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Product Comparison

Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of Paula's Choice Calm Repairing Serum versus Paula's Choice Calm Redness Relief Repairing Serum .

Published on March 06, 2023

Overview

What they are

These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe serums. They have a total of 28 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain ceramides and hyaluronic acid

Suited For

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

Free From

They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, fragrances, oils, parabens or sulfates

What's Inside

They both contain silicones

We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that need an update? Let us know.

Serum American Brand United States
Serum American Brand United States

Serum

Serums are highly concentrated with ingredients to provide skin with benefits. They should be used after cleansing and before moisturizing.

Serum

Serums are highly concentrated with ingredients to provide skin with benefits. They should be used after cleansing and before moisturizing.

Price

Shop

Buy Calm Repairing Serum

Starts at $44.00
Shop

Buy Calm Redness Relief Repairing Serum

Starts at $44.00

Ingredient Info

Click any item below to learn more and view relevant ingredients.
alcohol-free
silicon-free
fragrance-free
sulfate-free
paraben-free
oil-free
fungal-acne safe
reef-safe
eu-allergen-free
vegan
cruelty-free
alcohol-free
silicon-free
fragrance-free
sulfate-free
paraben-free
oil-free
fungal-acne safe
reef-safe
eu-allergen-free
vegan
cruelty-free

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Benefits

Hydrating (5)
Redness Reducing (5)
Reduces Irritation (3)
Skin Texture
Anti-Aging (5)
Dark Spots
Scar Healing
Brightening (2)

Concerns

Irritating

Benefits

Hydrating (5)
Redness Reducing (5)
Reduces Irritation (3)
Skin Texture
Anti-Aging (5)
Dark Spots
Scar Healing
Brightening (2)

Concerns

Irritating
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Ingredients Compared

Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.

Ingredients Side-by-side

Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.

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Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

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

1
What it does: Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Community Rating: Loved

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. Talk about multi-purpose! If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!

Learn more about Water

Paula's Choice Calm Repairing Serum contains this as ingredient number 1.

Paula's Choice Calm Redness Relief Repairing Serum contains this as ingredient number 1.

2
What it does: Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Solvent
Community Rating: Loved

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

Paula's Choice Calm Repairing Serum contains this as ingredient number 2.

Paula's Choice Calm Redness Relief Repairing Serum contains this as ingredient number 2.

3
What it does: Humectant, Moisturising, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Loved

Hyaluronic acid is naturally found in healthy skin. It is a humectant, meaning it draws moisture to your skin.

Hyaluronic Acid has the capacity to bind to large amounts of water. This ingredient helps hydrate, soothe, and protect the skin.

Fun fact: It is already naturally found in our bodies, such as the fluids of our eyes and our joints.

Studies find this ingredient to have anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties. This can help speed up wound-healing,

These are some other common types of Hyaluronic Acid:

Learn more about Hyaluronic Acid

Paula's Choice Calm Repairing Serum contains this as ingredient number 3.

Paula's Choice Calm Redness Relief Repairing Serum contains this as ingredient number 3.

4
What it does: Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Loved

Beta-Glucan is a polysaccharide. It can be derived from the cell walls of seaweed, oats, yeast, and fungi.

Beta-Glucan is a humectant, meaning it can hold large amounts of water. This helps hydrate the skin. It also helps boost your skin's natural barrier.

Beta-Glucan has antioxidant properties. Antioxidants help fight free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells, such as pollution.

Studies show Beta-Glucan 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-Glucan

Paula's Choice Calm Repairing Serum contains this as ingredient number 4.

Paula's Choice Calm Redness Relief Repairing Serum contains this as ingredient number 4.

5
What it does: Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Liked

We don't have a description for Sea Whip Extract.

Paula's Choice Calm Repairing Serum contains this as ingredient number 5.

Paula's Choice Calm Redness Relief Repairing Serum contains this as ingredient number 5.

6
What it does: Humectant, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Loved

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

Paula's Choice Calm Repairing Serum contains this as ingredient number 6.

