Paula's choice

Paula's choice Calm Lightweight Restoring Cream Moisturiser

Name: Paula's choice - Calm Lightweight Restoring Cream Moisturiser
Brand: Paula's choice

Efficacy75/100IrritancyMedium

See all ingredients

Works for

Moisturizing

Cyclopentasiloxane, Glycerin + 9 more

Works

What the product description says

“Calm Lightweight Restoring Cream Moisturiser”

From product name

This product can help improve hydration of the skin with the two types of ingredients.

The first type is called “humectants”:
these ingredients help attract water. When humectants are on the surface of the skin, they “pull in” the moisture from the outside environment, or from within deeper layers of the skin. The following ingredients in this product do the job: allantoin, dipotassium glycyrrhizate.

This product also contains ingredients called “occlusives”. They help reduce the speed with which our skin loses moisture to the outside environment. These ingredients also help soften the upper layer of the skin, so it feels less tight and nicer to the touch. The following ingredients in this product do the job: dimethicone, phenyl trimethicone.

CyclopentasiloxaneKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumA silicone that helps improve the product texture and spreadability. Can absorb oil creating a short-term mattifying effect on the skin~5.8–8.7%

GlycerinKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant~3.5–5.3%

AllantoinKey active· HumectantEffect: HighHelps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated~1.3–2%

Beta-glucanKey activeEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin, calm down inflammation and irritation, restore the barrier function and support wound healing. It can be helpful in reducing fine lines and wrinkles~1.3–1.9%

Dipotassium glycyrrhizateKey active· HumectantEffect: HighA salt derived from licorice. Works as an emollient to soften the upper layer of the skin and can help calm down inflammation. Might be helpful for skin lightening~1–1.5%

Phenyl trimethiconeKey active· OcclusiveEffect: HighA type of silicone that can decrease loss of moisture from the skin surface. It helps create a nice product texture~0.5–1.2%

DimethiconeKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighA silicone that helps to reduce water loss from the surface of the skin. Can temporarily "fill in" lines and wrinkles, absorb oil, and create a nice product finish~0.45–1.05%

Butylene glycol· HumectantEffect: LowUsed to create a nice product texture and help delivery of other ingredients. Might be somewhat helpful in attracting water to the upper layer of the skin~2.8–4.1%

Isohexadecane· EmollientEffect: LowImproves the texture of the product and helps soften the skin. Helps oil and water mix together and can be used as a cleansing agent~0.15–0.7%

Laminaria saccharina extractUnder-dosedA seaweed extract that contains sugars and can be helpful in attracting water to the upper layers of the skin if used in high enough concentrations~0.2–0.75%

PanthenolUnder-dosedHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function~0.15–0.65%

Anti-oxidation

Not advertised by the brand · Epilobium angustifolium flower/leaf/stem extract, Vitis vinifera seed extract + 4 more

Works well

This product contains antioxidants (camellia oleifera leaf extract, vitis vinifera seed extract) that can help neutralize free radicals in skin. By doing so, they can lessen the damage the skin gets from the UV light (sun).

The following ingredients - epilobium angustifolium flower/leaf/stem extract also can have an antioxidant effect, but there is less evidence to confirm their effectiveness in skin.

Epilobium angustifolium flower/leaf/stem extractKey activeEffect: MediumA plant extract that might contain antioxidants~0.8–1.25%

Vitis vinifera seed extractKey activeEffect: HighA plant extract that contains resveratrol and other anti-oxidant compounds that can help neutralize free radicals, reduce inflammation in skin and even out its tone. Can be also used to stabilize the product formulation~0.2–0.8%

Camellia oleifera leaf extractKey activeEffect: HighA plant extract that can help neutralize free radicals and reduce inflammation, even though it is not usually used in sufficient concentration in cosmetics~0.2–0.75%

Glycyrrhiza glabra root extractEffect: LowA plant extract that can help lighten the skin and calm down inflammation. Might be helpful in neutralizing free radicals~1.5–2.3%

Beta-glucanEffect: LowHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin, calm down inflammation and irritation, restore the barrier function and support wound healing. It can be helpful in reducing fine lines and wrinkles~1.3–1.9%

Arctium lappa root extractEffect: LowPlant extract. Has some anti-microbial and anti-oxidant properties. Can be irritating~0.3–0.7%

Anti-aging

Not advertised by the brand · Vitis vinifera seed extract, Beta-glucan + 1 more

May help

This product contains vitis vinifera seed extract. This ingredient might be able to help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness, but there is not enough evidence that it actually works.

