Below is every ingredient in Paula S Choice Skin Balancing Oil Reducing Cleanser 237 Ml explained, its standout actives, and the side effects reported in research for those actives — analysed for Indian skin.
Flags derived from the ingredient list using dermatology reference data (fungal-acne substrate, comedogenicity, EU allergens). General guidance, not a diagnosis.
Answers are derived from the printed ingredient list and dermatology reference data — general guidance, not a diagnosis or a therapeutic claim.
No standout actives — this is a basic/support formula.
Aggregated from the active ingredients in this product.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Contact dermatitis / allergic skin reaction | Uncommon | Redness, itching, or rash may occur in sensitized individuals. |
| Mild stinging or burning on application | Uncommon | Transient sensation, particularly on broken or compromised skin. |
| Delayed wound healing | Rare | Reported in some studies when applied to surgical or deep wounds. |
| Photosensitivity or worsening of dermatitis | Rare | Occasional reports, possibly related to anthraquinone content in poorly processed extracts. |
| Mild skin irritation | Uncommon | Occasional transient redness or stinging, more likely in sensitive or compromised skin. |
| Allergic contact dermatitis | Rare | Sensitization is infrequent; fatty acids are considered low allergenicity. |
| Comedogenicity / pore clogging | Uncommon | May contribute to clogged pores in acne-prone individuals depending on concentration and formulation. |
| Mild transient stinging or irritation | Uncommon | More likely at high concentrations or on compromised/broken skin. |
| Tacky or sticky skin feel | Common | A cosmetic sensation rather than an adverse reaction, more noticeable at higher concentrations. |
| Contact dermatitis or allergic reaction | Rare | True allergy to glycerin is uncommon; patch-test positivity is infrequent. |
| Skin dehydration in very low humidity | Rare | In very dry environments humectants may draw water from deeper skin layers if not paired with an occlusive. |
| Mild skin dryness or tightness | Uncommon | More likely with high concentrations or frequent use; generally less drying than harsher surfactants like SLS. |
| Irritation or stinging | Rare | Considered low-irritation; reactions more common on already compromised or sensitive skin. |
| Eye irritation | Uncommon | Can cause transient stinging if cleanser enters the eyes. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.
| Ingredient | What it does |
|---|---|
| Aloe Barbadensis Soothing/hydrating agent | Aloe Barbadensis (aloe vera) is a plant-derived gel rich in polysaccharides, water, and bioactive compounds used in skincare for its moisturizing, soothing, and anti-inflammatory properties. It is commonly applied to support skin hydration and calm minor irritation or sunburn. |
| Stearic Acid Emulsifier / thickener | Stearic acid is a saturated long-chain fatty acid widely used in cosmetics as an emulsifier, thickening agent, and emollient to stabilize creams and lotions. It is generally considered a base/formulation ingredient rather than a therapeutic active. |
| Glycerin Humectant | Glycerin is a widely used humectant that attracts and retains water in the skin, helping to hydrate the stratum corneum and support barrier function. It is considered safe and well-tolerated across most skin types and concentrations. |
| Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate (Cleansing) Mild surfactant/cleanser | Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate (SCI) is a coconut-derived anionic surfactant valued for its mildness, producing a creamy lather while cleansing without excessively stripping skin. It is widely used in syndet bars and gentle facial and body cleansers. |
| Sodium Lauroamphoacetate (Cleansing) Cleansing | Sodium Lauroamphoacetate is a mild amphoteric surfactant derived from lauric acid, used in cleansers and shampoos to provide gentle foaming and cleansing while reducing the irritation potential of harsher surfactants. It is commonly included in formulations for sensitive skin and baby products due to its low irritancy profile. |
| Stearic Acid (Texture-Enhancing) Emulsifier / thickener | Stearic acid is a saturated fatty acid widely used in skincare as an emulsifier, thickener, and texture-enhancing agent that stabilizes creams and lotions and contributes to a smooth, opaque finish. It is generally considered safe and non-active, serving a formulation and structural role rather than a therapeutic one. |
| Glycerin (Hydration/Skin Replenishing) Humectant | Glycerin is a hygroscopic humectant that draws and binds water into the skin's stratum corneum, supporting hydration and helping maintain the skin barrier. It is one of the most widely used and well-tolerated moisturizing agents in skincare formulations. |
| Glycol Distearate (Texture-Enhancing) Opacifying/pearlizing agent & emollient | Glycol distearate is a diester of ethylene glycol and stearic acid used primarily to give cleansers and lotions a pearlescent, opaque appearance and to add a smooth, conditioning feel. It functions as a texture enhancer and thickener rather than a skin treatment active. |
| Acrylates Copolymer (Texture-Enhancing) Film-former / texture enhancer | Acrylates Copolymer is a synthetic polymer used in cosmetic formulations to improve texture, provide a smooth or matte finish, and help bind, thicken, or form films. It also aids in oil absorption and product spreadability. |
| Cetearyl Alcohol (Texture-Enhancing) Emollient/emulsifier | Cetearyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol blend of cetyl and stearyl alcohols used to stabilize emulsions, thicken formulations, and impart a smooth texture and emollient feel. It is a non-irritating base ingredient, not a treatment active. |
| Sodium Chloride (Stabilizer) Stabilizer/viscosity modifier | Sodium chloride (common salt) is widely used in cosmetic formulations as a thickening agent and stabilizer, particularly to adjust the viscosity of surfactant-based cleansers and to help maintain emulsion stability. It is generally recognized as safe and well-tolerated at typical use concentrations. |
| Sodium Hydroxide (Ph Balancing) pH adjuster | Sodium hydroxide (lye) is a strong alkaline agent used in very small amounts to neutralize and adjust the pH of cosmetic formulations. At the low, balanced concentrations found in finished products it is considered safe and functions purely as a formulation aid rather than a skin-active. |
| Xanthan Gum (Texture-Enhancing) Thickener/stabilizer | Xanthan gum is a polysaccharide produced by bacterial fermentation, used in skincare as a thickening, stabilizing, and texture-enhancing agent to control viscosity and prevent ingredient separation in emulsions and gels. It is considered safe and well-tolerated as a formulation ingredient. |
| Caprylyl Glycol (Preservative) Humectant / preservative booster | Caprylyl glycol is a multifunctional skin-conditioning agent and humectant derived from caprylic acid, commonly used to enhance the antimicrobial activity of formulation preservatives while providing moisturizing and emollient properties. It is widely regarded as well tolerated in cosmetic concentrations. |
| Hexylene Glycol (Preservative) Solvent/humectant & preservative-booster | Hexylene glycol is a multifunctional formulation ingredient used as a solvent, humectant, and viscosity modifier that also enhances the efficacy of preservative systems. It is considered a base/formulation ingredient rather than a treatment active. |
| Disodium Edta (Stabilizer) Chelating agent / stabilizer | Disodium EDTA is a chelating agent used in skincare formulations to bind metal ions, improving product stability, preventing discoloration, and enhancing the effectiveness of preservatives. It is a formulation aid rather than an active treatment ingredient. |
| Phenoxyethanol (Preservative) Preservative (antimicrobial) | Phenoxyethanol is a widely used synthetic preservative that protects cosmetic and skincare formulations from bacterial and fungal contamination. It is typically used at concentrations up to 1% and functions as a formulation/base ingredient rather than a treatment active. |
Key active = does the main work. Ingredient explanations are drawn from public databases & literature.