# Paula's Choice Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum for oily acne-prone skin

**Lovi Fit: Low fit for oily acne-prone skin.**
Oily Skin Fit: Low · Effectiveness: Average · Safety: Excellent.

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/p/paula-s-choice/super-antioxidant-concentrate-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin

The Lovi Fit is the same in every country; only the stores and prices differ, and the ones here are for the United States.

Brand: [Paula's Choice](https://lovi.care/skincare/brands/paula-s-choice)
Category: [Moisturizers and moisturizing serums](https://lovi.care/skincare/best/moisturizers)

This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with oily acne-prone skin: shine, breakouts, blemishes, and enlarged pores. For scores based on a full skin profile (12D face scan, goals, preferences), use the Lovi app.

A weak match for oily acne-prone skin; the moisturizers alongside fit it better.

## Why this fit

- Offers moderate antioxidant protection and hydration due to tocopherol and retinol, which are generally beneficial but do not directly address your primary concerns of acne and breakouts.
- While bisabolol and chamomile extract provide soothing benefits for your oily skin, the inclusion of occlusive ingredients like dimethicone and cyclopentasiloxane may exacerbate oiliness and pore congestion.
- The product is safe for your oily skin, with no harsh ingredients and a good profile of soothing components.

## Fit by skin type

- [Oily skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/paula-s-choice/super-antioxidant-concentrate-serum/for/oily-skin): Caution
- [Dry skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/paula-s-choice/super-antioxidant-concentrate-serum/for/dry-skin): Average
- [Combination skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/paula-s-choice/super-antioxidant-concentrate-serum/for/combination-skin): Low
- [Sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/paula-s-choice/super-antioxidant-concentrate-serum/for/sensitive-skin): Average
- [Acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/paula-s-choice/super-antioxidant-concentrate-serum/for/acne-prone-skin): Average
- [Skin with dark spots](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/paula-s-choice/super-antioxidant-concentrate-serum/for/dark-spots): Average
- [Mature skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/paula-s-choice/super-antioxidant-concentrate-serum/for/mature-skin): High
- [Dry sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/paula-s-choice/super-antioxidant-concentrate-serum/for/dry-sensitive-skin): Average
- [Oily acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/paula-s-choice/super-antioxidant-concentrate-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin): Low (this page)

## Key ingredients

Retinol, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Tocopherol, Bisabolol, Astaxanthin

## What the research says

- A 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, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31975502/))
- 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, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27261203/))
- Topical 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, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28385617/))
- Cyclomethicone and specific chain length cyclic siloxanes (n = 4-7) are safe in present practices of use and concentration, showing minimal percutaneous absorption, no skin irritation or sensitization, and unlikely significant systemic exposure from cosmetics. ([International Journal of Toxicology, 2011](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22247236/))
- Topical 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, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29947134/))
- Silicone 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, 2018](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29604311/))
- Topical 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, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28247017/))
- Topical 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, 2003](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12823436/))
- Ascorbic acid 2-glucoside gel significantly reduced gingival melanin pigmentation after 4 weeks compared to placebo in 73 subjects with symmetric pigmentation. ([Journal of Periodontology, 2009](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19186973/))
- Topical 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, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34910367/))
- Topical 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, 2025](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40642809/))
- Dermatological 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, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34471722/))
- Topical 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, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38590207/))
- Application 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, 2010](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20642768/))
- The 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, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38433250/))
- Oral astaxanthin supplementation significantly restored moisture content and improved elasticity but did not significantly decrease wrinkle depth compared to placebo in humans. ([Nutrients, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34578794/))
- Combining 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, 2012](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22428137/))
- Twice-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](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37608511/))

## Why other moisturizers fit oily acne-prone skin better

- A Tris/Arg-formulated cleanser significantly decreased noninflammatory and inflammatory acne and pore size with keratotic plugs compared to an AEC/AC cleanser in male Thai subjects with mild to moderate acne over 4 weeks. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31347768/))
- A peel-off facial mask containing myoinositol and trehalose-loaded liposomes improved adult female acne by decreasing lesion counts, sebum production, GAGS scores, and local androgen levels while increasing beclin-1 levels. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28342238/))
- A panthenol-enriched mask improved skin hydration, regulated sebum, and reduced redness and TEWL across dry sensitive, oily sensitive, and oily acne skin subgroups with excellent tolerance and no adverse reactions. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38366684/))

## What reviewers say

Based 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.

