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Paula's Choice Resist Super-Light Wrinkle Defense SPF 30 Versus Makeup by Mario Softsculpt Transforming Skin Enhancer - Light Medium

Sunscreen
Bronzer
American Brand United States
American Brand United States

Updated on June 26, 2024

Overview

Cool Features

They both contain exfoliants and Vitamin E

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for brightening skin

Free From

They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, parabens or sulfates

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
spf rating
30

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Notable Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Notable Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Ingredients Side-by-side

found in both products
Resist Super-Light Wrinkle Defense SPF 30
Water 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.

Cyclopentasiloxane Emollient, Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Silicon Icon
SiliconSilicon Icon

Cyclopentasiloxane is a silicone used to improve texture and trap moisture. An easier name for this is D5.

Disliked Full details ->
Zinc Oxide Cosmetic Colorant, Skin Protecting, UV Absorber
1 / 0 Mineral UV Filter IconHelps fight Acne IconNon-Reef-Safe Icon
Mineral UV FilterMineral UV Filter Icon Helps fight AcneHelps fight Acne Icon Non-Reef-SafeNon-Reef-Safe Icon

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.

1 Com. / 0 Irr.
Peg-12 Dimethicone Skin Conditioning
Silicon Icon
SiliconSilicon Icon

Peg-12 Dimethicone is a type of silicone.

Very Disliked Full details ->
Peg/Ppg-18/18 Dimethicone Emulsifying
Silicon Icon
SiliconSilicon Icon

Peg/Ppg-18/18 Dimethicone is a type of silicone.

Very Disliked Full details ->
Lauroyl Lysine Skin Conditioning

This ingredient comes from a fatty acid (lauric acid) and amino acid (lysine). It is used to add a silky feel to cosmetics.

Very Disliked Full details ->
Sodium Chloride Masking
Can worsen Dry Skin IconBad for Acne Prone Skin IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon
3 Concerns

Chances are, you eat sodium chloride every day. Sodium Chloride is also known as table salt.

Very Disliked Full details ->
Trihydroxystearin Skin Conditioning
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon
Not safe for Fungal AcneNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

This ingredient comes from Hydroxystearic Acid, a fatty acid, and glycerin. It is used to thicken oils.

Very Disliked Full details ->
Dimethicone Crosspolymer Emulsion Stabilising

Dimethicone Crosspolymer is a silicone created by modifying dimethicone with hydrocarbon side chains. Due to its large size, it does not penetrate skin. It is considered non-occlusive.

Very Disliked Full details ->
Resveratrol Antioxidant, Skin Protecting
Antioxidant Icon
AntioxidantAntioxidant Icon

Resveratrol is a famous emerging antioxidant. It is a good alternative for sensitive skin types who cannot tolerate retinoids.

Quercetin Antioxidant, Skin Conditioning
Antioxidant Icon
AntioxidantAntioxidant Icon

Quercetin is an antioxidant.

Epigallocatechin Gallate Antioxidant
Antioxidant Icon
AntioxidantAntioxidant Icon

EGCG is most famous for being found in green tea. It is a type of catechin, a potent antioxidant.

Tocopheryl Acetate Antioxidant, Skin Conditioning
0 / 0 Vitamin E IconAntioxidant IconHelps brighten skin Icon
Vitamin EVitamin E Icon AntioxidantAntioxidant Icon Helps brighten skinHelps brighten skin Icon

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.

0 Com. / 0 Irr.
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate Antioxidant, Skin Conditioning
Vitamin C IconAntioxidant IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconGood for Skin Texture IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconGood for Dark Spots IconHelps brighten skin Icon
Vitamin CVitamin C Icon AntioxidantAntioxidant Icon 5 Benefits

Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate is a form of Vitamin C.

Adenosine Skin Conditioning
Helps with Anti-Aging IconGood for Scar Healing Icon
2 Benefits

Adenosine is in every living organism. It is one of four components in nucleic acids that helps store our DNA.

