Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of Paula's Choice Skin Recovery Daily Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30 versus Paula's Choice Defense Essential Glow Moisturizer SPF 30 .
Last updated on December 05, 2023. Published on December 27, 2020
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free general moisturizers. They have a total of 20 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain exfoliants, peptides, 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, scar healing, dark spots and better texture
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, fragrances, parabens or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain oils and 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.
General Moisturizer
All-purpose moisturizers hydrate the top layer of skin cells.
Price
Ingredient Info
Paula's Choice Skin Recovery Daily Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30 43 ingredients
Paula's Choice Defense Essential Glow Moisturizer SPF 30 45 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 🎉
Contains Oils
Ingredients in this product that are types of oil:
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:
Fragrance Free
This product is free of fragrances 🎉
Sulfate Free
This product is free of sulfates 🎉
Paraben Free
This product is free of parabens 🎉
Contains Oils
Ingredients in this product that are types of oil:
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 🎉
Vegan
This product is vegan 🎉
Cruelty Free
This product is cruelty-free 🎉
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Paula's Choice Skin Recovery Daily Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30 43 ingredients
Paula's Choice Defense Essential Glow Moisturizer SPF 30 45 ingredients
Notable Ingredients
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Concerns
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Join SkinSortIngredients Compared
Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.
Paula's Choice Skin Recovery Daily Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30 43 ingredients
Paula's Choice Defense Essential Glow Moisturizer SPF 30 45 ingredients
Titanium Dioxide 3.85% • Zinc Oxide 3.12% • Water • C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate • Isononyl Isononanoate • Prunus Armeniaca Kernel Oil • Cyclopentasiloxane • Glyceryl Stearate • Peg-100 Stearate • Butylene Glycol • Pentylene Glycol • Cetearyl Alcohol • Dimethicone • Glycine Soja Sterols • Vp/Eicosene Copolymer • Avena Sativa Kernel Extract • Glycerin • Sodium Hyaluronate • Allantoin • Tocopheryl Acetate • Hydrogenated Lecithin • Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate • Superoxide Dismutase • Ubiquinone • Ceramide Ng • Methicone • Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12 • Peg-10 Dimethicone • Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract • Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride • Tribehenin • Peg-10 Phytosterol • Sorbitan Stearate • Polyhydroxystearic Acid • Alumina • Polysorbate 20 • Aluminum Stearate • Xanthan Gum • Caprylyl Glycol • Disodium EDTA • Ethylhexylglycerin • Phenoxyethanol • Chlorphenesin
Water • C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate • Zinc Oxide • Titanium Dioxide • Glycerin • Isononyl Isononanoate • Butylene Glycol • Cetearyl Alcohol • Potassium Cetyl Phosphate • Dimethicone • Glyceryl Stearate • Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract • Actinidia Chinensis Fruit Extract • Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil • Tetrapeptide-30 • Linoleic Acid • Resveratrol • Ascorbyl Glucoside • Niacinamide • Tocopheryl Acetate • Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate • Bisabolol • Tocopherol • Phospholipids • Lecithin • Glycine Soja Sterols • Xanthophylls • Pullulan • Sodium Gluconate • Xanthan Gum • Sclerotium Gum • Alumina • Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride • Citric Acid • Triethoxycaprylylsilane • C13-14 Isoparaffin • Acrylates Copolymer • Polyhydroxystearic Acid • Caprylyl Glycol • Polyacrylamide • Ceteareth-20 • Aluminum Stearate • Laureth-7 • Ethylhexylglycerin • Phenoxyethanol
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.
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 Skin Recovery Daily Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 1.
Paula's Choice Defense Essential Glow Moisturizer SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 4.
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 Skin Recovery Daily Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 2.
Paula's Choice Defense Essential Glow Moisturizer SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 3.
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 Skin Recovery Daily Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 3.
Paula's Choice Defense Essential Glow Moisturizer SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 1.
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 Skin Recovery Daily Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 4.
Paula's Choice Defense Essential Glow Moisturizer SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 2.
Isononyl Isononanoate is a synthetic skin-conditioner and texture enhancer. It is created from nonanoic acid, a fatty acid found in cocoa and lavender oil.
As an emollient, Isononyl Isononanoate helps keep your skin soft and smooth. This is because emollients create a barrier on the skin to trap moisture in.
Isononyl Isononanoate helps give products a velvet feel and improves spreadability.
Learn more about Isononyl IsononanoatePaula's Choice Skin Recovery Daily Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 5.
