Paula's Choice Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum for dry sensitive skin
Retinol
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
Tocopherol
Bisabolol
AstaxanthinAverage
- SuperiorDry Skin Fit
- AverageEffectiveness
- ExcellentSafety
Works for dry sensitive skin; other moisturizers fit it better.
This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with dry sensitive skin: flakiness, tightness, redness, fine lines, and wrinkles. For scores and recommendations based on your full skin profile, including your 12D face scan results and any goals or preferences you have, please use the Lovi app.
Page built Nov 8, 2026How the Fit score works
Lovi Assistant explains
- Offers moderate benefits for your dry and sensitive skin, as Olea Europaea Oil Fruit and Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil provide emollient action and barrier repair, while Bisabolol and Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract offer soothing properties. Retinol and tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate contribute to anti-aging and texture refinement, though they are not specialized for your primary concern of dryness or flakiness.
- Tocopherol and Bisabolol provide general hydration and antioxidant protection supportive of dry or flaky skin and sensitivity.
- The product is safe for your dry and sensitive skin, containing no harsh ingredients and including soothing components like Bisabolol and Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract.
How to apply
- Could be used as part of your AM or PM routine. Start using this moisturizer 3 times a week and move to daily use if your dry skin tolerates it well.
- Apply this moisturizer after cleansing and toner in the morning, or after your serum in the evening. Always pair it with SPF in the morning.
- Gently press a small amount of the moisturizer into your skin. Avoid rubbing it harshly to protect your sensitive skin.
- Apply the moisturizer on slightly damp skin to help with hydration absorption. This also works well for dry and flaky skin types.
- Do a patch test before your first use. Avoid the eye area to prevent any irritation.
People Say
★3.8Overall rating based on 100+ reviewsBased on limited data, this viscous, silicone-based serum is highly praised by users with dry or mature skin for its deep hydration and ability to create a smooth, protective barrier. Many report brighter, calmer skin and improved texture. Users with combination or oily skin frequently find the finish too heavy or greasy.
Highlights
Deep hydration protection Often Mentioned
- “healed my raw chapped skin”
- “winter staple for dry climate”
- “makes skin feel supple and protected”
- “keeps hydration locked in”
Greasy or shiny finish Often Mentioned
- “left a shiny film”
- “too greasy for day use”
- “looked like a glazed donut”
- “oil sat on top of skin”
Improves texture tone Sometimes Noted
- “skin looks brighter”
- “smoothed out fine lines”
- “gives a nice healthy glow”
- “texture is much softer”
Silky application Sometimes Noted
- “glides on like silk”
- “great base for makeup”
- “velvety finish”
- “a little goes a long way”
Soothing sensitive skin Sometimes Noted
- “no stinging or irritation”
- “soothing on sensitive areas”
- “gentle vitamin C formula”
Slow absorption Sometimes Noted
- “takes forever to absorb”
- “felt tacky for hours”
- “just sits on the surface”
- “had to blot it off”
Caused breakouts Rarely Noted
- “caused small red bumps”
- “clogged my pores”
- “broke me out on the chin”
- “too heavy for acne-prone skin”
Packaging issues Rarely Noted
- “can't see how much is left”
- “pump stopped working”
- “hard to get the last bit out”
Sources: lovi.care, paulaschoice.com, dermstore.com, makeupalley.com, reddit.com, wizaz.pl, and more
Questions and answers
How well does Paula's Choice Super Antioxidant Serum work for dry sensitive skin?
This product works for your dry and sensitive skin, though other products fit it better because they target dryness and flakiness more directly. It helps soften and calm your skin with plant oils and soothing extracts, while providing vitamins that may improve texture over time. A product of this type needs a blend of effective hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and pro vitamin B5 to deliver intense moisture and directly address dryness.
Which ingredients make this serum a good fit for dry sensitive skin?
Olea Europaea Oil Fruit, Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil, Bisabolol, and Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract make this serum a fit for dry sensitive skin by providing soothing comfort and barrier repair. A product of this type needs intensive hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and pro vitamin B5 to properly address dry skin.
What does Retinol do for dry sensitive skin?
Retinol is often too strong for dry sensitive skin because it may cause scaling and stinging, so a product of this type needs gentle soothing ingredients and extra moisture to keep the skin calm and smooth.
The British Journal of Dermatology, 2019Toxicology Letters, 2003
What does Vitamin C do for dry sensitive skin?
Vitamin C helps make dry, sensitive skin feel softer and calmer while improving firmness and reducing redness. Studies show that gentle forms of vitamin C can improve skin hydration and elasticity safely without causing irritation.
Where does this serum go in a skincare routine for dry sensitive skin?
This serum goes in the evening routine after your toner and before your moisturizer. It works for dry sensitive skin, though this skin type needs products with extra rich oils and heavy moisturizers to truly conquer dryness and flakiness.
Can I use this serum with niacinamide, and in what order?
You can use this serum with niacinamide by applying niacinamide first and following with this treatment once it absorbs. This combination is generally safe and unlikely to irritate dry sensitive skin, though a product for this skin type also needs rich barrier-repairing oils and specialized hydrating ingredients.
How often should I use this serum?
You can use this serum in the evening as part of your routine for dry sensitive skin. Because it contains retinol, a product for this skin needs richer oils and soothing hydrators that directly target dryness and flakiness.
Can this serum clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for dry sensitive skin?
This serum is unlikely to cause breakouts for dry sensitive skin, as reviewers rarely report them and the formula contains no harsh ingredients. However, it may leave a greasy or shiny finish that is not specialized for dryness.
Can I use this serum around the eyes or on my body?
