Paula's Choice Review

 Updated On:

Overview

Paula's Choice is a skin care and cosmetics line that was founded by one Paula Begoun. The official website reveals that she has over 25 years of experience with skin care, cosmetic ingredients, and the beauty industry in general. She originally became interested in beauty and skin care when she was young and afflicted with acne. Since she had difficulties pinpointing skin care treatments that actually cleared up her complexion, she decided to delve deeper into the beauty market. At this point the official Paula's Choice website offers lines like Makeup, Skin Care, Brushes & Bags and Best Sellers, as well as Body & Hair Care. There is a convenient “ingredient dictionary” offered on the official website, along with a “skin care facts” link to help educate consumers.

One interesting aspect of the Paula's Choice line is that users can shop according to their skin type. Treatments are provided to address normal skin, oily skin, normal to oily/combination skin, dry to very dry skin, normal to dry skin, and oily/flaky skin. Similar to most other skin care brands, the products offered are cleansers, toners, exfoliants, moisturizers, and sunscreens. To focus more specifically on a Paula's Choice facial treatment, we’ll look at the Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum, which sells for $22.95. This product aims to hydrate the complexion, while combating free radicals, and smoothing out the skin. It’s stated to be free of colorants and fragrances.

Product Details

Paula's Choice is a brand of beauty products ranging from skin care, to body care, to makeup, to self care books, to hair care. Some of the major active ingredients used in these products are Acetyl Hexapeptide-3, Aloe Vera, Alpha Hydroxy Acids, Glycerin, Lemon Oil, Tea Tree oil, Witch Hazel and Willow Bark. Paula's Choice treatments endeavor to assist with acne breakouts, fine lines, facial sagging, sun damage, anti-aging, irritation and dryness. Free trial samples and clinical research are not provided on the website.

A full list of ingredients for the Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum are as follows: Cyclopentasiloxane, Polydimethylsiloxane (silicone slip agents), Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Oil (non-volatile plant oil), Camellia Olefiera (Green Tea) Leaf Extract, Arctostaphylos Uva-Ursi (Bearberry) Extract, Lupinus Albus (Lupine) Seed Extract, Solanum Lycopersicum (Tomato) Extract (antioxidants), Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract (anti-irritant), Tocopheryl Acetate (vitamin E/antioxidant), Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract (anti-irritant), Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Retinyl Palmitate, Tocotrienols (stabilized, vitamin-based antioxidants), and Phenoxyethanol (preservative).

The Good

  • There are some consumer reviews offered on the official website.
  • All the ingredients found in each Paula's Choice product are revealed.

The Bad

  • Free samples are offered, but they are not really free since you must spend at least $5.
  • Solid clinical evidence is not presented on the official website for Paula's Choice products.
  • Not all of the ingredients found in Paula's Choice skin care treatments are natural.

The Bottom Line

In the end, the Paula's Choice line of cosmetics and skin care treatments is rather broad. This brand certainly offers a wide selection of products for women of all ages and skin types. Unfortunately there are no clinical trials or before/after photos provided on the website to help support the Paula's Choice line. Finally, considering all of the ingredients offered in these treatments, you may want to read the website carefully if you have any allergies.

Our Top Pick For 2009:  Dermapril-SP

Dermapril-SP was rated the best-in-class performer, with a cutting-edge formula and results visible immediately after use. Matrixyl 3000™, the primary active ingredient in Dermapril-SP, is backed by clinical research that showed reduction in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles of as much as 33% after two months of use. Additionally, the formula contains the European miracle ingredient Argatensyl™, which creates an immediate tightening effect on applied areas, making results visible within minutes of use.

The treatment helps the skin regain a more youthful biochemical makeup by supporting the natural production of three building blocks – Collagen, Fibronectin and Hyaluronic Acid. The result is a rapid rejuvenation, diminishing the appearance of wrinkles and other cosmetic signs of age caused by sun exposure, smoking, stress, and other common factors.

In clinical trials, Matrixyl 3000™ decreased the appearance of wrinkles by as much as 33% over a six week period. With the immediate tightening benefits of Argatensyl™, this formula has a completely unique combination of short-term cosmetic results as well as sustained, cumulative benefits to the skin. Common reported results include smoothing and firming; softer skin; diminished appearance of fine lines and wrinkles; and healthier looking, glowing skin. Based on the high cost and quality of the ingredients, Dermapril-SP is reasonably priced. Customer satisfaction seems high and Dermapril-SP offers a risk-free trial, so users can evaluate the product prior to paying the full retail price.

>>Read more about Dermapril