Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of Paula's Choice Ultra-Light Daily Hydrating Fluid SPF 30+ versus Paula's Choice Resist Skin Restoring Moisturizer with SPF 50 .
Published on May 17, 2021
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free . They have a total of 11 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain exfoliants, SPF and Vitamin E
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin, reducing pores and scar healing
Free From
They both do not contain any oils, parabens or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain fragrances 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.
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
Ingredient Info
Paula's Choice Ultra-Light Daily Hydrating Fluid SPF 30+ 29 ingredients
Paula's Choice Resist Skin Restoring Moisturizer with SPF 50 45 ingredients
Contains Alcohol
Ingredients in this product that are types of alcohol:
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 🎉
Malassezia Safe
This product is free of malassezia feeding ingredients 🎉
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 🎉
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:
EU Allergen Free
This product is free of 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 Ultra-Light Daily Hydrating Fluid SPF 30+ 29 ingredients
Paula's Choice Resist Skin Restoring Moisturizer with SPF 50 45 ingredients
Notable Ingredients
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Benefits
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Concerns
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Notable Ingredients
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Concerns
This product contains 2 ingredients 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 Ultra-Light Daily Hydrating Fluid SPF 30+ 29 ingredients
Paula's Choice Resist Skin Restoring Moisturizer with SPF 50 45 ingredients
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 2% • Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate 7.5% • Ethylhexyl Salicylate 5% • Octocrylene 2% • Water • Glycerin • Silica • Dimethicone • Benzyl Alcohol • Tocopherol • Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract • Vitis Vinifera Seed Extract • Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract • Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract • Peucedanum Graveolens Extract • Sambucus Nigra Fruit Extract • Avena Sativa Bran Extract • Punica Granatum Extract • Lycium Barbarum Fruit Extract • Hydrogenated Lecithin • Titanium Dioxide • Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer • Diethylhexyl Syringylidenemalonate • Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer • Xanthan Gum • Sodium Carbomer • Sodium Benzoate • Potassium Sorbate • Phenoxyethanol
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 3% • Homosalate 5% • Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate 7.5% • Ethylhexyl Salicylate 5% • Benzophenone-3 5% • Water • Silica • Glycerin • Cetearyl Alcohol • Dimethicone • Butylene Glycol • Pentylene Glycol • Potassium Cetyl Phosphate • Cyclopentasiloxane • Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract • Vp/Eicosene Copolymer • Butyrospermum Parkii Butter • Allantoin • Niacinamide • Tocopherol • Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract • Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice • Atractylodes Macrocephala Root Powder • Avena Sativa Kernel Extract • Coffea Arabica Seed Extract • Portulaca Oleracea Extract • Mahonia Aquifolium Root Extract • Diethylhexyl Syringylidenemalonate • Sarcosine • Capryloyl Glycine • Maltooligosyl Glucoside • Cetearyl Glucoside • Dimethiconol • Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer • Hydrogenated Starch Hydrolysate • Hexylene Glycol • 4-T-Butylcyclohexanol • Glyceryl Stearate • Peg-100 Stearate • Sodium Hydroxide • Xanthan Gum • Disodium EDTA • Phenoxyethanol • Caprylyl Glycol • Ethylhexylglycerin
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 Ultra-Light Daily Hydrating Fluid SPF 30+ contains this as ingredient number 1.
Paula's Choice Resist Skin Restoring Moisturizer with SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 1.
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate is an organic compound that provides UVB protection. It often goes by the more common name of octinoxate. It is created from methoxycinnamic acid and 2-ethylhexanol.
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate absorbs UVB rays with wavelengths between 280-320 nm. UV absorbers protect your skin by using chemical reactions to convert UV rays into heat and energy.
UVB (290-320 nm) rays emit more energy than UVA rays. They are capable of damaging DNA, causing sunburns and are thought to be linked to skin cancer.
The state of Hawaii has banned sunscreens containing octinoxate due to its potential impact on coral reefs. More research is needed to bridge gaps in this research. The European Union allows higher levels of octinoxate in sunscreens than the US and Australia.
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate is oil soluble. It is not stable and may lose efficacy when exposed to sunlight.
