Paula's Choice RESIST Barrier Repair Advanced Moisturizer with Ceramides, Size: 1.7 Oz, None
Paula's ChoiceAnalysis updated October 2026 · How Scout scores
At a glance
Summary
This moisturizer contains a variety of beneficial ingredients such as squalane, shea butter, and multiple ceramides, which are excellent for skin hydration and barrier repair. The presence of phenoxyethanol as a preservative is a minor concern due to its potential for irritation, but the overall formulation is largely composed of safe and effective components, resulting in a high-quality product with minimal processing.
Key ingredients 35
SqualaneVery Good
Squalane is a highly effective emollient and natural antioxidant. It mimics the skin's natural oils, making it an excellent moisturizer. It is non-irritating and suitable for all skin types.
Benefits
Provides deep hydration and antioxidant protection.
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) ButterVery Good
Shea Butter is a natural fat extracted from the nuts of the shea tree. It is known for its moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties. It is highly beneficial for dry and sensitive skin.
Risks
Rarely, it may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
Deeply moisturizes and soothes the skin.
Ceramide APVery Good
Ceramide AP is a type of ceramide that helps to reinforce the skin's natural barrier. It aids in moisture retention and skin repair. It is beneficial for maintaining skin health.
Benefits
Enhances skin barrier function and hydration.
Ceramide ASVery Good
Ceramide AS is a skin-identical lipid that helps to restore the skin's barrier function. It is crucial for maintaining skin hydration and resilience. It is beneficial for all skin types.
Benefits
Improves skin barrier and moisture retention.
Ceramide NSVery Good
Ceramide NS is a lipid that supports the skin's barrier and hydration levels. It is essential for healthy skin function. It is beneficial for dry and sensitive skin.
Benefits
Supports skin barrier and hydration.
Ceramide EOPVery Good
Ceramide EOP is a lipid that helps to maintain the skin's barrier and moisture balance. It is vital for skin health and resilience. It is beneficial for all skin types.
Benefits
Maintains skin barrier and hydration.
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5Very Good
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5 is a peptide that stimulates collagen production and improves skin firmness. It is effective in reducing the appearance of wrinkles. It is beneficial for anti-aging skincare.
Benefits
Boosts collagen and reduces wrinkles.
TocopherolVery Good
Tocopherol, also known as Vitamin E, is a powerful antioxidant that protects the skin from free radical damage. It helps to nourish and moisturize the skin. It is beneficial for maintaining healthy skin.
Benefits
Provides antioxidant protection and moisturizes the skin.
GlycerinGood
Glycerin is a humectant that attracts moisture to the skin, helping to keep it hydrated. It is widely used in skincare for its moisturizing properties. It is considered safe and beneficial for most skin types.
Risks
Rarely, it may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
Excellent for moisturizing and hydrating the skin.
CocoglyceridesGood
Cocoglycerides are derived from coconut oil and glycerin, providing emollient properties. They help to soften and smooth the skin. They are generally considered safe and beneficial.
Risks
Minimal risk of irritation or allergic reaction.
Benefits
Softens and smooths the skin effectively.
Ceramide NPGood
Ceramide NP is a lipid that helps to restore the skin barrier and retain moisture. It is essential for maintaining healthy skin. It is beneficial for all skin types, especially dry and sensitive skin.
Benefits
Strengthens the skin barrier and improves hydration.
Sodium HyaluronateGood
Sodium Hyaluronate is a form of hyaluronic acid that provides intense hydration to the skin. It helps to plump and smooth the skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines. It is highly beneficial for all skin types.
Benefits
Provides deep hydration and plumps the skin.
AdenosineGood
Adenosine is a beneficial ingredient known for its anti-aging properties. It helps to smooth wrinkles and improve skin elasticity. It is generally well-tolerated and effective.
Benefits
Reduces wrinkles and improves skin elasticity.
Citrullus Lanatus (Watermelon) Seed OilGood
Watermelon Seed Oil is rich in antioxidants and essential fatty acids. It helps to nourish and moisturize the skin. It is beneficial for maintaining healthy skin.
Benefits
Nourishes and moisturizes the skin.
Sodium PCAGood
Sodium PCA is a natural moisturizing factor that helps to maintain skin hydration. It is effective in improving skin moisture content. It is beneficial for all skin types.
Benefits
Maintains skin hydration and improves moisture content.
UreaGood
Urea is a humectant that helps to retain moisture in the skin. It is effective in softening and smoothing the skin. It is beneficial for dry and rough skin.
Benefits
Retains moisture and softens the skin.
TrehaloseGood
Trehalose is a sugar that acts as a humectant and antioxidant in cosmetics. It helps to retain moisture and protect the skin from environmental stress. It is beneficial for maintaining skin hydration.
