Paula's choice

Paula's choice Lipscreen SPF 50 Full Size

Name: Paula's choice - Lipscreen SPF 50 Full Size
Brand: Paula's choice

SPF 50Efficacy100/100IrritancyLow·4 UV filters

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Works for

1 of 1 advertised claim delivered

Sun protection

SPF 50 · 4 UV filters

Broad spectrum

SPF 50Broad spectrumMineral + chemical filtersNo white cast

This product offers a good level of protection against both UVB and UVA rays.

This sunscreen uses organic (so-called "chemical") sunscreen filters. Organic, or "chemical" filters usually provide reliable sun protection and rarely leave a white cast. Sunscreens with organic filters can sting eyes.

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.

UV spectrum

UVB290–320 nmUVA II320–340 nmUVA I340–400 nm

Octisalate

Homosalate

Octocrylene

Avobenzone

FilterCoverageWhat it doesEst. amount

OctisalateEthylhexyl SalicylateUVBOctisalate. 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" sunscreen5%

HomosalateUVB Photo-stable A weak sunscreen that offers some protection against the sun rays that cause sunburn (UVB), but does not offer meaningful protection against 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. When used in low concentrations, helps to stabilize the product formulation5%

OctocryleneUVB Photo-stable 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" sunscreen2.5%

AvobenzoneButyl MethoxydibenzoylmethaneUVA1Avobenzone. 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.3%

Reef-safe

No oxybenzone or octinoxate — the two filters banned in Hawaii, Florida Keys and Aruba.

Anti-aging

Not advertised by the brand · Butyrospermum parkii butter, Tocopherol

Strong evidence

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.

Butyrospermum parkii butterEffect: Low, below effective doseA great moisturising ingredient that softens the skin and reduces water loss from its upper layer. It also can be helpful in protecting skin from free radicals~0.4–0.95%

TocopherolEffect: Low, below effective dosePure 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~0.2–0.7%

Moisturizing

Not advertised by the brand · Bis-diglyceryl polyacyladipate-2, Beeswax + 9 more

Good evidence

This product can help soften the skin and reduce its moisture loss with emollients and occlusives: beeswax, bis-diglyceryl polyacyladipate-2.

Keep in mind that this product does not contain effective ingredients to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. This is why an additional product with humectants like glycerin or hyaluronic acid can be helpful (apply it before this product for the best results).

Bis-diglyceryl polyacyladipate-2Key active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and reduce water loss from its surface~4.9–7.3%

BeeswaxKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighForms a protective barrier that holds water and keeps dry skin hydrated. Keeps an emulsion from separating into its oil and liquid components, and increases the thickness of a product. Can be an allergen~3–4.5%

Copernicia cerifera waxKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighHelps to soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product consistency~0.15–0.7%

Hydrogenated jojoba oilKey active· EmollientEffect: HighHelps soften the upper layer of the skin~1.7–2.5%

Cera microcristallinaKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighHelps to soften the upper layer of the skin, reduce water loss from its surface and create a thicker product consistency~0.95–1.45%

PhytosterolsKey active· EmollientEffect: HighLipids that work as an emollient and can be helpful in repairing skin barrier function~0.3–0.7%

Theobroma cacao seed butterKey active· EmollientEffect: HighHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and can be helpful in restoring the skin barrier function. Might have some anti-oxidant effect~0.55–1.25%

Olea europaea fruit oilKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumAn emollient that helps soften the skin but is not effective for restoring its barrier function. Might be helpful to calm down inflammation~0.15–0.6%

Hydrogenated vegetable oilKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumAn oil from a mixture of different vegetables. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin~0.15–0.55%

Butyrospermum parkii butterUnder-dosedEffect: HighA great moisturising ingredient that softens the skin and reduces water loss from its upper layer. It also can be helpful in protecting skin from free radicals~0.4–0.95%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy

7 flagged ingredients

Low risk

We flag 7 ingredients with irritancy potential; the product's overall irritancy is low. The table lists each ingredient's own rating.

IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount

Polyglyceryl-3 diisostearateHelps oil and water mix togetherMedium~3.3–5%est.

HomosalateA weak sunscreen that offers some protection against the sun rays that cause sunburn (UVB), but does not offer meaningful protection against 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. When used in low concentrations, helps to stabilize the product formulationMedium5%

Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethaneAvobenzone. 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.Medium3%

OctocryleneA 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" sunscreenMedium2.5%

Tocopheryl acetateA more stable but less bio-available form of vitamin E compared to Tocopherol. Might help moisturize and protect the skin from free radicals, but mostly used in low concentrations to stabilize other ingredients.Medium~0.35–0.85%est.

PhytosterolsLipids that work as an emollient and can be helpful in repairing skin barrier functionMedium~0.3–0.7%est.

Olea europaea fruit oilAn emollient that helps soften the skin but is not effective for restoring its barrier function. Might be helpful to calm down inflammationMedium~0.15–0.6%est.

Comedogenic

5 ingredients rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale

5 flagged

These ingredients have a comedogenic rating of 2 or more on a 0–5 scale; the table shows each one's rating. In leave-on products they can clog pores in acne-prone skin.

IngredientFunctionRatingEst. amount

Polyglyceryl-3 diisostearateHelps oil and water mix together3/5~3.3–5%est.

Theobroma cacao seed butterHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and can be helpful in restoring the skin barrier function. Might have some anti-oxidant effect3/5~0.55–1.25%est.

Butyrospermum parkii butterA great moisturising ingredient that softens the skin and reduces water loss from its upper layer. It also can be helpful in protecting skin from free radicals3/5~0.4–0.95%est.

Hydrogenated soybean oil—2/5~22–33%est.

Hydrogenated vegetable oilAn oil from a mixture of different vegetables. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin2/5~0.15–0.55%est.

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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Hydrogenated soybean oil~22–33%

Comedogenic 2/5

Irritation risk: Low
Comedogenicity: 2/5

More about Hydrogenated soybean oil

Bis-diglyceryl polyacyladipate-2~4.9–7.3%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and reduce water loss from its surface

More about Bis-diglyceryl polyacyladipate-2

Hydrogenated olive oil~4.5–6.7%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Hydrogenated olive oil

Polyglyceryl-3 diisostearate~3.3–5%

Comedogenic 3/5Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium
Comedogenicity: 3/5

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Polyglyceryl-3 diisostearate

Beeswax~3–4.5%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Forms a protective barrier that holds water and keeps dry skin hydrated. Keeps an emulsion from separating into its oil and liquid components, and increases the thickness of a product. Can be an allergen

More about Beeswax

Ozokerite~2–3%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to thicken the product consistency

More about Ozokerite

Hydrogenated jojoba oil~1.7–2.5%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Hydrogenated jojoba oil

Ethylhexyl salicylate5%

UV filter

Irritation risk: Low

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

More about Ethylhexyl salicylate

Homosalate5%

UV filterKey activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Sun protection

A weak sunscreen that offers some protection against the sun rays that cause sunburn (UVB), but does not offer meaningful protection against 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. When used in low concentrations, helps to stabilize the product formulation

More about Homosalate

Polyethylene~1.6–2.3%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to thicken the product's texture

More about Polyethylene

Hydrogenated polycyclopentadiene~1–1.5%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Hydrogenated polycyclopentadiene

Cera microcristallina~0.95–1.45%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin, reduce water loss from its surface and create a thicker product consistency

More about Cera microcristallina

Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane3%

UV filterKey activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

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.

More about Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane

Theobroma cacao seed butter~0.55–1.25%

Key activeComedogenic 3/5

Irritation risk: Low
Comedogenicity: 3/5

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-oxidationAnti-dandruff

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and can be helpful in restoring the skin barrier function. Might have some anti-oxidant effect

More about Theobroma cacao seed butter

Octocrylene2.5%

UV filterKey activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Sun protection

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

More about Octocrylene

Silica~0.85–1.3%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to absorb oil and can temporarily mattify skin

More about Silica

Tocopheryl acetate~0.35–0.85%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Anti-oxidation

A more stable but less bio-available form of vitamin E compared to Tocopherol. Might help moisturize and protect the skin from free radicals, but mostly used in low concentrations to stabilize other ingredients.

