Paula's Choice
5% Vitamin C Sheer Moisturizer SPF 50A moisturizer with spf built around Chemical sunscreen and Ceramide, for barrier repair and hydration.
A moisturizer with spf built around Chemical sunscreen and Vitamin C derivative, for pollution defence and barrier repair.
Brand price
Not recorded · brand's site
Brand price
USD 45.00 · checked 8 Oct 2026 · brand's site

At a Glance

They come out differently on Silicone-free and Oil-free; those rows are shaded. Tap any answer to see why.

Key Ingredients

Chemical sunscreen4
Organic UV filters that absorb UV and release it as heat.
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Homosalate, Octocrylene
Sunscreen4
Any ingredient acting as a UV filter.
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Homosalate, Octocrylene
Ceramide3
Skin-identical lipids that hold the barrier together.
Mineral sunscreen1
Uses zinc oxide or titanium dioxide to absorb and scatter UV rays.
Chemical sunscreen4
Organic UV filters that absorb UV and release it as heat.
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Octocrylene
Sunscreen5
Any ingredient acting as a UV filter.
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Octocrylene, Titanium Dioxide

Benefits

Hydrating5
Boosts hydration and relieves dry, tight skin.
Ceramide AP, Ceramide EOP, Ceramide NP, Glycerin, Sodium Hyaluronate
Barrier Repair7
Strengthens and restores the skin's natural barrier.
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Ceramide AP, Ceramide EOP, Ceramide NP, Cholesterol, Glycerin, Phytosphingosine
Hydrating4
Boosts hydration and relieves dry, tight skin.
Barrier Repair6
Strengthens and restores the skin's natural barrier.
Acetyl Zingerone, Diethylhexyl Syringylidenemalonate, Dimethicone, Glycerin, Ricinus Communis Seed Oil, Tocopherol
Brightening3
Restores radiance to dull, tired skin.
3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate

Concerns

May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis7
May feed the yeast involved in seborrheic dermatitis.
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Ceramide AP, Ceramide EOP, Ceramide NP, Glyceryl Stearate Se, Phytosphingosine, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate
May Worsen Keratosis Pilaris1
May clog follicles or strip skin prone to keratosis pilaris.
May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis5
May feed the yeast involved in seborrheic dermatitis.
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Laureth-4, Ricinus Communis Seed Oil, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
May Worsen Keratosis Pilaris2
May clog follicles or strip skin prone to keratosis pilaris.

Ingredients Side-by-side

Octocrylene (in both products)
UV Filter
0-1 / —
- Chemical sunscreen
- Reef-unsafe UV filter
- Sunscreen
- Sun Protection
Skin Conditioning
Emulsifying
3 / 2
- Fatty esters (glyceryl stearate, PEG-100 stearate)
- Possibly animal-derived
- May Trigger Acne
- May Worsen Irritation
- May Worsen Keratosis Pilaris
- May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis
Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer
Film Forming
UV Filter
0 / 0
- Chemical sunscreen
- Reef-unsafe UV filter
- Sunscreen
- Sun Protection
Octocrylene (in both products)
UV Filter
0-1 / —
- Chemical sunscreen
- Reef-unsafe UV filter
- Sunscreen
- Sun Protection
Skin Conditioning
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin C derivative (stable)
- Antioxidant
- Brightening
- Dark Spots
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane
Light Stabilizer, UV Absorber, UV Filter
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane is a chemical UV filter.
Learn more about Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane →Ethylhexyl Salicylate
Light Stabilizer, UV Absorber, UV Filter
Ethylhexyl Salicylate is a chemical UV filter.
Learn more about Ethylhexyl Salicylate →Octocrylene
Light Stabilizer, UV Absorber, UV Filter
Octocrylene is a UV filter banned by Palau over coral-reef concerns.
Learn more about Octocrylene →Glycerin
Denaturant, Fragrance, Hair Conditioning, Humectant, Oral Care, Perfuming, Humectant, Skin Protecting, Solvent, Viscosity Controlling
Glycerin may be plant, synthetic or animal depending on the supplier.
Learn more about Glycerin →Phenoxyethanol
Antimicrobial, Preservative
Phenoxyethanol is the aromatic ether alcohol that conforms to the formula:
Learn more about Phenoxyethanol →Xanthan Gum
Binding, Emulsion Stabilising, Gel Forming, Skin Conditioning, Cleansing, Emulsifying, Viscosity Controlling
Xanthan gum
Learn more about Xanthan Gum →Ethylhexylglycerin
Deodorant, Skin Conditioning
Ethylhexylglycerin is the organic compound that conforms to the formula
Learn more about Ethylhexylglycerin →
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