Paula's Choice Calm Redness Relief Repairing Serum contains this as ingredient number 6.

7
What it does: Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Loved

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

Paula's Choice Calm Repairing Serum contains this as ingredient number 7.

Paula's Choice Calm Redness Relief Repairing Serum contains this as ingredient number 7.

8
What it does: Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Loved

Ceramide AP is a type of Ceramide.

Ceramides are intercellular lipids naturally found in our skin that bonds dead skin cells together to create a barrier. Having a strong skin barrier leads to more firm and hydrated skin.

They are known for their ability to hold water and thus are a great ingredient for dry skin. 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 NP Ceramide EOP

Learn more about Ceramide AP

Paula's Choice Calm Repairing Serum contains this as ingredient number 8.

Paula's Choice Calm Redness Relief Repairing Serum contains this as ingredient number 8.

9
What it does: Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Loved

Ceramide EOP is a type of Ceramide. EOP stands for a linked Ester fatty acid, a linked Omega hydroxy fatty acid, and the Phytosphingosine base.

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 NP

Learn more about Ceramide EOP

Paula's Choice Calm Repairing Serum contains this as ingredient number 9.

Paula's Choice Calm Redness Relief Repairing Serum contains this as ingredient number 9.

10
What it does: Emollient, Emulsifying, Skin Conditioning, Stabilising
Community Rating: Liked

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

Paula's Choice Calm Repairing Serum contains this as ingredient number 10.

Paula's Choice Calm Redness Relief Repairing Serum contains this as ingredient number 10.

11
What it does: Bleaching, Emollient, Skin Conditioning, Smoothing, Soothing
Community Rating: Liked

Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract is an extract of the roots of Licorice. It has been found to have several benefits such as skin hydrating, conditioning, and soothing.

One component, glabridin, has extra potent antioxidant and soothing properties. It has also been found to block pigmentation from UVB rays in guinea pigs.

Licorice Root also contains a flavonoid. Flavonoids are a natural substance from in plants. Flavonoids also have antioxidant properties.

Another component, glycyrrhizin, has been found to have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial benefits. This may make licorice root extract effective at treating acne. However, more research is needed to support this.

Liquiritin is one of the flavone compounds found in licorice. It has been found to help lighten skin by preventing tyrosinase from reacting with tyrosine. When the two react, protein is converted to melanin. Melanin is the substance in your body that gives your features pigmentation.

Learn more about Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract

Paula's Choice Calm Repairing Serum contains this as ingredient number 11.

Paula's Choice Calm Redness Relief Repairing Serum contains this as ingredient number 11.

12
What it does: Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Liked

Phytosphingosine is a phospholipid naturally found in our skin. It helps moisturize, soothe, and protect skin.

Phytosphingosine is already present in our skin. On our skin, it is a building block for ceramides.

Phytosphingosine tells our skin to increase its natural moisturizing factor (NMF). The NMF is responsible for hydration, a strong barrier, and plasticity. Our NMF decreases with age. Increasing NMF leads to more healthy and hydrated skin.

Studies show products formulated with NMF ingredients help strengthen our skin's barrier. Having a healthy skin barrier reduces irritation and increases hydration. Our skin barrier is responsible for having plump and firm skin. It also helps protect our skin against infection, allergies, and inflammation.

Phytosphingosine is also abundant in plants and fungi.

More ingredients that help boost collagen in skin:

Learn more about Phytosphingosine

Paula's Choice Calm Repairing Serum contains this as ingredient number 13.

Paula's Choice Calm Redness Relief Repairing Serum contains this as ingredient number 13.

13
What it does: Cleansing

We don't have a description for Sodium Cocoyl Amino Acids.

Paula's Choice Calm Repairing Serum contains this as ingredient number 14.

Paula's Choice Calm Redness Relief Repairing Serum contains this as ingredient number 14.

