Clear Oil-Free Moisturizer
Clear Oil-Free Moisturizer
Product Description
Product overview
Paula's Choice CLEAR Oil-Free Moisturizer is a lightweight, oil-free gel-cream designed specifically for acne-prone and oily skin. Formulated with niacinamide, a triple-ceramide blend, and antioxidant-rich pumpkin and blueberry extracts, it delivers weightless hydration while soothing redness and strengthening the skin barrier without clogging pores.
Barrier Repair with Triple Ceramides
Ceramide NP, AP, and EOP work together to restore and strengthen the skin's natural moisture barrier, reducing flakiness often caused by acne treatments.
Texture & feel
SENSORYBarrier Repair with Triple Ceramides
Ceramide NP, AP, and EOP work together to restore and strengthen the skin's natural moisture barrier, reducing flakiness often caused by acne treatments.
Pore-Minimizing Niacinamide
Contains 0.5% niacinamide (vitamin B3) to visibly refine enlarged pores, even out skin tone, and soothe inflammation without irritation.
Antioxidant Complex
Blueberry, acai, wild cherry, and pumpkin extracts deliver powerful antioxidant protection that calms visible redness and shields skin from environmental stress.
Oil-Free Hydration
Glycerin, sodium hyaluronate, and panthenol provide deep hydration using humectants instead of oils, keeping skin moisturized without adding shine or greasiness.
Safety & compatibility
SAFEFree of retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, and chemical sunscreens. All ingredients are considered safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Contains 4 potential fungal acne triggers: ethyl macadamiate, cetearyl alcohol, lecithin, and isohexadecane. Those with active fungal acne should use caution.
Oil-free formula with a very low risk of clogging pores. Formulated specifically for acne-prone skin and tested to not worsen breakouts.
Free of fragrances, dyes, parabens, and common irritants. Suitable for sensitive and rosacea-prone skin. No known common allergens detected.
Designed to be used alongside prescription acne treatments, benzoyl peroxide, and retinoids. Helps soothe dryness and irritation from these treatments.
This moisturizer does not contain sunscreen. Always follow with a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher during daytime use.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSNiacinamide (Vitamin B3) 0.5%Proven
A multifunctional skin-restoring ingredient that visibly minimizes enlarged pores, evens out skin tone, strengthens the skin barrier, and reduces inflammation associated with acne.
- Pore Refinement: Studies show niacinamide significantly reduces the appearance of enlarged pores with consistent use over 8-12 weeks.
- Anti-Inflammatory: Proven to reduce redness and blotchiness by inhibiting inflammatory pathways in the skin.
- Barrier Support: Increases ceramide and fatty acid production in the skin, strengthening the natural moisture barrier.
Triple Ceramide Complex (NP, AP, EOP) 0.2–0.75%Proven
Three essential ceramides that mirror the lipids naturally found in healthy skin. They fill the gaps between skin cells and form a protective barrier to lock in moisture and keep irritants out.
- Barrier Repair: Ceramides comprise about 50% of the skin's lipid barrier; replenishing them restores barrier function compromised by acne treatments.
- Moisture Retention: Work alongside cholesterol and phytosphingosine to reduce transepidermal water loss (TEWL).
- Skin-Identical: Ceramide NP, AP, and EOP are the three most abundant ceramide types in healthy human skin.
Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root ExtractProven
A potent botanical extract known for its anti-inflammatory and skin-brightening properties. Contains glabridin, which has been shown to inhibit pigmentation from UV exposure.
- Anti-Redness: Has demonstrated anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity that helps visibly reduce redness and soothe irritated skin.
- Brightening: Glabridin inhibits tyrosinase activity, helping to fade post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation from acne marks.
Hydrolyzed Pumpkin SeedcakePromising
A nutrient-dense botanical extract rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that helps replenish and soothe the skin while providing environmental protection.
- Antioxidant: Rich in zinc, vitamin E, and beta-carotene which neutralize free radicals and support skin recovery.
- Skin-Replenishing: Delivers amino acids and fatty acids that help nourish skin without adding oils.
