La Roche-Posay Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel Face Cleanser For Oily Skin Versus Paula's Choice Defense Hydrating Gel-To-Cream Cleanser
Updated on November 01, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both reef safe face cleansers. They have a total of 5 ingredients in common
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for scar healing
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, oils, parabens or silicones
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 Purifying Foaming Gel Face Cleanser For Oily Skin 14 ingredients
Paula's Choice Defense Hydrating Gel-To-Cream Cleanser 48 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel Face Cleanser For Oily Skin 14 ingredients
Paula's Choice Defense Hydrating Gel-To-Cream Cleanser 48 ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningSodium Cocoyl Glycinate
CleansingCocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine
CleansingSodium Lauroamphoacetate
CleansingCocamidopropyl Betaine
Cleansing
Glycerin
Humectant
Sorbeth-230 Tetraoleate
Emulsifying
Decyl Glucoside
CleansingPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningSodium Chloride
Masking
Disodium Cocoyl Glutamate
CleansingLauric Acid
Cleansing
Lactic Acid
Buffering
Sodium Lauroyl Oat Amino Acids
CleansingSorbitan Laurate
Emulsifying
Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate
CleansingDisodium EDTA
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingCocoyl Proline
Skin ConditioningSodium Citrate
BufferingCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root
Skin ConditioningSodium PCA
HumectantSodium Lactate
BufferingArginine
Masking
Glycine Soja Sterols
Emollient
Linoleic Acid
Cleansing
Phospholipids
Skin ConditioningAspartic Acid
MaskingPCA
HumectantGlycine
Buffering
Alanine
MaskingSerine
MaskingValine
MaskingIsoleucine
Skin ConditioningProline
Skin ConditioningThreonine
Potassium Citrate
BufferingLactoperoxidase
StabilisingHistidine
HumectantPhenylalanine
MaskingGlucose Oxidase
StabilisingCitric Acid
Buffering
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPotassium Sorbate
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Water, Sodium Cocoyl Glycinate, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Sodium Lauroamphoacetate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Glycerin, Sorbeth-230 Tetraoleate, Decyl Glucoside, Pentylene Glycol, Sodium Chloride, Disodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Lauric Acid, Lactic Acid, Sodium Lauroyl Oat Amino Acids, Sorbitan Laurate, Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Disodium EDTA, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cocoyl Proline, Sodium Citrate, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root, Sodium PCA, Sodium Lactate, Arginine, Glycine Soja Sterols, Linoleic Acid, Phospholipids, Aspartic Acid, PCA, Glycine, Alanine, Serine, Valine, Isoleucine, Proline, Threonine, Potassium Citrate, Lactoperoxidase, Histidine, Phenylalanine, Glucose Oxidase, Citric Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate
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 WaterChances are, you eat sodium chloride every day. Sodium Chloride is also known as table salt.
This ingredient has many purposes in skincare: thickener, emulsifier, and exfoliator.
You'll most likely find this ingredient in cleansers where it is used to create a gel-like texture. As an emulsifier, it also prevents ingredients from separating.
There is much debate on whether this ingredient is comedogenic. The short answer - comedogenic ratings don't tell the whole story. Learn more about comegodenic ratings here.
The concensus about this ingredient causing acne seems to be divided. Research is needed to understand if this ingredient does cause acne.
Scrubs may use salt as the primary exfoliating ingredient.
Learn more about Sodium ChlorideCitric Acid is an AHA derived from citrus fruits (think oranges, lemons, and limes!).
As an AHA, Citric Acid removes the top layer of skin cells from the newer layer of skin underneath. This helps skin to remove dark spots and even out skin tone.
If you spot Citric Acid near the end of an ingredient list, it's likely there as a pH adjuster rather than an active ingredient.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Citric AcidSodium 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 BenzoatePhenoxyethanol 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 Purifying Foaming Gel Face Cleanser For Oily Skin 14 ingredients
Paula's Choice Defense Hydrating Gel-To-Cream Cleanser 48 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel Face Cleanser For Oily Skin 14 ingredients
Too much work
My skin is a combination type so I struggle with a lot of oil production BUT dehydration-prone type. So, I was actually skeptical about this product. However, it did the job for me just fine at the end? It actually reduced all the redness around my T-Zone. Also it is really effective against new appearing pimples. Like, give it two days and it will heal just because of this cleanser. Show more
Tried this before I realised my skin was dry, when I thought having acne = oily skin. Despite that, I don't think any cleanser should be this drying and irritating.
Paula's Choice Defense Hydrating Gel-To-Cream Cleanser 48 ingredients
Another great cleanser from Paula's Choice. I tend to favour this cleanser in the summer as it is very foamy and could worsen my dryness in the winter but if I need a deep clean I know I can count on this product. It has no scent and you only need a tiny amount so the value for money is great. I've repurchased this several times and absolutely love it.
