Paula's Choice Omega+ Complex Serum

Paula's Choice Omega+ Complex Serum
5.2
/ 10
Moisturizing
6.9 Humectancy icon Humectancy
3.5 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity

Review

Results you may expect from using Paula's Choice Omega+ Complex Serum:

Based on the ingredient analysis by CreamScan, these are the key benefits you can expect from using Paula's Choice Omega+ Complex Serum:

  • Moderate moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 5.2 out of 10.

How moisturizing is it?

Quite moisturizing: Paula's Choice Omega+ Complex Serum has a moisturizing rating of 5.2 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Rather humectant. It has a high humectancy of 6.9 out of 10, primarily due to the substantial concentration of Glycerin (est. ≈6.0%), and a moderate occlusivity of 3.5 out of 10, mainly due to the significant content of Linum Usitatissimum (Linseed) Seed Oil (est. ≈2.0%).

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

Anti-wrinkle efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, Paula's Choice Omega+ Complex Serum has a zero anti-wrinkle rating.

It contains Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, an ingredient marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate provide insufficient evidence of its efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards. Therefore, this ingredient does 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, could deliver some anti-wrinkle effects through its moisturizing action.

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

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
70
Water
6
Glycerin
4
Diheptyl Succinate
3
Candelilla/Jojoba/Rice Bran Polyglyceryl-3 Esters
2
Linum Usitatissimum (Linseed) Seed Oil
1.5
Linoleic Acid
1.3
Linolenic Acid
1
Passiflora Edulis Seed Oil
0.3
Salvia Hispanica Seed Oil
0.3
Ceramide EOP
0.3
Ceramide EOS
0.3
Ceramide NP
0.3
Ceramide NS
0.3
Ceramide AP
0.3
Caprooyl Sphingosine
0.3
Olea Europaea (Olive) Oil Unsaponifiables
0.3
Caprooyl Phytosphingosine
0.3
Sodium Hyaluronate
0.3
Cholesterol
0.3
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter
0.3
Tocopherol
0.3
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
0.3
Prunus Domestica Seed Oil
0.3
Lauryl Laurate
0.3
Glyceryl Behenate
0.3
Hydrogenated Lecithin
0.3
Sodium Phytate
0.3
Trehalose
0.3
Isohexadecane
0.3
Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate
0.3
Capryloyl Glycerin/Sebacic Acid Copolymer
0.3
Xanthan Gum
0.3
Cetyl Alcohol
0.3
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
0.3
Agar
0.3
Glyceryl Stearate
0.3
Ceteareth-25
0.3
Cetearyl Alcohol
0.3
Behenic Acid
0.3
Glyceryl Rosinate
0.3
Citric Acid
0.3
Benzyl Alcohol
0.3
Ethylhexylglycerin
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Diheptyl Succinate
Function:
Origin:
Candelilla/Jojoba/Rice Bran Polyglyceryl-3 Esters
Function:
Origin:
Linum Usitatissimum (Linseed) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Linoleic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Linolenic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Passiflora Edulis Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Salvia Hispanica Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Ceramide EOP
Function:
Origin:
Ceramide EOS
Function:
Origin:
Ceramide NP
Function:
Origin:
Ceramide NS
Function:
Origin:
Ceramide AP
Function:
Origin:
Caprooyl Sphingosine
Function:
Origin:
Olea Europaea (Olive) Oil Unsaponifiables
Function:
Origin:
Caprooyl Phytosphingosine
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hyaluronate
Function:
Origin:
Cholesterol
Function:
Origin:
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter
Function:
Origin:
Tocopherol
Function:
Origin:
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Function:
Origin:
Prunus Domestica Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Lauryl Laurate
Function:
Origin:
Glyceryl Behenate
Function:
Origin:
Hydrogenated Lecithin
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Phytate
Function:
Origin:
Trehalose
Function:
Origin:
Isohexadecane
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate
Function:
Origin:
Capryloyl Glycerin/Sebacic Acid Copolymer
Function:
Origin:
Xanthan Gum
Function:
Origin:
Cetyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
Function:
Origin:
Agar
Function:
Origin:
Glyceryl Stearate
Function:
Origin:
Ceteareth-25
Function:
Origin:
Cetearyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Behenic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Glyceryl Rosinate
Function:
Origin:
Citric Acid
Function:
Origin:
Benzyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Ethylhexylglycerin
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
6.9
6
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
7.0
2.0
1.5
1.3
1.0
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
5.2
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 6.9 10
6.9
6
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 7.0 20
3.5
2.0
1.5
1.3
1.0
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
5.2
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
6
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 6.9 10
6.9
All humectants
6.9
6
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
2
1.5
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 7.0 20
3.5
All occlusives
7.0
2.0
1.5
1.3
1.0
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 -
Total
0
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
-
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
All antioxidants 2.2 3 No
All antioxidants
2.2
Passiflora Edulis Seed Oil
1
Salvia Hispanica Seed Oil
0.3
Sodium Hyaluronate
0.3
Tocopherol
0.3
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
None
All soothing 0 5 No
All soothing
0
None
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.