Sodium HyaluronateProven
The sodium salt form of hyaluronic acid with a smaller molecular weight, allowing it to penetrate deeper into the skin for superior hydration without heaviness.
- Deep Hydration: Can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water, drawing moisture into the skin for plump, dewy hydration.
- Lightweight Moisturization: Provides hydration without adding oils or occlusive weight, ideal for acne-prone skin types.
Tripeptide-29 (Collagen Peptide) 0.3–0.75%Promising
A bioactive peptide that mimics part of the collagen structure, signaling the skin to boost its own collagen production for firmer, more resilient skin over time.
- Collagen Support: Contains the Gly-Pro-Hyp sequence found in human collagen, which may stimulate fibroblast activity.
- Anti-Aging Benefit: Helps improve skin elasticity and firmness, an added bonus alongside the acne-care benefits.
35 ingredients
Water (Aqua), Ethyl Macadamiate, Glycerin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Propanediol, Triethylhexanoin, Sodium Acrylates Copolymer, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Hydrolyzed Pumpkin Seedcake, Vaccinium Angustifolium (Blueberry) Fruit Extract, Euterpe Oleracea Fruit Extract, Prunus Serotina (Wild Cherry) Fruit Extract, Niacinamide, Tripeptide-29, Ceramide NP, Ceramide AP, Ceramide EOP, Sodium Hyaluronate, Phytosphingosine, Cholesterol, Panthenol, Sodium PCA, Adenosine, Lecithin, Arginine, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Sodium Gluconate, Citric Acid, Isohexadecane, Xanthan Gum, Carbomer, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin.
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEApply as the last step in your skincare routine, both AM and PM. In the morning, always follow with SPF 30 or higher. Pairs perfectly with the full Paula's Choice CLEAR acne routine.
How to use
HOW TO USECleanse Your Face
Start with a gentle cleanser to remove dirt, oil, and makeup. Pat skin dry with a clean towel.
Apply Toner & Treatments
Use your preferred toner, exfoliant (such as BHA), serum, or acne spot treatment and allow them to absorb fully.
Dispense a Small Amount
Squeeze a pea-sized to dime-sized amount of the CLEAR Oil-Free Moisturizer onto your fingertips.
Apply to Face & Neck
Gently smooth the moisturizer over your entire face and neck using upward strokes. It absorbs quickly without a greasy residue.
Follow with Sunscreen (Daytime)
During the day, always layer a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher on top. This moisturizer does not contain sun protection.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You have oily or combination skin that breaks out from heavy moisturizers
- You need a lightweight moisturizer to pair with acne medications or retinol
- You want ceramide-based barrier repair without oils or silicones
- You experience redness, flakiness, or irritation from acne treatments
- You prefer fragrance-free, science-backed skincare
- You want a moisturizer that works well under makeup
Consider alternatives if:
- You have very dry skin that needs rich, heavy-duty moisture
- You have active fungal acne (malassezia folliculitis)
- You want a moisturizer with built-in SPF protection
- You need intense anti-aging benefits like retinol or vitamin C
- You prefer a moisturizer with a noticeable dewy or luminous finish
- You are looking for the most budget-friendly option available
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESOil-free formula absorbs instantly without adding shine. Lightweight texture controls excess moisture and leaves a matte, comfortable finish all day.
Balances hydration across different face zones. Hydrates dry patches without overloading oily T-zone areas.
Specifically formulated for blemish-prone skin. Non-comedogenic, oil-free, and designed to complement acne treatments without causing breakouts.
Fragrance-free with soothing licorice root and antioxidants. No common irritants. Suitable for rosacea-prone skin, though a patch test is always recommended.
Provides adequate lightweight hydration and antioxidant protection. May feel slightly underwhelming if you prefer richer textures.
Provides some hydration with ceramides and hyaluronic acid, but likely insufficient for very dry skin. Best layered with a hydrating serum or a richer night cream on top.
Results timeline
WEEKS 8–12Immediate Comfort & Hydration
Skin feels softer, smoother, and less tight immediately. Flaky patches from acne treatments begin to diminish. The lightweight texture is noticeable from first use.
