Paula's Choice Omega+ Complex Moisturizer

Paula's Choice Omega+ Complex Moisturizer
8.2
/ 10
Moisturizing
10.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
6.5 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity

Review

Results you may expect from using Paula's Choice Omega+ Complex Moisturizer:

Based on the ingredient analysis by CreamScan, these are the key benefits you can expect from using Paula's Choice Omega+ Complex Moisturizer:

  • Intense moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 8.2 out of 10.

How moisturizing is it?

Intensely moisturizing: Paula's Choice Omega+ Complex Moisturizer has a moisturizing rating of 8.2 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Rather humectant. It has a maximum humectancy of 10 out of 10, primarily due to the substantial concentration of Butylene Glycol (est. ≈4.0%) and Glycerin (est. ≈2.5%), and a high occlusivity of 6.5 out of 10, mainly due to the significant content of Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter (est. ≈9.0%).

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

Anti-wrinkle efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, Paula's Choice Omega+ Complex Moisturizer has a zero anti-wrinkle rating.

It contains Adenosine, an ingredient marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of Adenosine provide insufficient evidence of its efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards. Therefore, this ingredient does not generate 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 some anti-wrinkle effects through its moisturizing action.

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

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
55
Water
9
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter
6
Ceteareth-6 Olivate
4
Butylene Glycol
3
C13-15 Alkane
2.5
Glycerin
2
Glyceryl Stearate
1.5
Polyglyceryl-4 Laurate
1.3
Decyl Oleate
1
Linum Usitatissimum (Linseed) Seed Oil
0.3
Salvia Hispanica Seed Oil
0.3
Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil
0.3
Passiflora Edulis Seed Oil
0.3
Borago Officinalis Seed Oil
0.3
Hydrogenated Olive Oil
0.3
Psidium Guajava Fruit Extract
0.3
Olea Europaea (Olive) Oil Unsaponifiables
0.3
Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil
0.3
Linoleic Acid
0.3
Linolenic Acid
0.3
Oleic Acid
0.3
Euterpe Oleracea Sterols
0.3
Ceramide AP
0.3
Ceramide EOP
0.3
Ceramide NP
0.3
Serine
0.3
Alanine
0.3
Glycine
0.3
Proline
0.3
Lysine HCl
0.3
Threonine
0.3
Arginine
0.3
Squalane
0.3
Cholesterol
0.3
Phytosphingosine
0.3
Anastatica Hierochuntica Extract
0.3
Lecithin
0.3
Sodium Hyaluronate
0.3
Sodium Lactate
0.3
Boerhavia Diffusa Root Extract
0.3
Adenosine
0.3
Phytic Acid
0.3
Glutamic Acid
0.3
Betaine
0.3
Pullulan
0.3
PCA
0.3
Sodium PCA
0.3
Carbomer
0.3
Sodium Polyacrylate Starch
0.3
Sclerotium Gum
0.3
Xanthan Gum
0.3
Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate
0.3
Phenoxyethanol
0.3
Ethylhexylglycerin
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter
Function:
Origin:
Ceteareth-6 Olivate
Function:
Origin:
Butylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
C13-15 Alkane
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Glyceryl Stearate
Function:
Origin:
Polyglyceryl-4 Laurate
Function:
Origin:
Decyl Oleate
Function:
Origin:
Linum Usitatissimum (Linseed) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Salvia Hispanica Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil
Function:
Origin:
Passiflora Edulis Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Borago Officinalis Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Hydrogenated Olive Oil
