PCA SKIN HydraLuxe Review

PCA SKIN HydraLuxe
7.9
/ 10
Moisturizing
10.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
5.8 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
6Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle
Rich
in Antioxidants
Rich Skin Soothing icon
in Skin Soothers
Ingredients

PCA SKIN HydraLuxe Ingredients

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Full Ingredient List (INCI):

Water, Niacinamide, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cetearyl Isononanoate, Dimethicone, C12-16 Alcohols, Glycerin, Pentylene Glycol, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Maltodextrin, Squalane, Palmitic Acid, Cetearyl Alcohol, Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Phenoxyethanol, C20-40 Alkyl Stearate, Cetyl Alcohol, Xanthan Gum, Caprylyl Glycol, Fragrance, Behenyl Behenate, Chlorphenesin, Tribehenin, Cetyl Stearate, Isostearyl Isostearate, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Stearic Acid, Tocopherol, Betaine, Paeonia Albiflora Root Extract, Cichorium Intybus (Chicory) Leaf Extract, Hexylene Glycol, Sodium Phytate, Tremella Fuciformis Sporocarp Extract, Acetyl Glucosamine, Retinyl Palmitate, Coenochloris Signiensis Extract, Lecithin, Lycium Barbarum Fruit Extract
Review

Does PCA SKIN HydraLuxe Work?

 
According to CreamScan's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what PCA SKIN HydraLuxe has to offer:
 
✅ Significant moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 7.9 out of 10.
✅ Significant anti-wrinkle efficacy. With an anti-wrinkle rating of 6.0 out of 10, PCA SKIN HydraLuxe is effective in minimizing wrinkles.
✅ Soothing: PCA SKIN HydraLuxe contains a high concentration of soothing ingredients, which may help to reduce irritation and calm the skin.
✅ Antioxidant protection

  

Key Benefits of PCA SKIN HydraLuxe

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using PCA SKIN HydraLuxe:
 

🔵🔵 Perfect Moisturizer for Normal to Dry Skin with a Balanced Texture, Neither Too Light nor Too Heavy

According to CreamScan analysis, PCA SKIN HydraLuxe is highly moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 7.9 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Significantly more humectant. It has a maximum humectancy of 10.0 out of 10, primarily due to the substantial concentration of Niacinamide (est. ≈5.0%) and Glycerin (est. ≈2.0%), and a moderate occlusivity of 5.8 out of 10, mainly due to the high content of Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride (est. ≈4.9%) and Dimethicone (est. ≈3.0%).

This type of moisturizer is ideal for people with normal skin who want maximum hydration in a formula with a balanced texture - neither too light nor too heavy. It combines a very high concentration of humectants with a moderate amount of occlusive ingredients to deliver effective dual-action moisturizing for normal skin.

This product may also be a good choice for people with normal to dry skin for daily hydration.

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

🟣🟣 Significant Anti-Wrinkle Efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, PCA SKIN HydraLuxe has a high anti-wrinkle rating of 6.0 out of 10.

It contains one ingredient with proven anti-wrinkle efficacy: Niacinamide (est. ≈5.0%),
 one of the most effective and well-researched anti-wrinkle ingredients. A clinical study involving 30 participants (Kawada et al.) confirmed that a cream with 4% niacinamide reduced the average depth of wrinkles around the eyes by 9% after 8 weeks of use, compared to a vehicle (the same formulation without niacinamide).
 
Among others, PCA SKIN HydraLuxe also contains contains Acetyl Glucosamine and Retinyl Palmitate, 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 rule out 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 available to the CreamScan team at the time of publication.
 
Therefore, these ingredients do not contribute to the anti-wrinkle rating.
 

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 HydraLuxe is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Niacinamide (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.

🔴 Skin Soothing and Calming Potential

Based on the ingredient list analysis, PCA SKIN HydraLuxe is rich (> 5%) in soothing ingredients, particularly Niacinamide (est. ≈5.0%).

When applied to the skin, compounds of soothing ingredients, such as triglycerides, phospholipids, fatty acids, phenolic compounds, and antioxidants, work together to soothe the skin through various mechanisms: reducing inflammation, promoting wound healing, repairing the skin barrier, and providing antimicrobial and antioxidant activities.

📌 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.

Pros & Cons of PCA SKIN HydraLuxe

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

🟩 Pros:

✅ Perfect for moisturizing normal skin
Balanced texture, neither too light nor too heavy
Delivers signficant anti-wrinkle efficacy thanks to Niacinamide
✅ Rich in antioxidants that combat oxidative stress associated with accelerated skin aging and defend against environmental damage
✅ Potentially soothing, as it contains a high concentration of soothing Niacinamide
 

⭕ Cons: 

✅ We couldn't find any
   

Summary: PCA SKIN HydraLuxe

 
Based on the ingredient list analysis, CreamScan AI suggests that PCA SKIN HydraLuxe
 is specifically effective in treating wrinkles, containing ingredients with solid, robust evidence of anti-wrinkle efficacy.
 

