PCA SKIN C&E Advanced with Hexylresorcinol and Silymarin Review

PCA SKIN C&E Advanced with Hexylresorcinol and Silymarin
1.2
/ 10
Moisturizing
0.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
2.5 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
2.5Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle
Rich
in Antioxidants
Ingredients

PCA SKIN C&E Advanced with Hexylresorcinol and Silymarin Ingredients

Hover to see details. On mobile? Tap for ingredient stories!

Full Ingredient List (INCI):

Cyclopentasiloxane, Ascorbic Acid, Ethylhexyl Hydroxystearate, Polysilicone-11, Tocopherol, Isosorbide Dicaprylate, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Hexylresorcinol, Silybum Marianum Fruit Extract, Hordeum Distichon (Barley) Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Oil, Silica, Phellodendron Amurense Bark Extract, Santalum Album (Sandalwood) Wood Extract
Review

Does PCA SKIN C&E Advanced with Hexylresorcinol and Silymarin Work?

 
According to CreamScan's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what PCA SKIN C&E Advanced with Hexylresorcinol and Silymarin has to offer:
 
✅ A bit of moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 1.2 out of 10.
✅ Modest anti-wrinkle efficacy: PCA SKIN C&E Advanced with Hexylresorcinol and Silymarin has an anti-wrinkle rating of 2.5 out of 10 so you may expect some, although limited, effect on wrinkles.
✅ Antioxidant protection

  

Key Benefits of PCA SKIN C&E Advanced with Hexylresorcinol and Silymarin

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using PCA SKIN C&E Advanced with Hexylresorcinol and Silymarin:
 

🔵 Slight Moisturizing When Used Alone

According to CreamScan analysis, PCA SKIN C&E Advanced with Hexylresorcinol and Silymarin is slightly moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 1.2 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? This product is purely occlusive, but with a low Occlusivity of 2.5 out of 10. It has zero Humectancy as we didn't find any humectant ingredients on the ingredient list.

This type of product provides relatively light occlusive moisturizing on its own but can contribute to overall moisturizing efficacy when used as part of a skincare routine, alongside another moisturizer.

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

🟣 Modest Anti-Wrinkle Efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, PCA SKIN C&E Advanced with Hexylresorcinol and Silymarin has a modest level of anti-wrinkle efficacy, rated 2.5 out of 10.

It contains one ingredient with proven anti-wrinkle efficacy: Ascorbic Acid (est. ≈20.0%),
 or Vitamin C, a popular ingredient, yet with moderate anti-wrinkle efficacy, as confirmed by a single clinical study involving 20 participants (Humbert et al.). This study showed that a cream with a relatively high concentration of 5% ascorbic acid reduced the average wrinkle depth by 7% after 6 months of use, compared to a vehicle (the same formulation without ascorbic acid).
 
📌 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 PCA SKIN C&E Advanced with Hexylresorcinol and Silymarin is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Ascorbic Acid (est. ≈20.0%) and Tocopherol (est. ≈5.0%).

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

Things to Be Aware Of: PCA SKIN C&E Advanced with Hexylresorcinol and Silymarin

 
CreamScan identified a few things to consider before adding PCA SKIN C&E Advanced with Hexylresorcinol and Silymarin to your skincare routine:
 

⚠️ As a Standalone Moisturizer, It Has Relatively Low Moisturizing Potential

If you use PCA SKIN C&E Advanced with Hexylresorcinol and Silymarin for moisturizing purposes, please keep in mind that it provides relatively light moisturizing on its own, and, more importantly, it’s not optimal for any skin type.

On one hand, it has low occlusivity, which suits oily and combination skin. On the other hand, it has a low estimated concentration of humectants, which are essential for effective moisturizing of all skin types, including oily skin.

Therefore, if used as a standalone moisturizer, this product should be paired with a humectant-rich moisturizer for optimal skin hydration.

Pros & Cons of PCA SKIN C&E Advanced with Hexylresorcinol and Silymarin

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of PCA SKIN C&E Advanced with Hexylresorcinol and Silymarin to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

🟩 Pros:

Offers modest anti-wrinkle efficacy
✅ Rich in antioxidants that combat oxidative stress associated with accelerated skin aging and defend against environmental damage
 

⭕ Cons: 

⚠️ Minimal moisturizing efficacy, even for oily skin - something to keep in mind if this is the only moisturizer in your routine
   

Summary: PCA SKIN C&E Advanced with Hexylresorcinol and Silymarin

 
Based on the ingredient list analysis, CreamScan AI suggests that PCA SKIN C&E Advanced with Hexylresorcinol and Silymarin
, as a moisturizer, provides relatively light hydration on its own but can enhance the moisturizing efficacy of any skincare routine.
 
