Pause Well-Aging Collagen Boosting Moisturiser
Works for
3 of 3 advertised claims delivered
Anti-agingGlycolic acid, Trifluoroacetyl tripeptide-2 + 4 moreStrong evidence
“It also diminishes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles too.”
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: palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7, palmitoyl tripeptide-1, trifluoroacetyl tripeptide-2.
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.
MoisturizingPalmitoyl tetrapeptide-7, Palmitoyl tripeptide-1 + 17 moreStrong evidence
“The brand's deeply hydrating day-and-night moisturiser helps to spark collagen production again while also focusing on increasing skin density and improving elasticity during all three stages of menopause for visibly firm and lifted skin.”
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:
dextran, 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: dimethicone, cocos nucifera fruit extract.
The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7, palmitoyl tripeptide-1, trifluoroacetyl tripeptide-2
Evens skin toneGlycolic acid, 3-o-ethyl ascorbic acid + 1 moreStrong evidence
“Powered by the brand's proprietary Pause Complex - a carefully researched fusion of vitamins, antioxidants and peptides to help fuel much-needed collagen production - this silky, instantly-absorbed cream helps firm, lift, brighten and even out skin tone, phewph!”
This product can help reduce hypepigmentation and even out the skin tone because it contains the following effective ingredients: glycolic 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: 3-o-ethyl ascorbic acid.
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.
ExfoliationNot advertised by the brand · Glycolic acidStrong evidence
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.
Anti-oxidationNot advertised by the brand · 3-o-ethyl ascorbic acid, Terminalia ferdinandiana fruit extract + 1 moreModerate evidence
This product contains antioxidants (3-o-ethyl ascorbic acid) 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?
Irritancy1 strong irritant: Citrus junos peel oilMedium risk
Comedogenic2 ingredients rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale2 flagged
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Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Water~45–55%
Persea gratissima oil~4–4.9%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
An emollient that helps soften the skin and could be helpful in repairing its barrier function
More about Persea gratissima oilButylene glycol~4–4.9%
- 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 glycolCetearyl alcohol~2.5–3.1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
- Comedogenicity
- 2/5
A non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture
More about Cetearyl alcoholEthylhexyl isononanoate~2.4–2.9%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and improve the product consistency
More about Ethylhexyl isononanoateIsononyl isononanoate~2–2.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Forms a protective film on the surface of the skin to prevent moisture loss. Gives a velvety feel to products while reducing tackiness
More about Isononyl isononanoateLauryl laurate~1.7–2%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin
More about Lauryl laurateGlycolic acid~1.5–1.8%
- Irritation risk
- High
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
More about Glycolic acidCocos nucifera fruit extract~1.2–1.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
- Comedogenicity
- 3/5
An emollient. Found to be as effective as a moisturizer for dry skin as mineral oil. Could be comedogenic
More about Cocos nucifera fruit extractTriethanolamine~1–1.2%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to adjust pH of the product and can help improve the product's smell
More about TriethanolaminePolyglyceryl-3 distearate~0.75–1.1%
Glyceryl stearate citrate~0.65–1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps oil and water mix together while softening the upper layer of the skin
More about Glyceryl stearate citrateHydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer~0.55–0.85%
- 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 copolymerDiisooctyl succinate~0.55–0.85%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Dimethicone~0.55–0.85%
- 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 DimethiconeSodium stearoyl lactylate~0.5–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps oil and water mix together
More about Sodium stearoyl lactylateCaprylic/capric triglyceride~0.55–0.8%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
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 triglycerideCellulose gum~0.45–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create thicker product consistency and stabilize emulsions
More about Cellulose gumCetyl palmitate~0.45–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that helps soften the skin and is used to improve product texture and stability
More about Cetyl palmitateNiacinamide~0.35–0.65%
- 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 Niacinamide3-o-ethyl ascorbic acid~0.3–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- High
A vitamin C derivative that is more stable but less potent than pure form of vitamin C. Can help neutralize free radicals and help reduce hyperpigmentation, but the required concentration is likely to be much higher than for the pure form of vitamin C, limiting the ingredient's effectiveness in products
More about 3-o-ethyl ascorbic acidDimethylaminoethanol tartrate~0.35–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Ribose~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Poria cocos polysaccharide~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Sodium hyaluronate crosspolymer~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin
