5% Vitamin C Sheer Facial Moisturizer SPF 50

Paula's Choice 5% Vitamin C Sheer Facial Moisturizer SPF 50 folds three morning steps into one — hydration, antioxidant brightening and broad-spectrum sun defence. The texture is liquid and sheer rather than thick, so it finishes a routine instead of sitting on top of it.

Skin types	Normal, dry, combination and oily
Targets	Dullness · fine lines and wrinkles · loss of firmness and elasticity
Texture	Liquid, sheer finish
Key actives	5% vitamin C · broad-spectrum SPF 50 · algae-derived amino acids
When	Morning, as the final step

What it actually does

• Shields with SPF 50. Broad-spectrum filters defend against damaging UV rays, which is what keeps visible signs of ageing from accumulating in the first place.
• Brightens with 5% vitamin C. Paula's Choice positions the vitamin C here as doing double duty — evening tone and lifting dullness, while also boosting the sun protection.
• Strengthens with algae-derived amino acids. The brand says these help skin resist environmental damage and add to the UV protection.
• Moisturises in the same step. It is a sunscreen and a moisturiser at once, so you are not layering two creams before makeup.
• Stays sheer on every tone. The formula is designed to leave a visible glow rather than a flat, chalky layer.

Tested results

Figures published by Paula's Choice from independent clinical studies: across 33 subjects at eight weeks, 100% showed brighter skin and improved hydration. In a separate study of 30 subjects at three weeks, 100% agreed there was no white cast and 97% agreed skin looked glowing.

Brand-reported study data. Individual results vary.

Formula notes

Reef safe, cruelty-free, vegan and gluten-free, in packaging you can recycle. The formula leaves out oxybenzone, hydroquinone and coal tar; retinyl palmitate; mineral oil and phthalates; parabens; formaldehydes plus the agents that release them; SLS and SLES sulfates; triclosan and triclocarban. Synthetic fragrance stays under 1%. Paula's Choice packaging can be recycled through TerraCycle®.

How to use

1. Make it the last thing you apply in the morning, after serum and before makeup.
2. Be generous. Spread a full layer over face and neck roughly 15 minutes before you go out.
3. Top it up through the day as needed — a single morning application does not hold for a full day outdoors.

Is it right for you?

Questions

Do I still need a separate moisturiser?

Usually not in the morning — moisture and sun protection are built into the same step here. If your skin runs very dry, apply a hydrating serum underneath rather than adding a second cream on top, which can disturb the SPF layer.

Will it leave a white cast?

In the brand's three-week study of 30 people, every participant agreed it did not. The sheer liquid finish is the point of this formula.

Can I use it over makeup for reapplication?

It is meant to be reapplied through the day. Over makeup, press it on in thin taps with clean fingers or a sponge rather than rubbing, so you disturb the base as little as possible.

How long does delivery take?

Delivery takes 3 to 21 working days, depending on availability. Stocked items arrive at the shorter end; anything we bring in for you takes longer. Working days exclude weekends and official holidays.

How can I pay?

Credit card, debit card, Instapay and mobile wallets. We do not offer cash on delivery.

What if it arrives damaged?

Returns cover defective, damaged or expired items only, reported within 1 day of delivery. Once we verify the issue, your refund goes back to the original payment method within 15–30 days.