Paula's Choice Earth Sourced Power Berry Serum Review

Paula's Choice Earth Sourced Power Berry Serum
5.4
/ 10
Moisturizing
10.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
0.8 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
Rich
in Antioxidants
Review

Does Paula's Choice Earth Sourced Power Berry Serum Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Paula's Choice Earth Sourced Power Berry Serum has to offer:
 
  • Strong humectant moisturizing. This lightweight, humectant-rich product, ideal for oily skin, has a moisturizing rating of 5.4 out of 10.
  • Antioxidant protection.

Key Benefits of Paula's Choice Earth Sourced Power Berry Serum

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Paula's Choice Earth Sourced Power Berry Serum:
 

Lightweight Humectant Moisturizer Ideal for Oily Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, Paula's Choice Earth Sourced Power Berry Serum is quite moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 5.4 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Significantly more humectant. It has a low occlusivity of 0.8 out of 10 and a maximum humectancy of 10 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Glycerin (est. ≈6.0%), Butylene Glycol (est. ≈3.0%) and Propanediol (est. ≈2.0%).

This humectant-rich product, when used alone as a moisturizer, is ideal for oily skin, offering significant hydration in a lightweight, fast-absorbing formula with a minimal amount of occlusive ingredients.

It’s also a great choice for people with normal skin who prefer lightweight moisturizers.

A Humectant Boost for Any Skincare Routine

But it’s not limited to oily skin - such a humectant boost will also positively contribute to the moisturizing efficacy of any skincare routine when used as a step before applying the main moisturizer. This type of formulation is typically used in serums, where a light, fast-absorbing texture is key.

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

Rich in Skin-Protecting Antioxidants

We estimate that Paula's Choice Earth Sourced Power Berry Serum is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Euterpe Oleracea Fruit Extract (est. ≈1.0%), Vaccinium Macrocarpon (Cranberry) Fruit Extract (est. ≈0.3%), Vaccinium Myrtillus Fruit 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: Paula's Choice Earth Sourced Power Berry Serum

 
CreamScan AI identified a few things to consider before adding Paula's Choice Earth Sourced Power Berry Serum to your skincare routine:
 

Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy

If one of your main reasons for choosing Paula's Choice Earth Sourced Power Berry Serum is its potential anti-aging effects, please note that, according to CreamScan analysis, it currently has a zero anti-wrinkle rating.

It contains some ingredients often marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles, specifically Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, and Acetyl Tetrapeptide-9. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of these ingredients provide insufficient evidence of efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards. 

While this does not categorically exclude the possibility that these ingredients may reduce wrinkles, their efficacy is not supported by convincing, vehicle-controlled, double-blind clinical studies - at least none that were accessible to the CreamScan team at the time of publication.

Therefore, these ingredients do not generate 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.

Pros & Cons of Paula's Choice Earth Sourced Power Berry Serum

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Paula's Choice Earth Sourced Power Berry Serum to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

Pros:

  • When used alone: Provides humectant-rich moisturizing ideal for oily skin
  • As part of a routine: A humectant moisturizing boost, beneficial for any skin type
  • Lightweight texture
  • Rich in antioxidants that combat oxidative stress associated with accelerated skin aging and defend against environmental damage such as UV radiation and pollution

Cons: 

  • Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
70
6
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
0.3
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
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Coco-Caprylate
Function:
Origin:
Butylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Propanediol
Function:
Origin:
Glyceryl Stearate
Function:
Origin:
Emblica Officinalis Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Euterpe Oleracea Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Vaccinium Macrocarpon (Cranberry) Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Vaccinium Myrtillus Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Rubus Idaeus (Raspberry) Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Sambucus Nigra Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Malpighia Emarginata Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Hippophae Rhamnoides Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Schisandra Chinensis Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Rubus Chamaemorus Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Lycium Barbarum Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Plinia Cauliflora Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Fragaria Vesca (Strawberry) Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract
Function:
Origin:
Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Myrciaria Dubia Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Extract
Function:
Origin:
Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract
Function:
Origin:
Squalane
Function:
Origin:
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
Function:
Origin:
Tocopherol
Function:
Origin:
Acetyl Tetrapeptide-9
Function:
Origin:
Acetyl Tetrapeptide-11
Function:
Origin:
Prunus Domestica Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
Function:
Origin:
Corallina Officinalis Extract
Function:
Origin:
Coccinia Indica Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Brassica Campestris (Rapeseed) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Xanthan Gum
Function:
Origin:
Mannitol
Function:
Origin:
Potassium Sorbate
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Benzoate
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Ethylhexylglycerin
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
12.8
6
3
2
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
5.4
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 12.8 10
10.0
6
3
2
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 1.5 20
0.8
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
5.4
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
6
3
2
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 12.8 10
10
All humectants
12.8
6
3
2
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 1.5 20
0.8
All occlusives
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
n/a
- 0.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
0
Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Acetyl Tetrapeptide-9
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
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
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 6.7 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
6.7
Euterpe Oleracea Fruit Extract
1
Vaccinium Macrocarpon (Cranberry) Fruit Extract
0.3
Vaccinium Myrtillus Fruit Extract
0.3
Rubus Idaeus (Raspberry) Fruit Extract
0.3
Sambucus Nigra Fruit Extract
0.3
Malpighia Emarginata Fruit Extract
0.3
Schisandra Chinensis Fruit Extract
0.3
Rubus Chamaemorus Fruit Extract
0.3
Lycium Barbarum Fruit Extract
0.3
Fragaria Vesca (Strawberry) Fruit Extract
0.3
Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract
0.3
Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract
0.3
Myrciaria Dubia Fruit Extract
0.3
Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Extract
0.3
Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract
0.3
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
0.3
Tocopherol
0.3
Corallina Officinalis Extract
0.3
Coccinia Indica Fruit Extract
0.3
Mannitol
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All soothing 1.8 5 No
All soothing
1.8
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %70
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.
Glycerin
Est. %6
Function
Origin
Glycerin

The most popular moisturizing ingredient in the world. It is a powerful humectant – cheap yet very effective.

Coco-Caprylate
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Coco-CaprylateA naturally-derived or synthetically produced oil with a very light feel. An alternative to silicones, this ingredient spreads quickly and doesn't leave a residue on skin.
Butylene Glycol
Est. %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.

Propanediol
Est. %2
Function
Origin
PropanediolAn excellent solvent capable of mixing water with normally water-insoluble ingredients. It also functions as a humectant due to its water-loving alcohol groups. Propanediol can control the viscosity of a product by reducing its thickness.
Glyceryl Stearate
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Glyceryl StearateAn emollient and emulsifier typically derived from vegetable sources through a chemical reaction with glycerin. It provides stability, texture, and consistency to formulations. Its main function is to allow oil and water to mix.
Emblica Officinalis Fruit Extract
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
Emblica Officinalis Fruit Extract
Euterpe Oleracea Fruit Extract
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Euterpe Oleracea Fruit ExtractAn antioxidant extract obtained from the fruits of the acai palm. It has a high content of anthocyanins, responsible for the dark purple color, as well as other antioxidant phenolic compounds.
Vaccinium Macrocarpon (Cranberry) Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Vaccinium Macrocarpon (Cranberry) Fruit ExtractA bright red extract derived from cranberry fruits that is rich in powerful antioxidant anthocyanins, as well as astringent tannins.
Vaccinium Myrtillus Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Vaccinium Myrtillus Fruit ExtractAn extract derived from the berries of the bilberry plant, sometimes called European blueberry. It is rich in antioxidant anthocyanins and astringent tannins.
Rubus Idaeus (Raspberry) Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Rubus Idaeus (Raspberry) Fruit ExtractAn antioxidant and astringent extract derived from raspberries - which are a rich source of flavonoids, anthocyanins, phenolic acids, and tannins.
Sambucus Nigra Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sambucus Nigra Fruit ExtractA soothing extract of elderberries that is packed with astringent tannins and antioxidant anthocyanins.
Malpighia Emarginata Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Malpighia Emarginata Fruit Extract

