Review: Paula’s Choice Antioxidant Pore Purifier

Clear pores of daily debris and pollution plus brighten skin with a blend of antioxidants, salicylic acid and other skin-fortifying ingredients. 

– Paula’s Choice

I had high hopes for this serum. I purchased this as an alternative treatment/serum for my non-retinol evenings, attracted to the formulas mix of anti-hyperpigmentation, anti-acne, and calming ingredients – all of which seem to be at a moderate-low concentration so that I can mix it with my other evening steps. The title “antioxidant pore purifier” feels a bit superfluous for such a simple extra step and unfortunately I found the impact to be equally lackluster. At the very least, I’m certainly not opposed to finishing this product, as I purchased it at a discount ($27), the application is easy, with the gel like goop dissolving quickly into the skin without causing any irritation.

Ingredient Pros and Cons

Ingredients: Water, Propanediol (solvent/hydration), Butylene Glycol (texture enhancer/hydration), Ethoxydiglycol (solvent), Glycerin (skin-replenishing), Ascorbyl Glucoside (vitamin C/antioxidant), Panthenol (hydration), Salicylic Acid (exfoliant), Camellia Sinensis (White Tea) Leaf Extract (antioxidant), Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract (skin-soothing), Potassium Azeloyl Diglycinate (skin-brightening), Coffea Arabica (Coffee) Fruit Extract (antioxidant), Ceramide NP (skin-replenishing/restoring), Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Extract, Panax Ginseng Root Extract (antioxidants), Niacinamide (skin-restoring), Phytic Acid, Epigallocatechin Gallate (antioxidants), Adenosine (skin-restoring), Ubiquinone (coenzyme Q10/antioxidant), Calendula Officinalis (English Marigold) Extract, Lonicera Caprifolium (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract (skin-soothing agents), Sodium Hyaluronate (skin-replenishing), Lecithin (skin-restoring), Centella Asiatica Extract (antioxidant/skin-soothing), Sucrose Stearate (emulsifier), Glycine Soja (Soybean) Seed Extract (antioxidant), Hydrogenated Lecithin (skin-restoring), Carbomer (texture enhancer), Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate (chelating agent), Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride (skin-replenishing), Caprylyl Glycol (emollient), Polysorbate 20, Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate (emulsifiers), Hydroxyethylcellulose (texture enhancer), Sodium Hydroxide (pH adjuster), Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol (preservatives).

Significant Pros

• Propanediol (hydrating)
• Butylene Glycol (hydrating)
• Glycerin (moisturizing)
• Ascorbyl Glucoside (vitamin C, antioxidant)
• Panthenol (hydrating)
• Salicylic Acid (exfoliant)
• Camellia Sinensis (White Tea) Leaf Extract (antioxidant, calming)
• Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract (anti-hyperpigmentation)

Significant Cons

• Nothing really

The Takeaway

This product didn’t hurt, but I don’t think it particularly helped either. Even if the ingredients look attractive, it seems that the concentration is just too low for me. Personally, I would recommend skipping this product and instead opt for a high concentration specific serum instead (should you choose to implement one into your night routine).