Paula's Choice Defense Essential Glow Moisturizer SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 6.
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 Skin Recovery Daily Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 8.
Paula's Choice Defense Essential Glow Moisturizer SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 11.
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 Skin Recovery Daily Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 10.
Paula's Choice Defense Essential Glow Moisturizer SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 7.
Cetearyl alcohol is a mixture of two fatty alcohols: cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol. It is mainly used as an emulsifier. Emulsifiers help prevent the separation of oils and products. Due to its composition, it can also be used to thicken a product or help create foam.
Cetearyl alcohol is an emollient. Emollients help soothe and hydrate the skin by trapping moisture.
Studies show Cetearyl alcohol is non-toxic and non-irritating. The FDA allows products labeled "alcohol-free" to have fatty alcohols.
This ingredient is usually derived from plant oils such as palm, vegetable, or coconut oils. There is debate on whether this ingredient will cause acne.
Due to the fatty acid base, this ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis safe.
Learn more about Cetearyl AlcoholPaula's Choice Skin Recovery Daily Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 12.
Paula's Choice Defense Essential Glow Moisturizer SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 8.
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 Skin Recovery Daily Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 13.
Paula's Choice Defense Essential Glow Moisturizer SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 10.
Glycine Soja Sterols is derived from the soybean plant. Sterols are an organic compound and technically an alcohol.
Unlike solvent alcohols, glycine soja sterols have emollient properties and help hydrate the skin.
This ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis, or fungal-acne safe.
Sterols can be found in plants, animals, and fungi.
Learn more about Glycine Soja SterolsPaula's Choice Skin Recovery Daily Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 14.
Paula's Choice Defense Essential Glow Moisturizer SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 26.
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 GlycerinPaula's Choice Skin Recovery Daily Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 17.
Paula's Choice Defense Essential Glow Moisturizer SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 5.
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 Skin Recovery Daily Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 20.
Paula's Choice Defense Essential Glow Moisturizer SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 20.
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride is an emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping the skin prevent moisture loss.
Within a product, Caprylic Triglyceride can thicken the product and make spreadability easier by dissolving clumping compounds. An added benefit of Caprylic Triglyceride is its antioxidant properties.
Caprylic Triglyceride is made by combining glycerin with coconut oil, forming a clear liquid. Caprylic Triglyceride has not been found to be toxic for human use in concentrations under 50%.
While there is an assumption Caprylic Triglyceride can clog pores due to it being derived from coconut oil, there is no research supporting this.
Learn more about Caprylic/Capric TriglyceridePaula's Choice Skin Recovery Daily Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 30.
Paula's Choice Defense Essential Glow Moisturizer SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 33.
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 Skin Recovery Daily Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 34.
Paula's Choice Defense Essential Glow Moisturizer SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 38.
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 Skin Recovery Daily Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 35.
Paula's Choice Defense Essential Glow Moisturizer SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 32.
We don't have a description for Aluminum Stearate.
Paula's Choice Skin Recovery Daily Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 37.
Paula's Choice Defense Essential Glow Moisturizer SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 42.
Xanthan gum is used as a stabilizer and thickener within cosmetic products. It helps give products a sticky, thick feeling - preventing them from being too runny.
On the technical side of things, xanthan gum is a polysaccharide - a combination consisting of multiple sugar molecules bonded together.
Xanthan gum is a pretty common and great ingredient. It is a natural, non-toxic, non-irritating ingredient that is also commonly used in food products.
Learn more about Xanthan GumPaula's Choice Skin Recovery Daily Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 38.
Paula's Choice Defense Essential Glow Moisturizer SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 30.
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 Skin Recovery Daily Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 39.
Paula's Choice Defense Essential Glow Moisturizer SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 39.
Ethylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.
You might see Ethylhexylglycerin often paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol. Ethylhexylglycerin has been found to increase the effectiveness of these other preservatives.
Paula's Choice Skin Recovery Daily Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 41.
Paula's Choice Defense Essential Glow Moisturizer SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 44.
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 Skin Recovery Daily Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 42.
Paula's Choice Defense Essential Glow Moisturizer SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 45.
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.
Paula's Choice Skin Recovery Daily Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30 43 ingredients
Paula's Choice Defense Essential Glow Moisturizer SPF 30 45 ingredients
Usage
Here's some more info on how this product is used by our community.
When to use
Paula's Choice Skin Recovery Daily Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30 43 ingredients
Paula's Choice Defense Essential Glow Moisturizer SPF 30 45 ingredients
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