PRODUCT REVIEW
Paula's choice 5% Vitamin C Sheer Moisturizer SPF 50
Buy from Amazon US $45.00
More options from: $45.00
Price as of 11/11/2024 1:10 GMT.
More info
Added by AlyKate
Add to Compare
Cheaper alternatives
White Formula - CPAQUA UV Protective Gel With Hyaluronic Acid SPF 50+ PA++++
Price: $22.47
Find out more
Product summary
What can the product work for?
Sun protection
butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane
23% -
35%
Irritation risk:
UVA I protection: UVA II protection: UVB protection: Photo stable: Ingredient type Organic
Avobenzone. An organic, or so-called "chemical" UV filter. Protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Needs to be combined with other filters in a formulation to be stable.
octocrylene
4.4% -
6.5%
Irritation risk:
UVA I protection: UVA II protection: UVB protection: Photo stable: Ingredient type Organic
A weak sunscreen that protects against the sun rays that cause sunburn (UVB) and is somewhat effective against the UVA rays. It is quite stable and can help stabilize other, more vulnerable, sunscreen ingredients like Avobenzone. It is an organic, or so called "chemical" sunscreen
ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate
6% -
9.1%
Irritation risk:
UVA I protection: UVA II protection: UVB protection: Photo stable: Ingredient type Organic
Octinoxate. When used in higher concentrations, works as a sunscreen protecting the skin from UVB rays. When used in lower concentration, helps to preserve the product formulation. Is shown to be harmful to coral reefs - consider avoiding bathing in coral reef areas when wearing a product with this ingredient. It can be irritating
Show more
Anti-aging
acetyl zingerone
0.45% -
1%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness:
MEDIUM
An active compound sourced from ginger root. It can help neutralize free radicals in skin. It might be able to help reduce fine lines and wrinkles and improve the skin tone. In small concentrations, used as a chelating agent and helps preserve stability of product formulations.
ascorbyl glucoside
1.2% -
1.8%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness:
MEDIUM
A vitamin C derivative that is more stable but less potent than pure form of vitamin C. Has a potential to boost collagen production, nutralise free radicals and reduce hyperpigmentation, but the required concentration is likely to be much higher than for the pure form of vitamin C, limiting the ingredient's effectiveness in products
3-o-ethyl ascorbic acid
1.3% -
2%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness:
LOW
A vitamin C derivative that is more stable but less potent than pure form of vitamin C. Can help neutralize free radicals and help reduce hyperpigmentation, but the required concentration is likely to be much higher than for the pure form of vitamin C, limiting the ingredient's effectiveness in products
Show more
Evens skin tone
3-o-ethyl ascorbic acid
1.3% -
2%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness:
MEDIUM
A vitamin C derivative that is more stable but less potent than pure form of vitamin C. Can help neutralize free radicals and help reduce hyperpigmentation, but the required concentration is likely to be much higher than for the pure form of vitamin C, limiting the ingredient's effectiveness in products
ascorbyl glucoside
1.2% -
1.8%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness:
MEDIUM
A vitamin C derivative that is more stable but less potent than pure form of vitamin C. Has a potential to boost collagen production, nutralise free radicals and reduce hyperpigmentation, but the required concentration is likely to be much higher than for the pure form of vitamin C, limiting the ingredient's effectiveness in products
tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate
0.5% -
1.15%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Insufficient!
Being a lipid soluble form of vitamin C, it is more stable than ascorbic acid, but still degrades quickly and needs to be stabilized in a formulation with another ingredient. It is claimed to penetrate skin better than pure vitamin C and have the the similar benefits, but solid studies of its effectiveness are lacking. Is likely to require a higher concentration in a product than pure vitamin C to be effective. It might be able to help reduce pore clogging.
Moisturizing
What does the product description say?
5% Vitamin C Sheer Moisturizer SPF 50
ricinus communis seed oil
0.35% -
0.85%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness: HIGH
A plant oil that can help soften the skin. It might be helpful in calming down inflammation, but solid research is lacking. Is often used in lip products to create the needed product consistency
dimethicone
1% -
1.5%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness: HIGH
A silicone that helps to reduce water loss from the surface of the skin. Can temporarily "fill in" lines and wrinkles, absorb oil, and create a nice product finish
glycerin
2.2% -
3.3%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness: HIGH
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant
Show more
Anti-oxidation
acetyl zingerone
0.45% -
1%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness: HIGH
An active compound sourced from ginger root. It can help neutralize free radicals in skin. It might be able to help reduce fine lines and wrinkles and improve the skin tone. In small concentrations, used as a chelating agent and helps preserve stability of product formulations.
