Paula's choice

Paula's choice Antioxidant Enriched Natural Moisturizer

Name: Paula's choice - Antioxidant Enriched Natural Moisturizer
Brand: Paula's choice

Efficacy66/100IrritancyMedium

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Works for

2 of 3 advertised claims delivered

Anti-aging

Serine, Aspartic acid + 5 more

Moderate evidence

What the product description says

“Every natural ingredient gives skin exactly what it needs to feel healthy and radiant, to minimize the appearance of lines and wrinkles, and to even out skin tone.”

Source: Paula's Choice US

This product contains aspartic acid, serine, threonine. These ingredients might be able to help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness, but there is not enough evidence that it actually works.

SerineKey activeEffect: MediumAn amino-acid that helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. In combination with other amino-acids, might help to reduce fine lines and wrinkles~0.35–0.65%

Aspartic acidKey activeEffect: MediumAn amino-acid that helps increase skin hydration and might help to slightly improve skin firmness, potentially reducing lines and wrinkles~0.35–0.65%

ThreonineKey activeEffect: MediumAn amino-acid that helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. In combination with other amino-acids, might help to reduce fine lines and wrinkles~0.4–0.6%

Thermus thermophillus fermentEffect: LowMight be helpful in neutralising free radicals in skin and have some hydration properties~0.45–0.65%

Butyrospermum parkii butterEffect: LowA great moisturising ingredient that softens the skin and reduces water loss from its upper layer. It also can be helpful in protecting skin from free radicals~2–2.5%

Lycium barbarum fruit extractEffect: LowA plant extract that can help neutralize free radicals in skin and attract water to its upper layer~0.55–0.8%

TocopherolEffect: Low, below effective dosePure 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~0.5–0.8%

Moisturizing

Alanine, Histidine + 32 more

Good evidence

What the product description says

“Antioxidant Enriched Natural Moisturizer”

Source: Paula's Choice US

This product can help improve hydration of the skin with the two types of ingredients.

The first type is called “humectants”:
these ingredients help attract water. When humectants are on the surface of the skin, they “pull in” the moisture from the outside environment, or from within deeper layers of the skin. The following ingredients in this product do the job: alanine, arginine.

This product also contains ingredients called “occlusives”. They help reduce the speed with which our skin loses moisture to the outside environment. These ingredients also help soften the upper layer of the skin, so it feels less tight and nicer to the touch. The following ingredients in this product do the job: arginine, butyrospermum parkii butter.

AlanineKey active· HumectantEffect: HighAn amino-acid that helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might help to lighten the skin, but solid evidence is lacking~0.35–0.65%

HistidineKey active· HumectantEffect: High~0.35–0.65%

IsoleucineKey activeEffect: HighAn amino acid that can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and support skin's barrier function~0.35–0.65%

Oenothera biennis oilKey active· EmollientEffect: HighHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and can support skin barrier function~1.1–1.4%

PcaKey active· HumectantEffect: HighNaturally present in skin and helps to attract water to its upper layer~0.2–0.35%

SerineKey activeEffect: HighAn amino-acid that helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. In combination with other amino-acids, might help to reduce fine lines and wrinkles~0.35–0.65%

Sodium hyaluronateKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin~0.8–1.2%

Sodium lactateKey active· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Is often used to adjust the pH level of the product~0.35–0.65%

Sodium pcaKey active· HumectantEffect: HighNaturally present in skin and helps to attract water to its upper layer~0.35–0.6%

Theobroma cacao seed butterKey active· EmollientEffect: HighHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and can be helpful in restoring the skin barrier function. Might have some anti-oxidant effect~5.7–6.9%

Thermus thermophillus fermentKey active· HumectantEffect: HighMight be helpful in neutralising free radicals in skin and have some hydration properties~0.45–0.65%

ThreonineKey activeEffect: HighAn amino-acid that helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. In combination with other amino-acids, might help to reduce fine lines and wrinkles~0.4–0.6%

Vaccinium macrocarpon seed oilKey active· EmollientEffect: HighA plant oil that can help neutralize free radicals, soften the upper layer of the skin, and support skin's barrier function~0.45–0.7%

Vitis vinifera seed oilKey active· EmollientEffect: HighA great emollient that can also have anti-oxidant properties~3.5–4.3%