85% noticed improved comfortReduced Redness & Calmer Skin
Antioxidants and niacinamide start to visibly calm redness and irritation. Skin appears more even-toned and less reactive to acne treatments.
70% noticed reduced rednessStronger Barrier & Refined Pores
Ceramides strengthen the skin barrier over time. Pores appear visibly smaller with continued niacinamide use. Skin texture becomes smoother and more resilient.
65% noticed pore refinementOverall Skin Improvement
Full barrier restoration effects are visible. Skin is better equipped to tolerate acne treatments with less dryness and irritation. Overall complexion looks clearer and more balanced.
75% reported improved skin healthRatings by platform
4K+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Truly lightweight and oil-free — absorbs instantly with no greasy residue
- Excellent for pairing with acne treatments (BHA, benzoyl peroxide, retinol)
- Triple ceramide complex repairs barrier damage from harsh actives
- Fragrance-free and free from common irritants
- Works beautifully as a makeup base without pilling
- Soothes redness and calms inflamed, irritated skin
- Tube packaging is hygienic and travel-friendly
Criticized
- Small bottle (60ml) for $29 — cost per ml is higher than competitors
- Not hydrating enough for very dry skin or harsh winter conditions
- Not fungal acne safe — contains potential malassezia triggers
- Low niacinamide concentration (0.5%) compared to dedicated niacinamide products
- No SPF protection — requires additional sunscreen step
- Does not contain active acne-fighting ingredients (no BHA or benzoyl peroxide)
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPESShares 15 key ingredients including ceramides, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid. Contains 4% niacinamide (much higher than Paula's Choice 0.5%). Slightly heavier texture with dimethicone. Contains fragrance-free MVE delivery technology. 89ml vs 60ml for nearly half the price.
Mattifying oil-free moisturizer designed for oily, acne-prone skin. Contains sebulyse technology to reduce sebum. No ceramides but good at oil control. Slightly more mattifying finish. French pharmacy brand with dermatologist backing.
Basic oil-free moisturizer at a fraction of the price. Simpler formula without ceramides, peptides, or the antioxidant complex. Provides adequate hydration for oily/combo skin but lacks the barrier-repair and soothing benefits of the Paula's Choice formula.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDEStorage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep the cap tightly closed after use. No refrigeration needed.
Squeezable tube with screw cap, made from recyclable PP plastic. Hygienic design prevents contamination from fingers.
Yes — 60ml / 2 fl oz is under the 100ml TSA carry-on limit for flights.
Frequently asked questions
FAQYes. This moisturizer is free from retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, and chemical sunscreens — all ingredients typically flagged during pregnancy and breastfeeding. The formula contains only gentle, non-toxic hydrating and soothing ingredients. However, always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your skincare routine during pregnancy.
No. This product contains 4 potential fungal acne triggers: ethyl macadamiate (a fatty acid ester), cetearyl alcohol (a fatty alcohol), lecithin (may be soy-derived), and isohexadecane. If you have diagnosed or suspected fungal acne, consider a certified malassezia-safe moisturizer instead. Note that sensitivity to these triggers varies between individuals.
Yes. This moisturizer was specifically designed to be used alongside active treatments. It pairs well with retinol, vitamin C serums, AHAs (glycolic acid, lactic acid), and BHA (salicylic acid). The ceramides and soothing antioxidants help counteract dryness and irritation that these actives can cause. Apply the moisturizer as the last step after your actives have absorbed.
This moisturizer is best suited for oily, combination, and acne-prone skin types. It is also a good choice for normal and sensitive skin. It was formulated specifically for the CLEAR acne routine and excels at providing lightweight hydration without clogging pores or adding shine. Those with very dry skin may find it insufficient as a standalone moisturizer.
Immediate comfort and hydration are felt from the first application. Visible improvements in redness and skin tone typically appear within 2–4 weeks of consistent use. Barrier strengthening and pore refinement benefits take 4–8 weeks to become noticeable. For full results, use consistently for at least 8–12 weeks.
Apply this moisturizer as the last step in your skincare routine, after cleanser, toner, exfoliant, serums, and spot treatments. Use once or twice daily (morning and evening). In the daytime, always follow with a broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher, as this product does not contain sun protection.
