Paula's Choice Hydrating Gel-To-Cream Cleanser for mature skin
Glycerin
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract Licorice Root Extract
Lactic AcidAverage
- AverageNormal Skin Fit
- HighEffectiveness
- ExcellentSafety
Works for mature skin; other cleansers fit it better.
This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with mature skin: fine lines, wrinkles, and loss of firmness. For scores and recommendations based on your full skin profile, including your 12D face scan results and any goals or preferences you have, please use the Lovi app.
Page built Nov 8, 2026How the Fit score works
Lovi Assistant explains
- Offers moderate suitability for normal skin, as glycerin and aloe vera leaf juice provide humectant action to support hydration, but it lacks sufficient emollient ingredients for optimal results.
- The cleansing agents, sodium cocoyl glycinate and cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine, effectively remove impurities without stripping the skin, which is beneficial for normal skin.
- The product is safe for your normal skin due to the absence of harsh ingredients and the inclusion of soothing agents like Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice and Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract.
How to apply
- Use your cleanser as part of both your AM and PM routine. Start using it daily since your skin is normal and not sensitive.
- Apply this first in your routine before using your toner, moisturizer, and SPF.
- Gently massage the cleanser onto your face using circular motions, then rinse well with water. Avoid rubbing your skin too hard.
- Apply the cleanser directly onto slightly damp skin for the best fresh feeling. Make sure your face is clean of heavy makeup first.
- Avoid the sensitive eye area while washing. Do a quick patch test before your very first use to be safe.
People Say
★4.5Overall rating based on 200+ reviewsUsers find this cleanser effectively removes makeup and impurities while maintaining skin's moisture, making it suitable for sensitive and combination skin. The gel-to-cream texture is generally well-received for leaving skin soft and refreshed. Some users report issues with the packaging being difficult to dispense and occasional mild irritation around the eyes.
Highlights
Gentle and non-drying Mostly Mentioned
- “Does not dry skin”
- “Leaves skin feeling soft and refreshed”
- “Never strips or dries”
Effective cleansing Often Mentioned
- “Melts off make up”
- “Lifts away dirt and excess oil”
- “Removes makeup including mascara well”
Fragrance-free formula Sometimes Noted
- “It has no scent”
- “Great for sensitive skin”
- “Fragrance free”
Pleasant texture Sometimes Noted
- “Silky cleanser”
- “Rich, creamy foam”
- “Refreshing gel texture”
Difficult packaging Sometimes Noted
- “Packaging is a bit inconvenient”
- “Hard to squeeze out”
- “Container isn't very pliable”
Expensive product Rarely Noted
- “Pricey for a cleanser”
- “Small bottle for the cost”
- “Good but expensive”
Eye irritation Rarely Noted
- “Irritating for sensitive eyes”
- “Stung my eyes”
- “Avoid the eye area”
Hard to rinse Rarely Noted
- “Takes a lot of rinsing”
- “Film left behind”
- “Hard to wash off”
Sources: lovi.care, paulaschoice.com, dermstore.com, cultbeauty.co.uk, spacenk.com, skinsort.com, and more
Questions and answers
How well does Paula's Choice Hydrating Gel-To-Cream Cleanser work for mature skin?
This cleanser works for mature skin, though other products fit it better. A cleanser for this skin needs rich softening ingredients to keep dry skin smooth and comfortable.
Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017Experimental Dermatology, 2009
Which ingredients make this cleanser a good fit for mature skin?
Glycerin and aloe vera leaf juice make this cleanser a good fit for mature skin by drawing in moisture to help keep skin soft and hydrated. A cleanser for mature skin also needs richer smoothing ingredients to keep the skin feeling fully comfortable and smooth.
What does Glycerin do for mature skin?
Glycerin helps keep mature skin feeling soft and smooth by drawing moisture into the outer layer and locking it in. This daily hydration boost supports the skin barrier, keeping dry areas comfortable and protected against irritation.
The British Journal of Dermatology, 2008Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017
What does Aloe Vera Leaf Juice do for mature skin?
Aloe vera leaf juice helps hydrate mature skin and may reduce the look of wrinkles by supporting collagen. To work best on mature skin, a product of this type needs added nourishing ingredients like rich plant oils and peptides for deep moisture and firmness.
Journal of Oleo Science, 2009Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2015
Where does this cleanser go in a skincare routine for mature skin?
This cleanser fits into your morning routine and your evening routine, and mature skin needs a cleanser that adds rich softening ingredients and deep moisture along with gentle cleansing.
Can I use this cleanser with retinol, and in what order?
You can use this cleanser in your routine with retinol by applying it as your first cleansing step before your treatment. Because it lacks sufficient rich softening ingredients for mature skin, this skin type needs a cleanser with nourishing oils and butters to stay soft and smooth.
How often should I use this cleanser?
You can use this cleanser daily in the morning and evening as part of your routine. This cleanser works for mature skin, though this skin type needs extra soft oils and rich butters to stay smooth and hydrated.
Can this cleanser clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for mature skin?
This cleanser is unlikely to clog pores or cause breakouts on mature skin because it uses gentle cleansing agents that wash away impurities without harshness. However, mature skin needs products with rich smoothing ingredients to keep the skin soft and nourished.
Can I use this cleanser around the eyes or on my body?
You can use this cleanser on your body, but you should take extra care around the thin skin of your eyes. Because it leaves mature skin slightly short on rich conditioning oils, this skin type needs a cleanser with rich softening oils and extra moisture-locking ingredients.
Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy, 2002Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017
Is this cleanser fragrance-free and alcohol-free?
Yes, it has no fragrance and no drying alcohol.
