Paula's choice Resist Barrier Repair Advanced Moisturizer
Works for
2 of 2 advertised claims delivered
MoisturizingCeramide ap, Ceramide eop + 20 moreStrong evidence
“Resist Barrier Repair Advanced Moisturizer”
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:
glycerin, sodium hyaluronate.
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: butyrospermum parkii butter, squalane.
The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: ceramide ag, ceramide ap, ceramide eop, ceramide ng, ceramide np, palmitoyl tripeptide-5, urea
Anti-agingAdenosine, Palmitoyl tripeptide-5 + 2 moreStrong evidence
“Helps protect natural collagen levels for firmer-looking skin and is clinically proven to reduce the look of wrinkles with continued use.”
This product can help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness because it contains adenosine.
These ingredients in the product can also be helpful, even though there is less evidence for their effectiveness: palmitoyl tripeptide-5.
Keep in mind that it typically takes at least 6 weeks to notice any results because the changes that are needed to improve fine lines and elasticity happen in the deeper layers of the skin. No topical anti-aging product can “erase” wrinkles or fully reverse signs of aging.
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy7 flagged ingredientsMedium risk
Comedogenic1 ingredient rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale1 flagged
User reviews
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Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Water~45–55%
Dicaprylyl carbonate~4.4–5.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps products spread more easily and works as an emollient to soften skin
More about Dicaprylyl carbonateEthylhexyl stearate~4.4–5.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin
More about Ethylhexyl stearateGlycerin~3.1–3.8%
- 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 GlycerinPrunus mume extract~2.3–2.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Cocoglycerides~1.9–2.4%
- Irritation risk
- High
Help soften the upper layer of the skin and make it easier for oil and water mix together. Recently, a rising number of allergic reactions to cocoglycerides and other coconut-derived surfactants has been reported. As there is a significant overlap between frequent irritants and allergens, we flag this ingredient for attention of those with very sensitive, reactive skin
More about CocoglyceridesSqualane~1.7–2.1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An oil naturally present in skin. Works as an emollient to soften the skin and form a protective layer on its surface without a greasy feeling.
More about SqualaneSodium polyacrylate~1.5–1.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a gel-like product texture, as well as to stabilize emulsions
More about Sodium polyacrylateButyrospermum parkii butter~1.2–1.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
- Comedogenicity
- 3/5
A great moisturising ingredient that softens the skin and reduces water loss from its upper layer. It also can be helpful in protecting skin from free radicals
More about Butyrospermum parkii butterCeramide ag~0.8–1.15%
Ceramide ng~0.65–1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of lipid similar to ceramides naturally present in skin. Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and supports the skin barrier function to keep it hydrated. Can help to prevent inflammation in skin
More about Ceramide ngCeramide np~0.55–0.85%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of lipid similar to ceramides naturally present in skin. Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and supports the skin barrier function to keep it hydrated. Can help to prevent inflammation in skin
More about Ceramide npCeramide ap~0.45–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of lipid similar to ceramides naturally present in skin. Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and supports the skin barrier function to keep it hydrated. Can help to prevent inflammation in skin
More about Ceramide apCeramide eop~0.45–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of lipid similar to ceramides naturally present in skin. Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and supports the skin barrier function to keep it hydrated. Can help to prevent inflammation in skin
More about Ceramide eopSodium hyaluronate~0.35–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin
More about Sodium hyaluronatePrunus mume extract~0.35–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Adenosine~0.35–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Might help improve cell turnover and reduce inflammation in skin. One study shows that the ingredients might be able to help reduce dynamic wrinkles (for example, in the corners of the eyes or on the forehead)
More about AdenosinePalmitoyl tripeptide-5~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles
More about Palmitoyl tripeptide-5Citrullus lanatus seed oil~0.3–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Glyceryl stearate~0.3–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that softens the skin and forms a protective layer on its surface. Helps water and oil mix together
More about Glyceryl stearateCaprylyl glycol~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture
More about Caprylyl glycolPrunus mume extract~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Hydroxyacetophenone~0.25–0.45%
Prunus mume extract~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Sodium stearoyl glutamate~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps oil and water mix together
More about Sodium stearoyl glutamateHexylene glycol~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps create a more spreadable product texture
More about Hexylene glycolPrunus mume extract~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Tocopherol~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Pure form of vitamin E. Can help moisturise and protect the skin from free radicals. Often used to help stabilise other ingredients or the formula itself
More about Tocopherol2,3-butanediol~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Prunus mume extract~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Xanthan gum~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a thicker product consistency
More about Xanthan gumEthylhexylglycerin~0.25–0.45%
Prunus mume extract~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Sodium phytate~0.25–0.45%
Sodium pca~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Naturally present in skin and helps to attract water to its upper layer
More about Sodium pcaPrunus mume extract~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Urea~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Naturally present in skin (urea makes up about 7% of natural moisturizing factors in skin). Attracts water to the upper layer of the skin. Also has a positive effect on the skin barrier beyond the humectant action. Can enhance penetration of other ingredients. Is an exfoliating ingredient when used in high concentrations
More about UreaPrunus mume extract~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Hydrogenated lecithin~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps to retain moisture by creating a protective barrier on the skin. Rich in fatty acids. Improves product texture and helps with the penetration of other ingredients.
