5% Vitamin C Sheer Moisturizer SPF 50

5% Vitamin C Sheer Moisturizer SPF 50 is treatment, moisturizer and sun protection in one powerful multi-active step. 3 types of highly stable vitamin C brighten dullness, even tone and supercharge SPF for advanced sun protection. Algae-derived amino acids enhance skin’s ability to resist signs of environmental damage now and over time. The weightless, hydrating formula creates an instant glow with a sheer finish for all skin types and tones.

Ginger-derived omni-antioxidant acetyl zingerone reduces and helps prevent damage and the look of discoloration. Algae aminos, derived from red macroalgae, enhance UV protection and work below skin’s surface to strengthen & protect, while three forms of vitamin C boost SPF, offer multi-level brightening for a healthier, radiant look.

Learn more about vitamin C for skin.

Use as the last step in your AM skin care routine. Apply liberally to your face and neck at least 15 minutes before sun exposure. Reapply as needed.

Key Ingredients: 3-O Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Acetyl Zingerone, Porphyra Umbilicalis Extract

All Ingredients: Avobenzone (UV Filters | Best), Octinoxate (UV Filters | Best), Octisalate (UV Filters | Best), Octocrylene (UV Filters | Best), Aqua/Water/Eau (Solvent | Good), Glycerin (Humectant, Texture Enhancer, Solvent | Best), Silica (Texture Enhancer, Absorbent, Occlusive/Opacifying Agent | Good), 3-O Ethyl Ascorbic Acid (Antioxidant | Best), Ascorbyl Glucoside (Antioxidant | Best), Dimethicone (Silicone, Emollient | Best), Propanediol (Solvent, Texture Enhancer | Good), Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate (Antioxidant | Best), Acetyl Zingerone (Antioxidant, Plant Extracts | Best), Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer (Texture Enhancer, pH Adjuster/Stabilizer, Polymer | Good), Diethylhexyl Syringylidenemalonate (Antioxidant | Good), Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer (Silicone, Texture Enhancer, Polymer | Good), Porphyra Umbilicalis Extract (Antioxidant, Humectant, Plant Extracts | Best), Hydrogenated Lecithin (Emollient, Emulsifier, Suspending/Dispersing Agent | Best), Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil (Plant Extracts, Emollient | Best), Sodium Hydroxide (pH Adjuster/Stabilizer | Average), Tocopherol (Antioxidant | Best), Xanthan Gum (Texture Enhancer, Cleansing Agent, Emulsifier | Good), Ethylhexylglycerin (Preservative, Humectant | Good), Laureth-4 (Cleansing Agent, Texture Enhancer | Good), Phenoxyethanol (Preservative | Good), Potassium Sorbate (Preservative | Good), Sodium Benzoate (Preservative | Good), Titanium Dioxide (UV Filters, Coloring Agent/Pigment, Occlusive/Opacifying Agent | Best), Iron Oxides (Coloring Agent/Pigment | Best), Entada Phaseoloides Bark/Seed Extract (Antioxidant, Humectant, Plant Extracts | Best)

Ingredient Spotlight:

• 3-O Ethyl Ascorbic Acid: This potent antioxidant is a highly stable form of vitamin C that improves skin tone, helps fade discolorations, and visibly firms skin. A more stable derivative of pure vitamin C; Capable of helping fade dark spots; Has water- and oil-soluble properties
• Ascorbyl Glucoside: Stable, water-soluble form of vitamin C that brightens dull skin and fades discolorations. Stable form of vitamin C easily penetrates skin; Brightening benefits enhanced by niacinamide; Helps improve skin’s environmental defenses
• Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate: Highly stable form of vitamin C that protects skin from oxidative damage and collagen breakdown. Oil-soluble, more stable form of vitamin C; Can help preserve’s skin collagen; Antioxidant helps fight damaging free radicals
• Acetyl Zingerone: This ginger-derived antioxidant offers a long list of benefits to skin, mostly around offsetting the visible impact of environmental exposure and helping to visibly repair past damage. Potent, ginger-derived antioxidant; Helps offset numerous visible signs of aging from environmental damage; Very good stability in the presence of UV light
• Porphyra Umbilicalis Extract: Latin name for a type of red algae that’s proven to help defend skin from environmental stressors and has great synergy with vitamin C. Type of red algae able to withstand environmental stressors; Helps prevent deeper UV damage to skin; Excellent paired with UV filters and antioxidants like vitamin C

