Comparison between Paula's Choice CLEAR Pore Normalizing Cleanser vs. EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46

Find out which product is better for your skin.

18 Ingredients 17

1
Salicylic Acid
1
Zinc Oxide
2
Water
2
Octinoxate
3
Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate
3
Water
4
Acrylates/Steareth-20 Methacrylate Copolymer
4
Cyclomethicone
5
Glycerin
5
Niacinamide
6
PEG-200 Hydrogenated Glyceryl Palmate
6
Octyldodecyl Neopentanoate
7
Sodium Laureth Sulfate
7
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
8
Arginine
8
Polyisobutene
-- Show others --
Uniqueness15 out of 18
83.3%
Uniqueness14 out of 17
82.4%

Positive Effects

Find out what good effects the product has

ECO Metrics

Find out how eco-friendly the components are
Vegan
No
No
Cruelty free
Yes
No
Reef friendly
Yes
Yes
Ozone layer safe
Yes
Yes
Organic score
natural
5 out of 18
28%
chemical
13 out of 18
72%
natural
3 out of 17
18%
chemical
12 out of 17
71%

Concerns

Pay attention to these components
-- Extra information --

Components by Skin Type

Find out what components are good or bad for your skin type
Dry skin
Positive: 3Negative: 1
Glycerin#5Butylene Glycol#9Panthenol#11Sodium Laureth Sulfate#7
Oily skin
Positive: 1Negative: 0
Salicylic Acid#1
Sensitive skin
Positive: 0Negative: 2
Salicylic Acid#1Citric Acid#13
Dry skin
Positive: 2Negative: 0
Sodium Hyaluronate#10Butylene Glycol#15
Oily skin
Positive: 1Negative: 0
Zinc Oxide#1
Sensitive skin
Positive: 1Negative: 2
Zinc Oxide#1Octinoxate#2Lactic Acid#12

Detailed view

Paula's Choice CLEAR Pore Normalizing Cleanser vs. EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46
Position 1

#1Salicylic Acid

Origin: chemical
Role: Skin conditioning agent, Antiacne agent, Antidandruff agent, Exfoliant, Fragrance ingredient, Hair conditioning, Keratolytic, Masking, Preservative
Cleansing
Acne fighting
Soothing
Antiseptic
EWG Rating [ 1 ]
CIR Rating [ B ]
Good for oily skin
Good for oily skin

Salicylic Acid is an amazing component for oily skin. It’s a famous BHA that chemically exfoliates dead cells, kills bacteria, and prevents acne. It works as a strong pores cleanser. AHAs are not effective for removing sebum from pores, while BHAs are leaders in this space. Salicylic Acid also helps to shrink pores, remove acne scars and make skin tone even. Pay attention: concentration matters! This ingredient is rather aggressive. It can lead to irritation in high concentrations. If your skin has never seen this component before test the product first.

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#1Zinc Oxide

Origin: natural
Role: Bulking agent, Colorant
UV Protection
Antiseptic
Comedogenic rating [ 1 ]
EWG Rating [ 1 ]
Good for oily skin
Good for oily skin

Zinc Oxide is a great physical sunscreen, meaning it deflects the UV rays. It’s the only natural mineral sun protector recommended by the FDA for babies. It’s good for sensitive skin because it’s less irritating than chemical sunscreens.

It has very nice spectrum protection. It helps to protect from UVA I, UVA II, and UVB and nowadays it’s the broadest range of sunscreen used in cosmetics. In other words, it’s brilliant in its league.

The negative side is that it can feel heavy on the skin. It can leave a slight whitish tint on the surface of the skin and some people may not like this. Keep in mind that it’s relatively easy to wash off, so it’s better to use water-resistant sunscreens if you are swimming.

Position 2

#2Water

Origin: natural
Role: Solvent
EWG Rating [ 1 ]

Water is a great solvent. It’s neutral and doesn’t provide any strong positive or negative effects. It just helps components to mix better and to transport active components.

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#2Octinoxate

Origin: chemical
Role: No information
UV Protection
EWG Rating [ 5 ]
Octinoxate is an effective sun protector that absorbs UV-B rays mostly. That means it can help to protect the skin from burns and from cancer. It’s also a solvent for other sunscreen components. This helps manufacturers to make products less oily.
Position 3

#3Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate

Origin: chemical
Role: Skin conditioning agent, Antistatic agent, Cleansing agent, Emulsifying agent, Foaming, Hair conditioning, Surfactant, Viscosity controlling agent
EWG Rating [ 1 ]
CIR Rating [ B ]
-- versus --

#3Water

Origin: natural
Role: Solvent
EWG Rating [ 1 ]

Water is a great solvent. It’s neutral and doesn’t provide any strong positive or negative effects. It just helps components to mix better and to transport active components.

Position 4

#4Acrylates/Steareth-20 Methacrylate Copolymer

Origin: chemical
Role: Viscosity controlling agent
EWG Rating [ 2 ]
CIR Rating [ B ]
-- versus --

#4Cyclomethicone

Origin: chemical
Role: Antistatic agent, Emollient, Hair conditioning, Humectant, Solvent, Viscosity controlling agent
Antistatic
Protection
Hair conditioning
Silicones
Comedogenic rating [ 1 ]
EWG Rating [ 6 ]
CIR Rating [ A ]
Position 5

#5Glycerin

Origin: natural
Role: Fragrance ingredient, Hair conditioning, Humectant, Solvent, Viscosity controlling agent
Moisturizing
Softening
Hair structure improvement
Hair gloss
EWG Rating [ 1 ]
CIR Rating [ A ]
Good for dry skin
Good for dry skin

Glycerin is one of the most outstanding and helpful skincare components. It's used in many skincare products because it works and provides notable results. It's one of the best moisturizers. Molecules of Glycerin can absorb water and deliver it into deep layers of the skin making it hydrated.

The component is researched very well. Many scientific researches confirm the safety and the efficiency of the component.

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#5Niacinamide

Origin: chemical
Role: Skin conditioning agent, Hair conditioning, Smoothing
Antioxidants
Acne fighting
Pore Shrinking
Soothing
Anti-aging
Lightening
Elasticity improvement
EWG Rating [ 1 ]

Niacinamide is a form of Vitamin B3 and it’s a superman in cosmetics. This ingredient is researched very well. It has a lot of positive reviews from scientists and experts. It's very important for healthy skin. The lack of this vitamin can cause dryness, itching, and sun sensitivity. The component removes small wrinkles and fine lines, heals wounds, and prevents the forming of cancer cells. It also makes the skin tone even by removing dark spots. It increases ceramide synthesis which increases the overall health of your skin. It fights acne and lowers pores.

Researches say that 4-5% of Niacinamide is the most effective concentration for skincare use.

Skin Signal
2023 - 2024

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Disclaimer: All the information on the website is not a medical advice. Visit a doctor if you have problems.

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