14
What it does: Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Chrysanthemum Parthenium Flower Extract.

Paula's Choice Calm Repairing Serum contains this as ingredient number 15.

Paula's Choice Calm Redness Relief Repairing Serum contains this as ingredient number 15.

15
What it does: Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Mixed

Glycine Soja Seed Extract comes from the seed of the wild soybean plant. Wild soybean extract contains fatty acids (linoleic, oleic, linolenic), vitamin E, and antioxidants.

The wild soybean contains soyasaponins, a bioactive compound. Soyasaponins have inflammatory, antimutagenic, anticarcinogenic, antimicrobial properties. Soyasaponin has also been found to inhibit the melanin-creation process.

Two powerful components found in the wild soybean include genistein and diadzein. These two isoflavones are potent antioxidants with anti-inflammatory properties. Genistein in particular has been found to prevent redness caused by UV exposure.

One study from South Korea found wild soybean extract to help promote hair growth at the cellular level.

The wild soybean plant is a cousin to the famous soybean that gives us tofu, soy milk, and soy sauce.

Learn more about Glycine Soja Seed Extract

Paula's Choice Calm Repairing Serum contains this as ingredient number 16.

Paula's Choice Calm Redness Relief Repairing Serum contains this as ingredient number 16.

16
What it does: Antioxidant, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Loved

Ubiquinone (Coenzyme Q10) is a molecule already found in our bodies. It is a potent antioxidant and skin-soothing ingredient.

Aging and environmental exposure diminishes our skin's natural ubiquinone levels. This is much like our natural collagen and elastin.

The good news is: studies show applying this ingredient topically replenishes ubiquinone levels in our skin. This also comes with a ton of skin benefits. These benefits include:

Ubiquinone is considered a large molecule and cannot be absorbed into the lower layers of skin. This is why it is believed to be such an effective antioxidant: it protects our skin in the upper layers and prevents damage in the deeper layers.

When used in sunscreen, ubiquinone is shown to increase ingredient stability, increase SPF factor, and add to infrared protection.

Fun fact: ubiquinone is fat-soluble.

Learn more about Ubiquinone

Paula's Choice Calm Repairing Serum contains this as ingredient number 17.

Paula's Choice Calm Redness Relief Repairing Serum contains this as ingredient number 17.

17
What it does: Emulsifying
Community Rating: Liked

Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate is the lauric acid sodium salt of lactyl lactate.

Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate is an emulsifier and surfactant.

Emulsifiers help stabilize a product. They do this by preventing ingredients from separating, such as oils and water which do not mix naturally. Surfactants reduce surface tension, making it easier to rinse pollutants off skin.

Due to its relation to lauric acid, it may provide antimicrobial benefits.

Learn more about Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate

Paula's Choice Calm Repairing Serum contains this as ingredient number 18.

Paula's Choice Calm Redness Relief Repairing Serum contains this as ingredient number 18.

18
What it does: Masking, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Mixed

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride is an emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping the skin prevent moisture loss.

Within a product, Caprylic Triglyceride can thicken the product and make spreadability easier by dissolving clumping compounds. An added benefit of Caprylic Triglyceride is its antioxidant properties.

Caprylic Triglyceride is made by combining glycerin with coconut oil, forming a clear liquid. Caprylic Triglyceride has not been found to be toxic for human use in concentrations under 50%.

While there is an assumption Caprylic Triglyceride can clog pores due to it being derived from coconut oil, there is no research supporting this.

Learn more about Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride

Paula's Choice Calm Repairing Serum contains this as ingredient number 19.

Paula's Choice Calm Redness Relief Repairing Serum contains this as ingredient number 19.

19
What it does: Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Magnesium Aspartate.

Paula's Choice Calm Repairing Serum contains this as ingredient number 20.

Paula's Choice Calm Redness Relief Repairing Serum contains this as ingredient number 20.

20
What it does: Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Potassium Aspartate.

Paula's Choice Calm Repairing Serum contains this as ingredient number 21.

