Aesop Parsley Seed Facial Cleanser Versus Paula's Choice Clear Pore Normalizing Cleanser
Updated on July 18, 2023
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe face cleansers. They have a total of 4 ingredients in common
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin, oily skin, reducing pores and scar healing
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, parabens or silicones
What's Inside
They both contain oils and sulfates
We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that needs an update? Let us know.
Ingredient Info
Aesop Parsley Seed Facial Cleanser 21 ingredients
Paula's Choice Clear Pore Normalizing Cleanser 18 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Aesop Parsley Seed Facial Cleanser 21 ingredients
Paula's Choice Clear Pore Normalizing Cleanser 18 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningSodium Laureth Sulfate
Cleansing
Olive Oil PEG-7 Esters
Emollient
Sodium PEG-7 Olive Oil Carboxylate
Emulsifying
Coco-Betaine
CleansingPotassium Lactate
BufferingPEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate
Emulsifying
Sodium Citrate
BufferingLactic Acid
Buffering
Lavandula Angustifolia Oil
Masking
Glycerin
Humectant
Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
Emollient
Ribes Nigrum Seed Oil
Emollient
Ormenis Multicaulis Oil
Masking
Chamomilla Recutita Flower Oil
Masking
Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
Bleaching
Carum Petroselinum Seed Oil
Masking
Methylchloroisothiazolinone
Preservative
Methylisothiazolinone
Preservative
Linalool
Perfuming
Limonene
Perfuming
Water, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Olive Oil PEG-7 Esters, Sodium PEG-7 Olive Oil Carboxylate, Coco-Betaine, Potassium Lactate, PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate, Sodium Citrate, Lactic Acid, Lavandula Angustifolia Oil, Glycerin, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Ribes Nigrum Seed Oil, Ormenis Multicaulis Oil, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Oil, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Carum Petroselinum Seed Oil, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone, Linalool, Limonene
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Water
Skin ConditioningSodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate
CleansingAcrylates/Steareth-20 Methacrylate Copolymer
Glycerin
Humectant
PEG-200 Hydrogenated Glyceryl Palmate
Cleansing
Sodium Laureth Sulfate
Cleansing
Arginine
Masking
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate
Emulsifying
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Disodium EDTA
Citric Acid
Buffering
PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Emulsifying
Sodium Citrate
BufferingPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientChlorphenesin
Antimicrobial
Salicylic Acid, Water, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Acrylates/Steareth-20 Methacrylate Copolymer, Glycerin, PEG-200 Hydrogenated Glyceryl Palmate, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Arginine, Butylene Glycol, PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate, Panthenol, Disodium EDTA, Citric Acid, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Sodium Citrate, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Chlorphenesin
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Water. It's the most common cosmetic ingredient of all. You'll usually see it at the top of ingredient lists, meaning that it makes up the largest part of the product.
So why is it so popular? Water most often acts as a solvent - this means that it helps dissolve other ingredients into the formulation.
You'll also recognize water as that liquid we all need to stay alive. If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about WaterSodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) is a foaming, cleansing, and emulsifying ingredient. It is created from palm kernel oil or coconut oil. SLES is not the same as sodium lauryl sulfate. It is much milder and less likely to irritate.
SLES helps create foam in personal products. It also prevents ingredients from separating, helping to elongate the shelf life.
Sodium Laureth Sulfate is a type of sulfate. It can be drying. We recommend speaking with a professional about using this ingredient if you have concerns.
Learn more about Sodium Laureth SulfateSodium Citrate is the sodium salts of citric acid. In skincare, it is used to alter pH levels and acts as a preservative.
Its main functions are to maintain the pH of a product and neutralize metal ions.
The acidity of our skin is maintained by our glands and skin biome; normal pH level of skin is slightly acidic (~4.75-5.5).
Being slightly acidic allows our skin to create an "acid mantle". This acid mantle is a thin barrier that protects our skin from bacteria and contaminants.
Learn more about Sodium CitrateGlycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.
A study from 2016 found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.
As a humectant, it helps the skin stay hydrated by pulling moisture to your skin. The low molecular weight of glycerin allows it to pull moisture into the deeper layers of your skin.
Hydrated skin improves your skin barrier; Your skin barrier helps protect against irritants and bacteria.
Glycerin has also been found to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Due to these properties, glycerin is often used in wound and burn treatments.
In cosmetics, glycerin is usually derived from plants such as soybean or palm. However, it can also be sourced from animals, such as tallow or animal fat.
This ingredient is organic, colorless, odorless, and non-toxic.
Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.
Learn more about GlycerinIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Aesop Parsley Seed Facial Cleanser 21 ingredients
Paula's Choice Clear Pore Normalizing Cleanser 18 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Aesop Parsley Seed Facial Cleanser 21 ingredients
Empty, had a good experience, not repurchasing right away.
This is embarrassingly expensive however it has lasted me a year with daily use and it is a pleasure to use (thick gel that lathers nicely so you do not need a lot). The gel is hydrating even though it is a gel formula.
Left my skin clean and bright. Did not heal redness but did prevent breakouts while living in a polluted city. I Show more
Paula's Choice Clear Pore Normalizing Cleanser 18 ingredients
[THIS IS A REVIEW FROM 2019]
(Pasting my review from the Anti-Redness Exfoliating Solution bc I used them together and had great results)
I’m new to SkinSort but I really wanted to write a review for this bc the Paula’s Choice acne line actually changed my life… when I was in uni I had a super oily T-zone and crazy acne on my forehead so I bought the PC extra strength travel kit to try out Show more
The Paula’s Choice Clear Pore Normalizing Cleanser was a bit too drying for my skin. After learning about fungal acne and realizing the cleanser isn’t fungal acne safe, I decided to stop using it.
