Paula's Choice Resist Intensive Wrinkle-Repair Retinol Serum Review

Paula's Choice Resist Intensive Wrinkle-Repair Retinol Serum
2.8
/ 10
Moisturizing
0.9 Humectancy icon Humectancy
4.8 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
2.5Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle
Review

Does Paula's Choice Resist Intensive Wrinkle-Repair Retinol Serum Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Paula's Choice Resist Intensive Wrinkle-Repair Retinol Serum has to offer:
 
  • Light moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 2.8 out of 10.
  • Modest anti-wrinkle efficacy: Paula's Choice Resist Intensive Wrinkle-Repair Retinol Serum has an anti-wrinkle rating of 2.5 out of 10 so you may expect some, although limited, effect on wrinkles.

Key Benefits of Paula's Choice Resist Intensive Wrinkle-Repair Retinol Serum

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Paula's Choice Resist Intensive Wrinkle-Repair Retinol Serum:
 

Moisturizer with the Right Occlusivity for Normal Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, Paula's Choice Resist Intensive Wrinkle-Repair Retinol Serum is lightly moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 2.8 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Rather occlusive. It has a low humectancy of 0.9 out of 10 and a moderate occlusivity of 4.8 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride (est. ≈4.0%), Phenyl Trimethicone (est. ≈3.0%) and Squalane (est. ≈2.0%).

This type of product, when used as a standalone moisturizer, may provide some occlusive moisturizing that is adequate for normal skin.

 

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

Modest Anti-Wrinkle Efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, Paula's Choice Resist Intensive Wrinkle-Repair Retinol Serum has a modest level of anti-wrinkle efficacy, rated 2.5 out of 10.

It contains one ingredient 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).
 
Among others, Paula's Choice Resist Intensive Wrinkle-Repair Retinol Serum also contains Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, an ingredient often 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 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.

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 Resist Intensive Wrinkle-Repair Retinol Serum

 
CreamScan AI identified a few things to consider before adding Paula's Choice Resist Intensive Wrinkle-Repair Retinol Serum to your skincare routine:
 

If It’s Your Only Moisturizer, It’s Better When Paired with Some Humectants

An ideal moisturizer for any skin type should balance the right level of occlusivity (depending on skin type) with a significant amount of humectants, while Paula's Choice Resist Intensive Wrinkle-Repair Retinol Serum contains a low level of humectants.

People with normal skin would definitely benefit from adding more humectants to their moisturizing routine beyond what this product offers. If this is your only moisturizer, it may be worth including a humectant-rich product, such as a serum, in your skincare routine.

Pros & Cons of Paula's Choice Resist Intensive Wrinkle-Repair Retinol Serum

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Paula's Choice Resist Intensive Wrinkle-Repair Retinol Serum to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

Pros:

  • Provides the right level of occlusivity to moisturize normal skin
  • Balanced texture, neither too light nor too heavy
  • Can enhance the moisturizing efficacy of a skincare routine for dry skin
  • Offers modest anti-wrinkle efficacy

Cons: 

  • Ideally needs to be paired with extra humectants for optimal moisturizing efficacy

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
50
22
11
6
4
3
2
0.3
0.3
0.1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Cyclopentasiloxane
Function:
Origin:
Dimethiconol
Function:
Origin:
Neopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate
Function:
Origin:
Dicaprylyl Carbonate
Function:
Origin:
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Function:
Origin:
Phenyl Trimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Squalane
Function:
Origin:
Bisabolol
Function:
Origin:
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
Function:
Origin:
Retinol
Function:
Origin:
Tocotrienols
Function:
Origin:
Tocopherol
Function:
Origin:
Lecithin
Function:
Origin:
Laminaria Ochroleuca Extract
Function:
Origin:
Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract
Function:
Origin:
Elaeis Guineensis (Palm) Oil
Function:
Origin:
Stearyl Glycyrrhetinate
Function:
Origin:
Hexylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Caprylyl Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Ethylhexylglycerin
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
0.9
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
9.6
4.0
3.0
2.0
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
2.8
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 0.9 10
0.9
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 9.6 20
4.8
4.0
3.0
2.0
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
2.8
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 0.9 10
0.9
All humectants
0.9
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
4
3
2
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 9.6 20
4.8
All occlusives
9.6
4.0
3.0
2.0
0.3
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
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
2.5
Retinol
2.5
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
10 /10
when present at, %
0.4
in this formula, est. %
0.1
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
2.5
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 0.9 3 No
All antioxidants
0.9
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
0.3
Tocopherol
0.3
Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
0.3
0.3
0.3
All soothing 0.9 5 No
All soothing
0.9
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Cyclopentasiloxane
Est. %50
Function
Origin
CyclopentasiloxaneA 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.
Dimethiconol
Est. %22
Function
Origin
DimethiconolA 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.
Neopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate
Est. %11
Function
Origin
Neopentyl Glycol DiheptanoateAn emollient ester with an exceptionally lightweight feel. It absorbs quickly and produces a silky feel with excellent spreadability. It also serves as an excellent solvent and is commonly used to suspend sunscreen actives.
Dicaprylyl Carbonate
Est. %6
Function
Origin
Dicaprylyl CarbonateA very fast-spreading emollient that gives a product an incredibly lightweight feel. Dicaprylyl carbonate works well as a solvent for suspending insoluble solids such as mineral sunscreens or iron oxide pigments.
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideA natural occlusive moisturizing and emollient ingredient, it is a blend of glycerin and two fatty acids, caprylic and capric acid. It creates an oil-based protective layer on the skin, thereby preventing water loss.
Phenyl Trimethicone
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Phenyl TrimethiconeA silicone fluid that is used as an occlusive moisturizer. It applies smoothly to the skin and reduces the tack associated with organic oils.
Squalane
Est. %2
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.
Bisabolol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Bisabolol

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.

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.
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.

Tocotrienols
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tocotrienols
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.

Lecithin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
LecithinA 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.
Laminaria Ochroleuca Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Laminaria Ochroleuca ExtractDerived from a species of edible brown seaweed known as golden kelp, this extract contains many different moisturizing and gel-forming polysaccharides, antioxidant compounds, and minerals.
Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel ExtractA beneficial extract obtained from Oat groats popular in products aimed at eczema-prone skin. It contains skin healing beta-glucan, anti-inflammatory phenolic compounds, antioxidant flavonoids, various lipids, proteins, and moisturizing amino acids.
Elaeis Guineensis (Palm) Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Elaeis Guineensis (Palm) OilA fatty oil expressed from the pulp of the oil palm fruits. It is mostly composed of occlusive and emollient saturated fatty acids. The unrefined oil has a large amount of antioxidant carotenoids.
Stearyl Glycyrrhetinate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Stearyl GlycyrrhetinateA plant compound obtained from licorice root. It is a powerful soothing ingredient that acts similar to steroid hormones and helps to treat inflamed and irritated skin.
Hexylene Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hexylene GlycolA 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.
Caprylyl Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Caprylyl GlycolAn 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
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.
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.