Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Ultra-Sheer Daily Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Review

Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Ultra-Sheer Daily Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 30
4.2
/ 10
Moisturizing
7.6 Humectancy icon Humectancy
0.8 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
30
SPF icon
SPF
Review

Does Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Ultra-Sheer Daily Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Ultra-Sheer Daily Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 30 has to offer:
 
  • Moderate moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 4.2 out of 10.
  • Moderate to high sun protection for daily outdoor activities

Key Benefits of Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Ultra-Sheer Daily Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 30

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Ultra-Sheer Daily Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 30:
 

Lightweight Moisturizer Well-Suited for Oily Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Ultra-Sheer Daily Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 30 is quite moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 4.2 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Question icon The Humectancy (from 0 to 10) is based on the amount of humectants in the formula and indicates how well the product can attract moisture to the skin. Humectants are effective moisturizers that work well for all skin types. The Occlusivity (from 0 to 10) is based on the amount of occlusives in the formula and indicates how effective the product is at sealing moisture into the skin. Occlusive moisturizers are ideal for those with dry skin. Question icon The Humectancy (from 0 to 10) is based on the amount of humectants in the formula and indicates how well the product can attract moisture to the skin. Humectants are effective moisturizers that work well for all skin types. The Occlusivity (from 0 to 10) is based on the amount of occlusives in the formula and indicates how effective the product is at sealing moisture into the skin. Occlusive moisturizers are ideal for those with dry skin. Significantly more humectant. It has a low occlusivity of 0.8 out of 10 and a high humectancy of 7.6 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Butylene Glycol (est. ≈6.0%).

This humectant-rich product, when used alone as a moisturizer, is well-suited for oily skin, providing moderate hydration in a lightweight, fast-absorbing formula with a minimal amount of occlusive ingredients.

It can also be a good option for people with normal skin who prefer lightweight moisturizers.

A Humectant Enhancement for Any Skincare Routine

But it’s not limited to oily skin - such a humectant enhancement will also positively contribute to the moisturizing efficacy of any skincare routine when used as a step before applying the main moisturizer. This type of formulation is typically used in serums, where a light, fast-absorbing texture is key.

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

Moderate to High Sun Protection for Daily Outdoor Activities

With an SPF of 30, Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Ultra-Sheer Daily Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 30 provides moderate to high sun protection, making it suitable for daily use during moderate sun exposure, such as commuting or light outdoor activities.

This level of SPF offers excellent defense against UVB rays, blocking up to 97% of harmful radiation. When labeled as broad-spectrum, these products also protect against UVA rays, which are responsible for skin aging and hyperpigmentation.

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 works well for skin types mildly prone to sunburn. It is particularly suitable for low-to-moderate UV index environments and non-tropical climates. However, it is not recommended for prolonged outdoor exposure or intense UV conditions. Reapplication every two hours is essential to maintain 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 Skin Balancing Ultra-Sheer Daily Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 30

 
CreamScan AI identified a few things to consider before adding Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Ultra-Sheer Daily Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 30 to your skincare routine:
 

Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy

If one of your main reasons for choosing Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Ultra-Sheer Daily Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 30 is its potential anti-aging effects, please note that, according to CreamScan analysis, it currently has a zero anti-wrinkle rating.

It contains some ingredients often marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles, specifically Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Ascorbyl Palmitate, and Adenosine. 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 exclude 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 accessible 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 Skin Balancing Ultra-Sheer Daily Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 30

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Ultra-Sheer Daily Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 30 to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

Pros:

  • When used alone: Provides humectant-rich moisturizing well-suited for oily skin
  • As part of a routine: A humectant moisturizing enhancement, beneficial for any skin type
  • Lightweight texture
  • Provides moderate to high sun protection, suitable for daily use during moderate sun exposure and light outdoor activities in non-tropical climates

Cons: 

  • Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy

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
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Homosalate
Function:
Origin:
Butylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Oxybenzone
Function:
Origin:
Avobenzone
Function:
Origin:
Silica
Function:
Origin:
Octocrylene
Function:
Origin:
Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate
Function:
Origin:
Cetyl Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder
Function:
Origin:
Ascorbyl Palmitate
Function:
Origin:
Phospholipids
Function:
Origin:
Superoxide Dismutase
Function:
Origin:
Adenosine
Function:
Origin:
Tocopherol
Function:
Origin:
Bisabolol
Function:
Origin:
Boerhavia Diffusa Root Extract
Function:
Origin:
Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract
Function:
Origin:
Panthenol
Function:
Origin:
Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Extract
Function:
Origin:
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Function:
Origin:
Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hydroxide
Function:
Origin:
Steareth-21
Function:
Origin:
Steareth-2
Function:
Origin:
Polysorbate 20
Function:
Origin:
Disodium EDTA
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Sorbic Acid
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
7.6
6
1
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
1.6
1.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
4.2
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 7.6 10
7.6
6
1
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 1.6 20
0.8
1.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
4.2
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
6
1
0.3
0.3
All humectants 7.6 10
7.6
All humectants
7.6
6
1
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
1.3
0.3
All occlusives 1.6 20
0.8
All occlusives
1.6
1.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
n/a
- 1 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
0
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
1
Ascorbyl Palmitate
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Adenosine
-
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
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 2.5 3 No
All antioxidants
2.5
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
1
Ascorbyl Palmitate
0.3
Superoxide Dismutase
0.3
Tocopherol
0.3
Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract
0.3
Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All soothing 3.1 5 No
All soothing
3.1
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
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.
Homosalate
Est. %9
Function
Origin
HomosalateA synthetic chemical UV filter that protects against harmful UVB radiation.
Butylene Glycol
Est. %6
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.

