Paula's Choice • Super Antioxidant Concentrate • Treatments

Where To Buy?

*TOP REVIEWER* hpunkinway on 4/29/2012 4:47:00 AM more reviews by hpunkinway

Age: 36-43   Skin: Other   Hair: Other   Eyes: Other    

Great product for so little money.

    Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

titainia on 3/29/2012 8:52:00 PM more reviews by titainia

Age: 30-35   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair, Neutral   Hair: Other, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Green    

On my 2nd tube. If its working, its doing so preventively - all I can say with certainly is that my skin hasn't gotten "any worse" (to the ever-critical, well-lit naked eye) since I started using it.

Heads up: Its thick and hard to spread evenly and takes a long time to "soak in". (Which is better than skinceuticals nearly-liquid anti-oxidant serums, though!) I tried steaming and exfoliating first, but still got that "filmy feeling". As a result I use it alone at night or dilute 4 drops with A LOT of sunscreen on the back of my hand first and skip foundation. Within an hour my skin feels soft and powder goes on fine. In the summer, I think this combination is ideal, especially if your powder has SPF in it! Not recommended for use under foundation, it's too slippery, even for cold weather (unless you have 2 hours to devote to applying make-up in the morning and can wait til the serum has completely penetrated). When applying to eyelids use sparingly or you can forget about any eye make-up.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

missixty5 on 3/28/2012 11:23:00 AM more reviews by missixty5

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

I bought this product on a great sale through Paulas website. I use this product at night after cleansing, toning, and AHA gel. It goes on very smoothly and wears well underneath my moisturizer. In the morning I use Clinique resurfacing serum followed by their repairweat laser focus, lotion, and sunscreen. I have used Paulas serum during the day as well and it does work wonderfully as a primer. Now i haven't gotten a chance to test it in the AZ sun but i will this year. I think its a comparable serum to the clinique repairwear which easily costs about 2x as much.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

yiptee on 2/1/2012 9:08:00 AM more reviews by yiptee

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Medium, Warm   Hair: Black, Relaxed, Medium   Eyes: Black    

I have been using this product for three weeks now, only at night and without any moisturizer on top of it. During the first few days I developed unusually dry and flaky skin. So much so that even rubbing the skin lightly with my fingers would flake off the skin similar to dandruff. I am only using this product from Paulas and use a different brand for my cleanser and moisturizer. So I wasn't sure if mixing different brands was causing the problem. On my first use I applied my usual moisturizer on top of the serum and it started stinging so much so that I rinsed off my face immediately. Since then I use this serum alone at night and have switched to pure rose hip oil as my moisturizer during day time. The oil has certainly helped with the dry and flaky skin. And my face has gotten a lot clearer since. But I am not sure if it is because of the serum or the rose hip oil or the combination of both. Pore size hasn't changed though and I still have uneven and darker spots on my skin. Whatever good effect this product may have on skin it is not enough for me to repurchase it again. The silicone feel of this was slightly uncomforting in the beginning as I was not used to it and I still don't like the weird shiny film it leaves on the skin for first few minutes after application. But the serum is weightless and smooth and that does feel nice on the skin. All in all I am not overly disappointed but I am not happy with it either. I will do another review at the end of the month to see if things change for better and if the use of this serum does deliver some impressive results.

    Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

Eva4Eva on 1/30/2012 1:56:00 PM more reviews by Eva4Eva

Age: 36-43   Skin: Sensitive, Fair   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Blue    

I have used a lot of Paula's products, and though I wouldn't rave about her cosmetics, I am never disappointed in her skin care. I like to try a lot of different products from different lines so I take what I absolutely love and stick with just that. This serum is what I have stuck with for years. I find it perfect for all seasons. In the summer it's great alone, in the winter when my skin is dry I wear it under my moisturizer and night cream of the moment. It's a WONDERFUL primer before makeup. And it's well-priced!
I would highly recommend trying this. And what I love is that you can purchase samples on her site if you don't want to commit.

    Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

*TOP REVIEWER* Baiju on 11/11/2010 8:29:00 PM more reviews by Baiju

Age: 44-55   Skin: Oily, Fair-Medium   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

This is a good product although it is expensive. It is matte and make my skin looks a lot better. I got the oily skin type

    Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

*TOP REVIEWER* STACEYFFF on 11/1/2010 10:35:00 PM more reviews by STACEYFFF

Age: 36-43   Skin: Combination, Fair, Cool   Hair: Brown, Curly, Fine   Eyes: Green    

This product felt good on the skin- but it just isn't possible to notice or measure the purported benefits of this product. I will not repurchase and I my search for an antioxidant continues.

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

*TOP REVIEWER* dachua on 10/8/2010 3:52:00 PM more reviews by dachua

Age: 56 & Over   Skin: Combination, Medium   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

I love this serum. I normally do not like serums because they feel sticky. This glides on and mattifies within a few minutes. I think those who are complaining that it's greasy are using way too much, you only need a drop or two. It is similar in texture to Dr. Denese hydroshield, but this is cheaper and has better antioxidants.

    Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

muusicfreak678 on 10/3/2010 3:10:00 PM more reviews by muusicfreak678

Age: 19-24   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair-Medium, Warm   Hair: Black, Straight, Medium   Eyes: Black    

The silicone-base in this serum eventually broke me out! At first, it brightened up my skin, but around a week later, my forehead started to erupt into breakouts. Also, my skin felt really dry and greasy at the same time. I think the base should be in a different formula.

    Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

ubieta on 1/22/2010 11:02:00 AM more reviews by ubieta

Age: 56 & Over   Skin: Normal, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Brown    

I love this product, and I've been using it for years. I have sensitive skin, and it has never made my skin break out. Be careful not to use too much. It's easy to overdo it. I find that it soaks right into my skin and leaves a beautiful finish. The Paula's Choice website sell samples so it's possible to try this product for less than a dollar, I believe. I also love the packaging - small tubes are the best for me - very easy for travel.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

*TOP REVIEWER* artemis16 on 1/22/2010 10:49:00 AM more reviews by artemis16

Age: 44-55   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium, Warm   Hair: Brown, Curly, Fine   Eyes: Brown    

I must have the exact same skin issues with the reviewer below. In three uses, I had spots around the greater eye area and on my cheeks and forehead. Not nice. I'd like to achieve the softness without the side-effects so I won't be buying. Luckily it was a sample.

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

*TOP REVIEWER* mapn on 9/2/2009 3:39:00 AM more reviews by mapn

Age: 25-29   Skin: Sensitive, Fair, Cool   Hair: Red, Straight, Coarse   Eyes: Green    

I used a sample on 3 consecutive nights and slowly but surely, it caused my skin to break out. Not as badly as the Skin Recovery Antioxidant Concentrate, but enough to know that I won't be buying. Since this one doesn't contain ingredients I'm allergic to (at least none that I know of), it must be the silicones, once again, that are breaking me out. I should just accept that once and for all. Plus, I really really hate the fake smoothness silicone-rich products temporarily give. I'd much rather have my skin looking healthy and feeling soft and smooth naturally. I haven't tried the new & improved formula, but seeing that the first two ingredients are cyclopentasiloxane and dimethicone, I believe my skin's reaction will be the same.


UPDATE: I tried using this under my eyearea only, and I just ended up with tiny pimples, on that are between my cheek and "dark circles". Not fun. Went from 2 lippies to 1, because it's definitely not compatible with my skin. I don't think I'll be trying the new formula either.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

*TOP REVIEWER* catisland on 8/21/2009 11:08:00 PM more reviews by catisland

Age: 44-55   Skin: Dry, Fair   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Brown    

I don't get it either...I'm sure the actual antioxidant components are good quality and the product contains a decent amount of them, but the consistancy is just awful. The word 'suffocating' comes to mind. Sorry, but something that heavy and impenatrable just isn't my cup of tea.


Occasionally, I get suckered into the Paula's Choice hype and purchase a couple of her products to see what wonders I'm missing out on and I always regret it. Her really, really, really creepy plastic surgery ought to be my first clue...seems like she's competing with Joan Rivers for the Michael Jackson Plastic Surgery Addiction Award, or something. How can you hawk skin care when you obviously have had several plastic surgeries and continue to have more?

    Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

gracie97 on 8/8/2009 9:36:00 PM more reviews by gracie97

Age: 56 & Over   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium, Cool   Hair: Brown, Wavy, Coarse   Eyes: Brown    

I buy this again and again because Paula is constantly reviewing the antioxidant research and updates this product based on the results.

The current formulation has stabilized vitamin C plus a slew of other antioxidants. Different antioxidants have different benefits, so it's good to have a variety, not just C.

It's inexpensive compared to many other antiox formulas, and a tube lasts several months. The product is very concentrated so a few drops are enough.

I'm puzzled, however, by the packaging because it seems that it could allow air in. Seems like a pump would be better. However I'm careful never to let the tube expand with air when the cap is off.

How I apply: put drop on each fingertip of one hand, then press fingertips of other hand against them, then lightly and quickly run fingertips all over face and neck.

I also put a few drops on the back of one hand, then press back of other hand against it, and then smooth all over hands and wrists.

    Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

caradiangela on 7/11/2009 5:02:00 AM more reviews by caradiangela

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium, Neutral   Hair: Brown, Wavy, Fine   Eyes: Brown    

I'm in love with this product! I orderered from the European website, which offers a super antioxidant concentrate with a formulation that differs from the one on the American website. Maybe this is still the non-reformulated Amercian-version'? Anyway, I don't really care, because I love it, I love it, I love it! It glides on like a dream, makes my skin totally balanced, soft and glowing and never irritates or gives break-outs. I use it mainly at night, but sometimes also under my ss, or just plain as moisturizer when I won't face the sun. I truely believe that the ingredients help my skin in being healthy and beautiful. Did I already mention that I love it..?

    Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

*TOP REVIEWER* fivestar on 6/28/2009 9:53:00 AM more reviews by fivestar

Age: 56 & Over   Skin: Combination   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Blue    

I don't get this stuff.
I don't know what it does because it's like silicone serum. If there are any aintioxidants in it that are beneficial, then I would like to see it in a different type of formula.

    Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

Catkins on 6/28/2009 9:41:00 AM more reviews by Catkins

Age: 30-35   Skin: Acne-prone   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

I use this after my moisturiser and before my makeup. Its does a pretty good job at keeping my skin matte but not really seen anymore benefits other then that.

    Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

kayley123 on 6/12/2009 8:42:00 PM more reviews by kayley123

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Fair   Hair: Black, Straight   Eyes: Brown    

I have the Skin Balancing Super Antioxidant Mattifying Concentrate, and it is great! You do have to shake it well and not overuse it, or it will have the opposite effect, it will make you look greasy/shiny. But once you get the hang of it and figure out how much to use, it is the best! The serum is SOOOO silky and glides on ...its NEVER irritating, even near my eyes, and keeps the oiliness in my t-zone in check. Also, its a good primer, it makes application smooth and keeps it on. I just love it. The packaging is opaque, but that's important for keeping the antioxidants stable, so its a small price to pay. The very small opening in the tube makes it easy to control how much comes out so you don't overuse it or waste product.

    Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

Msmimi724 on 6/8/2009 8:31:00 PM more reviews by Msmimi724

Age: 36-43   Skin: Oily, Medium   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Brown    

I love this product. I do have tend to have oily skin in the t zone within a few hours of applying makeup. I use this product instead of moisturizer. It also works well as a primer. I had previously used Peter Thomas Roth mattifying gel - waste of $$$. For the price this is a great product.

    Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

mgutteridge on 5/30/2009 10:13:00 PM more reviews by mgutteridge

Age: 18 & Under   Skin: Combination, Medium   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Blue    

in short, a really great product. i applied this under my moisturiser and found that my skin was not oily, only more radiant and smooth. it helped to hydrate my skin and remove any rough or dry patches that i occasionally get.
when used under the eye area, this product removed any dryness and over the period of about a week helped to minimise my dark circles.

    Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No