PCA SKIN Total Strength Serum

PCA SKIN Total Strength Serum
3.1
/ 10
Moisturizing
5.9 Humectancy icon Humectancy
0.3 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
Rich Skin Soothing icon
in Skin Soothers

Review

Does PCA SKIN Total Strength Serum work?

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

  • Light moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 3.1 out of 10.
  • Soothing: PCA SKIN Total Strength Serum contains a high concentration of soothing ingredients, which may help to reduce irritation and calm the skin.

Basic moisturizer for oily skin

According to CreamScan analysis, PCA SKIN Total Strength Serum is lightly moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 3.1 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Rather humectant. It has a low occlusivity of 0.3 out of 10 and a moderate humectancy of 5.9 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Glycerin (est. ≈4.0%).

This product, when used alone as a moisturizer, can provide light humectant hydration in a fast-absorbing formula with a minimal amount of occlusive ingredients. This could work for people with oily skin who need a basic level of hydration.

Since it contains a moderate amount of humectants, it can also positively contribute to the moisturizing efficacy of any skincare routine when used as a step before applying the main moisturizer.

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

Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, PCA SKIN Total Strength Serum has a zero anti-wrinkle rating.

It contains some ingredients often marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles, specifically Gluconolactone, Adenosine, sh-Oligopeptide-1, and Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of these ingredients provide insufficient evidence of efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards. 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.

Skin soothing and calming potential

Based on the ingredient list analysis, PCA SKIN Total Strength Serum is rich (> 5%) in soothing ingredients, particularly Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Water (est. ≈6.0%).

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.

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
75
6
4
3
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
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Water
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Glycosaminoglycans
Function:
Origin:
Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Alcohol Denat.
Function:
Origin:
Gluconolactone
Function:
Origin:
Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin
Function:
Origin:
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Benzoate
Function:
Origin:
Xanthan Gum
Function:
Origin:
Lonicera Caprifolium (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract
Function:
Origin:
Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Fruit Juice
Function:
Origin:
Adenosine
Function:
Origin:
Aesculus Hippocastanum (Horse Chestnut) Seed Extract
Function:
Origin:
Lavandula Hybrida Oil
Function:
Origin:
Lonicera Japonica (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract
Function:
Origin:
Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil
Function:
Origin:
Menthyl Lactate
Function:
Origin:
Santalum Austrocaledonicum Wood Oil
Function:
Origin:
Silybum Marianum Extract
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hyaluronate
Function:
Origin:
Totarol
Function:
Origin:
Tocotrienols
Function:
Origin:
Elaeis Guineensis (Palm) Oil
Function:
Origin:
Citric Acid
Function:
Origin:
Phospholipids
Function:
Origin:
Potassium Sorbate
Function:
Origin:
Tocopherol
Function:
Origin:
sh-Oligopeptide-1
Function:
Origin:
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
5.9
4
1.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
0.6
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
3.1
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 5.9 10
5.9
4
1.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 0.6 20
0.3
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
3.1
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
4
1.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 5.9 10
5.9
All humectants
5.9
4
1.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 0.6 20
0.3
All occlusives
0.6
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
n/a
- 1.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
0
Gluconolactone
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
1.3
Adenosine
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
sh-Oligopeptide-1
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38
-
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
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 2.1 3 No
All antioxidants
2.1
Aesculus Hippocastanum (Horse Chestnut) Seed Extract
0.3
Lonicera Japonica (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract
0.3
Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil
0.3
Silybum Marianum Extract
0.3
Sodium Hyaluronate
0.3
Totarol
0.3
Tocopherol
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
6
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All soothing 7.2 5 Rich in soothing
All soothing
7.2
6
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %75
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.
Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Water
Est. %6
Function
Origin
Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) WaterA fragrant, astringent essential water obtained by steeping and distilling the twigs and leaves of the witch hazel plant. It leaves the skin feeling tight and refreshed after application and helps with the healing of small cuts on the skin.
Glycerin
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Glycerin

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

Glycosaminoglycans
Est. %3
Function
Origin
GlycosaminoglycansA blanket term used for the structural polysaccharides of the skin, such as hyaluronic acid and chondroitin. They add to a skincare product's film-forming and water-binding properties.
Alcohol
Est. %2
Function
Origin
AlcoholAn effective antimicrobial ingredient that kills bacteria, fungi, and even some viruses. It is also an excellent solvent and astringent. Alcohol helps to create lighter and less viscous products. It can, however, be dehydrating and skin-sensitizing.
Alcohol Denat.
Est. %1.5
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.

