Looking to add a cleanser to your skincare routine? Paula’s Choice has a range of effective cleansers that are suitable for all different skin types and concerns.

Below, we’ve listed out some of the absolute best Paula’s Choice cleansers. 

The Best Paula's Choice Cleansers

Best Cleanser for Normal to Oily Skin

Paula’s Choice Resist Perfectly Balanced Foaming Cleanser

Best Paula’s Choice Cleanser for Normal, Combination, and Oily Skin

Paula’s Choice Resist Perfectly Balanced Foaming Cleanser

This cream-to-foam cleanser is gentle on the skin, but still effectively removes excess oil and debris. It contains replenishing ingredients that balance moisture levels and leave the skin feeling soft and balanced.

Skin types: Normal, Combination, and Oily Skin
Best for: Daily Cleansing
Tested on animals: No
How to use: First, wet the skin with lukewarm water. Dispense the cleanser into your palms, and then gently massage into the skin. Rinse with lukewarm water.
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People with oily to normal skin need a cleanser that effectively cleanses without stripping the skin of its natural moisture. This cleanser is formulated with nourishing and hydrating ingredients to gently cleanse while still maintaining moisturized skin.

Pros

  • Fragrance-free
  • Gentle
  • Lightweight

Cons

  • May not be suitable for sensitive skin

One of the key ingredients in this cleanser is hyaluronic acid, which helps the skin retain moisture[1]. It also contains ceramides, which restore the moisture barrier and strengthen the skin[2]. Additionally, this cleanser contains aloe, which is great for calming the skin and reducing redness.

Best Cleanser for Oily Skin

Paula’s Choice Skin Balancing Oil-Reducing Cleanser

Best Paula’s Choice Cleanser for Oily Skin

Paula’s Choice Skin Balancing Oil-Reducing Cleanser

Those with particularly oily skin will benefit from this gentle cream-to-foam cleanser, which effectively cleanses and removes excess oil to reduce shine without drying out the skin.

Skin types:
Best for: Daily Cleansing
Tested on animals: No
How to use: First, wet the skin with lukewarm water. Dispense the cleanser into your palms, and then gently massage into the skin. Rinse with lukewarm water.
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Oily skin needs a cleanser that effectively cleans without stripping the skin of its natural oils. This is because skin that is stripped can actually end up producing even more oil. This is one of the best Paula’s Choice cleansers for oily skin, because it removes excess oil but is still gentle enough to maintain the right hydration balance.

Pros

  • Fragrance-free
  • Gentle

Cons

  • May be drying for some skin types

This cleanser contains ingredients that hydrate and soothe the skin to keep it balanced, including glycerin, sunflower seed oil, and aloe.

Best Cleanser for Acne-Prone Skin

Paula’s Choice Clear Pore Normalizing Cleanser

Best Paula’s Choice Cleanser for Acne

Paula’s Choice Clear Pore Normalizing Cleanser

This salicylic acid cleanser is one of the best Paula’s Choice cleansers for acne. It removes excess oil and pore-clogging debris without drying out the skin or causing any redness.

Skin types: Normal, Combination, and Oily Skin
Best for: Daily Cleansing
Tested on animals: No
How to use: First, wet the skin with lukewarm water. Dispense the cleanser into your palms, and then gently massage into the skin. Rinse with lukewarm water.
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This gel cleanser contains the chemical exfoliator salicylic acid, which is a beta-hydroxy acid (or BHA). Salicylic acid sheds excess skin cells and decongests pores to fight acne and blackheads, leading to a clearer complexion[3].

Pros

  • Fragrance-free
  • Non-drying

Cons

  • May irritate sensitive skin

This cleanser has a 0.5% concentration of salicylic acid. The low concentration helps clear the skin of excess oil and debris without irritating it.

Best Cleanser for Normal to Dry Skin

Paula’s Choice Resist Optimal Results Hydrating Cleanser

Best Paula’s Choice Cleanser for Normal to Dry Skin

Paula’s Choice Resist Optimal Results Hydrating Cleanser

This skin-softening cleanser is an excellent choice for those with drier skin, because it effectively cleanses without leaving the skin feeling tight or dry.

