Paula's choice Calm Barrier Protect Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30
Works for
Sun protectionSPF 30 · 2 UV filtersBroad spectrum
This product offers a good level of protection against both UVB and UVA rays.
It is a mineral sunscreen. In other words, it contains non-organic UV filters. It will probably not sting your eyes but might leave a white cast.
This product can be considered "reef safe" because it does not contain the UV filters (oxybenzone and octinoxate) that can be harmful to coral reefs when present in the water in high concentrations.
Anti-agingTocopherol, Ascorbyl palmitate + 1 moreWorks well
“Formulated to go beyond sun protection, this incredibly gentle all-mineral SPF for even the most sensitive skin protects against the sensitising effects of UV damage and prevents premature ageing.”
This product can help prevent early signs of skin aging because it offers a good level of broad spectrum sun protection. Sun damage is the main cause of premature skin aging, and protecting your skin from the sun is the best anti-aging strategy.
Evens skin toneNo ingredient credited for this claimWorks well
This product offers broad spectrum sun protection. It means that it can prevent hyperpigmentation and help keep the skin tone even (sun damage is the main factor causing age spots, darkening of post-acne marks and other discolorations).
ExfoliationAllantoinNot delivered
This product does not contain effective exfoliating ingredients. It might be able to deliver physical exfoliation, that is scrub off some of the dead cells on the surface of the skin. We do not recommend physical exfoliation, because it is not uniform (some bits of skin can get exfoliated too much while others not at all). It can also traumatize the skin and aggrevate acne and other skin conditions.
MoisturizingSide benefit the brand mentions · Caprylic/capric triglyceride, C12-15 alkyl benzoate + 16 moreWorks
“A calming blend of Allantoin, Centella asiatica & prebiotics help soothe, hydrate and support the skin’s barrier and microbiome, visibly improving signs of sensitivity.”
This product can help improve hydration of the skin with the two types of ingredients.
The first type is called “humectants”:
these ingredients help attract water.
When humectants are on the surface of the skin, they “pull in” the moisture from the outside environment, or from
within deeper layers of the skin. The following ingredients in this product do the job:
glycerin, trehalose.
This product also contains ingredients called “occlusives”. They help reduce the speed with which our skin loses moisture to the outside environment. These ingredients also help soften the upper layer of the skin, so it feels less tight and nicer to the touch. The following ingredients in this product do the job: caprylic/capric triglyceride, helianthus annuus seed oil.
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy17 flagged ingredientsMedium risk
ComedogenicClean of flagged comedogenic ingredientsNone flagged
User reviews
1 of 1 community members would buy it again.
Great for my dry and sensitive skin, but does leave my face so shiny (even 30 mins after application) that i need to use a powder.
Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Water~45–55%
Caprylic/capric triglyceride~6.4–7.8%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerin
More about Caprylic/capric triglycerideC12-15 alkyl benzoate~5.4–6.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Enhances the product texture and makes it more spreadable. Helps reduce water loss from the outer layer of skin. Extands the shelf life by preventing bacteria growth
More about C12-15 alkyl benzoateTitanium dioxide~4.4–5.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Works as a UV filter when used in high concentrations. It is photostable and is effective mostly against the UVB light, with some protection in the UVA range. In small concentrations, used for its ability to improve the color of cosmetic products. Is usually well tolerated by the skin
More about Titanium dioxideZinc oxide~4.2–5.1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A broad spectrum sunblock (protects from both UVA and UVB rays). Is suitable for most sensitive skins. In small concentrations, can be used as a colorant
More about Zinc oxideEthylhexyl methoxycrylene~2.6–3.2%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps improve stability of sunscreen filters and boost their effectiveness
More about Ethylhexyl methoxycryleneGlycerin~2.3–2.9%
- Irritation risk
- Low
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant
More about GlycerinPrunus mume extract~1.8–2.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Polyester-8~1.7–2.1%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to stabilize product formulations and individual ingredients (for example, sunscreens). Can be an allergen
More about Polyester-8Aluminum stearate~1.2–1.5%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to help evenly disperse other ingredients (for example, pigment) in a formulation
More about Aluminum stearateC15-19 alkane~0.8–1.15%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product texture
More about C15-19 alkaneHydrogenated lecithin~0.7–1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps to retain moisture by creating a protective barrier on the skin. Rich in fatty acids. Improves product texture and helps with the penetration of other ingredients.
