Paula's Choice
5% Vitamin C Sheer Moisturizer SPF 50A moisturizer with spf built around Chemical sunscreen and Panthenol, 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
USD 16.00 · 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 Silicone-free, Oil-free and Vegan; 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
Hydrating5
Boosts hydration and relieves dry, tight skin.
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glycerin, Panthenol, Stearic Acid, Tocopherol
Barrier Repair18
Strengthens and restores the skin's natural barrier.
Allantoin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Caprylyl Glycol, Cetearyl Olivate, Cetyl Alcohol, Cetyl Stearate, Diethylhexyl Syringylidenemalonate, Diisopropyl Sebacate, Glycerin, Helianthus Annuus Extract, Isodecyl Neopentanoate, Isododecane, Isostearyl Isostearate, Lauryl Lactate, Oryza Sativa Bran Extract, Panthenol, Stearic Acid, Tocopherol
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.
Cetyl Alcohol, Isostearyl Isostearate, Stearic Acid, Tocopherol
May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis9
May feed the yeast involved in seborrheic dermatitis.
Brassica Campestris/Aleurites Fordi Oil Copolymer, Cetearyl Olivate, Cetyl Alcohol, Cetyl Stearate, Isostearyl Isostearate, Lauryl Lactate, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Sorbitan Olivate, Stearic Acid
May Worsen Keratosis Pilaris4
May clog follicles or strip skin prone to keratosis pilaris.
Cetyl Alcohol, Isostearyl Isostearate, Stearic Acid, Tocopherol
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
Film Forming
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.
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 →Tocopherol
Antioxidant, Fragrance, Skin Conditioning, Occlusive
Tocopherol is vitamin E.
Learn more about Tocopherol →Diethylhexyl Syringylidenemalonate
Skin Protecting
Propanedioic Acid, [(4-Hydroxy-3,5-Dimethoxyphenyl)Methylene]-, Bis(2-Ethylhexyl) Ester
Learn more about Diethylhexyl Syringylidenemalonate →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 →
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