PRODUCT REVIEW
Paula's choice 25% Vitamin C + Glutathione Clinical Serum
Works for:
based on ingredients and %- Anti-aging
- Moisturizing
- Evens skin tone
- Anti-oxidation
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Can it cause trouble?
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Product summary
What can the product work for?
Works for
Anti-aging
What does the product description say?
Skin Type Normal, Dry, Combination, and Oily Skincare Concerns Dark Spots, Dullness, and Loss of Firmness and Elasticity Formulation Cream Highlighted Ingredients , 25% Vitamin C Visibly improves tone and discoloration.
tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate
8.2% -
10%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness: HIGH
Being a lipid soluble form of vitamin C, it is more stable than ascorbic acid, but still degrades quickly and needs to be stabilized in a formulation with another ingredient. It is claimed to penetrate skin better than pure vitamin C and have the the similar benefits, but solid studies of its effectiveness are lacking. Is likely to require a higher concentration in a product than pure vitamin C to be effective. It might be able to help reduce pore clogging.
ascorbyl glucoside
2.3% -
2.8%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness:
MEDIUM
A vitamin C derivative that is more stable but less potent than pure form of vitamin C. Has a potential to boost collagen production, nutralise free radicals and reduce hyperpigmentation, but the required concentration is likely to be much higher than for the pure form of vitamin C, limiting the ingredient's effectiveness in products
ascorbic acid
0.25% -
0.5%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Insufficient!
The most well-researched antioxidant that works in skin. Helps neutralize free radicals supporting collagen production, helping to even out the skin tone and preventing early signs of aging
Show more
Evens skin tone
What does the product description say?
Skin Type Normal, Dry, Combination, and Oily Skincare Concerns Dark Spots, Dullness, and Loss of Firmness and Elasticity Formulation Cream Highlighted Ingredients , 25% Vitamin C Visibly improves tone and discoloration.
glutathione
0.5% -
0.8%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness: HIGH
A peptide that can help neutralize free radicals in skin and reduce melanin production resulting in skin lightening effect and reduction in hyperpigmentation. It can also help attract moisture to the upper layer of the skin
tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate
8.2% -
10%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness: HIGH
Being a lipid soluble form of vitamin C, it is more stable than ascorbic acid, but still degrades quickly and needs to be stabilized in a formulation with another ingredient. It is claimed to penetrate skin better than pure vitamin C and have the the similar benefits, but solid studies of its effectiveness are lacking. Is likely to require a higher concentration in a product than pure vitamin C to be effective. It might be able to help reduce pore clogging.
ascorbyl glucoside
2.3% -
2.8%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness:
MEDIUM
A vitamin C derivative that is more stable but less potent than pure form of vitamin C. Has a potential to boost collagen production, nutralise free radicals and reduce hyperpigmentation, but the required concentration is likely to be much higher than for the pure form of vitamin C, limiting the ingredient's effectiveness in products
Show more
Moisturizing
What does the product description say?
What Else You Need to Know This light, hydrating serum delivers clinical-level vitamin C with zero irritation thanks to its expert formulation.
sodium pca
0.35% -
0.65%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness: HIGH
Naturally present in skin and helps to attract water to its upper layer
trehalose
0.3% -
0.55%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness: HIGH
A sugar that attracts water to the upper layer of the skin
urea
0.4% -
0.65%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness: HIGH
Naturally present in skin (urea makes up about 7% of natural moisturizing factors in skin). Attracts water to the upper layer of the skin. Also has a positive effect on the skin barrier beyond the humectant action. Can enhance penetration of other ingredients. Is an exfoliating ingredient when used in high concentrations
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Anti-oxidation
tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate
8.2% -
10%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness: HIGH
Being a lipid soluble form of vitamin C, it is more stable than ascorbic acid, but still degrades quickly and needs to be stabilized in a formulation with another ingredient. It is claimed to penetrate skin better than pure vitamin C and have the the similar benefits, but solid studies of its effectiveness are lacking. Is likely to require a higher concentration in a product than pure vitamin C to be effective. It might be able to help reduce pore clogging.
glutathione
0.5% -
0.8%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness: HIGH
A peptide that can help neutralize free radicals in skin and reduce melanin production resulting in skin lightening effect and reduction in hyperpigmentation. It can also help attract moisture to the upper layer of the skin
ascorbyl glucoside
2.3% -
2.8%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness:
MEDIUM
A vitamin C derivative that is more stable but less potent than pure form of vitamin C. Has a potential to boost collagen production, nutralise free radicals and reduce hyperpigmentation, but the required concentration is likely to be much higher than for the pure form of vitamin C, limiting the ingredient's effectiveness in products
Show more
Honesty check
How honest is this product?
| Promise | Can it deliver? |
|---|---|
| Anti-aging | |
| Moisturizing | |
| Evens skin tone |
Total Promises Fulfilled score:
100/100.
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Can it cause trouble?
