Paula's Choice
5% Vitamin C Sheer Moisturizer SPF 50A moisturizer with spf built around Vitamin C derivative and Vitamin C, 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
GBP 62.00 · checked 8 Oct 2026 · brand's site
Brand price
USD 45.00 · checked 8 Oct 2026 · brand's site
At a Glance
They come out differently on Fragrance-free, EU-allergen-free, Pore-clogger-free, Oil-free, Reef-safe and Vegan; those rows are shaded. Tap any answer to see why.
Key Ingredients
Chemical sunscreen3
Organic UV filters that absorb UV and release it as heat.
Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Ethylhexyl Triazone
Fatty alcohol1
Waxy fatty alcohols used as emollients and thickeners; unrelated to drying alcohol.
Sunscreen3
Any ingredient acting as a UV filter.
Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Ethylhexyl Triazone
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.
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil, Dibutyl Adipate, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Dimethicone, Glycerin
Smoothing5
Refines rough or uneven texture.
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Dibutyl Adipate, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Dimethicone
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.
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Glucoside, Coco-Glucoside, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
May Worsen Keratosis Pilaris1
May clog follicles or strip skin prone to keratosis pilaris.
May Worsen Irritation9
May cause stinging, redness or sensitivity.
Citral, Citronellol, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil, Citrus Grandis Peel Oil, Citrus Limon Peel Oil, Geraniol, Limonene, Linalool, Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil
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
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate (in both products)
Antioxidant
- Fatty alcohols (Malassezia)
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin C derivative (stable)
- Antioxidant
- Brightening
- Dark Spots
- May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis
Emollient
Emollient
Emollient
2 / 1
- Fatty alcohol
- Fatty alcohols (Malassezia)
- May Trigger Acne
- May Worsen Keratosis Pilaris
- May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis
UV Filter
0 / 0
- 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.
Aqua
Solvent
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
Antioxidant, Skin Conditioning
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate isn't fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate →Dimethicone
Antifoaming, Skin Conditioning, Emollient, Skin Protecting
Dimethicone is a silicone.
Learn more about Dimethicone →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 →Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion Stabilising, Film Forming, Viscosity Controlling
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer isn't fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer →Xanthan Gum
Binding, Emulsion Stabilising, Gel Forming, Skin Conditioning, Cleansing, Emulsifying, Viscosity Controlling
Xanthan gum
Learn more about Xanthan Gum →Sodium Hydroxide
Buffering, Denaturant
Sodium hydroxide
Learn more about Sodium Hydroxide →Ethylhexylglycerin
Deodorant, Skin Conditioning
Ethylhexylglycerin is the organic compound that conforms to the formula
Learn more about Ethylhexylglycerin →
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