PCA SKIN

PCA SKIN C-Quench Antioxidant Serum

Name: PCA SKIN - C-Quench Antioxidant Serum
Brand: PCA SKIN

Efficacy75/100IrritancyHigh

See all ingredients

Works for

Anti-aging

Resveratrol, Tocotrienols + 3 more

May help

What the product description says

“Key Benefits Multiple antioxidants and botanicals offer superior protection from aging UV rays and other external offenders Vitamins C and E provide additional support against environmental pollutants Who is this for? Ideal for all skin types.”

Source: SkincareRX

This product contains resveratrol, serine, tocotrienols. These ingredients might be able to help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness, but there is not enough evidence that it actually works.

ResveratrolKey activeEffect: MediumHelps neutralize free radicals in skin and might help reduce fine lines and wrinkles, as well as even out the skin tone~0.3–0.7%

TocotrienolsKey activeEffect: MediumA type of vitamin E that is more powerful in neutralizing free radicals compared to its other forms~0.15–0.65%

SerineKey activeEffect: MediumAn amino-acid that helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. In combination with other amino-acids, might help to reduce fine lines and wrinkles~0.05–0.2%

TocopherolEffect: Low, below effective dosePure 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~0.2–0.75%

Ascorbic acidUnder-dosedThe 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~3.8–5.6%

Moisturizing

Glycerin, Squalane + 11 more

Works

What the product description says

“This product also enlists a host of powerful anti-inflammatory agents to soothe the skin while increasing hydration and adding support to the extracellular matrix.”

Source: Skinstore

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: alanine, 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: squalane, squalene.

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~1.8–2.7%

SqualaneKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighAn oil naturally present in skin. Works as an emollient to soften the skin and form a protective layer on its surface without a greasy feeling.~1.5–2.3%

Ribes nigrum seed oilKey active· EmollientEffect: HighAn emollient. Can be helpful for restoring skin barrier function.~0.85–1.25%

PhytosterolsKey active· EmollientEffect: HighLipids that work as an emollient and can be helpful in repairing skin barrier function~0.4–1%

Cassia angustifolia seed polysaccharideKey activeEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Is sometimes referred to as "natural" hyaluronic acid (even though hyaluronic acid is not unnatural and is present in human skin)~0.35–0.8%

GlutathioneKey activeEffect: HighA peptide that can help neutralize free radicals in skin and reduce melanin production resulting in skin lightening effect and reduction in hyperpigmentation. It can also help attract moisture to the upper layer of the skin~0.3–0.75%

SqualeneKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighAn oil that is naturally part of skin sebum that helps to soften its upper layer, reduce water loss and neutralize free radicals. It might be comedogenic. Avoid applying large concentrations (or pure oil) before sun exposure as oxidized squalene can clog pores and lead to skin irritation. Today squalene is mostly derived from vegetable oils or synthetized by yeast~0.15–0.55%

Sodium hyaluronateKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin~0.1–0.35%

SerineKey activeEffect: HighAn amino-acid that helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. In combination with other amino-acids, might help to reduce fine lines and wrinkles~0.05–0.2%

AlanineKey active· HumectantEffect: HighAn amino-acid that helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might help to lighten the skin, but solid evidence is lacking~0.05–0.25%

ProlineKey activeEffect: Medium~0.05–0.3%

Caprylyl glycol· Humectant, EmollientEffect: LowHelps preserve products and creates a nice product texture~0.1–0.5%

Anti-oxidation

Side benefit · Glutathione, Resveratrol + 6 more

Works well

This product contains antioxidants (glutathione, resveratrol, tocotrienols) 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 - squalene also can have an antioxidant effect, but there is less evidence to confirm their effectiveness in skin.

ResveratrolKey activeEffect: HighHelps neutralize free radicals in skin and might help reduce fine lines and wrinkles, as well as even out the skin tone~0.3–0.7%

TocotrienolsKey activeEffect: HighA type of vitamin E that is more powerful in neutralizing free radicals compared to its other forms~0.15–0.65%

SqualeneKey activeEffect: MediumAn oil that is naturally part of skin sebum that helps to soften its upper layer, reduce water loss and neutralize free radicals. It might be comedogenic. Avoid applying large concentrations (or pure oil) before sun exposure as oxidized squalene can clog pores and lead to skin irritation. Today squalene is mostly derived from vegetable oils or synthetized by yeast~0.15–0.55%

Ribes nigrum seed oilEffect: LowAn emollient. Can be helpful for restoring skin barrier function.~0.85–1.25%

TocopherolUnder-dosedPure 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~0.2–0.75%

ErgothioneineUnder-dosedCan help neutralize free radicals in skin. Preliminary studies show that it can be more effective than coenzyme Q10 but studies on effective concentration for topical applications are lacking~0.01–0.05%

Evens skin tone

Side benefit · Glutathione, Resveratrol + 2 more

Works well

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

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: alanine, resveratrol.

