Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of Paula's Choice Resist Intensive Repair Cream versus Dermelect Smooth Upper Lip .
Published on December 04, 2023
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe general moisturizers. They have a total of 14 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain hyaluronic acid, peptides, retinoid, Vitamin C and Vitamin E
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, oily skin, reducing pores, scar healing, dark spots and better texture
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens or parabens
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.
General Moisturizer
All-purpose moisturizers hydrate the top layer of skin cells.
General Moisturizer
All-purpose moisturizers hydrate the top layer of skin cells.
Price
Ingredient Info
Paula's Choice Resist Intensive Repair Cream 55 ingredients
Dermelect Smooth Upper Lip 30 ingredients
Alcohol Free
This product is free of harsh alcohols 🎉
Contains Silicon
Ingredients in this product that are types of silicon:
Contains Fragrance
Ingredients in this product that are forms of fragrance:
Sulfate Free
This product is free of sulfates 🎉
Paraben Free
This product is free of parabens 🎉
Contains Oils
Ingredients in this product that are types of oil:
Not Malassezia Safe
Ingredients in this product that are not malassezia safe:
Reef Safe
This product is free of ingredients that damage reefs 🎉
EU Allergen Free
This product is free of EU allergens 🎉
Non Vegan
This product is not vegan 😥
Cruelty Free
This product is cruelty-free 🎉
Alcohol Free
This product is free of harsh alcohols 🎉
Contains Silicon
Ingredients in this product that are types of silicon:
Fragrance Free
This product is free of fragrances 🎉
Contains Sulfate
Ingredients in this product that are types of sulfate:
Paraben Free
This product is free of parabens 🎉
Oil Free
This product is free of oils 🎉
Not Malassezia Safe
Ingredients in this product that are not malassezia safe:
Reef Safe
This product is free of ingredients that damage reefs 🎉
EU Allergen Free
This product is free of EU allergens 🎉
Vegan
This product is vegan 🎉
Cruelty Free
This product is cruelty-free 🎉
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Paula's Choice Resist Intensive Repair Cream 55 ingredients
Dermelect Smooth Upper Lip 30 ingredients
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Benefits
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Notable Ingredients
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Benefits
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Concerns
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Join SkinSortIngredients Compared
Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.
Paula's Choice Resist Intensive Repair Cream 55 ingredients
Dermelect Smooth Upper Lip 30 ingredients
Water • Ethylhexyl Stearate • Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil • Butylene Glycol • Glycerin • Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride • Petrolatum • Cetearyl Alcohol • Dimethicone • Dipentaerythrityl Hexacaprylate/Hexacaprate • Glyceryl Stearate • Tridecyl Trimellitate • Peg-100 Stearate • Phenyl Trimethicone • Retinol • Adenosine • Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 • Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12 • Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 • Ceramide Ng • Sodium Hyaluronate • Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate • Niacinamide • Tocopherol • Lecithin • Linoleic Acid • Linolenic Acid • Retinyl Palmitate • Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract • Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract • Citrullus Lanatus Fruit Extract • Lens Esculenta Fruit Extract • Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract • Glycine Soja Sterols • Tribehenin • Peg-10 Phytosterol • Magnesium Aluminum Silicate • Sodium PCA • Sodium Lactate • Pullulan • Xanthan Gum • Sodium Hydroxide • Neopentyl Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate • Cetearyl Glucoside • Tridecyl Stearate • Behenyl Alcohol • Sclerotium Gum • Carbomer • C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate • Polysorbate 20 • Disodium EDTA • Sorbic Acid • Phenoxyethanol • Chlorphenesin • Benzoic Acid
Water • Cetearyl Alcohol • Polysorbate 60 • Behentrimonium Methosulfate • Glycerin • Hydrogenated Polyisobutene • Isopropyl Palmitate • Dimethicone • Ethylhexyl Palmitate • Butylene Glycol • Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride • Sodium Hyaluronate • Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 • Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 • Hydrolyzed Hibiscus Esculentus Extract • Dextrin • Sodium Ascorbate • Tocopherol • Retinol • Alpha-Arbutin • Hydrolyzed Soy Protein • Rice Amino Acids • Proline • Hydrolyzed Adansonia Digitata Seed Extract • Sodium Benzoate • Silica Dimethyl Silylate • Carbomer • Polysorbate 20 • Phenoxyethanol • Ethylhexylglycerin
Ingredients Side-by-side
Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.
Learn more about what what Com. / Irr. ratings are
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. Talk about multi-purpose! If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about WaterPaula's Choice Resist Intensive Repair Cream contains this as ingredient number 1.
Dermelect Smooth Upper Lip contains this as ingredient number 1.
Butylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:
- It is a solvent, meaning that it helps to dissolve other ingredients. This also enhances the absorption of the product into one's skin.
- It is a humectant, which means that it helps attract moisture into the skin.
- It helps improve product application.
Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient. It is unlikely to irritate skin, and works well with pretty much all other ingredients.
Paula's Choice Resist Intensive Repair Cream contains this as ingredient number 4.
Dermelect Smooth Upper Lip contains this as ingredient number 10.
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 GlycerinPaula's Choice Resist Intensive Repair Cream contains this as ingredient number 5.
Dermelect Smooth Upper Lip contains this as ingredient number 5.
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 TriglyceridePaula's Choice Resist Intensive Repair Cream contains this as ingredient number 6.
Dermelect Smooth Upper Lip contains this as ingredient number 11.
Cetearyl alcohol is a mixture of two fatty alcohols: cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol. It is mainly used as an emulsifier. Emulsifiers help prevent the separation of oils and products. Due to its composition, it can also be used to thicken a product or help create foam.