Bisabolol Masking, Skin Conditioning, Soothing
Helps reduce irritation Icon
Helps reduce irritationHelps reduce irritation Icon

Bisabolol is pimarily used to add fragrance to a product. However, it is also famous for helping soothe skin.

Salix Nigra Bark Extract Skin Protecting

We don't have a description for Salix Nigra Bark Extract.

Punica Granatum Extract Astringent, Masking, Tonic

Punica Granatum extract comes from the pomegranate fruit.

Haematococcus Pluvialis Extract Antioxidant
Antioxidant Icon
AntioxidantAntioxidant Icon

Haematococcus Pluvialis Extract is an antioxidant.

Hydrolyzed Corn Starch Humectant, Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Hydrolyzed Corn Starch.

Unknown Full details ->
Polysorbate 80 Emulsifying
0 / 0 May worsen Oily Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon
2 Concerns

Polysorbate 80 is a surfactant and emulsifier. It is used to keep ingredients together, and prevent oils and waters from separating.

0 Com. / 0 Irr.
Very Disliked Full details ->
Hydrated Silica Abrasive, Absorbent
Exfoliant Icon
ExfoliantExfoliant Icon

Hydrated Silica is a type of silicon dioxide. It is called 'hydrated silica' because it is silica with extra bonded water atoms.

Very Disliked Full details ->
Triethoxycaprylylsilane

Triethoxycaprylylsilane is a silicone used to bind and stabilize ingredients.

Disliked Full details ->
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate Antimicrobial, Emollient, Skin Conditioning

C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate is made up of Benzoic Acid and long chain alcohols. It has a low molecular weight.

Disliked Full details ->
Isopropyl Titanium Triisostearate Emollient, Emulsifying
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon
Not safe for Fungal AcneNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Isopropyl Titanium Triisostearate isn't fungal acne safe.

Unknown Full details ->
Caprylyl Glycol Emollient, Humectant, Skin Conditioning

Caprylyl Glycol is a humectant and emollient, meaning it attracts and preserves moisture.

Hexylene Glycol Emulsifying, Skin Conditioning, Solvent
0-2 / 0-1

Hexylene Glycol is a surfactant. Glycols are a class of alcohols. Hexylene Glycol is a surfactant and emulsifier.

0-2 Com. / 0-1 Irr.
Disliked Full details ->
Ethylhexylglycerin Skin Conditioning

Ethylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.

CI 77492 Cosmetic Colorant

Ci 77492 is also hydrated iron III oxide. It's sole purpose is to give a yellow hue to products.

Phenoxyethanol Preservative
Preservative Icon
PreservativePreservative Icon

Phenoxyethanol 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.

Very Disliked Full details ->
Softsculpt Transforming Skin Enhancer
C15-19 Alkane Solvent

C15-19 alkane is a mixture of alkanes. Alkanes are hydrocarbons with carbon atoms held together by single bonds.

Unknown Full details ->
Octyldodecanol Emollient, Masking

Octyldodecanol is a fatty alcohol. It is primarily used to enhance the texture of products.

Disliked Full details ->
Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate Emollient, Emulsifying
2 / 0 Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon
Not safe for Fungal AcneNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate is derived from isostearic acid. It is an emollient and emulsifier.

2 Com. / 0 Irr.
Very Disliked Full details ->
Tridecyl Trimellitate Emollient, Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Tridecyl Trimellitate.

Unknown Full details ->
Synthetic Wax Abrasive, Emulsion Stabilising, Masking
Exfoliant IconMay worsen Oily Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon
ExfoliantExfoliant Icon 2 Concerns

Synthetic Wax is created from fossil fuels such as natural gas. It is used to enhance texture, adjust pH, and as an occlusive.

Very Disliked Full details ->
Raphanus Sativus Seed Extract Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Raphanus Sativus Seed Extract.

Unknown Full details ->
Cera Microcristallina Emulsion Stabilising
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon
Not safe for Fungal AcneNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Cera Microcristallina isn't fungal acne safe.