You can use this serum around the eyes and on your body, as its safe formula includes soothing and nourishing plant oils that work well on thinner skin areas. A product of this type needs rich moisturizing ingredients and calming agents to keep dry and sensitive skin soft and comfortable.
Is this serum fragrance-free and alcohol-free?
It has no fragrance and contains drying alcohol (sd alcohol 40 alcohol denat).
What the research says
Topical 0.4% retinol significantly increased epidermal thickness, dermal vascularity, and extracellular matrix production by stimulating keratinocyte proliferation, endothelial cell proliferation, and fibroblast activation in naturally aged human skin compared to vehicle.
International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2017A topical serum containing vitamin C, vitamin E, and raspberry leaf cell culture extract improved skin color, elasticity, radiance, smoothness, scaliness, and wrinkles compared to the untreated contralateral side in fifty female volunteers.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020Topical bakuchiol 0.5% applied twice daily compared with retinol 0.5% applied daily significantly decreased wrinkle surface area and hyperpigmentation with no statistical difference between the compounds in 44 patients over 12 weeks, while retinol users reported more facial skin scaling and stinging.
The British Journal of Dermatology, 2019Silicone particles encapsulating retinol increased its half-life by 9-fold and yielded 12-23% lower skin irritation in human subjects compared to Microsponge particles while maintaining biological activity.
Journal of Controlled Release, 2018Topical stabilized retinol treatment induced HAS gene expression and increased hyaluronic acid production in human skin in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo compared to vehicle.
Archives of Dermatological Research, 2017Topical application of 5% vitamin C cream significantly improved global clinical scores, increased skin microrelief density, and induced elastic tissue repair in photoaged skin compared to excipient control in healthy female volunteers.
Experimental Dermatology, 2003Ascorbic acid 2-glucoside gel significantly reduced gingival melanin pigmentation after 4 weeks compared to placebo in 73 subjects with symmetric pigmentation.
Journal of Periodontology, 2009Topical application of VC-IP cream twice daily for 8 weeks reduces periorbital wrinkles in female subjects compared to a placebo cream.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2022Topical application of an antioxidant serum containing 15% ascorbic acid, 0.5% ferulic acid, and 1% tocopherol prevented particulate matter-induced degradation of extracellular matrix components, inflammation, and oxidative stress in the skin of 15 female volunteers compared to untreated controls.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2025Dermatological products containing d-alpha tocopheryl acetate showed non-comedogenic potential with less than a 50% increase in microcomedones in 12 healthy male subjects compared to octyl palmitate.
Contemporary Clinical Trials Communications, 2021Topical application of an antioxidant mix containing 15% ascorbic acid, 0.5% ferulic acid, and 1% tocopherol prevented PM and UV-induced skin barrier perturbation, lipid peroxidation, inflammatory markers, MMP9 activation, and Type I collagen loss in 15 healthy females compared to untreated exposed skin.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024Application of an alpha-bisabolol-containing cream produced a significant skin-lightening effect in pigmented skin compared to a vehicle control in the majority of female subjects after 8 weeks.
International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2010The combination of allantoin, bisabolol, D-panthenol and dipotassium glycyrrhizinate reduces UVB-induced PGE2, inflammatory cytokines, and mitochondrial superoxide in human epidermal keratinocytes.
International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2024Oral astaxanthin supplementation significantly restored moisture content and improved elasticity but did not significantly decrease wrinkle depth compared to placebo in humans.
Nutrients, 2021Combining oral and topical astaxanthin in 30 healthy females improved skin wrinkles, age spots, elasticity, texture, and moisture, while 6 mg daily oral supplementation in 36 healthy males improved crow's feet wrinkles, elasticity, and transepidermal water loss.
Acta Biochimica Polonica, 2012Twice-daily application of a novel topical antioxidant formulation safe, well-tolerated, and effective in improving overall skin quality, fine lines, wrinkles, radiance, and hyperpigmentation in 32 healthy female subjects over 12 weeks.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2023
Ingredients
Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Olea Europaea Oil Fruit Olive Oil Fruit, Tocopherol, Retinol, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Bisabolol, Tocotrienols, Adenosine, Tetrahydrodiferuloylmethane, Tetrahydrodemethoxydiferuloylmethane, Tetrahydrobisdemethoxydiferuloylmethane, Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil Grape Seed Oil, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract Matricaria Flower Extract, Arctostaphylos Uva-Ursi Leaf Extract, Stearyl Dimethicone, Astaxanthin, Glycine Soja Oil Soybean Oil, Vitis Vinifera Seed Extract Grape Seed Extract, Oenothera Biennis Oil, Cranberry Seed Oil, Rubus Idaeus Seed Oil Raspberry Seed Oil, Vaccinium Myrtillus Seed Oil, Palm Oil, Sd Alcohol 40 Alcohol Denat
Behind this fit score
Lovi calculates every fit score from the full ingredient list with brand-independent rules our dermatologists and cosmetic chemists build and review, and personalizes every pick with AI trained on the real results of millions of users. Lovi trains its fit score models on a proprietary dataset built from more than 10,000 expert-labeled products and more than 100,000 simulated examples, following an internally consistent methodology presented at Cosmoprof, AMWC, and Skin of Color Update.
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Co-founder, Medical Director
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetologist, aesthetic products developer
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Co-founder, CEO and CTO
PhD in computer science, 3x US patent holder, ex-Google, ex-Yandex
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Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc
Medical Board
Aesthetic medicine practitioner, MSc in Longevity and Anti-Aging Medicine
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Medical Board
Specialist dermatologist, MBBS, MD, IFAAD
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Medical Board
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Medical Board, Medical Advisor
Dermatology MD
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Elina Nazarenko, MD
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Dermatology and diagnostic consultant
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Victoria Derkova, MS
Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetic development technologist
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