# Paula's Choice Perfectly Balanced Foaming Cleanser for combination skin

**Lovi Fit: Superior fit for combination skin.**
Combination Skin Fit: Superior · Effectiveness: Superior · Safety: Excellent.

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/paula-s-choice/perfectly-balanced-foaming-cleanser/for/combination-skin

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

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

This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with combination skin: an oily T-zone, enlarged pores, and dry cheeks. For scores based on a full skin profile (12D face scan, goals, preferences), use the Lovi app.

One of the best cleansers for combination skin.

## Why this fit

- Excellent suitability for your combination skin, as sodium lauroamphoacetate and sodium cocoyl isethionate effectively cleanse pores and balance oil production, addressing your oily shine concerns. Sodium hyaluronate and ceramides further support your skin by providing optimal hydration and barrier repair for both oily and dry areas.
- Aloe barbadensis leaf extract and phytosphingosine contribute to soothing and reinforcing your skin's natural defenses, ensuring a comfortable and balanced feel.
- The product is safe for your skin, featuring a gentle formula with no harsh ingredients and beneficial soothing components.

## Fit by skin type

- [Oily skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/paula-s-choice/perfectly-balanced-foaming-cleanser/for/oily-skin): Superior
- [Dry skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/paula-s-choice/perfectly-balanced-foaming-cleanser/for/dry-skin): High
- [Combination skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/paula-s-choice/perfectly-balanced-foaming-cleanser/for/combination-skin): Superior (this page)
- [Sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/paula-s-choice/perfectly-balanced-foaming-cleanser/for/sensitive-skin): High
- [Acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/paula-s-choice/perfectly-balanced-foaming-cleanser/for/acne-prone-skin): Superior
- [Skin with dark spots](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/paula-s-choice/perfectly-balanced-foaming-cleanser/for/dark-spots): High
- [Mature skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/paula-s-choice/perfectly-balanced-foaming-cleanser/for/mature-skin): High
- [Dry sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/paula-s-choice/perfectly-balanced-foaming-cleanser/for/dry-sensitive-skin): High
- [Oily acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/paula-s-choice/perfectly-balanced-foaming-cleanser/for/oily-acne-prone-skin): Superior

## Key ingredients

Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Ceramide Np, Sodium Hyaluronate, Glycerin, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract

## What the research says

- Topical hyaluronic acid filler serum combined with Botulinum toxin type A lengthened the duration of the toxin's effect in reducing wrinkles compared to Botulinum toxin type A alone. ([Dermatologic Therapy, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36200921/))
- Sodium cocoyl isethionate micelles are too large to penetrate stratum corneum aqueous pores, resulting in significant steric hindrance that prevents skin barrier perturbation and explains its skin mildness. ([Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2007](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17598025/))
- Phytosphingosine demonstrates anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory activity with excellent clinical results in acne vulgaris. ([International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2007](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18489348/))
- Topical application of an emulsion containing a complete mixture of ceramides III, IIIB, VI, phytosphingosine, cholesterol, and linoleic acid significantly accelerated barrier recovery after SLS damage and improved skin hydration after acetone treatment in human volunteers compared to an emulsion containing only two types of ceramides. ([Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, 2002](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12482041/))
- Topical application of 0.1% hyaluronic acid formulations of different molecular weights led to significant improvements in skin hydration and elasticity, with low-molecular-weight formulations also significantly reducing wrinkle depth in seventy-six female subjects compared to a vehicle control. ([Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2011](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22052267/))
- Topical application of hyaluronic acid in conjunction with free gingival graft significantly reduced donor site postoperative pain until day 7 compared to normal saline, with no significant differences in graft dimensions or patient satisfaction. ([Clinical Oral Investigations, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34623507/))
- Treatment with a hyaluronic acid-containing mouth rinse or topical gel led to significant lesion reduction, pain relief, and normalization of lesion color in adult patients with minor recurrent aphthous stomatitis, with the gel formulation showing an earlier healing onset at 3 days. ([BMC Oral Health, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31311529/))
- 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/))
- A 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, 2018](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30588129/))
- Topical 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, 2018](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29649056/))
- Topical 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, 2010](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20569031/))

## What reviewers say

Based on a very large amount of data, users with oily, combination, and sensitive skin frequently praise this cleanser for its ability to effectively remove dirt and makeup without stripping the skin's natural moisture barrier. Many reviewers note that it balances oil production and leaves the face feeling soft and refreshed, though a small minority experienced dryness or disliked the scent.

- Liked: Gentle and non-drying (mostly mentioned)
- Liked: Effective cleansing (often mentioned)
- Liked: Balances oily skin (sometimes noted)
- Liked: Pleasant texture (sometimes noted)
- Liked: Safe for sensitive skin (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Can be drying (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Caused breakouts (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Ineffective on heavy makeup (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Price point (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Unpleasant scent (rarely noted)

## How to apply

- Use this cleanser AM and PM as part of your daily routine. Start 3×/week and build up to daily use if your skin tolerates it well.
- Apply this cleanser as the very first step in your morning routine and right after your pre-cleanser in the evening.
- Gently massage a small amount of cleanser onto your skin using circular motions. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water.
- For the best results , apply the cleanser directly onto slightly damp skin to help lift away excess oil.
- Avoid the immediate eye area and do a patch test before your first use to check for any sensitivity.
- Video: https://storage.pora.ai/6a08416bd9315041c09c72f61cf27cc1.mp4