Benefits
Retains moisture and provides antioxidant protection.
CholesterolGood
Cholesterol is a lipid that helps to maintain the skin's barrier function. It is effective in improving skin hydration and resilience. It is beneficial for maintaining healthy skin.
Benefits
Maintains skin barrier and improves hydration.
Water/Aqua/EauNeutral
Water is a common solvent used in cosmetics to dissolve other ingredients. It helps in the application and absorption of the product. It does not provide direct skin benefits or risks.
Benefits
Acts as a solvent and helps in the application of the product.
Dicaprylyl CarbonateNeutral
Dicaprylyl Carbonate is an emollient that helps to soften and smooth the skin. It is often used to improve the spreadability of products. It is generally considered safe with no significant risks.
Benefits
Improves skin texture and product spreadability.
Ethylhexyl StearateNeutral
Ethylhexyl Stearate is used as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics. It helps to improve the texture and feel of the product. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Benefits
Enhances the texture and feel of the product.
Sodium PolyacrylateNeutral
Sodium Polyacrylate is used as a thickening agent and film-former in cosmetics. It helps to improve the texture and stability of the product. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Benefits
Enhances product texture and stability.
Glyceryl StearateNeutral
Glyceryl Stearate is an emulsifier that helps to blend oil and water components in cosmetics. It improves the texture and stability of the product. It is generally considered safe for use.
Benefits
Improves product texture and stability.
Caprylyl GlycolNeutral
Caprylyl Glycol is a skin-conditioning agent that also acts as a preservative. It helps to improve the moisture content of the skin. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Benefits
Enhances skin moisture and product preservation.
HydroxyacetophenoneNeutral
Hydroxyacetophenone is an antioxidant and preservative used in cosmetics. It helps to protect the product from degradation. It is generally considered safe for use.
Benefits
Provides antioxidant protection and preserves the product.
Sodium Stearoyl GlutamateNeutral
Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate is an emulsifier that helps to stabilize cosmetic formulations. It improves the texture and consistency of the product. It is generally considered safe for use.
Benefits
Stabilizes formulations and improves texture.
Hexylene GlycolNeutral
Hexylene Glycol is a solvent and viscosity agent used in cosmetics. It helps to improve the spreadability of the product. It is generally considered safe for use.
Benefits
Improves product spreadability and texture.
2,3-ButanediolNeutral
2,3-Butanediol is a solvent and viscosity agent used in cosmetics. It helps to improve the texture and feel of the product. It is generally considered safe for use.
Benefits
Enhances product texture and feel.
Xanthan GumNeutral
Xanthan Gum is a thickening agent used to stabilize cosmetic formulations. It helps to improve the texture and consistency of the product. It is generally considered safe for use.
Benefits
Stabilizes formulations and improves texture.
EthylhexylglycerinNeutral
Ethylhexylglycerin is a preservative and skin-conditioning agent used in cosmetics. It helps to improve the moisture content of the skin. It is generally considered safe for use.
Benefits
Enhances skin moisture and product preservation.
Sodium PhytateNeutral
Sodium Phytate is a chelating agent used to stabilize cosmetic formulations. It helps to improve the efficacy and shelf-life of the product. It is generally considered safe for use.
Benefits
Stabilizes formulations and improves shelf-life.
Hydrogenated LecithinNeutral
Hydrogenated Lecithin is an emulsifier that helps to stabilize cosmetic formulations. It improves the texture and consistency of the product. It is generally considered safe for use.
Benefits
Stabilizes formulations and improves texture.
Polyquaternium-51Neutral
Polyquaternium-51 is a film-forming agent that helps to improve skin hydration. It enhances the moisture content of the skin. It is generally considered safe for use.
Benefits
Improves skin hydration and moisture content.
TriacetinNeutral
Triacetin is a solvent and plasticizer used in cosmetics. It helps to improve the texture and spreadability of the product. It is generally considered safe for use.
Benefits
Enhances product texture and spreadability.
PhenoxyethanolBad
Phenoxyethanol is a preservative used in cosmetics to prevent microbial growth. It can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions in some individuals. It is considered a moderate risk ingredient.
Risks
Potential for skin irritation and allergic reactions.
Benefits
Prevents microbial growth and extends product shelf-life.
Get the full breakdown in the Scout appTake Scout shopping
Scan any product to see lab results, healthy alternatives, and your personalized analysis.
Download on theApp Store GET IT ONGoogle PlayAmazon pricing & content
Amazon price as of . Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
CERTAIN CONTENT THAT APPEARS ON THIS SITE COMES FROM AMAZON. THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED “AS IS” AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE OR REMOVAL AT ANY TIME.