Paula's Choice Clinical Ceramide-Enriched Firming Moisturizer

Paula's Choice Clinical Ceramide-Enriched Firming Moisturizer
1.7
/ 10
Moisturizing
3.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
0.4 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
2.5Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle
Rich
in Antioxidants

Review

Results you may expect from using Paula's Choice Clinical Ceramide-Enriched Firming Moisturizer:

Based on the ingredient analysis by CreamScan, these are the key benefits you can expect from using Paula's Choice Clinical Ceramide-Enriched Firming Moisturizer:

  • A bit of moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 1.7 out of 10.
  • Some anti-wrinkle efficacy: Paula's Choice Clinical Ceramide-Enriched Firming Moisturizer has an anti-wrinkle rating of 2.5 out of 10 so you may expect some, although limited, effect on wrinkles.
  • Antioxidant protection.

How moisturizing is it?

Slightly moisturizing: Paula's Choice Clinical Ceramide-Enriched Firming Moisturizer has a moisturizing rating of 1.7 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Rather humectant. It has a low occlusivity of 0.4 out of 10 and a moderate humectancy of 3.0 out of 10, primarily due to Glycerin (est. ≈1.5%), Glyceryl Ascorbate (est. ≈0.3%) and Panthenol (est. ≈0.3%).

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

Anti-wrinkle efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, Paula's Choice Clinical Ceramide-Enriched Firming Moisturizer has a slight anti-wrinkle rating of 2.5 out of 10. It contains one ingredient with proven anti-wrinkle efficacy: Retinol (est. ≈0.1%), 
 the most effective non-prescription ingredient with well-proven efficacy to reduce wrinkles.
 
Among others, Paula's Choice Clinical Ceramide-Enriched Firming Moisturizer also contains contains Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate and Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, two ingredients marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of these ingredients provide insufficient evidence of efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards. Therefore, these ingredients do not contribute to the anti-wrinkle rating.
 
Moisturizers, when used regularly, are proven to prevent wrinkle formation and even reduce existing wrinkles. Therefore, this product, like any other moisturizer, could deliver additional anti-wrinkle efficacy through its moisturizing action.
 

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the anti-wrinkle rating calculation.

Antioxidant benefits

We estimate that Paula's Choice Clinical Ceramide-Enriched Firming Moisturizer is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (est. ≈9.0%).

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.