Description is coming soon

Hippophae Rhamnoides Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hippophae Rhamnoides Fruit Extract
Schisandra Chinensis Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Schisandra Chinensis Fruit ExtractAn antioxidant, soothing, and humectant moisturizing extract obtained from Chinese magnolia-vine berries. Its main compounds are soothing and immunomodulatory lignans.
Rubus Chamaemorus Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Rubus Chamaemorus Fruit Extract
Lycium Barbarum Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Lycium Barbarum Fruit ExtractAn extract obtained from Goji berries with moisturizing and antioxidant polysaccharides and glycoproteins. It is also rich in other antioxidants such as vitamins B and C, carotenoids, flavonoids, and phytosterols.
Plinia Cauliflora Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Plinia Cauliflora Fruit Extract
Fragaria Vesca (Strawberry) Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Fragaria Vesca (Strawberry) Fruit ExtractAn antioxidant and astringent extract derived from strawberries. It contains various beneficial phytochemicals such as vitamin C, flavonoids, organic acids, anthocyanins, tannins, and tiliroside.
Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Melia Azadirachta Flower ExtractAn antioxidant extract derived from the flowers of the Indian lilac, also known as Neem. It is often used in traditional medicine in India. The Neem flower extracts contain limonoids, which are currently under research for their anti-pigment activity.
Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Melia Azadirachta Leaf ExtractAn antimicrobial and antioxidant extract derived from Neem leaves – an Indian traditional medicine. Neem leaves have been found to possess antibacterial and antifungal activity. It is also a prospective anti-wrinkle ingredient.
Myrciaria Dubia Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Myrciaria Dubia Fruit ExtractAn extract obtained from the berry pulp of the camu camu bushy tree, which boasts a uniquely high concentration of vitamin C. The extract also contains emollient fatty acids and moisturizing amino acids.
Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed ExtractA potent antioxidant and emollient extract derived from grape seeds. It contains antioxidant flavonoids, tannins, proanthocyanidins, phytosterols, carotenoids, and vitamin E. It is often used in skincare products aimed at soothing and healing irritated skin.
Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root ExtractAn extract from the licorice root. It contains a well-researched anti-inflammatory compound called glycyrrhizin that can reduce inflammation. Licorice root extract is also used for its powerful antioxidant effects and ability to treat pigmentation.
Squalane
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
SqualaneAn occlusive moisturizing and emollient compound that forms part of the skin’s sebum. The main source of squalane had always been shark liver. Now, however, it is manufactured synthetically or derived from plant oils, such as olive and peanut oil.
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tetrahexyldecyl AscorbateA lipid-soluble form of vitamin C that is more stable and less irritating than ascorbic acid. According to a recent clinical study, THDA has all the capabilities of regular vitamin C, including anti-wrinkle and anti-pigment activity.
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.

Acetyl Tetrapeptide-9
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Acetyl Tetrapeptide-9

A synthetically made peptide that works as a signal peptide, increasing the production of collagen in the skin.

Acetyl Tetrapeptide-11
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Acetyl Tetrapeptide-11
Prunus Domestica Seed Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Prunus Domestica Seed Oil
Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed OilAn emollient fatty oil expressed from sesame seeds. It is made up majorly of unsaturated fatty acids, linoleic acid (up to 45%), and oleic acid (up to 38%). Sesame oil is an occlusive moisturizer that is rich in antioxidant compounds.
Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment FiltrateA biotechnological fermentation ingredient that is created by feeding radish root to Leuconostoc kimchii. It allegedly contains organic acids and a mixture of peptides known as bacteriocins – which have antimicrobial activity.
Corallina Officinalis Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Corallina Officinalis ExtractAn extract from red marine alga, Corallina officinalis is used in skincare for its antioxidant properties. It also contains an immense amount of calcium and special, sulfur-containing polysaccharides.
Coccinia Indica Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Coccinia Indica Fruit ExtractAn extract derived from the cucumber-like fruits of ivy gourd. It contains a large amount of soothing mucilage as well as some antioxidant carotenoids. It has also been shown that the extract may have some anti-allergy properties.
Brassica Campestris (Rapeseed) Seed Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Brassica Campestris (Rapeseed) Seed OilAn occlusive moisturizing rapeseed or canola seed oil. It mainly consists of fatty acids and lutein, and contains the highest amount of antioxidant phenolics among all vegetable oils.
Xanthan Gum
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Xanthan GumA natural multi-functional ingredient that originates from fermented sugars. Xanthan gum acts as a viscosity-building agent to thicken skincare products. It is also an excellent stabilizer and works well to hold other ingredients together.
Mannitol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
MannitolA sweet-tasting, sugar-derived, humectant alcohol that can stabilize a skincare formula and offer some antioxidant and soothing properties.
Potassium Sorbate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Potassium SorbateA preservative widely used in food and personal care products, available from natural sources or synthetically produced. Potassium sorbate works by inhibiting the growth of yeasts, molds, and some bacteria.
Sodium Benzoate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium BenzoateA preservative that usually works in combination with other preservatives. It has to be at low pH (<5.5) to be effective.
Phenoxyethanol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PhenoxyethanolThe most frequently used preservative in skincare. It is a clear, oil-like liquid synthetic substance that protects products from harmful bacteria and yeast, whilst still leaving skin microflora unharmed. It is confirmed by research to be harmless.
Ethylhexylglycerin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
EthylhexylglycerinA preservative booster derived from glycerin. It is commonly paired with other preservatives to improve their efficacy. Ethylhexylglycerin is also a humectant due to its chemical base of glycerin.