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.

ResveratrolEffect: LowHelps neutralize free radicals in skin and might help reduce fine lines and wrinkles, as well as even out the skin tone~0.3–0.7%

AlanineEffect: LowAn amino-acid that helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might help to lighten the skin, but solid evidence is lacking~0.05–0.25%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy

4 strong irritants: Hamamelis virginiana water, Alcohol + 2 more — patch-test recommended

High risk

We flagged 14 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.

IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount

Hamamelis virginiana waterA plant extract that can help calm down inflammation in skin. Can, however, itself be irritatingHigh~4.8–7.2%est.

Ascorbic acidThe 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 agingHigh~3.8–5.6%est.

AlcoholCan be drying and contribute to skin irritation. Used in formulars to dissolve other ingredients, create a thinner product consistency or for its antibacterial propertiesHigh~2.8–4.1%est.

Citrus aurantium dulcis peel oilAn essentil oil from orange peel. Potential allergen and can be irritatingHigh~0.15–0.6%est.

Citrus grandis peel oilA plant oil with high content of volatile compounds that, especially when exposed to air, can cause allergic reactions and irritate the skinHigh~0.1–0.5%est.

Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymerA gelling agent that thickens the product consistency and leaves the skin with a velvety finishMedium~2.1–3.1%est.

Sodium citrateHelps to control the skin's pH level. Maintains the skin's natural film of amino-lactic acids and oils. Helps to preserve productsMedium~1–1.5%est.

Ribes nigrum seed oilAn emollient. Can be helpful for restoring skin barrier function.Medium~0.85–1.25%est.

PhytosterolsLipids that work as an emollient and can be helpful in repairing skin barrier functionMedium~0.4–1%est.

Cassia angustifolia seed polysaccharideHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Is sometimes referred to as "natural" hyaluronic acid (even though hyaluronic acid is not unnatural and is present in human skin)Medium~0.35–0.8%est.

GlutathioneA peptide that can help neutralize free radicals in skin and reduce melanin production resulting in skin lightening effect and reduction in hyperpigmentation. It can also help attract moisture to the upper layer of the skinMedium~0.3–0.75%est.

ResveratrolHelps neutralize free radicals in skin and might help reduce fine lines and wrinkles, as well as even out the skin toneMedium~0.3–0.7%est.

Caprylyl glycolHelps preserve products and creates a nice product textureMedium~0.1–0.5%est.

EthylhexylglycerinA preservativeMedium~0.1–0.35%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

SqualeneAn oil that is naturally part of skin sebum that helps to soften its upper layer, reduce water loss and neutralize free radicals. It might be comedogenic. Avoid applying large concentrations (or pure oil) before sun exposure as oxidized squalene can clog pores and lead to skin irritation. Today squalene is mostly derived from vegetable oils or synthetized by yeast2/5~0.15–0.55%est.

Alternatives

Cheaper, or higher on efficacy

Filorga Serums C-Recover Radiance Boosting Concentrate

Higher efficacy · 87/10089% match

COSRX The Vitamin C 13 Serum

Cheaper87% match

$14.99

View all alternatives

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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Water~40–60%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Plain old water

More about Water

Hamamelis virginiana water~4.8–7.2%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Anti-inflammatory

A plant extract that can help calm down inflammation in skin. Can, however, itself be irritating

More about Hamamelis virginiana water

Ascorbic acid~3.8–5.6%

Under-dosedIrritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Evens skin toneAnti-agingAnti-oxidation

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 acid

Alcohol~2.8–4.1%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Antibacterial

Can be drying and contribute to skin irritation. Used in formulars to dissolve other ingredients, create a thinner product consistency or for its antibacterial properties

More about Alcohol

Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer~2.1–3.1%

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

Glycerin~1.8–2.7%

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

Squalane~1.5–2.3%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

An oil naturally present in skin. Works as an emollient to soften the skin and form a protective layer on its surface without a greasy feeling.

More about Squalane

Maltodextrin~1.3–2%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Mattifying

Used to stabilize the product formulation and can help absorb oil

More about Maltodextrin

Sodium citrate~1–1.5%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Helps to control the skin's pH level. Maintains the skin's natural film of amino-lactic acids and oils. Helps to preserve products

More about Sodium citrate

Ribes nigrum seed oil~0.85–1.25%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

An emollient. Can be helpful for restoring skin barrier function.

