Paula's Choice Clinical Ultra-Rich Moisturizer (Discontinued)
Paula’s Choice Clinical Ultra-Rich Moisturizer was specifically formulated as a heavy-duty solution for severely dry, flaky, and compromised skin. As a rich, emollient cream, it features a concentrated blend of nourishing ingredients like Shea Butter, Olive Fruit Oil, and Avocado Oil to provide deep hydration and reinforce the skin’s protective barrier. Its thick, buttery texture offered immediate relief for those with chronic dryness, leaving the skin feeling supple and smooth. The addition of Vitamin E and Rice Bran Oil provided antioxidant benefits, while Jojoba Butter enhanced the product's luxurious skin-feel. Although this specific formula has been discontinued, it remains a point of interest for those seeking intense moisture repair and barrier support. However, the heavy concentration of plant-derived oils and fatty acids gives it a unique profile that is not universally suitable. This analysis helps former users understand the ingredient interactions and find suitable replacements that match their specific skin needs and tolerance levels for pore-clogging components.
Our Analysis
Our expert analysis of Paula’s Choice Clinical Ultra-Rich Moisturizer identifies a High comedogenic risk level. The formula is dense with multiple pore-clogging ingredients, most notably Coconut Oil, which has a 4/5 rating due to Lauric Acid’s tendency to solidify within the pores. Other significant triggers include Glyceryl Stearate SE and Soybean Oil, both rated 3/5. Even the lower-rated ingredients like Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Stearic Acid, and various plant oils (Avocado, Jojoba, Rice Bran) accumulate to create a heavy profile. This combination is particularly problematic for those with acne-prone skin, as the emollient-heavy structure can easily lead to persistent congestion.
Skin Type Recommendations
This moisturizer is ideal for very dry, severely dehydrated, or mature skin types that do not struggle with breakouts. However, it is poorly suited for oily, combination, or acne-prone individuals. The high concentration of comedogenic oils and butters makes it highly likely to cause whiteheads and clogged pores in congestion-prone skin.
Flagged Ingredients
High Lauric Acid content solidifies inside the pore.
Self-emulsifying version contains stearates that can clog pores.
Moderate comedogenicity; depends on the refinement level of the oil.
Fractionated coconut oil; removed most clogging long-chain acids but can still affect some.
Found in many butters; thickening agent with low-moderate risk.
A fatty alcohol (emollient) that is generally safe, but can be problematic for very sensitive individuals.
Pure Vitamin E is thick and sticky; safe in small amounts as an antioxidant, but potentially clogging in pure oil form.
Creamy blend of Jojoba oil and hydrogenated vegetable oil.
Rich and heavy oil; excellent for dry skin but can be too heavy for very oily skin types.
Balanced Oleic/Linoleic mix; moderate weight.
Want Deeper Analysis?
Run our MACR (Multi-Axis Comedogenic Risk) analysis to get a comprehensive 5-axis risk assessment. This AI-powered analysis evaluates ingredients for Plugging Risk, Barrier Damage, Fungal Acne Risk, Oxidation Risk, and real-world User Reports — giving you personalized scores for your skin type.
