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Paula's choice Hyaluronic Acid + Peptide Lip Booster
Paula's choice

Paula's choice Hyaluronic Acid + Peptide Lip Booster

Efficacy87/100IrritancyLow
See all ingredients

Works for

Moisturizing
Arginine/lysine polypeptide, Palmitoyl tripeptide-1 + 19 more
Works well
What the product description says
“Squalane and soy plus cocoa and shea butters deliver an extra boost of antioxidant-rich hydration.”
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: sodium hyaluronate.

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: butyrospermum parkii butter, ricinus communis seed oil.

The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: arginine/lysine polypeptide, palmitoyl tripeptide-1, palmitoyl tripeptide-38

Arginine/lysine polypeptideHeroEffect: HighA type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles~0.35–0.85%
Palmitoyl tripeptide-1Hero· EmollientEffect: HighA type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles~0.15–0.6%
Palmitoyl tripeptide-38HeroEffect: HighA type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles~0.1–0.4%
Ricinus communis seed oilKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighA plant oil that can help soften the skin. It might be helpful in calming down inflammation, but solid research is lacking. Is often used in lip products to create the needed product consistency~25–38%
Diisostearyl malateKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumHelps to soften the upper layer of the skin~6–9%
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~3.8–5.8%
Ethylhexyl palmitateKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumAn emollient that helps soften the skin and create a nice product texture~1.2–1.8%
SqualaneKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighAn oil naturally present in skin. Works as an emollient to soften the skin and form a protective layer on its surface without a greasy feeling.~0.8–1.2%
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~0.55–1.25%
Dipalmitoyl hydroxyprolineKey activeEffect: MediumIs claimed to stimulate collagen and elastin production, as well as work as an anti-oxidant. There is however not enough evidence for its effectiveness~0.4–0.9%
Butyrospermum parkii butter unsaponifiablesKey activeEffect: HighA great moisturizing ingredient that softens the skin and reduces water loss from its upper layer. It also can be helpful in protecting skin from free radicals~0.35–0.8%
Glycine soja oilKey active· EmollientEffect: HighA good emollient that helps soften the skin and helps repair its barrier function. It can clog pores if used in high concentrations.~0.2–0.8%
Sodium hyaluronateKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin~0.15–0.6%
TrihydroxystearinKey activeEffect: MediumHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and improve the product texture~0.15–0.7%
Dimer dilinoleyl dimer dilinoleate· EmollientEffect: LowHelps create a nice product texture and soften the upper layer of the skin~1.4–2.1%
Cetearyl ethylhexanoate· EmollientEffect: LowAn emollient that helps soften the skin~0.45–1.1%
Palmitic acid· EmollientEffect: LowAn emollient that is naturally present in skin and helps soften it~0.35–0.85%
Tribehenin· EmollientEffect: LowUsed to create a thicker product consistency and soften the upper layer of the skin~0.35–0.85%
Portulaca pilosa extractEffect: Low~0.2–0.7%
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~0.3–0.75%
Lactic acidUnder-dosedAn exfoliating and moisturizing alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). Typically causes less irritation than other AHAs, for example, glycolic acid. At high concentrations (about 15%), lactic acid can help reduce lines and wrinkles. Recent studies show that lactic acid can support the "good" bacteria living on skin's surface (healthy skin microbiome)~0.15–0.55%
Anti-aging
Arginine/lysine polypeptide, Palmitoyl tripeptide-1 + 5 more
May help
What the product description says
“An advanced anti-aging lip treatment that smooths away fine lines and keeps lips looking youthfully full with a powerful blend of moisture-attracting hyaluronic acid, firming peptides and hydrating squalane.”
Source: Paula's Choice US

This product contains arginine/lysine polypeptide, palmitoyl tripeptide-1, palmitoyl tripeptide-38. There is some human evidence that these ingredients help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles and improve skin elasticity and firmness, though it is smaller or less consistent than the evidence for the best anti-aging ingredients.

