CLINICAL Ceramide-Enriched Firming Moisturizer
Moisturizer
Updated 10 Dec 2025

CLINICAL Ceramide-Enriched Firming Moisturizer

Paula's Choice
47Ingredients
0EU Banned
4Caution
0.2/5Comedogenic
Pregnancy SafeNo flagged ingredients
0.2/5Comedogenic
Pregnancy SafeNo flagged ingredients
Allergen-freeNo fragrance allergens
68% Natural28% synthetic

Contains Regulated Ingredients

EU Restricted Ingredients

These ingredients are permitted in the EU but subject to concentration limits, usage conditions, or mandatory labelling requirements under Annex III of the EU Cosmetics Regulation.

RetinolMax 5.0%
Max concentration:5.0%
Product types:(a) Body lotion(b) other leave-on and rinse-off products
Conditions:From 1 November 2025 cosmetic products containing that substance and not complying with the conditions shall not be placed on the Union market. From 1 May 2027 cosmetic products containing that substance and not complying with the conditions shall not be made available on the Union market.
Label warnings: For any cosmetic product containing Retinol, Retinyl Acetate or Retinyl Palmitate the following, labelling is obligatory: ‘Contains Vitamin A. Consider your daily intake before use’.
Sodium HydroxideMax 5.0%
Max concentration:5.0%
Product types:(a) Nail cuticle solvent(b) Hair straightener(c) pH adjuster for depilatories(d) Other uses as pH adjusterCallosity softener/remover (entry 15d)
Conditions:(b)1. General use2. Professional use(c) up to pH 12.7(d) up to pH 1115 d Contains alcakali, Avoid contact with eyesKeep out of reach of chindren ans Read directions for use carefully
Label warnings: (a) Contains alkali Avoid contact with eyes Can cause blindness Keep out of reach of children(b) 1. Contains alkaliAvoid contact with eyes Can cause blindness Keep out of reach of children2. For professional use only Avoid contact with eyes Can cause blindness(c) Keep out of reach of children Avoid contact with eyes
PhenoxyethanolMax 1.0%
Max concentration:1.0%
What does "EU Restricted" mean?

Restricted ingredients are not banned — they are allowed in cosmetic products as long as specific conditions are met:

  • Concentration limits — maximum allowed percentage in the final product
  • Product type restrictions — some ingredients are only allowed in rinse-off or leave-on products
  • pH restrictions — the finished product must stay within a specific pH range
  • Mandatory labelling — certain allergens must be listed on the packaging
  • Usage conditions — must not be combined with certain other ingredients

These limits are based on the EU CosIng database (Annex III) and are updated regularly. Products sold in the EU must comply with all applicable restrictions.

Ingredient Chemistry

pH

pH Efficacy

pH Efficacy

pH 5.8 — Optimal
5.8
0Neutral 714
pH estimated from category & ingredients: 5.8
Active ingredients: Ascorbyl Glucoside, Retinol
Ascorbyl Glucoside at pH 5.8: optimal range (5–7)
Retinol at pH 5.8: optimal range (5–6)
Detected actives & ideal pH
Ascorbyl GlucosidepH 5–7
RetinolpH 5–6

Microbiome

Composition & Ethics

Product Details

Attributes

Ethics
VeganLikely
No animal-derived ingredients detected
Cruelty-FreeUnknown
No brand statement — contact manufacturer
Safety
Fragrance-FreeLikely
No fragrance ingredients detected
Key Actives
Contains RetinolConfirmed
Contains vitamin A derivative
Confirmed Inferred Unknown Not compliant

Composition

68% natural28% synthetic
32 natural 2 unknown 13 synthetic

Based on 47 ingredients analyzed. 68% natural, 4% unknown and 28% synthetic.

Preservatives1 preservative
Silicones1 silicone
Humectants4 humectants

Functions Overview (15)

Texture & Feel

Texture & Feel

Expected texture
Lightweight gel-cream — fresh, water-like feel
SpreadabilityVery easy
AbsorptionFast
Tackiness / ResidueVery low
Finish:Luminous / radiant — subtle light-reflecting glow

Silicones create a smooth, velvety "slip" with a blurring sensory effect. Slight initial tackiness that fades into a hydrated dewy finish.