Very Disliked Full details ->
Synthetic Fluorphlogopite

Synthetic Fluorphlogopite is the synthethic version of mica. It consists of fluorine, aluminum and silicate.

Disliked Full details ->
Silica Silylate Emollient, Emulsion Stabilising, Skin Conditioning

Silica Silylate is a siloxane polymer, meaning it is made up of silicon and oxygen atoms. It is not soluble in water.

Mica Cosmetic Colorant
May worsen Eczema Icon
May worsen EczemaMay worsen Eczema Icon

Mica refers to a group of silicate minerals. Mica crystals are easily split to give products a shimmer. These crystals are able to reflect light to temporarily give your skin a glowy look.

Very Disliked Full details ->
Calcium Dihydrogen Phosphate Buffering

We don't have a description for Calcium Dihydrogen Phosphate.

Unknown Full details ->
Disteardimonium Hectorite Stabilising

Disteardimonium Hectorite comes from the clay mineral named hectorite. It is used to add thickness to a product.

Disliked Full details ->
Tocopheryl Acetate Antioxidant, Skin Conditioning
0 / 0 Vitamin E IconAntioxidant IconHelps brighten skin Icon
Vitamin EVitamin E Icon AntioxidantAntioxidant Icon Helps brighten skinHelps brighten skin Icon

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.

0 Com. / 0 Irr.
Methyl Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate Antioxidant, Perfuming
Antioxidant IconFragrance Icon
AntioxidantAntioxidant Icon FragranceFragrance Icon

Methyl Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate is an antioxidant and is a fragrance.

Unknown Full details ->
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil Emollient, Masking, Skin Conditioning
0 / 0 Oil IconHelps hydrate Dry Skin IconMay worsen Oily Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon
OilOil Icon Helps hydrate Dry SkinHelps hydrate Dry Skin Icon 2 Concerns

Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil is the oil derived from the seeds of a Sunflower. Sunflower seed oil is non-fragrant. It is an emollient, meaning it helps to soften the skin.

0 Com. / 0 Irr.
Disliked Full details ->
Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract Antimicrobial, Masking, Skin Conditioning

Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract comes from rosemary. Rosemary is native to the Mediterranean.

Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

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

Antioxidant, Skin Conditioning
Liked

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

Ingredient Ratings

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

Resist Super-Light Wrinkle Defense SPF 30
13
2
13
2
liked
mixed
disliked
not rated
Softsculpt Transforming Skin Enhancer
1
2
8
5
liked
mixed
disliked
not rated

When to use

86 Routines
95% use in am
5% use in pm
88% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->
3 Routines
100% use in am
0% use in pm
100% use every day

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

Paula's Choice Resist Super-Light Wrinkle Defense SPF 30 30 ingredients

5.0 /5
from 2 ratings
Drying (1) Light (1) No Scent (1)
hydrationplease's avatar

hydrationplease

7 months ago · Dry Skin
Review

A phenomenal tinted mineral sunscreen. It has a light, lotion-like texture. Not greasy or heavy at all. It is quick and easy to apply. Dries down...

A phenomenal tinted mineral sunscreen. It has a light, lotion-like texture. Not greasy or heavy at all. It is quick and easy to apply. Dries down to a matte finish. Just very pleasant and effortless to use.

The tint claims to be universal, but of course it's not at all. In fact it's pretty much a perfect match for my skin tone, which is very light and cool toned. (For reference, two of my best foundation shade matches are the NYX Born to Glow Foundation in Porcelain and the Revolution Beauty Fast Base Stick Foundation in F3.)

The tint is sheer, but it's absolutely going to leave a cast on anyone whose skintone is significantly deeper than mine.

Much like many other mineral sunscreens, this is also a touch drying. Probably best for oily / combo / normal skin, just as the brand states. But that said, I still love it even as someone with dry skin. I do need a separate moisturizer underneath though.

It's vegan, cruelty-free, fragrance-free, and doesn't make my eyes sting. The price... is doable.

All in all I think it's one of the best, if the tint works for you.

Makeup by Mario Softsculpt Transforming Skin Enhancer 16 ingredients

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