Paula's choice Resist Pure Radiance Skin Brightening Treatment
Works for
Anti-agingAcetyl glucosamine, Niacinamide + 2 moreWorks well
“This technologically advanced brightening formula contains a proprietary complex of proven vitamin and plant-based ingredients that fade brown spots and refine skin tone so you'll have a more radiant and youthful appearance.”
This product can help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness because it contains acetyl glucosamine, 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.
Evens skin toneAcetyl glucosamine, Niacinamide + 3 moreWorks well
“This technologically advanced brightening formula contains a proprietary complex of proven vitamin and plant-based ingredients that fade brown spots and refine skin tone so you'll have a more radiant and youthful appearance.”
This product can help reduce hypepigmentation and even out the skin tone because it contains the following effective ingredients: acetyl glucosamine, 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: 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.
MoisturizingSide benefit · Acetyl glucosamine, Niacinamide + 17 moreWorks well
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, butylene glycol.
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: dimethicone, peg-10 dimethicone.
The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: acetyl glucosamine, ceramide 1, ceramide 3, ceramide 6 ii, niacinamide, phytosphingosine
Anti-blemishSide benefit · Niacinamide, PhytosphingosineWorks 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.
Anti-oxidationSide benefit · Scutellaria baicalensis extract, Glycyrrhiza glabra root extract + 5 moreMay help
This product contains antioxidants (scutellaria baicalensis extract) 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.
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy13 flagged ingredientsMedium risk
ComedogenicClean of flagged comedogenic ingredientsNone flagged
User reviews
Be the first — your take helps the next person decide.
Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Water~45–55%
Cyclopentasiloxane~6.3–7.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A silicone that helps improve the product texture and spreadability. Can absorb oil creating a short-term mattifying effect on the skin
More about CyclopentasiloxaneDimethicone~4.4–5.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 DimethiconeAcetyl glucosamine~3.1–3.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An effective moisturizing ingredient that also has been shown to be effective in evening out the skin tone and reducing hyperpigmentation. It can help somewhat reduce wrinkles in skin
More about Acetyl glucosamineNiacinamide~2.3–2.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 NiacinamideButylene glycol~1.9–2.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 glycolSilica~1.8–2.2%
Glycerin~1.5–1.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 GlycerinPhenyl trimethicone~1.2–1.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of silicone that can decrease loss of moisture from the skin surface. It helps create a nice product texture
More about Phenyl trimethiconeTetrahexyldecyl ascorbate~0.7–1.1%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
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.
More about Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbateMorus bombycis root extract~0.55–0.8%
- Irritation risk
- High
A plant extract that might contain arbutin, a compound that has skin-lightening properties. Might have some anti-oxidant activity. Is unlikely to be effective though in the concentrations typically used in skincare products
More about Morus bombycis root extractMelanin~0.45–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Morus alba root extract~0.35–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Melanin~0.3–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Glycyrrhiza glabra root extract~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A plant extract that can help lighten the skin and calm down inflammation. Might be helpful in neutralizing free radicals
More about Glycyrrhiza glabra root extractMelanin~0.3–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Ceramide 1~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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
More about Ceramide 1Ceramide 6 ii~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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
More about Ceramide 6 iiCeramide 3~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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
More about Ceramide 3Scutellaria baicalensis extract~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- High
A plant extract that might contain a compound baicalin that could be helpful in neutralizing free radicals and reducing inflammation in skin. The baicalin concentration in skincare typically too low. Can be used for its fragrant properties
More about Scutellaria baicalensis extractSaxifraga sarmentosa extract~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Phytosphingosine~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of lipid that is naturally present in skin. It might help in repairing skin barrier function and has anti-bacterial effect
More about PhytosphingosinePeg-10 dimethicone~0.25–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A silicone that works to soften the upper layer of the skin and reduce its water loss
More about Peg-10 dimethiconeCholesterol~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that is naturally found in skin
More about CholesterolPanthenol~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function
More about PanthenolVitis vinifera fruit extract~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A plant extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. It might be helpful in neutralizing free radicals in skin, but is less potent than the extract from the seeds
More about Vitis vinifera fruit extractTocopheryl acetate~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A more stable but less bio-available form of vitamin E compared to Tocopherol. Might help moisturize and protect the skin from free radicals, but mostly used in low concentrations to stabilize other ingredients.