Arginine/lysine polypeptideKey activeEffect: MediumA type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles~0.35–0.85%
Palmitoyl tripeptide-1Key activeEffect: MediumA type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles~0.15–0.6%
Palmitoyl tripeptide-38Key activeEffect: MediumA type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles~0.1–0.4%
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~0.55–1.25%
Dipalmitoyl hydroxyprolineEffect: LowIs claimed to stimulate collagen and elastin production, as well as work as an anti-oxidant. There is however not enough evidence for its effectiveness~0.4–0.9%
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~0.3–0.75%
Lactic acidUnder-dosedAn exfoliating and moisturizing alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). Typically causes less irritation than other AHAs, for example, glycolic acid. At high concentrations (about 15%), lactic acid can help reduce lines and wrinkles. Recent studies show that lactic acid can support the "good" bacteria living on skin's surface (healthy skin microbiome)~0.15–0.55%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
7 flagged ingredients
Low risk
We flag 7 ingredients with irritancy potential; the product's overall irritancy is low. The table lists each ingredient's own rating.
IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount
Ricinus communis seed oilA plant oil that can help soften the skin. It might be helpful in calming down inflammation, but solid research is lacking. Is often used in lip products to create the needed product consistencyMedium~25–38%est.
Diisostearyl malateHelps to soften the upper layer of the skinMedium~6–9%est.
Polyglyceryl-3 beeswaxHelps water and oil mix together. Could be an allergen (beeswax)Medium~1.6–2.5%est.
Glycine soja oilA good emollient that helps soften the skin and helps repair its barrier function. It can clog pores if used in high concentrations.Medium~0.2–0.8%est.
Portulaca pilosa extract—Medium~0.2–0.7%est.
Lactic acidAn exfoliating and moisturizing alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). Typically causes less irritation than other AHAs, for example, glycolic acid. At high concentrations (about 15%), lactic acid can help reduce lines and wrinkles. Recent studies show that lactic acid can support the "good" bacteria living on skin's surface (healthy skin microbiome)Medium~0.15–0.55%est.
Sorbic acidA preservativeMedium~0.1–0.3%est.
Comedogenic
5 ingredients rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale
5 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 effect3/5~3.8–5.8%est.
Ethylhexyl palmitateAn emollient that helps soften the skin and create a nice product texture3/5~1.2–1.8%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 radicals3/5~0.55–1.25%est.
Butyrospermum parkii butter unsaponifiablesA great moisturizing ingredient that softens the skin and reduces water loss from its upper layer. It also can be helpful in protecting skin from free radicals2/5~0.35–0.8%est.
Glycine soja oilA good emollient that helps soften the skin and helps repair its barrier function. It can clog pores if used in high concentrations.2/5~0.2–0.8%est.

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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Ricinus communis seed oil~25–38%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-inflammatory

A plant oil that can help soften the skin. It might be helpful in calming down inflammation, but solid research is lacking. Is often used in lip products to create the needed product consistency

More about Ricinus communis seed oil
Diisostearyl malate~6–9%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Diisostearyl malate
Hydrogenated castor oil/sebacic acid copolymer~4.9–7.3%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Hydrogenated castor oil/sebacic acid copolymer
Theobroma cacao seed butter~3.8–5.8%
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
Dipentaerythrityl tetrabehenate/polyhydroxystearate~2.7–4%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Dipentaerythrityl tetrabehenate/polyhydroxystearate
Polyamide-8~2.3–3.4%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Polyamide-8
Polyglyceryl-3 beeswax~1.6–2.5%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Helps water and oil mix together. Could be an allergen (beeswax)

More about Polyglyceryl-3 beeswax
Dimer dilinoleyl dimer dilinoleate~1.4–2.1%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps create a nice product texture and soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Dimer dilinoleyl dimer dilinoleate
Ethylhexyl palmitate~1.2–1.8%
Key activeComedogenic 3/5
Irritation risk
Low
Comedogenicity
3/5
Works for
Moisturizing

An emollient that helps soften the skin and create a nice product texture

More about Ethylhexyl palmitate
Triisostearin~0.9–1.35%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Triisostearin
Squalane~0.8–1.2%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

An oil naturally present in skin. Works as an emollient to soften the skin and form a protective layer on its surface without a greasy feeling.

More about Squalane
Butyrospermum parkii butter~0.55–1.25%
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
Cetearyl ethylhexanoate~0.45–1.1%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

An emollient that helps soften the skin

More about Cetearyl ethylhexanoate
Dipalmitoyl hydroxyproline~0.4–0.9%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-agingAnti-oxidation

Is claimed to stimulate collagen and elastin production, as well as work as an anti-oxidant. There is however not enough evidence for its effectiveness

More about Dipalmitoyl hydroxyproline
Water~0.35–0.85%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Plain old water

More about Water
Arginine/lysine polypeptide~0.35–0.85%
Hero · Moisturizing
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-aging

A type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles

More about Arginine/lysine polypeptide
Butyrospermum parkii butter unsaponifiables~0.35–0.8%
Key activeComedogenic 2/5
Irritation risk
Low
Comedogenicity
2/5
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

A great moisturizing 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 unsaponifiables
Tocopherol~0.3–0.75%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-oxidationAnti-inflammatoryAnti-agingMoisturizing

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
Tribehenin~0.35–0.85%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Used to create a thicker product consistency and soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Tribehenin
Palmitic acid~0.35–0.85%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

An emollient that is naturally present in skin and helps soften it

More about Palmitic acid
Hydroxystearic acid~0.35–0.8%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing
More about Hydroxystearic acid
Sorbitan isostearate~0.2–0.75%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Sorbitan isostearate
Trihydroxystearin~0.15–0.7%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and improve the product texture

More about Trihydroxystearin
Glycine soja oil~0.2–0.8%
Key activeComedogenic 2/5Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Comedogenicity
2/5
Works for
Moisturizing

A good emollient that helps soften the skin and helps repair its barrier function. It can clog pores if used in high concentrations.

