Paula's Choice SKIN BALANCING Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum

Paula's Choice SKIN BALANCING Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum
0.7
/ 10
Moisturizing
0.3 Humectancy icon Humectancy
1.1 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
2.5Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle
Rich
in Antioxidants
$$$$

Review

Results you may expect from using Paula's Choice SKIN BALANCING Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum:

Based on the ingredient analysis by CreamScan, these are the key benefits you can expect from using Paula's Choice SKIN BALANCING Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum:

  • A bit of moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 0.7 out of 10.
  • Some anti-wrinkle efficacy: Paula's Choice SKIN BALANCING Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum has an anti-wrinkle rating of 2.5 out of 10 so you may expect some, although limited, effect on wrinkles.
  • Antioxidant protection.

How moisturizing is it?

Slightly moisturizing: Paula's Choice SKIN BALANCING Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum has a moisturizing rating of 0.7 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? This product has relatively comparable levels of Humectancy and Occlusivity: a low Humectancy of 0.3 out of 10 and a low Occlusivity of 1.1 out of 10.

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

Anti-wrinkle efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, Paula's Choice SKIN BALANCING Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum has a slight anti-wrinkle rating of 2.5 out of 10. It contains one ingredient with proven anti-wrinkle efficacy: Retinol (est. ≈0.1%), 
 the most effective non-prescription ingredient with well-proven efficacy to reduce wrinkles.
 
Among others, Paula's Choice SKIN BALANCING Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum also contains some ingredients marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles, specifically Retinyl Palmitate, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, and Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract. 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.

Antioxidant benefits

We estimate that Paula's Choice SKIN BALANCING Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Tocopheryl Acetate (est. ≈0.3%), Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate (est. ≈0.3%), Haematococcus Pluvialis 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.

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
50
22
11
6
4
2
1.9
0.1
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
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Ratings

All humectants
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
2.2
1.9
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
0.7
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 0.3 10
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 2.2 20
1.1
1.9
0.3
Moisturizing rating
0.7
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
0.3
All humectants 0.3 10
0.3
All humectants
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
1.9
0.3
All occlusives 2.2 20
1.1
All occlusives
2.2
1.9
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
- 2 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
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
Retinyl Palmitate
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
2
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
-
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
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 3.6 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
3.6
Tocopheryl Acetate
0.3
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
0.3
Haematococcus Pluvialis Extract
0.3
Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract
0.3
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
0.3
Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract
0.3
Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Extract
0.3
Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract
0.3
Vaccinium Macrocarpon (Cranberry) Fruit Extract
0.3
Rubus Idaeus (Raspberry) Fruit Extract
0.3
Betula Alba Bark Extract
0.3
Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All soothing 2.1 5 No
All soothing
2.1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Cyclopentasiloxane
Est. %50
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.
Isododecane
Est. %22
Function
Origin
An emollient derived from petroleum with high spreadability. It is often used as a replacement for oils and silicones because it leaves no residue behind on the skin. When a product is labeled as “oil-free” it may contain isododecane instead of heavier oils.
Cyclohexasiloxane
Est. %11
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.
Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Est. %6
Function
Origin
A group of ingredients that are typically added to skincare products to adjust the formula. Dimethicone Crosspolymers stabilize a formula, regulate its thickness and consistency and give the product a velvety feel.
Neopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate
Est. %4
Function
Origin
An 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.
Retinyl Palmitate
Est. %2
Function
Origin
An esterified form of retinol – it combines retinol and palmitic acid into one molecule. Retinyl palmitate is less irritating than retinol but also much less effective in its anti-aging and acne-reducing effects.
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Est. %1.9
Function
Origin
A 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.
Retinol
Est. %0.1
Function
Origin

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.

Tocopheryl Acetate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
An antioxidant derivative of tocopherol (vitamin E). It helps to protect cells from free radicals and UV damage through the conversion to active vitamin E in the skin. It is more stable than tocopherol.
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.
Haematococcus Pluvialis Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Description is coming soon
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.
Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Derived from German chamomile flowers, this extract is especially known for its anti-inflammatory and soothing benefits. It contains two soothing compounds called chamazulene and bisabolol, as well as antioxidant flavonoids.
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.
Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
An emollient extract derived from the leaves of the Tea-oil Camellia, which is native to Southeast Asia. It contains astringent and wound-healing tannins that create a tightening feeling on the skin and can speed up the healing process of small cuts.
Salix Alba (Willow) Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Description is coming soon
Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A 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.
Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
An antioxidant, astringent and soothing extract derived from Ginkgo biloba tree leaves, a rare Chinese tree that is endangered in the wild, but grown nowadays as a decorative tree in parks. When taken orally, the extract can improve memory and brain function.
Calluna Vulgaris Flower Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Description is coming soon
Vaccinium Macrocarpon (Cranberry) Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A bright red extract derived from cranberry fruits that is rich in powerful antioxidant anthocyanins, as well as astringent tannins.
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.
Betula Alba Bark Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
An extract of white birch with a woody aroma that contains powerful wound healing, astringent and anti-inflammatory terpenoids, as well as tannins. It is suitable for irritated, inflamed, and problematic skin.
Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
An occlusive moisturizing oil expressed from soybeans. It does not leave an oily feeling on the skin due to its low content of saturated fatty acids. Glycine soja oil contains emollient fatty acids and a significant amount of antioxidants.
Silica
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A widely used cosmetic ingredient with the same chemical composition as the sand found on beaches. A common function of silica is its ability to control viscosity. In certain chemical forms, it can effectively thicken cream-style products.
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.