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

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

Results you may expect from using Paula's Choice Extra Care Non-Greasy Sunscreen SPF 50:

Based on the ingredient analysis by CreamScan, these are the key benefits you can expect from using Paula's Choice Extra Care Non-Greasy Sunscreen SPF 50:

  • 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.

How moisturizing is it?

Lightly moisturizing: Paula's Choice Extra Care Non-Greasy Sunscreen SPF 50 has 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%).

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

Anti-wrinkle efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, Paula's Choice Extra Care Non-Greasy Sunscreen SPF 50 has a zero anti-wrinkle rating.

It contains Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate and Retinyl Palmitate, two ingredients 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. 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, could deliver some anti-wrinkle effects through its moisturizing action.

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

Sun protection

Paula's Choice Extra Care Non-Greasy Sunscreen SPF 50 has an SPF of 50 and provides very high sun protection. This level of protection is ideal for activities involving intense or prolonged sun exposure, such as spending the day at the beach, hiking, or outdoor sports. It is particularly recommended for individuals with fair skin, those at high risk of skin cancer, or in environments with intense sun exposure. Remember to apply sunscreen generously and reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating to maintain effectiveness.

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
60
Water
10
Homosalate
6
Oxybenzone
5
Octisalate
3
Avobenzone
2.5
Butylene Glycol
2
Octocrylene
1.5
PEG-8
1.3
Polyethylene
1
Silica
0.3
Dimethicone
0.3
Picrasma Excelsa Wood Extract
0.3
Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
0.3
Retinyl Palmitate
0.3
Tocopherol
0.3
Tocopheryl Acetate
0.3
Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)
0.3
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
0.3
Bentonite
0.3
Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate
0.3
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
0.3
Sodium Polyacrylate
0.3
Kaolin
0.3
Ethylhexylglycerin
0.3
Disodium EDTA
0.3
Sodium Hydroxide
0.3
Phenoxyethanol
0.3
Chlorphenesin
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:
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Ethylhexylglycerin
Function:
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Disodium EDTA
Function:
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Sodium Hydroxide
Function:
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Phenoxyethanol
Function:
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Chlorphenesin
Function:
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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 GlycolA 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 ExtractDescription is coming soon
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.