PCA SKIN Pore Minimizer Skin Mattifying Gel
Works for
1 of 1 advertised claim delivered
Anti-blemish3 ingredients credited for this claimGood support
“Pore Minimizer Skin Mattifying Gel”
This product might be able to help reduce blemishes and clogged pores because it contains ethyl linoleate, niacinamide.
Anti-agingNot advertised by the brand · 2 ingredients credited for this claimStrong support
This product can help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness because it contains 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.
MoisturizingNot advertised by the brand · 19 ingredients credited for this claimStrong support
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, saccharide isomerate.
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, ethyl linoleate.
The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: niacinamide
Evens skin toneNot advertised by the brand · 3 ingredients credited for this claimStrong support
This product can help reduce hypepigmentation and even out the skin tone because it contains the following effective ingredients: 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: ethyl linoleate, hexylresorcinol.
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-oxidationNot advertised by the brand · 4 ingredients credited for this claimModerate support
This product contains antioxidants (hexylresorcinol) 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
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Ingredients
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Water~45–55%
Butylene glycol~6.6–8%
- 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 glycolNiacinamide~4.3–5.3%
- 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 NiacinamidePolymethylsilsesquioxane/silica crosspolymer~3–3.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of silicone that helps add a "soft focus" effect on the surface of the skin and create a nice product texture
More about Polymethylsilsesquioxane/silica crosspolymerIsododecane~2.3–2.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that helps soften the skin and can decrease moisture loss. Helps create a nice product texture
More about IsododecanePolysilicone-11~1.9–2.4%
- 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-11Glycerin~1.6–2%
- 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 GlycerinNylon-12~1.4–1.7%
Propanediol~1.1–1.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Acts as a solvent for other ingredients. Speeds up the absorption of other ingredients into the skin
More about PropanediolDimethicone~0.95–1.15%
- 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 DimethiconeCaprylic/capric triglyceride~0.7–1.05%
- 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 triglycerideVinyl dimethicone/methicone silsesquioxane crosspolymer~0.55–0.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of silicone that create a smooth product finish and can create an optical soft-focus effect on the skin. Helps to thicken the product consistency
More about Vinyl dimethicone/methicone silsesquioxane crosspolymerSodium polyacrylate~0.55–0.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a gel-like product texture, as well as to stabilize emulsions
More about Sodium polyacrylatePolyacrylate crosspolymer-11~0.45–0.65%
Ethyl linoleate~0.4–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps reduce acne and blemishes. Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and reduce inflammation. Might be helpful in reducing hyperpigmentation and evening out the skin tone, but evidence of effectiveness in skin are lacking
More about Ethyl linoleateHexylresorcinol~0.4–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Might be helpful in reducing hyperpigmentation and neutralizing free radicals in skin
More about HexylresorcinolPeg-8~0.4–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to create a nice product consistency
More about Peg-8Phenoxyethanol~0.35–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolCoco-caprylate/caprate~0.3–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin without creating a greasy texture
More about Coco-caprylate/caprateEthylhexyl stearate~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin
More about Ethylhexyl stearateTrideceth-6~0.25–0.5%
Caprylyl glycol~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture
More about Caprylyl glycolPolysorbate 20~0.25–0.45%
Chlorphenesin~0.16–0.32%
Enantia chlorantha bark extract~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- High
A bark extract that might help clam down inflammation and neutralize free radicals , but evidence of effectiveness in skin is lacking
More about Enantia chlorantha bark extractCitric acid~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH
More about Citric acidHydroxyethylcellulose~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to thicken product formulations and create gel-like textures
More about HydroxyethylcellulosePropyl gallate~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps preserve product formulations and can mask the smell of other ingredients in a product
More about Propyl gallateLaureth-12~0.25–0.45%
