Paula's Choice Clear Regular Strength Daily Skin Clearing Treatment with 2.5% Benzoyl Peroxide at Nordstrom
Summary
This face wash contains benzoyl peroxide, which is effective for acne treatment but can be harsh on sensitive skin. The presence of synthetic ingredients like propylene glycol and phenoxyethanol, which are common in skincare but can cause irritation for some users, affects the score. Additionally, the inclusion of bisabolol and allantoin, known for their soothing properties, provides some balance, but the overall formulation is moderately processed.
At a glance
Key ingredients 13
Benzoyl Peroxide
Benzoyl Peroxide is a well-known acne treatment that helps to reduce bacteria and inflammation on the skin. It works by introducing oxygen into the pores, which kills acne-causing bacteria. This ingredient is effective in reducing acne lesions and preventing future breakouts.
Risks
Potential risks include skin dryness, irritation, and peeling, especially for sensitive skin types.
Benefits
It is highly effective in treating acne and reducing the occurrence of new blemishes.
Bisabolol
Bisabolol is a natural compound derived from chamomile that is known for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps to calm irritated skin and reduce redness. This ingredient is beneficial for sensitive skin and enhances the absorption of other active ingredients.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with bisabolol, though allergic reactions are possible in rare cases.
Benefits
It provides soothing effects and enhances skin healing, making it suitable for sensitive skin.
Allantoin
Allantoin is a compound that is known for its skin-soothing and moisturizing properties. It helps to protect the skin by forming a barrier and promoting cell regeneration. This ingredient is often used to treat dry, rough, and irritated skin.
Risks
Allantoin is generally considered safe with a low risk of irritation or allergic reactions.
Benefits
It aids in skin healing and provides moisture, making it beneficial for dry and sensitive skin.
Propylene GlycolNeutral
Propylene Glycol is a common humectant used in skincare products to help retain moisture in the skin. It also serves as a solvent for other ingredients. While it is effective in maintaining skin hydration, it can cause irritation in some individuals.
Risks
Potential risks include skin irritation and allergic reactions, particularly in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
It helps to maintain skin hydration and enhances the penetration of other active ingredients.
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate CrosspolymerNeutral
This ingredient is used as a thickening agent and film-former in cosmetic formulations. It helps to stabilize emulsions and improve the texture of the product. While generally considered safe, it can cause irritation in sensitive skin types.
Risks
Potential risks include skin irritation, especially for those with sensitive skin.
Benefits
It improves product texture and stability, enhancing the overall user experience.
HydroxyethylcelluloseNeutral
Hydroxyethylcellulose is a thickening agent derived from cellulose, used to improve the texture and consistency of cosmetic products. It is generally considered safe and non-irritating. This ingredient helps to stabilize formulations and enhance the feel of the product on the skin.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with this ingredient, though it may cause mild irritation in rare cases.
Benefits
It enhances product texture and stability without causing significant irritation.
Sodium CitrateNeutral
Sodium Citrate is used as a buffering agent to maintain the pH balance of cosmetic formulations. It helps to stabilize the product and enhance its shelf life. This ingredient is generally considered safe and non-irritating.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with sodium citrate, though it may cause mild irritation in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
It helps to maintain product stability and pH balance, ensuring the effectiveness of the formulation.
Laureth-4Neutral
Laureth-4 is a surfactant and emulsifier used in cosmetics to help mix oil and water-based ingredients. It improves the texture and spreadability of products. While generally safe, it can cause irritation in some individuals, particularly those with sensitive skin.
Risks
Potential risks include skin irritation and allergic reactions, especially in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
It enhances product texture and helps to evenly distribute ingredients on the skin.
Caprylyl GlycolNeutral
Caprylyl Glycol is a skin-conditioning agent that also acts as a preservative booster. It helps to improve skin hydration and enhance the efficacy of preservatives in the formulation. This ingredient is generally well-tolerated and considered safe.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with caprylyl glycol, though it may cause mild irritation in rare cases.
Benefits
It provides moisturizing benefits and enhances the preservation of the product.
Hexylene GlycolNeutral
Hexylene Glycol is used as a solvent and viscosity-reducing agent in cosmetic formulations. It helps to improve the texture and spreadability of products. While generally considered safe, it can cause irritation in sensitive skin types.
Risks
Potential risks include skin irritation and allergic reactions, particularly in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
It enhances product texture and helps to evenly distribute ingredients on the skin.
Sodium HydroxideNeutral
Sodium Hydroxide is used to adjust the pH of cosmetic formulations. It is effective in small amounts to ensure the stability and efficacy of the product. While it can be irritating in high concentrations, it is generally safe in the low concentrations used in cosmetics.
Risks
Potential risks include skin irritation and chemical burns if used in high concentrations.
Benefits
It helps to maintain the pH balance of the product, ensuring its stability and effectiveness.
Disodium EDTANeutral
Disodium EDTA is a chelating agent used to improve the stability and efficacy of cosmetic formulations by binding metal ions. It helps to prevent the deterioration of the product and enhance its shelf life. This ingredient is generally considered safe and non-irritating.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with disodium EDTA, though it may cause mild irritation in rare cases.
Benefits
It enhances product stability and prevents the degradation of active ingredients.
PhenoxyethanolNeutral
Phenoxyethanol is a preservative used in cosmetics to prevent the growth of bacteria and mold. It is effective in maintaining the safety and integrity of the product. While generally considered safe, it can cause irritation in some individuals, particularly those with sensitive skin.
Risks
Potential risks include skin irritation and allergic reactions, especially in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
It helps to preserve the product and prevent microbial contamination, ensuring its safety for use.
Processing
Processed Foods
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