Very Happy
I've been using Paula's products since 2004 and this will be my first review. I would love to hate this stuff, but can't. Yes, it goes on terribly and makes my olive to tan skin tone look horribly purple. But it takes me a few minutes to brush my teeth and when I'm done, this lotion sets to a beautiful, satin finish. It smooths out my dry areas, but doesn't aggravate my oily areas. It also provides a wonderful base for my foundation, be it Paula's or a powder foundation that I use. This lotion is deceptively wonderful!!!!!!!
—Sandra
extremely smooth and non-irritating..
I love this sunscreen's luxuriously smooth texture and mild formula. I'll purchase it again. But I hope Paula and her team to choose more skin-beneficial ingedients for this sunscreen(just like her other sunscreens).
—nancy
Wonderful sunscreen even for combination skin!
This is a gorgeous sunscreen! It's unfortunately not available in my country (Australia) but I ordered it from the States, over the net after reading other users' reviews. I have combination (oily T-zone) skin but use a retinol product which can make my skin sensitive/dry. I hate greasy feeling sunscreens. This feels light and lovely. When lightly rubbed in, the white cast disappears on me (I am pale anyway) and the result is matte, glowing and soft. I can't feel any heaviness at all on my face after applying this. I haven't experienced any issues with breakouts from daily use of this. On days outdoors, I have used this underneath the Clinique City Block spf 25 sunscreen, with Paula's Heathy Finish pressed powder on top, just to be sure I'm covered.
—J
Moisturizing
This sunscreen goes on like a dream and wears well under make-up. It leaves my skin moisturized while not causing my combination skin to break out.
—Margaret
Higher SPF??
Why can't this product be made with a higher SPF?? I love the texture of this product over others I have tried, but I need a higher SPF for the Oklahoma sun. I can only use mineral sunscreens and not the chemical ones as they give me a chemical burn. I am also allergic to soy which elimates your other mineral sunscreen with the higher SPF. Customer Care Response: Thank you for your feedback, we will pass along your comments to Paula. We do have another mineral sunscreen with SPF 25 which you may try. This is called Resist Cellular Defense Daily Moisturizer SPF 25 which is a great moisturizing texture and very gentle. Feel free to check it out. We will have some samples of it mailed out for you to try. Please contact Customer Care via Phone, Live Chat, or Email for further assistance.
—Marcia
My #1 PC product!
I cannot believe I've never made my feelings known about this product. It is the ONE lotion I've used every day, without fail, since I tried it about 6 years ago. Each morning, I slather it on my face, neck, upper chest,& arms. Before it fully sinks into my face, I apply a small amount of PC foundation & my skin looks clear & even. Lately, I've used the Resist 'toner' first, followed by this sunscreen, & my skin looks even better. I've seen both a dermatologist & a plastic surgeon during these 6 years & both wildly complimented my skin. And neither EVER tried to sell me any of their in-house 'featured' skincare line. How could they, after just telling me how well I'm doing?
Anyway, this sunscreen has plenty of antioxidants, & the minerals help my mild rosacea. The whitish cast disappears in minutes, &, for me, it works wonders as a daytime moisturizer. Talk about a major bang for your buck! This is IT.Please never discontinue it!
—mary
GREAT PRODUCT
LOVE this under my makeup and even around my eyes with no stinging or smell. It blends and absorbs well and only takes a small amount for coverage. I hated using sunscreen on my face due to the strong smell and stinging if it ran into my eyes. This is a must have.
—Jaime
Please UP the SPF
I love the texture, but wish SPF was much higher since I hyperpigment easily. This isn't greasy and blends in once it sets. Yes, it will make you look a little lighter, but all mineral sunscreens do - however, mineral sun protection is superior over chemical and the only option if you hyperpigment. I can't figure out how others remove this sunscreen since the only way I can remove it is with Paula's makeup remover. Customer Care Response: Thank you for your feedback, we will pass along your comments to Paula and her Product Development team. For another option please consider our Resist Cellular Defense Daily Moisturizer SPF 25 which is a mineral sunscreen. Please let us know if you would like samples to try.
—Lisa
Great for Sensitive Skin
I'm highly allergic to sunscreen. This is the only one I've been able to use without a reaction and I really like it. Even though there's no claim that it's waterproof, it has held up well when I've gone swimming. The only downside is that it does my skin look pale under makeup. So I use it for outdoor activities only.