Function:
Origin:
Psidium Guajava Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Olea Europaea (Olive) Oil Unsaponifiables
Function:
Origin:
Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Linoleic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Linolenic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Oleic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Euterpe Oleracea Sterols
Function:
Origin:
Ceramide AP
Function:
Origin:
Ceramide EOP
Function:
Origin:
Ceramide NP
Function:
Origin:
Serine
Function:
Origin:
Alanine
Function:
Origin:
Glycine
Function:
Origin:
Proline
Function:
Origin:
Lysine HCl
Function:
Origin:
Threonine
Function:
Origin:
Arginine
Function:
Origin:
Squalane
Function:
Origin:
Cholesterol
Function:
Origin:
Phytosphingosine
Function:
Origin:
Anastatica Hierochuntica Extract
Function:
Origin:
Lecithin
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hyaluronate
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Lactate
Function:
Origin:
Boerhavia Diffusa Root Extract
Function:
Origin:
Adenosine
Function:
Origin:
Phytic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Glutamic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Betaine
Function:
Origin:
Pullulan
Function:
Origin:
PCA
Function:
Origin:
Sodium PCA
Function:
Origin:
Carbomer
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Polyacrylate Starch
Function:
Origin:
Sclerotium Gum
Function:
Origin:
Xanthan Gum
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Ethylhexylglycerin
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
10.7
4
2.5
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
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
13.0
9.0
1.0
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
8.2
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 10.7 10
10.0
4
2.5
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
Occlusivity All occlusives 13.0 20
6.5
9.0
1.0
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
8.2
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
4
2.5
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
All humectants 10.7 10
10
All humectants
10.7
4
2.5
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
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
9
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 13.0 20
6.5
All occlusives
13.0
9.0
1.0
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
0
Adenosine
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 1.8 3 No
All antioxidants
1.8
Salvia Hispanica Seed Oil
0.3
Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil
0.3
Passiflora Edulis Seed Oil
0.3
Borago Officinalis Seed Oil
0.3
Psidium Guajava Fruit Extract
0.3
Sodium Hyaluronate
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
0.3
0.3
0.3
All soothing 0.9 5 No
All soothing
0.9
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %55
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.
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter
Est. %9
Function
Origin
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) ButterA semi-solid, buttery fat extracted from the seeds of the Shea tree that is a wonderful occlusive and emollient ingredient mainly comprised of fatty acids. Shea butter contains a large amount of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds.
Ceteareth-6 Olivate
Est. %6
Function
Origin
Ceteareth-6 Olivate
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.
C13-15 Alkane
Est. %3
Function
Origin
C13-15 Alkane
Glycerin
Est. %2.5
Function
Origin
Glycerin