ArginineKey active· Humectant, OcclusiveEffect: HighAn amino acid that is naturally present in skin and helps keep it hydrated. When used together with AHAs, it can reduce their irritating effect on the skin~0.35–0.6%

Aspartic acidKey active· HumectantEffect: HighAn amino-acid that helps increase skin hydration and might help to slightly improve skin firmness, potentially reducing lines and wrinkles~0.35–0.65%

Borago officinalis seed oilKey active· EmollientEffect: HighA plant oil that is effective in reducing irritation in skin, restore the barrier function and support its hydration~1.4–1.7%

Butyrospermum parkii butterKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighA great moisturising ingredient that softens the skin and reduces water loss from its upper layer. It also can be helpful in protecting skin from free radicals~2–2.5%

GlycerinKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant~4.2–5.1%

GlycineKey active· HumectantEffect: HighHelps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help restore the skin barrier function~0.35–0.65%

Helianthus annuus seed waxKey active· EmollientEffect: HighHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and support skin's barrier function while creating a thicker product consistency~0.45–0.65%

Olea europaea fruit oilKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumAn emollient that helps soften the skin but is not effective for restoring its barrier function. Might be helpful to calm down inflammation~2.2–2.7%

ProlineKey activeEffect: Medium~0.4–0.6%

Canola oilKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumA plant oil that can help soften the upper layer of the skin~2.8–3.4%

Lycium barbarum fruit extractKey activeEffect: MediumA plant extract that can help neutralize free radicals in skin and attract water to its upper layer~0.55–0.8%

Glyceryl stearate· EmollientEffect: LowAn emollient that softens the skin and forms a protective layer on its surface. Helps water and oil mix together~0.25–0.5%

Caesalpinia spinosa gum· EmollientEffect: Low~0.45–0.65%

Caprylyl glycol· Humectant, EmollientEffect: LowHelps preserve products and creates a nice product texture~0.3–0.55%

Hydrolyzed caesalpinia spinosa gum· EmollientEffect: LowHelps softent the upper layer of the skin and create a thicker product consistency~0.45–0.65%

Linum usitatissimum seed oilEffect: Low~0.3–0.6%

Rosa canina fruit oilUnder-dosedEffect: HighA great emollient. Contains vitamin E (tocopherol) which may give it some anti-oxidant properties. Can contain volatile compounds and can be irritating~0.5–0.7%

Caprylic/capric triglycerideUnder-dosedEffect: HighA good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerin~0.45–0.7%

Aloe barbadensis leaf extractEffect: Low, below effective doseTraditionally used to treat sunburns, dermatitis and inflammation, but evidence for its effectiveness is lacking. The extract can contain humectants that help attract water into the skin~0.6–0.9%

Evens skin tone

Alanine

Limited evidence

What the product description says

“Every natural ingredient gives skin exactly what it needs to feel healthy and radiant, to minimize the appearance of lines and wrinkles, and to even out skin tone.”

Source: Paula's Choice US

This product contains ingredients (alanine) that could help reduce hyperpigmentation (for example, post-acne marks or age spots) in theory, but there is not enough evidence that they actually work.

AlanineEffect: LowAn amino-acid that helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might help to lighten the skin, but solid evidence is lacking~0.35–0.65%

Anti-oxidation

Not advertised by the brand · Malpighia punicifolia fruit extract, Vaccinium macrocarpon seed oil + 11 more

Moderate evidence

This product contains antioxidants (lycium barbarum fruit extract, malpighia punicifolia fruit extract, vaccinium macrocarpon seed oil) that might be able to help neutralize free radicals in skin to lessen the damage it gets from the UV light (sun). There is not enough evidence to confirm their effectiveness in skin though.

