Balea Beauty Expert Plump & Glow Serum Versus Paula's Choice Calm Repairing Serum
Updated on April 14, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both reef safe serums. They have a total of 6 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain hyaluronic acid
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin, scar healing and dark spots
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, fragrances, oils, parabens or 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
Balea Beauty Expert Plump & Glow Serum 13 ingredients
Paula's Choice Calm Repairing Serum 39 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Balea Beauty Expert Plump & Glow Serum 13 ingredients
Paula's Choice Calm Repairing Serum 39 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Ceramide AP
Skin Conditioning
Chrysanthemum Parthenium Extract
Skin ConditioningGlycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
Bleaching
Glycerin
Humectant
Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate
EmulsifyingSodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Polysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingPEG/PPG-14/4 Dimethicone
Emulsifying
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingDisodium EDTA
Sodium Cocoyl Amino Acids
CleansingCeramide NP
Skin Conditioning
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningEpilobium Angustifolium Extract
Skin ConditioningCholesterol
Emollient
Phytosphingosine
Skin Conditioning
Beta-Glucan
Skin Conditioning
Sarcosine
Skin ConditioningCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingChrysanthemum Parthenium Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningSea Whip Extract
Skin ConditioningGlycine Soja Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningCeramide EOP
Skin Conditioning
Magnesium Aspartate
Skin ConditioningPotassium Aspartate
Skin ConditioningUbiquinone
Antioxidant
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientLeuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
Antimicrobial
Calcium Chloride
AstringentPropylene Glycol
Humectant
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Sodium Metabisulfite
Antioxidant
Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
Antioxidant
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Hyaluronic Acid, Ceramide AP, Chrysanthemum Parthenium Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Glycerin, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Polysorbate 20, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, PEG/PPG-14/4 Dimethicone, Xanthan Gum, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Cocoyl Amino Acids, Ceramide NP, Ethylhexylglycerin, Epilobium Angustifolium Extract, Cholesterol, Phytosphingosine, Beta-Glucan, Sarcosine, Carbomer, Chrysanthemum Parthenium Flower Extract, Sea Whip Extract, Glycine Soja Seed Extract, Ceramide EOP, Magnesium Aspartate, Potassium Aspartate, Ubiquinone, Phenoxyethanol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Calcium Chloride, Propylene Glycol, Tocopherol, Sodium Metabisulfite, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Glycerin 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 GlycerinSodium Hyaluronate is hyaluronic acid's salt form. It is commonly derived from the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid.
Like hyaluronic acid, it is great at holding water and acts as a humectant. This makes it a great skin hydrating ingredient.
Sodium Hyaluronate is naturally occurring in our bodies and is mostly found in eye fluid and joints.
These are some other common types of Hyaluronic Acid:
Learn more about Sodium HyaluronateBeta-Glucan is a polysaccharide. It can be derived from the cell walls of seaweed, oats, yeast, and fungi. It hydrates the skin and helps boost your skin's natural barrier.
As an antioxidant, beta-glucan helps fight free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells, such as pollution.
Studies show this ingredient may be an effective wrinkle reducer as it can deeply penetrate into skin. It has also been show to help with wound healing.
Learn more about Beta-GlucanSodium Benzoate is a preservative. It's used in both cosmetic and food products to inhibit the growth of mold and bacteria. It is typically produced synthetically.
Both the US FDA and EU Health Committee have approved the use of sodium benzoate. In the US, levels of 0.1% (of the total product) are allowed.
Sodium benzoate works as a preservative by inhibiting the growth of bacteria inside of cells. It prevents the cell from fermenting a type of sugar using an enzyme called phosphofructokinase.
It is the salt of benzoic acid. Foods containing sodium benzoate include soda, salad dressings, condiments, fruit juices, wines, and snack foods.
Studies for using ascorbic acid and sodium benzoate in cosmetics are lacking, especially in skincare routines with multiple steps.
We always recommend speaking with a professional, such as a dermatologist, if you have any concerns.
Learn more about Sodium BenzoatePotassium Sorbate is a preservative used to prevent yeast and mold in products. It is commonly found in both cosmetic and food products.
This ingredient comes from potassium salt derived from sorbic acid. Sorbic acid is a natural antibiotic and effective against fungus.
Both potassium sorbate and sorbic acid can be found in baked goods, cheeses, dried meats, dried fruit, ice cream, pickles, wine, yogurt, and more.
You'll often find this ingredient used with other preservatives.
Learn more about Potassium SorbateCaprylyl Glycol is a humectant and emollient, meaning it attracts and preserves moisture.
It is a common ingredient in many products, especially those designed to hydrate skin. The primary benefits are retaining moisture, skin softening, and promoting a healthy skin barrier.
Though Caprylyl Glycol is an alcohol derived from fatty acids, it is not the kind that can dry out skin.
This ingredient is also used as a preservative to extend the life of products. It has slight antimicrobial properties.
Learn more about Caprylyl GlycolIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Balea Beauty Expert Plump & Glow Serum 13 ingredients
Paula's Choice Calm Repairing Serum 39 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Paula's Choice Calm Repairing Serum 39 ingredients
I tried this on and off over a year- and it just irritates my skin- I don’t know why. I have super sensitive and rosacea skin, but hyaluronic acid is normally not a problem. My skin feels amazing when I first apply it, but 1 minute later it is irritated ):
Doesn’t irritate my skin. Seems hydrating.