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

Glyceryl Stearate
Est. %2
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.
Polyglyceryl-4 Laurate
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Polyglyceryl-4 Laurate
Decyl Oleate
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
Decyl OleateA vegetable-derived or synthetically produced ester that feels velvety and makes the skin feel soft. It is non-greasy and helps reduce stickiness in formulas and improve spreadability.
Linum Usitatissimum (Linseed) Seed Oil
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Linum Usitatissimum (Linseed) Seed OilAn emollient and occlusive fatty oil pressed from flax seeds. It is the richest source of linolenic fatty acid (it contains up to 50% of it) among vegetable oils.
Salvia Hispanica Seed Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Salvia Hispanica Seed OilAn oil extracted from Chia seeds. It has a unique ratio of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, making it the richest source of polyunsaturated fatty acids. It also contains antioxidant phytosterols and tocopherols (vitamin E).
Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil

A famous olive oil widely used in skincare as an emollient and occlusive moisturizer. It contains mainly unsaturated fatty acids, antioxidant flavonoids, and oleuropeins. Olive oil is listed as a common comedogenic ingredient by acne.org.

Passiflora Edulis Seed Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Passiflora Edulis Seed OilA fatty oil derived from passion fruit seeds. It contains emollient and occlusive linoleic and oleic fatty acids, as well as antioxidants (among which are famous vitamin E and resveratrol).
Borago Officinalis Seed Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Borago Officinalis Seed OilA fatty emollient and occlusive oil expressed from the seeds of borage flowers. It has a uniquely high content of a rare gamma-linolenic acid and also contains squalene, phytosterols, and vitamin E.
Hydrogenated Olive Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hydrogenated Olive OilA transformed olive oil that is rich in occlusive moisturizing oleic and linoleic fatty acids. It also helps to thicken a formula.
Psidium Guajava Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Psidium Guajava Fruit ExtractAn extract obtained from guava fruit of South America with astringent and antioxidant phenolic compounds.
Olea Europaea (Olive) Oil Unsaponifiables
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Olea Europaea (Olive) Oil UnsaponifiablesA fraction of olive oil that contains occlusive moisturizing and emollient sterols, vitamin E, pro-vitamin A, and fatty alcohols.
Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed OilA fatty oil expressed from the seeds of meadowfoam. It is used in skincare as an occlusive moisturizer and emollient that leaves the skin feeling soft and silky after application.
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.
Linolenic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Linolenic AcidAn essential polyunsaturated occlusive fatty acid isolated from various plant oils. It is necessary for the correct barrier function of the skin and moisturizes without leaving a sticky after-feel.
Oleic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Oleic AcidAn omega-9 fatty acid commonly found in vegetable oils. It is occlusive moisturizing, emollient and emulsifying.
Euterpe Oleracea Sterols
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Euterpe Oleracea Sterols
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Lysine HCl
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Lysine HClLysine HCl is a chloride salt of lysine, an essential, slightly alkaline amino acid. It has the same function as the non-salt version - it is a humectant moisturizing and emollient ingredient that, due to its sometimes undesirable aroma, is not often used.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Phytosphingosine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PhytosphingosineA key component of ceramides NP, AP, and EOP. It has barrier repair properties and stimulates the production of the skin’s Natural Moisturizing Factor. Phytosphingosine has strong antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity, which can be used to treat acne.
Anastatica Hierochuntica Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Anastatica Hierochuntica Extract
Lecithin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
LecithinA humectant, emollient, and emulsifier best suited for water-in-oil emulsions. Lecithin can come from sunflowers, soy, and eggs. The downside to lecithin is that it causes an extra burden on the formula’s preservative because it is nutritious.
Sodium Hyaluronate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Hyaluronate

A sodium salt of famous hyaluronic acid. A potent humectant that hydrates the skin, supports collagen function, and fills out small wrinkles. Sodium hyaluronate also offers soothing and antioxidant 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.
Boerhavia Diffusa Root Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Boerhavia Diffusa Root ExtractA soothing extract derived from punarnava, an Ayurvedic herb. It contains anti-inflammatory and wound healing rotenoids, terpenoids, and organic acids.
Adenosine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Adenosine

A key molecule responsible for energy transportation, signaling, and enzyme activity. Adenosine is a popular anti-wrinkle ingredient, however, the key study about its anti-wrinkle efficacy (1) does not meet CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards as it is not double-blind.

Phytic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Phytic AcidPhytic acid is found in rice and is seen as a cousin of alpha-hydroxy acids. As a chelator, it can bind to certain metals that may cause discoloration in products or reduce the efficacy of other ingredients.
Glutamic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glutamic AcidA non-essential amino acid that serves as a building block for all proteins in the body. It is a moisturizing humectant and a part of the skin's Natural Moisturizing Factor, a mixture of amino acids in skin cells that keeps them hydrated.
Betaine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
BetaineAn ingredient derived from the sucrose in sugar beets. It has a negative chemical charge and a positive chemical charge on the same molecule. This allows betaine to be hygroscopic or humectant and thus provide moisturization by drawing water to the skin.
Pullulan
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Pullulan
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).
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.
Carbomer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
CarbomerA synthetic ingredient with the ability to gel water. When used in emulsions, such as lotions and creams, carbomer can also act as an emulsion stabilizer.
Sodium Polyacrylate Starch
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Polyacrylate Starch
Sclerotium Gum
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sclerotium GumA thickener with a silky, velvety feel that many manufacturers use as an alternative to silicones.
Xanthan Gum
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Xanthan GumA natural multi-functional ingredient that originates from fermented sugars. Xanthan gum acts as a viscosity-building agent to thicken skincare products. It is also an excellent stabilizer and works well to hold other ingredients together.
Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Lauroyl LactylateA multifunctional ingredient that produces foamy cleansers and allows oil and water to mix.
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.