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
60
Water
9
Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
6
Cetyl Alcohol
4
Neopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate
3
Potassium Cetyl Phosphate
2.5
Glyceryl Stearate
2
PEG-100 Stearate
1.5
Glycerin
1.3
PEG-12 Glyceryl Dimyristate
1
Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-1
0.3
Dimethicone
0.3
Glyceryl Ascorbate
0.3
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
0.1
Retinol
0.3
Ceramide NP
0.3
Ceramide NS
0.3
Ceramide AP
0.3
Ceramide EOP
0.3
Ceramide EOS
0.3
Cholesterol
0.3
Caprooyl Phytosphingosine
0.3
Caprooyl Sphingosine
0.3
Squalane
0.3
Punica Granatum Extract
0.3
Pongamia Glabra Seed Oil
0.3
Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root
0.3
Vitis Vinifera (Grape)
0.3
Tocopheryl Acetate
0.3
Carnosine
0.3
Panthenol
0.3
Sodium PCA
0.3
Butylene Glycol
0.3
Sodium Citrate
0.3
Ceteareth-25
0.3
Polysorbate 20
0.3
Ethylhexyl Stearate
0.3
Sodium Hydroxide
0.3
Trideceth-6
0.3
Propyl Gallate
0.3
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer
0.3
Sodium Polyacrylate
0.3
Behenic Acid
0.3
Disodium EDTA
0.3
Phenoxyethanol
0.3
Caprylyl Glycol
0.3
Chlorphenesin
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
Function:
Origin:
Cetyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Neopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate
Function:
Origin:
Potassium Cetyl Phosphate
Function:
Origin:
Glyceryl Stearate
Function:
Origin:
PEG-100 Stearate
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
PEG-12 Glyceryl Dimyristate
Function:
Origin:
Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-1
Function:
Origin:
Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Glyceryl Ascorbate
Function:
Origin:
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
Function:
Origin:
Retinol
Function:
Origin:
Ceramide NP
Function:
Origin:
Ceramide NS
Function:
Origin:
Ceramide AP
Function:
Origin:
Ceramide EOP
Function:
Origin:
Ceramide EOS
Function:
Origin:
Cholesterol
Function:
Origin:
Caprooyl Phytosphingosine
Function:
Origin:
Caprooyl Sphingosine
Function:
Origin:
Squalane
Function:
Origin:
Punica Granatum Extract
Function:
Origin:
Pongamia Glabra Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root
Function:
Origin:
Vitis Vinifera (Grape)
Function:
Origin:
Tocopheryl Acetate
Function:
Origin:
Carnosine
Function:
Origin:
Panthenol
Function:
Origin:
Sodium PCA
Function:
Origin:
Butylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Citrate
Function:
Origin:
Ceteareth-25
Function:
Origin:
Polysorbate 20
Function:
Origin:
Ethylhexyl Stearate
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hydroxide
Function:
Origin:
Trideceth-6
Function:
Origin:
Propyl Gallate
Function:
Origin:
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Polyacrylate
Function:
Origin:
Behenic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Disodium EDTA
Function:
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Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Caprylyl Glycol
Function:
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Chlorphenesin
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
3.0
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
0.9
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
1.7
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 3.0 10
3.0
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 0.9 20
0.4
0.3
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
1.7
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 3.0 10
3
All humectants
3.0
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
0.3
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 0.9 20
0.4
All occlusives
0.9
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
10 /10 0.4 0.1 2.5
n/a
- 9 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
2.5
Retinol
2.5
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
10 /10
when present at, %
0.4
in this formula, est. %
0.1
Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
9
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
2.5
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
9
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 10.8 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
10.8
Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
9
Glyceryl Ascorbate
0.3
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
0.3
Punica Granatum Extract
0.3
Tocopheryl Acetate
0.3
Carnosine
0.3
Propyl Gallate
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
0.3
All soothing 0.3 5 No
All soothing
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %60
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.
Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
Est. %9
Function
Origin
Sodium Ascorbyl PhosphateThe most researched derivative of vitamin C. It boosts collagen synthesis, thereby improving skin structure and elasticity. SAP is effective in the treatment of inflamed acne lesions and has a weak but positive effect on pigmentation issues.
Cetyl Alcohol
Est. %6
Function
Origin
Cetyl AlcoholA waxy solid fatty alcohol derived from palm oil. It is most commonly used as a co-emulsifier and affects the final aesthetic of the product, leaving a soft and silky feeling on the skin. Cetyl alcohol is also used as a viscosity controlling agent.
Neopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Neopentyl Glycol DiheptanoateAn emollient ester with an exceptionally lightweight feel. It absorbs quickly and produces a silky feel with excellent spreadability. It also serves as an excellent solvent and is commonly used to suspend sunscreen actives.
Potassium Cetyl Phosphate
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Potassium Cetyl PhosphateA powerful emulsifier that can even mix particularly problematic water and oil blends. It is also a surfactant perfect for cleansing products that effectively rinse off oil and dirt particles from the surface of the skin.
Glyceryl Stearate
Est. %2.5
Function
Origin
Glyceryl StearateAn emollient and emulsifier typically derived from vegetable sources through a chemical reaction with glycerin. It provides stability, texture, and consistency to formulations. Its main function is to allow oil and water to mix.
PEG-100 Stearate
Est. %2
Function
Origin
PEG-100 StearateThis surfactant is more specifically classified as an emulsifier that produces oil-in-water emulsions. PEG-100 stearate can also be used as a cleansing agent.
Glycerin
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Glycerin

The most popular moisturizing ingredient in the world. It is a powerful humectant – cheap yet very effective.

PEG-12 Glyceryl Dimyristate
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
PEG-12 Glyceryl DimyristateDescription is coming soon
Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-1
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-1Description is coming soon
Dimethicone
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
DimethiconeThe most common silicone in skincare. It forms a silky, smooth film on the skin’s surface and can help to prevent water loss. It also aids in wound healing and can treat and soften scars. Dimethicone is considered to be very safe for use.
Glyceryl Ascorbate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glyceryl AscorbateDescription is coming soon
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tetrahexyldecyl AscorbateA lipid-soluble form of vitamin C that is more stable and less irritating than ascorbic acid. According to a recent clinical study, THDA has all the capabilities of regular vitamin C, including anti-wrinkle and anti-pigment activity.
Retinol
Est. %0.1
Function
Origin
Retinol

One of the most famous and well-researched anti-aging ingredients with a maximum anti-wrinkle power of 10 out of 10. It is proven to decrease wrinkles and help the skin regain its thickness, firmness, and texture. Retinol is also effective in treating pigmentation issues such as dark spots and acne.

