Shea Moisture Papaya and Vitamin C Serum Review

Shea Moisture Papaya and Vitamin C Serum
5.0
/ 10
Moisturizing
0.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
10.0 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
Rich
in Antioxidants
Review

Does Shea Moisture Papaya and Vitamin C Serum Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Shea Moisture Papaya and Vitamin C Serum has to offer:
 
✅ Strong occlusive moisturizing. This exceptionally occlusive moisturizer, ideal for dry and very dry skin, has a moderate moisturizing rating of 5.0 out of 10, impaired by the absence of humectants.
✅ Antioxidant protection

  

Key Benefits of Shea Moisture Papaya and Vitamin C Serum

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Shea Moisture Papaya and Vitamin C Serum:
 

🔵🔵🔵 Exceptionally Rich Moisturizer with the Right Occlusivity for Very Dry Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, Shea Moisture Papaya and Vitamin C Serum is quite moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 5.0 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? It is purely occlusive. It has zero Humectancy (we didn't find any humectant ingredients on the ingredient list) and a maximum Occlusivity of 10 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil (est. ≈50.0%), Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil (est. ≈22.0%) and Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil (est. ≈6.0%).

This type of product, when used as a standalone moisturizer, can deliver an exceptional level of occlusive hydration that is adequate for dry to very skin. The occlusive profile of Shea Moisture Papaya and Vitamin C Serum suggests a rich, thick texture, making it perfectly suited for dry skin.

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

🍀 Rich in Skin-Protecting Antioxidants

We estimate that Shea Moisture Papaya and Vitamin C Serum is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Tocopheryl Acetate (est. ≈11.0%), Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil (est. ≈6.0%), Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate (est. ≈4.0%), and others.

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: Shea Moisture Papaya and Vitamin C Serum

 
CreamScan AI identified a few things to consider before adding Shea Moisture Papaya and Vitamin C Serum to your skincare routine:
 

⚠️ Best for Very Dry Skin - May Be Too Thick for Other Skin Types

With exceptional occlusivity, this product is optimal for moisturizing dry and very dry skin but may be too thick for other skin types, including normal, and especially combination and oily skin.

If you have oily, combination, or normal skin and are considering purchasing this product for the first time, it might be a good idea to try a sample before buying.

⚠️ Needs to Be Paired with Extra Humectants for Optimal Moisturizing Efficacy

An ideal moisturizer for any skin type should balance the right level of occlusivity (depending on skin type) with a significant amount of humectants, while Shea Moisture Papaya and Vitamin C Serum contains no humectants at all.

People with dry skin would definitely benefit from adding water-binding humectants to their moisturizing routine for effective dual-action moisturizing. If this is your only moisturizer, it may be worth including a humectant-rich product, such as a serum, in your skincare routine.

⚠️ Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy

If one of your main reasons for choosing Shea Moisture Papaya and Vitamin C Serum is its potential anti-aging effects, please note that, according to CreamScan analysis, it currently has a zero anti-wrinkle rating.

It contains Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, an ingredient often marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate provide insufficient evidence of its efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards.

While this does not categorically rule out the possibility that Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate may reduce wrinkles, its 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, this ingredient does 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 Shea Moisture Papaya and Vitamin C Serum

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Shea Moisture Papaya and Vitamin C Serum to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

🟩 Pros:

Exceptionally rich moisturizer with the right level of occlusivity to moisturize dry to very dry skin
✅ Rich in antioxidants that combat oxidative stress associated with accelerated skin aging and defend against environmental damage
 

⭕ Cons: 

⚠️ May feel too rich and thick on skin types other than dry
⚠️ Only if used as a standalone moisturizer - needs to be paired with extra humectants for optimal moisturizing efficacy
⚠️ Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy
   

Summary: Shea Moisture Papaya and Vitamin C Serum

 
Based on the ingredient list analysis, CreamScan AI suggests that Shea Moisture Papaya and Vitamin C Serum
, as a moisturizer, provides an exceptional level of occlusive hydration that is adequate for dry to very skin, delivered in a rich, thick texture.
 