No. This moisturizer has a comedogenic rating of 1 out of 5, meaning it has a very low risk of clogging pores. It is oil-free, non-comedogenic, and specifically formulated for acne-prone skin. It does not contain heavy oils, waxes, or silicones that are commonly associated with pore congestion and breakouts.
The product has a Period After Opening (PAO) of 12 months. This means once you open the tube, it remains effective and safe to use for up to 12 months. The 60ml tube typically lasts 2–3 months with twice-daily use, so you will use it well before it expires. Store in a cool, dry place with the cap tightly closed.
Verdict: Paula's Choice CLEAR Oil-Free Moisturizer is one of the best lightweight moisturizers available for acne-prone and oily skin. Its triple-ceramide blend, niacinamide, and antioxidant complex deliver meaningful barrier repair and redness reduction without the oils, fragrances, or heavy textures that trigger breakouts. It excels as a companion product to active acne treatments. The main drawbacks are its relatively high price per ml compared to drugstore alternatives like CeraVe PM, and the fact that it is not fungal acne safe. If you have oily or combination skin and are looking for a clean, science-backed moisturizer to complete your acne-fighting routine, this is a top-tier choice.
Product Overview
Quick product notes are a great way to check if a product is free from commonly avoided ingredients by skincare enthusiasts. These preferences come about for different reasons depending on the ingredient such as personal experiences, sensitivities, health preferences & etc.
Just because a product is not free from a common preference does not mean it's a bad product! You can make a personal decision whether or not you want to use a product that contains these ingredients or not - click the labels of the preference to read more about them.
Quick Product Notes
Ever used a product that promised a certain effect but provided no results? It might not have contained any notable ingredients that could have been responsible for that promised effect. It doesn't matter what the marketing or packaging «promises» it can do, if it doesn't contain anything that can help - then the likelihood of it helping is low.
We help you identify key notable ingredients that have been shown to help with effects such as acne-fighting, brightening, UV-protection, wound healing & anti-aging to help you achieve your skincare goals smarter. Please note that different notable ingredients have varying levels of research behind them, some are extremely well proven yet some have mixed research in their efficacy.
Just because a product doesn't contain any notable ingredients doesn't mean it's bad. And a product with notable ingredients (or even many) doesn't necessarily guarantee the efficacy of the product performing these effects either. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine this.
Be smart and use this as just a starting point for you to make more informed and smarter choices and compare it with reviews to see if the product is right for you
Notable Effects & Ingredients
Why are some products great for some people and horrible for others? Well everyone has different skin types and different reactions to the same ingredients.
We've identified a range of ingredients that are commonly regarded as potentially good or bad for those with Dry, Oily/Acne-Prone or Sensitive skin.
A product that contains good or bad ingredients for your skin type doesn't always flat out make the entire product good or bad for your skin. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine your skins reaction.
One of the best ways to use this section is to troubleshoot products you've had bad experiences with in the past. Check if it contains any of the marked ingredients to point out suspect ingredients to avoid in the future!
Ingredients Related to Skin Types
Ingredient Safety Breakdown refers to the percentage % of ingredients in different risk categories as classified by EWG (Environment Working Group) if they are available. There are almost endless cosmetic ingredients and they are one of the few organisations globally that have assigned ratings to a lot of the more commonly used ingredients which is why we reference them.
EWG is seen by many to be more on the alarmist side in their assignment of health ratings resulting in rating ingredients as riskier than they actually are. We recommend using this a reference point rather than a strict guide of ingredient safety and to always do further research if into ingredients that you may find suspect.
Ingredient Safety Breakdown
Product ingredient list
| EWG | CIR | Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 0 |
Ethyl Macadamiate
Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 2 |
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
|
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|
|
| 1 |
Cetearyl Alcohol
Emulsion Stabilising, Opacifying, Foam Boosting, Viscosity Increasingagent - Aqueous, Viscosity Increasing Agent, Emollient, Emulsifying, Viscosity Controlling
|
|
|
| 1 |
Propanediol
Solvent, Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Decreasing Agent
|
|






