Paula's Choice • RESIST Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum • Treatments

rated 3.6(59 reviews)

Average Rating.3.6
Would buy this product again.62%
Package Quality3.8
Price3.1
Ingredients

rated 3 of 5 anonyym on 3/30/2013 1:40:00 PM more reviews by anonyym

Age: 19-24   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair, Warm   Hair: Blond, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Blue    

First of all is it the best costumer service I've ever recived. Really want to buy from Paula's choise again!! :)

But ... SADLY I broke out horribly - not with acne but with a kind of eczema :( I gave it to my mother and she's very satifised with it. :)

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rated 3 of 5 *TOP REVIEWER* Endit on 3/3/2013 9:36:00 AM more reviews by Endit

Age: 19-24   Skin: Other, Fair, Neutral   Hair: Brown, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

I bought this because I had store credit and was going to experiment eventually anyways. I can't afford to use a serum every day, but I still wanted to see what it could do. I've never used a serum before. I'm 23 years old and wrinkle free, though I wish my skin had a more even, rested, and less red appearance. My skin looks amazing minutes after I get up, but then it "adjusts" and looks worse. Maybe it has to do with circulation. Also, I have some veins around my eyes that become more prominent during this process.


PROS: This serum is bursting with beneficial ingredients (if you're reading this, then you already know too)... and for the price I don't see how it can be beat. Despite being heavy in silicones, it never breaks me out or clogs my skin - and I've used a thick layer of this on my entire face multiple times to see if it would. I like the fact that it has no retinol (I have nothing against retinol though) The packaging is really good too, the opening to dispense the product is REALLY tiny. No waste and no air getting inside! The tube material is opaque enough that, when placed in front of a lightbulb you can see exactly how much is remaining.


CONS: Result wise, maybe my skin is a little more even, but it's the kind of result in the realm of placebo. Am I really experiencing this? Granted, I haven't used up a full tube, but I have been using it for almost 2 months, usually twice a day, and I don't skimp. No improvement on redness and nothing for dark circles or veins. Yes, it can be a bit heavy if you use too much (however see below).


OTHER: I don't mind the texture. It's really not traditionally thick or oily... it just lacks natural viscosity (ability to flow) due to having no water and 2 silicones in it's place. Yes, when first applied can be really shiny and oily feeling, but it goes away. I do think the silicones evaporate and leave just other ingredients behind. If you give it enough time or spend longer than usual patting it in, it DOES dry down and isn't heavy. It also depends on cleansing. I tried a cleanser recently which was more drying, and putting this on after cleansing with that, I had ZERO greasy look or feeling. It absorbed really quickly. One thing I don't like about the serum though is it doesn't naturally spread around/expand. You'd think with dimethicone as the first ingredient it would, but it doesn't. Not a big deal but it does move more over another product.


OVERALL: Maybe it's working, maybe it's not. I can't tell. I'll continue using it, but after I run out, I'm replacing it with Silk Naturals Oatmeal Hydrating Serum. I don't need the extra hydration, but it's way cheaper and as I'm young, I don't need to pay for something like the RESIST line. Plus, I've read good things about oatmeal so I really want to try that.

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rated 5 of 5 runningwithmyheart on 2/26/2013 11:36:00 AM more reviews by runningwithmyheart

Age: 44-55   Skin: Normal, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Hazel    

I was on the fence about this the first few times I used it, but I've grown to love it and now use it every day as a primer. The formula feels thick and almost oily, although it's not really greasy at all. After two weeks of everyday use, I've had no issues with breakouts or the product breaking down my foundation or producing greasy patches on my skin. The heavy feel goes away after it sinks in. If you want a primer that doesn't consist of a bunch of "-cones", this is a great alternative. Chock full of anti-oxidants, great packaging and a little bit goes a long way.

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rated 5 of 5 alohahawaii on 2/17/2013 11:17:00 PM more reviews by alohahawaii

Age: 36-43   Skin: Sensitive, Fair-Medium, Neutral   Hair: Brown, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

This a new addition to my skin care routine. Omg! I love this stuff! I originally chose this Serum because it does not contain Retinol, weird right? I currently use a Retin A cream at night, so I strictly need an antioxidant serum. My night time routine is pretty basic with Paula's Skin Recovery Cleanser, Skin Recovery Toner, & Retin A. My morning routine is a little more extensive. I apply this serum after cleansing & toning; then follow with Paula's Skin Recovery SPF 15. This serum is such a welcome step in my routine! I have dry skin due to Retin A use and this might not work for those with oily skin. This serum keeps me from becoming flakey, which is a downfall to Retin A. It is very important to add antioxidants to your skin after Retin A use as well. I could not be happier with how my skin glows! I have coworkers stop me at work to ask me what I am doing to make my skin glow. It's a nice thing to be asked when your my age. I willingly share my routine with anyone who wants to know.
My skin is Sensitive, Dry, Eczema Prone. I am highly reactive to Niacinamide & Chemical Sunscreen. This particular line is safe for me.