Malpighia punicifolia fruit extractKey activeEffect: MediumA fruit extract that might help neutralize free radicals. The concentrations typically used in cosmetics are too small to have an effect~0.55–0.85%

Vaccinium macrocarpon seed oilKey activeEffect: MediumA plant oil that can help neutralize free radicals, soften the upper layer of the skin, and support skin's barrier function~0.45–0.7%

Lycium barbarum fruit extractKey activeEffect: MediumA plant extract that can help neutralize free radicals in skin and attract water to its upper layer~0.55–0.8%

Borago officinalis seed oilEffect: LowA plant oil that is effective in reducing irritation in skin, restore the barrier function and support its hydration~1.4–1.7%

Thermus thermophillus fermentEffect: LowMight be helpful in neutralising free radicals in skin and have some hydration properties~0.45–0.65%

Theobroma cacao seed butterEffect: LowHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and can be helpful in restoring the skin barrier function. Might have some anti-oxidant effect~5.7–6.9%

Oenothera biennis oilEffect: LowHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and can support skin barrier function~1.1–1.4%

Vitis vinifera seed oilEffect: LowA great emollient that can also have anti-oxidant properties~3.5–4.3%

Vaccinium macrocarpon fruit extractEffect: LowA berry extract. Might have some anti-oxidant properties~0.65–0.95%

Rubus idaeus fruit extractEffect: LowA fruit extract that might have some anti-oxidant properties but evidence of effectiveness in skin is lacking~0.65–1%

TocopherolUnder-dosedEffect: HighPure 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~0.5–0.8%

Rosa canina fruit oilEffect: Low, below effective doseA great emollient. Contains vitamin E (tocopherol) which may give it some anti-oxidant properties. Can contain volatile compounds and can be irritating~0.5–0.7%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy

20 flagged ingredients

Medium risk

We flagged 20 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.

IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount

Vaccinium macrocarpon fruit extractA berry extract. Might have some anti-oxidant propertiesHigh~0.65–0.95%est.

Benzyl alcoholA preservative. Can be used to mask unpleasant smell. Can be irritatingHigh~0.15–0.25%est.

Vitis vinifera seed oilA great emollient that can also have anti-oxidant propertiesMedium~3.5–4.3%est.

Canola oilA plant oil that can help soften the upper layer of the skinMedium~2.8–3.4%est.

Olea europaea fruit oilAn emollient that helps soften the skin but is not effective for restoring its barrier function. Might be helpful to calm down inflammationMedium~2.2–2.7%est.

Oenothera biennis oilHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and can support skin barrier functionMedium~1.1–1.4%est.

Rubus idaeus fruit extractA fruit extract that might have some anti-oxidant properties but evidence of effectiveness in skin is lackingMedium~0.65–1%est.

Lycium barbarum fruit extractA plant extract that can help neutralize free radicals in skin and attract water to its upper layerMedium~0.55–0.8%est.

Aloe barbadensis leaf extractTraditionally used to treat sunburns, dermatitis and inflammation, but evidence for its effectiveness is lacking. The extract can contain humectants that help attract water into the skinMedium~0.6–0.9%est.

Thermus thermophillus fermentMight be helpful in neutralising free radicals in skin and have some hydration propertiesMedium~0.45–0.65%est.

Rosa canina fruit oilA great emollient. Contains vitamin E (tocopherol) which may give it some anti-oxidant properties. Can contain volatile compounds and can be irritatingMedium~0.5–0.7%est.

Vaccinium macrocarpon seed oilA plant oil that can help neutralize free radicals, soften the upper layer of the skin, and support skin's barrier functionMedium~0.45–0.7%est.

Caprylic/capric triglycerideA good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerinMedium~0.45–0.7%est.

Hydrolyzed caesalpinia spinosa gumHelps softent the upper layer of the skin and create a thicker product consistencyMedium~0.45–0.65%est.

Caesalpinia spinosa gum—Medium~0.45–0.65%est.

CarrageenanHelps thicken the product formula and create a nice product formulationMedium~0.4–0.6%est.

Sodium lactateHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Is often used to adjust the pH level of the productMedium~0.35–0.65%est.

Leuconostoc/radish root ferment filtrateA preservative that comes from radishes fermented by a bacteria. New research suggests that the preservation properties in the ingredient come from an ammonium salt that is not present naturally in radish root but used in its cultivation. Is problematic because the exact amount of the preservative agents is difficult to determineMedium~0.3–0.5%est.

Caprylyl glycolHelps preserve products and creates a nice product textureMedium~0.3–0.55%est.

Potassium sorbateA preservativeMedium~0.2–0.35%est.

Comedogenic

3 ingredients rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale

3 flagged

These ingredients have a comedogenic rating of 2 or more on a 0–5 scale; the table shows each one's rating. In leave-on products they can clog pores in acne-prone skin.