More about Glycine soja oil
Pentaerythrityl tetra-di-t-butyl hydroxyhydrocinnamate~0.15–0.7%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to increase stability of product formulations

More about Pentaerythrityl tetra-di-t-butyl hydroxyhydrocinnamate
Portulaca pilosa extract~0.2–0.7%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidation
More about Portulaca pilosa extract
Sodium hyaluronate~0.15–0.6%
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
Lactic acid~0.15–0.55%
Under-dosedIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Evens skin toneMoisturizingExfoliationAnti-aging

An exfoliating and moisturizing alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). Typically causes less irritation than other AHAs, for example, glycolic acid. At high concentrations (about 15%), lactic acid can help reduce lines and wrinkles. Recent studies show that lactic acid can support the "good" bacteria living on skin's surface (healthy skin microbiome)

More about Lactic acid
Sucrose cocoate~0.15–0.5%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing
More about Sucrose cocoate
Palmitoyl tripeptide-1~0.15–0.6%
Hero · Moisturizing
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-aging

A type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles

More about Palmitoyl tripeptide-1
Palmitoyl tripeptide-38~0.1–0.4%
Hero · Moisturizing
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-aging

A type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles

More about Palmitoyl tripeptide-38
Glucomannan~0.1–0.35%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Glucomannan
Sorbic acid~0.1–0.3%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Sorbic acid
Ingredient list view

Ricinus communis seed oil, Diisostearyl malate, Hydrogenated castor oil/sebacic acid copolymer, Theobroma cacao seed butter, Dipentaerythrityl tetrabehenate/polyhydroxystearate, Polyamide-8, Polyglyceryl-3 beeswax, Dimer dilinoleyl dimer dilinoleate, Ethylhexyl palmitate, Triisostearin, Squalane, Butyrospermum parkii butter, Cetearyl ethylhexanoate, Dipalmitoyl hydroxyproline, Water, Arginine/lysine polypeptide, Butyrospermum parkii butter unsaponifiables, Tocopherol, Tribehenin, Palmitic acid, Hydroxystearic acid, Sorbitan isostearate, Trihydroxystearin, Glycine soja oil, Pentaerythrityl tetra-di-t-butyl hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Portulaca pilosa extract, Sodium hyaluronate, Lactic acid, Sucrose cocoate, Palmitoyl tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl tripeptide-38, Glucomannan, Sorbic acid

Compare prices

Retailers ranked by price — lowest first.

Paula's Choice US
$26.40
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SpaceNK US
$29.00 Out of stock
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Amazon USPrice as of 11/14 09:06 GMT
$33.00
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Worth comparing, line by line.

Match % combines shared ingredients, the first five ingredients, shared actives and hero ingredients, irritancy (lower counts in the alternative's favour), texture and body area. Only products in the same routine step are compared.

Side-by-side comparison of this product against its closest alternatives
Paula's choiceHyaluronic Acid + Peptide Lip BoosterYOUR PRODUCTThe INKEY List CATripeptide Plumping Lip BalmRhodePeptide Lip Treatment UnscentedFilorgaNutri-Filler Lips Nutri-Plumping Lip Balm
Match—48%34%31%
Price$26.40$14.00−$12.40$20.00−$6.40$32.00+$5.60
Shared key ingredients—6 of 113 of 117 of 11
Key difference—Sunflower Seed OilLactic AcidNiacinamide
Irritancy Low Low Low Medium
Drying alcohol————
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Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 12 studies and safety reviews.

  1. 1
    Final report on the safety assessment of Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Glyceryl Ricinoleate, Glyceryl Ricinoleate SE, Ricinoleic Acid, Potassium Ricinoleate, Sodium Ricinoleate, Zinc Ricinoleate, Cetyl Ricinoleate, Ethyl Ricinoleate, Glycol Ricinoleate, Isopropyl Ricinoleate, Methyl Ricinoleate, and Octyldodecyl Ricinoleatencbi.nlm.nih.gov
  2. 2
    Castor Oil: Properties, Uses, and Optimization of Processing Parameters in Commercial Productionncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  3. 3
    Effect of ricinoleic acid in acute and subchronic experimental models of inflammationncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  4. 4
    Cocoa polyphenols and their influence on parameters involved in ex vivo skin restructuringncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  5. 5
    Safety Assessment of Polyglyceryl Fatty Acid Esters as Used in Cosmeticscir-safety.org
  6. 6
    Vitamin E in dermatologyncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Paula's choice Hyaluronic Acid + Peptide Lip Booster
Paula's choiceHyaluronic Acid + Peptide Lip Booster
Buy at Paula's Choice US$26.40$33.00as of 11/14 09:06 GMT

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

Buy at Paula's Choice US$26.40$33.00as of 11/14 09:06 GMT

As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.