PCA SKIN Apres Peel Hydrating Balm Review

PCA SKIN Apres Peel Hydrating Balm
8.2
/ 10
Moisturizing
10.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
6.4 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
Rich
in Antioxidants
Ingredients

PCA SKIN Apres Peel Hydrating Balm Ingredients

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Full Ingredient List (INCI):

Water, Glycerin, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Germ Oil, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Glucoside, Glyceryl Stearate, Xanthan Gum, Caprylyl Glycol, Hydrolyzed Milk Protein, Phenoxyethanol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Alcohol Denat., Allantoin, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer, Fructooligosaccharides, Polysorbate 80, Vitex Agnus-Castus Extract, Benzyl Alcohol, Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Oil, Lecithin, Potassium Sorbate, Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel Oil, Tropolone, Soy Isoflavones
Review

Does PCA SKIN Apres Peel Hydrating Balm Work?

 
According to CreamScan's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what PCA SKIN Apres Peel Hydrating Balm has to offer:
 
✅ Intense moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 8.2 out of 10.
✅ Antioxidant protection

  

Key Benefits of PCA SKIN Apres Peel Hydrating Balm

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using PCA SKIN Apres Peel Hydrating Balm:
 

🔵🔵 Perfect Moisturizer for Normal to Dry Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, PCA SKIN Apres Peel Hydrating Balm is intensely moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 8.2 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Rather humectant. It has a maximum humectancy of 10 out of 10, primarily due to the substantial concentration of Glycerin (est. ≈9.0%), and a high occlusivity of 6.4 out of 10, mainly due to the significant content of Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil (est. ≈6.0%) and Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride (est. ≈4.0%).

This type of moisturizer is ideal for people with normal skin who want intense hydration in a rich yet not overly thick formula. It combines a high concentration of humectants with a significant amount of occlusive ingredients to provide effective dual-action moisturizing.

The product’s occlusive profile suggests a texture that is rich and creamy but not overly thick, offering the potential to absorb into the skin without leaving a greasy afterfeel in most cases.

This product may also be a good choice for people with dry (but not very dry) skin for daily hydration, as it strikes a balance between significant moisturizing potential and a texture that is not too thick.

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

🍀 Rich in Skin-Protecting Antioxidants

We estimate that PCA SKIN Apres Peel Hydrating Balm is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil (est. ≈6.0%) and Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Germ Oil (est. ≈2.5%).

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 model to incorporate anti-pigmentation, exfoliation and anti-acne ratings.

Things to Be Aware Of: PCA SKIN Apres Peel Hydrating Balm

 
CreamScan identified a few things to consider before adding PCA SKIN Apres Peel Hydrating Balm to your skincare routine:
 

⚠️ Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy

If one of your main reasons for choosing PCA SKIN Apres Peel Hydrating Balm is its potential anti-aging effects, please note that, according to CreamScan analysis, it currently has a zero anti-wrinkle rating.

It contains Soy Isoflavones, an ingredient often marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of Soy Isoflavones provide insufficient evidence of its efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards.

While this does not categorically rule out the possibility that Soy Isoflavones 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 generate 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.

Pros & Cons of PCA SKIN Apres Peel Hydrating Balm

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of PCA SKIN Apres Peel Hydrating Balm to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

🟩 Pros:

✅ Perfect for moisturizing normal to dry skin
Rich and creamy texture without being overly thick
✅ Rich in antioxidants that combat oxidative stress associated with accelerated skin aging and defend against environmental damage
 

⭕ Cons: 

⚠️ Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy
   

Summary: PCA SKIN Apres Peel Hydrating Balm

 
Based on the ingredient list analysis, CreamScan AI suggests that PCA SKIN Apres Peel Hydrating Balm
, as a moisturizer, is ideal for normal to dry skin, combining a very high concentration of humectants with a significant amount of occlusive ingredients in a rich yet not overly thick formula.
 
With its high antioxidant content, PCA SKIN Apres Peel Hydrating Balm 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 PCA SKIN Apres Peel Hydrating Balm worth noting.
 
If one of your main reasons for considering PCA SKIN Apres Peel Hydrating Balm is its potential anti-aging effects, please note that, according to CreamScan analysis, its anti-wrinkle efficacy is questionable. None of the ingredients in this product provide substantial evidence of their anti-wrinkle efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards.
 
📌 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. The information provided here is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional advice. We do not guarantee the efficacy or safety of any product, as individual results may vary.

