Paula's Choice Skin Recovery Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum with Retinol Review

Paula's Choice Skin Recovery Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum with Retinol
5.0
/ 10
Moisturizing
0.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
10.0 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
3.1Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle
Rich
in Antioxidants
Review

Does Paula's Choice Skin Recovery Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum with Retinol Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Paula's Choice Skin Recovery Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum with Retinol has to offer:
 
✅ Strong occlusive moisturizing. This exceptionally occlusive moisturizer, ideal for dry and very dry skin, has a moderate moisturizing rating of 5.0 out of 10, impaired by the absence of humectants.
✅ Modest anti-wrinkle efficacy: Paula's Choice Skin Recovery Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum with Retinol has an anti-wrinkle rating of 3.1 out of 10 so you may expect some, although limited, effect on wrinkles.
✅ Antioxidant protection

  

Key Benefits of Paula's Choice Skin Recovery Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum with Retinol

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Paula's Choice Skin Recovery Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum with Retinol:
 

🔵🔵🔵 Exceptionally Rich Moisturizer with the Right Occlusivity for Very Dry Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, Paula's Choice Skin Recovery Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum with Retinol is quite moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 5.0 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? It is purely occlusive. It has zero Humectancy (we didn't find any humectant ingredients on the ingredient list) and a maximum Occlusivity of 10 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Dimethicone (est. ≈22.0%), Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil (est. ≈6.0%) and Tocopherol (est. ≈4.0%).

This type of product, when used as a standalone moisturizer, can deliver an exceptional level of occlusive hydration that is adequate for dry to very skin. The occlusive profile of Paula's Choice Skin Recovery Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum with Retinol suggests a rich, thick texture, making it perfectly suited for dry 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 Skin Recovery Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum with Retinol has a modest level of anti-wrinkle efficacy, rated 3.1 out of 10.

It contains 2 active ingredients with proven anti-wrinkle efficacy:

1️⃣ 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).
 
2️⃣ Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate (est. ≈0.3%),
 the only derivative of ascorbic acid with solid evidence of anti-wrinkle efficacy. A single clinical study involving 23 participants (Mariko et al.) demonstrated that a cream with 1% ATIP reduced the average depth of periorbital wrinkles by 6% after 8 weeks of use, compared to a vehicle (the same formulation without ATIP).
 
Among others, Paula's Choice Skin Recovery Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum with Retinol also contains Adenosine, an ingredient often marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of Adenosine provide insufficient evidence of its efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards.
 
While this does not categorically rule out the possibility that Adenosine may reduce wrinkles, its efficacy is not supported by convincing, vehicle-controlled, double-blind clinical studies - at least none that were available to the CreamScan team at the time of publication.
 
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 additional anti-wrinkle effects through its moisturizing action.
 

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

🍀 Rich in Skin-Protecting Antioxidants

We estimate that Paula's Choice Skin Recovery Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum with Retinol is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil (est. ≈6.0%) and Tocopherol (est. ≈4.0%).

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.

📌 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 Skin Recovery Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum with Retinol

 
CreamScan AI identified a few things to consider before adding Paula's Choice Skin Recovery Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum with Retinol to your skincare routine:
 

⚠️ May Increase Skin Photosensitivity Due to Retinol

This product contains retinol, which offers powerful anti-wrinkle benefits. The mechanism behind retinol’s action is boosting cell turnover. This process exposes new, more delicate skin, making it more vulnerable to sun damage.

As a result, using products with retinol may increase the skin's sensitivity, making it more prone to sunburn or irritation when exposed to UV rays.

To protect the skin, dermatologists recommend applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 throughout the duration of retinol treatment, along with avoiding direct sun exposure. Retinol should be used at night, as it is sensitive to sunlight and can lose its potency when exposed to UV rays.

❗️Please always check the manufacturer's instructions for using the retinol-containing products, either on their website or product label.

⚠️ Best for Very Dry Skin - May Be Too Thick for Other Skin Types

With exceptional occlusivity, this product is optimal for moisturizing dry and very dry skin but may be too thick for other skin types, including normal, and especially combination and oily skin.