- Liked: Deep hydration protection (often mentioned)
- Disliked: Greasy or shiny finish (often mentioned)
- Liked: Improves texture tone (sometimes noted)
- Liked: Silky application (sometimes noted)
- Liked: Soothing sensitive skin (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Slow absorption (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Caused breakouts (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Packaging issues (rarely noted)

## How to apply

- Use this AM and PM routine every day to help clear your skin. Always remember to finish with SPF in the morning.
- Apply the moisturizer after your cleanser and toner, right before your SPF during the day.
- Gently press a small amount into your skin and avoid rubbing to keep pores clear.
- Apply on clean, slightly damp skin to help the product absorb better and control oil.
- Avoid the sensitive eye area and do a simple patch test before your first use.
- Video: https://storage.pora.ai/2f72f5d69f07beeafc30237f829efbff.mp4

## Questions and answers

### Why is Paula's Choice Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum a weak match for oily acne-prone skin?

This product is a weak match because, although it offers helpful antioxidants and soothing plant extracts, its heavier oils and silicones may trap oil and clog pores on acne-prone skin. A product of this type needs lightweight hydrators and pore-balancing ingredients like Niacinamide and hyaluronic acid to control oil and breakouts without clogging pores.
Sources: [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31975502/), [International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27261203/)

### Which ingredients make this serum a poor fit for oily acne-prone skin?

This serum is a weak match for your skin because heavy oils and silicones like dimethicone and cyclopentasiloxane may clog pores and increase oiliness. A treatment for oily acne-prone skin needs lightweight, balancing ingredients like niacinamide and hyaluronic acid that hydrate and clear blemishes without heavy pore-clogging barriers.

### What does Retinol do for oily acne-prone skin?

Retinol helps oily acne-prone skin by clearing up breakouts and smoothing the skin, though it may occasionally cause some mild scaling or stinging. This ingredient works by addressing the root causes of acne, making it a reliable choice for keeping pores clear and skin smooth.
Sources: [American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30674002/), [Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2018](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30586483/)

### What does Vitamin C do for oily acne-prone skin?

Vitamin C helps calm red and irritated skin and may improve the look of post-acne marks when used as part of your routine. For oily and acne-prone skin, this type of product also needs soothing ingredients and lightweight hydrators that keep pores clear without feeling heavy.
Sources: [European Journal of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28385617/), [Archives of Dermatological Research, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39708096/)

### Where does this serum go in a skincare routine for oily acne-prone skin?

This treatment goes in the evening routine, after cleansing and before moisturizing, to keep things simple and safe around sun exposure. While this product is a weak match because heavy ingredients may clog pores and worsen oiliness, oily skin generally needs lightweight products containing soothing ingredients and blemish-fighting agents.

### Can I use this serum with niacinamide, and in what order?

You can use this serum with niacinamide, applying the niacinamide first and letting it absorb before putting on this treatment. Oily acne-prone skin needs a light product that is free of pore-clogging heavy ingredients and instead contains balancing and clarifying components.

### How often should I use this serum?

You can use this serum in the evening as part of your routine. While it offers soothing benefits, it may make oily skin feel too heavy, so an oily acne-prone skin needs a lighter treatment that targets breakouts and controls oil with ingredients like salicylic acid or niacinamide instead of heavy oils and silicones.

### Can this serum clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for oily acne-prone skin?

This serum is unlikely to cause purging, but it contains heavy sealing ingredients that may clog pores and lead to breakouts on oily skin. To properly care for oily, acne-prone skin, a product of this type needs lightweight hydration, non-clogging ingredients, and targeted blemish-fighting components.

### Can I use this serum around the eyes or on my body?

You can use this serum on the thin skin around your eyes and on your body, but it is a weak match for oily acne-prone skin. A product of this type needs lightweight hydrators and pore-clearing ingredients to properly care for oily skin.
Sources: [Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy, 2002](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12375070/)

### Is this serum fragrance-free and alcohol-free?

It has no fragrance and contains drying alcohol (sd alcohol 40 alcohol denat).