—Robyn
Perfect sunscreen
I have yet to be disappointed in a Paula's Choice product. I have oily, acne-prone, very sensitive skin. This sunscreen goes on beautifully and has never stung. Even though this is indicated for very dry skin, my oily skin tolerates it fine. It has never broken me out. Of course, I'm using Paula's Clear line so maybe that's why. Thank you so much for your wonderful products Paula. You've got me for life.
—Kim
Great mineral sunscreen
I love this product for around my eyes and from the neck down. I have spent a great deal of time outside and have used this suncreen with the PC SPF 45. I layer these products and I have been burn free and tan free all summer.
—Jamie
Good sunscreen
As far as mineral sunscreens go, this one is great. It goes on smooth, does not irritate eyes too much ( which is great for my kids who always rub their faces ). It does leave a slightly white cast. It isn't bad though. A dab of powder covers
—Lucy
Why not SPF 30?
Paula, can this this be reformulated as SPF 30 keeping the same texture? For now, I can only use it when I do not plan to be outside more than a half hour or so. This is a very nice titanium and zinc oxide sunscreen. It rubs into my skin (fair olive)well, is not greasy, does not sting my eyes, works well under my makeup, and, very important to me, it does not contain avobenzone (stains fabrics) or potentially harmful ingredients. I don't use this sunscreen much, but if it were spf 30, it would be my everyday, all the time sunbscreen. Customer Care Response: We would be happy to share your feedback with our Product Development Team. In the meanwhile, you may want to try our RESIST Cellular Defense Daily Moisturizer with SPF 25 & Antioxidants.
—Rose
Yay!
This product does not smell like sunscreen which is the highest compliment I can give to a sunblock! I despise the smell of sunscreen and often times don't use it for that reason. In addition, the formula is not greasy and absorbs very quickly. I am very, very happy with this product.
—Erica
Stays nice on skin all day.
I've read some other reviews saying it's hard to get the white tinge to go away. I got this a couple years ago & didn't much like it. I reorded this & one other kind last week, & I am quite pleased. I think they must have redone the forumla. I recall the white cast problem, & also that it seems heavy. This time it's nicely light. I rub it into damp skin after my shower in the morning & it soaks right in. It's not shiny, not matte, not greasy. I have no problem getting it to blend into skin. It's the end of the day as I write this & my face feels good & looks fresh. FYI I'm a 46 year old redhead. I try a LOT of sunscreens & I'm liking this one. Also it's less expensive than some of her other sunscreens.
—Susan
The best!
This is the best sunblock I've ever used. I counteract the slight whitish cast by mixing one full bottle sunscreen with one full tube of PC All Bases Covered foundation. Add the optional pump et voila! Tinted moisturizer for ultra-pale ultra-sensitive skin. The antioxidants are a nice touch, too. Please don't ever discontinue this. I love it!
—Amy
don't like it
it's hard to work into your skin, your face becomes very very pale and milky....it's very sticky too.....I found moisturizing sunscreen spf30 is a better option, has similar texture but works a lot better and has higher spf. Customer Care Response: Please call our Customer Service department for assistance finding a product that will work for you. Also, please note that we have a 60-day 100% Satisfaction Guarantee return policy.
—Galina
Great for sensitive skin!
The previous sunscreen I used for "sensitive" skin gave me a chemical burn on my upper arms! This product is truly formulated for sensitive skin. I have KP on my arms and this does not irritate them one bit! I use on my chest and arms, as I think this sunscreen would be a little too heavy for my face. One suggestion - increase the SPF to 30 and this would be perfect! Those living in really sunny areas, like southern california, need more protection!
—Mary
Excellent product
This sunscreen is light and gentle and absorbs easily; give it a minute or two before moving on to the next step in your routine if it seems heavy or chalky. It works perfectly as a screen/moisturizer for my olive-tan, sensitive, rosacea-prone skin, and the SPF rating is fine unless I plan to be outside beyond 1/2 an hour (and who wants to be given what it can do?). Thanks to Paula's products, my skin has never looked or felt better!
—Sheryl
Excellent Product
Incredible protection and makeup friendly!
—sheri zorrilla
love it love it love it
Ditto Rowena's review! No other sunscreen for my face including Paula's other sunscreens work for my rosacea. Please do not discontinue!
—Colette
Very nice, clean mineral sunscreen!
I use this on my body every day! I would love if this came in 12oz or even 16oz sizes. Customer Care Response: Thank you for your feedback! We will share it with Paula and her product development team.
