Paula's Choice Smooth Finish Conditioner Versus Seen Deeper Conditioner - Fragrance Free
Updated on August 22, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe conditioners. They have a total of 5 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, parabens 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
Paula's Choice Smooth Finish Conditioner 16 ingredients
Seen Deeper Conditioner 19 ingredients
What's inside
What's inside
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Paula's Choice Smooth Finish Conditioner 16 ingredients
Seen Deeper Conditioner 19 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningCetyl Alcohol
Emollient
Cyclopentasiloxane
Emollient
Behentrimonium Chloride
Preservative
Stearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Phenyl Trimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein
Skin ConditioningGlycol Stearate
Emollient
Polyquaternium-10
Citric Acid
Buffering
Disodium EDTA
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Chlorphenesin
Antimicrobial
Sorbic Acid
Preservative
Water
Skin ConditioningCetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
C13-15 Alkane
SolventNeopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate
EmollientCetyl Palmitate
Emollient
Stearamidopropyl Dimethylamine
EmulsifyingBehentrimonium Chloride
Preservative
Shea Butter Cetyl Esters
Skin Conditioning
Bisabolol
Masking
Glycerin
Humectant
Polysorbate 80
Emulsifying
Polyquaternium-37
Citric Acid
Buffering
Hydrogenated Polydecene
EmollientDisodium EDTA
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningTrideceth-6
EmulsifyingTocopherol
Antioxidant
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Water, Cetearyl Alcohol, C13-15 Alkane, Neopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate, Cetyl Palmitate, Stearamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Behentrimonium Chloride, Shea Butter Cetyl Esters, Bisabolol, Glycerin, Polysorbate 80, Polyquaternium-37, Citric Acid, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Disodium EDTA, Ethylhexylglycerin, Trideceth-6, Tocopherol, Phenoxyethanol
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
This ingredient is a preservative and often used for it's anti-static properties. You'll most likely see this ingredient in hair conditioners.
It does not cause irritation or sensitization in leave-on products at 1-5%.
Citric Acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) naturally found in citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and limes.
Like other AHAs, citric acid can exfoliate skin by breaking down the bonds that hold dead skin cells together. This helps reveal smoother and brighter skin underneath.
However, this exfoliating effect only happens at high concentrations (20%) which can be hard to find in cosmetic products.
Due to this, citric acid is usually included in small amounts as a pH adjuster. This helps keep products slightly more acidic and compatible with skin's natural pH.
In skincare formulas, citric acid can:
While it can provide some skin benefits, research shows lactic acid and glycolic acid are generally more effective and less irritating exfoliants.
Most citric acid used in skincare today is made by fermenting sugars (usually from molasses). This synthetic version is identical to the natural citrus form but easier to stabilize and use in formulations.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Citric AcidDisodium 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 EDTAPhenoxyethanol 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.
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 WaterIngredient Ratings
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When to use
Paula's Choice Smooth Finish Conditioner 16 ingredients
Seen Deeper Conditioner 19 ingredients
Reviews
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