Resist Intensive Repair Cream
Resist Intensive Repair Cream
Product Description
Product overview
Paula's Choice RESIST Intensive Repair Cream is a rich, fragrance-free night moisturizer that pairs 0.01% retinol with peptides, ceramides, hyaluronic acid and antioxidants to deeply hydrate dry, chapped skin while softening the look of fine lines and wrinkles on the face, neck and around the eyes.
Retinol + Peptides
0.01% retinol works alongside the Matrixyl 3000 peptide duo to visibly soften fine lines and support firmer-looking skin overnight.
Texture & feel
SENSORYRetinol + Peptides
0.01% retinol works alongside the Matrixyl 3000 peptide duo to visibly soften fine lines and support firmer-looking skin overnight.
Barrier-Building Ceramides
Ceramide NG plus jojoba oil and essential fatty acids reinforce the moisture barrier and reduce trans-epidermal water loss.
Antioxidant Defense
Vitamin C (Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate), Vitamin E, green tea and licorice root help neutralize free radicals and brighten dull skin.
Deep Hydration
Hyaluronic acid, glycerin and rich emollients flood dry, chapped skin with lasting moisture for a plumper, smoother feel.
Safety & compatibility
SAFENot recommended. Contains retinol and retinyl palmitate; topical retinoids are generally avoided during pregnancy and nursing. Consult your doctor.
Not safe. Contains esters, fatty acids (linoleic/linolenic), polysorbate 20 and jojoba oil that can feed malassezia yeast.
Retinol can increase sun sensitivity. Use at night and always apply broad-spectrum SPF 30+ the next morning.
Low-dose retinol is gentle, but a patch test is advised. Independent analysis rates irritation potential as medium.
No added fragrance, essential oils or common harsh alcohols, making it suitable for fragrance-sensitive users.
Paula's Choice does not test on animals, and this formula is free of parabens and sulfates.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSRetinol 0.01%Proven
A pure form of Vitamin A and the most-researched non-prescription anti-aging active. It boosts cell turnover, supports collagen and visibly smooths lines and uneven texture over time.
- Source: Retinol has the deepest body of clinical research of any over-the-counter anti-aging ingredient.
- Format: Stabilized in an opaque airless pump to protect potency from light and air.
Peptide Complex (Matrixyl 3000) BlendProven
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 and Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12 are signal peptides that prompt the skin to produce more collagen and elastin for firmer, smoother-looking skin.
- Source: The Pal-GHK and Pal-GQPR duo (Matrixyl 3000) is among the most-studied peptide pairings in modern skincare.
- Benefit: Supports barrier repair while reducing the appearance of fine lines.
Ceramide NG Barrier lipidProven
A skin-identical lipid that acts as the "mortar between bricks," sealing the barrier so it holds water better and feels less tight, dry or irritated.
- Source: Ceramides are intercellular lipids naturally found in the skin barrier.
- Pairing: Works synergistically with fatty acids and cholesterol-like sterols in the formula.
Sodium Hyaluronate HumectantProven
The salt form of hyaluronic acid. It draws water into the upper layers of skin for an immediate plumping, hydrating effect that softens the look of fine lines.
- Source: Naturally occurring in the body; a benchmark hydrating ingredient.
- Benefit: Lighter and more readily absorbed than high-molecular-weight HA.
Niacinamide Vitamin B3Proven
A multitasking form of Vitamin B3 that strengthens the barrier, helps fade dark spots, evens tone and improves the look of texture, all while being well tolerated by most skin types.
- Source: Converts to NAD in the skin, a coenzyme involved in repair and energy.
- Benefit: Calms redness and supports overall barrier resilience.
Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate Vitamin CPromising
A gentle, stable derivative of Vitamin C that brightens, helps fade hyperpigmentation and provides antioxidant protection without the sting of pure ascorbic acid.
- Source: More stable to air and light than L-ascorbic acid.
- Pairing: Vitamin E stabilizes and boosts its antioxidant performance.
Jojoba Seed Oil EmollientPromising
A non-comedogenic plant oil whose profile is close to skin's own sebum. It softens, soothes and helps reinforce the barrier in dry, chapped skin.
- Source: Cold-pressed from the seeds of the desert Jojoba shrub.
- Note: Rich in fatty acids and natural Vitamin E.
55 ingredients
Water, Ethylhexyl Stearate, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Petrolatum, Cetearyl Alcohol, Dimethicone, Dipentaerythrityl Hexacaprylate/Hexacaprate, Glyceryl Stearate, Tridecyl Trimellitate, PEG-100 Stearate, Phenyl Trimethicone, Retinol, Adenosine, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Ceramide Ng, Sodium Hyaluronate, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Niacinamide, Tocopherol, Lecithin, Linoleic Acid, Linolenic Acid, Retinyl Palmitate, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract, Citrullus Lanatus Fruit Extract, Lens Esculenta Fruit Extract, Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract, Glycine Soja Sterols, Tribehenin, PEG-10 Phytosterol, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Sodium PCA, Sodium Lactate, Pullulan, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Hydroxide, Neopentyl Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Cetearyl Glucoside, Tridecyl Stearate, Behenyl Alcohol, Sclerotium Gum, Carbomer, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Polysorbate 20, Disodium EDTA, Sorbic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin, Benzoic Acid.
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEApply as the last step of your nighttime routine to seal in everything beneath it. In the morning, always layer a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ over your moisturizer.
How to use
HOW TO USECleanse & prep
At night, cleanse and apply any toners, exfoliants and serums first, allowing them to absorb.
Apply a small amount
Dispense one to two pumps and smooth evenly over the face, neck and décolleté, avoiding the immediate eye area until skin adjusts.