 

Ingredient Breakdown

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
65
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
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil
Function:
Origin:
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Function:
Origin:
Coco-Caprylate/Caprate
Function:
Origin:
Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Germ Oil
Function:
Origin:
Cetearyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Cetearyl Glucoside
Function:
Origin:
Glyceryl Stearate
Function:
Origin:
Xanthan Gum
Function:
Origin:
Caprylyl Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Hydrolyzed Milk Protein
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
1,2-Hexanediol
Function:
Origin:
Alcohol Denat.
Function:
Origin:
Allantoin
Function:
Origin:
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder
Function:
Origin:
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer
Function:
Origin:
Fructooligosaccharides
Function:
Origin:
Polysorbate 80
Function:
Origin:
Vitex Agnus-Castus Extract
Function:
Origin:
Benzyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Oil
Function:
Origin:
Lecithin
Function:
Origin:
Potassium Sorbate
Function:
Origin:
Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel Oil
Function:
Origin:
Tropolone
Function:
Origin:
Soy Isoflavones
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
10.5
9
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
12.8
6.0
4.0
2.5
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
8.2
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 10.5 10
10.0
9
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 12.8 20
6.4
6.0
4.0
2.5
0.3
Moisturizing rating
8.2
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
9
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 10.5 10
10
All humectants
10.5
9
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
6
4
2.5
0.3
All occlusives 12.8 20
6.4
All occlusives
12.8
6.0
4.0
2.5
0.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
0
Soy Isoflavones
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
6
2.5
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 9.1 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
9.1
Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil
6
Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Germ Oil
2.5
Tropolone
0.3
Soy Isoflavones
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
0.3
0.3
All soothing 0.6 5 No
All soothing
0.6
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %65
Function
Origin
WaterThe 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.
Glycerin
Est. %9
Function
Origin
Glycerin

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

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.

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.
Coco-Caprylate/Caprate
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Coco-Caprylate/CaprateA naturally-derived emollient ester. It is a blend of caprylates and caprates and, relative to other emollients, is lightweight and dry on the skin. As a result, coco-caprylate/caprate serves as a natural alternative to volatile silicones.
Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Germ Oil
Est. %2.5
Function
Origin
Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Germ OilA fatty emollient and occlusive moisturizing oil obtained from wheat germ. It mainly consists of linoleic, oleic, and palmitic acids followed by antioxidant vitamin E, phytosterols, and fatty alcohols.
Cetearyl Alcohol
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Cetearyl AlcoholA blend of cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol, the fatty alcohols that are derived from palm oil. It helps to create emulsions that give off a soft and silky emollient feel and also increase product thickness.
Cetearyl Glucoside
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Cetearyl GlucosideAn emulsifier that creates stable mixtures of oil in water that feel soft and spread easily. Cetearyl glucoside is sold with cetearyl alcohol as an emulsifier blend and also provides some body to the formula.
Glyceryl Stearate
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
Glyceryl StearateAn 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.
Xanthan Gum
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Xanthan GumA natural multi-functional ingredient that originates from fermented sugars. Xanthan gum acts as a viscosity-building agent to thicken skincare products. It is also an excellent stabilizer and works well to hold other ingredients together.
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.
Hydrolyzed Milk Protein
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hydrolyzed Milk Protein
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.
1,2-Hexanediol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
1,2-HexanediolA multi-functional formula helper. It is a well-studied preservtive against bacteria and can help pigments and fragrances disperse evenly in a formula.
Alcohol Denat.
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Alcohol Denat.

Denatured alcohol is ethanol that contains additives that make it unsafe to consume. It is mainly used as a solvent and an antimicrobial agent. A major drawback to alcohol denat. is that it dries out the skin.

Allantoin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
AllantoinA 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.
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice PowderExtracted from dried aloe vera leaves, it has the same effects as fresh aloe vera juice – it is humectant moisturizing, refreshing, and soothing. This powder can also serve as a gelling agent when mixed with water.
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP CopolymerA polymeric ingredient that creates lightweight and refreshing gel textures. It also works as a viscosity controlling agent.
Fructooligosaccharides
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
FructooligosaccharidesA derivative a fructose that moisturizes skin by drawing water to the surface of the skin.
Polysorbate 80
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Polysorbate 80A non-ionic surfactant, which means that it contains no chemical charges. It can be used as a mild cleansing agent in skin cleansing products but is more commonly used for its emulsifying abilities.
Vitex Agnus-Castus Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Vitex Agnus-Castus Extract
Benzyl Alcohol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Benzyl Alcohol

A multifunctional ingredient that is supplied as a clear, colorless liquid. Its main function is as a flavoring agent and fragrance. It also acts as a broad-spectrum preservative, solvent, and viscosity-controlling agent that thins the product.

Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Oil

A fragrant essential oil extracted from the rind or peel of a lemon. It is mainly comprised of limonene (up to 70%) and has a fresh, citrusy scent. Lemon peel oil may cause a sun-induced skin rash in people with a sensitivity towards citrus fruits.

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.
Potassium Sorbate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Potassium SorbateA preservative widely used in food and personal care products, available from natural sources or synthetically produced. Potassium sorbate works by inhibiting the growth of yeasts, molds, and some bacteria.
Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel OilA fatty oil expressed from the seed kernels of apricot fruits. This oil is an emollient and occlusive moisturizer comprised of around 60% oleic acid, followed by linoleic and palmitic acid, carotenoids, vitamin E, and other antioxidant compounds.
Tropolone
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
TropoloneA naturally occurring ingredient with unusual molecular structure that fights free radicals.
Soy Isoflavones
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Soy IsoflavonesBioactive compounds isolated from soybeans. They act as phytoestrogens to support collagen production in aging skin.