Paula's Choice Ultra-Gentle Cleanser vs Clinique Acne Solutions™ Cleansing Gel

Paula's Choice

Clinique

A face cleanser, for hydration and barrier repair.

A face cleanser built around Hyaluronic acid, for hydration and pollution defence.

Face cleanser

17 ingredients

20 ingredients

Brand price

USD 28.00 · checked 8 Oct 2026 · brand's site

Brand price

USD 29.00 · checked 8 Oct 2026 · brand's site

No retailer listed yet

At a Glance

They come out differently on Sulfate-free and Cruelty-free; those rows are shaded. Tap any answer to see why.

No key ingredients

Hyaluronic acid1
Hyaluronic acid and its salts; a humectant that binds water to the skin.
Sodium Hyaluronate

Hydrating4
Boosts hydration and relieves dry, tight skin.
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Fructose, Glucose, Glycerin
Barrier Repair3
Strengthens and restores the skin's natural barrier.
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Glycerin
Smoothing1
Refines rough or uneven texture.
Coco-Caprylate/Caprate
Antioxidant1
Shields skin from free radical damage.
Hydroxyacetophenone

Hydrating5
Boosts hydration and relieves dry, tight skin.
Acetyl Glucosamine, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sucrose
Barrier Repair2
Strengthens and restores the skin's natural barrier.
Glycerin, Laminaria Saccharina Extract
Reduces Irritation1
Eases discomfort and supports skin resilience.
Sucrose
Redness Reducing1
Soothes visible redness and calms irritation.
Sucrose

May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis4
May feed the yeast involved in seborrheic dermatitis.
Acetyl Glucosamine, Lauramidopropyl Betaine, PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate, Sodium Laureth Sulfate
May Worsen Keratosis Pilaris1
May clog follicles or strip skin prone to keratosis pilaris.
Sodium Laureth Sulfate
May Worsen Eczema1
May worsen itching or irritation for eczema-prone skin.
Sodium Laureth Sulfate
May Worsen Dryness1
Can strip moisture and worsen dryness.
Sodium Laureth Sulfate

Show highlights for:

Water
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate
Cleansing
- Fatty esters (glyceryl stearate, PEG-100 stearate)
- May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis
Glycerin (in both products)
Humectant
0 / 0
- Possibly animal-derived
- Hydrating
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Occlusive
1 / 1
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Cleansing
- Fatty esters (glyceryl stearate, PEG-100 stearate)
- May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis
Sodium Laurylglucosides Hydroxypropylsulfonate
Emulsifying
- Fatty alcohols (Malassezia)
- May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis
Cellulose Gum
Fragrance
0 / 0
Coco-Caprylate/Caprate
Emollient
- Fatty alcohols (Malassezia)
- May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis
Hydroxyacetophenone
Antioxidant
Inulin
Skin Conditioning
0-1 / —

Aqua
Solvent
0 / —
Glycerin (in both products)
Humectant
0 / 0
- Possibly animal-derived
- Hydrating
Sodium Laureth Sulfate
Cleansing
- Fatty alcohols (Malassezia)
- Sulfate surfactants (SLS/SLES)
- May Worsen Dryness
- May Worsen Eczema
- May Worsen Keratosis Pilaris
- May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis
Sodium Chloride
Fragrance
0-1 / —
Lauramidopropyl Betaine
Cleansing
- Fatty esters (glyceryl stearate, PEG-100 stearate)
- May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
1 / 0
- Hydrating
Sucrose
Humectant
0-1 / —
Gentiana Lutea Root Extract
Skin Conditioning
Laminaria Saccharina Extract
Skin Protecting
Caffeine
Skin Conditioning
- Under-Eye Care

These ingredients are found in both products.

Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.

Glycerin
Denaturant, Fragrance, Hair Conditioning, Humectant, Oral Care, Perfuming, Humectant, Skin Protecting, Solvent, Viscosity Controlling
Glycerin may be plant, synthetic or animal depending on the supplier.
Learn more about Glycerin →
Phenoxyethanol
Antimicrobial, Preservative
Phenoxyethanol is the aromatic ether alcohol that conforms to the formula:
Learn more about Phenoxyethanol →