Paula's Choice • Skin Balancing Antioxidant Concentrate • Treatments

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melodysg on 11/1/2012 6:22:00 PM more reviews by melodysg

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

I like this serum better than Resist serum. Feels light but still moisturising, I use 3 little dots for face and then 2 little dots for each eye. Have to shake really well before use. I use this as the final step in my skincare routine.

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*TOP REVIEWER* timothybcat on 8/12/2012 3:01:00 AM more reviews by timothybcat

Age: 36-43   Skin: Combination, Fair, Cool   Hair: Brown, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Hazel    

I have a lot of redness already, so I was really scared to try retinol after hearing all the horror stories about how harsh it could be, but I've have nothing but good things to say about this serum, which I've been using for about six weeks.

First, as far as the issues others have had: the first couple of times I used the serum it was a bit runny, but I haven't had that issue since then. I only have to shake it up a bit and the formula comes out in a manageable jelly-like form. I also don't notice any discernible smell, pleasant or otherwise.

Second, I've no issues of sensitivity or extra redness from using it. I use it only at night because my skin burns very easily.

Third, it's very light and doesn't feel like I have put anything on my skin. I think that's great; as someone with combo-oily skin, most anti-aging products are way too emollient. PC Serum slides right over the skin, absorbs quickly, and leaves a matte finish with no greasiness.

Last, I haven't noticed any miracles, but I don't expect any. I switched to Paula's Choice skin care almost exclusively roughly 6 weeks ago because the price was right without outrageous claims and celebrity marketing campaigns. My skin has stayed even-toned and bright, and my breakouts have been kept at bay. I don't look like I had a face lift or anything, but that's okay. I know the ingredients in her products are what works, and she doesn't use hype to plug them.

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*TOP REVIEWER* mapn on 5/8/2012 2:35:00 AM more reviews by mapn

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

I’ve really enjoyed the Resist Serum, although its consistency felt slightly too thick (the only gripe I have about it). I was hoping the Balancing Serum would be a great alternative. But unfortunately not.


Surprisingly, the consistency is one thing I really like about the Balancing Serum: it feels light, and spreads and absorbs well. As the other reviewers have stated, you have to shake the tube before. I have no problem with that, but since I’ve only been using a sample, shaking isn’t really viable, and I have ended up with partly dry, partly too runny formula.


Also, the smell is pretty awful. It does fade quickly, but alongside Paula’s HydraLight Lotion, this smells quite off-putting at first whiff. I can’t comment about the effects in the long run, except that it’s slightly clogging my pores. Bottom line: Resist Serum is the one I’ll be sticking to.

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judibean on 5/6/2012 7:07:00 PM more reviews by judibean

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

I tried a sample of the skin balancing mattifying version for oily/combo skin and I couldn't get past the weird chemical smell. I can't describe it - it's a little nauseating. I also didn't like the texture - it feels like a silicone-heavy primer, and I don't understand how the antioxidants are supposed to absorb into the skin when it feels like the serum is just sitting on the surface. It does mattify as advertised, but that isn't the main point of the product.

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

maneater on 4/24/2012 5:53:00 AM more reviews by maneater

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Olive, Warm   Hair: Blond, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Hazel    

Great serum, probably one of the only products that I actually like from PC's line. I ended up ordering an entire set of products last year, didn't end up keeping anything but this !
While I didn't notice a significant difference in my skin, this product is a WONDERFUL antioxidant and WILL prevent lines/dark spots if used correctly.

The packaging is good for preserving the active ingredients and it lasts forever. I love using this all over my face, especially around the eyes. Works as a good makeup primer as well, although I don't feel it controls my oiliness as much as I thought it would.

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

HeBen on 2/13/2012 1:47:00 PM more reviews by HeBen

Age: 25-29   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Hazel    

So I've seen alot of complaints about this product - which has made quite a difference for my skin.
Despite what another reviewer said, there IS vitamin c in this (tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate - a very stable and gentle form of vit. c). The retinol is fairly high up on the list, and is the second "active" ingredient listed (behind the silicones/base ingredients). Paula's website lists the ingredients.

Yes, the consistency is a bit inconsistent - but if you do as the package says, and shake it, it's a lot better. I tap the tube on its head to prevent it from shooting out when I dispense it, and use a very light squeeze from the back (very important!).

Since starting this product (about 2 months ago), I've noticed my skin tone has really brightened up, especially around my eyes. Enough so that I when I walk by a mirror, I do a "double take" to make sure my eyes aren't playing tricks on me. My acne marks have faded a bit too. I would caution against using too much of this product, as it irritated my eyes a bit when I became over-zealous in my application. The rule of thumb with serums should be "start with a drop, then go from there". ;-)

A good product, especially for the price. PC ALWAYS has a sale/promotion going on, so you may be able to snag a tube of this for less than $20 (I did!).