It’s an ideal moisturizer for normal skin, combining a very high concentration of humectants with a significant amount of occlusive ingredients in a balanced texture - neither too light nor too heavy.

Rich in antioxidants, PCA SKIN HydraLuxe 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. This product is also formulated with a high concentration of soothing ingredients, offering the potential to calm and comfort irritated skin. Whether you’re experiencing redness, irritation, or general sensitivity, its soothing properties may help restore balance and provide relief.
 
📌 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
5
4.9
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
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:
Niacinamide
Function:
Origin:
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Function:
Origin:
Cetearyl Isononanoate
Function:
Origin:
Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
C12-16 Alcohols
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Pentylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter
Function:
Origin:
Maltodextrin
Function:
Origin:
Squalane
Function:
Origin:
Palmitic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Cetearyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Function:
Origin:
Hydrogenated Lecithin
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
C20-40 Alkyl Stearate
Function:
Origin:
Cetyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Xanthan Gum
Function:
Origin:
Caprylyl Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Fragrance
Function:
Origin:
Behenyl Behenate
Function:
Origin:
Chlorphenesin
Function:
Origin:
Tribehenin
Function:
Origin:
Cetyl Stearate
Function:
Origin:
Isostearyl Isostearate
Function:
Origin:
Potassium Cetyl Phosphate
Function:
Origin:
Stearic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Tocopherol
Function:
Origin:
Betaine
Function:
Origin:
Paeonia Albiflora Root Extract
Function:
Origin:
Cichorium Intybus (Chicory) Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Hexylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Phytate
Function:
Origin:
Tremella Fuciformis Sporocarp Extract
Function:
Origin:
Acetyl Glucosamine
Function:
Origin:
Retinyl Palmitate
Function:
Origin:
Coenochloris Signiensis Extract
Function:
Origin:
Lecithin
Function:
Origin:
Lycium Barbarum Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
10.0
5
2
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
11.6
4.9
3.0
1.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
7.9
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 10.0 10
10.0
5
2
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 11.6 20
5.8
4.9
3.0
1.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
7.9
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
5
2
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 10.0 10
10
All humectants
10.0
5
2
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
4.9
3
1.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 11.6 20
5.8
All occlusives
11.6
4.9
3.0
1.3
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
6 /10 4 5 6
n/a
- 0.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
6
Niacinamide
6
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
6 /10
when present at, %
4
in this formula, est. %
5
Acetyl Glucosamine
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Retinyl Palmitate
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
6
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
5
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 5.9 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
5.9
Niacinamide
5
Tocopherol
0.3
Tremella Fuciformis Sporocarp Extract
0.3
Lycium Barbarum Fruit Extract
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
5
All soothing 5 5 Rich in soothing
All soothing
5
5
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.
Niacinamide
Est. %5
Function
Origin
Niacinamide

Also known as vitamin B3, this ingredient is a true superstar with confirmed moisturizing, anti-acne, hyperpigmentation, and antioxidant benefits. Two studies confirm its significant anti-wrinkle efficacy.

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Est. %4.9
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.
Cetearyl Isononanoate
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Cetearyl IsononanoateA naturally-derived (coconut or palm oil based) oil with medium richness. It makes skin feel soft and smooth.
Dimethicone
Est. %3
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.
C12-16 Alcohols
Est. %2.5
Function
Origin
C12-16 AlcoholsA naturally-derived or synthetic ingredient that provides body and cream-like texture to products. This is not a drying alcohol, in fact it can provide a softening effect to the skin.
Glycerin
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Glycerin

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

Pentylene Glycol
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Pentylene Glycol

A naturally or synthetically derived preservative that exhibits effective antifungal and antibacterial traits. It also acts as a booster for more traditional preservatives. Pentylene glycol can also serve as a moisturizing humectant and solvent.

Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) ButterA semi-solid, buttery fat extracted from the seeds of the Shea tree that is a wonderful occlusive and emollient ingredient mainly comprised of fatty acids. Shea butter contains a large amount of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds.
Maltodextrin
Est. %1
Function
Origin
MaltodextrinA formula helper manufactured from starch. It has a sweet flavor and is often used in rinse-off products to support their foaming structure. Maltodextrin is also used to stabilize emulsions and to absorb and bind other ingredients in the formula.
Squalane
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
SqualaneAn occlusive moisturizing and emollient compound that forms part of the skin’s sebum. The main source of squalane had always been shark liver. Now, however, it is manufactured synthetically or derived from plant oils, such as olive and peanut oil.
Palmitic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Palmitic AcidA saturated fatty acid used in skincare as a strongly occlusive moisturizer and barrier repairing, emollient ingredient. It is a waxy-looking, white solid. Palmitic acid can be commonly found in animal and vegetable fats, notably palm oil.
Cetearyl Alcohol
Est. %0.3
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.
Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate CopolymerA multi-functional ingredient that forms a polymeric network, thereby thickening the formula and preventing other ingredients from shifting around.
Hydrogenated Lecithin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hydrogenated LecithinA version of plain lecithin that has been saturated with hydrogen atoms. This ingredient can be derived from plants, like soy or sunflower, from egg yolks, or made synthetically. Its major function is to emulsify water and oils.
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.
C20-40 Alkyl Stearate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
C20-40 Alkyl Stearate
Cetyl Alcohol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Cetyl AlcoholA waxy solid fatty alcohol derived from palm oil. It is most commonly used as a co-emulsifier and affects the final aesthetic of the product, leaving a soft and silky feeling on the skin. Cetyl alcohol is also used as a viscosity controlling agent.
Xanthan Gum
Est. %0.3
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.
Fragrance
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
FragranceUnder trade secret law, manufacturers have the right not to disclose what exactly went into the fragrance and use the unspecific word Fragrance or Parfum instead. Many fragrances are highly allergenic.
Behenyl Behenate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Behenyl Behenate
Chlorphenesin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
ChlorphenesinA preservative and broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent that protects products from a wide range of bacteria and fungi.
Tribehenin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
TribeheninA soft, pliable wax that serves as an occlusive moisturizer and emollient. It improves the spreadability of skincare products, including the increased payoff of stick products, and imparts a pleasant, smooth feel upon application.
Cetyl Stearate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Cetyl Stearate
Isostearyl Isostearate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Isostearyl IsostearateA synthetic ingredient that softens the appearance of skin and can suspend small particles.
Potassium Cetyl Phosphate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Potassium Cetyl PhosphateA powerful emulsifier that can even mix particularly problematic water and oil blends. It is also a surfactant perfect for cleansing products that effectively rinse off oil and dirt particles from the surface of the skin.
Stearic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Stearic AcidA saturated fatty acid found in vegetable butter and animal fats. It is an occlusive moisturizing and emollient ingredient and also helps to maintain the barrier function of the skin.
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.

Betaine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
BetaineAn ingredient derived from the sucrose in sugar beets. It has a negative chemical charge and a positive chemical charge on the same molecule. This allows betaine to be hygroscopic or humectant and thus provide moisturization by drawing water to the skin.
Paeonia Albiflora Root Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Paeonia Albiflora Root ExtractAn extract from the roots of the garden peony. It mainly contains humectant moisturizing oligosaccharides and polysaccharides, and has been claimed to improve skin tone.
Cichorium Intybus (Chicory) Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Cichorium Intybus (Chicory) Leaf Extract
Hexylene Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hexylene GlycolA multifunctional ingredient that is best known for its use as a solvent. It can dissolve both water-based ingredients and oils. For this reason, it can also function as an emulsifier, allowing oil and water ingredients to mix and remain stable.
Sodium Phytate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium PhytateSodium phytate is a chelating agent that serves to remove heavy metal ions from water. Removing metal ions helps other ingredients, such as antioxidants and preservatives, to perform better and keep products from separating.
Tremella Fuciformis Sporocarp Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tremella Fuciformis Sporocarp ExtractA fungi extract. The mushroom contains various proteins, fiber, and humectant and antioxidant polysaccharides - which help to restore the water and collagen content in the skin.
Acetyl Glucosamine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Acetyl GlucosamineA body-natural amino-saccharide used in skincare as an anti-pigment ingredient. Some other benefits of acetyl glucosamine include decreased skin flakiness, improved wound healing, and even a slight reduction in facial wrinkles.
Retinyl Palmitate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Retinyl Palmitate

An esterified form of retinol – it combines retinol and palmitic acid into one molecule. Retinyl palmitate is less irritating than retinol but lacks clinical proves of its anti-aging and acne-reducing efficacy.

Coenochloris Signiensis Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Coenochloris Signiensis Extract
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.
Lycium Barbarum Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Lycium Barbarum Fruit ExtractAn extract obtained from Goji berries with moisturizing and antioxidant polysaccharides and glycoproteins. It is also rich in other antioxidants such as vitamins B and C, carotenoids, flavonoids, and phytosterols.