Paula's Choice Advanced Sun Protection Daily Moisturiser SPF 50 PA++++ Review

Paula's Choice Advanced Sun Protection Daily Moisturiser SPF 50 PA++++
0.6
/ 10
Moisturizing
0.9 Humectancy icon Humectancy
0.3 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
50
SPF icon
SPF
Review

Does Paula's Choice Advanced Sun Protection Daily Moisturiser SPF 50 PA++++ Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Paula's Choice Advanced Sun Protection Daily Moisturiser SPF 50 PA++++ has to offer:
 
✅ A bit of moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 0.6 out of 10.
✅ Very high sun protection for prolonged sun exposure, such as spending the day at the beach, hiking, or outdoor sports.

  

Key Benefits of Paula's Choice Advanced Sun Protection Daily Moisturiser SPF 50 PA++++

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Paula's Choice Advanced Sun Protection Daily Moisturiser SPF 50 PA++++:
 

🔵 Slight Moisturizing When Used Alone

According to CreamScan analysis, Paula's Choice Advanced Sun Protection Daily Moisturiser SPF 50 PA++++ is slightly moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 0.6 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? This product has relatively comparable levels of Humectancy and Occlusivity: a low Humectancy of 0.9 out of 10 and a low Occlusivity of 0.3 out of 10.

This type of product provides relatively light moisturizing on its own but can contribute to overall moisturizing efficacy when used as part of a skincare routine, alongside another moisturizer.

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the moisturizing rating calculation.

☀️☀️☀️ Very High Sun Protection for Prolonged Sun Exposure, All Skin Types, and High-risk Conditions

With an SPF of 50, Paula's Choice Advanced Sun Protection Daily Moisturiser SPF 50 PA++++ provides very high sun protection, suitable for intense sun exposure in tropical climates, beach vacations, or high-altitude environments.

This level of SPF blocks 98% or more of UVB rays, offering the highest level of defense against sunburn. Broad-spectrum formulations also provide strong protection against UVA rays, which are responsible for skin aging, pigmentation, and DNA damage.

📌 For optimal protection, choose products labeled broad-spectrum to ensure defense against both UVA rays, which contribute to skin aging and pigmentation, and UVB rays that cause sunburn.

This level of SPF is ideal for all skin types, particularly fair, sensitive, or post-treatment skin (e.g., after laser or chemical procedures). It is also highly recommended for individuals at greater risk of skin cancer.

For extended outdoor activities or water exposure, choose a water-resistant formula and reapply every two hours for maximum effectiveness.

📌 Please note that this is not a complete list of benefits. We are in the process of enhancing our AI model to incorporate anti-pigmentation, exfoliation and anti-acne ratings.

Things to Be Aware Of: Paula's Choice Advanced Sun Protection Daily Moisturiser SPF 50 PA++++

 
CreamScan AI identified a few things to consider before adding Paula's Choice Advanced Sun Protection Daily Moisturiser SPF 50 PA++++ to your skincare routine:
 

⚠️ As a Standalone Moisturizer, It Has Relatively Low Moisturizing Potential

If you use Paula's Choice Advanced Sun Protection Daily Moisturiser SPF 50 PA++++ for moisturizing purposes, please keep in mind that it provides relatively light moisturizing on its own, and, more importantly, it’s not optimal for any skin type.

On one hand, it has low occlusivity, which suits oily and combination skin. On the other hand, it has a low estimated concentration of humectants, which are essential for effective moisturizing of all skin types, including oily skin.

Therefore, if used as a standalone moisturizer, this product should be paired with a humectant-rich moisturizer for optimal skin hydration.

Pros & Cons of Paula's Choice Advanced Sun Protection Daily Moisturiser SPF 50 PA++++

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Paula's Choice Advanced Sun Protection Daily Moisturiser SPF 50 PA++++ to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

🟩 Pros:

Provides relatively light moisturizing on its own but can contribute to the moisturizing efficacy of any skincare routine
✅ Provides very high sun protection, ideal for intense sun exposure in tropical climates, high-altitude environments, and beach vacations, suitable for all skin types
 

⭕ Cons: 

⚠️ Minimal moisturizing efficacy, even for oily skin - something to keep in mind if this is the only moisturizer in your routine
   

Summary: Paula's Choice Advanced Sun Protection Daily Moisturiser SPF 50 PA++++

 
Based on the ingredient list analysis, CreamScan AI suggests that Paula's Choice Advanced Sun Protection Daily Moisturiser SPF 50 PA++++
, as a moisturizer, provides relatively light hydration on its own but can enhance the moisturizing efficacy of any skincare routine.
 
With an SPF of 50, Paula's Choice Advanced Sun Protection Daily Moisturiser SPF 50 PA++++ delivers very high sun protection, perfect for intense sun exposure in tropical climates, high-altitude settings, and beach vacations, and suitable for all skin types.
 
That said, there are some things about Paula's Choice Advanced Sun Protection Daily Moisturiser SPF 50 PA++++ worth noting.
 
If you use Paula's Choice Advanced Sun Protection Daily Moisturiser SPF 50 PA++++ as your primary moisturizer, please keep in mind that it provides only light hydration, which isn’t actually ideal for any skin type. While its low occlusivity may work for oily and combination skin, it lacks sufficient humectants, which are vital for effective hydration of any skin type. Therefore, for optimal moisturizing results, it should be paired with a humectant-rich moisturizer.
 
📌 Fact check. At CreamScan, we are committed to accuracy and fairness. If you spot any errors or something that doesn’t seem right, please click here to let us know. We regularly update the ingredient lists and monitor the latest research on ingredient efficacy to ensure that our information remains as complete and precise as possible. The information provided here is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional advice. We do not guarantee the efficacy or safety of any product, as individual results may vary.

