Paula's choice

Paula's choice Radiance Renewal Mask

Name: Paula's choice - Radiance Renewal Mask
Brand: Paula's choice

Efficacy100/100IrritancyLow·

See all ingredients

Works for

Moisturizing

Niacinamide, Glycerin + 8 more

Works well

What the product description says

“Hydrates, refreshes and illuminates a dull complexion”

Source: Dermstore

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: glycerin, sodium hyaluronate crosspolymer.

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: chondrus crispus extract, dimethicone.

The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: niacinamide

NiacinamideHeroEffect: HighIs proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture. The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production~2.1–3.1%

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~3.8–5.6%

DimethiconeKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighA 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~2.9–4.4%

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~1.7–2.5%

Chondrus crispus extractKey active· OcclusiveEffect: HighRed algae extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and create a nicer product consistency~1.3–2%

Sodium hyaluronate crosspolymerKey active· HumectantEffect: HighAttracts water into the upper layer of the skin~0.5–1.15%

Echium plantagineum seed oilKey activeEffect: HighA plant oil that because of its high content of alpha-linolenic acid help support skin barrier function and moisturize the skin~0.3–0.7%

Butylene glycol· HumectantEffect: LowUsed to create a nice product texture and help delivery of other ingredients. Might be somewhat helpful in attracting water to the upper layer of the skin~5.7–8.6%

Isohexadecane· EmollientEffect: LowImproves the texture of the product and helps soften the skin. Helps oil and water mix together and can be used as a cleansing agent~0.45–1.05%

AllantoinUnder-dosedHelps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated~0.2–0.75%

Anti-aging

Niacinamide, Magnesium ascorbyl phosphate

Works well

What the product description says

“Formulated for all skin types, it supports a more radiant skin tone, smoother texture, and plumpness for a more youthful appearance.”

Source: Dermstore

This product can help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness because it contains niacinamide.

Keep in mind that it typically takes at least 6 weeks to notice any results because the changes that are needed to improve fine lines and elasticity happen in the deeper layers of the skin. No topical anti-aging product can “erase” wrinkles or fully reverse signs of aging.

NiacinamideKey activeEffect: HighIs proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture. The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production~2.1–3.1%

Magnesium ascorbyl phosphateEffect: Low, below effective doseA derivative of vitamin C that is more stable, but less bioavailable than the pure form of vitamin C. It does not penetrate the skin well, but has been shown to convert to pure vitamin C once in skin. It can be helpful in stimulating collagen production and lightening the skin tone, but the required concentration is likely to be very high~0.8–1.25%

Evens skin tone

Side benefit the brand mentions · Niacinamide, Arbutin + 1 more

Works well

What the product description says

“Formulated for all skin types, it supports a more radiant skin tone, smoother texture, and plumpness for a more youthful appearance.”

Source: Dermstore

This product can help reduce hypepigmentation and even out the skin tone because it contains the following effective ingredients: niacinamide

The following ingredient (ingredients) in this product might be helpful, but there is no evidence to confirm that it actually can help even out the skin tone: arbutin.

Keep in mind that you would need to apply any topical skincare targetted at hypigmentation consistently for a couple of months to get a result. No topical skincare product can help get rid of hyperpigmentation (including post-acne marks and age spots) instantly.

ArbutinKey activeEffect: MediumBeta-arbutin. Can help to reduce hyperpigmentation and has an anti-oxidant effect when used in high enough concentration. Is less effective compared to alpha-arbutin~1.1–1.6%

Anti-blemish

Side benefit · Niacinamide, Salix alba bark extract + 1 more

Works well

This product can help reduce breakouts and clogged pores because it contains the following ingredient: niacinamide. This ingredient is used for treating acne and can have a noticeable effect.

Salix alba bark extractEffect: LowA plant extract that can help neutralize free radicals in skin. It contains a compound salicin that can theoretically be converted into salicylic acid that, in turn, helps reduce inflammation in skin, but the evidence of effectiveness in skin is lacking and the extract is usually not used in a concentration that would enable an exfoliating effect~0.15–0.65%

AllantoinEffect: Low, below effective doseHelps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated~0.2–0.75%

Anti-oxidation

Side benefit · Arbutin, Salix alba bark extract + 1 more

May help

This product contains antioxidants (arbutin) that can help neutralize free radicals in skin to lessen the damage it gets from the UV light (sun). There is some human evidence for this effect in skin, though it is smaller or less consistent than the evidence for the best antioxidants.