Gluconolactone
Est. %1.3
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.
Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Hydroxypropyl CyclodextrinA white crystalline powder that can reduce odors coming from other ingredients in a product.
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.
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.
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.
Lonicera Caprifolium (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Lonicera Caprifolium (Honeysuckle) Flower ExtractA fragrant extract derived from the flowers of the Italian honeysuckle. It has a pleasant, sweet, floral scent. Not much is known about its compounds and their functions.
Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Fruit Juice
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Fruit JuiceAlso labeled as "raw coconut milk", this ingredient is rich in humectant moisturizing sugars, proteins, emollient emulsified coconut oil, vitamins, and minerals.
Adenosine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Adenosine

A key molecule responsible for energy transportation, signaling, and enzyme activity. Adenosine is a popular anti-wrinkle ingredient, however, the key study about its anti-wrinkle efficacy (1) does not meet CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards as it is not double-blind.

Aesculus Hippocastanum (Horse Chestnut) Seed Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Aesculus Hippocastanum (Horse Chestnut) Seed ExtractDerived from horse chestnut seeds, this soothing extract contains an anti-inflammatory mixture called Aescin. It is suitable for inflamed and irritated skin.
Lavandula Hybrida Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Lavandula Hybrida OilA fragrant essential oil distilled from a lavender hybrid of the two most common lavender species: true lavender and spike lavender. It contains linalool and linalyl acetate as well as eucalyptol and camphor, which altogether give it a cooling, lavender scent.
Lonicera Japonica (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Lonicera Japonica (Honeysuckle) Flower ExtractAn extract from the white flowers of the Japanese honeysuckle. Apart from an essential oil responsible for its jasmine-like scent, the extract also contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory iridoids, flavonoids, and phenolic acids.
Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf OilA fragrant and antioxidant essential tea tree oil praised for its antiseptic and antimicrobial properties. Tea tree oil helps to treat acne, inflamed skin, and small wounds. It might, however, cause allergies and skin irritations.
Menthyl Lactate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Menthyl LactateA derivative of menthol that has the same fresh, cooling effect on the skin, but that is less sensitizing and doesn’t have the strong mint scent of menthol.
Santalum Austrocaledonicum Wood Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Santalum Austrocaledonicum Wood Oil
Silybum Marianum Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Silybum Marianum ExtractAn extract from the seeds of the milk thistle. It is a powerful antioxidant that is able to protect the skin from UV-induced damage.
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.

Totarol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
TotarolAn effective antimicrobial and antioxidant bioactive compound that occurs naturally in cypress trees.
Tocotrienols
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tocotrienols
Elaeis Guineensis (Palm) Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Elaeis Guineensis (Palm) OilA fatty oil expressed from the pulp of the oil palm fruits. It is mostly composed of occlusive and emollient saturated fatty acids. The unrefined oil has a large amount of antioxidant carotenoids.
Citric Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Citric AcidA gently exfoliating AHA that helps to remove the top layer of dead skin cells. In comparison to other AHAs, citric acid has been shown to be one of the least effective. It is also very commonly used as a stabilizing and pH-controlling agent.
Phospholipids
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PhospholipidsA large group of lipids that are an essential component of every single cell membrane in the body. They have excellent emollient properties. Phospholipids are also utilized in the manufacturing of ‘fancy’ formulations such as liposomes.
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.
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.

sh-Oligopeptide-1
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
sh-Oligopeptide-1

Also known as Human Epidermal Growth Factor. It increases metabolism in skin cells and is claimed to improves skin texture and elasticity.

Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38

A small synthetic peptide that increases the production of collagen, fibronectin, and hyaluronic acid in the skin. It has also been shown to reduce wrinkles in combination with other anti-aging ingredients.