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rated 2 of 5 *TOP REVIEWER* Seattlemama on 2/7/2013 3:27:00 PM more reviews by Seattlemama

Age: 36-43   Skin: Sensitive, Fair-Medium   Hair: Blond, Curly, Fine   Eyes: Brown    

There are 3 different versions of this product listed in productville so I hope I'm reviewing the right one. My tube is blue and silver and says RESIST Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum. It looks like honey and has a very greasy feel when first applied. I thought I like it but after using it several times, I believe it is causing me to break out. Not surprising as my skin breaks out from most products. This one has a ton of 'cones so I guess I should have known. This could work for someone with dry non-sensitive skin. I definitely think it only works for nighttime use as it leaves me very shiny and never fully absorbs (and I have dry skin).

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

rated 5 of 5 *TOP REVIEWER* Walko on 11/14/2012 3:41:00 PM more reviews by Walko

Age: 44-55   Skin: Combination, Medium   Hair: Other   Eyes: Brown    

I've been using this for a couple of years now and it's excellent.I use it under my moisturiser during the day and at night also.Glides on like silk (yes it does contain silicones) but quickly sinks in to leave lovely soft skin . This is also a superb eye cream.You could get away with using this on it's own at night(not during the day as must be coupled with sunscreen) but I appy a night cream over it. I've definitely noticed a big improvement in my skin since using this especially around the eyes. The crepiness seems to have improved greatly. I'm never going to look 21 again,but products like this will give skin a fightiing chance for the future. Sometimes I also use Paula's choice skin recovery serum . That one contains retinol if that's your preference.These serums are rich in skin beneficial ingredients and are packaged so the ingredients remain stable during use.So glad I found them. My skin is better now than it was years ago.

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rated 5 of 5 *TOP REVIEWER* Plinko on 11/9/2012 9:37:00 PM more reviews by Plinko

Age: 36-43   Skin: Dry, Fair, Cool   Hair: Blond, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Brown    

I loved Grassroots Pomegranate Anti-Oxidant serum, but I needed a replacement once it became impossible to find. My research lead me to this one by Paula's choice. Although I prefer the texture of my old serum, I can more than tolerate the Paula's Choice. I had no reaction to the difference. I like that it is fragrance-free, as I don't love putting fragranced products on my face. It seems to calm any redness, and brighten my complexion as well as my old serum. I also think it is a fairly priced product. I have not found a decent serum for less.

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rated 4 of 5 rosiers on 8/23/2012 12:51:00 AM more reviews by rosiers

Age: 30-35   Skin: Dry, Fair-Medium, Neutral   Hair: Black, Wavy, Coarse   Eyes: Black    

I finished 1 tube in 3 months time. Can't say I noticed anything dramatically different but as an antioxidant, I think it's about prevention than fixing existing issue. As much I don't like the texture (due dimethicone base?), but it doesn't give me break out or make my white/blackhead worse.

Bottomline: I have another tube unopen, will decide if I continue with it after I finish that one.

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rated 5 of 5 mechele7 on 6/6/2012 12:44:00 PM more reviews by mechele7

Age: 36-43   Skin: Dry   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Green    

This is an excellent serum, definately thick and goopy, but who cares if it works? For my face overall I've seen an improvement in overall tone and moisture level. Under my eyes though, I'm actually seeing small lines go away. This is a serious benefit in my book. With the exception of the bad nights when I sleep on my face and get squished, puffy pillow face, I really think this serum works. For half of what I was paying for dept. store brand I'm very happy.

My only complaint is that package could be a little bigger. Also because it's so goopy you have to squeeze tube super hard to get the stuff out. Details, details.

3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

rated 5 of 5 *TOP REVIEWER* agibeault on 5/31/2012 8:52:00 PM more reviews by agibeault

Age: 25-29   Skin: Sensitive, Fair-Medium, Neutral   Hair: Brunette, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

This is one of my top holy grail products. I have been using this for about a year and a half and previously used the skin recovery version with retinol. I prefer this version because retinol is not good to wear in the sun, while vitamin C is excellent for use in the sun. I have noticed considerable difference in my skin since starting to use this product, however it does take a good 6 months - a year before you see the effects. I wear this morning and night, immediately after washing my face. It feels like you are putting oil on your face at first but completely soaks in after about 5 minutes. Absolutely no stinging on eczema that I have around my eyes and cheeks. As a side note, you want to store this product standing on its cap, exactly like the picture. This will ensure that no air gets into the package when you are squeezing it out. If it slurps in air, the antioxidants will be useless and you may as well throw it out. By keeping it standing all the time, all of the product will be at the bottom and air wont go in when you release the squeeze.This will be one product I won't give up!

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rated 2 of 5 judibean on 5/7/2012 8:43:00 PM more reviews by judibean

Age: 30-35   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

I tried a sample of this and really don't understand the use of silicone as a base for an antioxidant serum. When applied, the thick gel glides smoothly over the skin, but it feels like it's just sitting on my face doing nothing. I like that it has no scent, but it also leaves a tacky feeling that doesn't go away. I am still on the hunt for an antioxidant serum that soaks into the skin.