Learn more about Ethylhexyl MethoxycinnamatePaula's Choice Ultra-Light Daily Hydrating Fluid SPF 30+ contains this as ingredient number 2.
Paula's Choice Resist Skin Restoring Moisturizer with SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 3.
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 Ultra-Light Daily Hydrating Fluid SPF 30+ contains this as ingredient number 3.
Paula's Choice Resist Skin Restoring Moisturizer with SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 4.
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 Ultra-Light Daily Hydrating Fluid SPF 30+ contains this as ingredient number 5.
Paula's Choice Resist Skin Restoring Moisturizer with SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 6.
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 Ultra-Light Daily Hydrating Fluid SPF 30+ contains this as ingredient number 6.
Paula's Choice Resist Skin Restoring Moisturizer with SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 8.
Silica is a mineral naturally found in our skin. It helps to thicken and smooth the texture of a product. It also acts as an agent for other ingredients by increasing the absorption of other ingredients into the skin.
Silica is often used for absorption and can help reduce shine when products are applied. Silica occurs in naturally in materials like clay and sandstone, and it can also be produced synthetically.
Silica is present naturally within the skin during collagen production and when reducing inflammation.
Learn more about SilicaPaula's Choice Ultra-Light Daily Hydrating Fluid SPF 30+ contains this as ingredient number 7.
Paula's Choice Resist Skin Restoring Moisturizer with SPF 50 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 Ultra-Light Daily Hydrating Fluid SPF 30+ contains this as ingredient number 8.
Paula's Choice Resist Skin Restoring Moisturizer with SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 10.
Tocopherol (also known as Vitamin E) is a common antioxidant used to help protect the skin from free-radicals and strengthen the skin barrier. It's also fat soluble - this means our skin is great at absorbing it.
Vitamin E also helps keep your natural skin lipids healthy. Your lipid skin barrier naturally consists of lipids, ceramides, and fatty acids. Vitamin E offers extra protection for your skin’s lipid barrier, keeping your skin healthy and nourished.
Another benefit is a bit of UV protection. Vitamin E helps reduce the damage caused by UVB rays. (It should not replace your sunscreen). Combining it with Vitamin C can decrease sunburned cells and hyperpigmentation after UV exposure.
You might have noticed Vitamin E + C often paired together. This is because it is great at stabilizing Vitamin C. Using the two together helps increase the effectiveness of both ingredients.
There are often claims that Vitamin E can reduce/prevent scarring, but these claims haven't been confirmed by scientific research.
Learn more about TocopherolPaula's Choice Ultra-Light Daily Hydrating Fluid SPF 30+ contains this as ingredient number 10.
Paula's Choice Resist Skin Restoring Moisturizer with SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 20.
We don't have a description for Diethylhexyl Syringylidenemalonate.
Paula's Choice Ultra-Light Daily Hydrating Fluid SPF 30+ contains this as ingredient number 23.
Paula's Choice Resist Skin Restoring Moisturizer with SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 28.
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 Ultra-Light Daily Hydrating Fluid SPF 30+ contains this as ingredient number 25.
Paula's Choice Resist Skin Restoring Moisturizer with SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 41.
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 Ultra-Light Daily Hydrating Fluid SPF 30+ contains this as ingredient number 30.
Paula's Choice Resist Skin Restoring Moisturizer with SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 43.
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.
Paula's Choice Ultra-Light Daily Hydrating Fluid SPF 30+ 29 ingredients
Paula's Choice Resist Skin Restoring Moisturizer with SPF 50 45 ingredients
Usage
Here's some more info on how this product is used by our community.
When to use
Paula's Choice Ultra-Light Daily Hydrating Fluid SPF 30+ 29 ingredients
Paula's Choice Resist Skin Restoring Moisturizer with SPF 50 45 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Paula's Choice Ultra-Light Daily Hydrating Fluid SPF 30+ 29 ingredients
Alternatives
Our Dupe Finder has found 50 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to Paula's Choice Ultra-Light Daily Hydrating Fluid SPF 30+.
See 50 alternativesOur Dupe Finder has found 50 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to Paula's Choice Resist Skin Restoring Moisturizer with SPF 50.
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