Oxybenzone
Est. %4
Function
Origin
OxybenzoneA chemical sunscreen that protects against burning caused by UVB radiation.
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.
Silica
Est. %2.5
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.
Octocrylene
Est. %2
Function
Origin
OctocryleneA synthetic compound that protects skin against harmful ultraviolet light.
Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Aluminum Starch OctenylsuccinateAn absorbent that takes in oils from the skin to reduce the oily sheen. It can also absorb oils from the skincare product itself, resulting in a softer, less greasy product, normally with better spreadability and less tack.
Cetyl Dimethicone
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
Cetyl DimethiconeA silicone-based emollient and occlusive ingredient that provides slip and adds shine to formulas.
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract

An antioxidant green tea extract. In the deeper layers, it slows down the destruction of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid – thus delaying the signs of aging. It also acts as an anti-acne, soothing, moisturizing, and emollient ingredient.

Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice PowderExtracted from dried aloe vera leaves, it has the same effects as fresh aloe vera juice – it is humectant moisturizing, refreshing, and soothing. This powder can also serve as a gelling agent when mixed with water.
Ascorbyl Palmitate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ascorbyl PalmitateA form of vitamin C derived from ascorbic acid and palmitic acid. It is more stable and less irritating than ascorbic acid. Unfortunately, Ascorbyl Palmitate lacks the studies to prove its anti-wrinkle efficacy.
Phospholipids
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PhospholipidsA large group of lipids that are an essential component of every single cell membrane in the body. They have excellent emollient properties. Phospholipids are also utilized in the manufacturing of ‘fancy’ formulations such as liposomes.
Superoxide Dismutase
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Superoxide Dismutase
Adenosine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Adenosine

A key molecule responsible for energy transportation, signaling, and enzyme activity. Adenosine is a popular anti-wrinkle ingredient, however, the key study about its anti-wrinkle efficacy (1) does not meet CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards as it is not double-blind.

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.

Bisabolol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Bisabolol

An anti-inflammatory compound found naturally in German chamomile essential oil. It has a pleasant, sweet, and floral scent. Bisabolol also has soothing and anti-inflammatory properties but can cause an allergic reaction in more sensitive individuals.

Boerhavia Diffusa Root Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Boerhavia Diffusa Root ExtractA soothing extract derived from punarnava, an Ayurvedic herb. It contains anti-inflammatory and wound healing rotenoids, terpenoids, and organic acids.
Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel ExtractA beneficial extract obtained from Oat groats popular in products aimed at eczema-prone skin. It contains skin healing beta-glucan, anti-inflammatory phenolic compounds, antioxidant flavonoids, various lipids, proteins, and moisturizing amino acids.
Panthenol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PanthenolA popular soothing and moisturizing derivative of vitamin B5. Panthenol is particularly beneficial for dry, flaking, burned, or damaged skin. It is used to alleviate the symptoms of a rash, dermatitis, eczema, chapped lips, and sunburn.
Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ginkgo Biloba Leaf ExtractAn antioxidant, astringent and soothing extract derived from Ginkgo biloba tree leaves, a rare Chinese tree that is endangered in the wild, but grown nowadays as a decorative tree in parks. When taken orally, the extract can improve memory and brain function.
Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Salix Alba (Willow) Bark ExtractA potent, soothing extract from the bark of the white willow. It has potent anti-inflammatory effects due to its salicin content. Tannins from the willow bark extract have astringent effects and can aid in the skin’s healing process.
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.
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.
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.

Steareth-21
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Steareth-21One of several emulsifiers in the 'steareth' group that helps oils and water mix, especially in highly acidic emulsions. It also offers a cleansing effect to the skin.
Steareth-2
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Steareth-2A waxy, naturally derived or synthetic emulsifier that can handle extreme formula conditions such as a low pH. It offers emulsifying properties to a formula by helping oils and water to mix.
Polysorbate 20
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Polysorbate 20A viscous, amber-colored liquid that functions as a solubilizer to disperse small amounts of oil into a large water phase. Polysorbate 20 is frequently used to solubilize fragrance oils into water-based emulsions.
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.
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.
Sorbic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sorbic AcidAn organic acid that can be naturally found in the berries of the Mountain ash, although it is manufactured synthetically for skincare purposes. It is used as a preservative and antimicrobial agent, protecting a skincare product from spoiling.