Start slow with retinol
If new to retinol, use every other night for the first two to three weeks, then build to nightly as tolerated.
Protect by day
Follow every morning with a broad-spectrum sunscreen rated SPF 30 or higher.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You have normal to dry or very dry, chapped skin
- You want gentle, beginner-friendly anti-aging with retinol
- You prefer fragrance-free, rich night creams
- You're targeting fine lines, dehydration and a weakened barrier
- You like multi-active formulas (retinol + peptides + ceramides + antioxidants)
Consider alternatives if:
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding (contains retinoids)
- You have fungal acne / malassezia folliculitis
- You have very oily skin that dislikes rich textures
- You want a high-strength retinol (this is only 0.01%)
- You need a fast, matte daytime moisturizer
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESRich emollients, ceramides and occlusives deeply nourish dry, chapped skin and lock in moisture overnight.
Retinol plus the peptide complex directly targets fine lines, firmness and dullness for visibly smoother skin.
Works well at night, though the rich texture may feel heavy for some in warm, humid weather.
Great for drier zones; oilier areas like the T-zone may prefer a lighter moisturizer.
The thick, emollient-rich cream is generally too heavy for oily skin; a gel or lotion retinol is a better match.
Results timeline
WEEK 12+Immediate hydration
Skin feels softer, more comfortable and less tight thanks to hyaluronic acid, glycerin and rich emollients.
82% noticedSmoother texture
Surface feels smoother and dry, flaky patches improve as the barrier strengthens and cell turnover ramps up.
68% noticedSofter fine lines
Fine lines look softened and skin appears more even and radiant as retinol and peptides build momentum.
54% noticedFirmer, refined look
With consistent nightly use, skin looks firmer and more resilient with a visibly more even tone.
47% noticedRatings by platform
2K+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Excellent, lasting hydration for dry, chapped skin
- Thoughtful multi-active formula (retinol, peptides, ceramides, Vitamin C & E)
- Truly fragrance-free and gentle enough for beginners
- Stable, opaque airless pump protects the retinol
- Strong value from a research-driven, cruelty-free brand
Criticized
- Very low 0.01% retinol concentration
- Too rich for oily or acne-prone skin
- Not fungal-acne safe
- Small 50ml size for face and neck use
- Not suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPESPairs retinol with niacinamide and peptides in a fragrance-free formula. Lighter, faster-absorbing texture and a slightly lower price, but less rich for very dry skin.
Delivers ceramides, peptides, niacinamide and hyaluronic acid at a great price, but contains no retinol, so it hydrates and supports the barrier without the anti-aging active.
A stronger retinol-focused drugstore cream for wrinkles. More potent on lines but a simpler supporting cast, with added fragrance unlike this 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 to preserve retinol potency
Opaque airless pump that limits light and air exposure
Yes, 50ml is well under the 100ml carry-on limit
Frequently asked questions
FAQNo. This cream contains retinol and retinyl palmitate, which are retinoids. Topical retinoids are generally advised against during pregnancy and breastfeeding, so most experts recommend avoiding this product during that time. Always check with your doctor or midwife for personalized advice.
No. The formula includes several esters, fatty acids (linoleic and linolenic acid), polysorbate 20, lecithin and jojoba oil, which can feed the malassezia yeast linked to fungal acne. If you are prone to malassezia folliculitis, this is not an ideal choice.
Yes, with care. It already contains a gentle vitamin C derivative (Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate). You can layer it after an AHA/BHA exfoliant or serum at night, applying this cream as your final step. Introduce one active at a time and reduce frequency if you notice irritation, since combining retinol with strong acids can be sensitizing.
It is formulated for normal to dry and very dry skin, and is especially suited to mature or aging skin concerned with fine lines, dehydration and a weakened barrier. Oily and acne-prone skin will likely find the rich texture too heavy.
Hydration and softer skin are usually noticeable within the first few days. Smoother texture tends to appear around weeks two to four, while retinol-driven benefits like softened fine lines and a firmer look generally develop over eight to twelve weeks of consistent nightly use.
Use it as the last step of your evening routine, after cleansing, toning, exfoliating and any serums, so it seals everything in. Because it contains retinol, apply it at night and follow with a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ each morning.
We rate it around 2 out of 5. Most of its core ingredients, including jojoba oil, glycerin and hyaluronic acid, are low on the comedogenic scale, but it is a rich cream with emollients like ethylhexyl stearate and petrolatum that can feel heavy on oily or breakout-prone skin. Drier skin types are unlikely to have issues.
It has a Period After Opening (PAO) of about 12 months. The opaque airless pump helps protect the retinol from light and air, but for best results use it within a year of opening and store it somewhere cool and dry.
Verdict: Paula's Choice RESIST Intensive Repair Cream is a smart, well-formulated night moisturizer that combines beginner-friendly 0.01% retinol with peptides, ceramides, hyaluronic acid and antioxidants. It excels for normal to very dry and mature skin looking for gentle anti-aging and deep hydration in a fragrance-free, cruelty-free package. The main trade-offs are a low retinol percentage, a texture too rich for oily skin, and that it is neither pregnancy-safe nor fungal-acne safe. For its target audience, it's an easy recommendation and strong value.
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
|
|
|
| 1 |
Ethylhexyl Stearate
Skin Conditioning, Emollient
|
|
|
| 0 |
Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
Emollient, Skin Conditioning
|
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|
|
| 1 |
Butylene Glycol
Solvent, Skin Conditioning, Masking, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Controlling, Viscositydecreasing Agent
|
Hydrating
|
|
| 2 |
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
|
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|