If you have oily, combination, or normal skin and are considering purchasing this product for the first time, it might be a good idea to try a sample before buying.

⚠️ Needs to Be Paired with Extra Humectants for Optimal Moisturizing Efficacy

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 Skin Recovery Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum with Retinol contains no humectants at all.

People with dry skin would definitely benefit from adding water-binding humectants to their moisturizing routine for effective dual-action moisturizing. 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 Skin Recovery Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum with Retinol

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Paula's Choice Skin Recovery Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum with Retinol to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

🟩 Pros:

Exceptionally rich moisturizer with the right level of occlusivity to moisturize dry to very dry skin
Offers modest anti-wrinkle efficacy
✅ Rich in antioxidants that combat oxidative stress associated with accelerated skin aging and defend against environmental damage
 

⭕ Cons: 

⚠️ May increase skin photosensitivity due to retinol
⚠️ May feel too rich and thick on skin types other than dry
⚠️ Only if used as a standalone moisturizer - needs to be paired with extra humectants for optimal moisturizing efficacy
   

Summary: Paula's Choice Skin Recovery Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum with Retinol

 
Based on the ingredient list analysis, CreamScan AI suggests that Paula's Choice Skin Recovery Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum with Retinol
, as a moisturizer, provides an exceptional level of occlusive hydration that is adequate for dry to very skin, delivered in a rich, thick texture.
 
Paula's Choice Skin Recovery Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum with Retinol contains ingredients with proven evidence of anti-wrinkle efficacy that may provide a modest anti-wrinkle effect. As a result, you can expect a positive, though not very significant, impact on wrinkles.
 
With its high antioxidant content, Paula's Choice Skin Recovery Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum with Retinol helps protect against free radical damage and offers multiple benefits for all skin types, including preventing premature aging, defending against environmental damage, and calming inflammation.
 
That said, there are some things about Paula's Choice Skin Recovery Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum with Retinol worth noting.
 
With its high occlusivity, Paula's Choice Skin Recovery Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum with Retinol is ideal for dry skin but may feel too thick on other skin types. If you have oily, combination, or normal skin, it’s a good idea to try a sample before purchasing.
 
If you use this product as your only moisturizer in a routine, please note that it doesn’t contain any humectants. Regardless of your skin type, humectants are vital for optimal moisturizing efficacy. Therefore, pairing Paula's Choice Skin Recovery Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum with Retinol with a humectant-rich product, such as a serum, can be highly beneficial for your skincare routine.
 
This product contains retinol, the most powerful and well-researched non-prescription anti-wrinkle ingredient. However, retinol can make your skin more prone to sun damage and increase sensitivity, so it’s recommended to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 throughout the duration of retinol treatment.
 
❗️ Fact check. At CreamScan, we are committed to accuracy and fairness. If you spot any errors or something that doesn’t seem right, please click here to let us know. We regularly update the ingredient lists and monitor the latest research on ingredient efficacy to ensure that our information remains as complete and precise as possible.

 

