Paula's Choice • RESIST Cellular Defense Daily Moisturizer SPF 25 • Moisturizers

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azcohn on 5/22/2013 2:29:00 AM more reviews by azcohn

Age: 56 & Over   Skin: Oily, Medium   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Brown    

I got two sample envelopes of this moisturiser when I bought another full-size PC product. One envelope I used and one I'll throw out. It's like a white ointment that smells bad and that didn't absorb into my skin, leaving my face feeling sticky and unpleasant. It may be a great sunscreen but I'll stick to my Neutrogena Ageless Instensives with SPF 20 - it's way more to my liking.

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lucyem on 2/8/2013 4:32:00 PM more reviews by lucyem

Age: 36-43   Skin: Other   Hair: Other   Eyes: Other    

Caused me to break out. I am a big fan of pc but this product was not a winner with my skin. I stopped using it, eventually convinced myself maybe it is not the problem. Tried a second time and broke out again. I have sensitive skin on the dry side. Felt a lot like a sunscreen and not very moisturizing.

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purpldy on 12/7/2012 2:08:00 PM more reviews by purpldy

Age: 44-55   Skin: Sensitive, Fair-Medium, Cool   Hair: Red, Curly, Fine   Eyes: Blue    

I loved this face cream because it uses only Titanium Dioxide for the sunscreen element. For me that means no stinging, no extra dryness or rashes (that zinc sunscreens always give me), and not much sunscreen smell. On the other hand, I hated this face cream as it provided no moisture at all to my very dry skin and it sucks up what little moisture I have during the day. I'm debating if I want to spend over $25 for only 2oz of a really nice SPF, or go looking for alternatives. So far, I have not had much luck finding only Titanium Dioxide sunscreens, so I will continue to purchased this one until I do find a good alternative.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

*TOP REVIEWER* mapn on 10/1/2012 7:00:00 AM more reviews by mapn

Age: 30-35   Skin: Sensitive, Fair, Cool   Hair: Red, Straight, Coarse   Eyes: Green    

I tried this moisturiser on my whole face and was left with mixed feelings – mostly about its consistency. On one hand, it doesn’t seem moisturising enough for dry skin. On the other hand, it’s not mattifying enough for oily skin. My skin type is combination and sensitive, and the moisturiser leaves a slightly waxy feeling, and clogs pores. Plus, my skin gets oily pretty quickly.


The best part about it though is its pure titanium oxide sunscreen, which is why it’s suitable around the eyes. Sure, because of the high titanium dioxide content, it leaves a slight white cast. But when used around the eyes, the brightening effect is only a plus!


All things said, I ended up ordering a full-size tube after having used a few samples. I use it as a daytime eye cream, and it works just beautifully for that.

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Rosiecg on 9/19/2012 9:27:00 AM more reviews by Rosiecg

Age: 25-29   Skin: Other, Medium   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Hazel    

I like the amount of antioxidants in this product and the ingredients it has for sunscreen BUT I find this product way too heavy for my skin type.

This really should only be used by people with ageing skin. I am 26 and its just too oily. I have combination skin and it just gives me an oily white glow when I wear it under foundation.

I must have the new packaging because I found it great. It was well packaged to keep the antioxidants away from air/sunlight.

I now only use it as a weekend moisturiser if I am going out running, or dab it under my eyes before bed.

I'd only recommend this if you have dry, or very ageing skin.

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CyndiK on 8/16/2012 2:30:00 AM more reviews by CyndiK

Age: 44-55   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium, Warm   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Hazel    

UPDATE: Have used this for two months, and my decolletage looks much healthier; it's less red and freckles and sun spots are fading. This is the only product I'm using on this sensitive area besides a gentle toner after I cleanse. Because this product has zinc oxide, I use a silicone based makeup remover (Neutrogena Oil Free) before cleansing to ensure that I remove it all at night. .

ORIGINAL REVIEW: I'm using this daily on my sun damaged décolletage with mild subtype II rosacea- but all has been quiet and soothed (and protected) with this multi-tasking cream. After 10 minutes, the mineral-based shine nicely drops off- and the resulting glow finish instantly improves the look of my skin- a nice bonus along with the the thoughtful skincare it provides.
I gave this a try for a few days on my face (combination)- but it was too heavy for my oily areas; Paula’s Choice accurately labeled it as being ideal for normal to dry skin- not my combination skin on my face.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

*TOP REVIEWER* sakecat22 on 8/10/2012 2:23:00 PM more reviews by sakecat22

Age: 36-43   Skin: Sensitive, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

I am a fan of Paula's Choice products. I thought this one was OK - it didn't break me out and the sunscreen kept out the sun all day. However, my skin looked and felt a bit greasy when I wore it. I am also not a big fan of the packaging - a tube that you twist and squeeze out the hole. When you retwist the top to close - more product comes out. I had to calibrate to account for the excess. Overall - a resounding meh.

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momominky on 4/24/2012 6:55:00 PM more reviews by momominky

Age: 44-55   Skin: Normal   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Blue    

Bit sticky. Would't wear it under makeup which kind of defeats the point.

