AOA Skin Papaya + Vitamin E Serum Review

AOA Skin Papaya + Vitamin E Serum
2.2
/ 10
Moisturizing
3.4 Humectancy icon Humectancy
0.9 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
2.9Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle
Rich
in Antioxidants
Review

Does AOA Skin Papaya + Vitamin E Serum Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what AOA Skin Papaya + Vitamin E Serum has to offer:
 
  • Light moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 2.2 out of 10.
  • Modest anti-wrinkle efficacy: AOA Skin Papaya + Vitamin E Serum has an anti-wrinkle rating of 2.9 out of 10 so you may expect some, although limited, effect on wrinkles.
  • Antioxidant protection.

Key Benefits of AOA Skin Papaya + Vitamin E Serum

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using AOA Skin Papaya + Vitamin E Serum:
 

Slight Moisturizing When Used Alone

According to CreamScan analysis, AOA Skin Papaya + Vitamin E Serum is lightly moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 2.2 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Rather humectant. It has a low occlusivity of 0.9 out of 10 and a moderate humectancy of 3.4 out of 10, primarily due to Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice (est. ≈1.0%), Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate (est. ≈0.3%) and Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract (est. ≈0.3%).

This type of product provides relatively light moisturizing on its own but can contribute to overall moisturizing efficacy when used as part of a skincare routine, alongside another moisturizer.

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the moisturizing rating calculation.

Modest Anti-Wrinkle Efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, AOA Skin Papaya + Vitamin E Serum has a modest level of anti-wrinkle efficacy, rated 2.9 out of 10.

It contains 2 active ingredients with proven anti-wrinkle efficacy:

  • Retinol (est. ≈0.1%),
     the most effective non-prescription anti-wrinkle ingredient. Numerous clinical studies have shown its positive effects at concentrations as low as 0.1%. A study with 36 participants (Kafi et al.) confirmed that a lotion containing 0.4% retinol reduced wrinkle severity by 21% after 24 weeks of use, compared to the same formulation without retinol (vehicle).
  • Niacinamide (est. ≈0.3%),
     one of the most effective and well-researched anti-wrinkle ingredients. A clinical study involving 30 participants (Kawada et al.) confirmed that a cream with 4% niacinamide reduced the average depth of wrinkles around the eyes by 9% after 8 weeks of use, compared to a vehicle (the same formulation without niacinamide).
Among others, AOA Skin Papaya + Vitamin E Serum also contains contains Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate and 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, two ingredients often marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of these ingredients provide insufficient evidence of efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards. Therefore, these ingredients do not contribute to the anti-wrinkle rating.
 
Moisturizers, when used regularly, are proven to prevent wrinkle formation and even reduce existing wrinkles. Therefore, this product, like any other moisturizer, can deliver some anti-wrinkle effects through its moisturizing action.
 

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the anti-wrinkle rating calculation.

Rich in Skin-Protecting Antioxidants

We estimate that AOA Skin Papaya + Vitamin E Serum is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil (est. ≈1.5%), Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice (est. ≈1.0%), Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Extract (est. ≈0.3%), and others.

A key benefit of antioxidants is their ability to reduce oxidative stress caused by free radicals and therefore prevent accelerated skin aging. Studies also show that antioxidants can protect against environmental damage such as UV radiation and pollution, and help reduce inflammation and skin redness.

Please note that this is not a complete list of benefits. We are in the process of enhancing our AI model to incorporate anti-pigmentation, exfoliation and anti-acne ratings.

Things to Be Aware Of: AOA Skin Papaya + Vitamin E Serum

 
CreamScan AI identified a few things to consider before adding AOA Skin Papaya + Vitamin E Serum to your skincare routine:
 

May Increase Skin Photosensitivity Due to Retinol

This product contains retinol, which offers powerful anti-wrinkle benefits. The mechanism behind retinol’s action is boosting cell turnover. This process exposes new, more delicate skin, making it more vulnerable to sun damage.

As a result, using products with retinol may increase the skin's sensitivity, making it more prone to sunburn or irritation when exposed to UV rays.

To protect the skin, dermatologists recommend applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 throughout the duration of retinol treatment, along with avoiding direct sun exposure. Retinol should be used at night, as it is sensitive to sunlight and can lose its potency when exposed to UV rays.

Please always check the manufacturer's instructions for using the retinol-containing products, either on their website or product label.