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy

11 flagged ingredients

Low risk

We flag 11 ingredients with irritancy potential; the product's overall irritancy is low. The table lists each ingredient's own rating.

IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount

Salix alba bark extractA plant extract that can help neutralize free radicals in skin. It contains a compound salicin that can theoretically be converted into salicylic acid that, in turn, helps reduce inflammation in skin, but the evidence of effectiveness in skin is lacking and the extract is usually not used in a concentration that would enable an exfoliating effectHigh~0.15–0.65%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~1.7–2.5%est.

Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymerA gelling agent that thickens the product consistency and leaves the skin with a velvety finishMedium~1.5–2.2%est.

ArbutinBeta-arbutin. Can help to reduce hyperpigmentation and has an anti-oxidant effect when used in high enough concentration. Is less effective compared to alpha-arbutinMedium~1.1–1.6%est.

Magnesium ascorbyl phosphateA derivative of vitamin C that is more stable, but less bioavailable than the pure form of vitamin C. It does not penetrate the skin well, but has been shown to convert to pure vitamin C once in skin. It can be helpful in stimulating collagen production and lightening the skin tone, but the required concentration is likely to be very highMedium~0.8–1.25%est.

Sodium hyaluronate crosspolymerAttracts water into the upper layer of the skinMedium~0.5–1.15%est.

Echium plantagineum seed oilA plant oil that because of its high content of alpha-linolenic acid help support skin barrier function and moisturize the skinMedium~0.3–0.7%est.

Polysorbate 60Helps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.15–0.6%est.

Citric acidCan work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pHMedium~0.1–0.4%est.

Hydrogenated phosphatidylcholineHelps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.1–0.35%est.

Potassium sorbateA preservativeMedium~0.05–0.3%est.

Comedogenic

1 ingredient rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale

1 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

Chondrus crispus extractRed algae extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and create a nicer product consistency3/5~1.3–2%est.

Alternatives

Cheaper, or higher on efficacy

Bonjour Extreme Moisture Mask

Cheaper82% match

$1.00

Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Tiger Grass Calming Serum Mask

Cheaper81% match

$8.84

View all alternatives

User reviews

Would you recommend?

0%·yes

0 of 1 community members would buy it again.

0% would100% wouldn't

Tessie· Oct 2023Doesn't recommend
I received the travel size of this for free with my order - I don't think I would have ever purchased this myself as this seems quite geared towards people who want to treat hyperpigmentation, which I don't really deal with.
This is a very, very lightweight product for something that's marketed as a leave-on mask, and is surprisingly runny. I used this layered on top of a bunch of serums and it still sunk in/dried almost instantly, leaving my skin quite matte and not feeling very moisturized (I have quite dry skin though and live in a dry climate). Since I don't deal with hyperpigmentation, I can only evaluate this product on its claims of hydration, and on those it didn't really seem to deliver.
I think this product might be best for someone who wants a lightweight night cream that also treats hyperpigmentation and who has oily/normal skin or lives in a very humid climate. Even then, I honestly feel like this is a bit overpriced for what it is and in most places you could probably find cheaper products that do the same thing.
Texture
Light
Absorption
Sinks in fully
Clogging pores
Doesn't clog pores
Smell
No smell

What reviewers noticed

Marker shows the average response

Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Water~40–60%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Plain old water

More about Water

Butylene glycol~5.7–8.6%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Used to create a nice product texture and help delivery of other ingredients. Might be somewhat helpful in attracting water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Butylene glycol

Glycerin~3.8–5.6%

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

Dimethicone~2.9–4.4%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingMattifying

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

More about Dimethicone

Niacinamide~2.1–3.1%

Hero · Moisturizing, Anti-blemish

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-agingEvens skin toneAnti-blemishMoisturizingReduces irritationAnti-inflammatoryAntibacterialReduces redness

Is proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture. The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production

More about Niacinamide

Olea europaea fruit oil~1.7–2.5%

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

Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer~1.5–2.2%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A gelling agent that thickens the product consistency and leaves the skin with a velvety finish

