The benefits of wearing sunscreen on a daily basis are well-known. Sunscreen (along with other skin-safe practices) protects against skin cancer, and also prevents photoaging[1].
However, finding a sunscreen that you actually like can be a challenge, which unfortunately is why many people neglect this incredibly important skincare routine step.
Thankfully, cult-favorite skincare brand Paula’s Choice has a variety of sunscreens and moisturizers with SPF that are effective and highly rated. Here are the best Paula’s Choice sunscreens.
The Best Paula's Choice Sunscreens
Best Face Sunscreen with SPF 30
Best Paula’s Choice Face Sunscreen with SPF 30
Paula’s Choice Resist Super Light Wrinkle Defense SPF 30
This lightweight, tinted product is one of the overall best Paula’s Choice sunscreens. It contains mineral sunscreen, which protects the skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays, as well as calming ingredients and protective antioxidants.
This lightweight SPF 30 sunscreen has a matte finish and is great for daily use. It contains mineral sunscreen (zinc oxide), which is particularly beneficial for sensitive skin, since mineral sunscreens are less likely to irritate the skin compared to chemical sunscreens[2].
Pros
- Matte finish
- Lightweight
- Fragrance-free
Cons
- Some reviewers noted it leaves a white cast
- Not water-resistant
This sunscreen contains bisabolol and willow bark extract, which calm the skin and alleviate redness. It also contains a blend of antioxidants to further protect against environmental aggressors. It’s important to note that this sunscreen is not water-resistant, which means it shouldn’t be used for swimming or sports.
Best Face Sunscreen with SPF 50
Best Paula’s Choice Face Sunscreen with SPF 50
Paula’s Choice Resist Youth-Extending Daily Hydrating Fluid SPF 50
If you need a higher SPF, this is a great daily sunscreen. This chemical sunscreen has a lightweight formula, and contains additional ingredients that soothe and protect the skin.
This satin-matte finish sunscreen is excellent for daily use. The chemical sunscreen ingredients (avobenzone, octinoxate, octisalate, and octocrylene) protect the skin from UVA and UVB rays, while the antioxidants further protect from environmental aggressors that can cause premature aging.
Pros
- Satin-matte finish
- Lightweight
- Fragrance-free
Cons
- Not water-resistant
- Contains chemical sunscreen, which may irritate sensitive skin[2]
In addition to the sunscreen ingredients and antioxidants, this product contains oat extract and green tea extract, which soothe the skin and calm redness. It’s important to note that this sunscreen is not water-resistant, which means it shouldn’t be used for swimming or sports.
Best Water-Resistant Sunscreen
Best Paula’s Choice Water-Resistant Sunscreen for Face and Body
Paula’s Choice Extra Care Non-Greasy Sunscreen SPF 50
This is one of the best Paula’s Choice sunscreens if you’re planning on swimming or breaking a sweat. It is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, and has ample SPF to protect you from the sun.
It’s important to have a water-resistant sunscreen on hand for when you’re having a more active day. This sunscreen is a great choice, as it is weightless on the skin, and is suitable for both the face and body.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Non-greasy
- Fragrance-free
Cons
- Contains chemical sunscreen, which may irritate sensitive skin[2]
This sunscreen is packed with antioxidants, which further help to protect the skin from environmental aggressors.
Best SPF Moisturizer for Normal to Oily Skin
Best Paula’s Choice Moisturizer with SPF for Normal to Oily and Acne-Prone Skin
Paula’s Choice Clear Ultra-Light Daily Hydrating Fluid SPF 30+
This lightweight SPF 30 moisturizer leaves a matte finish and doesn’t clog pores, making it one of the best Paula’s Choice sunscreens for normal to oily and acne-prone skin.
Many people with oily or acne-prone skin worry about using sunscreens, because they often feel thick and greasy. However, this SPF moisturizer is an excellent choice for these skin types, because it protects the skin but doesn’t feel greasy or clog pores. It also contains antioxidants and hydrators that calm the skin.
Pros
- Fragrance-free
- Lightweight
- Matte finish
Cons
- Contains chemical sunscreen, which may irritate sensitive skin[2]
- Not water-resistant
This lightweight SPF moisturizer contains antioxidants and replenishing ingredients that calm and hydrate the skin without contributing to shine, including vitamin E, grape seed extract, green tea, and oat extract.
Best SPF Moisturizer for Normal to Dry Skin
Best Paula’s Choice Moisturizer with SPF for Normal to Dry Skin
Paula’s Choice Skin Recovery Daily Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
This creamy moisturizer contains mineral-based SPF to protect the skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays. It also contains hydrating and replenishing ingredients to soften dry skin.
This SPF moisturizer uses zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, two mineral sunscreens that are suitable for sensitive skin. It also contains a blend of antioxidants, ceramides, and peptides that help to soften, protect, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Pros
- Fragrance-free
- Gentle
Cons
- Some reviewers note it feels greasy on the skin
- Not water-resistant
The ceramides in this moisturizer help to restore the moisture barrier and strengthen the skin, while the peptides help provide anti-aging benefits[3].
Best SPF Moisturizer for Red and Sensitive Skin
Best Paula’s Choice Moisturizer with SPF for Redness and Sensitive Skin
Paula’s Choice Calm Redness Relief SPF 30 Mineral Moisturizer for Normal to Dry Skin
This mineral-based SPF moisturizer is one of the best Paula’s Choice sunscreens for sensitive and redness-prone skin, and is even gentle enough for rosacea-prone skin. It contains additional ingredients that calm and hydrate the skin.
This is a great SPF moisturizer for sensitive and redness-prone skin, partially due to the fact that it contains mineral sunscreen (titanium dioxide and zinc oxide), which is gentler on the skin[2]. Additionally, it has calming, hydrating, and redness-reducing plant extracts, antioxidants, and peptides.
Pros
- Fragrance-free
- Gentle
Cons
- Not water-resistant
Some of the nourishing and calming ingredients in this gentle formula include apricot oil, oat extract, allantoin, and vitamin E.
FAQs
Is Paula’s Choice sunscreen good?
Yes, Paula’s Choice offers a variety of chemical and mineral sunscreens that will help keep you protected from the sun. The brand has sunscreens that are suitable for all skin types.
What are the best Paula’s Choice products?
The best Paula’s Choice products will depend on your skin type and concerns. We’ve created a guide to some of the best Paula’s Choice products for all skin concerns.
Is Paula’s Choice worth the money?
Paula’s Choice prices aren’t cheap, but their products are effective, and backed by science and research to ensure they deliver results. They’re also cruelty-free and fragrance-free, and only use safe natural and synthetic ingredients.
The Bottom Line
Regardless of your skin type, Paula’s Choice has great sunscreens and moisturizers with SPF that will keep you protected from the sun all year round. Be sure to use one of the best Paula’s Choice sunscreens on a daily basis to keep your skin healthy and protected.
