Below is every ingredient in Paula S Choice Clear Oil Free Moisturizer Lightweight Face Moisturizer 15 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.
Niacinamide (vitamin B3) is a water-soluble active that helps strengthen the skin barrier, regulate sebum, reduce hyperpigmentation, and improve the appearance of fine lines and redness. It is generally well tolerated across skin types and concentrations of about 2–10%.
Glycyrrhiza Glabra (licorice root extract) is a botanical ingredient valued for its soothing, antioxidant, and skin-tone-evening properties, largely attributed to compounds like glabridin, glycyrrhizin, and liquiritin. It is commonly used to calm irritation and reduce hyperpigmentation.
Vaccinium Angustifolium (Blueberry) Fruit Extract is a botanical extract rich in anthocyanins, flavonoids, and vitamins used in skincare for its antioxidant and skin-conditioning properties. It is purported to help neutralize free radicals and support skin against oxidative stress.
Euterpe Oleracea (açaí) Fruit Extract is a polyphenol- and anthocyanin-rich botanical extract used in skincare primarily for its antioxidant properties, helping to neutralize free radicals and support protection against oxidative stress. It is often included for its vitamin and fatty acid content believed to benefit skin conditioning.
Niacinamide (vitamin B3) is a water-soluble active that helps strengthen the skin barrier, regulate sebum, reduce hyperpigmentation, and improve the appearance of fine lines and redness. It is generally well tolerated across skin types and concentrations of about 2–10%.
Tripeptide-29 is a synthetic tripeptide that signals fibroblasts to support collagen synthesis, often used in anti-aging and firming formulations. It is generally well tolerated at typical cosmetic concentrations.
Aggregated from the active ingredients in this product.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mild skin irritation | Rare | Occasional transient redness or stinging, typically in sensitive skin. |
| Allergic contact dermatitis | Very rare | Possible in individuals sensitized to plant-derived proteins or pumpkin/cucurbit family allergens. |
| Eye irritation | Rare | May cause irritation on direct contact with eyes in rinse-off or leave-on products. |
| Mild transient flushing or warmth | Uncommon | More associated with niacin (nicotinic acid) impurities than pure niacinamide; usually brief. |
| Stinging, tingling, or mild irritation | Uncommon | More likely at higher concentrations or on sensitive/compromised skin. |
| Redness or erythema | Rare | Typically resolves with reduced frequency or lower concentration. |
| Contact dermatitis / allergic reaction | Rare | True allergy is uncommon but documented; patch testing advised if suspected. |
| Acne-like breakouts or purging-type response | Rare | Sometimes attributed to other formulation ingredients rather than niacinamide itself. |
| Skin irritation | Rare | Generally well tolerated; mild irritation possible in sensitive individuals. |
| Comedogenicity (pore-clogging) | Rare | Considered low on the comedogenic scale, but breakouts possible in acne-prone skin. |
| Mild stinging or transient irritation | Uncommon | More likely on compromised or sensitive skin, often at higher concentrations. |
| Skin dryness or tightness in low humidity | Rare | At high concentrations without occlusion, glycerin may draw moisture from skin in very dry environments. |
| Comedogenic reactions | Rare | Occasionally reported in acne-prone individuals, though generally low comedogenic potential. |
| Mild transient skin irritation or stinging | Uncommon | Typically mild and resolves quickly, more likely on compromised or sensitive skin. |
| Enhanced penetration of other actives causing increased irritation | Uncommon | As a penetration enhancer it may amplify the effects or irritancy of co-formulated ingredients. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.