More about Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer

Chondrus crispus extract~1.3–2%

Key activeComedogenic 3/5

Irritation risk: Low
Comedogenicity: 3/5

Works for

Moisturizing

Red algae extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and create a nicer product consistency

More about Chondrus crispus extract

Arbutin~1.1–1.6%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Evens skin toneAnti-oxidation

Beta-arbutin. Can help to reduce hyperpigmentation and has an anti-oxidant effect when used in high enough concentration. Is less effective compared to alpha-arbutin

More about Arbutin

Magnesium ascorbyl phosphate~0.8–1.25%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Anti-agingEvens skin toneAnti-oxidation

A derivative of vitamin C that is more stable, but less bioavailable than the pure form of vitamin C. It does not penetrate the skin well, but has been shown to convert to pure vitamin C once in skin. It can be helpful in stimulating collagen production and lightening the skin tone, but the required concentration is likely to be very high

More about Magnesium ascorbyl phosphate

Sodium hyaluronate crosspolymer~0.5–1.15%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin

More about Sodium hyaluronate crosspolymer

Arctostaphylos uva ursi leaf extract~0.4–1%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Arctostaphylos uva ursi leaf extract

Allantoin~0.2–0.75%

Under-dosed

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-inflammatoryMoisturizingReduces irritationReduces rednessAnti-blemishExfoliation

Helps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated

More about Allantoin

Isohexadecane~0.45–1.05%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

CleansingMoisturizing

Improves the texture of the product and helps soften the skin. Helps oil and water mix together and can be used as a cleansing agent

More about Isohexadecane

Echium plantagineum seed oil~0.3–0.7%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-inflammatory

A plant oil that because of its high content of alpha-linolenic acid help support skin barrier function and moisturize the skin

More about Echium plantagineum seed oil

Salix alba bark extract~0.15–0.65%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Anti-inflammatoryAnti-oxidationAnti-blemishExfoliation

A plant extract that can help neutralize free radicals in skin. It contains a compound salicin that can theoretically be converted into salicylic acid that, in turn, helps reduce inflammation in skin, but the evidence of effectiveness in skin is lacking and the extract is usually not used in a concentration that would enable an exfoliating effect

More about Salix alba bark extract

Hydrogenated lecithin~0.15–0.6%

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

Polysorbate 60~0.15–0.6%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Polysorbate 60

Citric acid~0.1–0.4%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH

More about Citric acid

Xanthan gum~0.1–0.4%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Xanthan gum

Hydrogenated phosphatidylcholine~0.1–0.35%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Hydrogenated phosphatidylcholine

Phenoxyethanol~0.1–0.3%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products

More about Phenoxyethanol

Potassium sorbate~0.05–0.3%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about Potassium sorbate

Sodium benzoate~0.05–0.2%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

A preservative

More about Sodium benzoate

Ingredient list view

Water, Butylene glycol, Glycerin, Dimethicone, Niacinamide, Olea europaea fruit oil, Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer, Chondrus crispus extract, Arbutin, Magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, Sodium hyaluronate crosspolymer, Arctostaphylos uva ursi leaf extract, Allantoin, Isohexadecane, Echium plantagineum seed oil, Salix alba bark extract, Hydrogenated lecithin, Polysorbate 60, Citric acid, Xanthan gum, Hydrogenated phosphatidylcholine, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium sorbate, Sodium benzoate

Compare prices

Retailers ranked by price — lowest first.

Dermstore1.7 fl. oz

$36.00 Out of stock

Check

Amazon US

Price unavailable Out of stock

Check

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

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 choiceRadiance Renewal MaskYOUR PRODUCT	BonjourExtreme Moisture Mask	Dr. Jart+Cicapair Tiger Grass Calming Serum Mask	16BrandMarine Collagen Shower Mask Pack
Match	—	82%	81%	81%
Price	—	$1.00	$8.84	—
Shared key ingredients	—	4 of 8	3 of 8	3 of 8
Key difference	—	Adenosine	Madecassoside	Adenosine
Irritancy	Low	Low	Low	Low
Drying alcohol	—	—	—	—
	View product	Shop	Shop	Shop