Which Paula's Choice Cleanser is Right for Me?
At Paula’s Choice Skincare, we know from scientific research that irritation hurts skin, so a gentle cleanser is a vital step in your daily skincare routine. It’s one of the reasons why we’ve formulated several cleansers to meet the needs of different skin types, skin concerns, and preferences.
We’ll walk you through the benefits of each Paula’s Choice Skincare cleanser and point out the differences between them, so you can quickly determine the best face wash just for you. By understanding your skin’s needs, you’ll be able to find the Paula’s Choice cleanser that fits perfectly into your routine.
Paula’s Choice Skincare Cleansers
Every Paula’s Choice Skincare cleanser is fragrance-free and formulated to:
- Be effective, but amazingly gentle enough to even use over the eye area.
- Be suitable for sensitive skin (our CALM cleansers are for extra-sensitive skin).
- Address your specific skin concern and skin type.
- Remove most types of makeup, except extremely waterproof or heavy makeup.
- Preserve and maintain the skin’s delicate surface.
- Rinse cleanly without leaving a skin-dulling residue.
- Leave skin feeling refreshed — never dry or tight.
You might find that more than one face wash is suitable for your skin type and skin concerns. How do you choose? Try them and see which feels best for your skin. Alternating between two cleansers is perfectly fine, especially if that approach works best for you.
RESIST Optimal Results Hydrating Cleanser
Skin Type: Dry to very dry skin (including mature skin that’s also dry)
Skin Concerns: Signs of aging, such as wrinkles, fine lines, and dullness
Best for: Those who want a gentle, lotion-textured face wash that softens skin, prevents moisture loss, and removes makeup easily without leaving residue.
RESIST Perfectly Balanced Foaming Cleanser
Skin Type: Normal to oily/combination skin (including mature skin that’s also oily with enlarged pores)
Skin Concerns: Signs of aging, like fine lines, wrinkles, enlarged pores, and rough texture
Best for: Those who want a non-stripping face wash for oily skin that’s also showing signs of aging. This luxurious foaming formula cushions skin during cleansing yet rinses completely clean. It effectively removes makeup, oil, and surface impurities without leaving your skin dry or tight — ideal for anyone managing both breakouts and signs of aging.
SKIN BALANCING Oil-Reducing Cleanser
Skin Type: Normal to oily/combination skin
Skin Concerns: Enlarged pores, clogged pores, excess oil
Best for: Those who want a face wash with a pearlescent, cream-to-foam texture that rinses clean — removing makeup, excess oil, and surface impurities without leaving skin dry or tight.
SKIN RECOVERY Softening Cream Cleanser
Skin Type: Dry to very dry sensitive skin
Skin Concerns: Dryness, dehydration, sensitivity
Best for: Those whose dry skin needs extra care. This cleanser provides a creamy-rich texture that feels indulgent, yet still washes away impurities without depleting the essential substances that improve dry skin. Your skin will feel wonderfully smooth and soft after cleansing.
Perfect Cleansing Oil
Skin Type: All skin types
Best for: Those who use waterproof makeup, long-wearing mineral sunscreens, or have dry, dehydrated skin. This lightweight cleansing oil effortlessly dissolves stubborn formulas and is excellent for double cleansing.
OMEGA+ Complex Cleansing Balm
Skin Type: All skin types (but may be too emollient for breakout-prone skin)
Best for: Anyone who uses long-wearing makeup, mineral sunscreens, or has dry, dehydrated, and/or extra sensitive skin. Especially ideal as the first step in a double cleansing routine.
CALM Ultra-Gentle Cleanser
Skin Type: All skin types, sensitive skin
Skin Concerns: Redness
Best for: Those looking for a mild and soothing, yet highly effective, cushiony cleanser. It gently removes excess oil and makeup while helping to visibly reduce redness.
CLEAR Pore Normalizing Cleanser
Skin Type: All skin types
Skin Concerns: Acne, blackheads, clogged pores
Best for: Whether your skin is oily, dry, or combination, this soothing and conditioning gel cleanser helps begin the fight against acne. It gently removes excess oil, pore-clogging debris, and makeup while preparing skin for the CLEAR acne treatments that follow. Many customers consider it their go-to acne face wash.
DEFENSE Hydrating Gel-to-Cream Cleanser
Skin Type: All skin types
Skin Concerns: Dull, unhealthy-looking skin due to airborne pollutants and environmental damage
Best for: Anyone who enjoys the light feel of a gel with the softening lather of a cream cleanser. It is also excellent for thorough yet gentle makeup removal.
The UnScrub Cleanser
Skin Type: All skin types
Skin Concerns: Dry, flaky skin on the surface, excess oil, rough-textured skin
Best for: Anyone who prefers an extra cleansing step to remove long-wearing makeup or mineral-based sunscreens. Great for those who want smoother, more polished skin without any tightness, dryness, or abrasiveness.
See our article How to Wash Your Face for tips on using each of the different types of cleansers listed above.
What about removing eye makeup? Most of our cleansers do a great job of removing light eye makeup (powders, eyeshadow, pencil liner, regular mascara), but if you use long-wearing or waterproof formulas, we recommend following up with a gentle, oil-based makeup remover to ensure every last trace is gone. Check out our tips for removing eye makeup here.
Shop for the right facial cleansers that can help address your skincare concerns.
References for this information
Dermatologic Clinics, April 2016, pages 133–145
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, December 2013, pages 314–321
Dermatology Research and Practice, August 2012, ePublication
Indian Journal of Dermatology, January-February 2011, pages 2–6
Dermatologic Therapy, Supplement 1, 2004, pages 26–34; and pages 63–68
Recommended Products
RESIST Perfectly Balanced Foaming Cleanser