—Francie
Perfect, don't stop!
Only remaining sunscreens my very sensitive skin can tolerate and one of the most effective and best thought out. The market will catch up to this great product! Don't ever stop, you have me for life.
—lucy barker
Feels and looks great!
This is an excellent choice for use around my eyes and below my neck. Great product, Paula!
—Jamie H
Great sunscreen!
I have very sensitive skin and this does not sting my face or eyes. If your skin looks too whitish, try some face powder.
—Margaret
Doesn't Irritate; Would Like Higher SPF
I love this sunscreen! It is the only one I've tried that does not irritate my skin and also doesn't make me look white as a ghost. I would prefer a higher SPF, but only if it could be made so that it didn't give the ghost look.
—Christa C.
Mineral Sunscreens
For the ones complaining about this sunscreen leaving a white cast should know thats how it works. Its a physical blocker reflecting the rays, rub it all the way in or use chemical sunscreen. These are the best though.
—Matthew J.
Best sunscreen product
This is a fantastic product for rosacea and it doesn't clog my pores. Makes a good foundation primer too!
—Karen Morrell
The Best
This is the best product for daily use, it protects from sun damage with gentle sunscreens and antioxidants, and it is moisturizing enough for my combination skin that I don't need to add a moisturizer. And although it is advertised for normal to dry skin, my breakout prone skin is oily in the hot, humid summer days and it still works perfectly, nice texture, no breakouts. It even camouflages some redness! I have used it during every season and it is wonderfull in any weather condition. Thank you Paula, please don't discontinue this product.
—N
Wonderful, wish it were higher SPF
This is the only sunscreen I've tried which doesn't irritate, and after using it for a year now, I really like it a lot. It goes on nicely and although whitish looking at first, it blends in very quickly and feels good on my skin. It seems to be moisturizing, too, and is great on my mature skin. When I use this, I don't seem to need an additional moisturizer.
My only complaint is the low SPF of 15 (thus the rating of 4 rather than 5). I wonder why this product can't be made a bit higher in SPF. I use this for my daily sunscreen protection, but if I know I'll be in strong sun I have to use something else to get a higher level of protection.
—Carole
Wonderful product
This product is great on my dry skin under make-up. If rubbed in sufficently, it doesn't leave a white cast. It also is great for my two-year-old grand-daughter's sensitive skin. My only criticism is that it should be in the same sort of tube as the non-greasy sunscreen.
—S. J. K.
Great Product
This sunscreen is great. Doesn't stain your clothes like avobenzone does. Goes on pretty smoothly, dries up some so it's not too greasy. I am wondering why other sunscreens with similar levels of mineral sunscreens tout their products as SPF 30? Neutrogena has one that is similar and claims to be an SPF 30, but that product is no where near as good as this one because it is much thicker and is waxy, doesn't blend as well as Paula's does.
—Suzanne Williams
Didn't agree with me
This sunscreen made my rosacea zone turn bright pink. That coupled with the whitish cast made me look clown like! I have since used another zinc/titanium oxide sunscreen without difficulty. ? something in the base?
Customer Care: Please call our Customer Service for assistance with finding a product that will work for you. Also, please note that we have a 60-day 100% Satisfaction Guarantee return policy.
—Janice
Nice texture but too white
I have quite light but not truly fair skin (I am pale but with enough melanin that I don't burn badly when exposed), and this was too white against my skin. In order to be invisible, I would imagine your skin would need to be quite fair.
Customer Care Response: We are sorry to hear about your experience with this product. An option may be our Skin Recovery Daily Mattifying Lotion SPF 15. Please contact our Customer Service team for further details on this product or for return assistance.
—Sarah
2nd Review (BEST SUNSCREEN MY FACE HAS EVER MET
For those who complain of white caste/greasy feel,try using less than the recom."circle" in brochure(it's 2-D-what you dispense has depth). Don't use other moist.-product IS moisturizer. I use smaller glob after toner or toner/antiox.,wait a bit & I'm set! W-w/o makeup,it's great stuff!
I'd still love to have 1-1-1/2 oz. refill. tube as hand/arm cream on the go.
—Carol Edlavitch
Only white and chalky if you do not rub it IN!
The people who say this leaves their skin white, chalky, or purple haven't rubbed it in fully. This sunscreen is so gentle on the skin and absorbs well even into my oily/combination skin!