Lecithin~0.3–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used mostly for creating emulsions - helping oil and water mix together. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin
More about LecithinLysolecithin~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Lecithin derivative. It helps oil and water mix together and can enhance penetration of other ingredients. It helps soften the upper layer of the skin
More about LysolecithinLysophosphatidic acid~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A phospholipid. It is naturally present in skin and plays a signaling role there. It is involved in cell prolifiratio, skin inflammatory responses and wound healing. In cosmetics, it might help to support the skin barrier function
More about Lysophosphatidic acidDecyl glucoside~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- High
Helps oil and water mix together. Can be irritating
More about Decyl glucosideRosa canina fruit extract~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A plant extract that might have some anti-oxidant properties, but evidence is lacking
More about Rosa canina fruit extractSaccharide isomerate~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin
More about Saccharide isomerateEthylhexylglycerin~0.15–0.25%
Hdi/trimethylol hexyllactone crosspolymer~0.1–0.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a silky product texture and add volume to products
More about Hdi/trimethylol hexyllactone crosspolymerPolymethylsilsesquioxane~0.1–0.2%
- 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 PolymethylsilsesquioxaneOleanolic acid~0.05–0.15%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Might be helpful against blemishes, work as an anti-oxidant, reduce inflammation and improve skin's ability to hold on to moisture, but more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness when applied topically to human skin
More about Oleanolic acidIngredient list view
Water, Butylene glycol, Niacinamide, Polymethylsilsesquioxane/silica crosspolymer, Isododecane, Polysilicone-11, Glycerin, Nylon-12, Propanediol, Dimethicone, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Vinyl dimethicone/methicone silsesquioxane crosspolymer, Sodium polyacrylate, Polyacrylate crosspolymer-11, Ethyl linoleate, Hexylresorcinol, Peg-8, Phenoxyethanol, Coco-caprylate/caprate, Ethylhexyl stearate, Trideceth-6, Caprylyl glycol, Polysorbate 20, Chlorphenesin, Enantia chlorantha bark extract, Citric acid, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Propyl gallate, Laureth-12, Lecithin, Lysolecithin, Lysophosphatidic acid, Decyl glucoside, Rosa canina fruit extract, Saccharide isomerate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hdi/trimethylol hexyllactone crosspolymer, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Oleanolic acid
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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 SKINPore Minimizer Skin Mattifying GelYOUR PRODUCT | NaturiumNiacinamide Gel Cream 5% | AbibHydration Gel Water Tube | Paula's choiceSkin Balancing Invisible Finish Moisture Gel Full size | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 86% | 86% | 86% |
| Price | $70.00 | $18.99−$51.01 | $19.95−$50.05 | $23.20−$46.80 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 3 of 11 | 3 of 11 | 3 of 11 |
| Key difference | — | Alteromonas Ferment Extract | Chondrus Crispus Extract | Oatmeal Extract |
| Irritancy | Medium | Low | Low | Medium |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
Product summary
"PCA SKIN - Pore Minimizer Skin Mattifying Gel" has a good moisturizing formula. To work well, any moisturizer needs to include a combination of water-binding and emollient ingredients. PCA SKIN - Pore Minimizer Skin Mattifying Gel ticks this box. Humectants in this product (glycerin, saccharide isomerate, butylene glycol, caprylyl glycol and peg-8) help to increase the water content in the upper layer of the skin. (These ingredients do so by "capturing" water molecules from the outside air or from within the deeper layers of the skin). Emollients in this formulation (ethyl linoleate, dimethicone, coco-caprylate/caprate, isododecane and caprylyl glycol) 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
- We love that this moisturizer contains a good concentration of niacinamide 4.30% - 5.30%. Niacinamide is a perfect active in a moistruizer because it helps calm down inflamation in skin and support the skin barrier. More than that, it is helpful for most common skin concerns: it helps regulat oil production, help reduce acne and clogged pores, improve skin tone and prevent pigmentation marks. It also helps fight photodamage.
Irritation risk
There are some common irritants in this product, including ingredients that do not have benefits 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 70.00$ in the United States and for 104.41A$ in Australia.
For a detailed price comparison: click here.
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 15 studies and safety reviews.
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Dimethicone Copolyoljournals.sagepub.com
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