Paula's Choice Probiotic Nutrient Moisturizer

Paula's Choice Probiotic Nutrient Moisturizer
5.2
/ 10
Moisturizing
10.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
0.3 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
0.4Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle
$$$$

Review

Results you may expect from using Paula's Choice Probiotic Nutrient Moisturizer:

Based on the ingredient analysis by CreamScan, these are the key benefits you can expect from using Paula's Choice Probiotic Nutrient Moisturizer:

  • Moderate moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 5.2 out of 10.
  • Little anti-wrinkle effect: Paula's Choice Probiotic Nutrient Moisturizer has an anti-wrinkle rating of 0.4 out of 10, so you may expect a positive, although insignificant, effect on wrinkles.

How moisturizing is it?

Quite moisturizing: Paula's Choice Probiotic Nutrient Moisturizer has a moisturizing rating of 5.2 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Significantly more humectant. It has a low occlusivity of 0.3 out of 10 and a maximum humectancy of 10 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Glycerin (est. ≈6.0%) and Butylene Glycol (est. ≈4.0%).

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

Anti-wrinkle efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, Paula's Choice Probiotic Nutrient Moisturizer has a minimal anti-wrinkle rating of 0.4 out of 10. It contains one ingredient with proven anti-wrinkle efficacy: Niacinamide (est. ≈0.3%),
 one of the most effective and well-researched anti-wrinkle ingredients.
 
Among others, Paula's Choice Probiotic Nutrient Moisturizer also contains some ingredients marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles, specifically Lactobacillus Ferment, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, and Adenosine. 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, could deliver additional anti-wrinkle efficacy through its moisturizing action.
 

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

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
55
9
6
4
3
2.5
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
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
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Ratings

All humectants
17.2
6
4
1.5
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
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
0.6
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
5.2
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 17.2 10
10.0
6
4
1.5
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
Occlusivity All occlusives 0.6 20
0.3
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
5.2
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
6
4
1.5
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 humectants 17.2 10
10
All humectants
17.2
6
4
1.5
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
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 0.6 20
0.3
All occlusives
0.6
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
6 /10 4 0.3 0.4
n/a
- 1.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
0.4
Niacinamide
0.4
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
6 /10
when present at, %
4
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Lactobacillus Ferment
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
1.3
Camellia Sinensis 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
Adenosine
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
0.4
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 2.1 3 No
All antioxidants
2.1
Niacinamide
0.3
Glycine Soja (Soybean) Seed Extract
0.3
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
0.3
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
0.3
Rubus Idaeus (Raspberry) Fruit Extract
0.3
Tocopherol
0.3
Hydroxyacetophenone
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All soothing 3.8 5 No
All soothing
3.8
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %55
Function
Origin
The 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.
Isoamyl Laurate
Est. %9
Function
Origin
A naturally-derived or synthetically produced ester (simple oil) and is often used as a silicone alternative. It is has a light feeling and improves the spreadability of products while making skin feel soft and non-sticky.
Glycerin
Est. %6
Function
Origin

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

Butylene Glycol
Est. %4
Function
Origin
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.
Sodium Polyacrylate Starch
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Description is coming soon
Cetyl Alcohol
Est. %2.5
Function
Origin
A 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.
Lauroyl Lysine
Est. %2
Function
Origin
A synthetic insoluble powder that improves the texture of a product, leaving the skin silky smooth and absorbing oils and sweat.
Lactobacillus/Rye Flour Ferment
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Description is coming soon
Lactobacillus Ferment
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
A biotechnological product – a mixture of metabolic products of Lactobacillus culture. Some Lactobacillus forms have been reported to have anti-wrinkle and barrier repairing effects, as well as able to improve skin hydration, elasticity, and gloss.
Bifida Ferment Lysate
Est. %1
Function
Origin
A mixture of probiotic bacteria. According to the patent holder, it contains enzymes that are able to repair damaged DNA in skin cells. A single study confirms that it is able to reduce skin sensitivity.
Glucomannan
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A polysaccharide of plant origin that is used as a gelling, water binding, and thickening agent. It is able to moisturize the skin’s surface and aid in the healing process. It is also an excellent prebiotic for skin microflora.
Saccharomyces Lysate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Description is coming soon
Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A 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.
Glycine Soja (Soybean) Seed Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
An antioxidant, soothing, and wound healing extract derived from soybeans. Soybeans are a famous source of phytoestrogens - plant compounds that have a similar effect to steroid hormones.
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
An antioxidant green tea extract. In the deeper layers, it slows down the destruction of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid – thus delaying the signs of aging. It also acts as an anti-acne, soothing, moisturizing, and emollient ingredient.
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A 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.
Acetyl Hexapeptide-1
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Description is coming soon
Palmitoyl Dipeptide-10
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Description is coming soon
Ceramide NG
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A lipid that is mainly found on scalp skin and that helps with the barrier repair. It is one of the less popular ceramides and is usually used in combination with other ceramides for better barrier repair properties.
Orbignya Oleifera Seed Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A fatty oil, with emollient and occlusive properties, expressed from the seeds of the Babassu palm. It is similar to coconut oil in a way.
Palmitoyl Proline
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Description is coming soon
Glycine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A humectant moisturizing amino acid that is a part of skin's Natural Moisturizing Factor. Some recent studies suggest that it may have barrier repair properties.
Serine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A non-essential amino acid, meaning that our body can produce it. It is the largest constituent of the skin's Natural Moisturizing Factor and is used in skincare as a humectant moisturizing ingredient.
Threonine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
An essential amino acid that may play a role in collagen production. However, more research is needed in order to confirm or deny these claims.
Alanine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A simple amino acid used in skincare as a humectant moisturizing ingredient. It is a part of the so-called Natural Moisturizing Factor, a complex mixture of free amino acids and other water-soluble compounds found in skin cells.
Valine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
An essential amino acid (meaning our body cannot make it on its own and we get it from food instead). Like some other amino acids, Valine is a part of the skin's Natural Moisturizing Factor.
Arginine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A humectant amino acid used to attract water to the skin’s surface. It is a part of the skin's Natural Moisturizing Factor, a mixture of various compounds that keeps the skin’s surface well hydrated. Arginine can also be used as a pH adjuster.
Proline
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
The best humectant moisturizer of all the amino acids. It is a part of the skin's Natural Moisturizing Factor and increases hydration in the top layers of the skin. It also has antioxidant activity and helps to heal damaged skin.
Lysine HCl
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Lysine HCl is a chloride salt of lysine, an essential, slightly alkaline amino acid. It has the same function as the non-salt version - it is a humectant moisturizing and emollient ingredient that, due to its sometimes undesirable aroma, is not often used.
Rubus Idaeus (Raspberry) Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
An antioxidant and astringent extract derived from raspberries - which are a rich source of flavonoids, anthocyanins, phenolic acids, and tannins.
Niacinamide
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin

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.

Adenosine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin

A key molecule responsible for energy transportation, signaling, and enzyme activity. Adenosine is a popular anti-wrinkle ingredient, however, the key study about its anti-wrinkle efficacy (1) does not meet CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards as it is not double-blind.

Lecithin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A humectant, emollient, and emulsifier best suited for water-in-oil emulsions. Lecithin can come from sunflowers, soy, and eggs. The downside to lecithin is that it causes an extra burden on the formula’s preservative because it is nutritious.
Phytic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Phytic acid is found in rice and is seen as a cousin of alpha-hydroxy acids. As a chelator, it can bind to certain metals that may cause discoloration in products or reduce the efficacy of other ingredients.
Yeast Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Also labeled as faex extract, this is a natural ingredient derived from fresh yeast. It is used in skincare as a humectant. Yeast extract also helps to shield injured or exposed skin and can aid in the skin’s wound healing process.
Tocopherol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin

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.

Sodium PCA
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
One of the most important parts of the skin's Natural Moisturizing Factor, a mixture of various compounds that keeps the skin’s surface well hydrated. Sodium PCA is used in skincare for its fantastic humectant properties.
Sodium Lactate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A sodium salt of lactic acid. Its main function is as a humectant but it can also serve as a pH adjuster. Additionally, sodium lactate can also be used as a chemical exfoliant due to its close chemical relation to lactic acid.
PCA
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Also known as pyrrolidone carboxylic acid, this ingredient is one of the main components of the skin's Natural Moisturizing Factor (which prevents the skin’s surface from drying out).
Magnesium Palmitoyl Glutamate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Description is coming soon
Sodium Palmitoyl Sarcosinate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Description is coming soon
Isopropyl Palmitate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
An emollient ester of palmitic acid and isopropanol that gives the skin a smooth, soft, dry, non-oily after-feel. Isopropyl palmitate is listed as a common comedogenic ingredient by acne.org.
Glutamic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A non-essential amino acid that serves as a building block for all proteins in the body. It is a moisturizing humectant and a part of the skin's Natural Moisturizing Factor, a mixture of amino acids in skin cells that keeps them hydrated.
Betaine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
An ingredient derived from the sucrose in sugar beets. It has a negative chemical charge and a positive chemical charge on the same molecule. This allows betaine to be hygroscopic or humectant and thus provide moisturization by drawing water to the skin.
Glyceryl Stearate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
An 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.
Hydroxyacetophenone
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
An antioxidant compound that can be found in many plants, although it is manufactured synthetically for skincare purposes. It can boost the preservative action of other conservants.
Sodium Acrylates Copolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A synthetic polymer that can come in various forms and is often used to create light gel-like textures. Some versions can also create a light film on the skin.
Ceteth-20
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A very mild but effective polyethylene-based cleanser and emulsifier.
Steareth-20
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A white to light brown reaction product of a clear gas and stearyl alcohol. Like the other steareth ingredients, steareth-20 is a waxy emulsifier that can help to form a stable emulsion, even in extreme conditions.
Polysorbate 20
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A viscous, amber-colored liquid that functions as a solubilizer to disperse small amounts of oil into a large water phase. Polysorbate 20 is frequently used to solubilize fragrance oils into water-based emulsions.
PEG-75 Stearate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Description is coming soon
Caprylyl Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
An emollient that improves product spreadability and offers a silky feel on the skin. It also acts as a preservative booster that improves the efficacy of other preservatives. According to the manufacturer, it is also a humectant moisturizer.
Propylene Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A clear, thick, odorless liquid of synthetic origin. Its main function is to stabilize cosmetic products exposed to varying temperatures. It is also a moderately strong humectant with similar properties to glycerin.
1,2-Hexanediol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A multi-functional formula helper. It is a well-studied preservtive against bacteria and can help pigments and fragrances disperse evenly in a formula.
Phenoxyethanol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
The 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
A 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.