Paula's Choice
5% Vitamin C Sheer Moisturizer SPF 50A moisturizer with spf built around Chemical sunscreen and Zinc salt, for hydration and barrier repair.
A moisturizer with spf built around Chemical sunscreen and Vitamin C derivative, for pollution defence and barrier repair.
Brand price
USD 48.00 · 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 and EU-allergen-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

Hydrating14
Boosts hydration and relieves dry, tight skin.
Amylose, Anhydroxylitol, Betaine, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glucose, Glycerin, Inositol, Propanediol, Tocopherol, Trehalose, Urea, Xylitol, Xylitylglucoside, Yeast Amino Acids
Barrier Repair13
Strengthens and restores the skin's natural barrier.
Allantoin, Betaine, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cetearyl Alcohol, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Coconut Alkanes, Glycerin, Glyceryl Stearate, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, Persea Gratissima Oil, Propanediol Dicaprylate, Tocopherol, Xylitol
Reduces Irritation3
Eases discomfort and supports skin resilience.
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 Trigger Acne4
Can clog pores or trigger breakouts.
Cetearyl Alcohol, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, Persea Gratissima Oil, Tocopherol
May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis12
May feed the yeast involved in seborrheic dermatitis.
Butyl Avocadate, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Coco-Glucoside, Coconut Alkanes, Glyceryl Stearate, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, Laureth-12, PEG-100 Stearate, Persea Gratissima Oil, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
May Worsen Keratosis Pilaris4
May clog follicles or strip skin prone to keratosis pilaris.
Cetearyl Alcohol, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, Persea Gratissima Oil, Tocopherol
May Worsen Oily Skin2
May increase shine or excess 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

Octocrylene (in both products)
UV Filter
0-1 / —
- Chemical sunscreen
- Reef-unsafe UV filter
- Sunscreen
- Sun Protection
Skin Conditioning
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 →Propanediol
Solvent, Viscosity Controlling
Propanediol is the organic compound that conforms to the formula
Learn more about Propanediol →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 →Tocopherol
Antioxidant, Fragrance, Skin Conditioning, Occlusive
Tocopherol is vitamin E.
Learn more about Tocopherol →Ethylhexylglycerin
Deodorant, Skin Conditioning
Ethylhexylglycerin is the organic compound that conforms to the formula
Learn more about Ethylhexylglycerin →Xanthan Gum
Binding, Emulsion Stabilising, Gel Forming, Skin Conditioning, Cleansing, Emulsifying, Viscosity Controlling
Xanthan gum
Learn more about Xanthan Gum →Phenoxyethanol
Antimicrobial, Preservative
Phenoxyethanol is the aromatic ether alcohol that conforms to the formula:
Learn more about Phenoxyethanol →Sodium Benzoate
Anticorrosive, Fragrance, Preservative
Sodium Benzoate is the sodium salt of benzoic acid that conforms to the formula:
Learn more about Sodium Benzoate →
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