—Ben
having trouble with sunscreen.:/
i have sensitive skin. and i read that if thats you skin type is that get a sunscreen with titanium dioxide and zinc oxide only, but it also leaves a whitish cast :/ and this ones only SPF 15 which blocks out only 95% of rays???? :( i don't know what to do!
—koki
physical sunblock!
this one has a higher titanium dioxide rating than the skin recovery moisturizer SPF15... so it is a better sunblock, but also more white pasty, and feels a bit more oily..
great to layer it on during the day as a pure sunblock.
—winnie
Chalky & Purple Cast
The sunscreen seems to work relatively well but the color coat it leaves on your skin is disgustingly chalky & has a purple cast to it. Very thick to spread and does not go very far at all on the body.
—Christina
BEST SUNSCREEN MY FACE HAS EVER MET!!!
Adore it! Zero irritation, even eye area. White cast vanishes as dries down. Perfect under makeup or al-fresco. Please make portable size & SPF30.
—Carol Edlavitch
Great For Faces!
I like this one even better than the mineral SPF formulated just for faces. This evens out my really red skin, and leaves my fair skin with a gorgeous glow. Wears fabulously under makeup and doesn't cause breakouts. Such a good value for the amount too! Love It!!!
—Curry
mineral sunscreen
This sunscreen goes on smoothly, not too oily or too dry. It looks great under makeup, except for the chalky color it leaves your skin. I am not prone to breakouts but the few times i have used this i have broken out.
—D.O.
Love it
This is the first all-mineral sunscreen I've found that isn't greasy. It goes on smooth and pretty much blends in (I have olive skin). It also manages to help skin look matte all day.
—Erica
Love it, Love it
I use this sunscreen all year round...When I put it on it feels so great on my skin, like it just calms it and makes it feel totally moisturized, soft and calm. I absolutely love it!! thanks
—Jami
Fantastic Product
This is the only sunscreen for sensitive skin that I can use under my eyes. No irritation whatsoever, and I can wear it under my eye makeup. I love it.
—Rachel
Love This Sunscreen!
I have sensitive skin, and this sunscreen does not irritate. It goes on initially looking rather white and almost oily, but within a few seconds it becomes quite matte and the white disappears. My daytime routine has become: Wash with One-Step Cleanser, followed by Skin Recovery toner, then the wonderful Skin Recovery Anti-Oxidant Serum (especially under the eye area), and top with the Pure Mineral Sunscreen, which makes a perfect finishing and moisturizing base for my mineral makeup. For daily year-round use I am quite happy to use this sunscreen. My only wish is that this sunscreen were a higher SPF rating, perhaps 30.
—Carole McMurray
Did not absorb into my skin
Did not absorb into my skin; left a white film and my skin felt waxy. Love Paula's products, but this one, at least for me, was not a winner.
—Maura
Dont leave home without it!
LOVE IT! Not only does it provide the best sun protection possible, but it works as a great primer for my foundation too! Silky and smooth. I love knowing my skin is as protected as it can be when I leave the house!
—Michelle
Pure Mineral Sunscreen
I love your pure mineral sunscreen.
It has been discontinued in Australia, which is really disappointing. Please bring it back
—Roxanne
Amazing!
This amazing sunscreen goes on so incredibly smooth and silky. I use it on my super sensitive children all the time. It is the only sunscreen I trust to put on them to keep them safe from the sun and to keep their skin free from chemical irritation.
—Ilse
We can finally wear sunscreen
I have always had problems with sunscreen stinging my face, and I bought this hoping the mineral formula would be gentler. It felt so good on my skin that I dared to try it on my 6 year old daughter, who has severe dermatitis that is triggered by both the sun and chemical sunscreens. Not only is she not bothered by this mineral formula, for the first time in her life she is able to run around on the playground on a bright day without huge, hot, red welts swelling up all over her cheeks. Her face looks better than it has since she started kindergarden, soft and clear and sweet. This works far better for her than her medication! I am so happy with this product I could hug someone. Thank you so much for making something that will make my little girl's life so much more comfortable.
—Jennifer
Pure Mineral Sunscreen
Wonderful! Other brands make our eyes sting and turn our clothes yellow. This one has NEVER stung my eyes or discolored our clothes. Love it for the kids!
—Julie Andrews Lee
Pure Mineral Sunscreen Great Makeup Base
Pure Minerals Sunscreen works great under my mineral foundation. With this as my base, I can go all day and my makeup still look fresh at the end of the day. It doesn't clog your pores or sting your skin or eyes.