More about Hydrogenated lecithinSilica~0.8–1.2%
Trehalose~0.5–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A sugar that attracts water to the upper layer of the skin
More about TrehalosePrunus mume extract~0.45–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Inulin~0.45–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Is claimed to support the growth of "good" bacteria in skin (as a "prebiotic"), but the research is lacking
More about InulinPrunus mume extract~0.45–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Alpha-glucan oligosaccharide~0.45–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin
More about Alpha-glucan oligosaccharideAscorbyl palmitate~0.3–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Being a lipid soluble form of vitamin C, it is more stable and can penetrate the skin better than L-Ascorbic acid. It is effective in protecting the skin from free radicals, as well as evening the skin tone, but is less effective in stimulating collagen production compared to L-Ascorbic acid.
More about Ascorbyl palmitateTocopherol~0.3–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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
More about TocopherolEchium plantagineum seed oil~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A plant oil that because of its high content of alpha-linolenic acid help support skin barrier function and moisturize the skin
More about Echium plantagineum seed oilHelianthus annuus seed oil~0.3–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A great emollient due to its high linoleic acid content. One of the most effective plant oils in helping skin hydration and repairing skin barrier function
More about Helianthus annuus seed oilSimmondsia chinensis seed oil~0.35–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Softens the upper layer of skin and helps restore the healthy skin barrier. Has shown to help calm down inflammation in skin. It is a stable oil, meaning that it retains its properties even when exposed to air.
More about Simmondsia chinensis seed oilCentella asiatica extract~0.3–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A plant extract that has been shown to be able to reduce inflammation in skin, support restoration of skin barrier function, as well as support collagen production. Contains active compounds called centelloids: asiaticoside, madecasosside, asiatic acid and madecassic acid. Might be helpful in preventing stretch marks. It can be itself be irritating though.
More about Centella asiatica extractPolyhydroxystearic acid~0.3–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to create a thicker product consistency and stabilize the formulation
More about Polyhydroxystearic acidAlumina~0.45–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
The same compound that is used safely in dental implants and bone cements. In cosmetics, it is used to improve the consistency of products
More about AluminaGlyceryl caprylate~0.35–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that can also help water and oil mix together, as well as prevent bacteria growth in products
More about Glyceryl caprylateHydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A gelling agent that thickens the product consistency and leaves the skin with a velvety finish
More about Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymerLeuconostoc/radish root ferment filtrate~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A preservative that comes from radishes fermented by a bacteria. New research suggests that the preservation properties in the ingredient come from an ammonium salt that is not present naturally in radish root but used in its cultivation. Is problematic because the exact amount of the preservative agents is difficult to determine
More about Leuconostoc/radish root ferment filtrateAmmonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymer~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Increases thickness of a product. Texture enhancer for oil-in-water emulsions
More about Ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymerCaprylhydroxamic acid~0.3–0.55%
Triethoxycaprylylsilane~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of silicone that helps oil and water mix well together. Helps to disperse other ingredients, e.g. pigments, evenly in a formulation
More about TriethoxycaprylylsilaneDiheptyl succinate~0.3–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and creates a nice product finish on the skin
More about Diheptyl succinateXanthan gum~0.3–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a thicker product consistency
More about Xanthan gumAllantoin~0.3–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated
More about AllantoinSodium polyacrylate~0.35–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a gel-like product texture, as well as to stabilize emulsions
More about Sodium polyacrylateSodium hydroxide~0.3–0.55%
Acacia senegal gum~0.3–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps mask the small of other ingredients and improve the product texture
More about Acacia senegal gumSodium citrate~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps to control the skin's pH level. Maintains the skin's natural film of amino-lactic acids and oils. Helps to preserve products