Ceramide NP
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ceramide NPAlso known as ceramide 3, it is the most common ceramide in our skin. It helps to restore the skin’s lipid barrier and alleviate the symptoms of dry and cracked skin. Research has shown that skin suffering from conditions such as AD lacks ceramides.
Ceramide NS
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ceramide NSA wax-like lipid natural to the skin’s lipid matrix. It is less frequently used but, in combination with other ceramides, can help to restore balance in the skin’s lipid barrier.
Ceramide AP
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ceramide APPreviously called Ceramide 6 II, Ceramide AP is one of the most common ceramides in the skin. Research has shown that dry, flaky skin has significantly less Ceramide AP. Its application helps to treat dry skin by restoring balance in the skin lipids.
Ceramide EOP
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ceramide EOPFormerly called Ceramide 1, this ingredient is a skin-identical wax-like lipid with an ultra-long fatty acid chain. It restores and stabilizes the skin’s lipid matrix and helps to treat dry and flaky skin, especially when combined with other ceramides.
Ceramide EOS
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ceramide EOSA skin-identical lipid that is an essential part of the skin barrier. Aging or exposed-to-cold skin lacks it and applying a ceramide-rich cream can replenish the lipid barrier. It may replenish linoleic acid levels in acne-prone skin.
Cholesterol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
CholesterolAn emollient and important barrier repairing lipid, effective when combined with fatty acids and ceramides. Around 25% of the skin’s lipid layer is made up of cholesterol and it is found in the membrane of every single cell in our body.
Caprooyl Phytosphingosine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Caprooyl PhytosphingosineA synthetic emollient that is similar to skin-identical ceramides. It helps to replenish the building blocks of the skin’s lipid barrier and helps with the formation and stability of emulsions.
Caprooyl Sphingosine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Caprooyl SphingosineA synthetic emollient similar to skin-identical ceramides. It helps to replenish the building blocks of the skin’s lipid barrier and aids in the formation and stability of emulsions.
Squalane
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
SqualaneAn occlusive moisturizing and emollient compound that forms part of the skin’s sebum. The main source of squalane had always been shark liver. Now, however, it is manufactured synthetically or derived from plant oils, such as olive and peanut oil.
Punica Granatum Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Punica Granatum ExtractAn extract made from pomegranate fruit. The fleshy and juicy part of the fruit mainly contains antioxidant red pigments and polyphenols. The rinds contain large amounts of tannins, which are astringent and leave the skin feeling tightened and refreshed.
Pongamia Glabra Seed Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Pongamia Glabra Seed OilDescription is coming soon
Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) RootDescription is coming soon
Vitis Vinifera (Grape)
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Vitis Vinifera (Grape)Description is coming soon
Tocopheryl Acetate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tocopheryl Acetate

An antioxidant derivative of tocopherol (vitamin E). It helps to protect cells from free radicals and UV damage through the conversion to active vitamin E in the skin. It is more stable than tocopherol.

Carnosine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
CarnosineA skin-identical dipeptide that acts as a powerful antioxidant. It protects our skin from harmful glycation and can enhance the activity of other active ingredients in the skincare product.
Panthenol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PanthenolA popular soothing and moisturizing derivative of vitamin B5. Panthenol is particularly beneficial for dry, flaking, burned, or damaged skin. It is used to alleviate the symptoms of a rash, dermatitis, eczema, chapped lips, and sunburn.
Sodium PCA
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium PCAOne of the most important parts of the skin's Natural Moisturizing Factor, a mixture of various compounds that keeps the skin’s surface well hydrated. Sodium PCA is used in skincare for its fantastic humectant properties.
Butylene Glycol
Est. %0.3
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.
Sodium Citrate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium CitrateA salt of citric acid that has a salty and tart flavor and is used as a fragrance. It is mildly basic, meaning that its addition to a skincare product can adjust the pH upward.
Ceteareth-25
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ceteareth-25A natural or synthetically produced emulsifier often used to help form stable emulsions.
Polysorbate 20
Est. %0.3
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.
Ethylhexyl Stearate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ethylhexyl StearateA palm-derived emollient ester with good lubricity that leaves a smooth after-feel on the skin.
Sodium Hydroxide
Est. %0.3
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.

Trideceth-6
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Trideceth-6Description is coming soon
Propyl Gallate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Propyl GallateA semi-synthetic antioxidant manufactured from plant-based gallic acid. It protects the oils in the formulation from degrading and going rancid.
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP CopolymerA polymeric ingredient that creates lightweight and refreshing gel textures. It also works as a viscosity controlling agent.
Sodium Polyacrylate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium PolyacrylateThis white powder is primarily used as a viscosity controlling agent. It is added to the water phase, which then thickens to form a clear gel. Sodium polyacrylate can also serve as an emollient, absorbent, and emulsion stabilizer.
Behenic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Behenic AcidA naturally-occuring ingredient from certain plant oils, behenic acid acts as an emulsifier and surfactant and provides a soft cushiony feeling.
Disodium EDTA
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Disodium EDTAA synthetic chelator that helps to maintain the look and smell of a product by 'locking up' troublesome metal ions.
Phenoxyethanol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PhenoxyethanolThe most frequently used preservative in skincare. It is a clear, oil-like liquid synthetic substance that protects products from harmful bacteria and yeast, whilst still leaving skin microflora unharmed. It is confirmed by research to be harmless.
Caprylyl Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Caprylyl GlycolAn emollient that improves product spreadability and offers a silky feel on the skin. It also acts as a preservative booster that improves the efficacy of other preservatives. According to the manufacturer, it is also a humectant moisturizer.
Chlorphenesin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
ChlorphenesinA preservative and broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent that protects products from a wide range of bacteria and fungi.