Paula's Choice RESIST Daily Smoothing Treatment with 5% Alpha Hydroxy Acid

Paula's Choice RESIST Daily Smoothing Treatment with 5% Alpha Hydroxy Acid
2.6
/ 10
Moisturizing
3.9 Humectancy icon Humectancy
1.2 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
1.5Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle
$$$$

Review

Results you may expect from using Paula's Choice RESIST Daily Smoothing Treatment with 5% Alpha Hydroxy Acid:

Based on the ingredient analysis by CreamScan, these are the key benefits you can expect from using Paula's Choice RESIST Daily Smoothing Treatment with 5% Alpha Hydroxy Acid:

  • Light moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 2.6 out of 10.
  • Little anti-wrinkle effect: Paula's Choice RESIST Daily Smoothing Treatment with 5% Alpha Hydroxy Acid has an anti-wrinkle rating of 1.5 out of 10, so you may expect a positive, although insignificant, effect on wrinkles.

How moisturizing is it?

Lightly moisturizing: Paula's Choice RESIST Daily Smoothing Treatment with 5% Alpha Hydroxy Acid has a moisturizing rating of 2.6 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Rather humectant. It has a low occlusivity of 1.2 out of 10 and a moderate humectancy of 3.9 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Butylene Glycol (est. ≈3.0%).

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

Anti-wrinkle efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, Paula's Choice RESIST Daily Smoothing Treatment with 5% Alpha Hydroxy Acid has a minimal anti-wrinkle rating of 1.5 out of 10. It contains one ingredient with proven anti-wrinkle efficacy: Glycolic Acid (est. ≈6.0%),
 highly effective in peelings, yet with below-average anti-wrinkle efficacy when used in leave-on skincare products.
 
Among others, Paula's Choice RESIST Daily Smoothing Treatment with 5% Alpha Hydroxy Acid also contains Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12, an ingredient marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12 provide insufficient evidence of its efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards. Therefore, this ingredient does 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
75
6
4
3
2
1.5
1.3
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
3.9
3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
2.3
2.0
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
2.6
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 3.9 10
3.9
3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 2.3 20
1.2
2.0
0.3
Moisturizing rating
2.6
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 3.9 10
3.9
All humectants
3.9
3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
2
0.3
All occlusives 2.3 20
1.2
All occlusives
2.3
2.0
0.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
1.5 /10 5 6 1.5
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
1.5
Glycolic Acid
1.5
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
1.5 /10
when present at, %
5
in this formula, est. %
6
Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
1.5
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 1.8 3 No
All antioxidants
1.8
Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12
0.3
Tetrahydrodiferuloylmethane
0.3
Tetrahydrodemethoxydiferuloylmethane
0.3
Tetrahydrobisdemethoxydiferuloylmethane
0.3
Epigallocatechin Gallate
0.3
Cucumis Melo (Melon) Fruit Extract
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. %75
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.
Glycolic Acid
Est. %6
Function
Origin

The second most used AHA (after lactic acid) known for its potent exfoliating and smoothing effects. It increases skin cell turnover, which is beneficial for treating acne. When used in peels, glycolic acid has confirmed anti-wrinkle efficacy, though it is less effective in leave-on products like creams and serums.

Cetyl Alcohol
Est. %4
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.
Butylene Glycol
Est. %3
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.
Dimethicone
Est. %2
Function
Origin
The most common silicone in skincare. It forms a silky, smooth film on the skin’s surface and can help to prevent water loss. It also aids in wound healing and can treat and soften scars. Dimethicone is considered to be very safe for use.
Polyacrylamide
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
A synthetic ingredient that can thicken products instantly while still keeping them light and often gel-like.
PPG-14 Butyl Ether
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
Description is coming soon
Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin

A short, synthetically made peptide similar to elastin fragments. It works as a signal peptide, stimulating the growth of skin cells and facilitating skin repair. It has been tested mostly in test-tube experiments so far.

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.
Tetrahydrodiferuloylmethane
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
An antioxidant turmeric derivative.
Tetrahydrodemethoxydiferuloylmethane
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Description is coming soon
Tetrahydrobisdemethoxydiferuloylmethane
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Description is coming soon
Epigallocatechin Gallate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A bioactive compound isolated from green tea with numerous beneficial effects. It is an astringent and antioxidant and can help the skin to heal, reduce redness, and treat UV-induced damage.
Salicylic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
This effective peeling and anti-inflammatory BHA is used as an anti-acne agent and works by breaking down the junctions between dead skin cells. This results in the peeling of dead skin and the unclogging of pores.
Disodium Lauriminodipropionate Tocopheryl Phosphates
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Description is coming soon
PEG-10 Phytosterol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Description is coming soon
Cucumis Melo (Melon) Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Obtained from the seeds and peels of the melon fruit, this extract has emollient fatty oil and antioxidant phenolic compounds.
Bisabolol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
An anti-inflammatory compound found naturally in German chamomile essential oil. It has a pleasant, sweet, and floral scent. Bisabolol also has soothing and anti-inflammatory properties but can cause an allergic reaction in more sensitive individuals.
Allantoin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A fluffy, white powder that acts as a humectant due to its water-loving chemistry and as an exfoliant that helps to remove dead skin cells. It has also been shown to be very soothing to irritated and inflamed skin.
Cyclopentasiloxane
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A lightweight, fast-spreading emollient that leaves a very soft and silky after-feel on the skin. Supplied as a clear and colorless liquid, cyclopentasiloxane is often used as a solvent to dissolve other silicones in.
Cyclohexasiloxane
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A clear silicone fluid with very low viscosity that is commonly used as a solvent and emollient. It has excellent spreadability, rubs in quickly, and leaves a silky smooth after-feel on the skin.
Dimethiconol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A synthetic dimethicone with rich, non-tacky emolliency. It features the typical sensorial profile of silicones, with high spreadability and a luxurious, oil-free after-feel. Dimethiconol can also serve as an antifoaming agent.
Tribehenin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A soft, pliable wax that serves as an occlusive moisturizer and emollient. It improves the spreadability of skincare products, including the increased payoff of stick products, and imparts a pleasant, smooth feel upon application.
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.
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A synthetic emollient ester. It works to improve the appearance of the skin by filling in the microcracks on the surface, thereby making the skin appear softer and smoother. It imparts a lightweight, velvety feel.
PEG-40 Stearate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
This PEG, or polyethylene glycol, is excellent at emulsifying water and oil together to form oil-in-water emulsions. Due to its water-loving nature, PEG-40 stearate can also act as a cleansing agent.
Sorbitan Stearate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A vegetable-derived ingredient most commonly used as an emulsifier to stabilize water and oil mixtures.
PVM/MA Decadiene Crosspolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Description is coming soon
Disodium EDTA
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A synthetic chelator that helps to maintain the look and smell of a product by 'locking up' troublesome metal ions.
C13-14 Isoparaffin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A lightweight petroleum derivative. It is a very thin liquid that functions as an emollient and a solvent for other liquids (such as thicker oils or silicones).
Laureth-7
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A mild but effective functional ingredient. It can emulsify (efficiently mix water and oil) without needing too much in a formula.
Sodium Hydroxide
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin

An ingredient that is able to bring the pH of a product up, thereby making it less harsh on the skin.

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.
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.
Hexylene Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A multifunctional ingredient that is best known for its use as a solvent. It can dissolve both water-based ingredients and oils. For this reason, it can also function as an emulsifier, allowing oil and water ingredients to mix and remain stable.
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.

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