Paula's Choice CLINICAL Ceramide-Enriched Firming Moisturizer

Paula's Choice CLINICAL Ceramide-Enriched Firming Moisturizer
1.8
/ 10
Moisturizing
3.1 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 1.8 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 1.8 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 3.1 out of 10, primarily due to Glycerin (est. ≈1.3%), Glyceryl Ascorbate (est. ≈0.3%) and Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract (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 some ingredients marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles, specifically Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Ascorbyl Glucoside, and Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate. 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%) and Ascorbyl Glucoside (est. ≈4.0%).

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
9
6
4
3
2.5
2
1.5
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
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Ratings

All humectants
3.1
1.3
0.3
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
1.8
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 3.1 10
3.1
1.3
0.3
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
1.8
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
1.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 3.1 10
3.1
All humectants
3.1
1.3
0.3
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
- 4 -
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
Ascorbyl Glucoside
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
4
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
4
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 15.4 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
15.4
Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
9
Ascorbyl Glucoside
4
Glyceryl Ascorbate
0.3
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
0.3
Punica Granatum Fruit Extract
0.3
Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract
0.3
Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Extract
0.3
Tocopheryl Acetate
0.3
Carnosine
0.3
Propyl Gallate
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
0.3
0.3
All soothing 0.6 5 No
All soothing
0.6
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %60
Function
Origin
The 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
The 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
A 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.
Ascorbyl Glucoside
Est. %4
Function
Origin
A derivative of vitamin C. It is more stable and less irritating than ascorbic acid. There are unfortunately no clinical studies on ascorbyl glucoside’s anti-pigment or anti-acne efficacy alone.
Neopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate
Est. %3
Function
Origin
An 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. %2.5
Function
Origin
A 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
Function
Origin
An 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. %1.5
Function
Origin
This 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. %1.3
Function
Origin

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

PEG-12 Glyceryl Dimyristate
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Description is coming soon
Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
An emollient ester that is used as a non-animal substitute for lanolin. Similar to lanolin, it melts at body temperature, making it ideal for use in body butters, lip balms, and ointments.
Dimethicone
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
The 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
Description is coming soon
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A 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

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
Also 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
A 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
Previously 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
Formerly 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
A 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
An 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
A 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
A 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
An 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 Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A pomegranate fruit extract that contains antioxidant polyphenols and a rare emollient punicic acid. It is aimed at dry, irritated skin.
Pongamia Glabra Seed Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Description is coming soon
Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
An extract from the licorice root. It contains a well-researched anti-inflammatory compound called glycyrrhizin that can reduce inflammation. Licorice root extract is also used for its powerful antioxidant effects and ability to treat pigmentation.
Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A potent antioxidant and emollient extract derived from grape seeds. It contains antioxidant flavonoids, tannins, proanthocyanidins, phytosterols, carotenoids, and vitamin E. It is often used in skincare products aimed at soothing and healing irritated skin.
Tocopheryl Acetate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
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
A 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
A 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
One 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
A 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
A 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
A natural or synthetically produced emulsifier often used to help form stable emulsions.
Polysorbate 20
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A 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
A palm-derived emollient ester with good lubricity that leaves a smooth after-feel on the skin.
Sodium Hydroxide
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
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
Description is coming soon
Propyl Gallate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A 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
A polymeric ingredient that creates lightweight and refreshing gel textures. It also works as a viscosity controlling agent.
Sodium Polyacrylate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
This 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
A 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
A 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
The 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
An 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
A preservative and broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent that protects products from a wide range of bacteria and fungi.