Paula's Choice CLEAR Extra Strength Anti-Redness Exfoliating Solution

Paula's Choice CLEAR Extra Strength Anti-Redness Exfoliating Solution
5.0
/ 10
Moisturizing
10.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
0.0 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
Rich
in Antioxidants
Rich Skin Soothing icon
in Skin Soothers

Review

Results you may expect from using Paula's Choice CLEAR Extra Strength Anti-Redness Exfoliating Solution:

Based on the ingredient analysis by CreamScan, these are the key benefits you can expect from using Paula's Choice CLEAR Extra Strength Anti-Redness Exfoliating Solution:

  • Moderate moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 5.0 out of 10.
  • Soothing: Paula's Choice CLEAR Extra Strength Anti-Redness Exfoliating Solution contains a high concentration of soothing ingredients, which may help to reduce irritation and calm the skin.
  • Antioxidant protection.

How moisturizing is it?

Quite moisturizing: Paula's Choice CLEAR Extra Strength Anti-Redness Exfoliating Solution has a moisturizing rating of 5.0 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? It is purely humectant. It has zero occlusivity (we didn't find any occlusive ingredients on the ingredient list) and a maximum humectancy of 10 out of 10, due to the high content of Methylpropanediol (est. ≈6.0%) and Butylene Glycol (est. ≈4.0%).

Tip: Studies suggest that humectants alone do not moisturize the skin. We recommend applying a product with some occlusive ingredients after the use of this one.

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the moisturizing rating calculation.

Antioxidant benefits

We estimate that Paula's Choice CLEAR Extra Strength Anti-Redness Exfoliating Solution is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract (est. ≈3.0%).

A key benefit of antioxidants is their ability to reduce oxidative stress caused by free radicals and therefore prevent accelerated skin aging. Studies also show that antioxidants can protect against environmental damage such as UV radiation and pollution, and help reduce inflammation and skin redness.

Skin soothing

Based on the ingredient list analysis, Paula's Choice CLEAR Extra Strength Anti-Redness Exfoliating Solution is rich (> 5%) in soothing ingredients, particularly Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract (est. ≈3.0%) and Salicylic Acid (est. ≈2.0%).

When applied to the skin, compounds of soothing ingredients, such as triglycerides, phospholipids, fatty acids, phenolic compounds, and antioxidants, work together to soothe the skin through various mechanisms: reducing inflammation, promoting wound healing, repairing the skin barrier, and providing antimicrobial and antioxidant activities.

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
80
Water
6
Methylpropanediol
4
Butylene Glycol
3
Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract
2
Salicylic Acid
1.5
Polysorbate 20
1.3
Sodium Hydroxide
0.3
Tetrasodium EDTA
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Methylpropanediol
Function:
Origin:
Butylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Salicylic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Polysorbate 20
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hydroxide
Function:
Origin:
Tetrasodium EDTA
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
10.0
6
4
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
0.0
None
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
5.0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 10 10
10.0
6
4
Occlusivity All occlusives 0.0 20
0.0
None
Moisturizing rating
5.0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
6
4
All humectants 10 10
10
All humectants
10.0
6
4
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
None
All occlusives 0.0 20
0.0
All occlusives
0.0
None
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
None
Total
0
None
Anti-wrinkle rating
0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
3
All antioxidants 3 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
3
Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract
3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
3
2
All soothing 5 5 Rich in soothing
All soothing
5
3
2
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %80
Function
Origin
WaterThe most used ingredient in skincare. Its concentration defines the product texture: rich creams may have about 50% of water while a light jelly about 90%. Water doesn’t moisturize the skin by itself and is used in skincare as a solvent for other ingredients.
Methylpropanediol
Est. %6
Function
Origin
MethylpropanediolMethylpropanediol is a unique glycol that contains two primary hydroxyl groups. That makes methylpropanediol a powerful humectant and an excellent solvent.
Butylene Glycol
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Butylene GlycolA clear, colorless liquid humectant that draws moisture to the skin. The humectancy of butylene glycol, owed to its two hydroxyl groups, is quite considerable, although not as powerful as glycerin, which contains three hydroxyl groups.
Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Camellia Oleifera Leaf ExtractAn emollient extract derived from the leaves of the Tea-oil Camellia, which is native to Southeast Asia. It contains astringent and wound-healing tannins that create a tightening feeling on the skin and can speed up the healing process of small cuts.
Salicylic Acid
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Salicylic AcidThis effective peeling and anti-inflammatory BHA is used as an anti-acne agent and works by breaking down the junctions between dead skin cells. This results in the peeling of dead skin and the unclogging of pores.
Polysorbate 20
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Polysorbate 20A viscous, amber-colored liquid that functions as a solubilizer to disperse small amounts of oil into a large water phase. Polysorbate 20 is frequently used to solubilize fragrance oils into water-based emulsions.
Sodium Hydroxide
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Hydroxide

An ingredient that is able to bring the pH of a product up, thereby making it less harsh on the skin.

Tetrasodium EDTA
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tetrasodium EDTAOne of the most common synthetic chelators. It can reduce the 'hardness' of water and so is often used in rinse-off products.