Paula's Choice Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum for oily skin
Retinol
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
Tocopherol
Bisabolol
AstaxanthinCaution
- AverageOily Skin Fit
- HighEffectiveness
- ConcerningSafety
A poor match for oily skin; the moisturizers alongside fit it better.
- International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2017
- European Journal of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics, 2017
This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with oily skin: shine, enlarged pores, blackheads, and blemishes. 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
- Low suitability for oily skin as the presence of silicones like cyclopentasiloxane and dimethicone may not sufficiently address concerns related to oily shine and could pose risks of worsening them.
- Retinol and tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate offer antioxidant benefits and promote desquamation regulation, but the formula lacks sufficient seboregulating ingredients for optimal results on oily skin.
How to apply
- Could be used as part of your AM or PM routine every day to keep your face fresh.
- Apply this moisturizer after cleansing and toning, but right before your SPF in the morning.
- Gently press a small amount into your skin and let it absorb fully.
- Apply on clean, slightly dry skin to help control that oily shine.
- Avoid the eye area and do a quick patch test before your first use.
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
Why does Lovi advise caution with the Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum for oily skin?
Lovi advises caution because heavy silicones like cyclopentasiloxane and dimethicone may add to oily shine, and the formula lacks enough oil-controlling ingredients. Oily skin of this type needs ingredients like Niacinamide to help regulate oil production and minimize pores, along with soothing Allantoin and lightweight hydrators like hyaluronic acid.
Which ingredients make this serum a poor fit for oily skin?
This serum is a poor fit for oily skin because it contains heavy silicones like cyclopentasiloxane and dimethicone that may worsen oily shine. It also lacks oil-controlling ingredients like niacinamide, which helps regulate oil production and minimize the appearance of pores.
What does Retinol do for oily skin?
Retinol helps oily skin by keeping pores clear and balancing sebum production, which may reduce shine and breakouts. Because it can sometimes cause dryness or peeling in the beginning, starting slowly is recommended.
What does Vitamin C do for oily skin?
Vitamin C helps oily skin by fighting oil oxidation and calming redness, making it a useful addition to your daily routine. Formulas with vitamin C keep skin balanced without clogging pores.
International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2005European Journal of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics, 2017
Where does this serum go in a skincare routine for oily skin?
This serum goes in the evening routine after cleansing and before moisturizing, though it is a poor match for oily skin because heavy silicones may worsen shine. Oily skin needs lighter treatments that help control oil and target shine without heavy oils or silicones.
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 formula requires oil-controlling ingredients like salicylic acid or niacinamide to manage shine properly on oily skin.
How often should I use this serum?
This serum is a poor fit for oily skin because its silicone ingredients may worsen shine, so oily skin needs a lightweight formula with oil-controlling ingredients instead.
Can this serum clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for oily skin?
This serum may cause breakouts on oily skin because it contains heavy silicones and oils that can make shine worse. Oily skin needs lightweight, oil-free formulas with ingredients that help balance oil and keep pores clear.
Can I use this serum around the eyes or on my body?
This serum may be used on the body and around the eyes, where the skin is much thinner than on most of the face. While retinol helps smooth and firm skin in these delicate areas, oily skin requires lightweight, oil-controlling ingredients rather than heavy silicones and oils to keep shine in check.
Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy, 2002International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2017
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, 2017Topical formulations containing ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate, coenzyme Q10, green tea polyphenols, and resveratrol reduced the release of inflammatory cytokines and attenuated inflammatory signs compared to untreated skin and vehicle in 25 Japanese volunteers exposed to sodium dodecyl sulfate.
European Journal of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics, 2017Topical 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.
-
Co-founder, Medical Director
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetologist, aesthetic products developer
-
Co-founder, CEO and CTO
PhD in computer science, 3x US patent holder, ex-Google, ex-Yandex
-
Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc
Medical Board
Aesthetic medicine practitioner, MSc in Longevity and Anti-Aging Medicine
-
Medical Board
Specialist dermatologist, MBBS, MD, IFAAD
-
Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, SCS, IFSCC member
-
Medical Board, Medical Advisor
Dermatology MD
-
Elina Nazarenko, MD
Medical Board
Dermatology and diagnostic consultant
-
Victoria Derkova, MS
Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetic development technologist
How does it fit your skin?
Scan your face, then any product: Lovi shows how well it fits you and what fits even better.