La Roche-Posay Effaclar H Moisturizer Versus Paula's Choice Resist Barrier Repair Moisturizer with Retinol
Updated on November 16, 2023
Overview
What they are
These products are both reef safe . They have a total of 7 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain ceramides and Vitamin E
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin, oily skin, reducing pores, scar healing and dark spots
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, 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
La Roche-Posay Effaclar H Moisturizer 25 ingredients
Paula's Choice Resist Barrier Repair Moisturizer with Retinol 28 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
La Roche-Posay Effaclar H Moisturizer 25 ingredients
Paula's Choice Resist Barrier Repair Moisturizer with Retinol 28 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
Emollient
Glycerin
Humectant
Propylene Glycol
Humectant
Ethylhexyl Palmitate
Emollient
Squalane
Emollient
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin Conditioning
PEG-100 Stearate
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient
PEG-20 Stearate
Emulsifying
Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingTriethanolamine
BufferingDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningMyristyl Malate Phosphonic Acid
Skin ConditioningAmmonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Emulsion StabilisingHydroxypalmitoyl Sphinganine
Skin Conditioning
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientTetrasodium EDTA
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingCetyl Alcohol
Emollient
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Parfum
Masking
Water, Dimethicone, Glycerin, Propylene Glycol, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Squalane, Niacinamide, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, PEG-100 Stearate, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-20 Stearate, Carbomer, Triethanolamine, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Myristyl Malate Phosphonic Acid, Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Hydroxypalmitoyl Sphinganine, Caprylyl Glycol, Tetrasodium EDTA, Xanthan Gum, Cetyl Alcohol, Tocopherol, Phenoxyethanol, Parfum
Water
Skin ConditioningDicaprylyl Carbonate
EmollientGlycerin
Humectant
Ethylhexyl Stearate
Emollient
Cocoglycerides
Emollient
Butyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin Conditioning
Squalane
Emollient
Sodium Polyacrylate
AbsorbentLecithin
EmollientAdenosine
Skin Conditioning
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1
Skin Conditioning
Ceramide NP
Skin Conditioning
Retinol
Skin Conditioning
Punica Granatum Extract
AstringentCamellia Oleifera Leaf Extract
AstringentGlycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
Bleaching
Tetrahydrodiferuloylmethane
Antioxidant
Tetrahydrodemethoxydiferuloylmethane
Antioxidant
Tetrahydrobisdemethoxydiferuloylmethane
Antioxidant
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
Masking
Glycine Soja Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningGlycine Soja Oil
Emollient
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Propylene Glycol
Humectant
Glyceryl Polymethacrylate
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Water, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Glycerin, Ethylhexyl Stearate, Cocoglycerides, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Squalane, Sodium Polyacrylate, Lecithin, Adenosine, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Ceramide NP, Retinol, Punica Granatum Extract, Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Tetrahydrodiferuloylmethane, Tetrahydrodemethoxydiferuloylmethane, Tetrahydrobisdemethoxydiferuloylmethane, Tocopheryl Acetate, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Glycine Soja Seed Extract, Glycine Soja Oil, Butylene Glycol, Propylene Glycol, Glyceryl Polymethacrylate, Xanthan Gum, Phenoxyethanol
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 WaterGlycerin 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 GlycerinPropylene Glycol is an odorless, colorless liquid. As a humectant, it helps skin retain moisture. It also aids in delivering active ingredients.
Another role of this ingredient is preventing a product from melting or freezing. Propylene glycol also adds antimicrobrial properties to a product, elongating product lifespan.
This ingredient is considered an organic alcohol and commonly added into both cosmetics and foods.
Those with sensitive skin or conditions may develop a rash when using this ingredient.
Learn more about Propylene GlycolSqualane is an emollient that helps the skin hold onto moisture. It's an oily liquid that occurs naturally in certain types of fish and plant oils.
Because squalane boosts hydration in the skin, it also comes with plenty of benefits: it is an antioxidant and can help fight free radicals and skin damage. Squalane is also found to have a detoxifying effect when applied.
Squalane comes from squalene, which occurs naturally within the sebum of our skin. It is one of the oils our skin produces to keep itself hydrated. Squalane is the hydrogenated version of squalene and has a longer shelf life.
Research shows that squalane is non-irritating (even at 100% concentration).
In general, it's a fantastic ingredient. It does a great job at hydrating the skin, and it's suitable for those with sensitive skin.
The source of squalane may impact malassezia / fungal acne. This is because olive oil derived squalane can contain impurities such as fatty acids and plant waxes. Sugarcane derived squalane is recommended for anyone with malassezia concerns.
Is squalane vegan?
This depends on the source. Squalane can be derived from both plants and animals. Most squalane used in skincare comes from plants.
Please note: the source of squalane is only known if disclosed by the brand. We recommend reaching out to the brand if you have any questions about their squalane.
Read more about squalene with an "e".
Learn more about SqualaneButyrospermum Parkii Butter is a plant lipid from the fruit of the Shea Tree. It is an effective skin hydrator and emollient.
Emollients help soothe and soften your skin. It does this by creating a protective film on your skin. This barrier helps trap moisture and keeps your skin hydrated. Emollients may be effective at treating dry or itchy skin.
Shea butter is rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants help fight free-radicals, or molecules that may harm the body. It is also full of fatty acids including stearic acid and linoleic acid. These acids help replenish the skin and keep skin moisturized.
While Shea Butter has an SPF rating of about 3-4, it is not a sunscreen replacement.
Shea butter may not be fungal acne safe. We recommend speaking with a professional if you have any concerns.
Learn more about Butyrospermum Parkii ButterXanthan 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 GumPhenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent microbial growth. By itself, it has a scent that is similar to that of a rose.
It's often used in formulations along with Caprylyl Glycol to preserve the shelf life of products.
Ingredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
La Roche-Posay Effaclar H Moisturizer 25 ingredients
Paula's Choice Resist Barrier Repair Moisturizer with Retinol 28 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
La Roche-Posay Effaclar H Moisturizer 25 ingredients
Great all round! Makes my face feel hydrated and look shiny.
Used it for over few years starting after acne treatment when my face was sensitive and dry all the way until it stabilized and now is pretty normal. Never caused any breakouts or irritations. Recommend!
