Versus

BYOMA Moisturizing Gel-Cream Versus Paula's Choice Barrier Repair Advanced Moisturizer - EU

General Moisturizer
General Moisturizer
British Brand United Kingdom
American Brand United States

Updated on April 10, 2025

Overview

What they are

These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe general moisturizers. They have a total of 6 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain ceramides

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin, reducing pores, scar healing and better texture

Free From

They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, fragrances, parabens, silicones 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

Click any item below to learn more and see relevant ingredients

About this product

About this product

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Ingredients Side-by-side

found in both products
Barrier Repair Advanced Moisturizer

Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.

Skin Conditioning, Solvent

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 Water
Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting

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 Glycerin
Skin Conditioning

Ceramide NP is a type of ceramide.

Ceramides are intercellular lipids naturally found in our skin that bonds dead skin cells together to create a barrier. They are known for their ability to hold water and thus are a great ingredient for dry skin.

Ceramides are an important building block for our skin barrier. A stronger barrier helps the skin look more firm and hydrated. By bolstering the skin ceramides act as a barrier against irritating ingredients. This can help with inflammation as well.

If you would like to eat ceramides, sweet potatoes contain a small amount.

Read more about other common types of ceramides here: Ceramide AP Ceramide EOP

Learn more about Ceramide NP
Emollient, Emulsifying, Skin Conditioning

Cholesterol is a class of organic molecules called lipids. It helps hydrate your skin and is essential to having a healthy skin barrier.

Our skin naturally contains cholesterol in the outermost layer. Besides cholesterol, it also contains ceramides and fatty acids. Cholesterol makes up about 1/4 of your skin's outer layer and barrier. Your skin barrier is responsible for keeping allergens and microbes out. Having a healthy skin barrier is also responsible for keeping your skin firm and plump.

Our bodies use cholestrol to create vitamin D, steroid hormones, and more.

Learn more about Cholesterol
Antioxidant

Hydroxyacetophenone is antioxidant with skin conditioning and soothing properties. It also boosts the efficiency of preservatives.

This ingredient is not irritating or sensitizing.

Emulsifying, Emulsion Stabilising, Gel Forming

Xanthan gum is used as a stabilizer and thickener within cosmetic products. It helps give products a sticky, thick feeling - preventing them from being too runny.

On the technical side of things, xanthan gum is a polysaccharide - a combination consisting of multiple sugar molecules bonded together.

Xanthan gum is a pretty common and great ingredient. It is a natural, non-toxic, non-irritating ingredient that is also commonly used in food products.

Learn more about Xanthan Gum

When to use

492 Routines
56% use in am
44% use in pm
97% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->
69 Routines
33% use in am
67% use in pm
88% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

BYOMA Moisturizing Gel-Cream 19 ingredients

3.3 /5
from 6 ratings
Light (3) Great Value (3) No Scent (3)
jordiebearclaire's avatar

Jordan

4 months ago
Review

Pros: Lightweight product texture, long-lasting hydration, not contributing to any breakouts, great ingredients for skin barrier support, affordable + worth the money.

Cons: Not great for super dry days (esp. in cold weather), can't be used as a "moisture bomb" overnight due to thin texture, pump can be difficult sometimes.

#great value
#hydrating
#light
#absorbs well
daisyvalehilbert's avatar

Daisy Vale-Hilbert

5 months ago
Review

Very good product for my skin type very good moisturizer very smoothing

#expensive

Paula's Choice Barrier Repair Advanced Moisturizer 35 ingredients

3.7 /5
from 3 ratings
Light (3) Works Well (2) Great Value (2)
Avasci's avatar

Avasci

6 months ago
Review

It's very lightweight and didn't cause any breakouts for me.

#great value
#light
#absorbs well
#works well
essmaamessaoudi's avatar

أسماء

6 months ago
Review

Great at healing barrier for those with oily or combo skin and don't want something too heavy !!! The texture js so lightweighht and dewy. It gives an instant glow and a but if an oily residue you should be fine with it lool it does its job of repairing

HOWEVER if like me your oiliness is caused by dehydration and isnt your skin type make sure to seal it in with an occlusive...
i was so Show more

#great value
#light
#oily
#works well