 

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
65
9
6
4
3
2.5
2
1.5
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Dibutyl Adipate
Function:
Origin:
Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
Function:
Origin:
Propylheptyl Caprylate
Function:
Origin:
Dicaprylyl Carbonate
Function:
Origin:
Octisalate
Function:
Origin:
Ethylhexyl Triazone
Function:
Origin:
Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol
Function:
Origin:
Undecane
Function:
Origin:
Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Isononyl Isononanoate
Function:
Origin:
Propanediol
Function:
Origin:
Tridecane
Function:
Origin:
Potassium Cetyl Phosphate
Function:
Origin:
Saccharomyces Ferment
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Polyacrylate
Function:
Origin:
Decyl Glucoside
Function:
Origin:
Caprylyl Glyceryl Ether
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Phytate
Function:
Origin:
Caprylhydroxamic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Lauroyl Lysine
Function:
Origin:
Propylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Xanthan Gum
Function:
Origin:
Tocopherol
Function:
Origin:
Naringenin
Function:
Origin:
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
0.9
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
0.6
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
0.6
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 0.9 10
0.9
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 0.6 20
0.3
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
0.6
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 0.9 10
0.9
All humectants
0.9
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 0.6 20
0.3
All occlusives
0.6
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
None
Total
0
None
Anti-wrinkle rating
0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
0.3
All antioxidants 0.3 3 No
All antioxidants
0.3
Tocopherol
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
None
All soothing 0 5 No
All soothing
0
None
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %65
Function
Origin
WaterThe most used ingredient in skincare. Its concentration defines the product texture: rich creams may have about 50% of water while a light jelly about 90%. Water doesn’t moisturize the skin by itself and is used in skincare as a solvent for other ingredients.
Dibutyl Adipate
Est. %9
Function
Origin
Dibutyl Adipate
Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
Est. %6
Function
Origin
Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
Propylheptyl Caprylate
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Propylheptyl Caprylate
Dicaprylyl Carbonate
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Dicaprylyl CarbonateA very fast-spreading emollient that gives a product an incredibly lightweight feel. Dicaprylyl carbonate works well as a solvent for suspending insoluble solids such as mineral sunscreens or iron oxide pigments.
Octisalate
Est. %2.5
Function
Origin
OctisalateA UVB sunscreen also known as ethylhexyl salicylate. It is normally paired with UVA sunscreens to provide broad-spectrum protection. Octisalate also protects other ingredients, like colorants and antioxidants, from deterioration due to exposure to UV light.
Ethylhexyl Triazone
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Ethylhexyl Triazone
Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol
Undecane
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
Undecane
Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl TriazineA synthetic "chemical" sunscreen ingredient that protects against UV damage and offers better stability and safety compared to some other traditional organic suncreen ingredients.
Glycerin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glycerin

The most popular moisturizing ingredient in the world. It is a powerful humectant – cheap yet very effective.

Isononyl Isononanoate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Isononyl IsononanoateAn ester of a branched fatty acid with a branched fatty alcohol. It is an easily spreadable emollient that has a silky, dry, non-greasy feel on the skin.
Propanediol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PropanediolAn excellent solvent capable of mixing water with normally water-insoluble ingredients. It also functions as a humectant due to its water-loving alcohol groups. Propanediol can control the viscosity of a product by reducing its thickness.
Tridecane
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tridecane
Potassium Cetyl Phosphate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Potassium Cetyl PhosphateA powerful emulsifier that can even mix particularly problematic water and oil blends. It is also a surfactant perfect for cleansing products that effectively rinse off oil and dirt particles from the surface of the skin.
Saccharomyces Ferment
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Saccharomyces Ferment
Sodium Polyacrylate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium PolyacrylateThis white powder is primarily used as a viscosity controlling agent. It is added to the water phase, which then thickens to form a clear gel. Sodium polyacrylate can also serve as an emollient, absorbent, and emulsion stabilizer.
Decyl Glucoside
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Decyl GlucosideA surfactant that can function as both a cleansing agent and emulsifier. As a cleansing agent, it is very mild on the skin. As an emulsifier, decyl glucoside will produce oil-in-water emulsions. It is naturally derived from vegetable oils and starch.
Caprylyl Glyceryl Ether
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Caprylyl Glyceryl Ether
Sodium Phytate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium PhytateSodium phytate is a chelating agent that serves to remove heavy metal ions from water. Removing metal ions helps other ingredients, such as antioxidants and preservatives, to perform better and keep products from separating.
Caprylhydroxamic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Caprylhydroxamic AcidA chelating agent used alongside preservatives in order to boost their antimicrobial activity.
Lauroyl Lysine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Lauroyl LysineA synthetic insoluble powder that improves the texture of a product, leaving the skin silky smooth and absorbing oils and sweat.
Propylene Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Propylene GlycolA clear, thick, odorless liquid of synthetic origin. Its main function is to stabilize cosmetic products exposed to varying temperatures. It is also a moderately strong humectant with similar properties to glycerin.
Xanthan Gum
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Xanthan GumA natural multi-functional ingredient that originates from fermented sugars. Xanthan gum acts as a viscosity-building agent to thicken skincare products. It is also an excellent stabilizer and works well to hold other ingredients together.
Tocopherol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tocopherol

Simply another name for vitamin E. Tocopherol is a fantastic ingredient and especially beneficial for dry and inflamed skin. It has occlusive moisturizing, emollient, antioxidant, and photoprotective properties.

Naringenin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Naringenin
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed OilA fatty oil expressed from sunflower seeds and one of the most commonly used oils in skincare. It has great emollient and occlusive moisturizing properties. Sunflower oil is one of the richest sources of vitamin E – an important skin antioxidant.