## Alternatives for oily acne-prone skin

- [innisfree Green Tea Seed Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/innisfree/green-tea-seed-hyaluronic-acid-hydrating-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — $30.00 at Amazon
- [Elizavecca Witch Piggy Hell Pore Control Hyaluronic Acid 97%](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/elizavecca/witch-piggy-hell-pore-control-hyaluronic-acid-97/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — $8.40 at Amazon
- [Torriden DIVE-IN Low Molecular Hyaluronic Acid Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/torriden/dive-in-low-molecular-hyaluronic-acid-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — $22.25 at Amazon

## Routine for oily acne-prone skin

### AM

- Cleanser: [CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/cerave/foaming-facial-cleanser/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — $15.97 at Amazon
- Hydrating Toner: [Paula's Choice Pore-Reducing Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/paula-s-choice/skin-balancing-pore-reducing-toner/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — $25.60 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion with Birch Sap](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/cosrx/oil-free-ultra-moisturizing-lotion-with-birch-sap/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — $18.99 at Amazon
- SPF: [make p:rem UV Defense Me Blue Ray Sun Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/make-p-rem/uv-defense-me-blue-ray-sun-cream/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — $25.99 at Amazon

### PM

- Pre-Cleanser: [MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/missha/ultra-hyalon-cleansing-cream/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — $21.70 at Amazon
- Cleanser: [CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/cerave/foaming-facial-cleanser/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — $15.97 at Amazon
- Cleansing Toner: [Rodial Vitamin C Brightening Tonic](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/rodial/vitamin-c-brightening-tonic/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — $31.00 at Amazon
- Serum or Treatment: [Peach & Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/peach-and-lily/glass-skin-refining-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — $39.00 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion with Birch Sap](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/cosrx/oil-free-ultra-moisturizing-lotion-with-birch-sap/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — $18.99 at Amazon

### Weekly

- Pre-Cleanser: [MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/missha/ultra-hyalon-cleansing-cream/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — $21.70 at Amazon
- Cleanser: [CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/cerave/foaming-facial-cleanser/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — $15.97 at Amazon
- Enzyme Powder: [Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/dermalogica/daily-microfoliant/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — $69.00 at Amazon
- Cleansing Mask: [Herbivore Botanicals Blue Tansy Resurfacing Clarity Mask](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/herbivore-botanicals/blue-tansy-bha-and-enzyme-pore-refining-mask/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — $58.00 at Amazon
- Hydrating Toner: [Paula's Choice Pore-Reducing Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/paula-s-choice/skin-balancing-pore-reducing-toner/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — $25.60 at Amazon
- Serum or Treatment: [Peach & Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/peach-and-lily/glass-skin-refining-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — $39.00 at Amazon

## Where to buy

- Amazon.com: $53.00 (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00EEGEI7C?tag=lovi-care-web-product-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
Prices checked 6 Nov 2026.

## 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
## About the Lovi Fit

Lovi: Unbiased, science-based skincare AI trained on real user outcomes.

Lovi calculates every fit score from the full ingredient list with brand-independent rules its 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. Levels from best to worst: Superior, High, Average, Low, Caution, Warning.

Behind this fit score: Nadia Kapleva, MS (Co-founder, Medical Director); Alexey Shagraev, PhD (Co-founder, CEO and CTO); Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc (Medical Board); Aishani Shah, MD (Medical Board); Asya Zubkova, MS (Medical Board); Hanna Kurets, MD (Medical Board, Medical Advisor); Elina Nazarenko, MD (Medical Board); Victoria Derkova, MS (Medical Board).

Page built Nov 8, 2026.

More from Lovi: https://lovi.care/skincare/llms.txt

## This page in other countries

- United States: https://lovi.care/skincare/p/paula-s-choice/super-antioxidant-concentrate-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin (this page)
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/paula-s-choice/super-antioxidant-concentrate-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/paula-s-choice/super-antioxidant-concentrate-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/paula-s-choice/super-antioxidant-concentrate-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/paula-s-choice/super-antioxidant-concentrate-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/paula-s-choice/super-antioxidant-concentrate-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/paula-s-choice/super-antioxidant-concentrate-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/paula-s-choice/super-antioxidant-concentrate-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/paula-s-choice/super-antioxidant-concentrate-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/paula-s-choice/super-antioxidant-concentrate-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/paula-s-choice/super-antioxidant-concentrate-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/paula-s-choice/super-antioxidant-concentrate-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/paula-s-choice/super-antioxidant-concentrate-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin