Paula’s Choice is perhaps well-known to beauty enthusiasts. Paula Begoun established the business in 1995, and since then, it has grown to have a cult-like following for her line of potent skincare items. Paula’s Choice uses components that have been supported by science and takes a straightforward approach to skin care. Both the contents and absence of the products matter. The best Paula’s Choice products are made without phthalates, perfumes, or dyes. Even a useful ingredient glossary for skin care is available on the internet, which beauty editors frequently use.
Several Paula’s Choice ingredients, including their Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant, are favourites among dermatologists and beauty editors. The brand is, nonetheless, widely used. Knowing where to start and what items to test might be difficult because there are so many formulations and collections to pick from.
Here, we examine Paula’s Choice to determine which products are deserving of your time and money.
About the brand: Paula’s Choice
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We all need Paula’s Choice in our lives since it is an affordable, straightforward, and effective skincare line. There is something for every skin type in the wide spectrum. Paula’s Choice Skincare was established by the outspoken skin specialist Paula Begoun in 1995. It is science-based and effective. Paula Begoun, who? Paula, the author of numerous books including Don’t Go To The Beauty Counter Without Me, has made it her mission to shed light on the beauty industry and give clients reliable guidance on the ingredients they should and shouldn’t be using as well as how to incorporate them into their skincare routines.
It is dedicated to developing skincare products that will actually change people’s lives, therefore she takes a no-nonsense attitude to the newest fads and trends if there isn’t any scientific proof to support them. Paula’s Choice is a solution-focused line that aims to allay your worries as a consequence. There is Paula’s Choice moisturiser or serum to help, regardless of whether you’re struggling with menopausal dryness or hormonal acne breakouts. The number of favourable Paula’s Choice reviews you find when researching the company is even more astonishing.
Focus on Skincare facts
Customers are given a clear and straightforward explanation of product research by Paula’s Choice, which consistently cites research and sources. Every product page on the company’s website lists the precise studies that were used to develop the product recipe, which is a distinguishing feature of the brand. Brilliant!
Paula’s Choice products contain both natural and artificial ingredients, however irritating and drying substances are never used. 1,4 dioxane, abrasive particles, alcohol, aluminium powder, essential oils, fragrant plant extracts, nanoparticles, phthalates, salt, laurel sulphate, synthetic colours, synthetic scent, talc, and toluene are among the ingredients Paula’s Choice stays away from.
Products from Paula’s Choice are never subjected to animal testing, and the company is Leaping-Bunny approved.
Paula’s Choice philosophy
Paula’s Choice is mostly about secure, productive, and evidence-based formulas. Their website claims that the development of their products was based on a huge number of independent studies, safety information, and extensive customer testing.
All of the products are also designed to be non-irritating and free of any ingredients that your skin simply does not require, like fragrances and dyes.
The formulation of Paula’s Choice products is free of:
- 1, 4 dioxane
- abrasive particles such as nut shells, salt, or sugar
- essential oils
- synthetic fragrance
- synthetic dyes
- formaldehyde
- fragrant plant extracts
- nanoparticles
- phthalates
- aluminium powder
- sodium lauryl sulphate
- talc
- toluene
- alcohol
Additionally, the packaging for the brand is deliberate. So that formulae maintain their potency for as long as feasible, products don’t come in jars or transparent packaging.
Products that Paula’s Choice sell
Paula’s Choice offers a wide range of products to address numerous skin issues and kinds. Among the most well-liked are:
- cleansers
- peels
- toners
- serums
- moisturizers
- retinol
- sunscreen
Paula’s Choice offers the following collections for various skin issues:
- acne-prone
- dull skin
- oil control
- skin firming
- anti-pollution
- clogged pores
- skin redness
- dehydrated skin
- blackheads
- bumpy skin
- uneven skin tone
5 Best Paula’s choice products
Since I believe serums are where you get the most value for your money when it comes to skincare products, I have created this list of the best Paula’s Choice products mainly focusing on serums.
NOTE: For seven days after using any product containing retinoids (including retinol) or exfoliating acids like alpha hydroxy acids or beta hydroxy acids, which can make you more sensitive to sunlight, be sure to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF30 or more.
Remember that whatever the products you are using, it is important to wear sunscreen every single day.
1. Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 8% AHA Gel Exfoliant
Alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) gel exfoliants like Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 8% AHA Gel Exfoliant employ glycolic acid to get rid of dead skin cells and accumulations of extra oil, grime, and other impurities. Older layers of skin cells can be removed to make skin look smoother, brighter, and more clear.
This leave-on lightweight gel treatment with additional benefits for your skin and has an ideal pH range of 3.5-3.9. Additionally, it contains sodium hyaluronate, a salt version of hyaluronic acid, which helps the face retain water and seem plumper. Other skin-soothing ingredients include chamomile and aloe vera.
