Paula's Choice Resist Advanced Smoothing Treatment 10% AHA
- Anti-aging
- Anti-oxidation
- Exfoliation
- Moisturizing
- Evens skin tone
- Anti-blemish
- +3 more
- lactic acid
- glycolic acid
- azelaic acid
- salicylic acid
- glycolic acid
- lactic acid
- salicylic acid
- adenosine
- ceramide 2
- ceramide ng
- palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7
- palmitoyl tripeptide-1
- allantoin
- bisabolol
- camellia oleifera leaf extract
- camellia sinensis leaf extract
- caprylic/capric triglyceride
- glycerin
- lycium barbarum fruit extract
- tartaric acid
- vitis vinifera seed extract
- +18 more
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Formula review
WIMJ summary
This product can help reduce breakouts and clogged pores because it contains the following ingredient: azelaic acid, salicylic acid. These ingredients is used for treating acne and can have a noticeable effect.
The following ingredient (ingredients) in this product might be helpful, but there is no evidence to confirm that it actually works: glycolic acid
| Ingredient | Effectiveness | Concentration | Irritancy |
|---|---|---|---|
HIGH |  |  | |
HIGH | | | |
MEDIUM
| | |
Promise
What does the product description say?WIMJ summary
This product can help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness because it contains glycolic acid.
These ingredients in the product can also be helpful, even though there is less evidence for their effectiveness: adenosine, lactic acid, palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7, palmitoyl tripeptide-1, vitis vinifera seed extract.
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.
| Ingredient | Effectiveness | Concentration | Irritancy |
|---|---|---|---|
HIGH | | | |
MEDIUM
| | | |
MEDIUM
| | |
Promise
What does the product description say?WIMJ summary
This product can help reduce hypepigmentation and even out the skin tone because it contains the following effective ingredients: azelaic acid, glycolic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid
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: glycyrrhiza glabra root extract.
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.
| Ingredient | Effectiveness | Concentration | Irritancy |
|---|---|---|---|
HIGH | | | |
HIGH | | | |
HIGH | | |
Promise
What does the product description say?WIMJ summary
This product can help exfoliate the skin. In other words, it helps break down the bonds between dead cells on the surface of the skin and speed up the skin turnover. Skin often appears softer and brighter after exfoliation, but overdoing it can result in disrupted skin barrier. The following ingredient is doing the exfoliating job in this product: glycolic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid.
| Ingredient | Effectiveness | Concentration | Irritancy |
|---|---|---|---|
HIGH | | | |
HIGH | | | |
HIGH | | |
WIMJ summary
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:
allantoin, glycerin.
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: ceramide 2, ceramide ng.
The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: ceramide 2, ceramide ng, palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7, palmitoyl tripeptide-1
| Ingredient | Effectiveness | Concentration | Irritancy |
|---|---|---|---|
HIGH | | | |
HIGH | | | |
HIGH | | |
WIMJ summary
This product contains antioxidants (azelaic acid, camellia oleifera leaf extract, vitis vinifera seed extract) that can help neutralize free radicals in skin. By doing so, they can lessen the damage the skin gets from the UV light (sun).
The following ingredients - camellia sinensis leaf extract, tartaric acid also can have an antioxidant effect, but there is less evidence to confirm their effectiveness in skin.
| Ingredient | Effectiveness | Concentration | Irritancy |
|---|---|---|---|
HIGH | | | |
HIGH | | | |
HIGH | | |
Potential irritants
| Ingredient | Irritancy | Skin Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| lactic acid | | |
| glycolic acid | | |
| salicylic acid | | |
Ingredients by volume
| Ingredient | Estimated concentration |
|---|---|
|
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 microbiom)
| 23% - 34% |
|
An alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that helps to remove the dead skin cells on the surface of the skin reveling a more even, smoother complexation. It is also able to stimulate collagen production with long-term use. Could help to reduce pore congestion. It can be irritating to the skin. Apply sunscreen daily if using products with glycolic acid
| 4.3% - 6.5% |
|
Helps adjust the product pH
| 3.7% - 5.5% |
|
A type of lipid similar to ceramides naturally present in skin. Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and supports the skin barrier function to keep it hydrated. Can help to prevent inflammation in skin
| 2.8% - 4.2% |
|
Can contain potent anti-oxidant compounds (abbreviated ECG, GCG, EGC, and EGCG) that might help protect the skin from free radicals. Can help calm down inflammation and has some anti-bacterial properties. Unfortunately, these antioxidants are unstable and lose their effectiveness very quickly in products. The concentration of the antioxidant compounds in the extract also tends to be low to be effective in topical formulation
| 2% - 3.1% |
|
Is produced by a yeast that lives on normal human skin. It is used in medicine as a topical treatment for mild to moderate acne. It has a mild exfoliating effect. It can also help reduce hyperpigmentation, helps calm down inflammation and can help neutralize free radicals
| 1.7% - 2.6% |
|
Used for skin exfoliation. It has an anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effect, helps to unclog pores, prevent blemishes and speed up healing of the existing ones. Sometimes referred to as a BHA (beta-hydroxy acid)
| 1.1% - 1.7% |
|
Plain old water
| 1.3% - 1.9% |
|
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
| 1% - 1.5% |
|
An alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that helps to remove the dead skin cells on the surface of the skin reveling a more even, smoother complexation. It is also able to stimulate collagen production with long-term use. Could help to reduce pore congestion. It can be irritating to the skin. Apply sunscreen daily if using products with glycolic acid
