Paula's Choice Extra Care Non-Greasy Sunscreen SPF 50 Review

Paula's Choice Extra Care Non-Greasy Sunscreen SPF 50
2.4
/ 10
Moisturizing
4.6 Humectancy icon Humectancy
0.3 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
50
SPF icon
SPF
Review

Does Paula's Choice Extra Care Non-Greasy Sunscreen SPF 50 Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Paula's Choice Extra Care Non-Greasy Sunscreen SPF 50 has to offer:
 
✅ Light moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 2.4 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 Extra Care Non-Greasy Sunscreen SPF 50

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Paula's Choice Extra Care Non-Greasy Sunscreen SPF 50:
 

🔵 Lightweight Moisturizer Suitable for Oily Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, Paula's Choice Extra Care Non-Greasy Sunscreen SPF 50 is lightly moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 2.4 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Rather humectant. It has a low occlusivity of 0.3 out of 10 and a moderate humectancy of 4.6 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Butylene Glycol (est. ≈2.5%).

This product, when used alone as a moisturizer, can provide light humectant hydration in a fast-absorbing formula with a minimal amount of occlusive ingredients. This could work for people with oily skin who need a basic level of hydration.

💧  A Humectant Add-on for Any Skincare Routine

But it’s not limited to oily skin - since it contains a moderate amount of humectants, such a humectant add-on will also positively contribute to the moisturizing efficacy of any skincare routine when used as a step before applying the main 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 Extra Care Non-Greasy Sunscreen SPF 50 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 Extra Care Non-Greasy Sunscreen SPF 50

 
CreamScan AI identified a few things to consider before adding Paula's Choice Extra Care Non-Greasy Sunscreen SPF 50 to your skincare routine:
 

⚠️ Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy

If one of your main reasons for choosing Paula's Choice Extra Care Non-Greasy Sunscreen SPF 50 is its potential anti-aging effects, please note that, according to CreamScan analysis, it currently has a zero anti-wrinkle rating.

It contains Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate and Retinyl Palmitate, two ingredients often marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of these ingredients provide insufficient evidence of efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards.

While this does not categorically rule out the possibility that these ingredients may reduce wrinkles, their efficacy is not supported by convincing, vehicle-controlled, double-blind clinical studies - at least none that were available to the CreamScan team at the time of publication.

Therefore, these ingredients do not generate the anti-wrinkle rating.

📌 Moisturizers, when used regularly, are proven to prevent wrinkle formation and even reduce existing wrinkles. Therefore, this product, like any other moisturizer, can deliver some anti-wrinkle effects through its moisturizing action.

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the anti-wrinkle rating calculation.

Pros & Cons of Paula's Choice Extra Care Non-Greasy Sunscreen SPF 50

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Paula's Choice Extra Care Non-Greasy Sunscreen SPF 50 to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

🟩 Pros:

✅ When used alone: Provides moderate humectant moisturizing suitable for oily skin
✅ As part of a routine: A humectant moisturizing enhancement, beneficial for any skin type
✅ Lightweight texture
✅ 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: 

⚠️ Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy
   

Summary: Paula's Choice Extra Care Non-Greasy Sunscreen SPF 50

 
Based on the ingredient list analysis, CreamScan AI suggests that Paula's Choice Extra Care Non-Greasy Sunscreen SPF 50
, when used alone, provides lightweight, moderate humectant moisturizing, making it suitable for oily skin. As part of a moisturizing routine, it offers a subtle humectant enhancement, beneficial for all skin types.
 
With an SPF of 50, Paula's Choice Extra Care Non-Greasy Sunscreen SPF 50 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 Extra Care Non-Greasy Sunscreen SPF 50 worth noting.
 
If one of your main reasons for considering Paula's Choice Extra Care Non-Greasy Sunscreen SPF 50 is its potential anti-aging effects, please note that, according to CreamScan analysis, its anti-wrinkle efficacy is questionable. None of the ingredients in this product provide substantial evidence of their anti-wrinkle efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards.
 
📌 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
60
10
6
5
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
0.3
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Homosalate
Function:
Origin:
Oxybenzone
Function:
Origin:
Octisalate
Function:
Origin:
Avobenzone
Function:
Origin:
Butylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Octocrylene
Function:
Origin:
PEG-8
Function:
Origin:
Polyethylene
Function:
Origin:
Silica
Function:
Origin:
Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Picrasma Excelsa Wood Extract
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
Function:
Origin:
Retinyl Palmitate
Function:
Origin:
Tocopherol
Function:
Origin:
Tocopheryl Acetate
Function:
Origin:
Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)
Function:
Origin:
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Function:
Origin:
Bentonite
Function:
Origin:
Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate
Function:
Origin:
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Polyacrylate
Function:
Origin:
Kaolin
Function:
Origin:
Ethylhexylglycerin
Function:
Origin:
Disodium EDTA
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hydroxide
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Chlorphenesin
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
4.6
2.5
1.5
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
0.6
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
2.4
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 4.6 10
4.6
2.5
1.5
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 0.6 20
0.3
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
2.4
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
2.5
1.5
0.3
0.3
All humectants 4.6 10
4.6
All humectants
4.6
2.5
1.5
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
n/a
- 0.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
0
Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Retinyl Palmitate
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 1.2 3 No
All antioxidants
1.2
Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
0.3
Tocopherol
0.3
Tocopheryl Acetate
0.3
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
0.3
All soothing 0.3 5 No
All soothing
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %60
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.
Homosalate
Est. %10
Function
Origin
HomosalateA synthetic chemical UV filter that protects against harmful UVB radiation.
Oxybenzone
Est. %6
Function
Origin
OxybenzoneA chemical sunscreen that protects against burning caused by UVB radiation.
Octisalate
Est. %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.
Avobenzone
Est. %3
Function
Origin
AvobenzoneA popular sunscreen that protects against UVA rays, which cause premature aging and skin cancer. Avobenzone degrades after about 30 minutes of sun exposure and becomes ineffective. It is therefore often paired with UV-filter stabilizers such as octocrylene.
Butylene Glycol
Est. %2.5
Function
Origin
Butylene Glycol