| Ingredient | What it does |
|---|---|
| Hydrolyzed Pumpkin Seedcake Conditioning/film-forming agent | Hydrolyzed Pumpkin Seedcake is a protein-derived ingredient obtained by enzymatic or chemical hydrolysis of the residual cake from pumpkin seed oil extraction, yielding peptides and amino acids. It is used in skincare and haircare for its conditioning, moisturizing, and film-forming properties. |
| Niacinamide Key active Barrier-supporting antioxidant / brightening active | Niacinamide (vitamin B3) is a water-soluble active that helps strengthen the skin barrier, regulate sebum, reduce hyperpigmentation, and improve the appearance of fine lines and redness. It is generally well tolerated across skin types and concentrations of about 2–10%. |
| Ethyl Macadamiate Emollient | Ethyl Macadamiate is an ester derived from macadamia seed oil fatty acids and ethanol, used as a lightweight emollient and skin-conditioning agent. It imparts a silky, non-greasy slip and is often used as a natural-derived alternative to silicones in cosmetic formulations. |
| Glycerin Humectant | Glycerin is a widely used humectant that draws water into the stratum corneum and helps maintain skin hydration and barrier function. It is well tolerated across skin types and commonly serves as a base/moisturizing ingredient in skincare formulations. |
| Cetearyl Alcohol Emollient / emulsifier | Cetearyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol blend of cetyl and stearyl alcohols used to soften skin, stabilize emulsions, and thicken creams and lotions. It is widely regarded as a safe, non-irritating formulation ingredient. |
| Propanediol Humectant / solvent | Propanediol is a plant-derived (often corn-fermentation) diol used as a humectant, solvent, and penetration enhancer in skincare formulations. It improves moisturization, enhances product texture, and can boost the delivery of other ingredients. |
| Triethylhexanoin Emollient / skin-conditioning agent | Triethylhexanoin is a synthetic ester (the triester of glycerin and 2-ethylhexanoic acid) used as a lightweight emollient and solvent in cosmetic formulations. It improves spreadability, imparts a smooth skin feel, and helps disperse pigments and other ingredients. |
| Sodium Acrylates Copolymer Thickener / film-former / rheology modifier | Sodium Acrylates Copolymer is a synthetic polymer used in cosmetics to thicken formulations, stabilize emulsions, and form a smooth film on the skin. It is considered a base or texture-modifying ingredient rather than an active treatment ingredient. |
| Glyceryl Stearate Emulsifier / emollient | Glyceryl Stearate is a glycerol ester of stearic acid widely used as a non-ionic emulsifier and emollient to stabilize oil-in-water formulations and improve skin feel. It is considered a base/formulation ingredient rather than a treatment active. |
| Peg-100 Stearate Emulsifier / surfactant | PEG-100 Stearate is a polyethylene glycol ester of stearic acid used as a non-ionic emulsifier and surfactant to stabilize oil-in-water emulsions in creams and lotions. It functions as a formulation/base ingredient rather than an active treatment. |
| Glycyrrhiza Glabra Key active Anti-inflammatory / skin-brightening | Glycyrrhiza Glabra (licorice root extract) is a botanical ingredient valued for its soothing, antioxidant, and skin-tone-evening properties, largely attributed to compounds like glabridin, glycyrrhizin, and liquiritin. It is commonly used to calm irritation and reduce hyperpigmentation. |
| Hydrolyzed Pumpkin Seedcake Conditioning/film-forming agent | Hydrolyzed Pumpkin Seedcake is a protein-derived ingredient obtained by enzymatic or chemical hydrolysis of the residual cake from pumpkin seed oil extraction, yielding peptides and amino acids. It is used in skincare and haircare for its conditioning, moisturizing, and film-forming properties. |
| Vaccinum Angustifolium (Blueberry) Fruit Extract Key active Antioxidant | Vaccinium Angustifolium (Blueberry) Fruit Extract is a botanical extract rich in anthocyanins, flavonoids, and vitamins used in skincare for its antioxidant and skin-conditioning properties. It is purported to help neutralize free radicals and support skin against oxidative stress. |
| Euterpe Oleracea Fruit Extract Key active Antioxidant | Euterpe Oleracea (açaí) Fruit Extract is a polyphenol- and anthocyanin-rich botanical extract used in skincare primarily for its antioxidant properties, helping to neutralize free radicals and support protection against oxidative stress. It is often included for its vitamin and fatty acid content believed to benefit skin conditioning. |
| Prunus Serotina (Wild Cherry) Fruit Extract Antioxidant / skin-conditioning agent | Prunus Serotina (Wild Cherry) Fruit Extract is a botanical extract used in skincare for its content of polyphenols, anthocyanins, and vitamins that provide antioxidant and skin-conditioning benefits. It is typically included as a supportive ingredient rather than a primary treatment active. |
| Niacinamide Key active Barrier-supporting antioxidant / brightening active | Niacinamide (vitamin B3) is a water-soluble active that helps strengthen the skin barrier, regulate sebum, reduce hyperpigmentation, and improve the appearance of fine lines and redness. It is generally well tolerated across skin types and concentrations of about 2–10%. |
| Tripeptide-29 Key active Collagen-boosting peptide | Tripeptide-29 is a synthetic tripeptide that signals fibroblasts to support collagen synthesis, often used in anti-aging and firming formulations. It is generally well tolerated at typical cosmetic concentrations. |
| Ceramide Np Skin-barrier lipid / moisturizer | Ceramide NP (formerly Ceramide 3) is a naturally occurring skin lipid used in skincare to replenish the stratum corneum's lipid matrix, supporting barrier function and reducing transepidermal water loss. It is widely regarded as well-tolerated and non-sensitizing. |