IngredientFunctionRatingEst. amount

Theobroma cacao seed butterHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and can be helpful in restoring the skin barrier function. Might have some anti-oxidant effect3/5~5.7–6.9%est.

Butyrospermum parkii butterA great moisturising ingredient that softens the skin and reduces water loss from its upper layer. It also can be helpful in protecting skin from free radicals3/5~2–2.5%est.

CarrageenanHelps thicken the product formula and create a nice product formulation3/5~0.4–0.6%est.

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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Water~45–55%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Plain old water

More about Water

Theobroma cacao seed butter~5.7–6.9%

Key activeComedogenic 3/5

Irritation risk: Low
Comedogenicity: 3/5

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-oxidationAnti-dandruff

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and can be helpful in restoring the skin barrier function. Might have some anti-oxidant effect

More about Theobroma cacao seed butter

Glycerin~4.2–5.1%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant

More about Glycerin

Vitis vinifera seed oil~3.5–4.3%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

A great emollient that can also have anti-oxidant properties

More about Vitis vinifera seed oil

Canola oil~2.8–3.4%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

A plant oil that can help soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Canola oil

Olea europaea fruit oil~2.2–2.7%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

An emollient that helps soften the skin but is not effective for restoring its barrier function. Might be helpful to calm down inflammation

More about Olea europaea fruit oil

Butyrospermum parkii butter~2–2.5%

Key activeComedogenic 3/5

Irritation risk: Low
Comedogenicity: 3/5

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-agingAnti-oxidation

A great moisturising ingredient that softens the skin and reduces water loss from its upper layer. It also can be helpful in protecting skin from free radicals

More about Butyrospermum parkii butter

Propanediol~1.7–2%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Acts as a solvent for other ingredients. Speeds up the absorption of other ingredients into the skin

More about Propanediol

Borago officinalis seed oil~1.4–1.7%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-inflammatoryReduces irritationMoisturizingAnti-oxidation

A plant oil that is effective in reducing irritation in skin, restore the barrier function and support its hydration

More about Borago officinalis seed oil

Oenothera biennis oil~1.1–1.4%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryAnti-blemishAnti-oxidation

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and can support skin barrier function

More about Oenothera biennis oil

Sodium hyaluronate~0.8–1.2%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin

More about Sodium hyaluronate

Rubus idaeus fruit extract~0.65–1%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Anti-oxidation

A fruit extract that might have some anti-oxidant properties but evidence of effectiveness in skin is lacking

More about Rubus idaeus fruit extract

Vaccinium macrocarpon fruit extract~0.65–0.95%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Anti-oxidation

A berry extract. Might have some anti-oxidant properties

More about Vaccinium macrocarpon fruit extract

Vaccinium myrtillus leaf extract~0.6–0.85%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Vaccinium myrtillus leaf extract

Malpighia punicifolia fruit extract~0.55–0.85%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-oxidation

A fruit extract that might help neutralize free radicals. The concentrations typically used in cosmetics are too small to have an effect

More about Malpighia punicifolia fruit extract

Lycium barbarum fruit extract~0.55–0.8%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-oxidationAnti-agingAnti-inflammatory

A plant extract that can help neutralize free radicals in skin and attract water to its upper layer

More about Lycium barbarum fruit extract

Aloe barbadensis leaf extract~0.6–0.9%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

Traditionally used to treat sunburns, dermatitis and inflammation, but evidence for its effectiveness is lacking. The extract can contain humectants that help attract water into the skin

More about Aloe barbadensis leaf extract

Tocopherol~0.5–0.8%

Under-dosed

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-oxidationMoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryAnti-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

More about Tocopherol

Hydrogenated lecithin~0.5–0.75%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

Helps to retain moisture by creating a protective barrier on the skin. Rich in fatty acids. Improves product texture and helps with the penetration of other ingredients.