3-o-ethyl ascorbic acid
1.3% -
2%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness:
MEDIUM
A vitamin C derivative that is more stable but less potent than pure form of vitamin C. Can help neutralize free radicals and help reduce hyperpigmentation, but the required concentration is likely to be much higher than for the pure form of vitamin C, limiting the ingredient's effectiveness in products
ascorbyl glucoside
1.2% -
1.8%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness:
MEDIUM
A vitamin C derivative that is more stable but less potent than pure form of vitamin C. Has a potential to boost collagen production, nutralise free radicals and reduce hyperpigmentation, but the required concentration is likely to be much higher than for the pure form of vitamin C, limiting the ingredient's effectiveness in products
Show more
Honesty check
How honest is this product?
| Promise | Can it deliver? |
|---|---|
| Sun protection | |
| Anti-aging | |
| Evens skin tone | |
| Moisturizing |
Total Promises Fulfilled score:
100/100.
Buy now
We receive a small commission for purchases made through these links at no cost for you. Thank you for your support! Learn more
US Retailers
Can it cause trouble?
- Overall product irritation risk
- Acne & comedogenic risk ingredients: 2
Potential irritants
ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate
6% -
9.1%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Sun protection
Octinoxate. When used in higher concentrations, works as a sunscreen protecting the skin from UVB rays. When used in lower concentration, helps to preserve the product formulation. Is shown to be harmful to coral reefs - consider avoiding bathing in coral reef areas when wearing a product with this ingredient. It can be irritating
3-o-ethyl ascorbic acid
1.3% -
2%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Anti-oxidation,
Evens skin tone,
Anti-aging
A vitamin C derivative that is more stable but less potent than pure form of vitamin C. Can help neutralize free radicals and help reduce hyperpigmentation, but the required concentration is likely to be much higher than for the pure form of vitamin C, limiting the ingredient's effectiveness in products
Show more
Comodogenic ingredients
porphyra umbilicalis extract
0.4% -
0.9%
Irritation risk: Comedogenicity: High
Works for:
Moisturizing,
Anti-oxidation
An algae extract that can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Might have an anti-oxidant effect in skin but evidence is lacking
laureth-4
0.15% -
0.7%
Irritation risk: Comedogenicity: Medium
Works for:
Cleansing
Helps water and oil mix together
User reviews (0)
Similar products & dupes
| Paula's choice - 5% Vitamin C Sheer Moisturizer SPF 50 | Dermatica - SPF 50 PhotoAge Reverse UV Shield |  No7 - Lift & Luminate TRIPLE ACTION 3-piece Skincare System | White Formula - CPAQUA UV Protective Gel With Hyaluronic Acid SPF 50+ PA++++ |  Supergoop! - Daily Dose Vitamin C + SPF 40 Serum | e.l.f. - SUNTOUCHABLE! WHOA GLOW SPF 30 |  Garnier - Green Labs Canna-B Pore Perfecting Serum Cream, Fragrance Free, with SPF 30 and Niacinamide Vitamin B3 + Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil |  Epicuren Discovery - X-Treme Cream Propolis Sunscreen SPF 45 | Eucerin - Age Defense, Lightweight Sunscreen Lotion For Face, SPF 50 |  La Roche-Posay - Body & Face Sunscreen Melt-In Milk Oxybenzone Free SPF 60 |  SkinCeuticals - Light Moisture UV Defense SPF 50 Oil free sunscreen for face and body | |
| Price | |||||||||||
| WIMJ similarity score |
37%
|
34%
|
33%
|
32%
|
32%
|
32%
|
32%
|
32%
|
32%
|
32%
| |
| SPF | SPF 50 | SPF 50 | SPF 30 | SPF 50 | SPF 40 | SPF 30 | SPF 30 | SPF 45 | SPF 50 | SPF 60 | SPF 50 |
| Key ingredients | Common:
Other: | Common:
Other: | Common:
Other:
| Common:
Other:
| Common:
Other:
| Common:
Other:
| Common:
Other: | Common:
Other:
| Common:
Other: | Common:
Other: | |
| Irritancy | IRRITANCY
LOW
| IRRITANCY
LOW
| IRRITANCY
HIGH
| IRRITANCY
LOW
| IRRITANCY
HIGH
| IRRITANCY
LOW
| IRRITANCY
LOW
| IRRITANCY
LOW
| IRRITANCY
LOW
| IRRITANCY
LOW
| IRRITANCY
LOW
|
| Potential Irritants |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| All ingredients |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ingredients & concentrations
All ingredients
Key Actives
tocopherol
0.2% -
0.75%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Anti-oxidation,
Anti-aging,
Anti-inflammatory,
Moisturizing
Pure form of vitamin E. Can help moisturise and protect the skin from free radicals. Often used to help stabilise other ingredients or the formula itself
3-o-ethyl ascorbic acid
1.3% -
2%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Anti-oxidation,
Evens skin tone,
Anti-aging
A vitamin C derivative that is more stable but less potent than pure form of vitamin C. Can help neutralize free radicals and help reduce hyperpigmentation, but the required concentration is likely to be much higher than for the pure form of vitamin C, limiting the ingredient's effectiveness in products