More about Ribes nigrum seed oil

Pseudoalteromonas ferment extract~0.45–1.1%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Pseudoalteromonas ferment extract

Phytosterols~0.4–1%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

Lipids that work as an emollient and can be helpful in repairing skin barrier function

More about Phytosterols

Cassia angustifolia seed polysaccharide~0.35–0.8%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Is sometimes referred to as "natural" hyaluronic acid (even though hyaluronic acid is not unnatural and is present in human skin)

More about Cassia angustifolia seed polysaccharide

Glutathione~0.3–0.75%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Evens skin toneAnti-oxidationMoisturizing

A peptide that can help neutralize free radicals in skin and reduce melanin production resulting in skin lightening effect and reduction in hyperpigmentation. It can also help attract moisture to the upper layer of the skin

More about Glutathione

Resveratrol~0.3–0.7%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Anti-oxidationAnti-agingEvens skin tone

Helps neutralize free radicals in skin and might help reduce fine lines and wrinkles, as well as even out the skin tone

More about Resveratrol

Xanthan gum~0.3–0.7%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Xanthan gum

Tocopherol~0.2–0.75%

Under-dosed

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-oxidationMoisturizingAnti-agingAnti-inflammatory

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 Tocopherol

Tocotrienols~0.15–0.65%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-oxidationAnti-aging

A type of vitamin E that is more powerful in neutralizing free radicals compared to its other forms

More about Tocotrienols

Citrus aurantium dulcis peel oil~0.15–0.6%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

An essentil oil from orange peel. Potential allergen and can be irritating

More about Citrus aurantium dulcis peel oil

Citrus grandis peel oil~0.1–0.5%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A plant oil with high content of volatile compounds that, especially when exposed to air, can cause allergic reactions and irritate the skin

More about Citrus grandis peel oil

Oryza sativa bran wax~0.15–0.5%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Oryza sativa bran wax

Squalene~0.15–0.55%

Key activeComedogenic 2/5

Irritation risk: Low
Comedogenicity: 2/5

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

An oil that is naturally part of skin sebum that helps to soften its upper layer, reduce water loss and neutralize free radicals. It might be comedogenic. Avoid applying large concentrations (or pure oil) before sun exposure as oxidized squalene can clog pores and lead to skin irritation. Today squalene is mostly derived from vegetable oils or synthetized by yeast

More about Squalene

Caprylyl glycol~0.1–0.5%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture

More about Caprylyl glycol

Syringa vulgaris leaf cell culture extract~0.1–0.4%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Syringa vulgaris leaf cell culture extract

Ethylhexylglycerin~0.1–0.35%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about Ethylhexylglycerin

Sodium hyaluronate~0.1–0.35%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin

More about Sodium hyaluronate

Alanine~0.05–0.25%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingEvens skin tone

An amino-acid that helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might help to lighten the skin, but solid evidence is lacking

More about Alanine

Proline~0.05–0.3%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

More about Proline

Serine~0.05–0.2%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-aging

An amino-acid that helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. In combination with other amino-acids, might help to reduce fine lines and wrinkles

More about Serine

Sodium phosphate~0.05–0.15%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Helps stabilize the product formulation

More about Sodium phosphate

Sodium hydroxide~0.05–0.15%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to adjust the product's pH

More about Sodium hydroxide

Ergothioneine~0.01–0.05%

Under-dosed

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-oxidation

Can help neutralize free radicals in skin. Preliminary studies show that it can be more effective than coenzyme Q10 but studies on effective concentration for topical applications are lacking

More about Ergothioneine

Ingredient list view

Water, Hamamelis virginiana water, Ascorbic acid, Alcohol, Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer, Glycerin, Squalane, Maltodextrin, Sodium citrate, Ribes nigrum seed oil, Pseudoalteromonas ferment extract, Phytosterols, Cassia angustifolia seed polysaccharide, Glutathione, Resveratrol, Xanthan gum, Tocopherol, Tocotrienols, Citrus aurantium dulcis peel oil, Citrus grandis peel oil, Oryza sativa bran wax, Squalene, Caprylyl glycol, Syringa vulgaris leaf cell culture extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium hyaluronate, Alanine, Proline, Serine, Sodium phosphate, Sodium hydroxide, Ergothioneine

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$137.00

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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.

Side-by-side comparison of this product against its closest alternatives
	PCA SKINC-Quench Antioxidant SerumYOUR PRODUCT	FilorgaSerums C-Recover Radiance Boosting Concentrate	COSRXThe Vitamin C 13 Serum	Trish McEvoyVitamin C Serum
Match	—	89%	87%	87%
Price	$137.00	—	$14.99−$122.01	$125.00−$12.00
Shared key ingredients	—	7 of 14	5 of 14	3 of 14
Key difference	—	Niacinamide	Adenosine	Niacinamide
Irritancy	High	Medium	Medium	Medium
Drying alcohol	Contains drying alcohol	—	—	Contains drying alcohol
	View product	Shop	Shop	Shop

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Product summary

"PCA SKIN - C-Quench Antioxidant Serum" is effective for: Evens skin tone

This product could be helpful for: Anti-aging and Moisturizing, but its actives are not the most effective or are not well-studied.

Ingredient callouts

This product also contains Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) 3.80% - 5.60% 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.
Humectants (sodium hyaluronate 0.10% - 0.35%, glycerin 1.80% - 2.70% and alanine 0.05% - 0.25%). These ingredients help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improve the skin hydration.