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rated 3 of 5 momominky on 4/24/2012 6:58:00 PM more reviews by momominky

Age: 44-55   Skin: Normal   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Blue    

Can't get past the filmy silicones which means I can only wear this at night Although my skin is soft the next day, it's no more so than with a good moisturiser.

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rated 3 of 5 *TOP REVIEWER* mariannepilgaard on 4/24/2012 12:53:00 PM more reviews by mariannepilgaard

Age: 36-43   Skin: Dry, Fair-Medium, Warm   Hair: Brunette, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Blue    

I am on the fence regarding this product. The reason is the consistency of the product. As others have written it contains a lot of silicones, and I prefer if a serum has the feel of sinking into the skin when you apply it rather than the slip you get with silicones. I bought this as part of a complete set of the RESIST line (cleanser, toner, serum, daily exfoliator, weekly exfoliator, moisturizer w sunscreen and moisturizer w/o sunscreen). Having said that I have noticed such an improvement in skin condition since I started using her products about 6 months ago, and others have noticed as well and complimented me on how healthy I look. Since I use the whole line it is difficult to say which elements that are the key to the change. When I run out of the serum I will see what happens without it :-) - wish there was a "maybe" in the repurchase comment...

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rated 4 of 5 *TOP REVIEWER* mapn on 4/16/2012 6:26:00 AM more reviews by mapn

Age: 30-35   Skin: Sensitive, Fair, Cool   Hair: Red, Straight, Coarse   Eyes: Green    

First of all, I dislike the consistency of this serum: it’s a very thick silicone goo that feels quite heavy on my face. That said, the serum works like a charm. It provides a good amount of antioxidants on my skin without clogging my pores, which is surprising (I get breakouts from practically everything). My poor hands, which the winter and eczema have treated badly, love this stuff too. The product contains no noticeable scent whatsoever. I’ve used several sample sachets, but will most likely purchase the full-size tube. I’m also experimenting with the mattifying serum at the moment. Will update on that soon.

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rated 4 of 5 *TOP REVIEWER* stl on 4/11/2012 6:40:00 AM more reviews by stl

Age: 25-29   Skin: Oily, Fair-Medium   Hair: Black, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Brown    

I bought this with the whole set from Paula's Choice. I hated it, the whole set just ruined my skin. While I don't really know what caused my massive breakout, I do not apply any PC product on my face, including this, so it was left there untouched. After a while, I started to apply this as a serum for my undereyes and I kind of like it. I really do feel like it's helping with fine lines there, my skin seems smoother.

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rated 4 of 5 *TOP REVIEWER* cherylf on 3/20/2012 9:43:00 PM more reviews by cherylf

Age: 30-35   Skin: Normal, Fair, Neutral   Hair: Red, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Blue    

I couldn't tell if this was doing anything for my skin, so I didn't plan on repurchasing. But when I went a couple of weeks without it, I noticed that my skin just wasn't as happy, so I guess it was doing something! I am back to using it.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

rated 1 of 5 *TOP REVIEWER* georgia21 on 3/18/2012 5:13:00 PM more reviews by georgia21

Age: 56 & Over   Skin: Dry, Fair-Medium, Warm   Hair: Red, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

After using the serum for a few days I noticed the reddened areas on my inner cheeks were less red. The serum contains a lot of silicones. I dislike the way silicones feel on my skin, so even though I can see the benefits of the serum, I don't plan to continue using it. Packaging could be improved. A wider cap would allow the tube to stand up.

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rated 1 of 5 kate277 on 2/20/2012 10:22:00 PM more reviews by kate277

Age: 30-35   Skin: Combination, Fair   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

Interesting to see how many have issues with the silicones, I have known this for so long and never been able to use anything with that stuff. Just seeing the ingredients i wonder how can the good ingredients penetrate through that stuff to do anything? Some people love that silky feeling that those icky ingredients offer but not for me i break out too. I have done best using sevani products, totally free of the thick pore clogging ingredients and loaded with antioxidants from teas, berries and other goodies without the junk. I love reading the varying reviews, whats good for one is not always for another but great to compare.

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rated 1 of 5 amardjo on 2/20/2012 12:17:00 AM more reviews by amardjo

Age: 36-43   Skin: Sensitive, Fair-Medium, Warm   Hair: Black, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Black    

I only used 1 small drop for the whole face and it gave me 2 cystic acnes.Maybe, my skin is not suitable with the silicon base.
Compared with Estee Lauder ANR (using the same 1 small drop), this product didn't make my skin glow or bright or calm in the morning.

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rated 3 of 5 aessop on 2/13/2012 6:30:00 AM more reviews by aessop

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Tan, Warm   Hair: Black, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

I used a sample of this for a few days. The Pros: No irriration, sinks in nicely, no fragrance, good ingredients. Cons: It's suppose to "normalise" the skin, etc, but it dried out mine. My radiance and glow just disappeared and my cheeks felt tight. After a few days of discomfort, I stopped using the serum and went back to my Estee Lauder ANR and only after 2 days did my skin come back to its normal self. Due to the small size of the sample, I can't really say that I saw any difference. I would recommend that Paula's Choice adds a hydrating ingredient in this serum. Would I buy this again? No.

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