Paula's Choice
5% Vitamin C Sheer Moisturizer SPF 50A moisturizer with spf built around Chemical sunscreen and Niacinamide, for barrier repair and smoothing.
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, Pore-clogger-free, Oil-free and Cruelty-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
Fatty alcohol1
Waxy fatty alcohols used as emollients and thickeners; unrelated to drying alcohol.
Sunscreen4
Any ingredient acting as a UV filter.
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Homosalate, Octocrylene
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
Barrier Repair7
Strengthens and restores the skin's natural barrier.
Cetyl Alcohol, Copernicia Cerifera Wax, Diethylhexyl 2,6-Naphthalate, Diethylhexyl Carbonate, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Oryza Sativa Bran Wax
Smoothing5
Refines rough or uneven texture.
Cetyl Alcohol, Copernicia Cerifera Wax, Diethylhexyl 2,6-Naphthalate, Diethylhexyl Carbonate, Niacinamide
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 Dermatitis6
May feed the yeast involved in seborrheic dermatitis.
Butyloctyl Salicylate, Ceteareth-20, Cetyl Alcohol, Copernicia Cerifera Wax, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Oryza Sativa Bran Wax
May Worsen Keratosis Pilaris2
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
Emollient
- Fatty esters (glyceryl stearate, PEG-100 stearate)
- Barrier Repair
- May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis
Emollient
Emollient
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.
Octocrylene
Light Stabilizer, UV Absorber, UV Filter
Octocrylene is a UV filter banned by Palau over coral-reef concerns.
Learn more about Octocrylene →Ethylhexyl Salicylate
Light Stabilizer, UV Absorber, UV Filter
Ethylhexyl Salicylate is a chemical UV filter.
Learn more about Ethylhexyl Salicylate →Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane
Light Stabilizer, UV Absorber, UV Filter
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane is a chemical UV filter.
Learn more about Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane →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 →Propanediol
Solvent, Viscosity Controlling
Propanediol is the organic compound that conforms to the formula
Learn more about Propanediol →Silica
Abrasive, Absorbent, Anticaking, Bulking, Opacifying, Viscosity Controlling
Silicon dioxide
Learn more about Silica →Phenoxyethanol
Antimicrobial, Preservative
Phenoxyethanol is the aromatic ether alcohol that conforms to the formula:
Learn more about Phenoxyethanol →Ethylhexylglycerin
Deodorant, Skin Conditioning
Ethylhexylglycerin is the organic compound that conforms to the formula
Learn more about Ethylhexylglycerin →Hydrogenated Lecithin
Skin Conditioning, Emulsifying
Hydrogenated Lecithin isn't fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Hydrogenated Lecithin →
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