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*TOP REVIEWER* mariannepilgaard on 4/24/2012 1:00:00 PM more reviews by mariannepilgaard

Age: 36-43   Skin: Dry, Fair-Medium, Warm   Hair: Brunette, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Blue    

I bought this as part of a complete set of the RESIST line (cleanser, toner, serum, daily exfoliator, weekly exfoliator, moisturizer w sunscreen and moisturizer w/o sunscreen). I have used the products from this set approximately half a year. I will not repurchase this moisturizer as I find that the titanium dioxide interferes with my foundation (also when I have used the moisturizer sparingly). Also, I find the formulation a bit on the heavy side.

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*TOP REVIEWER* Walko on 4/10/2012 7:53:00 AM more reviews by Walko

Age: 44-55   Skin: Combination, Medium   Hair: Other   Eyes: Brown    

I don't understand all the negative reiews on this product.My skin type is combination. this moisturises well without being greasy and can be used around the eyes.As for leaving a white cast I can't see this at all.Maybe some people aren't rubbing it in properly. i use this under make up and a lot on it's own.If you're applying make up on top the whiteness shoudn't be a problem anyway. This provides broad spectrum protection. It's nonsense that titatium dioxide does not provide suffficient uva protection, and i emphasise sufficient, as no sunscreen whether it's avabezone, zinc oxide etc, can block out all uv rays. I can't see past this as my dailly moisturiser aat the moment. Other bonuses is it's fragrance free,and dosen't contain unneccessary irritants which are all to common in a lot of skin care products.I hate perfumed skin creams, the only time I will use a perfumed product is if it's a rinse off cleanser and even at that it's got to be minimal.Yes it's nice to have a nice smelling product, but unfortunately the nicer the smell, the more drying and irritating it probably is for skin.that's why I like a lot of paula's stuff as no perfume and weird coloured creams and irritating alcohols. Not all alcohols in skin care are bad(you would need to do your research). As for those concerned about the packaging , I do beleive this is to change, but personally , I don't have a problem with it.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

rachaelvictorious on 4/5/2012 12:54:00 AM more reviews by rachaelvictorious

Age: 25-29   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair, Cool   Hair: Black, Wavy, Fine   Eyes: Hazel    

I used a whole bottle of this, and didn't see any results. It seems the bigger Paula's Choice gets, the worse her products get. I find MUAC products to be superior.

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*TOP REVIEWER* Emma13 on 3/25/2012 7:04:00 AM more reviews by Emma13

Age: 36-43   Skin: Combination   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Green    

I have combination skin, prone to surface dryness, slightly sensitive. I used a sample and found this product very thick and greasy. It does not, however, leave a white cast on my skin. But my combo skin despite not feeling very well hydrated, is left shiny and greasy. I might use this in winter time, but given the SPF factor I was hoping that it would work for summer. Alas, no. I need a lighter product. I ended buying Olay's Complete SPF30 which is so much more lightweight, not to mention a heck of a lot cheaper! I love PC products but this one, and the Barrier Repair from the same series, have been disappointing. Their prices are also creeping up in a way I find annoying.

4 out of 4 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

grenod on 3/15/2012 7:00:00 PM more reviews by grenod

Age: 36-43   Skin: Sensitive, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Brown    

This product is not for me. First, it is very heavy, does not absorb well and leaves a whitish cast on my face. I also got cystic pimples since I've been using it. It's too bad, because there are good ingredients in this product.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

soniaemily on 2/6/2012 1:42:00 AM more reviews by soniaemily

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Medium, Warm   Hair: Black, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Brown    

I love all the many benefits this product claims to provide on top of being a moisturiser with an SPF of 25. But that's where the pros end. The mouse-y texture is fine as a medium but it just doesn't work with my skin. It's a bit difficult to spread and it is almost unsettling on my skin and sits on top with a tacky feeling. The packaging is horrible - very unsanitary.


And how much do I need to apply? It says liberally on 'directions'. This 'dosage' (i think is very important) needs to be clearly stated and conveniently measured by us users especially for sun protection products.

2 out of 3 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

fab50s on 1/14/2012 5:17:00 PM more reviews by fab50s

Age: 44-55   Skin: Dry, Fair   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

I had two samples of this product which contained a very small amount of product, 1 - 3 days max each. (Unlike Kiehl's samples which contain about 1-2 weeks of product.) However, it turns out that was enough product for me to decide I did not want to purchase. While I'm sure the SPF provides good sun protection, it left a white cast, had a sticky texture and did not absorb. My liquid foundation did not go on smoothly or easily. A definite disappointment.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

ratmist on 12/13/2011 7:20:00 AM more reviews by ratmist

Age: 30-35   Skin: Combination, Medium   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

I'm currently trialling this with the samples I ordered from Paula's Choice UK. I am happy with it so far.



Pros: Not too expensive. Sinks into my skin nicely and leaves it very soft. Provides decent amount of SPF. I haven't felt any greasiness after application. I have not had any spots or pimples appear as a result of using it.



Cons: None so far. One lippy off because the shipping was very slow.



