Skin science article
Paula's Choice Omega+ Complex Cleansing Balm Versus Simple Skincare Hydrating Cleansing Oil
Paula's Choice Omega+ Complex Cleansing Balm Versus Simple Skincare Hydrating Cleansing Oil This oil-based cleanser is made to cleanse without leaving your skin tight or dry. This oil-based makeup remover is made to dissolve makeup, sunscreen, and daily buildu
Paula's Choice Omega+ Complex Cleansing Balm Versus Simple Skincare Hydrating Cleansing Oil
This oil-based cleanser is made to cleanse without leaving your skin tight or dry.
This oil-based makeup remover is made to dissolve makeup, sunscreen, and daily buildup.
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Ethylhexyl Palmitate
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
PEG-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate
Diisooctyl Succinate
Olive Oil PEG-7 Esters
Trihydroxystearin
Glyceryl Stearate
Limnanthes Alba Seed Oil
Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
Hydrogenated Rapeseed Oil
Tocopheryl Acetate
Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, PEG-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate, Diisooctyl Succinate, Olive Oil PEG-7 Esters, Trihydroxystearin, Glyceryl Stearate, Limnanthes Alba Seed Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Hydrogenated Rapeseed Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate
Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil
Isopropyl Palmitate
Sorbeth-30 Tetraoleate
Phenoxyethanol
BHT
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil
Isopropyl Myristate
Retinyl Palmitate
Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil, Isopropyl Palmitate, Sorbeth-30 Tetraoleate, Phenoxyethanol, BHT, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Isopropyl Myristate, Retinyl Palmitate, Tocopheryl Acetate
Reviews
Alternatives
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Tocopheryl Acetate is a stable, shelf-friendly form of vitamin E.
Formulators love it because plain vitamin E oxidizes quickly once it hits air. This acetate version stays stable and resists going off, helping to extend a product's shelf life.
It's actually inactive on its own and works like a slow-release "storage" form; the enzymes in your skin called esterases gradually convert it into active vitamin E over time.
One in vivo study showed 5% of the acetate in the living layer of the epidermis converted to vitamin E after 5 days of application. This study also found the skin gained protection against UV damage even though the conversion was slow and small.
Once converted, vitamin E acts as a skin's main fat-soluble antioxidant that fights free radicals to protect skin from damage.
Topical vitamin E generally boosts the skin's photoprotection, and it reduced UV-damage in animal models.
This ingredient has some brightening potential but it's more of a prevention ingredient than spot-fader. Cell studies show it can slow down melanin production but it's worth noting that it's not the most powerful brightener out there.
Overall, it has a pretty solid safety profile and has been found to be non-irritating and non-comedogenic. Allergic reactions may happen but stay rare due to how widely the ingredient gets used.
The concentration will vary depending on the formula; industry data shows 0.1% in baby lotions, 3% in lipsticks, and 5% in foot powders. You can also find this ingredient at 100% in a pure vitamin E oil.
Most leave-on skincare keeps it at the lower end, often between 0.5-1%.