Paula's Choice
5% Vitamin C Sheer Moisturizer SPF 50A moisturizer with spf built around Chemical sunscreen, 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
Not recorded · brand's site
Brand price
USD 45.00 · checked 8 Oct 2026 · brand's site
Buy at
Retailer links are affiliate links. Buying through one may earn us a commission at no cost to you.
At a Glance
They come out differently on Alcohol-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
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
Hydrating4
Boosts hydration and relieves dry, tight skin.
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Dimethicone, Glycerin, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
Barrier Repair4
Strengthens and restores the skin's natural barrier.
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Dimethicone, Glycerin, Glyceryl Stearate
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 Dermatitis4
May feed the yeast involved in seborrheic dermatitis.
Butyloctyl Salicylate, Glyceryl Stearate, Polyurethane-62, Trideceth-6
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
Fragrance
0 / —
- Denatured alcohol
- May Worsen Dryness
- May Worsen Eczema
- May Worsen Irritation
- May Worsen Rosacea
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 →Silica
Abrasive, Absorbent, Anticaking, Bulking, Opacifying, Viscosity Controlling
Silicon dioxide
Learn more about Silica →Dimethicone
Antifoaming, Skin Conditioning, Emollient, Skin Protecting
Dimethicone is a silicone.
Learn more about Dimethicone →Phenoxyethanol
Antimicrobial, Preservative
Phenoxyethanol is the aromatic ether alcohol that conforms to the formula:
Learn more about Phenoxyethanol →Sodium Hydroxide
Buffering, Denaturant
Sodium hydroxide
Learn more about Sodium Hydroxide →
Similar Comparisons
Each product against its closest dupes.
- View the comparison
Neutrogena
Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizer SPF 50
Aveeno
Positively Radiant Daily Face Moisturizer with SPF 30
- View the comparison
Paula's Choice
5% Vitamin C Sheer Moisturizer SPF 50
Paula's Choice
Ultra-Light Daily Hydrating Fluid SPF 30
- View the comparison
Neutrogena
Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizer SPF 50
Eucerin
Radiant Tone Daily Face Lotion SPF 30 Dark Spot Corrector
- View the comparison
Paula's Choice
5% Vitamin C Sheer Moisturizer SPF 50
Paula's Choice
Youth-Extending Daily Hydrating Fluid SPF 50