# Paula's Choice Softening Cream Cleanser for oily skin

**Lovi Fit: Caution fit for oily skin.**
Oily Skin Fit: Average · Effectiveness: Average · Safety: Concerning.

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/paula-s-choice/softening-cream-cleanser/for/oily-skin

The Lovi Fit is the same in every country; only the stores and prices differ, and the ones here are for Canada.

Brand: [Paula's Choice](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/brands/paula-s-choice)
Category: [Cleansers](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/best/cleansers)

This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with oily skin: shine, enlarged pores, blackheads, and blemishes. For scores based on a full skin profile (12D face scan, goals, preferences), use the Lovi app.

A poor match for oily skin; the cleansers alongside fit it better.

## Why this fit

- Offers moderate cleansing for your oily skin due to cocamidopropyl betaine and disodium cocoamphodiacetate, but lacks targeted ingredients for effective seboregulation to address oily shine.
- Beta-Glucan and Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract provide anti-inflammatory action and hydration, offering general skincare benefits that are supportive but not primary for your concerns.

## Fit by skin type

- [Oily skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/paula-s-choice/softening-cream-cleanser/for/oily-skin): Caution (this page)
- [Dry skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/paula-s-choice/softening-cream-cleanser/for/dry-skin): High
- [Combination skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/paula-s-choice/softening-cream-cleanser/for/combination-skin): Low
- [Sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/paula-s-choice/softening-cream-cleanser/for/sensitive-skin): Average
- [Acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/paula-s-choice/softening-cream-cleanser/for/acne-prone-skin): Low
- [Skin with dark spots](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/paula-s-choice/softening-cream-cleanser/for/dark-spots): Average
- [Mature skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/paula-s-choice/softening-cream-cleanser/for/mature-skin): Average
- [Dry sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/paula-s-choice/softening-cream-cleanser/for/dry-sensitive-skin): High
- [Oily acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/paula-s-choice/softening-cream-cleanser/for/oily-acne-prone-skin): Caution

## Key ingredients

Beta-Glucan, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract Matricaria Flower Extract, Glycine Soja Oil Soybean Oil, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Paraffinum Liquidum Mineral Oil

## What the research says

- Skin care regimens containing beta-glucan improved hemoglobin index, skin hydration, and transepidermal water loss compared to vehicle control in 20 patients undergoing fractional laser therapy. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33128496/))
- Apigenin protects against UVA-induced cytotoxicity and senescence in normal human dermal fibroblasts, decreases MMP-1 expression, and when applied topically as a cream in human subjects, increases dermal density and elasticity while reducing fine wrinkle length, skin evenness, moisture content, and transepidermal water loss compared to control cream. ([International Journal of Molecular Medicine, 2016](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27279007/))
- Treatment with topical formulations containing beta-glucan combined with nanofractional radiofrequency plus magnetic nanofractional radiofrequency showed the best efficacy and was tolerable and effective in Chinese women with abdominal stretch marks compared to control groups. ([Dermatology and Therapy, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37171578/))
- Topical beta-glucan mildly improved striae gravidarum, 1565-nm non-ablative fractional laser showed better results than topical beta-glucan, and the combined strategy further improved striae gravidarum atrophy compared to single treatment. ([The Journal of Dermatology, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35570397/))
- Topical application of oat beta-glucan ameliorates epidermal hyperplasia and accelerates epidermal barrier recovery by promoting keratinocyte differentiation through dectin-1-mediated ERK and p38 signaling pathways that upregulate CaSR expression. ([International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34237364/))
- Topical chamomile oil combined with a night splint significantly improved the symptomatic and functional status of patients with severe carpal tunnel syndrome compared to placebo, while electrodiagnostic parameters showed no significant changes. ([Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 2015](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26573447/))
- German chamomile solution applied twice a day healed peristomal skin lesions significantly faster than once-a-day 1% hydrocortisone ointment in colostomy patients, with a mean healing time of 8.89 days versus 14.53 days. ([Ostomy/wound Management, 2011](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21617262/))
- Topical chamomile reduces the incidence and delays the occurrence of phlebitis due to amiodarone infusion in coronary care patients compared to a placebo of lanoline. ([Journal of Integrative Medicine, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28844214/))
- The cytotoxic effect of sodium lauryl sulphate on normal human keratinocytes was significantly decreased when combined with cocamidopropyl betaine, Tween 20, and Tween 80 at concentrations well below the critical micelle concentration. ([Skin Pharmacology and Applied Skin Physiology, 2003](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12677096/))
- Repeated application of concentrated water-in-oil emulsions over four weeks caused no skin irritation, positively affected skin properties, and delivered almost 50% of the applied fluorescein sodium, with isopropyl myristate showing superior penetration performance compared to liquid paraffin in healthy volunteers. ([International Journal of Pharmaceutics, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31525444/))

## What reviewers say

Recent reviews are dominated by disappointment over its discontinuation, and some users with oily skin found the rich, creamy texture too heavy or ineffective at removing heavy makeup.