The mixture contains green tea extract, an antioxidant that is also an anti-inflammatory and preserves the skin. Panthenol, sometimes referred to as Pro-Vitamin B-5, possesses moisturising and reparative qualities while sodium PCA hydrates. The optimal level of glycolic acid is 8%. It isn’t excessively high or low.
Buy Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 8% AHA Gel Exfoliant here.
2. Paula’s Choice Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment
In order to make an effective anti-aging treatment, Paula’s Choice Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment combines retinol in a robust 1% concentration with antioxidants and calming components. The gold standard for over-the-counter remedies to lessen ageing symptoms like wrinkles, fine lines, dullness, uneven skin tone, and enlarged pores is retinol, a form of retinoid. Additionally, it promotes collagen synthesis and raises cellular turnover.
There is a very long list of ingredients in this retinol therapy. This retinoid treatment also includes retinol, a skin barrier-supporting ceramide, and a vitamin C derivative that brightens the skin. While sodium hyaluronate moisturises and firms the skin, peptides firm the skin. Several plant extracts, including licorice and oat extracts, calm the skin to lessen the redness.
Since retinol is sensitive to light and air, the medication is provided as a light cream in an air-tight pump, which aids in improving stability. After cleaning and toning, use a pea-sized amount. Since it’s light, you can apply a thick moisturiser on top.
Reduce the frequency of usage, advises Paula’s Choice, if you suffer skin flaking, soreness, dryness, or redness. To lessen the concentration, mix one pump of this retinol therapy with a serum or nighttime moisturiser. To this 1% retinol, you might even develop delayed sensitivity. Depending on how your skin responds, modify usage. Stop using if you suffer side effects that don’t go away.
Buy Paula’s Choice Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment here.
3. Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
Choosing Paula’s Skin Perfecting One of Paula’s Choice’s top products is a 2% BHA liquid exfoliant. Salicylic acid, a BHA, in this leave-on chemical exfoliant’s formulation amounts to 2%. (beta hydroxy acid). Salicylic acid is an oil-soluble acid that penetrates deeply into pores to clear away extra sebum from blocked pores and to lessen congestion and dead skin cells.
Additionally, Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract is used in this treatment. The green tea plant Camellia Oleifera contains anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. This liquid exfoliator works, particularly if you have oily or acne-prone skin. On the nose, it works wonders for removing pores and blackheads, and it can also lessen breakouts and acne all over your face.
Even more, this BHA treatment evens out skin tone while assisting in the reduction of wrinkles and fine lines. This chemical exfoliator is ideal for dull skin because it has a pH-formula between 3.2 and 3.8.
Buy Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant here.
4. C15 Vitamin C Super Booster
The Paula’s Choice C15 Vitamin C Super Booster lightens and evens out skin tone while diminishing the visibility of wrinkles and fine lines. It has a pH of 3.0 and contains 15% stabilised vitamin C, also called l-ascorbic acid.
The recipe also contains ferulic acid and vitamin E. These two compounds are antioxidants that support and increase vitamin C’s efficiency. The salt version of hyaluronic acid, sodium hyaluronate, has a high affinity for water and aids in drawing and holding moisture to the skin. The skin is calmed by bisabolol and panthenol.
Additionally, the maker claims that Hexanoyl Dipeptide-3 Norleucine Acetate in this booster serum moisturises, enhances skin texture, and minimises wrinkles. This powerful booster has a viscosity similar to water and absorbs swiftly without leaving any residue.
It can be used with a moisturiser or serum or as it is. My preferred method of application is to combine a few drops with a serum containing hyaluronic acid. This offers moisture, hydration, and vitamin C’s anti-aging and antioxidant properties.
Buy Paula’s Choice C15 Vitamin C Super Booster here.
5. RESIST Super-Light Daily Wrinkle Defense SPF 30
The mineral-based SPF 30 Paula’s Choice RESIST Super-Light Daily Wrinkle Defense SPF 30 has a soft tint to offset any potential white cast. It offers broad-spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen protection and has 13% zinc oxide in it.
Resveratrol, an antioxidant present in red grapes, is in this sunscreen to boost its defenses against environmental irritants. Resveratrol has strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a green tea antioxidant that calms and shields the skin, is also present in Super-Light Daily Wrinkle Defense.
This SPF’s light, silky, matte consistency makes it the perfect choice for acne-prone, combination, or oily skin types. With prolonged application, it also helps to firm the skin and balance out skin tone. As it wears nicely beneath makeup, it’s the appropriate final step in your morning skincare routine.
Buy Paula’s Choice RESIST Super-Light Daily Wrinkle Defense SPF 30 here.
Final thoughts
Even if you only use one or two of the products on this list of the top Paula’s skincare products, you’ll still be getting effective, affordably priced science-based goods. I presently use the C15 booster serum and niacinamide serum every day.