As a Standalone Moisturizer, It Has Relatively Low Moisturizing Potential

If you use AOA Skin Papaya + Vitamin E Serum for moisturizing purposes, please keep in mind that it provides relatively light moisturizing on its own, and, more importantly, it’s not optimal for any skin type.

On one hand, it has low occlusivity, which suits oily and combination skin. On the other hand, it has a low estimated concentration of humectants, which are essential for effective moisturizing of all skin types, including oily skin.

Therefore, if used as a standalone moisturizer, this product should be paired with a humectant-rich moisturizer for optimal skin hydration.

Pros & Cons of AOA Skin Papaya + Vitamin E Serum

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of AOA Skin Papaya + Vitamin E Serum to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

Pros:

  • Provides relatively light moisturizing on its own but can contribute to the moisturizing efficacy of any skincare routine
  • Offers modest anti-wrinkle efficacy
  • Rich in antioxidants that combat oxidative stress associated with accelerated skin aging and defend against environmental damage

Cons: 

  • May increase skin photosensitivity due to retinol
  • Minimal moisturizing efficacy, even for oily skin - something to keep in mind if this is the only moisturizer in your routine.

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
75
5
4
3
2
1.5
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Gluconate
Function:
Origin:
2-Bromo-2-Nitropropane-1,3-Diol
Function:
Origin:
PEG-3 Dioleate
Function:
Origin:
Carbomer
Function:
Origin:
Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil
Function:
Origin:
Hydroxyethylcellulose
Function:
Origin:
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Function:
Origin:
Azadirachta Indica Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Extract
Function:
Origin:
Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Oryza Sativa (Rice) Extract
Function:
Origin:
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Function:
Origin:
Mantis Extract
Function:
Origin:
Carica Papaya (Papaya) Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Actinidia Deliciosa (Kiwi) Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Seed Extract
Function:
Origin:
Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel
Function:
Origin:
Punica Granatum Extract
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
Function:
Origin:
3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Tocopherol
Function:
Origin:
Retinol
Function:
Origin:
Niacinamide
Function:
Origin:
Hyaluronic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Saccharide Isomerate
Function:
Origin:
Pentylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Butylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Panthenol
Function:
Origin:
Fragrance
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
3.4
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
1.8
1.5
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
2.2
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 3.4 10
3.4
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 1.8 20
0.9
1.5
0.3
Moisturizing rating
2.2
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 3.4 10
3.4
All humectants
3.4
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
1.5
0.3
All occlusives 1.8 20
0.9
All occlusives
1.8
1.5
0.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
10 /10 0.4 0.1 2.5
6 /10 4 0.3 0.4
n/a
- 0.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
2.9
Retinol
2.5
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
10 /10
when present at, %
0.4
in this formula, est. %
0.1
Niacinamide
0.4
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
6 /10
when present at, %
4
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
2.9
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
1.5
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 5.2 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
5.2
Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil
1.5
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
1
Niacinamide
0.3
Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Extract
0.3
Carica Papaya (Papaya) Fruit Extract
0.3
Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract
0.3
Punica Granatum Extract
0.3
Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
0.3
3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
0.3
Tocopherol
0.3
Hyaluronic Acid
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All soothing 2.5 5 No
All soothing
2.5
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %75
Function
Origin
WaterThe most used ingredient in skincare. Its concentration defines the product texture: rich creams may have about 50% of water while a light jelly about 90%. Water doesn’t moisturize the skin by itself and is used in skincare as a solvent for other ingredients.
Sodium Gluconate
Est. %5
Function
Origin
Sodium GluconateA chelating ingredient that ensures that the harmful metal ions in a formula are unreactive. It also protects other ingredients from degrading.
2-Bromo-2-Nitropropane-1,3-Diol
Est. %4
Function
Origin
2-Bromo-2-Nitropropane-1,3-Diol
PEG-3 Dioleate
Est. %3
Function
Origin
PEG-3 Dioleate
Carbomer
Est. %2
Function
Origin
CarbomerA synthetic ingredient with the ability to gel water. When used in emulsions, such as lotions and creams, carbomer can also act as an emulsion stabilizer.
Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Argania Spinosa Kernel OilA fatty oil from Moroccan argan tree kernels commonly used as an occlusive moisturizer and emollient. Its uniqueness comes from its compounds: vitamin E, phospholipids, phenolic compounds, and rare phytosterols with antioxidant and emollient effects.
Hydroxyethylcellulose
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
HydroxyethylcelluloseA naturally-derived thickener that can form clear gel textures without the slimy feeling, unlike some other natural gel-formers.
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf JuiceA gelatinous juice from Aloe vera leaves that acts as a powerful humectant, emollient, and antioxidant. It contains enzymes, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals that soothe irritated skin and have wound-healing and anti-inflammatory properties.
Azadirachta Indica Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Azadirachta Indica Leaf Extract
Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) ExtractAn extract obtained from the twigs and/or leaves of witch hazel. It is one of the oldest skincare remedies known to man. It is astringent and sebum regulating, meaning that it controls the amount of sebum that the skin produces.
Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf ExtractA fragrant tea tree leaf extract with antimicrobial, antiseptic, and antioxidant flavonoids and terpenoids.
Oryza Sativa (Rice) Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Oryza Sativa (Rice) ExtractAn abrasive rice extract rich in various emollient fatty acids, amino acids, and vitamin E.
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Dipotassium GlycyrrhizateA licorice root derivative with powerful anti-inflammatory and soothing activities. It is often used as a flavoring agent in lip products.
Mantis Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Mantis Extract
Carica Papaya (Papaya) Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Carica Papaya (Papaya) Fruit ExtractA soothing extract obtained derived from the papaya fruit. It contains a skin softening and mildly exfoliating enzyme called papain, as well as various anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds that can assist in the wound healing process.
Actinidia Deliciosa (Kiwi) Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Actinidia Deliciosa (Kiwi) Fruit Extract
Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit ExtractAn extract derived from apple fruit that has humectant moisturizing and antioxidant properties, as well as gentle anti-pigment effects. It contains humectant sugars, anti-pigment organic acids, and flavonoids.
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Seed Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Seed Extract
Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel
Punica Granatum Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Punica Granatum ExtractAn extract made from pomegranate fruit. The fleshy and juicy part of the fruit mainly contains antioxidant red pigments and polyphenols. The rinds contain large amounts of tannins, which are astringent and leave the skin feeling tightened and refreshed.
Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Ascorbyl PhosphateThe most researched derivative of vitamin C. It boosts collagen synthesis, thereby improving skin structure and elasticity. SAP is effective in the treatment of inflamed acne lesions and has a weak but positive effect on pigmentation issues.
3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic AcidA derivative of vitamin C. Its stability in skincare formulations is better than ascorbic acid’s, although clinical studies are yet to indicate whether it has the same collagen-boosting benefits.
Tocopherol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tocopherol

