Sephora Collection Clean Skin Gel Cleanser with Prebiotics Versus Paula's Choice Calm Ultra-Gentle Cleanser
Updated on November 29, 2023
Overview
What they are
These products are both reef safe face cleansers. They have a total of 4 ingredients in common
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for dry skin and brightening skin
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, fragrances, oils, parabens, silicones 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
Sephora Collection Clean Skin Gel Cleanser with Prebiotics 10 ingredients
Paula's Choice Calm Ultra-Gentle Cleanser 17 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Sephora Collection Clean Skin Gel Cleanser with Prebiotics 10 ingredients
Paula's Choice Calm Ultra-Gentle Cleanser 17 ingredients
Benefits
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningSodium Cocoyl Glutamate
CleansingGlycerin
Humectant
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingCocamidopropyl Betaine
Cleansing
Sodium Laurylglucosides Hydroxypropylsulfonate
CleansingCellulose Gum
Emulsion StabilisingCoco-Caprylate/Caprate
Emollient
Hydroxyacetophenone
Antioxidant
Inulin
Skin ConditioningXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningSodium Phytate
Cellulose
AbsorbentFructose
HumectantGlucose
HumectantPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Water, Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Laurylglucosides Hydroxypropylsulfonate, Cellulose Gum, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Hydroxyacetophenone, Inulin, Xanthan Gum, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Phytate, Cellulose, Fructose, Glucose, Phenoxyethanol
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. If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about WaterGlycerin 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 GlycerinInulin is a polysaccharide (carbohydrate) with prebiotic and antioxidant properties.
The majority of inulin is extracted from chicory, but can also be obtained from other plants such as garlic, onion, asparagus, and sugarcane.
Studies show inulin may help with controlling your skin's natural microbiota when applied topically.
The antioxidant potential of inulin varies depending on the source.
Learn more about InulinXanthan 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 GumIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Sephora Collection Clean Skin Gel Cleanser with Prebiotics 10 ingredients
Paula's Choice Calm Ultra-Gentle Cleanser 17 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Sephora Collection Clean Skin Gel Cleanser with Prebiotics 10 ingredients
This product is so gentle and inoffensive. It hasnt improved my issue, but unlike most cleasers filled with terrible ingredients it doesn't worsen them. It cleans your face. That's what a cleanser should do. I always stock up on this one.
Love it!
I bought it because I was looking for a FA safe and sulfate free cleanser and it had good reviews on Sephora's website and turns out it's probably one of the best cleansers I've ever bought! It's very gentle, after cleasing I feel my skin so clean, smooth and clear.
Paula's Choice Calm Ultra-Gentle Cleanser 17 ingredients
Perfect cleanser for sensitive, acne prone skin.
I've been using this cleanser for months. I love it. I have very sensitive, acne prone skin. I always have trouble finding a cleanser that doesn't irritate my skin, damage my barrier or trigger my acne.
This cleanser doesn't make any of that, instead it leaves my skin hydrated and smooth . It also cleans very well.
I'm happy that I find this Show more
Very gentle product which doesn’t dry out your skin. Does not work well for sebaceous filaments / blackheads though due to no active ingredients.