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
50
22
11
6
4
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
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Cyclopentasiloxane
Function:
Origin:
Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
Function:
Origin:
Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil
Function:
Origin:
Tocopherol
Function:
Origin:
Retinol
Function:
Origin:
Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate
Function:
Origin:
Bisabolol
Function:
Origin:
Tocotrienols
Function:
Origin:
Adenosine
Function:
Origin:
Tetrahydrodiferuloylmethane
Function:
Origin:
Tetrahydrodemethoxydiferuloylmethane
Function:
Origin:
Tetrahydrobisdemethoxydiferuloylmethane
Function:
Origin:
Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract
Function:
Origin:
Arctostaphylos Uva-Ursi Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Stearyl Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Astaxanthin
Function:
Origin:
Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil
Function:
Origin:
Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Extract
Function:
Origin:
Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Oil
Function:
Origin:
Vaccinium Macrocarpon (Cranberry) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Rubus Idaeus (Raspberry) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Vaccinium Myrtillus Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Elaeis Guineensis (Palm) Oil
Function:
Origin:
SD Alcohol 40
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
0.0
None
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
34.4
22.0
6.0
4.0
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
5.0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 0.0 10
0.0
None
Occlusivity All occlusives 34.4 20
10.0
22.0
6.0
4.0
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
5.0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
None
All humectants 0.0 10
0.0
All humectants
0.0
None
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
22
6
4
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 34.4 20
10.0
All occlusives
34.4
22.0
6.0
4.0
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
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
2 /10 1 0.3 0.6
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
3.1
Retinol
2.5
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
10 /10
when present at, %
0.4
in this formula, est. %
0.1
Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate
0.6
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
2 /10
when present at, %
1
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
3.1
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
6
4
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 13.3 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
13.3
Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil
6
Tocopherol
4
Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate
0.3
Tetrahydrodiferuloylmethane
0.3
Tetrahydrodemethoxydiferuloylmethane
0.3
Tetrahydrobisdemethoxydiferuloylmethane
0.3
Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract
0.3
Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil
0.3
Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract
0.3
Astaxanthin
0.3
Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil
0.3
Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Extract
0.3
Vaccinium Macrocarpon (Cranberry) Seed Oil
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

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.
Dimethicone
Est. %22
Function
Origin
DimethiconeThe 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.
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
Est. %11
Function
Origin
C12-15 Alkyl BenzoateA 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.
Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil
Est. %6
Function
Origin
Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil

A famous olive oil widely used in skincare as an emollient and occlusive moisturizer. It contains mainly unsaturated fatty acids, antioxidant flavonoids, and oleuropeins. Olive oil is listed as a common comedogenic ingredient by acne.org.

Tocopherol
Est. %4
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.

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.

Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate

Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate (ATIP) is an oil-soluble derivative of ascorbic acid, or vitamin C. It is more stable than ascorbic acid, with studies supporting its collagen-boosting and anti-pigment effects.

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.

Tocotrienols
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tocotrienols
Adenosine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Adenosine

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.

Tetrahydrodiferuloylmethane
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
TetrahydrodiferuloylmethaneAn antioxidant turmeric derivative.
Tetrahydrodemethoxydiferuloylmethane
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tetrahydrodemethoxydiferuloylmethane
Tetrahydrobisdemethoxydiferuloylmethane
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tetrahydrobisdemethoxydiferuloylmethane
Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Camellia Oleifera Leaf ExtractAn 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.
Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed OilAn emollient and occlusive moisturizing oil derived from grape seeds that are leftover after juicing or wine production. It contains linoleic, oleic, palmitic, and stearic acids, squalene, as well as phytosterols and various antioxidant compounds.
Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower ExtractDerived 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.
Arctostaphylos Uva-Ursi Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Arctostaphylos Uva-Ursi Leaf Extract
Stearyl Dimethicone
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Stearyl Dimethicone
Astaxanthin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
AstaxanthinA red natural pigment from the family of antioxidant carotenoids that occurs in many natural sources such as lobster and algae. It is mainly used as a colorant and soothing ingredient.
Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glycine Soja (Soybean) OilAn 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.
Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed ExtractA 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.
Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) OilAn occlusive moisturizing and emollient fatty oil expressed from the seeds of a yellow-flowered plant which often opens its flowers in the evening (hence the name). It is light and suitable for problematic, eczematous, and inflammation-prone skin.
Vaccinium Macrocarpon (Cranberry) Seed Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Vaccinium Macrocarpon (Cranberry) Seed OilDerived from cranberry seeds, this rich-in-antioxidants oil contains a combination of emollient and occlusive moisturizing omega-3,-6, and -9 fatty acids.
Rubus Idaeus (Raspberry) Seed Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Rubus Idaeus (Raspberry) Seed OilAn emollient and occlusive moisturizing fatty oil expressed from raspberry seeds. It is a rich source of linoleic, α-linolenic, and palmitic fatty acids.
Vaccinium Myrtillus Seed Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Vaccinium Myrtillus Seed Oil
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.
SD Alcohol 40
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
SD Alcohol 40