Vitis vinifera seed extractKey activeEffect: MediumA plant extract that contains resveratrol and other anti-oxidant compounds that can help neutralize free radicals, reduce inflammation in skin and even out its tone. Can be also used to stabilize the product formulation~0.2–0.8%

Laminaria saccharina extractEffect: Low, below effective doseA seaweed extract that contains sugars and can be helpful in attracting water to the upper layers of the skin if used in high enough concentrations~0.2–0.75%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy

4 flagged ingredients

Medium risk

We flagged 4 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.

IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount

Epilobium angustifolium flower/leaf/stem extractA plant extract that might contain antioxidantsHigh~0.8–1.25%est.

Arctium lappa root extractPlant extract. Has some anti-microbial and anti-oxidant properties. Can be irritatingHigh~0.3–0.7%est.

Glycyrrhiza glabra root extractA plant extract that can help lighten the skin and calm down inflammation. Might be helpful in neutralizing free radicalsMedium~1.5–2.3%est.

EthylhexylglycerinA preservativeMedium~0.1–0.3%est.

Comedogenic

1 ingredient rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale

1 flagged

These ingredients have a comedogenic rating of 2 or more on a 0–5 scale; the table shows each one's rating. In leave-on products they can clog pores in acne-prone skin.

IngredientFunctionRatingEst. amount

Laminaria saccharina extractA seaweed extract that contains sugars and can be helpful in attracting water to the upper layers of the skin if used in high enough concentrations3/5~0.2–0.75%est.

Alternatives

Cheaper, or higher on efficacy

Dr.Reju-All Advanced PDRN Rejuvenating Cream Max

Higher efficacy · 100/10059% match

$63.93

e.l.f. Cosmetics Fragrance Free Holy Hydration! Face Cream

Higher efficacy · 100/10059% match

$12.16

View all alternatives

User reviews

Would you recommend?

No community reviews yet.

Be the first — your take helps the next person decide.

Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Water~40–60%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Plain old water

More about Water

Cyclopentasiloxane~5.8–8.7%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingMattifying

A silicone that helps improve the product texture and spreadability. Can absorb oil creating a short-term mattifying effect on the skin

More about Cyclopentasiloxane

Glycerin~3.5–5.3%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant

More about Glycerin

Butylene glycol~2.8–4.1%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Used to create a nice product texture and help delivery of other ingredients. Might be somewhat helpful in attracting water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Butylene glycol

Bis-phenylpropyl dimethicone~2.1–3.2%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Bis-phenylpropyl dimethicone

Glycyrrhiza glabra root extract~1.5–2.3%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Anti-inflammatoryReduces rednessEvens skin toneAnti-oxidationAntibacterial

A plant extract that can help lighten the skin and calm down inflammation. Might be helpful in neutralizing free radicals

More about Glycyrrhiza glabra root extract

Allantoin~1.3–2%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-inflammatoryMoisturizingReduces irritationReduces rednessAnti-blemishExfoliation

Helps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated

More about Allantoin

Beta-glucan~1.3–1.9%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryReduces irritationAnti-agingAnti-blemishAnti-oxidation

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin, calm down inflammation and irritation, restore the barrier function and support wound healing. It can be helpful in reducing fine lines and wrinkles

More about Beta-glucan

Dipotassium glycyrrhizate~1–1.5%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryEvens skin tone

