# Paula's Choice CALM Ultra-Gentle Cleanser for dry skin

**Lovi Fit: High fit for dry skin.**
Dry Skin Fit: High · Effectiveness: High · Safety: High.

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/paula-s-choice/calm-ultra-gentle-cleanser/for/dry-skin

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

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

This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with dry skin: flakiness, tightness, dehydration, fine lines, and wrinkles. For scores based on a full skin profile (12D face scan, goals, preferences), use the Lovi app.

A great choice for dry skin; a few cleansers fit it even better.

## Why this fit

- Highly suitable for your dry skin as glycerin and caprylic capric triglyceride offer humectant and emollient actions to provide moderate hydration and combat flakiness.
- The cleansing agents, sodium cocoyl glutamate and cocamidopropyl betaine, are present in effective concentrations for thorough pore cleansing without stripping your dry skin.
- The safety profile is excellent, with no risks of irritation due to the absence of prohibited or harsh ingredients.

## Fit by skin type

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

## Key ingredients

Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Glycerin, Caprylic Capric Triglyceride, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Hydroxyacetophenone

## What the research says

- Topical application of an emollient emulsion containing 15.0% caprylic/capric triglyceride doubled the amount of urocanic acid isomers and increased skin hydration with reduced transepidermal water loss in healthy subjects, though it did not prevent ultraviolet-induced urocanic acid isomerization. ([Life, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37109405/))
- 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, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/))
- The 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, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31532576/))
- Ten 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, 2001](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18498456/))
- Niacinamide/glycerin body moisturizers provided better rapid and prolonged improvement of cosmetic xerosis through functional improvement of stratum corneum barrier function compared to no treatment and conventional moisturizers in female subjects. ([Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2012](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22206073/))
- 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/))

## What reviewers say

A notable portion of reviewers find it too gentle for removing heavy makeup or sunscreen on its own, often requiring a double cleanse, and some dislike the texture of the reformulated version.

- Liked: Extremely gentle (mostly mentioned)
- Liked: Calms redness (often mentioned)
- Disliked: Poor makeup removal (often mentioned)
- Liked: Pleasant texture (sometimes noted)
- Liked: Repairs skin barrier (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Odd texture/clumping (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Not for oily skin (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Unpleasant scent (rarely noted)

## How to apply

- Use this cleanser AM and PM every day to keep your skin clean. Start using it daily right away since your skin is not sensitive.
- Apply this cleanser as the very first step in your morning routine and right after your pre-cleanser in the evening. Follow with your toner and moisturizer afterwards.
- Gently massage a small amount of cleanser onto your face using soft circular motions. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water and pat dry with a clean towel.
- Apply this cleanser on slightly damp skin for a comfortable and refreshing wash. This helps maintain your skin's natural moisture while cleansing away dirt.
- Avoid getting the cleanser directly into your eyes to prevent any irritation. Do a simple patch test before your first use to ensure your skin likes it.
- Video: https://storage.pora.ai/6a08416bd9315041c09c72f61cf27cc1.mp4

## Questions and answers

### What makes the CALM Ultra-Gentle Cleanser a great fit for dry skin?

This cleanser is a great fit because glycerin and caprylic capric triglyceride add moisture and smooth away flakiness while mild cleansers wash your face without stripping dry skin. It is very safe and unlikely to cause irritation.
Sources: [Life, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37109405/)

### Which ingredients make this cleanser a good fit for dry skin?

Glycerin and caprylic capric triglyceride make this cleanser a great fit for dry skin by providing moisture and helping to stop flakiness. These ingredients help keep the skin soft and hydrated while the gentle cleansing agents wash away dirt without stripping away natural moisture.
Sources: [Life, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37109405/)

### What does Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate do for dry skin?

Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate is a mild cleansing ingredient that helps wash the skin without stripping away essential moisture, making it a good fit for dry skin. Because it uses gentle surfactants with lower irritation potential, it is unlikely to disrupt the skin barrier and helps keep dry skin feeling calm and comfortable.
Sources: [Dermatologic Therapy, 2004](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14728695/), [Colloids and Surfaces. B, Biointerfaces, 2025](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40795538/)