| 0.85% - 1.25% |
|
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant
| 0.55% - 1.25% |
|
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 microbiom)
| 0.4% - 0.95% |
|
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
| 0.45% - 1% |
|
Helps adjust the product pH
| 0.35% - 0.8% |
|
An AHA (alpha-hydroxy acid). It oxidizes quickly which makes it less effective in skincare formulations. It can support skin's barrier and moisture levels
| 0.3% - 0.75% |
|
A type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles
| 0.35% - 0.8% |
|
A type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles
| 0.35% - 0.8% |
|
A type of lipid similar to ceramides naturally present in skin. Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and supports the skin barrier function to keep it hydrated. Can help to prevent inflammation in skin
| 0.3% - 0.7% |
|
Used for skin exfoliation. It has an anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effect, helps to unclog pores, prevent blemishes and speed up healing of the existing ones. Sometimes referred to as a BHA (beta-hydroxy acid)
| 0.15% - 0.65% |
|
A plant extract that can help lighten the skin and calm down inflammation. Might be helpful in neutralizing free radicals
| 0.15% - 0.6% |
|
Can contain potent anti-oxidant compounds (abbreviated ECG, GCG, EGC, and EGCG) that might help protect the skin from free radicals. Can help calm down inflammation and has some anti-bacterial properties. Unfortunately, these antioxidants are unstable and lose their effectiveness very quickly in products. The concentration of the antioxidant compounds in the extract also tends to be low to be effective in topical formulation
| 0.15% - 0.65% |
| | 0.2% - 0.75% |
|
A fruit extract that is used to add a fragrance to the product. It might have some antioxidant properties
| 0.15% - 0.5% |
|
A plant extract that can help neutralize free radicals in skin and attract water to its upper layer
| 0.15% - 0.5% |
|
A plant extract that contains resveratrol and other anti-oxidant compounds that can help neutralize free radicals, reduce inflammation in skin and even out its tone. Can be also used to stabilize the product formulation
| 0.15% - 0.6% |
|
A plant extract that may contain a small amount of essential oils. Might be helpful in neutralizing free radicals in skin
| 0.15% - 0.55% |
|
A plant extract that can help neutralize free radicals and reduce inflammation, even though it is not usually used in sufficient concentration in cosmetics
| 0.15% - 0.5% |
|
Plant extract that can have healing and anti-inflammatory properties. It is a potential allergen and can be irritating
| 0.15% - 0.5% |
|
A plant extract. Might have an antioxidant effect. Can be used as a fragrance
| 0.15% - 0.5% |
|
Helps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated
| 0.1% - 0.5% |
|
Might help improve cell turnover and reduce inflammation in skin. One study shows that the ingredients might be able to stimulate collagen production in skin
| 0.1% - 0.5% |
|
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.
| 0.15% - 0.55% |
|
An active component of chamomile plant that historically has been used to calm down irritated skin. A recent study shows that bisabolol indeed can have some anti-inflammatory effect on skin, even though conclusive data is lacking. Bisabolol has a sweet floral scent and can be added to products for its aromatic properties
| 0.1% - 0.4% |
|
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product finish
| 0.15% - 0.5% |
|
Used to create a thicker product consistency
| 0.1% - 0.45% |
|
Helps create a gel-like product texture. Can be used in gentle cleansing formulations
| 0.1% - 0.4% |
|
Helps oil and water mix together
| 0.1% - 0.5% |
|
Helps regulate the product pH
| 0.15% - 0.6% |
|
Used to adjust the product's pH
| 0.1% - 0.35% |
|
Used to adjust the pH in formulations
| 0.1% - 0.35% |
|
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
| 0.1% - 0.4% |
|
A preservative. Can be used to mask unpleasant smell. Can be irritating
| 0.05% - 0.25% |
Show more | |
Questions
Skincare resources
Scientific Sources
- Epidermal and dermal effects of topical lactic acid
- Dual Effects of Alpha-Hydroxy Acids on the Skin
- Photoprotective and antiinflammatory effects of topical glycolic acid
- Glycolic acid peel therapy – a current review
- Dual Effects of Alpha-Hydroxy Acids on the Skin
- Topically Applied Ceramides Interact with the Stratum Corneum Lipid Matrix in Compromised Ex Vivo Skin
- Salicylic acid as a peeling agent: a comprehensive review
- Beta Hydroxy Acids
- A review of toxicity from topical salicylic acid preparations
- Glycolic Acid Peels Versus Salicylic–Mandelic Acid Peels in Active Acne Vulgaris and Post‐Acne Scarring and Hyperpigmentation: A Comparative Study
- Glycerol and the skin: holistic approach to its origin and functions
- Control of keratinization with á-hydroxy acids and related compounds: I. Topical treatment of ichthyotic disorders
- Method of treating wrinkles using tartaric acid
- Impact of the condition of storage of tartaric acid solutions on the production and stability of glyoxylic acid
- Topical emulsions containing ceramides: Effects on the skin barrier function and anti‐inflammatory properties
- Water-soluble polysaccharide from dried Lycium barbarum fruits: Isolation, structural features and antioxidant activity
- Lycium barbarum polysaccharide protects human keratinocytes against UVB-induced photo-damage
- Lycium Barbarum and Human Health
- Safety Assessment of Vitis Vinifera (Grape)-Derived Ingredients as Used in Cosmetics
- The Topical Effect of Grape Seed Extract 2% Cream on Surgery Wound Healing
- Review of the Pharmacological Effects of Vitis vinifera (Grape) and its Bioactive Constituents: An Update
- Assessment report on Sambucus nigra L., fructus
- SKIN PROTECTION AGAINST SOLAR UV RADIATION BY NATURAL PLANT PRODUCTS: EXTRACTS FROM ELDER FRUIT (SAMBUCUS NIGRA L.)
- Evaluation of anti-wrinkle efficacy of adenosine-containing products using the FOITS technique
- α-(-)-Bisabolol Reduces Pro-Inflammatory Cytokine Production and Ameliorates Skin Inflammation