A salt derived from licorice. Works as an emollient to soften the upper layer of the skin and can help calm down inflammation. Might be helpful for skin lightening

More about Dipotassium glycyrrhizate

Epilobium angustifolium flower/leaf/stem extract~0.8–1.25%

Key activeIrritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Anti-oxidation

A plant extract that might contain antioxidants

More about Epilobium angustifolium flower/leaf/stem extract

Phenyl trimethicone~0.5–1.2%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

A type of silicone that can decrease loss of moisture from the skin surface. It helps create a nice product texture

More about Phenyl trimethicone

Dimethicone~0.45–1.05%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingMattifying

A silicone that helps to reduce water loss from the surface of the skin. Can temporarily "fill in" lines and wrinkles, absorb oil, and create a nice product finish

More about Dimethicone

Dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer~0.35–0.85%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to stabilize product formulations and create a nice product texture

More about Dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer

Arctium lappa root extract~0.3–0.7%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Anti-oxidation

Plant extract. Has some anti-microbial and anti-oxidant properties. Can be irritating

More about Arctium lappa root extract

Camellia oleifera leaf extract~0.2–0.75%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-oxidationAnti-inflammatory

A plant extract that can help neutralize free radicals and reduce inflammation, even though it is not usually used in sufficient concentration in cosmetics

More about Camellia oleifera leaf extract

Laminaria saccharina extract~0.2–0.75%

Under-dosedComedogenic 3/5

Irritation risk: Low
Comedogenicity: 3/5

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-aging

A seaweed extract that contains sugars and can be helpful in attracting water to the upper layers of the skin if used in high enough concentrations

More about Laminaria saccharina extract

Vitis vinifera seed extract~0.2–0.8%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-oxidationAnti-agingAnti-inflammatoryAntibacterial

A plant extract that contains resveratrol and other anti-oxidant compounds that can help neutralize free radicals, reduce inflammation in skin and even out its tone. Can be also used to stabilize the product formulation

More about Vitis vinifera seed extract

Panthenol~0.15–0.65%

Under-dosed

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingReduces rednessReduces irritation

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function

More about Panthenol

Sodium acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer~0.15–0.6%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Sodium acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer

Hydroxyethylcellulose~0.15–0.55%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to thicken product formulations and create gel-like textures

More about Hydroxyethylcellulose

Isohexadecane~0.15–0.7%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

CleansingMoisturizing

Improves the texture of the product and helps soften the skin. Helps oil and water mix together and can be used as a cleansing agent

More about Isohexadecane

Sodium carbomer~0.1–0.5%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Helps improve the texture

More about Sodium carbomer

Polysorbate 80~0.1–0.45%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

Helps water and oil mix together

More about Polysorbate 80

Ethylhexylglycerin~0.1–0.3%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about Ethylhexylglycerin

Phenoxyethanol~0.05–0.3%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products

More about Phenoxyethanol

Ingredient list view

Water, Cyclopentasiloxane, Glycerin, Butylene glycol, Bis-phenylpropyl dimethicone, Glycyrrhiza glabra root extract, Allantoin, Beta-glucan, Dipotassium glycyrrhizate, Epilobium angustifolium flower/leaf/stem extract, Phenyl trimethicone, Dimethicone, Dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer, Arctium lappa root extract, Camellia oleifera leaf extract, Laminaria saccharina extract, Vitis vinifera seed extract, Panthenol, Sodium acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Isohexadecane, Sodium carbomer, Polysorbate 80, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol

Compare prices

Retailers ranked by price — lowest first.

No pricing data available yet for this product.

Worth comparing, line by line.

Match % combines shared ingredients, the first five ingredients, shared actives and hero ingredients, irritancy (lower counts in the alternative's favour), texture and body area. Only products in the same routine step are compared.