I'll update again when the samples run out. I intend to trial this for at least 14 days before committing to a full size tube. I do not wear foundation of any type, so I can't comment on how it interacts with that. I'm trialling this during the winter in the UK, when radiators are blasting and my skin is very dry. In the summer, when SPF is even more important, this product may behave differently. If I'm using it in six months' time, I'll update on my experience.



A note about the tube packaging: This packaging is fantastic for ensuring the product does not degrade due to exposure to light and air. Instead of removing the foil covering on the tube's opening, pierce it with a pin or needle, and then replace the cap. This prevents excess product from squeezing out the way others have experienced.

3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

*TOP REVIEWER* lygophilia on 12/9/2011 9:22:00 AM more reviews by lygophilia

Age: 30-35   Skin: Combination, Fair, Neutral   Hair: Red   Eyes: Green    

Personally I found this moisturizer was not a good choice for my skin as it felt very heavy, greasy, and interfered with makeup application. Beside not liking the actual product I really detested the packaging as it tricky to use and too much dispenses even with the slightest squeeze.

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*TOP REVIEWER* avironneur on 11/23/2011 2:25:00 PM more reviews by avironneur

Age: 30-35   Skin: Other   Hair: Other   Eyes: Other    

WHAT IS IT? Moisturizer with both physical sunscreen and antioxidants
INGREDIENTS: Titanium Dioxide 8%; Other Ingredients: Water, Tribehenin (skin conditioning agent), PEG-20 Esters (thickener), Cyclopentasiloxane, Trimethylsiloxysilicate (silicone slip agents), Glycerin (skin-repairing ingredient), Caprylyl Methicone (skin conditioning agent), Stearic Acid, Squalane (emollients), Sodium Hyaluronate (skin-repairing ingredient), Tocopherol, Tocopheryl Acetate (vitamin E/antioxidants), Ubiquinone, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Seed Extract, Oryzanol, Leontopodium Alpinum Flower/Leaf Extract, Buddleja Davidii Extract (antioxidants), Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice (water-binding agent), Diisopropyl Dimer Dilinoleate (emollient), Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer (silicone film-forming agent), Cetyl Alcohol, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate (thickeners), Polyacrylamide (film-forming agent), Polyhydroxystearic Acid (thickener), Isopropyl Titanium Triisostearate/Triethoxycaprylylsilane Crosspolymer (polymer-base texture enhancer), Triethoxycaprylylsilane Crosspolymer (binding agent), Laureth-7 (emulsifier), Thymus Vulgaris Extract (antioxidant), C13-14 Isoparaffin, Alumina (thickeners), Sodium Hydroxide (pH adjuster), Xanthan Gum (thickener), Disodium EDTA (chelating agent), Dehydroacetic Acid, Benzyl Alcohol (preservatives).

HOW DOES IT PERFORM? This product is moisturizing, contains a large amount of antioxidants, and also has a physical sunscreen (Titanium Dioxide 8%) for UVA (partial) and UVB protection. I do not use this on my face except in my eye area so I cannot comment on the potential comedogenicity of this sunscreen/moisturizer but this does not cause breakouts on my neck or ears where I do use the product. I find that it protects from casual sun exposure quite well and it a) applies easily and has a nice lotiony texture and b) this is removable with water unlike many physical sunscreens. Paula's Choice products are also cruelty and fragrance free which are both requirements for items I purchase at this point.
WOULD YOU BUY AGAIN? Yes
PRICE: $21.50 USD for 50ml

4 out of 5 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

Plasticlunchbox on 11/20/2011 3:00:00 PM more reviews by Plasticlunchbox

Age: 30-35   Skin: Other   Hair: Other   Eyes: Other    

Poor packaging. Very hard to control the product coming out of the opening. Won't have to worry about that any more though cause I will not be using this again. Way too greasy after a few mins of applicatiuon and smells very unpleasant.

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*TOP REVIEWER* heather on 9/26/2011 8:55:00 PM more reviews by heather

Age: 36-43   Skin: Combination, Fair, Neutral   Hair: Brunette, Straight, Medium   Eyes: Hazel    

I ordered a sample first, as I wasn't sure I'd like this based on the reviews at the PC site. Fortunately, the trial went well and I'm on my second week of using thus daily and love it.

I love that it only has the sunscreen active titanium dioxide. This ensures broad-spectrum protection without irritation. (synthetic sunscreens tend to bother my eyes.)

The finish is moist and using the proper amount, this does leave a white cast. I wear foundation over it, which corrects the cast.

The texture is creamy - almost whipped. It spreads wonderfully and sits well under makeup. I find it to be pretty expensive (which I thought Paula was critical of in other products) but I use it generously despite the price. Love it!

A note regarding Hawko's erroneous review below: as is abundantly clear from every reputable source, titanium dioxide is an excellent broad screen sunscreen. The review is doubly puzzling because it contains an outright lie regarding the information available on http://www.skincancer.org/understanding-uva-and-uvb.html. I can only wonder why the reviewer has a grudge against (and is avidly trying to misinform others about) a product she has not tried nor effectively understands.

Update: This does have a tendency to make me a bit oily during the day. Reducing one lippie for that, but if you have dry skin, perhaps this will work better.

11 out of 14 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No