- Liked: Hydrating and non-stripping (mostly mentioned)
- Disliked: Product discontinued (mostly mentioned)
- Liked: Soothing for sensitive (often mentioned)
- Liked: Creamy, luxurious texture (sometimes noted)
- Liked: Softening effect (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Poor makeup removal (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Packaging issues (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Too heavy for oily (rarely noted)

## How to apply

- Use your cleanser AM and PM every day to keep your skin fresh. Always make sure to follow with a good SPF in the morning.
- Apply your cleanser as the first step in the morning or the second step in the evening before your toner.
- Gently massage a small amount onto your face using circular motions, then rinse well with water .
- You can apply this cleanser safely on damp skin for a refreshing and easy wash.
- Avoid getting the product directly into your eyes and stop use if irritation occurs.
- Video: https://storage.pora.ai/6a08416bd9315041c09c72f61cf27cc1.mp4

## Questions and answers

### Why does Lovi advise caution with the Softening Cream Cleanser for oily skin?

Lovi advises caution because this cleanser lacks targeted ingredients to control oily shine, even though it offers moderate cleansing and calming benefits. A cleanser for oily skin needs effective formulas that manage oiliness and promote a clear complexion without causing irritation.

### Which ingredients make this cleanser a poor fit for oily skin?

This cleanser is a poor fit for your oily skin because it contains mineral oil and soybean oil, which can add unwanted greasiness. Oily skin needs a cleanser with ingredients that clear away extra oil and impurities while keeping the skin balanced without heavy oils.

### What does Beta-Glucan do for oily skin?

This product is an average fit for oily skin because it lacks lightweight hydration and oil-controlling ingredients. Oily skin needs balancing ingredients like niacinamide or lightweight hydrators such as hyaluronic acid to stay smooth without feeling heavy.

### What does Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract do for oily skin?

Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract helps calm oily skin by reducing inflammation and irritation. It also helps manage bacteria on the skin surface, making it less prone to breakouts.
Sources: [Frontiers in Immunology, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38720895/), [Journal of Investigative Medicine, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38142266/)

### Where does this cleanser go in a skincare routine for oily skin?

This cleanser fits into both your morning and evening routine as the first cleansing step, or second in the evening if you use a makeup remover first. A cleanser for this skin needs targeted ingredients for effective seboregulation to address oily shine.

### Can I use this cleanser with retinol, and in what order?

You can use this cleanser in your routine, but a cleanser of this type needs targeted ingredients for oil control to truly suit oily skin. When using retinol, apply the cleanser first to clean your skin before your treatment step.

### How often should I use this cleanser?

This cleanser may be used daily in the morning and evening as part of a regular skincare routine, though it is a poor match for oily skin because it lacks targeted ingredients for controlling oil and shine. Oily skin needs a cleanser with ingredients that help balance oil production to properly manage shine.

### Can this cleanser clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for oily skin?

This cleanser is unlikely to directly cause purging, but it may feel too heavy and fail to control excess shine for oily skin. A cleanser for this skin needs oil-balancing and clarifying ingredients to keep pores clear and manage oil effectively.

### Can I use this cleanser around the eyes or on my body?

This cleanser may be used around the eyes and on the body, though it lacks targeted oil-control ingredients needed for oily skin. Cleansers for this skin type generally need oil-balancing ingredients and deep-cleaning agents to effectively manage shine.

### Is this cleanser fragrance-free and alcohol-free?

Yes, it has no fragrance and no drying alcohol.

## Alternatives for oily skin

- [IS Clinical Cleansing Complex](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/is-clinical/cleansing-complex/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — CA$82.99 at Amazon
- [Fresh Soy Face Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/fresh/soy-face-cleanser/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — CA$44.95 at Amazon
- [Missha Super Aqua Ultra Hyalron Cleansing Foam](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/missha/super-aqua-ultra-hyalron-cleansing-foam/for/oily-skin) — High fit — CA$17.34 at Amazon

