Paula's choice CALM Ultra-Gentle Cleanser
Works for
CleansingSodium cocoyl glutamate, Cocamidopropyl betaine + 2 moreCleanses gently
“A gentle cleanser that removes makeup + impurities while preserving skin's barrier & leaves a silky-smooth, hydrated finish after rinsing.”
This product works by removing dirt and oil from the surface of the skin. It uses a combination of mild cleansing agents (cocamidopropyl betaine, sodium cocoyl glutamate, sodium laurylglucosides hydroxypropylsulfonate, xanthan gum) and should be able to cleanse the skin gently. Still keep in mind that any cleansing can disrupt the skin barrier, and most people do not need to cleanse their skin more than once per day.
Even though this formulation is mild, the following cleansing agents could trigger an irritation or allergy for some people: cocamidopropyl betaine
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy5 flagged ingredientsLow risk
ComedogenicClean of flagged comedogenic ingredientsNone flagged
User reviews
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Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Water~40–60%
Sodium cocoyl glutamate~9.3–13.9%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps oil and water mix together
More about Sodium cocoyl glutamateGlycerin~3.8–5.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 GlycerinCaprylic/capric triglyceride~2.9–4.4%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerin
More about Caprylic/capric triglycerideCocamidopropyl betaine~2.8–4.2%
- Irritation risk
- High
Helps water and oil mix together. Used as a cleansing ingredient. Could be an allergen
More about Cocamidopropyl betaineSodium laurylglucosides hydroxypropylsulfonate~1.7–2.5%
Cellulose gum~1.3–2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create thicker product consistency and stabilize emulsions
More about Cellulose gumCoco-caprylate/caprate~1.2–1.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin without creating a greasy texture
More about Coco-caprylate/caprateHydroxyacetophenone~0.85–1.3%
Inulin~0.5–1.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Is claimed to support the growth of "good" bacteria in skin (as a "prebiotic"), but the research is lacking
More about InulinXanthan gum~0.45–1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a thicker product consistency
More about Xanthan gumEthylhexylglycerin~0.3–0.7%
Sodium phytate~0.15–0.6%
Cellulose~0.15–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Can be used to help absorb oil as well as add volume and imporve texture of products.
More about CelluloseFructose~0.05–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin
More about FructoseGlucose~0.05–0.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Could be helpful in restoring the skin barrier function
More about GlucosePhenoxyethanol~0.05–0.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolIngredient list view
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
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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.
| Paula's choiceCALM Ultra-Gentle CleanserYOUR PRODUCT | NaturiumThe Calmer Ceramide Body Wash | AlphanovaBaby Organic Nourishing Foaming Gel | CetaphilHydrating Foaming Cream Cleanser | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 32% | 31% | 30% |
| Price | $28.00 | $14.57−$13.43 | $11.14−$16.86 | $11.58−$16.42 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 4 of 8 | 4 of 8 | 4 of 8 |
| Key difference | — | Ceramide Eop | Butyrospermum Parkii Butter | Niacinamide |
| Irritancy | Low | Low | Low | Low |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
More alternatives: BYBI Milk Melt Vegan Oat CleanserThe INKEY List CA Glycerin Gentle Purifying Cleanser
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 6 studies and safety reviews.
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4Safety Assessment of Alkyl Esters as Used in Cosmeticscir-safety.org
- 5
- 6
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