Antioxidants, January 2023, pages 1–17
Natural Product Communications, January 2022, pages 1–8
Molecules, January 2022, pages 1–13
International Journal of Cosmetic Science, October 2021, pages 691–702; September 2019 pages 36–45; and September 2014, pages 2–30
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, September 2021, pages 2,349–2,359
Free Radical Biology and Medicine, July 2021, pages 151–16
Marine Drugs, November 2018, pages 1–20
Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology, September 2015, pages 121–126

Is the 5% Vitamin C Sheer Moisturizer SPF 50 good for breakout-prone skin?

Yes, this ultra-light sunscreen is suitable for acne-prone skin. It containsvitamin Calong with other potent antioxidants plus algae extract that can help calm and soothe redness and irritation, while also working to fade post-breakout marks. The formula is lightweight, so it won't clog pores and worsen breakouts.

Is the 5% Vitamin C Sheer Moisturizer SPF 50 good for rosacea, eczema-prone or sensitive skin?

While the 3 forms of vitamin C used in this product are known to be highly stable and gentle on skin, product effectiveness varies due to synthetic actives and vitamin C potency. Patch-test on a small area to see how skin responds. For those with sensitive, reactive or rosacea-prone skin, use mineral-based sunscreens likeDEFENSE Essential Glow SPF 30orCALM Barrier Protect Mineral Moisturizer SPF 30.

Can I use the 5% Vitamin C Sheer Moisturizer SPF 50 over other vitamin C products?

Yes, using multiplevitamin C skin care productscan enhance free radical protection, environmental defense and improve discolorations, wrinkles and loss of firmness. Start slow with multiple bioactive products likeretinol,AHA/BHAandniacinamideand increase use over time as needed.

Are there any products or ingredients the 5% Vitamin C Sheer Moisturizer SPF 50 cannot be used with?

Only copper peptides. Copper peptides can potentially oxidize vitamin C, making it less effective on skin. When using vitamin C and copper peptides in your routine, we recommend using one in the morning and the other at night to ensure maximum effectiveness.

How is the 5% Vitamin C Sheer Moisturizer SPF 50 different than other Paula's Choice sunscreens?

Our 5% Vitamin C Sheer Moisturizer SPF 50 is our only sunscreen that contains a unique combination of vitamin C, specialized algae extracts, and acetyl zingerone. This combination helps brighten skin, reduces oxidative stress and helps boost skins natural defenses. It also helps to improve uneven skin tone and discolorations. Its fluid, lightweight texture is reminiscent of our best-sellingRESIST Youth-Extending SPF 50and theCLEAR Ultra-Light SPF 30. It absorbs faster and leaves a subtle glow from its sheer soft peach tint.

How does the packaging of the 5% Vitamin C Sheer Moisturizer SPF 50 keep the product stable?

Research makes it clear that many of the best ingredients for skin—including antioxidants and anti-aging champions like vitamin C — can break down in the presence of light and air. This sunscreen is housed in an opaque tube that does not allow any exposure to light or oxygen, ensuring it is stable and effective from first to last use.

Can the 5% Vitamin C Sheer Moisturizer SPF 50 be used around the eyes, especially if one is using the C5 Eye Cream?

Yes, and doing so may help increase overall results. To use both, you can apply theC5 Super Boost Eye Creamin the morning followed by the 5% Vitamin C Sheer Moisturizer SPF 50. If you find that layering sensitizes your skin, consider applying the C5 Super Boost Eye Cream at night. Experimentation is key, remember to start slow, see how your skin responds and work up to increasing use over time as needed/desired. If the combination of C5 Eye Cream and SPF 50 does not work for you during the day, try another Paula’s Choice eye cream in the morning. Remember to apply skin care products around the orbital bone, avoiding the eye and lash line area.

How does vitamin C enhance sunscreen?

Vitamin C enhances sunscreen byboosting antioxidant protection, improving sunscreen efficacy, reducing UV-induced damage, and helping to brighten skin tone. This combination provides added defense against UV damage, promotes skin health, and maintains a youthful appearance.