Diheptyl Succinate
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Diheptyl SuccinateA naturally-derived ingredient made from castor oil and wheat . Usually it is part of an ingredient blend as an alternative to silicones. It helps improve the spread of a product and reduce tackiness while remaining light on the skin.
Candelilla/Jojoba/Rice Bran Polyglyceryl-3 Esters
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Candelilla/Jojoba/Rice Bran Polyglyceryl-3 EstersDescription is coming soon
Linum Usitatissimum (Linseed) Seed Oil
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Linum Usitatissimum (Linseed) Seed OilAn emollient and occlusive fatty oil pressed from flax seeds. It is the richest source of linolenic fatty acid (it contains up to 50% of it) among vegetable oils.
Linoleic Acid
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Linoleic AcidA fatty acid isolated from various plant oils (notably evening primrose, safflower, grape seed, and sunflower oil). It is an occlusive moisturizer and emollient that doesn't leave an oily, sticky residue and is especially suitable for oily and acne-prone skin.
Linolenic Acid
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
Linolenic AcidAn essential polyunsaturated occlusive fatty acid isolated from various plant oils. It is necessary for the correct barrier function of the skin and moisturizes without leaving a sticky after-feel.
Passiflora Edulis Seed Oil
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Passiflora Edulis Seed OilA fatty oil derived from passion fruit seeds. It contains emollient and occlusive linoleic and oleic fatty acids, as well as antioxidants (among which are famous vitamin E and resveratrol).
Salvia Hispanica Seed Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Salvia Hispanica Seed OilAn oil extracted from Chia seeds. It has a unique ratio of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, making it the richest source of polyunsaturated fatty acids. It also contains antioxidant phytosterols and tocopherols (vitamin E).
Ceramide EOP
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ceramide EOPFormerly called Ceramide 1, this ingredient is a skin-identical wax-like lipid with an ultra-long fatty acid chain. It restores and stabilizes the skin’s lipid matrix and helps to treat dry and flaky skin, especially when combined with other ceramides.
Ceramide EOS
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ceramide EOSA skin-identical lipid that is an essential part of the skin barrier. Aging or exposed-to-cold skin lacks it and applying a ceramide-rich cream can replenish the lipid barrier. It may replenish linoleic acid levels in acne-prone skin.
Ceramide NP
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ceramide NPAlso known as ceramide 3, it is the most common ceramide in our skin. It helps to restore the skin’s lipid barrier and alleviate the symptoms of dry and cracked skin. Research has shown that skin suffering from conditions such as AD lacks ceramides.
Ceramide NS
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ceramide NSA wax-like lipid natural to the skin’s lipid matrix. It is less frequently used but, in combination with other ceramides, can help to restore balance in the skin’s lipid barrier.
Ceramide AP
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ceramide APPreviously called Ceramide 6 II, Ceramide AP is one of the most common ceramides in the skin. Research has shown that dry, flaky skin has significantly less Ceramide AP. Its application helps to treat dry skin by restoring balance in the skin lipids.
Caprooyl Sphingosine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Caprooyl SphingosineA synthetic emollient similar to skin-identical ceramides. It helps to replenish the building blocks of the skin’s lipid barrier and aids in the formation and stability of emulsions.
Olea Europaea (Olive) Oil Unsaponifiables
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Olea Europaea (Olive) Oil UnsaponifiablesA fraction of olive oil that contains occlusive moisturizing and emollient sterols, vitamin E, pro-vitamin A, and fatty alcohols.
Caprooyl Phytosphingosine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Caprooyl PhytosphingosineA synthetic emollient that is similar to skin-identical ceramides. It helps to replenish the building blocks of the skin’s lipid barrier and helps with the formation and stability of emulsions.
Sodium Hyaluronate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Hyaluronate

A sodium salt of famous hyaluronic acid. A potent humectant that hydrates the skin, supports collagen function, and fills out small wrinkles. Sodium hyaluronate also offers soothing and antioxidant properties.