—Linda Summers
I absolutely LOVE your Pure Mineral Sunscreen and Skin Recovery Cleanser for my very dry skin. I am taking Accutane, and my skin is extremely sensitive to most over-the-counter lotions, cleansers, sunscreens, and make-up. I don't know what I'd do without your non-irritating, beautifully blending products. Thank you, Paula.
—Jessica I.
Please don't ever stop making your Pure Mineral Sunscreen. I have Rosacea and the formulation makes my skin silky, hides the redness, and provides protection from the sun. Amazing product! Thank you.
—Rowena
What makes this product unique?
Pure Mineral Sunscreen SPF 15 is specifically formulated for sensitive skin, including those with rosacea. Its sole active ingredients are the gentle mineral sunscreen agents titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, both of which provide broad-spectrum protection. The lightweight but protective lotion is fortified with antioxidants proven to help skin defend itself against sun damage. You'll enjoy this formula's silky texture and matte finish as you thoroughly massage it onto skin.
This product is 100% fragrance- and colorant-free.
Who is this product for?
Pure Mineral Sunscreen SPF 15 is recommended for normal to very dry skin, as well as those struggling with rosacea or extremely sensitive skin. Not recommended for oily or blemish-prone skin.
For use on children less than six months of age, consult a physician.
How should this product be used?
Apply liberally prior to sun exposure and reapply at regular intervals if you will be exposed to sunlight for an extended period of time. This sunscreen is not water-resistant and not meant to be used while swimming. Reapply immediately if you perspire heavily.
What Makes Paula's Choice Products Unique?
Created by world renowned skin care expert and author Paula Begoun
Proven effectiveness based on hundreds of published scientific studies
Targeted systems for wrinkles, acne, rosacea, sensitive skin, oily skin, dry skin and more
Fragrance-free, color-free, free of harmful skin irritants, and never tested on animals
Sources to support the claims made for Pure Mineral Sunscreen SPF 15:
Archives of Dermatological Research, March 2010, pages 71–83; Cancer Prevention Research, February 2010, pages 170–178; Phytotherapy Research, September 2009, pages 1,197–1,204; Carcinogenesis, June 2009, pages 1,008–1,015; Molecular Nutrition and Food Research, June 2008, pages S71–S76; Future Oncology, December 2008, pages 841–856; Clinics in Dermatology, November-December 2008, pages 614–626; Skin Therapy Letter, September 2008, pages 5–9; Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, July 2008, pages S7–S12; Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, June 2008, pages 136–149; Pharmazie, January 2008, pages 58–60; Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology, and Leprology, March-April 2007, pages 80–85; Journal of Pathology, January 2007, 241–251; Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, June 2005, pages 937–958; Photodermatology, Photoimmunology, and Photomedicine, August 2004, pages 200–204; Journal of Postgraduate Medicine, July 2004, pages 131–139; Cutis, September 2003, pages 11–15; International Journal of Dermatology, July 2003, page 505Journal of Investigative Dermatology, January 2002, pages 117–125; and Clinical Experimental Dermatology, October 2001, pages 573–577.
Directions: Apply liberally prior to sun exposure. This sunscreen is not water-resistant and not meant to be used while swimming. Reapply immediately if you perspire heavily. For use on children under six months of age, consult a physician.
Does Extra Care Moisturizing Sunscreen provide enough moisture for dry skin?
Yes. It was designed to meet the needs of dry skin without feeling slick or greasy and it contains a sophisticated blend of silicones, emollients, and water-binding agents to smooth and soften dry skin.
I notice I get a white cast after applying Pure Mineral Sunscreen. Anything I can do to minimize this?
Some people, typically those with medium to tan or olive skin tones, will notice a bit of a white to pale violet cast after applying Pure Mineral Sunscreen SPF 15. This is due to the amount of mineral actives (titanium dioxide and zinc oxide) this sunscreen contains. If this happens to you, here is our best tip to get around this issue:
Experiment by applying a drop or two of a sheer bronzing gel (Clinique makes a good one) over Pure Mineral Sunscreen. You can also mix a drop or two of the bronzing gel with the sunscreen before applying. The bronze will offset the white cast and should make your skin tone look more natural without losing the sun protection this provides. Of course you can also apply a Paula's Choice foundation with sunscreen over Pure Mineral Sunscreen or any of our other daytime moisturizers with sunscreen.