- Overall product irritation risk
- Acne & comedogenic risk ingredients: 0
Potential irritants
rosmarinus officinalis leaf extract
0.3% -
0.55%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Anti-blemish,
Antibacterial,
Anti-oxidation
Can be helpful in reducing inflammation in skin, including inflamed acne. It can be irritating
ascorbic acid
0.25% -
0.5%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Anti-aging,
Anti-oxidation,
Evens skin tone
The most well-researched antioxidant that works in skin. Helps neutralize free radicals supporting collagen production, helping to even out the skin tone and preventing early signs of aging
Show more
Comodogenic ingredients
No comodogenic ingredients detected
User reviews (0)
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| WIMJ similarity score |
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| Irritancy | IRRITANCY
MEDIUM
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LOW
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LOW
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LOW
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LOW
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Ingredients & concentrations
All ingredients
Key Actives
tocopherol
0.55% -
0.8%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Anti-oxidation,
Moisturizing,
Anti-inflammatory,
Anti-aging
Pure form of vitamin E. Can help moisturise and protect the skin from free radicals. Often used to help stabilise other ingredients or the formula itself
tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate
8.2% -
10%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Anti-aging,
Anti-oxidation,
Evens skin tone
Being a lipid soluble form of vitamin C, it is more stable than ascorbic acid, but still degrades quickly and needs to be stabilized in a formulation with another ingredient. It is claimed to penetrate skin better than pure vitamin C and have the the similar benefits, but solid studies of its effectiveness are lacking. Is likely to require a higher concentration in a product than pure vitamin C to be effective. It might be able to help reduce pore clogging.
Show more
Potential irritants
rosmarinus officinalis leaf extract
0.3% -
0.55%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Anti-blemish,
Antibacterial,
Anti-oxidation
Can be helpful in reducing inflammation in skin, including inflamed acne. It can be irritating
ascorbic acid
0.25% -
0.5%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Anti-aging,
Anti-oxidation,
Evens skin tone
The most well-researched antioxidant that works in skin. Helps neutralize free radicals supporting collagen production, helping to even out the skin tone and preventing early signs of aging
Show more
Comodogenic ingredients
We couldn't find any comodogenic ingredients in this product
All ingredients
tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate
8.2% -
10%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Anti-aging,
Anti-oxidation,
Evens skin tone
Being a lipid soluble form of vitamin C, it is more stable than ascorbic acid, but still degrades quickly and needs to be stabilized in a formulation with another ingredient. It is claimed to penetrate skin better than pure vitamin C and have the the similar benefits, but solid studies of its effectiveness are lacking. Is likely to require a higher concentration in a product than pure vitamin C to be effective. It might be able to help reduce pore clogging.
dimethicone
5.1% -
6.2%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Moisturizing,
Mattifying
A silicone that helps to reduce water loss from the surface of the skin. Can temporarily "fill in" lines and wrinkles, absorb oil, and create a nice product finish
Show more
Ingredient list view
Water, Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, Dimethicone, Glycerin, C9-12 alkane, Ascorbyl glucoside, Silica, Pyrus malus fruit extract, Hydrogenated lecithin, Unknown, Poly c10-30 alkyl acrylate, Unknown, Xanthan gum, Oryza sativa bran extract, Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer, Cetyl alcohol, Caprylyl glycol, Lysine carboxymethyl cysteinate, Coco-caprylate/caprate, Tocopherol, Glutathione, Sodium citrate, Sodium phytate, Hexylene glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Helianthus annuus seed extract, Urea, Mannitol, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Sodium pca, Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extract, Polysorbate 60, Sorbitan isostearate, Trehalose, Ascorbic acid, Glucose, Vanilla planifolia fruit extract, Polyquaternium-51, Ergothioneine, Triacetin, Phenoxyethanol
Sources
- Double-blind, half-face study comparing topical vitamin C and vehicle for rejuvenation of photodamage
- Application of tetra-isopalmitoyl ascorbic acid in cosmetic formulations: Stability studies and in vivo efficacy
- Dimethicone as a protective ingredient in topical medications
- Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Dimethicone Copolyol
- Glycerol and the skin: holistic approach to its origin and functions
- The Roles of Vitamin C in Skin Health
- Stability, transdermal penetration, and cutaneous effects of ascorbic acid and its derivatives
- Safety Assessment of Alkyl Esters as Used in Cosmetics
- Vitamin E in dermatology
- Vitamin E and Skin Health
- Glutathione as a skin whitening agent: Facts, myths, evidence and controversies
- Glutathione for skin lightening: a regnant myth or evidence-based verity?
- Glutathione for skin lightening for dermatologists and cosmetologists
- Topical urea in skincare: A review
- Allergic contact dermatitis induced by rosemary leaf extract in a cleansing gel
- Safety Assessment of Rosmarinus officinalis (Rosemary)-Derived Ingredients as Used in Cosmetics
- Rosmarinus officinalis Extract Suppresses Propionibacterium acnes–Induced Inflammatory Responses
- Topical Glucose Induces Claudin-1 and Filaggrin Expression in a Mouse Model of Atopic Dermatitis and in Keratinocyte Culture, Exerting Anti-inflammatory Effects by Repairing Skin Barrier Function
- A comparison of the relative antioxidant potency of L‐ergothioneine and idebenone
- l-Ergothioneine Protects Skin Cells against UV-Induced Damage—A Preliminary Study