PCA SKIN Hydrating Serum

PCA SKIN Hydrating Serum
5.0
/ 10
Moisturizing
10.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
0.0 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
0.4Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle
Rich
in Antioxidants
$$$$

Review

Results you may expect from using PCA SKIN Hydrating Serum:

Based on the ingredient analysis by CreamScan, these are the key benefits you can expect from using PCA SKIN Hydrating Serum:

  • Moderate moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 5.0 out of 10.
  • Little anti-wrinkle effect: PCA SKIN Hydrating Serum has an anti-wrinkle rating of 0.4 out of 10, so you may expect a positive, although insignificant, effect on wrinkles.
  • Antioxidant protection.

How moisturizing is it?

Quite moisturizing: PCA SKIN Hydrating Serum has a moisturizing rating of 5.0 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? It is purely humectant. It has zero occlusivity (we didn't find any occlusive ingredients on the ingredient list) and a maximum humectancy of 10 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Glycerin (est. ≈6.0%), Sodium PCA (est. ≈2.4%) and Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice (est. ≈2.0%).

Tip: Studies suggest that humectants alone do not moisturize the skin. We recommend applying a product with some occlusive ingredients after the use of this one.

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

Anti-wrinkle efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, PCA SKIN Hydrating Serum has a minimal anti-wrinkle rating of 0.4 out of 10. It contains one ingredient with proven anti-wrinkle efficacy: Niacinamide (est. ≈0.3%),
 one of the most effective and well-researched anti-wrinkle ingredients.
 
Among others, PCA SKIN Hydrating Serum also contains Gluconolactone, an ingredient marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of Gluconolactone provide insufficient evidence of its efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards. 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, could deliver additional anti-wrinkle efficacy through its moisturizing action.
 

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

Antioxidant benefits

We estimate that PCA SKIN Hydrating Serum is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice (est. ≈2.0%).

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.

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
80
6
2.5
2.4
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
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Ratings

All humectants
16.3
6
2.4
2
1.5
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
0.0
None
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
5.0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 16.3 10
10.0
6
2.4
2
1.5
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 0.0 20
0.0
None
Moisturizing rating
5.0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
6
2.4
2
1.5
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 16.3 10
10
All humectants
16.3
6
2.4
2
1.5
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
None
All occlusives 0.0 20
0.0
All occlusives
0.0
None
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
6 /10 4 0.3 0.4
n/a
- 1.3 -
Total
0.4
Niacinamide
0.4
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
6 /10
when present at, %
4
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Gluconolactone
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
1.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
0.4
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
2
1
0.3
All antioxidants 3.3 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
3.3
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
2
Sodium Hyaluronate
1
Niacinamide
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
2
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All soothing 3.2 5 No
All soothing
3.2
2
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %80
Function
Origin
The 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. %6
Function
Origin

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

Sodium Polyacrylate
Est. %2.5
Function
Origin
This white powder is primarily used as a viscosity controlling agent. It is added to the water phase, which then thickens to form a clear gel. Sodium polyacrylate can also serve as an emollient, absorbent, and emulsion stabilizer.
Sodium PCA
Est. %2.4
Function
Origin
One of the most important parts of the skin's Natural Moisturizing Factor, a mixture of various compounds that keeps the skin’s surface well hydrated. Sodium PCA is used in skincare for its fantastic humectant properties.
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Est. %2
Function
Origin
A 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.
Sodium Lactate
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
A sodium salt of lactic acid. Its main function is as a humectant but it can also serve as a pH adjuster. Additionally, sodium lactate can also be used as a chemical exfoliant due to its close chemical relation to lactic acid.
Gluconolactone
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
A 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.
Sodium Hyaluronate
Est. %1
Function
Origin
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.
Wheat Amino Acids
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Description is coming soon
Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Germ Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
An emollient extract obtained from the germ part of the wheat grain. It contains proteins, fatty acids, vitamins E and B, as well as various other antioxidants. It has been claimed to have anti-pigment activity.
Sodium Benzoate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A preservative that usually works in combination with other preservatives. It has to be at low pH (<5.5) to be effective.
Panthenol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A popular soothing and moisturizing derivative of vitamin B5. Panthenol is particularly beneficial for dry, flaking, burned, or damaged skin. It is used to alleviate the symptoms of a rash, dermatitis, eczema, chapped lips, and sunburn.
Symphytum Officinale Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A soothing extract that is obtained from the leaves of the comfrey plant. It contains anti-inflammatory allantoin, a caffeine-like compound.
Saccharomyces Lysate Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A mixture of yeast cell fragments with humectant moisturizing properties. It contains many beneficial compounds, including a wound healing polysaccharide called beta-glucan, peptides, and various minerals and vitamins.
Hydroxyproline
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
An amino acid that may promote collagen synthesis.
Fructose
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A natural sugar that moisturizes the skin by drawing water to the surface.
Glycine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A humectant moisturizing amino acid that is a part of skin's Natural Moisturizing Factor. Some recent studies suggest that it may have barrier repair properties.
Inositol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A humectant moisturizing, sugar-like compound that is present in all the cells of the body, but especially the brain. It is manufactured from sugar beets or carob tree pods for skincare purposes.
Niacinamide
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin

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.

Urea
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Urea can be found in urine, skin, and other tissues as a degradation product of proteins. In concentrations below 5%, urea is humectant moisturizing. At concentrations above 10% it is keratolytic, that helps to break away old, flaking, and cracked skin.