More about Hydrogenated lecithin

Thermus thermophillus ferment~0.45–0.65%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-oxidationAnti-aging

Might be helpful in neutralising free radicals in skin and have some hydration properties

More about Thermus thermophillus ferment

Rosa canina fruit oil~0.5–0.7%

Under-dosedIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

A great emollient. Contains vitamin E (tocopherol) which may give it some anti-oxidant properties. Can contain volatile compounds and can be irritating

More about Rosa canina fruit oil

Vaccinium macrocarpon seed oil~0.45–0.7%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-oxidationAnti-inflammatory

A plant oil that can help neutralize free radicals, soften the upper layer of the skin, and support skin's barrier function

More about Vaccinium macrocarpon seed oil

Linum usitatissimum seed oil~0.3–0.6%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

More about Linum usitatissimum seed oil

Caprylic/capric triglyceride~0.45–0.7%

Under-dosedIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

A good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerin

More about Caprylic/capric triglyceride

Arginine~0.35–0.6%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

An amino acid that is naturally present in skin and helps keep it hydrated. When used together with AHAs, it can reduce their irritating effect on the skin

More about Arginine

Glycine~0.35–0.65%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help restore the skin barrier function

More about Glycine

Alanine~0.35–0.65%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingEvens skin tone

An amino-acid that helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might help to lighten the skin, but solid evidence is lacking

More about Alanine

Serine~0.35–0.65%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-aging

An amino-acid that helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. In combination with other amino-acids, might help to reduce fine lines and wrinkles

More about Serine

Valine~0.35–0.65%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Valine

Proline~0.4–0.6%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

More about Proline

Threonine~0.4–0.6%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-aging

An amino-acid that helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. In combination with other amino-acids, might help to reduce fine lines and wrinkles

More about Threonine

Isoleucine~0.35–0.65%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

An amino acid that can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and support skin's barrier function

More about Isoleucine

Histidine~0.35–0.65%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

More about Histidine

Phenylalanine~0.4–0.6%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Phenylalanine

Aspartic acid~0.35–0.65%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-aging

An amino-acid that helps increase skin hydration and might help to slightly improve skin firmness, potentially reducing lines and wrinkles

More about Aspartic acid

Helianthus annuus seed wax~0.45–0.65%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and support skin's barrier function while creating a thicker product consistency

More about Helianthus annuus seed wax

Hydrolyzed caesalpinia spinosa gum~0.45–0.65%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps softent the upper layer of the skin and create a thicker product consistency

More about Hydrolyzed caesalpinia spinosa gum

Caesalpinia spinosa gum~0.45–0.65%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

More about Caesalpinia spinosa gum

Carrageenan~0.4–0.6%

Comedogenic 3/5Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium
Comedogenicity: 3/5

Helps thicken the product formula and create a nice product formulation

More about Carrageenan

Sodium lactate~0.35–0.65%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Is often used to adjust the pH level of the product

More about Sodium lactate

Potassium stearate~0.5–0.7%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

More about Potassium stearate

Sodium pca~0.35–0.6%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Naturally present in skin and helps to attract water to its upper layer

More about Sodium pca

Silica~0.5–0.75%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to absorb oil and can temporarily mattify skin

More about Silica

Xanthan gum~0.35–0.6%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Xanthan gum

Leuconostoc/radish root ferment filtrate~0.3–0.5%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative that comes from radishes fermented by a bacteria. New research suggests that the preservation properties in the ingredient come from an ammonium salt that is not present naturally in radish root but used in its cultivation. Is problematic because the exact amount of the preservative agents is difficult to determine

More about Leuconostoc/radish root ferment filtrate

Caprylyl glycol~0.3–0.55%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture

More about Caprylyl glycol

Glyceryl stearate~0.25–0.5%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

CleansingMoisturizing

An emollient that softens the skin and forms a protective layer on its surface. Helps water and oil mix together

More about Glyceryl stearate

Pca~0.2–0.35%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Naturally present in skin and helps to attract water to its upper layer

More about Pca

Benzyl alcohol~0.15–0.25%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A preservative. Can be used to mask unpleasant smell. Can be irritating

More about Benzyl alcohol

Phenoxyethanol~0.2–0.35%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products

More about Phenoxyethanol

Potassium sorbate~0.2–0.35%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about Potassium sorbate