| Ceramide Ap Skin barrier lipid / moisturizer | Ceramide AP (formerly ceramide 6-II) is a naturally occurring skin lipid used in topical formulations to help restore and reinforce the stratum corneum barrier and reduce transepidermal water loss. It is generally well tolerated and often combined with other ceramides, cholesterol, and fatty acids. |
| Ceramide Eop Skin-barrier lipid / emollient | Ceramide EOP (a class III ceramide containing an ester-linked omega-hydroxy fatty acid and phytosphingosine) is a structural lipid that helps form and reinforce the skin's stratum corneum barrier, reducing transepidermal water loss and supporting hydration. It is used in moisturizers and barrier-repair formulations. |
| Sodium Hyaluronate Humectant / hydrating agent | Sodium hyaluronate is the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid, a glycosaminoglycan that attracts and binds water to the skin. It is widely used in moisturizers and serums to improve hydration, plumpness, and skin barrier feel. |
| Phytosphingosine Key active Skin-conditioning agent / barrier-repair lipid | Phytosphingosine is a naturally occurring sphingoid base and precursor to ceramides that helps reinforce the skin barrier and retain moisture. It also exhibits mild antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. |
| Cholesterol Skin-barrier lipid / emollient | Cholesterol is a naturally occurring lipid component of the skin's stratum corneum, used in skincare to support and replenish the barrier and improve hydration. It is often combined with ceramides and fatty acids in physiological lipid ratios to enhance barrier repair. |
| Panthenol Humectant / skin conditioning agent | Panthenol (provitamin B5) is a humectant and emollient that is converted to pantothenic acid in the skin, helping to hydrate, soothe, and support barrier repair. It is widely used in moisturizers and after-sun products for its softening and anti-irritant properties. |
| Sodium Pca Humectant | Sodium PCA (sodium pyrrolidone carboxylate) is a naturally occurring component of skin's natural moisturizing factor (NMF) used as a humectant to attract and retain water in the skin. It helps improve hydration and skin softness in topical formulations. |
| Adenosine Key active Anti-aging signaling agent | Adenosine is a nucleoside that acts as a cell-signaling molecule, used in skincare to help smooth fine lines, support skin barrier and improve skin firmness. It functions by promoting collagen and elastin synthesis and modulating cellular energy and inflammation. |
| Lecithin Emollient/emulsifier | Lecithin is a phospholipid-rich substance (often derived from soy or egg) used in skincare as an emulsifier, emollient, and penetration enhancer. It helps stabilize oil-and-water formulations and conditions the skin barrier. |
| Arginine Amino acid / pH adjuster / humectant | Arginine is a naturally occurring amino acid used in skincare primarily as a pH-neutralizing agent and humectant, and is also studied for antioxidant and skin-conditioning effects. It helps support skin hydration and the skin barrier. |
| Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate Emulsifier/conditioning agent | Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate is a naturally derived anionic emulsifier and skin-conditioning agent made from lactic acid and lauric (coconut/palm) fatty acid. It stabilizes oil-in-water emulsions and may offer mild antimicrobial and skin-softening properties. |
| Sodium Gluconate Chelating agent / humectant | Sodium gluconate is the sodium salt of gluconic acid used in skincare primarily as a chelating agent to bind metal ions and stabilize formulations, with mild humectant and skin-conditioning properties. It is generally considered a base/formulation ingredient rather than a treatment active. |
| Citric Acid pH adjuster / AHA exfoliant | Citric acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid derived from citrus fruits used primarily to adjust and buffer formulation pH, and at higher concentrations as a mild chemical exfoliant and antioxidant chelator. It promotes shedding of surface skin cells and can improve texture and tone. |
| Isohexadecane Emollient / solvent | Isohexadecane is a synthetic, branched-chain hydrocarbon emollient used to provide a light, non-greasy feel and to serve as a solvent and spreading agent in cosmetics. It is considered a base/formulation ingredient rather than a therapeutic active. |
| Xanthan Gum Thickener/stabilizer | Xanthan gum is a polysaccharide produced by bacterial fermentation, used in skincare as a thickening, gelling, and emulsion-stabilizing agent. It improves texture and suspends ingredients without contributing active treatment effects. |
| Carbomer Thickener/gel-forming agent | Carbomer is a synthetic high-molecular-weight polyacrylic acid polymer used to thicken, stabilize, and gel water-based formulations. It controls viscosity and helps suspend ingredients, providing a smooth texture in creams, gels, and serums. |
| Phenoxyethanol Preservative | Phenoxyethanol is a glycol ether widely used as a broad-spectrum preservative in cosmetics and skincare to prevent bacterial and fungal growth. It is typically used at concentrations up to 1% and is considered safe and effective as a formulation ingredient. |
| Ethylhexylglycerin Preservative booster / skin-conditioning agent | Ethylhexylglycerin is a multifunctional ingredient used in skincare primarily as a preservative enhancer and humectant, allowing reduced levels of traditional preservatives while also providing mild skin-conditioning and deodorizing effects. It is widely regarded as a gentle, well-tolerated formulation ingredient. |
Key active = does the main work. Ingredient explanations are drawn from public databases & literature.
Peer-reviewed papers on the active ingredients in this product, via PubMed.