Side-by-side comparison of this product against its closest alternatives
	Paula's choiceCalm Lightweight Restoring Cream MoisturiserYOUR PRODUCT	Dr.Reju-AllAdvanced PDRN Rejuvenating Cream Max	e.l.f. CosmeticsFragrance Free Holy Hydration! Face Cream	MarudermHyaluronic Acid Moisturizer Face & Body Cream
Match	—	59%	59%	58%
Price	—	$63.93	$12.16	$21.99
Shared key ingredients	—	3 of 11	3 of 11	4 of 11
Key difference	—	Niacinamide	Niacinamide	Niacinamide
Irritancy	Medium	Low	Low	Low
Drying alcohol	—	—	—	—
	View product	Shop	Shop	Shop

More alternatives: Rephr light hydration cream 2.0 Cosmica Sensitive Balance Face Cream

Cheaper alternatives? Browse formulas in the same category.

We compare ingredient profiles across our catalog — pick the closest match for your budget.

Open dupe finder

Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 23 studies and safety reviews.

1
Glycerol and the skin: holistic approach to its origin and functionsncbi.nlm.nih.gov
2
Profile of wound healing process induced by allantoinscielo.br
3
β-Glucans: Multi-Functional Modulator of Wound Healingncbi.nlm.nih.gov
4
Anti-Wrinkle Therapy: Significant New Findings in the Non-Invasive Cosmetic Treatment of Skin Wrinkles with Beta-Glucanonlinelibrary.wiley.com
5
Skin Health Promotion Effects of Natural Beta-Glucan Derived from Cereals and Microorganisms: A Reviewonlinelibrary.wiley.com
6
Anticancer properties of low molecular weight oat beta-glucan – An in vitro studysciencedirect.com
7
A critical review on production and industrial applications 2 of beta-glucanssciencedirect.com
8
Improving skin function with CM-glucan, a biological response modifier from yeastonlinelibrary.wiley.com
9
Preparation, characterization, and biological properties of β-glucansncbi.nlm.nih.gov
10
Characterization of a new beta(1-3)-glucan branching activity of Aspergillus fumigatusncbi.nlm.nih.gov
11
Ameliorating effect of dipotassium glycyrrhizinate on an IL-4- and IL-13-induced atopic dermatitis-like skin-equivalent modelresearchgate.net
12
Final report on the safety assessment of Glycyrrhetinic Acid, Potassium Glycyrrhetinate, Disodium Succinoyl Glycyrrhetinate, Glyceryl Glycyrrhetinate, Glycyrrhetinyl Stearate, Stearyl Glycyrrhetinate, Glycyrrhizic Acid, Ammonium Glycyrrhizate, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Disodium Glycyrrhizate, Trisodium Glycyrrhizate, Methyl Glycyrrhizate, and Potassium Glycyrrhizinate.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
13
Therapeutic Potential of Polyphenols from Epilobium Angustifolium (Fireweed): Polyphenols from Fireweedresearchgate.net
14
Dimethicone as a protective ingredient in topical medicationsjaad.org
15
Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Dimethicone Copolyoljournals.sagepub.com
16
Contact dermatitis as an adverse reaction to some topically used European herbal medicinal products – part 1: Achillea millefolium–Curcuma longaonlinelibrary.wiley.com
17
Safety Assessment of Brown Algae-Derived Ingredients as Used in Cosmeticscir-safety.org
18
The effect of laminaria saccharina extract on suppressing pigmentation in in-vitro systemjaad.org
19
Safety Assessment of Vitis Vinifera (Grape)-Derived Ingredients as Used in Cosmetics cir-safety.org
20
The Topical Effect of Grape Seed Extract 2% Cream on Surgery Wound Healingncbi.nlm.nih.gov
21
Review of the Pharmacological Effects of Vitis vinifera (Grape) and its Bioactive Constituents: An Updatecore.ac.uk
22
Skin moisturizing effects of panthenol-based formulationspdfs.semanticscholar.org
23
Safety Assessment of Panthenol, Pantothenic Acid, and Derivatives as Used in Cosmeticscir-safety.org

Paula's choiceCalm Lightweight Restoring Cream Moisturiser

Find on Amazon

Affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.

Find on Amazon

As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.