Paula's Choice CLEAR Oil-Free Moisturizer — Efficacy 4.0/5.0, Safety 4.7/5.0 | DemythSkin
++++
[ DemythSkin Verdict ]
Paula's Choice CLEAR Oil-Free Moisturizer

Paula's Choice CLEAR Oil-Free Moisturizer

MoisturizerBarrier Repair
Efficacy
Strong
4.0 / 5.0
Safety
Safe
4.7 / 5.0
System Verdict
Smart, barrier-focused oil-free moisturizer for acne-prone skin, but its treatment claims are modest rather than game-changing. The efficacy comes from a well-built humectant and emollient base plus low-level niacinamide (~0.5%), ceramide-cholesterol-phytosphingosine complex, and multiple antioxidants, which together support hydration, barrier repair and mild tone evening without any strong acne or brightening actives at high concentration. The pH (5.25–6.25) is ideal for barrier function and compatible with ceramides and niacinamide, and the formula avoids fragrance, drying alcohol, and occlusive oils, making it an evidence-aligned choice for oily and acne-prone skin that need moisture without extra clogging agents.
Active Ingredients Detected
A Tier: Good BasicsProven Results
AquaGlycerinNiacinamideCeramide NPCeramide APCeramide EOPPhytosphingosineCholesterolPanthenolSodium PCALecithinArginine
B Tier: Supporting IngredientsPromising Ingredients
Ethyl MacadamiateCetearyl AlcoholPropanediolTriethylhexanoinSodium Acrylates CopolymerGlyceryl StearatePEG-100 StearateHydrolyzed Pumpkin SeedcakeTripeptide-29etanorulayH muidoSenisonedASodium Lauroyl LactylateSodium GluconateCitric AcidIsohexadecaneXanthan GumCarbomerPhenoxyethanol
C Tier: Marketing IdolsHype | Limited or Weak Data
Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root ExtractVaccinium Angustifolium (Blueberry) Fruit ExtractEuterpe Oleracea Fruit ExtractPrunus Serotina (Wild Cherry) Fruit Extract
D Tier: Potential IrritantsBe Cautious
Ethylhexylglycerin
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DemythSkin is an independent ingredient analyzer. Scores are computed by a deterministic rubric from published clinical evidence — no brand pays for a score.