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

aykhan on 1/28/2012 9:33:00 PM more reviews by aykhan

Age: 36-43   Skin: Combination, Olive   Hair: Brunette, Straight, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

This review is for the Skin Balancing Super Antioxidant Mattifying Concentrate Serum for normal/oily/combination skin. Other than smelling and feeling a little odd immediately out of the tube (the smell goes away quickly), this leaves my skin matte for hours, and minimizes the appearance of the pores on my cheeks and nose. I'll wear this both under foundation, or by itself with sunscreen. It wears well in all the weather, humidity and temperature conditions I've worn it in so far.

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Houseofcarole on 1/3/2012 11:54:00 AM more reviews by Houseofcarole

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

I love this serum. Totally.


1. It's a really light serum, feels like I'm wearing nothing.
2. It goes smoothly with my make up and makes it all perfect.
3. My skin feels really smooth and silky.
4. I use it every night with my moisturizer. You can use it alone with no moisturizer, but you definitely must use your SPF moisturizer if you're going to use this serum during the day.
5. I do not use this on daytime. My face tends to feel really oily if i use serum and moisturizer at the same time. So that's why i never used serum anymore during the day, only at night.
6. The best part of this serum is the ingredients. It has Retinol, Vitamin E, C, green tea, grape seed extract and lots of antioxidants which I need to fight the aging signs.
7. The downside of this product is that it has some silicones, so if you have allergy to silicones, dont use this.
8. The most important thing is I can tell that my face becomes brighter and it gives more radiant everytime i see my face in the morning. My mom said that my face looks fresher, so yea it does what it says.


This serum is for people with normal/oily/combination skin. So for those who have dry skin, this is not for you. I tried the sample of skin recovery cleanser they gave me when i bought this serum and it gave me break outs and acnes, because the Skin Recovery products are meant for people with dry skin and i have combo skin. My face was rejecting it in some ways, so picking the right products for your skin type is def the first thing you decide whenever you wanna buy skin care products.

3 out of 4 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

*TOP REVIEWER* misspris26 on 12/30/2011 9:16:00 AM more reviews by misspris26

Age: 36-43   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium, Cool   Hair: Blond, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Hazel    

I had such high hopes for this and the ingredients are fantastic (as far as the antioxidants, etc)...what makes this suck? First of all you have to shake it and shake it and then the product sometimes shoots out of the tube (see review under mine). What I also hate is that sometimes it's sorta orange, sometimes it's clear, sometimes it's thin, sometimes thick....despite me shaking my heart out! As for the serum, it's a SUPER silicone, slippery slime that is applied to your face. It also has retinol but oddly my mild neutrogena retinol creams will make me slightly flake in areas with nightly use and this does not despite applying a lot (trying to get rid of it!!!!!) and using it every night. I sorta question the retinol factor here. The only good thing is that when I wake up in the morning my face is not greasy but big deal, I jump in the shower anyway!!

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Elfinoz on 9/14/2011 5:42:00 PM more reviews by Elfinoz

Age: 36-43   Skin: Oily, Fair-Medium, Warm   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Green    

I am almost at the end of the tube of this product, I had high hopes but unfortunately it did not work out so well for me.

The main problem is that it separates and despite vigourous shaking I couldn't get the ingredients to mix well. For the first half of the tube the product was very thin and left a horrible greasy layer on my skin. Once I got past the halfway point I am left with a thick, dry product that does not spread well over the skin and does not work well under makeup - my foundation ends up looking very streaky and patchy.

The shaking also creates another problem in that it causes air pockets to form in the tube and when trying to squeeze the product out the air pockets would cause little globs of this stuff to go flying in every direction. I think I ended up with more of this serum on my floors, walls and mirror than I did on my face.

I will not be re-purchasing this formula, but may give the Resist serum a try since the instructions don't require the product to be shaken to mix prior to using.

3 out of 4 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

atlas84 on 7/31/2011 7:59:00 PM more reviews by atlas84

Age: 25-29   Skin: Oily, Fair-Medium, Warm   Hair: Brown, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Other    

I bought this antioxidant serum a few months ago to add to my morning skin care routine. I really liked the texture, not to mention the abundant amount of antioxidants in this. At first the product is a orange-ish silicone-like gel but towards the end of the tube the product came out clear. Not sure if this was due to oxidation or not. Still, a very good serum to consider if you have oily skin prone to breakouts and are OK with silicones.

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

ShailahJade on 6/11/2011 4:23:00 PM more reviews by ShailahJade

Age: 25-29   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair, Neutral   Hair: Blond, Wavy, Fine   Eyes: Blue    

I really wanted to like this product. I love PC products, but this one was a dud for me. It went on greasy, and slippery. It made me break out too. Surprisingly the RESIST serum does not, so I use that serum at night instead. Will not repurchase.