Cetearyl alcohol is an emollient. Emollients help soothe and hydrate the skin by trapping moisture.
Studies show Cetearyl alcohol is non-toxic and non-irritating. The FDA allows products labeled "alcohol-free" to have fatty alcohols.
This ingredient is usually derived from plant oils such as palm, vegetable, or coconut oils. There is debate on whether this ingredient will cause acne.
Due to the fatty acid base, this ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis safe.
Learn more about Cetearyl AlcoholPaula's Choice Resist Intensive Repair Cream contains this as ingredient number 8.
Dermelect Smooth Upper Lip contains this as ingredient number 2.
Dimethicone is a silicone used for making products smooth and silky. It also has the added benefit of sealing in hydration. The amount of dimethicone found in beauty products is considered safe and non-comedogenic, meaning it won't clog pores.
Dimethicone has been found increase absorption in skin, boosting the benefits of other ingredients. While there is concern for the safety of dimethicone, the levels used in skincare are safe for use.
Paula's Choice Resist Intensive Repair Cream contains this as ingredient number 9.
Dermelect Smooth Upper Lip contains this as ingredient number 8.
Retinol is a gold-standard ingredient for anti-aging. It is a form of Vitamin A and belongs to the class of retinoids that also includes tretinoin.
Why is retinol famous?
It has the most scientific studies backing up its skin benefits out of all the non-prescription ingredients.
Retinol is proven to:
This is why retinol is effective at removing wrinkles, fading dark spots, treating acne, and reducing the appearance of pores.
Studies show retinol is less effective when exposed to UV. Be sure to look for appropriate packaging to keep your retinol potent (similar to Vitamin C).
Using retinol or any retinoids will increase sun-sensitivity in the first few months. Though studies show retinoids increase your skin's natural SPF with continuous use, it is best to always wear sunscreen and sun-protection.
We recommend speaking with a medical professional about using this ingredient during pregnancy.
Retinol may cause irritation in some people, so be sure to patch test. Experts recommend 'ramping up' retinol use: start using this ingredient once a week and work up to using it daily.
Read about Tretinoin
Learn more about RetinolPaula's Choice Resist Intensive Repair Cream contains this as ingredient number 15.
Dermelect Smooth Upper Lip contains this as ingredient number 19.
Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 is a peptide. Peptides are building blocks for protein.
This ingredient consists of four amino acids and palmitic acid. These amino acids are arginine, proline, glutamine, and glycine.
This ingredient has many benefits. These benefits include boosting collagen production, fighting inflammation, and reversing UV damage.
By preventing our bodies from producing interleukins, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 helps fight inflammation. An interleukin is a chemical that signals to the body to produce an inflammatory response. Interleukin production is accelerated by UV radiation.
Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 tells our body to create more collagen. Collagen is a protein that makes connective tissue. Boosting collagen production leads to a healthier skin barrier. Having a healthy skin barrier means having firm and hydrated skin.
Read more about other common types of peptides here:
Learn more about Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7Paula's Choice Resist Intensive Repair Cream contains this as ingredient number 17.
Dermelect Smooth Upper Lip contains this as ingredient number 14.
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 is a 3-amino acid peptide. Peptides are building blocks for protein.
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 is a signal peptide. This means it tells our skin to create collagen. Collagen is a protein that makes connective tissue. Boosting collagen production leads to a healthier skin barrier. Having a healthy skin barrier means having firm and hydrated skin.
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 can help reduce wrinkles and make the skin look more youthful.
Read more about other common types of peptides here:
Learn more about Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1Paula's Choice Resist Intensive Repair Cream contains this as ingredient number 19.
Dermelect Smooth Upper Lip contains this as ingredient number 13.
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 HyaluronatePaula's Choice Resist Intensive Repair Cream contains this as ingredient number 21.
Dermelect Smooth Upper Lip contains this as ingredient number 12.
Tocopherol (also known as Vitamin E) is a common antioxidant used to help protect the skin from free-radicals and strengthen the skin barrier. It's also fat soluble - this means our skin is great at absorbing it.
Vitamin E also helps keep your natural skin lipids healthy. Your lipid skin barrier naturally consists of lipids, ceramides, and fatty acids. Vitamin E offers extra protection for your skin’s lipid barrier, keeping your skin healthy and nourished.
Another benefit is a bit of UV protection. Vitamin E helps reduce the damage caused by UVB rays. (It should not replace your sunscreen). Combining it with Vitamin C can decrease sunburned cells and hyperpigmentation after UV exposure.
You might have noticed Vitamin E + C often paired together. This is because it is great at stabilizing Vitamin C. Using the two together helps increase the effectiveness of both ingredients.
There are often claims that Vitamin E can reduce/prevent scarring, but these claims haven't been confirmed by scientific research.
Learn more about TocopherolPaula's Choice Resist Intensive Repair Cream contains this as ingredient number 24.
Dermelect Smooth Upper Lip contains this as ingredient number 18.
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 Resist Intensive Repair Cream contains this as ingredient number 48.
Dermelect Smooth Upper Lip contains this as ingredient number 27.
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 20Paula's Choice Resist Intensive Repair Cream contains this as ingredient number 50.
Dermelect Smooth Upper Lip contains this as ingredient number 28.
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 Resist Intensive Repair Cream contains this as ingredient number 53.
Dermelect Smooth Upper Lip contains this as ingredient number 29.
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.
Paula's Choice Resist Intensive Repair Cream 55 ingredients
Dermelect Smooth Upper Lip 30 ingredients
Usage
Here's some more info on how this product is used by our community.
When to use
Paula's Choice Resist Intensive Repair Cream 55 ingredients
Dermelect Smooth Upper Lip 30 ingredients
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