Sodium benzoate~0.15–0.3%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

A preservative

More about Sodium benzoate

Ingredient list view

Water, Theobroma cacao seed butter, Glycerin, Vitis vinifera seed oil, Canola oil, Olea europaea fruit oil, Butyrospermum parkii butter, Propanediol, Borago officinalis seed oil, Oenothera biennis oil, Sodium hyaluronate, Rubus idaeus fruit extract, Vaccinium macrocarpon fruit extract, Vaccinium myrtillus leaf extract, Malpighia punicifolia fruit extract, Lycium barbarum fruit extract, Aloe barbadensis leaf extract, Tocopherol, Hydrogenated lecithin, Thermus thermophillus ferment, Rosa canina fruit oil, Vaccinium macrocarpon seed oil, Linum usitatissimum seed oil, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Arginine, Glycine, Alanine, Serine, Valine, Proline, Threonine, Isoleucine, Histidine, Phenylalanine, Aspartic acid, Helianthus annuus seed wax, Hydrolyzed caesalpinia spinosa gum, Caesalpinia spinosa gum, Carrageenan, Sodium lactate, Potassium stearate, Sodium pca, Silica, Xanthan gum, Leuconostoc/radish root ferment filtrate, Caprylyl glycol, Glyceryl stearate, Pca, Benzyl alcohol, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium sorbate, Sodium benzoate

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Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 27 studies and safety reviews.

1
Cocoa polyphenols and their influence on parameters involved in ex vivo skin restructuringncbi.nlm.nih.gov
2
Glycerol and the skin: holistic approach to its origin and functionsncbi.nlm.nih.gov
3
Canola Oilsciencedirect.com
4
Use of “natural” oils for moisturization: Review of olive, coconut, and sunflower seed oilonlinelibrary.wiley.com
5
Dermatology News - Commentary: Borage Seed Oilmdedge.com
6
Undershirts coated with borage oil alleviate the symptoms of atopic dermatitis in childrenncbi.nlm.nih.gov
7
Hyaluronic acid: A key molecule in skin agingncbi.nlm.nih.gov
8
Hyaluronan (Hyaluronic Acid): a natural moisturizer for skin careresearchgate.net
9
Acerola, an untapped functional superfruit: a review on latest frontiersncbi.nlm.nih.gov
10
Water-soluble polysaccharide from dried Lycium barbarum fruits: Isolation, structural features and antioxidant activitysciencedirect.com
11
Lycium barbarum polysaccharide protects human keratinocytes against UVB-induced photo-damagetandfonline.com
12
Lycium Barbarum and Human Healthlink.springer.com
13
Vitamin E in dermatologyncbi.nlm.nih.gov
14
Vitamin E and Skin Healthlpi.oregonstate.edu
15
Wound‐healing Properties of the Oils of Vitis vinifera and Vaccinium macrocarpononlinelibrary.wiley.com
16
BERRY SEEDS: A SOURCE OF SPECIALTY OILS WITH HIGH CONTENT OF BIOACTIVES AND NUTRITIONAL VALUEonlinelibrary.wiley.com
17
Effect of Topical Application of Glycine and Proline on Recalcitrant Leg Ulcers of Prolidase Deficiencyjamanetwork.com
18
Functional glycine receptor in cultured human keratinocytesonlinelibrary.wiley.com
19
Combination of amino acids reduces pigmentation in B16F0 melanoma cellsncbi.nlm.nih.gov
20
Topical palmitoyl pentapeptide provides improvement in photoaged human facial skinonlinelibrary.wiley.com
21
Local rhamnosoft, ceramides and L‐isoleucine in atopic eczema: a randomized, placebo controlled trialonlinelibrary.wiley.com
22
Histidine and/or Histidine Derivative for the Treatment of Inflammatory Skin Diseasespatents.google.com
23
Safety Assessment of α-Amino Acids as Used in Cosmeticsciteseerx.ist.psu.edu
24
Acetyl aspartic acid, a novel active ingredient, demonstrates potential to improve signs of skin ageing: from consumer need to clinical proofncbi.nlm.nih.gov
25
In vivo topical application of acetyl aspartic acid increases fibrillin-1 and collagen IV deposition leading to a significant improvement of skin firmnessncbi.nlm.nih.gov
26
Effect of Olive and Sunflower Seed Oil on the Adult Skin Barrier: Implications for Neonatal Skin Careonlinelibrary.wiley.com
27
Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Galactomannans As Used in Cosmeticscir-safety.org

Paula's choiceAntioxidant Enriched Natural Moisturizer

Buy at Paula's Choice US$31.00 Amazon

Affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.

Buy at Paula's Choice US$31.00 Amazon

As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.