## Routine for oily skin

### AM

- Cleanser: [CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/cerave/foaming-facial-cleanser/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — CA$20.96 at Amazon
- Hydrating Toner: [Paula's Choice Pore-Reducing Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/paula-s-choice/skin-balancing-pore-reducing-toner/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — CA$37.60 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion with Birch Sap](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/cosrx/oil-free-ultra-moisturizing-lotion-with-birch-sap/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — CA$29.98 at Amazon
- SPF: [La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Dry Touch Sunscreen SPF 60](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/la-roche-posay/anthelios-clear-skin-dry-touch-sunscreen-spf-60/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — CA$35.95 at Amazon

### PM

- Pre-Cleanser: [Pyunkang Yul Deep Cleansing Oil](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/pyunkang-yul/deep-cleansing-oil/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — CA$23.99 at Amazon
- Cleanser: [CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/cerave/foaming-facial-cleanser/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — CA$20.96 at Amazon
- Cleansing Toner: [Pixi Glow Tonic](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/pixi/glow-tonic/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — CA$28.90 at Amazon
- Serum or Treatment: [The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/the-ordinary/niacinamide-10-zinc-1/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — CA$6.60 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion with Birch Sap](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/cosrx/oil-free-ultra-moisturizing-lotion-with-birch-sap/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — CA$29.98 at Amazon

### Weekly

- Pre-Cleanser: [Pyunkang Yul Deep Cleansing Oil](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/pyunkang-yul/deep-cleansing-oil/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — CA$23.99 at Amazon
- Cleanser: [CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/cerave/foaming-facial-cleanser/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — CA$20.96 at Amazon
- Enzyme Powder: [Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/dermalogica/daily-microfoliant/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — CA$29.50 at Amazon
- Cleansing Mask: [Tatcha Clarifying Clay Mask](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/tatcha/the-clarifying-clay-mask/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — CA$95.00 at Amazon
- Hydrating Toner: [Paula's Choice Pore-Reducing Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/paula-s-choice/skin-balancing-pore-reducing-toner/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — CA$37.60 at Amazon
- Serum or Treatment: [The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/the-ordinary/niacinamide-10-zinc-1/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — CA$6.60 at Amazon

## Where to buy

No store in Canada has a checked price for this product, so the page shows none.

## Ingredients

Acrylates C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Beta-Glucan, Butylene Glycol, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Caprylyl Glycol, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract Matricaria Flower Extract, Chlorphenesin, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate, Disodium Edta, Ethylhexylglycerin, Glycine Soja Oil Soybean Oil, Hexylene Glycol, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Laureth-4, Paraffinum Liquidum Mineral Oil, Peg-7 Glyceryl Cocoate, Phenoxyethanol, Polysorbate 80, Sodium Hydroxide, Water
## About the Lovi Fit

Lovi: Unbiased, science-based skincare AI trained on real user outcomes.

Lovi calculates every fit score from the full ingredient list with brand-independent rules its dermatologists and cosmetic chemists build and review, and personalizes every pick with AI trained on the real results of millions of users. Lovi trains its fit score models on a proprietary dataset built from more than 10,000 expert-labeled products and more than 100,000 simulated examples, following an internally consistent methodology presented at Cosmoprof, AMWC, and Skin of Color Update. Levels from best to worst: Superior, High, Average, Low, Caution, Warning.

Behind this fit score: Nadia Kapleva, MS (Co-founder, Medical Director); Alexey Shagraev, PhD (Co-founder, CEO and CTO); Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc (Medical Board); Aishani Shah, MD (Medical Board); Asya Zubkova, MS (Medical Board); Hanna Kurets, MD (Medical Board, Medical Advisor); Elina Nazarenko, MD (Medical Board); Victoria Derkova, MS (Medical Board).

Page built Nov 8, 2026.

More from Lovi: https://lovi.care/skincare/llms.txt

## This page in other countries

- United States: https://lovi.care/skincare/p/paula-s-choice/softening-cream-cleanser/for/oily-skin
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/paula-s-choice/softening-cream-cleanser/for/oily-skin
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/paula-s-choice/softening-cream-cleanser/for/oily-skin
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/paula-s-choice/softening-cream-cleanser/for/oily-skin
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/paula-s-choice/softening-cream-cleanser/for/oily-skin
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/paula-s-choice/softening-cream-cleanser/for/oily-skin
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/paula-s-choice/softening-cream-cleanser/for/oily-skin
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/paula-s-choice/softening-cream-cleanser/for/oily-skin
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/paula-s-choice/softening-cream-cleanser/for/oily-skin (this page)
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/paula-s-choice/softening-cream-cleanser/for/oily-skin
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/paula-s-choice/softening-cream-cleanser/for/oily-skin
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/paula-s-choice/softening-cream-cleanser/for/oily-skin
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/paula-s-choice/softening-cream-cleanser/for/oily-skin