More about Sodium hyaluronate crosspolymerTerminalia ferdinandiana fruit extract~0.3–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A plant extract that might have some anti-oxidant effect in skin, but evidence is lacking
More about Terminalia ferdinandiana fruit extractTocopheryl acetate~0.3–0.6%
- 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 acetateVibrio alginolyticus ferment filtrate~0.4–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Carbomer~0.3–0.55%
- 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 CarbomerGlycerin~0.35–0.6%
- 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 GlycerinGlycogen~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin
More about GlycogenPolysorbate 20~0.3–0.55%
Polysorbate 80~0.3–0.55%
Phenoxyethanol~0.3–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolEthylhexylglycerin~0.25–0.45%
Sorbitan stearate~0.25–0.45%
Citrus junos peel oil~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- High
Dextran~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the most upper layer of the skin. Derived from sugar
More about DextranDisodium edta~0.15–0.25%
Hydrogenated lecithin~0.15–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 lecithinPalmitoyl tripeptide-1~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles
More about Palmitoyl tripeptide-1Palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles
More about Palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7Palmitoyl tetrapeptide-10~0.05–0.15%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Trifluoroacetyl tripeptide-2~0.05–0.15%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles
More about Trifluoroacetyl tripeptide-2Ingredient list view
Water, Persea gratissima oil, Butylene glycol, Cetearyl alcohol, Ethylhexyl isononanoate, Isononyl isononanoate, Lauryl laurate, Glycolic acid, Cocos nucifera fruit extract, Triethanolamine, Polyglyceryl-3 distearate, Glyceryl stearate citrate, Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer, Diisooctyl succinate, Dimethicone, Sodium stearoyl lactylate, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Cellulose gum, Cetyl palmitate, Unknown, Niacinamide, 3-o-ethyl ascorbic acid, Dimethylaminoethanol tartrate, Ribose, Poria cocos polysaccharide, Sodium hyaluronate crosspolymer, Terminalia ferdinandiana fruit extract, Tocopheryl acetate, Vibrio alginolyticus ferment filtrate, Carbomer, Glycerin, Glycogen, Polysorbate 20, Polysorbate 80, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sorbitan stearate, Citrus junos peel oil, Dextran, Disodium edta, Hydrogenated lecithin, Palmitoyl tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7, Palmitoyl tetrapeptide-10, Trifluoroacetyl tripeptide-2
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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.
| Pause Well-AgingCollagen Boosting MoisturiserYOUR PRODUCT | MiildSkin Love The Comfort Cream | ROSE Ingleton MDSignature Moisturizer | e.l.f. CosmeticsFragrance Free Holy Hydration! Face Cream | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 78% | 77% | 77% |
| Price | — | $82.36 | $85.00 | $12.13 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 6 of 14 | 7 of 14 | 5 of 14 |
| Key difference | — | Diglycerin | Ascorbyl Glucoside | Panthenol |
| Irritancy | Medium | Low | Medium | Low |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
Product summary
"Pause Well-Aging - Collagen Boosting Moisturiser" has a good moisturizing formula. The formulation is based on a combination of good humectants and emollients. Both are needed to increase the skin hydration level. Dextran, glycerin, glycogen, sodium hyaluronate crosspolymer and butylene glycol in this product (humectants) attract water molecules to the upper layer of the skin (the water comes from the outside air or from the deeper layers of the skin if the air is dry). Emollients in this formulation (palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7, palmitoyl tripeptide-1, persea gratissima oil, dimethicone and cetearyl alcohol) help to reduce the moisture loss from the skin. They also soften the skin surface and relieve the feeling of dryness and tightness.
Ingredient callouts
- This product contains acids (glycolic acid 1.50% - 1.80%). Their concentration is low, and they will not have a strong exfoliating effect. Instead, they work to support the skin natural acid mantle and to attract water (as humectants).
- This moisturizer also contains Peptides (trifluoroacetyl tripeptide-2 0.05% - 0.15%, palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7 0.15% - 0.30% and palmitoyl tripeptide-1 0.20% - 0.35%). Peptides are a very big group of ingredients. They all consist of a different combination of aminoacids. Our skin produces Peptides naturally. Some of them work as natural antibiotics, promote wound-healing and production of collagen. The scientists are still studying how effective the topical application of Peptides is, but it is very likely that they are helpful. Peptides might be able to support skin barrier restoration and even have an anti-aging benefit. At the very least, they certainly help attract water to the skin and support the hydration in this way.
Irritation risk
This formulation includes some common irritants, including ingredients that do not provide a benefit for the skin. We assess the overall irritancy of this moisturizer to be medium. For a detailed overview of all potential irritants: click here
You can see the detailed formula review with the breakdown of all actives in the product and the full ingredient list with estimated concentrations in the tables below.
Price
The product retails for 44.10£ in the United Kingdom.
For a detailed price comparison: click here.
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 11 studies and safety reviews.
- 1
- 2
- 3Glycolic acid peel therapy – a current reviewncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 4
- 5
- 6Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Dimethicone Copolyoljournals.sagepub.com
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