Versus

Paula's Choice Clear Extra Strength Daily Skin Clearing Treatment With 5% Benzoyl Peroxide Versus Obagi Medical CLENZIderm M.D. Therapeutic Moisturizer

Facial Treatment
General Moisturizer
American Brand United States
American Brand United States

Updated on January 27, 2025

Overview

What they are

These products are both fungal acne (malassezia) safe . They have a total of 4 ingredients in common

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for dry skin, sensitive skin and scar healing

Free From

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

Benefits

Concerns

Ingredients Side-by-side

found in both products

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
Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Soothing

Allantoin plays a role in soothing and moisturizing the skin. Because of this, it is often added to products with strong active ingredients.

Some studies have shown this ingredient can promote wound healing with higher concentrations.

Allantoin is derived from the comfrey plant but produced synthetically for cosmetic products to ensure purity.

Learn more about Allantoin

Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer is a synthetic polymer. It is used to thicken and improve the texture of products. Due to its properties, it can prevent water and oil ingredients from separating.

Preservative

Phenoxyethanol 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.

When to use

11 Routines
45% use in am
55% use in pm
73% use every day
16 Routines
38% use in am
63% use in pm
100% use every day

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

Paula's Choice Clear Extra Strength Daily Skin Clearing Treatment With 5% Benzoyl Peroxide 14 ingredients

2.5 /5
from 2 ratings
Broke Me Out (1) Doesn't Work (1) Drying (1)
taliamarchetti's avatar

Talia Marchetti

2 months ago
Review

I’ve tried this product multiple times and every time it broke me out. I only put it on my problem areas as prevention + treatment and more of them appeared.

#expensive
#broke me out
#doesn't work
Woosah's avatar

P 🪻

3 months ago
Review

I use this with the Paula's Choice CLEAR pore normalizing cleanser 🫧 Using both together has been a game changer for my skin. I finally don't struggle with horrible breakouts. This is drying and can cause irritation if used wrong. Make sure you are using a good moisturizer after applying. I either spot treat when needed or once a week I will apply a small amount allover face before bed.

#drying
#irritating
#light
#works well

Obagi Medical CLENZIderm M.D. Therapeutic Moisturizer 13 ingredients

Medical CLENZIderm M.D. Therapeutic Moisturizer hasn't been rated yet.
Rate it now