Paula's Choice Calm Redness Relief Repairing Serum contains this as ingredient number 21.

21
What it does: Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Loved

Sarcosine is a skin conditioning ingredient. It is a synthetic amino acid.

It is an intermediate and byproduct in glycine synthesis and degradation. Glycine is an amino acid naturally found in our skin.

Paula's Choice Calm Repairing Serum contains this as ingredient number 22.

Paula's Choice Calm Redness Relief Repairing Serum contains this as ingredient number 22.

22
What it does: Emulsifying, Emulsion Stabilising, Gel Forming, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Disliked

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

Paula's Choice Calm Repairing Serum contains this as ingredient number 23.

Paula's Choice Calm Redness Relief Repairing Serum contains this as ingredient number 23.

23
What it does: Emulsion Stabilising, Gel Forming
Community Rating: Disliked

Carbomer is a polymer of acrylic acid. Its main role is to create gel consistency within products.

Carbomer is commonly found in many types of cosmetics products. It is found to be safe in concentrations up to 15%. However, a high amount of carbomer can cause pilling or balling up of products. Most products contain 1% of less of carbomer.

Paula's Choice Calm Repairing Serum contains this as ingredient number 24.

Paula's Choice Calm Redness Relief Repairing Serum contains this as ingredient number 24.

24
What it does: Emulsifying
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Polysorbate 20 is made by combining ethoxylation of sorbitan, ethylene oxide, and lauric acid. It is a mild cleansing agent, surfactant, and emulsifier.

As a surfactant, it helps collect dirt and oils for washing. Emulsifiers prevent oils and water from separating.

Polysorbate 20 also adds scent to a product. Since it is made using sorbitol, it has a sweet scent. Sorbitol can also be found in fruits such as apples and peaches.

The lauric acid used to create Polysorbate 20 is often derived from coconuts.

Polysorbate 20 may not be fungal acne safe.

Learn more about Polysorbate 20

Paula's Choice Calm Repairing Serum contains this as ingredient number 25.

Paula's Choice Calm Redness Relief Repairing Serum contains this as ingredient number 25.

25
What it does: Emulsifying

Peg/Ppg-14/4 Dimethicone is a type of silicone.

Paula's Choice Calm Repairing Serum contains this as ingredient number 26.

Paula's Choice Calm Redness Relief Repairing Serum contains this as ingredient number 26.

26
What it does:
Community Rating: Disliked

Disodium EDTA plays a role in making products more stable by aiding other preservatives.

It is a chelating agent, meaning it neutralizes metal ions that may be found in a product.

Disodium EDTA is a salt of edetic acid and is found to be safe in cosmetic ingredients.

Learn more about Disodium EDTA

Paula's Choice Calm Repairing Serum contains this as ingredient number 27.

Paula's Choice Calm Redness Relief Repairing Serum contains this as ingredient number 27.

27
What it does: Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Mixed

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.

Paula's Choice Calm Repairing Serum contains this as ingredient number 28.

Paula's Choice Calm Redness Relief Repairing Serum contains this as ingredient number 28.

28
What it does: Preservative
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Phenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent germ and 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.

Paula's Choice Calm Repairing Serum contains this as ingredient number 29.

Paula's Choice Calm Redness Relief Repairing Serum contains this as ingredient number 29.

Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.

52% are loved or liked
10% have mixed ratings
17% are disliked or very disliked
21% have no rating yet
52% are loved or liked
10% have mixed ratings
17% are disliked or very disliked
21% have no rating yet

Usage

Here's some more info on how this product is used by our community.

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Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

Paula's Choice Calm Repairing Serum 29 ingredients

Calm Repairing Serum hasn't been rated yet.
Rate it now

Paula's Choice Calm Redness Relief Repairing Serum 29 ingredients

5.0 /5
from 1 rating
AaronBailey_161's avatar

AaronBailey_161

9 months ago · Sensitive Skin
Review

Noticeably soothes and repairs my skin barrier while also offering anti aging benefits

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