Paula's Choice RESIST Daily Smoothing Treatment With 5% AHA Versus City Beauty Line Blurring Wrinkle Filler
Updated on September 17, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe facial treatments. They have a total of 14 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain AHA, ceramides and peptides
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin, oily skin, reducing pores, scar healing and better texture
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, 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 needs an update? Let us know.
Ingredient Info
Paula's Choice RESIST Daily Smoothing Treatment With 5% AHA 36 ingredients
City Beauty Line Blurring Wrinkle Filler 46 ingredients
What's inside
What's inside
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Paula's Choice RESIST Daily Smoothing Treatment With 5% AHA 36 ingredients
City Beauty Line Blurring Wrinkle Filler 46 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycolic Acid
Buffering
Cetyl Alcohol
Emollient
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Polyacrylamide
Dimethicone
Emollient
PPG-14 Butyl Ether
Skin ConditioningPalmitoyl Hexapeptide-12
Skin Conditioning
Ceramide Ng
Skin Conditioning
Tetrahydrodiferuloylmethane
Antioxidant
Tetrahydrodemethoxydiferuloylmethane
Antioxidant
Tetrahydrobisdemethoxydiferuloylmethane
Antioxidant
Epigallocatechin Gallate
Antioxidant
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Disodium Lauriminodipropionate Tocopheryl Phosphates
CleansingPEG-10 Phytosterol
EmulsifyingVanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract
Skin Conditioning
Bisabolol
Masking
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Cyclopentasiloxane
Emollient
Cyclohexasiloxane
Emollient
Dimethiconol
Emollient
Tribehenin
Emollient
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialPEG-40 Stearate
Emulsifying
Sorbitan Stearate
Emulsifying
Pvm/Ma Decadiene Crosspolymer
Disodium EDTA
C13-14 Isoparaffin
Emollient
Laureth-7
EmulsifyingSodium Hydroxide
BufferingCaprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Hexylene Glycol
EmulsifyingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Water, Glycolic Acid, Cetyl Alcohol, Butylene Glycol, Polyacrylamide, Dimethicone, PPG-14 Butyl Ether, Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12, Ceramide Ng, Tetrahydrodiferuloylmethane, Tetrahydrodemethoxydiferuloylmethane, Tetrahydrobisdemethoxydiferuloylmethane, Epigallocatechin Gallate, Salicylic Acid, Disodium Lauriminodipropionate Tocopheryl Phosphates, PEG-10 Phytosterol, Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract, Bisabolol, Allantoin, Cyclopentasiloxane, Cyclohexasiloxane, Dimethiconol, Tribehenin, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, PEG-40 Stearate, Sorbitan Stearate, Pvm/Ma Decadiene Crosspolymer, Disodium EDTA, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Laureth-7, Sodium Hydroxide, Caprylyl Glycol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Hexylene Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol
Water
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
Emollient
Cyclohexasiloxane
Emollient
Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Emulsion Stabilising
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
Emulsifying
Glycerin
Humectant
Cyclopentasiloxane
Emollient
Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract
Skin Conditioning
Caprylyl Methicone
Skin Conditioning
Polymethylsilsesquioxane
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialDisteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingSodium Chloride
Masking
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Phytic Acid
Propylene Carbonate
SolventTribehenin
Emollient
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Silica
Abrasive
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningHexylene Glycol
EmulsifyingDisodium Acetyl Glucosamine Phosphate
Skin ConditioningSodium Glucuronate
HumectantCeramide Ng
Skin Conditioning
PEG-10 Phytosterol
EmulsifyingDiamond Powder
Abrasive
Magnesium Sulfate
Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12
Skin Conditioning
Algae Extract
Emollient
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Macrocystis Pyrifera Extract
Skin Conditioning
Nymphaea Coerulea Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningPanthenol
Skin Conditioning
Rosa Canina Fruit Oil
Emollient
Saccharomyces Ferment
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Polyacrylate Starch
AbsorbentTocopherol
Antioxidant
Nelumbo Nucifera Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningNelumbo Nucifera Seed Powder
Skin ConditioningNymphaea Alba Root Extract
Skin ConditioningBambusa Vulgaris Shoot Extract
Antioxidant
Mangifera Indica Seed Oil
Emollient
Hydrogenated Starch Hydrolysate
HumectantParfum
Masking
Citric Acid
Buffering
Water, Dimethicone, Cyclohexasiloxane, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Butylene Glycol, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Glycerin, Cyclopentasiloxane, Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract, Caprylyl Methicone, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Sodium Chloride, Phenoxyethanol, Phytic Acid, Propylene Carbonate, Tribehenin, Caprylyl Glycol, Silica, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hexylene Glycol, Disodium Acetyl Glucosamine Phosphate, Sodium Glucuronate, Ceramide Ng, PEG-10 Phytosterol, Diamond Powder, Magnesium Sulfate, Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12, Algae Extract, 1,2-Hexanediol, Macrocystis Pyrifera Extract, Nymphaea Coerulea Flower Extract, Panthenol, Rosa Canina Fruit Oil, Saccharomyces Ferment, Sodium Polyacrylate Starch, Tocopherol, Nelumbo Nucifera Flower Extract, Nelumbo Nucifera Seed Powder, Nymphaea Alba Root Extract, Bambusa Vulgaris Shoot Extract, Mangifera Indica Seed Oil, Hydrogenated Starch Hydrolysate, Parfum, Citric Acid
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Butylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:
Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient that works well with other ingredients.