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

cassiopeya on 5/31/2011 3:58:00 PM more reviews by cassiopeya

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Fair   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Hazel    

This is not an item that will show you instant results, it is more of a serum to guard against environmental stress and free radicals that can make your skin to age faster. I like it because it gives me some guarantee that my skin is protected. The downside is that you don't really know if the ingredients really work. Also you must be careful to get the stuff out of the tube, sometimes it just squirts out the tube and is going everywhere. As well it really needs a few minutes to sink into the skin. But i like the feeling that it gives me everyday protection, you never know!

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*TOP REVIEWER* KKAI on 1/24/2011 1:27:00 PM more reviews by KKAI

Age: 30-35   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium, Warm   Hair: Red, Curly, Coarse   Eyes: Hazel    

I have to say that I tried this product from a sample for one week, so I cannot really comment on the long-term results that might have. But I do not think that I will give the product a chance to prove itself, as it did not really thrilled me. Its consistency is very slippery and it needs a few minutes to absorb. I used it every morning under the PC matiffying lotion spf 15 and my face did not get particularly oily through the day. However, the ingredients list proved rather dissapointing, as retinol is pretty low and there is no vitamin c. I am in the market for a new serum.

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alexju on 12/28/2010 4:50:00 PM more reviews by alexju

Age: 25-29   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair-Medium   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

It is a very concentrated serum with great antioxidant, but its feels like glue and lube, thick, even if you use a little it is still feels thick, It feels like you cover your face with plastic wrap and thick silicon. I cannot use it on my face because it break me out a little. I know for sure that it is not the retinol that break me out because I use stronger prescription version of active vitamin A differin. and I am ok with that. I use this on my neck. This is definitely not for people with very oily skin. I used to think that expensive product does not mean better but now I tend to believe that while expensive product may not always be good but they do better in term of feels and texture

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geneseroi on 10/1/2010 12:49:00 AM more reviews by geneseroi

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

This product did control my oily skin and it did keep it shine free longer than most moisturizers I have used. The BIG PROBLEM was that it after 3 weeks of using it, my skin had an allergic reaction to it and I have broken out in red little bumps all over my face. Returning it and never using this again! The 2% BHA is great though. Hope to have my skin back to normal soon.

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

busyscmom on 9/20/2010 1:23:00 PM more reviews by busyscmom

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

While I truly love this serum...I am no longer going to be using it. My problem is that as it gets near the end of the tube ( about 1/4 left ) it no longer has a smooth feel or that initial yellow color when the tube is new. This last bit of the serum seems all silicones( inspite of making sure that I did shake the tube really well ) and atleast for me flakes badly and I cannot apply anything over it. ( I have gone through 4 tubes )

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

*TOP REVIEWER* emmgill on 7/26/2010 12:11:00 AM more reviews by emmgill

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

I didn't really like this product. It didn't feel nourishing on my skin. i just did not like the feel at all. i prefer the skin recovery one!! This has a very powdery feeling to it and it didn't mesh with my skin well at all. i had to wash it off after a few minutes.

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*TOP REVIEWER* MackMimiMommy on 7/8/2010 7:33:00 PM more reviews by MackMimiMommy

Age: 30-35   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair, Warm   Hair: Blond, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Green    

This is a retinol/antioxidant/mattifier product. I love when products are multi-taskers! I use this as a primer, basically. Normally you don't wear retinol products in the day, but since my foundation has sunscreen, this product works in the day. It is a yellow, smooshy, silicone consistency that feels soft once it is applied to the face. Velvety. Sometimes, it smells strange, but that is because it has antioxidants in the form of plants. This does control oil. You see a reduction in shine immediately upon application. I would like pump type packaging instead. This is a tube. You have to shake it up before use as it tends to separate and spew liquid instead of mattifying substance. It is important to keep this in a dark spot, like a drawer, so that the antioxidants do not break down. GREAT PRODUCT!

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

MLively on 8/7/2009 2:39:00 AM more reviews by MLively

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

I hated this product when I first bought this. I was looking for a primer or mattefier to wear under my makeup during the day. Big fail! It either balled up my other products or made my face feel oilier by noon. I was very disappointed and considered sending it back for a refund.
Then one night I decided to use it as a night cream/ serum. With my oily skin a night cream is just a bad idea. So I had it why the not try it. Whamo! My skin the next morning was smooth, clear, and glowing. It has become a HG that I use two to three times a week. I do not use it several nights in a row since the cones tend to bring on blackheads on my chin. But as a pick me up when I am tired and my skin is a bit blah.

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