Simply another name for vitamin E. Tocopherol is a fantastic ingredient and especially beneficial for dry and inflamed skin. It has occlusive moisturizing, emollient, antioxidant, and photoprotective properties.

Retinol
Est. %0.1
Function
Origin
Retinol

One of the most famous and well-researched anti-aging ingredients with a maximum anti-wrinkle power of 10 out of 10. It is proven to decrease wrinkles and help the skin regain its thickness, firmness, and texture. Retinol is also effective in treating pigmentation issues such as dark spots and acne.

Niacinamide
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Niacinamide

Also known as vitamin B3, this ingredient is a true superstar with confirmed moisturizing, anti-acne, hyperpigmentation, and antioxidant benefits. Two studies confirm its significant anti-wrinkle efficacy.

Hyaluronic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hyaluronic Acid

A potent, skin-identical humectant moisturizing ingredient that is able to bind water 1000 times its own weight. The anti-aging benefits of hyaluronic acid are due to its ability to stimulate the synthesis of collagen in the skin.

Saccharide Isomerate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Saccharide IsomerateA naturally-derived humectant that provides moisturization at low levels and is less sticky than other humectants like glycerin.
Pentylene Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Pentylene Glycol

A naturally or synthetically derived preservative that exhibits effective antifungal and antibacterial traits. It also acts as a booster for more traditional preservatives. Pentylene glycol can also serve as a moisturizing humectant and solvent.

Butylene Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Butylene Glycol

A clear, colorless liquid humectant that draws moisture to the skin. The humectancy of butylene glycol, owed to its two hydroxyl groups, is quite considerable, although not as powerful as glycerin, which contains three hydroxyl groups.

Panthenol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PanthenolA popular soothing and moisturizing derivative of vitamin B5. Panthenol is particularly beneficial for dry, flaking, burned, or damaged skin. It is used to alleviate the symptoms of a rash, dermatitis, eczema, chapped lips, and sunburn.
Fragrance
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
FragranceUnder trade secret law, manufacturers have the right not to disclose what exactly went into the fragrance and use the unspecific word Fragrance or Parfum instead. Many fragrances are highly allergenic.