More about Sodium citrateCapryloyl glycerin/sebacic acid copolymer~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin
More about Capryloyl glycerin/sebacic acid copolymerPolysorbate 60~0.35–0.6%
Sorbitan isostearate~0.3–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps oil and water mix together
More about Sorbitan isostearateGlyceryl stearate~0.35–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that softens the skin and forms a protective layer on its surface. Helps water and oil mix together
More about Glyceryl stearateLecithin~0.35–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used mostly for creating emulsions - helping oil and water mix together. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin
More about LecithinGlyceryl oleate~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- High
Helps oil and water mix together. Can be irritating
More about Glyceryl oleateCitric acid~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH
More about Citric acidSodium benzoate~0.2–0.35%
Ingredient list view
Water, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, C12-15 alkyl benzoate, Titanium dioxide, Zinc oxide, Ethylhexyl methoxycrylene, Glycerin, Prunus mume extract, Polyester-8, Aluminum stearate, C15-19 alkane, Hydrogenated lecithin, Silica, Trehalose, Prunus mume extract, Inulin, Prunus mume extract, Alpha-glucan oligosaccharide, Ascorbyl palmitate, Tocopherol, Echium plantagineum seed oil, Helianthus annuus seed oil, Simmondsia chinensis seed oil, Centella asiatica extract, Polyhydroxystearic acid, Alumina, Glyceryl caprylate, Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer, Leuconostoc/radish root ferment filtrate, Ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymer, Caprylhydroxamic acid, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Diheptyl succinate, Xanthan gum, Allantoin, Sodium polyacrylate, Sodium hydroxide, Acacia senegal gum, Sodium citrate, Capryloyl glycerin/sebacic acid copolymer, Polysorbate 60, Sorbitan isostearate, Glyceryl stearate, Lecithin, Glyceryl oleate, Citric acid, Sodium benzoate
Compare prices
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Worth comparing, line by line.
Match % combines shared ingredients, the first five ingredients, shared actives and hero ingredients, irritancy (lower counts in the alternative's favour), texture and body area. Only products in the same routine step are compared.
| Paula's choiceCalm Barrier Protect Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30YOUR PRODUCT | REVOLUTION SKINCARESPF 30 Mineral Protect Sunscreen | iS ClinicalExtreme Protect SPF 40 | Laboratoires de BiarritzOrganic Alga Maris Face Sunscreen SPF50 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 36% | 36% | 36% |
| Price | $39.00 | $20.02−$18.98 | $92.00+$53.00 | $24.23−$14.77 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 6 of 14 | 5 of 14 | 5 of 14 |
| Key difference | — | Panthenol | Madecassic Acid | Polyglyceryl-2 Dipolyhydroxystearate |
| Irritancy | Medium | Low | Low | Low |
| SPF | SPF 30 | SPF 30 | SPF 40 | SPF 50 |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
More alternatives: Summer Fridays Shadedrops Broadspectrum SPF50 Mineral Milk SunscreenBabyganics Kids Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 50+
Product summary
We assess that "Paula's choice - Calm Barrier Protect Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30" can provide reliable sun protection based on the ingredient list. We love that it can protect from both UVA and UVB rays (not all sunscreens with SPF ratings give UVA protection. UVA rays do not cause sunburn, but still damage our skin and lead to early aging).
Because it includes good moisturizing ingredients, it can also work as a hydrating day cream. Like all broad-spectrum sunscreens, this product has an anti-aging benefit.
Sunscreen filters
This moisturizer is a mineral sunscreen. It uses titanium dioxide and zinc oxide for sun protection. Both titanium dioxide and zinc oxide almost never irritate even the most sensitive skin and eyes, but can leave a white cast.
Irritation risk
There are actives in this product that can be irritating. We assess the overall irritancy of this moisturizer to be medium. For a detailed overview of all potential irritants: click here
You can see the detailed formula review with the breakdown of all actives in the product and the full ingredient list with estimated concentrations in the tables below.
What our users say
Based on 1 review 100% recommend this product- When it comes to comedogenicity, the reviewer believes that it clogs pores.
- As for the white cast, it did not leave a noticeable white residue for the reviewer.
- As for using this sunscreen in the eye area, the reviewer reported that it does not sting eyes.
Price
The product retails for 39.00£ in the United Kingdom.
For a detailed price comparison: click here.
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 25 studies and safety reviews.
- 1A review of inorganic UV filters zinc oxide and titanium dioxideonlinelibrary.wiley.com
- 2
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- 6
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