Paula’s Choice Sunscreen SPF 50, 148ml, £23.00
SPF 50
Broad Spectrum
Non-organic vs organic?
Organic (traditionally called chemical).
Main SPF active ingredients?
Avobenzone
Homosalate
Octisalate
Octocrylene
Oxybenzone
Full inci:
Aqua, Homosalate (10%, sunscreen),Butylene Glycol (hydration/texture-enhancing), Benzophenone-3 (Oxybenzone, 6%, sunscreen), PEG-8 (texture-enhancing), Ethylhexyl Salicylate (Octisalate, 5%, thickener), Polyethylene (texture-enhancing), Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane (Avobenzone, 3%, sunscreen), Octocrylene (2%, sunscreen), Silica (absorbent), Dimethicone (hydration), Picea Excelsa (Spruce) Wood Extract (skin-soothing), Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (vitamin C/antioxidant), Retinyl Palmitate (vitamin A/ antioxidant/skin replenishing), Tocopherol (vitamin E/antioxidant), Tocopheryl Acetate (vitamin E/antioxidant), Titanium Dioxide (Nano, texture-enhancing), Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice (hydration/skin-soothing), Bentonite (absorbent), Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate (texture-enhancing), Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer (texture-enhancing), Sodium Polyacrylate (texture-enhancing), Kaolin (absorbent), Ethylhexylglycerin (preservative), Disodium EDTA (stabilizer), Sodium Hydroxide (pH adjuster), Phenoxyethanol (preservative), Chlorphenesin (preservative).
Texture
Cream.
Residue on darker skins?
No.
Works under makeup?
If you have combination or oily skin.
How does it look/feel on the skin?
A soft, dry matte finish.
Cruelty-free?
Yes.
Fragranced?
No.
Suitable for all skin types?
No. Good if you are combination to oily.
Water resistant/sweat resistant?
Water resistant for up to 80 minutes.
Any skin benefits?
Added antioxidants.
You Need This If:
You play a lot of sport, sweat a lot or are particularly greasy.
You Don’t Need This If:
You have dry skin or you want a mineral SPF.
Available to buy at:
Paula’s Choice
The correct scientific terminology for UV filters is organic (chemical, such as avobenzone, octocrylene or oxybenzone) or inorganic (physical, such as titanium dioxide or zinc oxide).
Both types work by absorbing the rays and turning them into heat, but with inorganic aka physical sunscreens, between 5% and 10% of incoming rays are reflected and scattered.
With organic filters (‘chemical’ in the traditional, non-scientific sense), the UV rays are mostly absorbed and turned into heat in the skin.
Always apply last after moisturiser, before makeup – unless otherwise stated.
Reapply every two hours if in active sun (on holiday, sunbathing, generally being outside all day).
Reapply after swimming or excessive sweating/drying off with a towel.
