Defense Hydrating Gel-to-cream Cleanser
Cleanser

Defense Hydrating Gel-to-cream Cleanser

Paula's Choice
44Ingredients
0EU Banned
0Caution
0.5/5Comedogenic
Pregnancy SafeNo flagged ingredients
0.5/5Comedogenic
Pregnancy SafeNo flagged ingredients
Allergen-freeNo fragrance allergens
70% Natural27% synthetic
Ingredient Analysis

Key Ingredients

Proven ActivesBeneficial ingredients with clinical evidence
WaterEXCELLENTSodium Cocoyl GlycinateEXCELLENTCocamidopropyl HydroxysultaineGOODCoco Betaine (Mild Surfactant)MODERATEGlycerinEXCELLENTSorbeth-230 TetraoleateGOOD

Ingredient Chemistry

pH

pH Efficacy

pH Efficacy

pH 5.4 — Suboptimal
5.4
0Neutral 714
pH estimated from category & ingredients: 5.4
Active ingredients: Glycolic Acid
Glycolic Acid at pH 5.4: likely ineffective — above 4.5
Glycolic Acid is at pH 5.4, which is too high for optimal efficacy (3–4).
Detected actives & ideal pH
Glycolic AcidpH 3–4

Microbiome

Composition & Ethics

Product Details

Attributes

Ethics
VeganLikely
No animal-derived ingredients detected
Cruelty-FreeUnknown
No brand statement — contact manufacturer
Safety
Sulfate-FreeLikely
No sulfates detected
Fragrance-FreeLikely
No fragrance ingredients detected
Key Actives
Foam CleanserDetected
Confirmed Inferred Unknown Not compliant

Composition

70% natural28% synthetic
31 natural 1 unknown 12 synthetic

Based on 44 ingredients analyzed. 70% natural, 2% unknown and 28% synthetic.

Surfactants2 surfactants
Surfactant typeGentle
Preservatives1 preservative

Functions Overview (15)

skin conditioning21:Sodium Cocoyl Glycinate, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Pentylene Glycol, Sodium Lauroyl Oat Amino Acids, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Linoleic Acid... +13 more
hair conditioning15:Sodium Cocoyl Glycinate, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Sodium Lauroamphoacetate, Sodium Lauroyl Oat Amino Acids, Linoleic Acid, Glycine, Alanine, Serine... +7 more
antistatic13:Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Sodium Lauroyl Oat Amino Acids, Linoleic Acid, Glycine, Alanine, Serine, Valine, Isoleucine... +5 more

Texture & Feel

Texture & Feel

Expected texture
Rich foam that transforms from gel to creamy lather
SpreadabilityEasy
AbsorptionFast
Tackiness / ResidueLight
Finish:Luminous / radiant — subtle light-reflecting glow

Slight initial tackiness that fades into a hydrated dewy finish.