## Questions and answers

### What makes Perfectly Balanced Foaming Cleanser one of the best fits for combination skin?

Paula's Choice Perfectly Balanced Foaming Cleanser is one of the best fits for combination skin because it uses sodium lauroamphoacetate and sodium cocoyl isethionate to clean pores and balance oil, helping address your oily shine concerns. It also contains sodium hyaluronate and ceramides to provide hydration and repair the skin barrier in both oily and dry areas. Aloe leaf extract and phytosphingosine further soothe your skin and help it feel comfortable and balanced.
Sources: [Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2007](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17598025/), [Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, 2002](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12482041/)

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

Sodium cocoyl isethionate and sodium lauroamphoacetate help clean pores and balance oil, while sodium hyaluronate and ceramides hydrate dry spots. Phytosphingosine and aloe barbadensis leaf extract also soothe the skin and keep it comfortable.
Sources: [International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2007](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18489348/), [Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2007](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17598025/)

### What does Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate do for combination skin?

Sodium cocoyl isethionate helps clean combination skin gently without drying out the dry parts or stripping natural moisture. Its large cleansing structures are too big to sink into the skin barrier, which keeps your face feeling soft and comfortable instead of tight.
Sources: [Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2007](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17598025/), [Molecules, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35335373/)

### What do Ceramides do for combination skin?

Ceramides help balance combination skin by supporting the skin barrier in dry areas without feeling heavy on oily zones, keeping the skin smooth and comfortable. They play an essential role in maintaining the outer water barrier, and a moisturizer with ceramides and light hydrators works well for this skin type.
Sources: [American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2003](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12553851/)

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

This cleanser is used in the morning and evening as the first step of your routine before applying toners, treatments, and moisturizers. Using a mild cleanser daily helps keep your skin feeling comfortable and balanced without drying out dry areas or irritating sensitive spots.
Sources: [The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32239984/), [Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2007](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17598025/)

### 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, followed by your retinol treatment. This gentle, ceramide-containing formula helps keep your skin comfortable and supports your skin barrier while using active treatments.
Sources: [Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37276158/), [Cutis, 2006](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17121065/)

### How often should I use this cleanser?

You can use this cleanser twice a day as part of your morning and evening routine. Its gentle formula effectively cleans pores and balances oil without harming the skin barrier.
Sources: [The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32239984/), [Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2007](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17598025/)

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

This cleanser is unlikely to clog pores or cause breakouts for combination skin, as it features a gentle formula with soothing ingredients and a negligible risk of breakouts. Its mild cleansing agents wash away dirt without upsetting your skin barrier or causing irritation.
Sources: [Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2007](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17598025/), [Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, 2002](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12482041/)

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

This cleanser is safe for use around the eyes and on the body because its gentle formula cleans without harsh ingredients while soothing components keep skin comfortable. Its mild cleansing agents and hydrating ingredients effectively balance oil and moisture across different skin thicknesses.

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

Yes, it has no fragrance and no drying alcohol. Cetearyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol, which soften the skin.

## Alternatives for combination skin

- [Fresh Soy Face Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/fresh/soy-face-cleanser/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — €56.86 at Amazon
- [IS Clinical Cleansing Complex](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/is-clinical/cleansing-complex/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — €95.00 at Amazon
- [Missha Super Aqua Ultra Hyalron Cleansing Foam](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/missha/super-aqua-ultra-hyalron-cleansing-foam/for/combination-skin) — High fit — €11.92 at Amazon

## Pairs well with

- Hydrating Toner: [La Mer The Tonic](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/la-mer/the-tonic/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — €115.30 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion with Birch Sap](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/cosrx/oil-free-ultra-moisturizing-lotion-with-birch-sap/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — €16.50 at Amazon
- Pre-Cleanser: [Pyunkang Yul Deep Cleansing Oil](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/pyunkang-yul/deep-cleansing-oil/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — €22.67 at Amazon

## Where to buy

- Amazon.ie: €49.00 (https://www.amazon.ie/dp/B07V43RRJ1?tag=lovi-care-web-product02-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
Prices checked 6 Nov 2026.

## Ingredients

Water, Sodium Lauroamphoacetate, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Stearic Acid, Glycerin, Glycol Distearate, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil Sunflower Seed Oil, Acrylates Copolymer, Cetearyl Alcohol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Ceramide Np, Ceramide Ap, Ceramide Eop, Phytosphingosine, Sphingolipids, Lecithin, Arginine, Cholesterol, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Disodium Edta, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Xanthan Gum, Carbomer, Hexylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol
## 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/perfectly-balanced-foaming-cleanser/for/combination-skin
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/paula-s-choice/perfectly-balanced-foaming-cleanser/for/combination-skin
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/paula-s-choice/perfectly-balanced-foaming-cleanser/for/combination-skin (this page)
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/paula-s-choice/perfectly-balanced-foaming-cleanser/for/combination-skin
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/paula-s-choice/perfectly-balanced-foaming-cleanser/for/combination-skin
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/paula-s-choice/perfectly-balanced-foaming-cleanser/for/combination-skin
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/paula-s-choice/perfectly-balanced-foaming-cleanser/for/combination-skin
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/paula-s-choice/perfectly-balanced-foaming-cleanser/for/combination-skin
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/paula-s-choice/perfectly-balanced-foaming-cleanser/for/combination-skin
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/paula-s-choice/perfectly-balanced-foaming-cleanser/for/combination-skin
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/paula-s-choice/perfectly-balanced-foaming-cleanser/for/combination-skin
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/paula-s-choice/perfectly-balanced-foaming-cleanser/for/combination-skin
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/paula-s-choice/perfectly-balanced-foaming-cleanser/for/combination-skin