Versus

Go-To Skincare Much Plumper Skin Versus Paula's Choice Calm Repairing Serum

Serum
Serum
Australian Brand Australia
American Brand United States

Updated on April 14, 2025

Overview

What they are

These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe serums. They have a total of 4 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

Click any item below to learn more and see relevant ingredients

What's inside (and what isn't)

What's inside (and what isn't)

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
Calm Repairing Serum

Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

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

Humectant, Skin Conditioning

Sodium 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 Hyaluronate
Emollient, Humectant, Skin Conditioning

Caprylyl 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 Glycol
Masking, Preservative

Sodium 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 Benzoate
Skin Conditioning

Ethylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.

You might see Ethylhexylglycerin often paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol. Ethylhexylglycerin has been found to increase the effectiveness of these other preservatives.

When to use

25 Routines
52% use in am
48% use in pm
96% use every day
68 Routines
54% use in am
44% use in pm
90% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

Go-To Skincare Much Plumper Skin 23 ingredients

4.5 /5
from 2 ratings
Hydrating (2) Works Well (2) Absorbs Well (1)
bethanyh's avatar

Bethany

10 months ago
Review

Very hydrating and the packaging is cute

#hydrating
#sticky
#works well
PearMama's avatar

Amy

7 months ago
Review

I love this. So hydrating for my sensitive, dry dermititis prone skin

#hydrating
#absorbs well
#works well

Paula's Choice Calm Repairing Serum 39 ingredients

2.5 /5
from 2 ratings
Absorbs Well (1) Hydrating (1) Irritating (1)
Zsazsa1's avatar

Zsazsa1

5 months ago
Review

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 ):

#irritating
faulmag's avatar

faulmag

9 months ago
Review

Doesn’t irritate my skin. Seems hydrating.

#hydrating
#light
#absorbs well
#no scent