More about Tocopheryl acetate

Butyrospermum parkii butter~0.4–0.95%

Under-dosedComedogenic 3/5

Irritation risk: Low
Comedogenicity: 3/5

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-agingAnti-oxidation

A great moisturising ingredient that softens the skin and reduces water loss from its upper layer. It also can be helpful in protecting skin from free radicals

More about Butyrospermum parkii butter

Tocopherol~0.2–0.7%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-oxidationMoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryAnti-aging

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 Tocopherol

Phytosterols~0.3–0.7%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

Lipids that work as an emollient and can be helpful in repairing skin barrier function

More about Phytosterols

Olea europaea fruit oil~0.15–0.6%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

An emollient that helps soften the skin but is not effective for restoring its barrier function. Might be helpful to calm down inflammation

More about Olea europaea fruit oil

Hydrogenated vegetable oil~0.15–0.55%

Key activeComedogenic 2/5

Irritation risk: Low
Comedogenicity: 2/5

Works for

Moisturizing

An oil from a mixture of different vegetables. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Hydrogenated vegetable oil

Copernicia cerifera wax~0.15–0.7%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product consistency

More about Copernicia cerifera wax

Water~0.05–0.2%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Plain old water

More about Water

Phenoxyethanol~0.05–0.25%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products

More about Phenoxyethanol

Ingredient list view

Hydrogenated soybean oil, Bis-diglyceryl polyacyladipate-2, Hydrogenated olive oil, Polyglyceryl-3 diisostearate, Beeswax, Ozokerite, Hydrogenated jojoba oil, Ethylhexyl salicylate, Homosalate, Polyethylene, Hydrogenated polycyclopentadiene, Cera microcristallina, Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane, Theobroma cacao seed butter, Octocrylene, Silica, Tocopheryl acetate, Butyrospermum parkii butter, Tocopherol, Phytosterols, Olea europaea fruit oil, Hydrogenated vegetable oil, Copernicia cerifera wax, Water, Phenoxyethanol

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Paula's Choice UK

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Product summary

Based on the ingredients included, we believe that "Paula's choice - Lipscreen SPF 50 Full Size" can offer reliable sun protection. 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).

It also works as a moisturizer, so you do not have to use an additional hydrating product. Like all broad-spectrum sunscreens, this product has an anti-aging benefit.

Sunscreen filters

This sunscreen uses so-called "chemical", or organic UV filters (organic simply means that their molecules contain atoms of carbon). These filters typically give good sun protection and rarely leave a white cast, but they can be irritating for sensitive skin. The UV filters in this sunscreen are: avobenzone 3.00% (declared), octisalate 5.00% (declared), homosalate 5.00% (declared) and octocrylene 5.00% (declared).

Irritation risk

This product does not contain known common irritants and is suitable for sensitive skin. We assess the overall irritancy of it to be low. 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.

About the brand

According to Cruelty-Free Kitty "Paula's choice" is cruelty free, but its parent company is not.

Price

The product retails for 13.00£ 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 6 studies and safety reviews.

1
Safety assessment of bis-diglyceryl polyacyladipate-2 and bis-diglyceryl polyacyladipate-1 as used in cosmeticsncbi.nlm.nih.gov
2
Opinion on Homosalate - Scientific Committee on Consumer Products ec.europa.eu
3
Cocoa polyphenols and their influence on parameters involved in ex vivo skin restructuringncbi.nlm.nih.gov
4
Vitamin E in dermatologyncbi.nlm.nih.gov
5
Vitamin E and Skin Healthlpi.oregonstate.edu
6
Use of “natural” oils for moisturization: Review of olive, coconut, and sunflower seed oilonlinelibrary.wiley.com

Paula's choiceLipscreen SPF 50 Full Size

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