### What does Glycerin do for dry skin?

Glycerin helps dry skin by drawing in moisture and keeping it locked in, which makes the skin feel much softer and smoother. It also supports your natural skin barrier to stop water from escaping easily. A product for dry skin needs extra ingredients like hyaluronic acid and soothing plant extracts to truly calm and hydrate dry patches.
Sources: [Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/), [The British Journal of Dermatology, 2008](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18510666/)

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

This cleanser is used in the morning and evening as the first or second step to clean your skin thoroughly without stripping away moisture. Using a mild cleanser like this helps improve overall skin dryness and comfort as part of a daily routine.
Sources: [The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32239984/), [Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/)

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

You can use this cleanser with retinol by applying the cleanser first to clean your skin gently before your retinol treatment. This mild routine helps wash away impurities without stripping your dry skin or causing irritation.

### How often should I use this cleanser?

You can use this cleanser twice a day in your morning and evening routines. It cleans your pores thoroughly while keeping your dry skin soft and comfortable without irritation.
Sources: [The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32239984/)

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

This cleanser is a great fit for dry skin and is unlikely to cause irritation, breakouts, or clogged pores because it uses mild cleansing agents that wash away dirt without stripping your skin. It also contains glycerin and caprylic capric triglyceride to help keep your skin feeling soft and smooth while you wash.
Sources: [Life, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37109405/)

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

You can use this gentle cleanser safely around the eyes and on your body because its mild ingredients thoroughly clean without stripping dry skin. It has a very safe formula with no harsh components, so it is unlikely to cause irritation.
Sources: [Life, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37109405/)

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

Yes, it has no fragrance and no drying alcohol.

## Alternatives for dry skin

- [CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/cerave/hydrating-facial-cleanser/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — €8.85 at Amazon
- [La Roche-Posay Hydrating Gentle Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/la-roche-posay/toleriane-hydrating-gentle-cleanser/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — €19.75 at Amazon
- [ETUDE Soonjung pH 6.5 Whip Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/etude/soonjung-ph-6-5-whip-cleanser/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — €20.43 at Amazon

## Pairs well with

- Hydrating Toner: [Paula's Choice Resist Advanced Replenishing Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/paula-s-choice/advanced-replenishing-toner/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — €34.00 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [d'Alba First Spray Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/d-alba/first-spray-serum/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — €16.99 at Amazon
- SPF: [Purito Daily Soft Touch Sunscreen](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/purito/daily-soft-touch-sunscreen/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — €12.98 at Amazon

## Where to buy

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

## Ingredients

Water, Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Glycerin, Caprylic Capric Triglyceride, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Laurylglucosides Hydroxypropylsulfonate, Cellulose Gum, Coco-Caprylate Caprate, Hydroxyacetophenone, Inulin, Xanthan Gum, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Phytate, Cellulose, Fructose, Glucose, Phenoxyethanol
## 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/calm-ultra-gentle-cleanser/for/dry-skin
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/paula-s-choice/calm-ultra-gentle-cleanser/for/dry-skin
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/paula-s-choice/calm-ultra-gentle-cleanser/for/dry-skin
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/paula-s-choice/calm-ultra-gentle-cleanser/for/dry-skin
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/paula-s-choice/calm-ultra-gentle-cleanser/for/dry-skin
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/paula-s-choice/calm-ultra-gentle-cleanser/for/dry-skin
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/paula-s-choice/calm-ultra-gentle-cleanser/for/dry-skin
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/paula-s-choice/calm-ultra-gentle-cleanser/for/dry-skin (this page)
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/paula-s-choice/calm-ultra-gentle-cleanser/for/dry-skin
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/paula-s-choice/calm-ultra-gentle-cleanser/for/dry-skin
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/paula-s-choice/calm-ultra-gentle-cleanser/for/dry-skin
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/paula-s-choice/calm-ultra-gentle-cleanser/for/dry-skin
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/paula-s-choice/calm-ultra-gentle-cleanser/for/dry-skin