PCA SKIN C&E Advanced with Hexylresorcinol and Silymarin 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, PCA SKIN C&E Advanced with Hexylresorcinol and Silymarin 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 C&E Advanced with Hexylresorcinol and Silymarin worth noting.
 
If you use PCA SKIN C&E Advanced with Hexylresorcinol and Silymarin as your primary moisturizer, please keep in mind that it provides only light hydration, which isn’t actually ideal for any skin type. While its low occlusivity may work for oily and combination skin, it lacks sufficient humectants, which are vital for effective hydration of any skin type. Therefore, for optimal moisturizing results, it should be paired with a humectant-rich moisturizer.
 
📌 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
50
20
9
6
5
3
2
1
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Cyclopentasiloxane
Function:
Origin:
Ascorbic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Ethylhexyl Hydroxystearate
Function:
Origin:
Polysilicone-11
Function:
Origin:
Tocopherol
Function:
Origin:
Isosorbide Dicaprylate
Function:
Origin:
Polymethylsilsesquioxane
Function:
Origin:
Hexylresorcinol
Function:
Origin:
Silybum Marianum Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Hordeum Distichon (Barley) Extract
Function:
Origin:
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Oil
Function:
Origin:
Silica
Function:
Origin:
Phellodendron Amurense Bark Extract
Function:
Origin:
Santalum Album (Sandalwood) Wood Extract
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
0.0
None
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
5.0
5.0
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
1.2
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 0.0 10
0.0
None
Occlusivity All occlusives 5.0 20
2.5
5.0
Moisturizing rating
1.2
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
None
All humectants 0.0 10
0.0
All humectants
0.0
None
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
5
All occlusives 5.0 20
2.5
All occlusives
5.0
5.0
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
2.5 /10 5 20 2.5
Total
2.5
Ascorbic Acid
2.5
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
2.5 /10
when present at, %
5
in this formula, est. %
20
Anti-wrinkle rating
2.5
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
20
5
1
1
0.3
All antioxidants 27.3 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
27.3
Ascorbic Acid
20
Tocopherol
5
Hexylresorcinol
1
Silybum Marianum Fruit Extract
1
Hordeum Distichon (Barley) Extract
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
0.3
All soothing 0.3 5 No
All soothing
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.
Ascorbic Acid
Est. %20
Function
Origin
Ascorbic Acid

Also known as vitamin C, this multi-benefit ingredient has proven anti-wrinkle, antioxidant, and anti-pigmentation efficacy. It degrades easily when exposed to air and light, so it requires proper packaging to maintain its stability.

Ethylhexyl Hydroxystearate
Est. %9
Function
Origin
Ethylhexyl Hydroxystearate
Polysilicone-11
Est. %6
Function
Origin
Polysilicone-11A synthetic rubber-like substance of the silicone family that has no color or distinct scent. These are large molecules that cannot penetrate the skin but instead create a thin silky film on the skin's surface.
Tocopherol
Est. %5
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.

Isosorbide Dicaprylate
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Isosorbide Dicaprylate
Polymethylsilsesquioxane
Est. %2
Function
Origin
PolymethylsilsesquioxaneA type of spherical powder that functions on a ball-bearing effect in which the tiny microspheres roll around on the skin and create lubricity. Polymethylsilsesquioxane offers extra slip to skincare products and makes the skin feel soft and smooth.
Hexylresorcinol
Est. %1
Function
Origin
HexylresorcinolA synthetic compound. It is an anti-pigment ingredient that has been shown to be effective in inhibiting tyrosinase activity.
Silybum Marianum Fruit Extract
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Silybum Marianum Fruit ExtractA powerful antioxidant derived from milk thistle seeds.
Hordeum Distichon (Barley) Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hordeum Distichon (Barley) ExtractDerived from barley, this extract contains antioxidant polyphenolic compounds such as flavonoids and organic acids, as well as beta-glucan (which assists in skin healing). It also contains gluten.
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Oil

A fragrant essential oil expressed or distilled from the rinds of sweet oranges. Its main constituent is limonene, which is responsible for its fresh, citrusy smell. It may induce sun allergies in people sensitive to citrus fruits.

Silica
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
SilicaA 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.
Phellodendron Amurense Bark Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Phellodendron Amurense Bark ExtractA soothing and antimicrobial extract derived from the Amur cork tree (which is used in traditional Chinese remedies). It contains various beneficial compounds such as alkaloids, limonoids, flavonoids, and phenolic acids.
Santalum Album (Sandalwood) Wood Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Santalum Album (Sandalwood) Wood ExtractA fragrant extract derived from sandalwood that is most likely a diluted essential oil. Sandalwood oil is one of the most expensive essential oils in the world and it gives the extract a woody, warm, and creamy scent.