Best Paula's Choice Sunscreens (2024)

ProductsSunscreensBest Paula's Choice Sunscreens

Best Paula's Choice Sunscreens (3)
Best Paula's Choice Sunscreens (4)

By Kyra Heenan

Feb. 06, 2021 / < 1 min read

Our editors independently research, and recommend the best products; learn more about our editorial policy. We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links; learn more about how we make money.

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 Sunscreens (5)

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.

Skin types: All Skin Types

Best for: Sun Protection

Tested on animals:No

How to use: After applying a moisturizer, apply the sunscreen all over the face, neck, and chest.

See on Amazon

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].

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 Sunscreens (6)

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.

Skin types: All Skin Types

Best for: Sun Protection

Tested on animals:No

How to use: After applying a moisturizer, apply the sunscreen all over the face, neck, and chest.

See on Paula's Choice

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 Sunscreens (7)

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.

Skin types: All Skin Types

Best for: Sun Protection

Tested on animals:No

How to use: Generously apply the sunscreen all over the face and body. When swimming or breaking a sweat, be sure to reapply at least every 80 minutes.

See on Amazon

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 Sunscreens (8)

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.

Skin types: Normal, Combination, and Oily Skin

Best for: Daily Sun Protection and Moisturization

Tested on animals:No

How to use: In the morning, after cleansing and applying any treatments, apply the moisturizer all over the face, neck, and chest.

See on Amazon

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 Sunscreens (9)

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.

Skin types: Normal to Dry Skin

Best for: Daily SPF Protection and Moisturization

Tested on animals:No

How to use: In the morning, after cleansing and applying any treatments, apply the moisturizer all over the face, neck, and chest.

See on Amazon

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 Sunscreens (10)

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.

Skin types: Normal to Dry Skin

Best for: Daily SPF Protection and Moisturization

Tested on animals:No

How to use: In the morning, after cleansing and applying any treatments, apply the moisturizer all over the face, neck, and chest.

See on Amazon

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.

View sources

  1. National Center for Biotechnology Information. "Sunscreening Agents"

    Accessed Feb. 1, 2021.

  2. PIH Health. "Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin"

    Accessed Feb. 1, 2021.

  3. National Center for Biotechnology Information. "Skin hydration is significantly increased by a cream formulated to mimic the skin's own natural moisturizing systems"

    Accessed Feb. 1, 2021.

About the author

Best Paula's Choice Sunscreens (11)

Kyra Heenan

envelope

Kyra is a content writer based in Los Angeles, CA. She works in the health and wellness sphere, and covers everything from beauty to skincare to fitness. She has been passionate about skincare since she was a teenager, and loves uncovering the absolute best routines and products available to help people reach their skin goals.

More related articles

Products • 2 years ago

Best Cruelty Free Sunscreens Read

Products • 2 years ago

Best Vegan Sunscreens Read

Oily Skin • 2 years ago

Best Drugstore Sunscreens for Oily Skin Read

Products • 3 years ago

Best Daily Sunscreens Read

Combination Skin • 3 years ago

Best Sunscreens for Combination Skin Read

Oily Skin • 3 years ago

Best Sunscreens for Oily Skin Read

Dry Skin • 3 years ago

Best Sunscreens for Dry Skin Read

Product Reviews • 3 years ago

6 Best Sunscreens to Prevent Tanning Read

Paula's Choice Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 8% AHA Gel Exfoliant Review Paula’s Choice Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment Review Paula’s Choice C15 Super Booster Review Paula’s Choice 10% Azelaic Acid Booster Review Paula's Choice 10% Niacinamide Booster Review Paula's Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant Review Best Paula’s Choice Toners Best Paula’s Choice Serums Best Paula’s Choice Cleansers

Best Paula's Choice Sunscreens (2024)
Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Terence Hammes MD

Last Updated:

Views: 6214

Rating: 4.9 / 5 (69 voted)

Reviews: 84% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Terence Hammes MD

Birthday: 1992-04-11

Address: Suite 408 9446 Mercy Mews, West Roxie, CT 04904

Phone: +50312511349175

Job: Product Consulting Liaison

Hobby: Jogging, Motor sports, Nordic skating, Jigsaw puzzles, Bird watching, Nordic skating, Sculpting

Introduction: My name is Terence Hammes MD, I am a inexpensive, energetic, jolly, faithful, cheerful, proud, rich person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.