What the research says
A single application of a moisturizing fluid containing hyaluronic acid 1%, glycerin 5%, and Centella asiatica stem cells extract significantly increased skin hydration by 29% and reduced transepidermal water loss at 24 hours compared to baseline and an untreated control site in twenty healthy women.
Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017The emollient V0034CR significantly reduced TEWL compared to vehicle and vehicle plus glycerol, and significantly increased corneometry scores compared to vehicle and vehicle plus petrolatum in healthy volunteers with dry skin, demonstrating combined barrier function improvement from petrolatum and hydration improvement from glycerol.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020Ten days of treatment with a cream containing 20% glycerin significantly increased skin hydration measured by corneometer values in 17 healthy volunteers compared to a placebo cream, but showed no influence on transepidermal water loss or skin sensitivity to an irritating surfactant.
International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2001A cream combining propolis, tea tree oil, and Aloe vera reduced erythema scars, acne severity index, and total lesion count better than erythromycin cream in sixty patients with mild to moderate acne vulgaris compared to placebo.
Clinical Pharmacology, 2018Topical aloe vera gel significantly accelerated split-thickness skin graft donor-site healing compared to placebo in 12 patients, but showed no significant difference in pain relief.
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 2018Topical application of Aloe vera cream reduced postoperative pain at rest and during defecation, accelerated wound healing at two weeks, and decreased analgesic requirements in patients after open hemorrhoidectomy compared to placebo.
Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 2010Topical green tea extract significantly improved clinical symptoms, tear breakup times, and meibomian gland health compared to standard treatment in patients with dry eye and Meibomian Gland Dysfunction.
Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research, 2017Topical low-dose green tea extract reduces UVB-induced p53 expression and apoptosis in human skin keratinocytes compared to placebo.
Experimental Dermatology, 2009An anti-acne hydrogel containing Aloe barbadensis, Garcinia mangostana, and Camellia sinensis extracts showed superior antiacne and antiblotch activities compared to 1% clindamycin gel in sixty subjects with mild-moderate acne.
Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2019Combining 755 nm alexandrite laser with topical licorice gel significantly reduces terminal hair counts compared to alexandrite laser with placebo in women with idiopathic hirsutism.
Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2015Licochalcone A activated Nrf2 signaling, elevated cytoprotective enzymes, increased the reduced-to-oxidized glutathione ratio, and decreased reactive oxygen species in human fibroblasts and neutrophils, while a LicA-rich licorice extract lowered UVA-induced oxidative processes in vivo.
Experimental Dermatology, 2015Bioactive glycyrrhizic acid and oxymatrine ionic liquid self-assembled nanomicelles significantly promoted the transdermal permeation, subcutaneous retention, and anti-photoaging efficacy of palmitoyl pentapeptide-4 in cellular and animal models compared to unformulated peptide.
Advanced Science, 2025Application of a cream containing lactic acid 12% and pramoxine HCl 1% significantly improved skin dryness, hydration, and itch compared with a nontreated control in 24 women with a history of dry itchy skin.
Cutis, 2004Topical 12% ammonium lactate produced a significant sparing of epidermal and dermal atrophy induced by clobetasol propionate in human volunteers, without influencing the corticosteroid's bioavailability or antiinflammatory properties.
Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 1992A lactic acid/ceramide lotion significantly improved skin moisturization and desquamation compared to no treatment in women with dry, rough skin on the anterior shins.
The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 2020
Why other cleansers fit mature skin better
Cosmetic formulations containing 5% Centella asiatica extract showed the best efficacy in improving skin moisture and decreasing transepidermal water loss, while also exhibiting antiinflammatory properties in 25 volunteers compared to baseline measurements.
Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2016Camellia japonica oil activated the human COL1A2 promoter, induced type I procollagen synthesis, inhibited matrix metalloproteinase-1 activity, and reduced trans-epidermal water loss without inducing adverse reactions in human skin.
Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2007Transgenic cucumber expressing poly-γ-glutamic acid synthesis genes increased water content by 6-14%, reduced water loss by 11-12%, decreased facial wrinkles and roughness by 19.58% and 24.97%, decreased skin melanin by 5.27%, and improved facial elasticity in human skin and zebrafish compared to controls.
International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 2024
Ingredients
Water, Sodium Cocoyl Glycinate, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Sodium Lauroamphoacetate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Glycerin, Sorbeth-230 Tetraoleate, Decyl Glucoside, Pentylene Glycol, Sodium Chloride, Disodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Lauric Acid, Lactic Acid, Sodium Lauroyl Oat Amino Acids, Sorbitan Laurate, Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Disodium Edta, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract Licorice Root Extract, Linoleic Acid, Glycine, Alanine, Serine, Valine, Isoleucine, Proline, Threonine, Cocoyl Proline, Sodium Citrate, Sodium Pca, Sodium Lactate, Arginine, Glycine Soja Soybean Sterols, Caprylic Capric Triglyceride, Pca, Histidine, Phenylalanine, Lactoperoxidase, Glucose Oxidase, Aspartic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin
Behind this fit score
Lovi calculates every fit score from the full ingredient list with brand-independent rules our 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.
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Co-founder, Medical Director
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetologist, aesthetic products developer
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Co-founder, CEO and CTO
PhD in computer science, 3x US patent holder, ex-Google, ex-Yandex
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Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc
Medical Board
Aesthetic medicine practitioner, MSc in Longevity and Anti-Aging Medicine
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Medical Board
Specialist dermatologist, MBBS, MD, IFAAD
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Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, SCS, IFSCC member
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Medical Board, Medical Advisor
Dermatology MD
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Elina Nazarenko, MD
Medical Board
Dermatology and diagnostic consultant
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Victoria Derkova, MS
Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetic development technologist
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