Though this ingredient works well with most skin types, some people with sensitive skin may experience a reaction such as allergic rashes, closed comedones, or itchiness.
Learn more about Butylene GlycolC12-15 Alkyl Benzoate is made up of Benzoic Acid and long chain alcohols. It has a low molecular weight.
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate is an emollient and texture enhancer. Due to its solubility, it is often used in sunscreens to help evenly distribute active ingredients.
As an emollient, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate helps soften and hydrate your skin. Emollients create a film on your skin that traps moisture within.
This ingredient has been reported to cause eye irritation.
Learn more about C12-15 Alkyl BenzoateCaprylyl 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 GlycolCeramide NG is a type of Ceramide. The NG stands for a sphinganine 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 EOP
Ceramide NP
Cyclohexasiloxane is a type of silicone more commonly known as D6. It is an emollient and solvent.
Cyclohexasiloxane is used to evenly distribute ingredients throughout the product. When applied to the skin, Cyclohexasiloxane evaporates and leaves behind a silky feel.
As an emollient, it can help the skin feel soft and hydrated. It is also used to reduce frizz in hair products.
Learn more about CyclohexasiloxaneCyclopentasiloxane, or D5, is a silicone used to improve texture of products and trap moisture.
D5 is considered lightweight and volatile. Volatile means it evaporates quickly after application. Once evaporated, D5 leaves a thin barrier that helps keep skin hydrated.
It is also an emollient. Emollients help soften the skin and prevent water loss. Silicones create a silky texture in products. D5 helps other ingredients become more spreadable.
Studies show D5 is safe to use in skincare products. We recommend speaking with a skincare professional if you have concerns.
Learn more about CyclopentasiloxaneDimethicone is a type of synthetic silicone created from natural materials such as quartz.
What it does:
Dimethicone comes in different viscosities:
Depending on the viscosity, dimethicone has different properties.
Ingredients lists don't always show which type is used, so we recommend reaching out to the brand if you have questions about the viscosity.
This ingredient is unlikely to cause irritation because it does not get absorbed into skin. However, people with silicone allergies should be careful about using this ingredient.
Note: Dimethicone may contribute to pilling. This is because it is not oil or water soluble, so pilling may occur when layered with products. When mixed with heavy oils in a formula, the outcome is also quite greasy.
Learn more about DimethiconeEthylhexylglycerin (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.
Hexylene Glycol is a surfactant. Glycols are a class of alcohols. Hexylene Glycol is a surfactant and emulsifier.
As a surfactant, Hexylene Glycol helps gather dirt and oil on your skin to be washed away.
As an emulsifier, Hexylene Glycol helps keep water and oil together. This prevents them from separating in a product. Hexylene Glycol also thins out the texture of a product by lessening viscosity.
Hexylene Glycol has a small molecular weight.
Learn more about Hexylene GlycolPalmitoyl Hexapeptide-12 is a synthetic peptide made with glycine, histidine, lysine, and palmitic acid.
The sequence of this peptide matches that of elastin, a key protein that plays a role in how firm our skin is.
Due to its palmitic acid base, this ingredient may not be fungal-acne safe.
Learn more about Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12We don't have a description for PEG-10 Phytosterol yet.
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.
Tribehenin comes from glycerin and behenic acid.
It is used as an emollient, or moisturizer. Emollients form a thin barrier on skin to prevent moisture from escaping.
This ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis, or fungal-acne safe.
Learn more about TribeheninWater. 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 WaterIngredient Ratings
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