PCA SKIN Exlinea Peptide Smoothing Serum Review

PCA SKIN Exlinea Peptide Smoothing Serum
4.0
/ 10
Moisturizing
7.6 Humectancy icon Humectancy
0.4 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
Rich
in Antioxidants
Review

Does PCA SKIN Exlinea Peptide Smoothing Serum Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what PCA SKIN Exlinea Peptide Smoothing Serum has to offer:
 
  • Moderate moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 4.0 out of 10.
  • Antioxidant protection.

Key Benefits of PCA SKIN Exlinea Peptide Smoothing Serum

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using PCA SKIN Exlinea Peptide Smoothing Serum:
 

Lightweight Moisturizer Well-Suited for Oily Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, PCA SKIN Exlinea Peptide Smoothing Serum is quite moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 4.0 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Significantly more humectant. It has a low occlusivity of 0.4 out of 10 and a high humectancy of 7.6 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice (est. ≈2.9%) and Gluconolactone (est. ≈2.8%).

This humectant-rich product, when used alone as a moisturizer, is well-suited for oily skin, providing moderate hydration in a lightweight, fast-absorbing formula with a minimal amount of occlusive ingredients.

It can also be a good option for people with normal skin who prefer lightweight moisturizers.

A Humectant Enhancement for Any Skincare Routine

But it’s not limited to oily skin - such a humectant enhancement will also positively contribute to the moisturizing efficacy of any skincare routine when used as a step before applying the main moisturizer. This type of formulation is typically used in serums, where a light, fast-absorbing texture is key.

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

Rich in Skin-Protecting Antioxidants

We estimate that PCA SKIN Exlinea Peptide Smoothing Serum is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice (est. ≈2.9%).

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: PCA SKIN Exlinea Peptide Smoothing Serum

 
CreamScan AI identified a few things to consider before adding PCA SKIN Exlinea Peptide Smoothing Serum to your skincare routine:
 

Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy

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

It contains Gluconolactone and Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, two ingredients often marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of these ingredients provide insufficient evidence of efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards.

While this does not categorically exclude the possibility that these ingredients may reduce wrinkles, their efficacy is not supported by convincing, vehicle-controlled, double-blind clinical studies - at least none that were accessible to the CreamScan team at the time of publication.

Therefore, these ingredients do 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 Exlinea Peptide Smoothing Serum

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of PCA SKIN Exlinea Peptide Smoothing Serum to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

Pros:

  • Humectant moisturizing well-suited for oily skin
  • Lightweight texture
  • A humectant moisturizing enhancement for any skincare routine
  • Rich in antioxidants that combat oxidative stress associated with accelerated skin aging and defend against environmental damage such as UV radiation and pollution

Cons: 

  • Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
85
3
2.9
2.8
1
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
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Function:
Origin:
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Function:
Origin:
Gluconolactone
Function:
Origin:
Aminomethyl Propanol
Function:
Origin:
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Benzoate
Function:
Origin:
1,2-Hexanediol
Function:
Origin:
Caprylyl Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Function:
Origin:
Santalum Austrocaledonicum Wood Oil
Function:
Origin:
Aniba Rosaeodora Wood Oil
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hyaluronate
Function:
Origin:
Citrus Grandis Peel Oil
Function:
Origin:
Citrus Nobilis (Mandarin Orange) Peel Oil
Function:
Origin:
Tropolone
Function:
Origin:
Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Oil
Function:
Origin:
Potassium Sorbate
Function:
Origin:
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8
Function:
Origin:
Phytosterols
Function:
Origin:
Tocopherol
Function:
Origin:
Tocotrienols
Function:
Origin:
Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Wax
Function:
Origin:
Squalene
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
7.6
2.9
2.8
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
0.9
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
4.0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 7.6 10
7.6
2.9
2.8
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 0.9 20
0.4
0.3
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
4.0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
2.9
2.8
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 7.6 10
7.6
All humectants
7.6
2.9
2.8
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
0.3
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 0.9 20
0.4
All occlusives
0.9
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
n/a
- 2.8 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
0
Gluconolactone
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
2.8
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8
-
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
2.9
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 4.7 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
4.7
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
2.9
Sodium Hyaluronate
0.3
Citrus Grandis Peel Oil
0.3
Tropolone
0.3
Phytosterols
0.3
Tocopherol
0.3
Squalene
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
2.9
1
All soothing 3.9 5 No
All soothing
3.9
2.9
1
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %85
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.
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate CopolymerAn emulsion stabilizer and thickener that helps to create a pleasant, satiny, and light formula texture. It works by forming a gel-like network within water or oil, which both stabilizes other ingredients and produces a thickening effect.
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Est. %2.9
Function
Origin
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf JuiceA gelatinous juice from Aloe vera leaves that acts as a powerful humectant, emollient, and antioxidant. It contains enzymes, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals that soothe irritated skin and have wound-healing and anti-inflammatory properties.
Gluconolactone
Est. %2.8
Function
Origin
GluconolactoneA PHA derived from glucose. It has exfoliating and humectant properties and acts as a penetration enhancer for other ingredients. It has also been shown to assist in the treatment of acne and the prevention of photoaging.
Aminomethyl Propanol
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Aminomethyl PropanolA synthetic ingredient that helps to adjust the pH of a product to make it less acidic.
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Dipotassium GlycyrrhizateA licorice root derivative with powerful anti-inflammatory and soothing activities. It is often used as a flavoring agent in lip products.
Sodium Benzoate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium BenzoateA preservative that usually works in combination with other preservatives. It has to be at low pH (<5.5) to be effective.
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.
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.
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate CrosspolymerA synthetic ingredient that is used to thicken water and alcohol. It results in a more lightweight formula and is commonly found in gel products.
Santalum Austrocaledonicum Wood Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Santalum Austrocaledonicum Wood Oil
Aniba Rosaeodora Wood Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Aniba Rosaeodora Wood OilA rare and expensive fragrant essential oil obtained from the Brazilian rosewood.
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.
Sodium Hyaluronate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Hyaluronate

A sodium salt of famous hyaluronic acid. A potent humectant that hydrates the skin, supports collagen function, and fills out small wrinkles. Sodium hyaluronate also offers soothing and antioxidant properties.

Citrus Grandis Peel Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Citrus Grandis Peel Oil

A fragrant essential oil obtained from pomelo peels - sometimes mislabeled as grapefruit. The high limonene content is responsible for its citrusy scent. It may induce sun allergies in people sensitive to citrus fruits.

Citrus Nobilis (Mandarin Orange) Peel Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Citrus Nobilis (Mandarin Orange) Peel Oil

A fragrant essential oil expressed from the peels of mandarin. It contains up to 74% of limonene and other volatile compounds which create its sweet, mandarin aroma. It may induce sun allergies in people sensitive to citrus fruits.

Tropolone
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
TropoloneA naturally occurring ingredient with unusual molecular structure that fights free radicals.
Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) OilAn essential oil distilled from peppermint leaves that is used as a fragrance and for its cooling effect on the skin. It contains up to 50% of menthol, which interacts with heat-sensitive nerve endings upon application to the skin, producing a cold sensation.
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.
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8

A small synthetic peptide that is thought to act similarly to Botox by calming contractions of the facial muscles and reducing expression wrinkles. The effect is only temporary and it does not improve the skin structure in any way.

Phytosterols
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PhytosterolsA plant-based version of cholesterol that is used for its emollient properties in skincare. The richest sources of phytosterols are corn, rapeseed, and wheat germ oil.
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.

Tocotrienols
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tocotrienols
Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Wax
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran WaxA solid, strongly emollient, and occlusive moisturizing wax obtained from rice bran oil. It is also used as a formula helper.
Squalene
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
SqualeneOne of the main ingredients in the skin’s sebum. It helps to rebuild the natural oily film on the skin’s surface and to prevent transdermal water loss. Squalene is listed among common comedogenic ingredients by acne.org.