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Product Comparison

Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of Paula's Choice Resist Super-Light Wrinkle Defense SPF 30 versus Paula's Choice Hydralight Shine-Free Mineral Complex SPF 30 .

Last updated on October 22, 2023. Published on March 08, 2022

Overview

What they are

These products are both cruelty-free . They have a total of 7 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain exfoliants and SPF

Suited For

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

Free From

They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, fragrances, oils, 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.

Sunscreen American Brand United States
General Moisturizer American Brand United States

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.

General Moisturizer

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

Price

Shop

Buy Resist Super-Light Wrinkle Defense SPF 30

Starts at $38.00
Shop

Buy Hydralight Shine-Free Mineral Complex SPF 30

Starts at $33.00

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
spf rating
30

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Notable Ingredients

Mineral UV Filter
Vitamin C
Vitamin E
Exfoliators

Benefits

Redness Reducing
Reduces Irritation
Skin Texture
Anti-Aging (2)
Dark Spots
Scar Healing
Acne Fighting
Brightening (2)

Concerns

Drying
May Worsen Oily Skin
Acne Trigger
Rosacea

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
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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 Resist Super-Light Wrinkle Defense SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 1.

Paula's Choice Hydralight Shine-Free Mineral Complex SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 3.

2
What it does: Cosmetic Colorant, Skin Protecting, UV Absorber, UV Filter
Community Rating: Liked

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 Oxide

Paula's Choice Resist Super-Light Wrinkle Defense SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 3.

Paula's Choice Hydralight Shine-Free Mineral Complex SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 1.

3
What it does: Emulsifying
Community Rating: Very Disliked

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

It is made from polyethoxylated sorbitan and oleic acid. This ingredient can be found in cosmetics, foods, and medicine. It is water-soluble.

Polysorbate 80 may not be fungal acne safe.

Learn more about Polysorbate 80

Paula's Choice Resist Super-Light Wrinkle Defense SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 21.

Paula's Choice Hydralight Shine-Free Mineral Complex SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 7.

4
What it does:
Community Rating: Disliked

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 Triethoxycaprylylsilane

Paula's Choice Resist Super-Light Wrinkle Defense SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 23.

Paula's Choice Hydralight Shine-Free Mineral Complex SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 32.

5
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 Resist Super-Light Wrinkle Defense SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 24.

Paula's Choice Hydralight Shine-Free Mineral Complex SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 11.

6
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 Resist Super-Light Wrinkle Defense SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 26.

Paula's Choice Hydralight Shine-Free Mineral Complex SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 26.

7
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 Resist Super-Light Wrinkle Defense SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 30.

Paula's Choice Hydralight Shine-Free Mineral Complex SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 35.

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

43% are loved or liked
7% have mixed ratings
40% are disliked or very disliked
10% have no rating yet
29% are loved or liked
9% have mixed ratings
51% are disliked or very disliked
11% 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 Resist Super-Light Wrinkle Defense SPF 30 30 ingredients

5.0 /5
from 2 reviews
hydrationplease's Avatar'
Jan 14, 2024

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...

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.

Drying
Light
No Scent
Works Well

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

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