More about Tocopheryl acetateTocopherol~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 TocopherolBisabolol~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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
More about BisabololBis-phenylpropyl dimethicone~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to stabilize product formulations and create a nice product texture
More about Dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymerPentylene glycol~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture
More about Pentylene glycolSodium lauroyl lactylate~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps water and oil mix together
More about Sodium lauroyl lactylatePolysorbate 40~0.25–0.4%
Polysorbate 80~0.25–0.4%
Xanthan gum~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a thicker product consistency
More about Xanthan gumAmmonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymer~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Increases thickness of a product. Texture enhancer for oil-in-water emulsions
More about Ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymerSodium acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a thicker product consistency
More about Sodium acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymerCarbomer~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps create a thicker or gel-like product texture. It is not a surfactant but can be used in gentle cleansing formulations
More about CarbomerIsohexadecane~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 IsohexadecaneHexylene glycol~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps create a more spreadable product texture
More about Hexylene glycolPolymethyl methacrylate~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Is used to enhance product texture and can help to optically mask skin imperfections
More about Polymethyl methacrylateMica~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Creates an illusion of smoother and more radiant skin tone. Adds shimmer to the skin by reflecting light
More about MicaTitanium dioxide~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Works as a UV filter when used in high concentrations. It is photostable and is effective mostly against the UVB light, with some protection in the UVA range. In small concentrations, used for its ability to improve the color of cosmetic products. Is usually well tolerated by the skin
More about Titanium dioxideDisodium edta~0.15–0.25%
Caprylyl glycol~0.15–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture
More about Caprylyl glycolEthylhexylglycerin~0.15–0.25%
Phenoxyethanol~0.15–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolIngredient list view
Water, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Acetyl glucosamine, Niacinamide, Butylene glycol, Silica, Glycerin, Phenyl trimethicone, Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, Morus bombycis root extract, Unknown, Melanin, Morus alba root extract, Unknown, Melanin, Glycyrrhiza glabra root extract, Unknown, Melanin, Ceramide 1, Ceramide 6 ii, Ceramide 3, Scutellaria baicalensis extract, Saxifraga sarmentosa extract, Phytosphingosine, Peg-10 dimethicone, Cholesterol, Panthenol, Vitis vinifera fruit extract, Tocopheryl acetate, Tocopherol, Bisabolol, Bis-phenylpropyl dimethicone, Dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer, Pentylene glycol, Sodium lauroyl lactylate, Polysorbate 40, Polysorbate 80, Xanthan gum, Ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymer, Sodium acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer, Carbomer, Isohexadecane, Hexylene glycol, Polymethyl methacrylate, Mica, Titanium dioxide, Disodium edta, Caprylyl glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol
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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.
| Paula's choiceResist Pure Radiance Skin Brightening TreatmentYOUR PRODUCT | CeraVeHydrating Micellar Water | RilastilAcnestil Attiva Cream | Daughters of MalayPost-Breakout Recovery Serum | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 73% | 73% | 71% |
| Price | — | $13.49 | $15.73 | — |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 4 of 18 | 7 of 18 | 5 of 18 |
| Key difference | — | Ceramide Np | Potassium Azeloyl Diglycinate | Alpha-Arbutin |
| Irritancy | Medium | Low | Low | Low |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
More alternatives: The Derma Co. 5% Nia-Ceramide Daily Hydrating Moisturizer with 5% Niacinamide & 2% CeramideTHE formularx Barrier Relief Lightweight Ceramide Moisturizer
Product summary
"Paula's choice - Resist Pure Radiance Skin Brightening Treatment" is effective for: Anti-aging, Moisturizing, Evens skin tone and Anti-blemish
Ingredient callouts
- A good concentration of Niacinamide (2.30% - 2.80%). Niacinamide is a well-studied multi-tasking active. It is stable, and can work well in almost any hydrating formulation. There is solid evidence that Niacinamide can help support skin barrier, regulate oil production and reduce acne and clogged pores. It also helps to fight photodamage and improve the skin tone, reducing pigmentation marks.
- Ceramides (phytosphingosine 0.20% - 0.40%, ceramide 6 ii 0.25% - 0.50%, ceramide 3 0.25% - 0.45% and ceramide 1 0.30% - 0.55%). Ceramides are a type of lipids that our skin produces itself. They are a building block of the skin's barrier. Ceramides used in skincare are synthetic or extracted from plants. They work well for softening the skin surface and "patch holes" in the skin's barrier.
- Humectants (glycerin 1.50% - 1.80% and acetyl glucosamine 3.10% - 3.80%). These ingredients help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improve the skin hydration.
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 20 studies and safety reviews.
- 1
- 2Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Dimethicone Copolyoljournals.sagepub.com
- 3
- 4Glucosamine: an ingredient with skin and other benefitsncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 5
- 6Incorporation of D-(^H)glucosamine into normal and psoriatic epidermal glycoconjugatesonlinelibrary.wiley.com
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