Show more
Potential irritants
ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate
6% -
9.1%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Sun protection
Octinoxate. When used in higher concentrations, works as a sunscreen protecting the skin from UVB rays. When used in lower concentration, helps to preserve the product formulation. Is shown to be harmful to coral reefs - consider avoiding bathing in coral reef areas when wearing a product with this ingredient. It can be irritating
3-o-ethyl ascorbic acid
1.3% -
2%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Anti-oxidation,
Evens skin tone,
Anti-aging
A vitamin C derivative that is more stable but less potent than pure form of vitamin C. Can help neutralize free radicals and help reduce hyperpigmentation, but the required concentration is likely to be much higher than for the pure form of vitamin C, limiting the ingredient's effectiveness in products
Show more
Comodogenic ingredients
porphyra umbilicalis extract
0.4% -
0.9%
Irritation risk: Comedogenicity: High
Works for:
Moisturizing,
Anti-oxidation
An algae extract that can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Might have an anti-oxidant effect in skin but evidence is lacking
laureth-4
0.15% -
0.7%
Irritation risk: Comedogenicity: Medium
Works for:
Cleansing
Helps water and oil mix together
All ingredients
butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane
23% -
35%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Sun protection
Avobenzone. An organic, or so-called "chemical" UV filter. Protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Needs to be combined with other filters in a formulation to be stable.
ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate
6% -
9.1%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Sun protection
Octinoxate. When used in higher concentrations, works as a sunscreen protecting the skin from UVB rays. When used in lower concentration, helps to preserve the product formulation. Is shown to be harmful to coral reefs - consider avoiding bathing in coral reef areas when wearing a product with this ingredient. It can be irritating
ethylhexyl salicylate
5.4% -
8.1%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Sun protection
Octisalate. A UV filter. It offers some protection against the sun rays that cause sunburn (UVB), but does not protect against the most aging sun rays (UVA). It loses its effectiveness quickly when exposed to sunlight. It is an organic, or so called "chemical" sunscreen
Show more
Ingredient list view
Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane, Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, Ethylhexyl salicylate, Octocrylene, Water, Glycerin, Silica, 3-o-ethyl ascorbic acid, Ascorbyl glucoside, Dimethicone, Propanediol, Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, Acetyl zingerone, Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer, Diethylhexyl syringylidenemalonate, Dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer, Porphyra umbilicalis extract, Hydrogenated lecithin, Ricinus communis seed oil, Sodium hydroxide, Tocopherol, Xanthan gum, Ethylhexylglycerin, Laureth-4, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium sorbate, Sodium benzoate, Titanium dioxide, Iron oxides, Entada phaseoloides bark/seed extract
Sources
- Glycerol and the skin: holistic approach to its origin and functions
- Antioxidant Ability and Stability Studies of 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, a Cosmetic Tyrosinase Inhibitor
- The Roles of Vitamin C in Skin Health
- Stability, transdermal penetration, and cutaneous effects of ascorbic acid and its derivatives
- Dimethicone as a protective ingredient in topical medications
- Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Dimethicone Copolyol
- Double-blind, half-face study comparing topical vitamin C and vehicle for rejuvenation of photodamage
- Application of tetra-isopalmitoyl ascorbic acid in cosmetic formulations: Stability studies and in vivo efficacy
- Randomized double-blind vehicle controlled study of the effects of topical acetyl zingerone on photoaging
- Beneficial Effects of Marine Algae-Derived Carbohydrates for Skin Health
- In vivo photoprotective effects of cosmetic formulations containing UV filters, vitamins, Ginkgo biloba and red algae extracts
- Final report on the safety assessment of Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Glyceryl Ricinoleate, Glyceryl Ricinoleate SE, Ricinoleic Acid, Potassium Ricinoleate, Sodium Ricinoleate, Zinc Ricinoleate, Cetyl Ricinoleate, Ethyl Ricinoleate, Glycol Ricinoleate, Isopropyl Ricinoleate, Methyl Ricinoleate, and Octyldodecyl Ricinoleate
- Castor Oil: Properties, Uses, and Optimization of Processing Parameters in Commercial Production
- Effect of ricinoleic acid in acute and subchronic experimental models of inflammation
- Vitamin E in dermatology
- Vitamin E and Skin Health