Paula's Choice Defense Hydrating Gel-To-Cream Cleanser Review

Paula's Choice Defense Hydrating Gel-To-Cream Cleanser
Review

Does Paula's Choice Defense Hydrating Gel-To-Cream Cleanser Work?

 
Paula's Choice Defense Hydrating Gel-To-Cream Cleanser is a type of skincare product designed to be rinsed off, peeled off, or otherwise removed from the skin. Research confirming the moisturizing, anti-wrinkle, and soothing effects of such products is very limited. Therefore, we do not provide efficacy ratings for these types of skincare products.

However, you can explore the roles of specific ingredients in the Ingredients Explained section below.

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
70
6
4
3
2
1.5
1.3
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
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Cocoyl Glycinate
Function:
Origin:
Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Lauroamphoacetate
Function:
Origin:
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Sorbeth-230 Tetraoleate
Function:
Origin:
Decyl Glucoside
Function:
Origin:
Pentylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Chloride
Function:
Origin:
Disodium Cocoyl Glutamate
Function:
Origin:
Lauric Acid
Function:
Origin:
Lactic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Lauroyl Oat Amino Acids
Function:
Origin:
Sorbitan Laurate
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate
Function:
Origin:
Disodium EDTA
Function:
Origin:
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder
Function:
Origin:
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Function:
Origin:
Cocoyl Proline
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Citrate
Function:
Origin:
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root
Function:
Origin:
Sodium PCA
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Lactate
Function:
Origin:
Arginine
Function:
Origin:
Glycine Soja (Soybean) Sterols
Function:
Origin:
Linoleic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Phospholipids
Function:
Origin:
Aspartic Acid
Function:
Origin:
PCA
Function:
Origin:
Glycine
Function:
Origin:
Alanine
Function:
Origin:
Serine
Function:
Origin:
Valine
Function:
Origin:
Isoleucine
Function:
Origin:
Proline
Function:
Origin:
Threonine
Function:
Origin:
Potassium Citrate
Function:
Origin:
Lactoperoxidase
Function:
Origin:
Histidine
Function:
Origin:
Phenylalanine
Function:
Origin:
Glucose Oxidase
Function:
Origin:
Citric Acid
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Ethylhexylglycerin
Function:
Origin:
Potassium Sorbate
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Benzoate
Function:
Origin:

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %70
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 Cocoyl Glycinate
Est. %6
Function
Origin
Sodium Cocoyl GlycinateSodium cocoyl glycinate is a cleansing agent derived from coconut fatty acid and glycine, which is an amino acid. It is a mild surfactant, meaning it gently removes oil and dirt particles from the skin leaving it feeling clean but still lathered. It's also responsible for a creamy afterfeel of a product.
Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Cocamidopropyl HydroxysultaineA mild surfactant with excellent foaming properties and thickening capabilities.
Sodium Lauroamphoacetate
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Sodium LauroamphoacetateA surfactant that can boost foam. It is mild on its own but can also help mitigate the harshness of other strong surfactants.
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Cocamidopropyl BetaineA mildly cleansing ingredient derived from coconut. It also produces the foam that tells us our soap is actually working to remove dirt and oils.
Glycerin
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Glycerin

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

Sorbeth-230 Tetraoleate
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
Sorbeth-230 Tetraoleate
Decyl Glucoside
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Decyl GlucosideA surfactant that can function as both a cleansing agent and emulsifier. As a cleansing agent, it is very mild on the skin. As an emulsifier, decyl glucoside will produce oil-in-water emulsions. It is naturally derived from vegetable oils and starch.
Pentylene Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Pentylene Glycol

A naturally or synthetically derived preservative that exhibits effective antifungal and antibacterial traits. It also acts as a booster for more traditional preservatives. Pentylene glycol can also serve as a moisturizing humectant and solvent.

Sodium Chloride
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Chloride

You’re definitely familiar with sodium chloride, even if you don’t think you are. It’s table salt! Salt works well with some cleansing ingredients (surfactants) to thicken them into gels. It also acts as a stabilizer for water-in-oil emulsions.

Disodium Cocoyl Glutamate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Disodium Cocoyl GlutamateA naturally-derived surfactant with gentle cleansing and some foaming ability.
Lauric Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Lauric AcidA fatty acid derived from various vegetable oils such as palm or coconut oil. It helps to maintain the barrier function of the skin and is also used as a cleansing or emulsifying agent. Lauric acid is listed among common comedogenic ingredients by acne.org.
Lactic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Lactic AcidThe most popular AHA in skincare and less irritating than glycolic acid. It can be naturally found in sour milk. It is a humectant moisturizing, pH stabilizing, and gently exfoliating ingredient, able to soften dry, cracked, and peeling skin.
Sodium Lauroyl Oat Amino Acids
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Lauroyl Oat Amino Acids
Sorbitan Laurate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sorbitan LaurateSorbitan laurate is a sugar-based emulsifier similar to sucrose palmitate. It keeps oil broken into small droplets throughout water because of its chemical shape and nature (this is how most oil-in-water emulsifiers work by the way). These kinds of emulsifiers are mild enough to even be used in food preparations.
Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Cocoyl GlutamateA very effective yet mild cleansing ingredient derived from coconut oil.
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.
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice PowderExtracted from dried aloe vera leaves, it has the same effects as fresh aloe vera juice – it is humectant moisturizing, refreshing, and soothing. This powder can also serve as a gelling agent when mixed with water.
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideA natural occlusive moisturizing and emollient ingredient, it is a blend of glycerin and two fatty acids, caprylic and capric acid. It creates an oil-based protective layer on the skin, thereby preventing water loss.
Cocoyl Proline
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Cocoyl Proline
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.
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract

An antioxidant green tea extract. In the deeper layers, it slows down the destruction of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid – thus delaying the signs of aging. It also acts as an anti-acne, soothing, moisturizing, and emollient ingredient.

Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root
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.
Sodium Lactate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium LactateA sodium salt of lactic acid. Its main function is as a humectant but it can also serve as a pH adjuster. Additionally, sodium lactate can also be used as a chemical exfoliant due to its close chemical relation to lactic acid.
Arginine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
ArginineA humectant amino acid used to attract water to the skin’s surface. It is a part of the skin's Natural Moisturizing Factor, a mixture of various compounds that keeps the skin’s surface well hydrated. Arginine can also be used as a pH adjuster.
Glycine Soja (Soybean) Sterols
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glycine Soja (Soybean) SterolsA mixture of phytosterols isolated from soybean oil. Phytosterols, when used in skincare products, have emollient properties and can make the skin feel softer and smoother.
Linoleic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Linoleic AcidA fatty acid isolated from various plant oils (notably evening primrose, safflower, grape seed, and sunflower oil). It is an occlusive moisturizer and emollient that doesn't leave an oily, sticky residue and is especially suitable for oily and acne-prone skin.
Phospholipids
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PhospholipidsA large group of lipids that are an essential component of every single cell membrane in the body. They have excellent emollient properties. Phospholipids are also utilized in the manufacturing of ‘fancy’ formulations such as liposomes.
Aspartic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Aspartic AcidA humectant moisturizing amino acid that is a part of the skin's Natural Moisturizing Factor. It helps to retain water on the skin’s surface and is slightly acidic, thereby helping to balance the pH of a skincare product.
PCA
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PCAAlso known as pyrrolidone carboxylic acid, this ingredient is one of the main components of the skin's Natural Moisturizing Factor (which prevents the skin’s surface from drying out).
Glycine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
GlycineA humectant moisturizing amino acid that is a part of skin's Natural Moisturizing Factor. Some recent studies suggest that it may have barrier repair properties.
Alanine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
AlanineA simple amino acid used in skincare as a humectant moisturizing ingredient. It is a part of the so-called Natural Moisturizing Factor, a complex mixture of free amino acids and other water-soluble compounds found in skin cells.
Serine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
SerineA non-essential amino acid, meaning that our body can produce it. It is the largest constituent of the skin's Natural Moisturizing Factor and is used in skincare as a humectant moisturizing ingredient.
Valine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
ValineAn essential amino acid (meaning our body cannot make it on its own and we get it from food instead). Like some other amino acids, Valine is a part of the skin's Natural Moisturizing Factor.
Isoleucine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
IsoleucineA humectant moisturizing, essential amino acid that is a part of the skin's Natural Moisturizing Factor. It helps to increase water content on the skin’s surface and can increase the barrier repair effects of ceramides.
Proline
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
ProlineThe best humectant moisturizer of all the amino acids. It is a part of the skin's Natural Moisturizing Factor and increases hydration in the top layers of the skin. It also has antioxidant activity and helps to heal damaged skin.
Threonine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
ThreonineAn essential amino acid that may play a role in collagen production. However, more research is needed in order to confirm or deny these claims.
Potassium Citrate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Potassium Citrate
Lactoperoxidase
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
LactoperoxidaseLactoperoxidase is an enzyme that is present in our saliva and the milk of all mammals. For use in the cosmetic industry, the enzyme is isolated from cow’s milk and used as a preservative in combination with other ingredients.
Histidine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
HistidineA humectant moisturizing amino acid with weak antioxidant effects that is a part of the skin’s Natural Moisturizing Factor. It can attract water to the skin’s surface and is slightly alkaline, thereby helping to balance a product's pH.
Phenylalanine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PhenylalanineAn essential amino acid used in the treatment of vitiligo and other pigmentation issues. It is considered less effective than other anti-pigment ingredients and is often used in combination with them.
Glucose Oxidase
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glucose OxidaseA synthetic version of a naturally occurring enzyme that protects skin from harmful light.
Citric Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Citric AcidA gently exfoliating AHA that helps to remove the top layer of dead skin cells. In comparison to other AHAs, citric acid has been shown to be one of the least effective. It is also very commonly used as a stabilizing and pH-controlling agent.
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.
Ethylhexylglycerin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
EthylhexylglycerinA preservative booster derived from glycerin. It is commonly paired with other preservatives to improve their efficacy. Ethylhexylglycerin is also a humectant due to its chemical base of glycerin.
Potassium Sorbate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Potassium SorbateA preservative widely used in food and personal care products, available from natural sources or synthetically produced. Potassium sorbate works by inhibiting the growth of yeasts, molds, and some bacteria.
Sodium Benzoate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium BenzoateA preservative that usually works in combination with other preservatives. It has to be at low pH (<5.5) to be effective.