With its high antioxidant content, Shea Moisture Papaya and Vitamin C Serum 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 Shea Moisture Papaya and Vitamin C Serum worth noting.
 
With its high occlusivity, Shea Moisture Papaya and Vitamin C Serum is ideal for dry skin but may feel too thick on other skin types. If you have oily, combination, or normal skin, it’s a good idea to try a sample before purchasing.
 
If you use this product as your only moisturizer in a routine, please note that it doesn’t contain any humectants. Regardless of your skin type, humectants are vital for optimal moisturizing efficacy. Therefore, pairing Shea Moisture Papaya and Vitamin C Serum with a humectant-rich product, such as a serum, can be highly beneficial for your skincare routine.
 
If one of your main reasons for considering Shea Moisture Papaya and Vitamin C Serum is its potential anti-aging effects, please note that, according to CreamScan analysis, its anti-wrinkle efficacy is questionable. None of the ingredients in this product provide substantial evidence of their anti-wrinkle efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards.
 
📌 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.

 

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
50
22
11
6
4
3
2
1.5
1
0.3
Est. %
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Tocopheryl Acetate
Function:
Origin:
Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
Function:
Origin:
Citrus Junos Peel Extract
Function:
Origin:
Carica Papaya (Papaya) Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter
Function:
Origin:
Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil
Function:
Origin:
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
0.0
None
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
79.5
50.0
22.0
6.0
1.5
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
5.0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 0.0 10
0.0
None
Occlusivity All occlusives 79.5 20
10.0
50.0
22.0
6.0
1.5
Moisturizing rating
5.0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
None
All humectants 0.0 10
0.0
All humectants
0.0
None
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
50
22
6
1.5
All occlusives 79.5 20
10.0
All occlusives
79.5
50.0
22.0
6.0
1.5
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
n/a
- 4 -
Total
0
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
4
Anti-wrinkle rating
0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
11
6
4
2
1
All antioxidants 24 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
24
Tocopheryl Acetate
11
Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil
6
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
4
Carica Papaya (Papaya) Fruit Extract
2
Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil
1
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
2
1
All soothing 3 5 No
All soothing
3
2
1
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil
Est. %50
Function
Origin
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed OilA fatty oil expressed from sunflower seeds and one of the most commonly used oils in skincare. It has great emollient and occlusive moisturizing properties. Sunflower oil is one of the richest sources of vitamin E – an important skin antioxidant.
Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil
Est. %22
Function
Origin
Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed OilA liquid plant wax, also known as Jojoba oil, pressed from the seeds of Simmondsia chinensis. These seeds can contain up to 50% of liquid wax. It is used as an occlusive moisturizer, emollient, and emulsifier.
Tocopheryl Acetate
Est. %11
Function
Origin
Tocopheryl Acetate

An antioxidant derivative of tocopherol (vitamin E). It helps to protect cells from free radicals and UV damage through the conversion to active vitamin E in the skin. It is more stable than tocopherol.

Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil
Est. %6
Function
Origin
Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed OilAn emollient and occlusive moisturizing oil derived from grape seeds that are leftover after juicing or wine production. It contains linoleic, oleic, palmitic, and stearic acids, squalene, as well as phytosterols and various antioxidant compounds.
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Tetrahexyldecyl AscorbateA lipid-soluble form of vitamin C that is more stable and less irritating than ascorbic acid. According to a recent clinical study, THDA has all the capabilities of regular vitamin C, including anti-wrinkle and anti-pigment activity.
Citrus Junos Peel Extract
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Citrus Junos Peel Extract
Carica Papaya (Papaya) Fruit Extract
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Carica Papaya (Papaya) Fruit ExtractA soothing extract obtained derived from the papaya fruit. It contains a skin softening and mildly exfoliating enzyme called papain, as well as various anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds that can assist in the wound healing process.
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter
Est. %1.5
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.
Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil
Est. %1
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.
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil

An essential oil derived from the peels of the sweet orange. It is commonly used as a fragrance because of its pleasant, citrusy scent. The main constituent of the essential oil is limonene (up to 96%).