More about Hydrogenated lecithinTrehalose~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A sugar that attracts water to the upper layer of the skin
More about TrehalosePrunus mume extract~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Polyquaternium-51~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that helps create a nice silky finish on the skin
More about Polyquaternium-51Prunus mume extract~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Triacetin~0.2–0.35%
Cholesterol~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that is naturally found in skin
More about CholesterolPhenoxyethanol~0.15–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolIngredient list view
Water, Dicaprylyl carbonate, Ethylhexyl stearate, Glycerin, Prunus mume extract, Cocoglycerides, Squalane, Sodium polyacrylate, Butyrospermum parkii butter, Ceramide ag, Ceramide ng, Ceramide np, Ceramide ap, Ceramide eop, Sodium hyaluronate, Prunus mume extract, Adenosine, Palmitoyl tripeptide-5, Citrullus lanatus seed oil, Glyceryl stearate, Caprylyl glycol, Prunus mume extract, Hydroxyacetophenone, Prunus mume extract, Sodium stearoyl glutamate, Hexylene glycol, Prunus mume extract, Tocopherol, 2,3-butanediol, Prunus mume extract, Xanthan gum, Ethylhexylglycerin, Prunus mume extract, Sodium phytate, Sodium pca, Prunus mume extract, Urea, Prunus mume extract, Hydrogenated lecithin, Trehalose, Prunus mume extract, Polyquaternium-51, Prunus mume extract, Triacetin, Cholesterol, 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 choiceResist Barrier Repair Advanced MoisturizerYOUR PRODUCT | SUNGBOON EDITORAlaska Salmon PDRN Ultra Moisturizing Barrier Cream | REVOLUTION SKINCAREUltimate Skin Strength Night Cream | silkierHydrating Barrier Cream | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 53% | 53% | 50% |
| Price | $38.00 | $19.50−$18.50 | $13.37−$24.63 | — |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 13 of 17 | 12 of 17 | 9 of 17 |
| Key difference | — | Niacinamide | Ceramide Ns | Ceramide As |
| Irritancy | Medium | Medium | Medium | Low |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
Product summary
Judging from the ingredient list, "Paula's choice - Resist Barrier Repair Advanced Moisturizer" works well for improving skin hydration The formulation is based on a combination of good humectants and emollients. Both are needed to increase the skin hydration level. Humectants in this product (ceramide ag, urea, glycerin, sodium hyaluronate and sodium pca) help to increase the water content in the upper layer of the skin. (These ingredients do so by "capturing" water molecules from the outside air or from within the deeper layers of the skin). Emollients in this formulation (ceramide eop, ceramide ng, ceramide np, cholesterol and butyrospermum parkii butter) help to reduce the moisture loss from the skin. They also soften the skin surface and relieve the feeling of dryness and tightness.
Ingredient callouts
- Another benefit is that this moisturizer contain ceramides (ceramide eop 0.45% - 0.65%, ceramide ap 0.45% - 0.65%, ceramide np 0.55% - 0.85%, ceramide ng 0.65% - 1.00% and ceramide ag 0.80% - 1.15%). Ceramides are an important part of our natural skin barrier. The Ceramides used in skincare are synthetic or come from plants. They help soften the skin and can help "fill the gaps" in the skin barrier, keeping the skin hydrated and resilient for longer.
- This moisturizer also contains Peptides (palmitoyl tripeptide-5 0.30% - 0.55%). Peptides are a very big group of ingredients. They all consist of a different combination of aminoacids. Our skin produces Peptides naturally. Some of them work as natural antibiotics, promote wound-healing and production of collagen. The scientists are still studying how effective the topical application of Peptides is, but it is very likely that they are helpful. Peptides might be able to support skin barrier restoration and even have an anti-aging benefit. At the very least, they certainly help attract water to the skin and support the hydration in this way.
- Adenosine 0.35% - 0.65%. It is a chemical present inside our skin cells. A clinical trial confirmed that topical application of Adenosine in a low concentration can reduce dynamic wrinkles (these are the wrinkles that appear with age in a places where our mimic is the most active, for example, in the corners of the eyes or on the forehead).
Irritation risk
This formulation includes some common irritants, including ingredients that do not provide a benefit for the skin. We assess the overall irritancy of this moisturizer to be medium. For a detailed overview of all potential irritants: click here
You can see the detailed formula review with the breakdown of all actives in the product and the full ingredient list with estimated concentrations in the tables below.
About the brand
According to Cruelty-Free Kitty "Paula's choice" is cruelty free, but its parent company is not.
Price
The product retails for 38.00$ in the United States.
For a detailed price comparison: click here.
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 11 studies and safety reviews.
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5Hyaluronic acid: A key molecule in skin agingncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 6
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