Works for
Anti-agingAscorbic acid, Tocopherol + 1 moreWorks well
“An advanced complex of 20% stabilized vitamin C and 5% vitamin E work synergistically to diminish hyperpigmentation, neutralize free radicals and support collagen and elastin production.”
This product can help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness because it contains ascorbic acid.
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 toneAscorbic acid, Retinyl palmitateWorks well
“An advanced complex of 20% stabilized vitamin C and 5% vitamin E work synergistically to diminish hyperpigmentation, neutralize free radicals and support collagen and elastin production.”
This product can help reduce hypepigmentation and even out the skin tone because it contains the following effective ingredients: 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.
Anti-oxidationSide benefit · Ascorbic acid, Tocopherol + 1 moreWorks well
This product contains antioxidants (ascorbic acid, tocopherol) that can help neutralize free radicals in skin. By doing so, they can lessen the damage the skin gets from the UV light (sun).
MoisturizingSide benefit · Cyclopentasiloxane, Polymethylsilsesquioxane + 3 moreWorks
This product can help soften the skin and reduce its moisture loss with emollients and occlusives: ethylhexyl hydroxystearate, cyclopentasiloxane.
Keep in mind that this product does not contain effective ingredients to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. This is why an additional product with humectants like glycerin or hyaluronic acid can be helpful (apply it before this product for the best results).
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy3 strong irritants: Citrus aurantium dulcis oil, Santalum album wood extract + 1 more — patch-test recommendedHigh risk
ComedogenicClean of flagged comedogenic ingredientsNone flagged
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Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Cyclopentasiloxane~23–35%
- 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 CyclopentasiloxaneAscorbic acid~8.1–12.2%
- Irritation risk
- High
The most well-researched antioxidant that works in skin. Helps neutralize free radicals supporting collagen production, helping to even out the skin tone and preventing early signs of aging
More about Ascorbic acidPolymethylsilsesquioxane~4.8–7.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A silicone that improves product texture and helps dissolve other ingredients. Can form a non-greasy film on the skin to prevent moisture loss
More about PolymethylsilsesquioxaneEthylhexyl hydroxystearate~3.9–5.9%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and reduce water loss from it
More about Ethylhexyl hydroxystearatePolysilicone-11~2.7–4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A silicone that forms a light film on the skin surface helping to bind water and temporarily absorb oils creating a matt and powdery feel
More about Polysilicone-11Tocopherol~1.6–2.4%
- 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 TocopherolHordeum distichon extract~1.2–1.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Citrus aurantium dulcis oil~0.85–1.3%
- Irritation risk
- High
Used as a fragrance. It can be irritating and cause photosensitivity
More about Citrus aurantium dulcis oilPhellodendron amurense bark extract~0.5–1.15%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A plant extract that might have an anti-inflammatory effect
More about Phellodendron amurense bark extractSantalum album wood extract~0.35–0.8%
Bisabolol~0.15–0.65%
- 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 BisabololRetinyl palmitate~0.05–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- High
Three steps removed from the active form of vitamin A - retinoic acid. To have an effect in the skin, it first needs to be converted twice to become the retinoic acid. This means it is less potent than retinol, but could also be less irritating. Once converted to the retinoic acid in the skin, it helps against all signs of aging, improves skin cell turnover and helps fight blemishes and clogged pores. However, in many cosmetic formulations, it is used in a concentration that is too low to have the full effect
More about Retinyl palmitateIngredient list view
Cyclopentasiloxane, Ascorbic acid, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Ethylhexyl hydroxystearate, Polysilicone-11, Tocopherol, Hordeum distichon extract, Citrus aurantium dulcis oil, Phellodendron amurense bark extract, Santalum album wood extract, Bisabolol, Retinyl palmitate
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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.
| PCA SKINC and E Strength MaxYOUR PRODUCT | StratiaC+C Serum | Alpha-HVitamin C Paste with 10% L-Absorbic Acid | Laboratoire ACMDuolys.Hyal Intensive Anti-Ageing Serum | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 92% | 92% | 88% |
| Price | $128.00 | $29.00−$99.00 | — | $37.45−$90.55 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 6 of 7 | 4 of 7 | 5 of 7 |
| Key difference | — | Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate | Butyrospermum Parkii Butter | Glycolic Acid |
| Irritancy | High | Low | Low | Medium |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
More alternatives: SkinMedica Vitamin C Plus E ComplexLa Roche-Posay Pure vitamin C10 Renovating Serum
Product summary
"PCA SKIN - C and E Strength Max" is effective for: Anti-aging and Evens skin tone
This product could be helpful for: Moisturizing, but its actives are not the most effective or are not well-studied.
Ingredient callouts
- This product also contains Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) 8.10% - 12.20% It can be helpful in stimulating collagen production, neutralizing free radicals in skin and improving pigmentation marks. We recommend to use up this product quickly after opening: Ascorbic Acid degrades fast when it gets in contact with air and light. The moment the product turns orange, it is a sign that a significant share of the vitamin C in it is no longer effective.
- This product includes a form of Retinoids (vitamin A) - retinyl palmitate 0.05% - 0.30%, but this type of vitamin A is not very effective. It could in theory help with fine lines and wrinkles, but the effect is most likely minimal.
Price
The product retails for 119.00$ in the United States, for 133.07CA$ in Canada, for 287.68A$ in Australia and for 153.00£ 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 9 studies and safety reviews.
- 1
- 2Vitamin E in dermatologyncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 3Vitamin E and Skin Healthlpi.oregonstate.edu
- 4
- 5
- 6Air oxidation increases skin irritation from fragrance terpenesonlinelibrary.wiley.com
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