Cholesterol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
CholesterolAn emollient and important barrier repairing lipid, effective when combined with fatty acids and ceramides. Around 25% of the skin’s lipid layer is made up of cholesterol and it is found in the membrane of every single cell in our body.
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) ButterA semi-solid, buttery fat extracted from the seeds of the Shea tree that is a wonderful occlusive and emollient ingredient mainly comprised of fatty acids. Shea butter contains a large amount of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds.
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.

Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate CopolymerAn emulsion stabilizer and thickener that helps to create a pleasant, satiny, and light formula texture. It works by forming a gel-like network within water or oil, which both stabilizes other ingredients and produces a thickening effect.
Prunus Domestica Seed Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Prunus Domestica Seed OilDescription is coming soon
Lauryl Laurate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Lauryl LaurateLauryl laurate is an ester of lauryl alcohol and lauric acid. It is used in skincare products as an emollient and also helps to stabilize the emulsions in creams and lotions (which makes them a bit more opaque).
Glyceryl Behenate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glyceryl BehenateA naturally-derived or synthetically produced emollient that can help create oil gels. It provides a soft feeling to the skin, improving product spread and reducing tackiness.
Hydrogenated Lecithin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hydrogenated LecithinA version of plain lecithin that has been saturated with hydrogen atoms. This ingredient can be derived from plants, like soy or sunflower, from egg yolks, or made synthetically. Its major function is to emulsify water and oils.
Sodium Phytate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium PhytateSodium phytate is a chelating agent that serves to remove heavy metal ions from water. Removing metal ions helps other ingredients, such as antioxidants and preservatives, to perform better and keep products from separating.
Trehalose
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
TrehaloseA sweet-tasting saccharide that can be found in various yeasts and fungi and that is manufactured from starch for cosmetic purposes. It is one of the most popular sugars in skincare and is mainly used for its humectant properties.
Isohexadecane
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
IsohexadecaneA clear, colorless liquid that is commonly used as an emollient. It is made up of pure hydrocarbons and leaves a dry feeling on the skin upon application. It also increases the spreadability of a product.
Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Stearoyl LactylateA negatively charged surfactant that mixes oils with water and cleanses skin.
Capryloyl Glycerin/Sebacic Acid Copolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Capryloyl Glycerin/Sebacic Acid CopolymerA naturally-derived film-former that increases water resistance of a product. It is also referred to as an alternative to dimethicone.
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.
Cetyl Alcohol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Cetyl AlcoholA waxy solid fatty alcohol derived from palm oil. It is most commonly used as a co-emulsifier and affects the final aesthetic of the product, leaving a soft and silky feeling on the skin. Cetyl alcohol is also used as a viscosity controlling agent.
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.
Agar
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
AgarA multifunctional jelly derived from red algae that can thicken water-based products.
Glyceryl Stearate
Est. %0.3
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.
Ceteareth-25
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ceteareth-25A natural or synthetically produced emulsifier often used to help form stable emulsions.
Cetearyl Alcohol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Cetearyl AlcoholA blend of cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol, the fatty alcohols that are derived from palm oil. It helps to create emulsions that give off a soft and silky emollient feel and also increase product thickness.
Behenic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Behenic AcidA naturally-occuring ingredient from certain plant oils, behenic acid acts as an emulsifier and surfactant and provides a soft cushiony feeling.
Glyceryl Rosinate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glyceryl RosinateDescription is coming soon
Citric Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Citric AcidA gently exfoliating AHA that helps to remove the top layer of dead skin cells. In comparison to other AHAs, citric acid has been shown to be one of the least effective. It is also very commonly used as a stabilizing and pH-controlling agent.
Benzyl Alcohol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Benzyl AlcoholA multifunctional ingredient that is supplied as a clear, colorless liquid. Its main function is as a flavoring agent and fragrance. It also acts as a broad-spectrum preservative, solvent, and viscosity-controlling agent that thins the product.
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.