A clear, colorless liquid humectant that draws moisture to the skin. The humectancy of butylene glycol, owed to its two hydroxyl groups, is quite considerable, although not as powerful as glycerin, which contains three hydroxyl groups.

Octocrylene
Est. %2
Function
Origin
OctocryleneA synthetic compound that protects skin against harmful ultraviolet light.
PEG-8
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
PEG-8A synthetic liquid that serves as a humectant. It also works as a solvent because of its ability to dissolve a wide range of ingredients.
Polyethylene
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
PolyethyleneCommonly used in dense plastic packaging, its primary function in skincare is as a film-forming agent, which protects the product from being easily rinsed away by water or sweat. It also controls viscosity by increasing the thickness of oily products.
Silica
Est. %1
Function
Origin
SilicaA widely used cosmetic ingredient with the same chemical composition as the sand found on beaches. A common function of silica is its ability to control viscosity. In certain chemical forms, it can effectively thicken cream-style products.
Dimethicone
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
DimethiconeThe most common silicone in skincare. It forms a silky, smooth film on the skin’s surface and can help to prevent water loss. It also aids in wound healing and can treat and soften scars. Dimethicone is considered to be very safe for use.
Picrasma Excelsa Wood Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Picrasma Excelsa Wood Extract
Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Ascorbyl PhosphateThe most researched derivative of vitamin C. It boosts collagen synthesis, thereby improving skin structure and elasticity. SAP is effective in the treatment of inflamed acne lesions and has a weak but positive effect on pigmentation issues.
Retinyl Palmitate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Retinyl PalmitateAn esterified form of retinol – it combines retinol and palmitic acid into one molecule. Retinyl palmitate is less irritating than retinol but also much less effective in its anti-aging and acne-reducing effects.
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.

Tocopheryl Acetate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tocopheryl Acetate

An antioxidant derivative of tocopherol (vitamin E). It helps to protect cells from free radicals and UV damage through the conversion to active vitamin E in the skin. It is more stable than tocopherol.

Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)One of two the most commonly used mineral sunscreens. It can absorb UV light, including UVB – which causes burning, tanning, and even skin cancer. Also used as a colorant, titanium dioxide gives a product a bright white color.
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf JuiceA gelatinous juice from Aloe vera leaves that acts as a powerful humectant, emollient, and antioxidant. It contains enzymes, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals that soothe irritated skin and have wound-healing and anti-inflammatory properties.
Bentonite
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
BentoniteA naturally occurring material that has a variety of functions. It is used as absorbent, since the bentonite can absorb oils produced by the skin and prevent a greasy appearance. It is also a great opacifier.
Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Methyl Glucose SesquistearateAn ultra gentle emulsifier that can be used in many products to blend oils and water together while providing a light film on the skin.
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate CrosspolymerA synthetic ingredient that is used to thicken water and alcohol. It results in a more lightweight formula and is commonly found in gel products.
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.
Kaolin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
KaolinA type of mineral clay milled into a white, very fine powder. It is able to absorb sweat and oil, which then helps to keep the skin matte. The larger particles of kaolin are used in skin scrubs as an abrasive ingredient.
Ethylhexylglycerin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
EthylhexylglycerinA preservative booster derived from glycerin. It is commonly paired with other preservatives to improve their efficacy. Ethylhexylglycerin is also a humectant due to its chemical base of glycerin.
Disodium EDTA
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Disodium EDTAA synthetic chelator that helps to maintain the look and smell of a product by 'locking up' troublesome metal ions.
Sodium Hydroxide
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Hydroxide

An ingredient that is able to bring the pH of a product up, thereby making it less harsh on the skin.

Phenoxyethanol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PhenoxyethanolThe most frequently used preservative in skincare. It is a clear, oil-like liquid synthetic substance that protects products from harmful bacteria and yeast, whilst still leaving skin microflora unharmed. It is confirmed by research to be harmless.
Chlorphenesin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
ChlorphenesinA preservative and broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent that protects products from a wide range of bacteria and fungi.