclogs pores. This in turn promotes brighter looking skin and even skin texture.
As an antioxidant, retinyl palmitate helps neutralize free-radical molecules. These molecules have the potential to damage skin cells. Thus, antioxidants may help with anti-aging.
Retinyl palmitate can be good for be good for oily skin by helping to unclog pores. However, it may not be good for dry skin and fungal acne.
After using this product, you should follow up with sunscreen.
This ingredient is often added to low-fat milk to increase the levels of Vitamin A.
Learn more about Retinyl PalmitatePaula's Choice Moisture Boost Daily Restoring Complex SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 16.
Murad Essential-C Day Moisture Broad Spectrum SPF 30 PA+++ contains this as ingredient number 25.
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 AcetatePaula's Choice Moisture Boost Daily Restoring Complex SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 17.
Murad Essential-C Day Moisture Broad Spectrum SPF 30 PA+++ contains this as ingredient number 26.
Disodium EDTA plays a role in making products more stable by aiding other preservatives.
It is a chelating agent, meaning it neutralizes metal ions that may be found in a product.
Disodium EDTA is a salt of edetic acid and is found to be safe in cosmetic ingredients.
Learn more about Disodium EDTAPaula's Choice Moisture Boost Daily Restoring Complex SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 26.
Murad Essential-C Day Moisture Broad Spectrum SPF 30 PA+++ contains this as ingredient number 42.
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 Moisture Boost Daily Restoring Complex SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 28.
Murad Essential-C Day Moisture Broad Spectrum SPF 30 PA+++ contains this as ingredient number 43.
Chlorphenesin 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 ChlorphenesinPaula's Choice Moisture Boost Daily Restoring Complex SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 29.
Murad Essential-C Day Moisture Broad Spectrum SPF 30 PA+++ contains this as ingredient number 45.
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.
Paula's Choice Moisture Boost Daily Restoring Complex SPF 30 29 ingredients
Murad Essential-C Day Moisture Broad Spectrum SPF 30 PA+++ 50 ingredients
Usage
Here's some more info on how this product is used by our community.
When to use
Paula's Choice Moisture Boost Daily Restoring Complex SPF 30 29 ingredients
Murad Essential-C Day Moisture Broad Spectrum SPF 30 PA+++ 50 ingredients
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