Skin types: Normal and Dry Skin
Best for: Daily Cleansing
Tested on animals: No
How to use: First, wet the skin with lukewarm water. Dispense the cleanser into your palms, and then gently massage into the skin. Rinse with lukewarm water.
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Everyone needs to cleanse their skin daily, but it can be difficult for those with dry skin to find a cleanser that doesn’t leave the skin feeling drier. This Paula’s Choice cleanser contains skin-restoring ingredients that maintain the skin’s barrier so that it feels soft, hydrated, and clean.

Pros

  • Fragrance-free
  • Gentle
  • Moisturizing

Cons

  • May not be suitable for acne-prone skin

The hydrating and soothing ingredients in this gentle cleanser include green tea extract, matricaria flower extract, and glycerin.

Best Cleanser for Sensitive Skin

Paula’s Choice Skin Recovery Softening Cream Cleanser

Best Paula’s Choice Cleanser for Sensitive Skin

Paula’s Choice Skin Recovery Softening Cream Cleanser

This cream cleanser is one of the best Paula’s Choice cleansers for sensitive skin, as it is super gentle on the skin, and softens and hydrates.

Skin types: Normal to Dry Skin
Best for: Daily Cleansing
Tested on animals: No
How to use: First, wet the skin with lukewarm water. Dispense the cleanser into your palms, and then gently massage into the skin. Rinse with lukewarm water.
See on Amazon

Those with sensitive skin need a cleanser that won’t cause any irritation. This hydrating cream cleanser was formulated with sensitive skin in mind, and is even suitable for those with eczema.

Pros

  • Fragrance-free
  • Gentle
  • Moisturizing

Cons

  • May not be suitable for acne-prone skin

This creamy cleanser was formulated with hydrating and soothing skincare ingredients, including soja oil and matricaria flower extract.

Best Cleanser for Redness

Paula’s Choice Calm Redness Relief Cleanser for Normal to Dry Skin

Best Paula’s Choice Cleanser for Redness

Paula’s Choice Calm Redness Relief Cleanser for Normal to Dry Skin

If you’re struggling with redness, this calming cleanser will help soothe the skin while gently cleansing away dirt and debris.

Skin types: Normal to Dry Skin
Best for: Daily Cleansing
Tested on animals: No
How to use: First, wet the skin with lukewarm water. Dispense the cleanser into your palms, and then gently massage into the skin. Rinse with lukewarm water.
See on Amazon

This milky cleanser is super gentle on the skin and easy to rinse off, so it won’t cause any further redness. It contains plant extracts and other replenishing ingredients that hydrate and soothe the skin. Additionally, this cleanser was made to be gentle enough for those prone to rosacea.

Pros

  • Fragrance-free
  • Gentle
  • Moisturizing

Cons

  • May not be suitable for acne-prone skin

Two of the key soothing and hydrating ingredients in this gentle cleanser are matricaria flower extract and aloe leaf juice.

FAQs

What are the best Paula’s Choice products?

In addition to the best Paula’s Choice cleansers we’ve listed above, we’ve created a guide to some of the best Paula’s Choice products for all skin concerns. 

How quickly does Paula’s Choice work?

How quickly certain products work depend entirely on your specific skin concerns and if you’re using the right products or treatments to address them. Ultimately, patience and consistency with your skincare routine is necessary to treat any skin concerns. 

Is Paula’s Choice worth the money?

Paula’s Choice isn’t one of the cheapest skincare brands available on the market. However, their products are effective, and backed by science and research to ensure they deliver results. They’re also cruelty-free and fragrance-free, and only use safe natural and synthetic ingredients.

The Bottom Line

Paula’s Choice has a range of effective cleansers that are suitable for different skin types and concerns. Regardless of what your skin needs, you’ll be able to find a cleanser that works for you at Paula’s Choice.