The unsung hero of my winter skincare reset : gentle, functional, and reliably hydrating.

This past winter, I spent a month in New Mexico, and if I thought Denver’s dry climate was rough on my skin, the desert took it to an entirely new level. My complexion became visibly parched, sensitized, and temperamental, a frustrating combination that left me reaching for a completely new skincare routine. After a whirlwind of research and ingredient deep-dives, I landed on Paula’s Choice as the brand to build my new lineup around.

The Resist Optimal Results Hydrating Cleanser was one of the first products I added to my routine, and after using it nightly for the past 2.5 months, I can confidently say it’s become a quiet essential. At $19 for 6.4 oz, it's priced reasonably, especially given its skin-soothing performance and Paula’s Choice’s typically science-forward formulations.

This cleanser fits into my evening routine as my second cleanse after removing sunscreen or makeup with either the Garnier Micellar Water (initially) or, more recently, Kose Softymo Speedy Cleansing Oil. On its own, it’s not cut out for makeup removal, nor does it claim to be. Its strength lies in how thoroughly but gently it cleanses without disrupting my already fragile skin barrier. It’s a non-foaming, creamy formula that glides on smoothly, rinses clean without residue, and never leaves my skin feeling stripped or tight, a critical feature for anyone dealing with dehydration, irritation, or sensitivity.

Texture-wise, it’s silky and milky, no bells, whistles, or fragrances to irritate the skin or the senses. It doesn’t aim to be indulgent or sensorial; it just works. And in a sea of flashy cleansers packed with actives or loaded with fragrance, that restraint feels almost radical.

What impressed me most was how calming and non-reactive it was during the early weeks of rebuilding my routine, when my skin was red, dry, and visibly stressed. While it hasn’t dramatically changed my skin on its own, it has supported it, and sometimes, that kind of invisible assistance is the most valuable.

If I had to nitpick, it’s simply that this kind of cleanser isn’t hard to replicate and I suspect there may be comparable options out there at a slightly lower price point. That said, if you’re looking for a dependable, hydrating cleanser that will play nicely with actives like retinoids or exfoliants, this one is a safe bet.

Would I repurchase? Yes, but I’m also open to exploring alternatives with similar qualities. Still, this has earned its place in my skincare story.

Next up : my thoughts on another Paula’s Choice product, one that’s a bit more polarizing. Stay tuned.