Analysis of Paula's Choice RESIST Daily Smoothing Treatment Ingredients

Based on the provided ingredient list and information, the key active ingredients in Paula's Choice RESIST Daily Smoothing Treatment with 5% Alpha Hydroxy Acid, and their equivalents available from MySkinRecipes, are:

• Glycolic Acid (AHA): This is an Alpha Hydroxy Acid known for its ability to exfoliate the skin, helping to remove dead skin cells for a smoother texture. MySkinRecipes offers Glycopure™ (Glycolic Acid (AHA) 100% Powder) (Product ID: 660), a high-purity powder form of Glycolic Acid. For consumer products, the recommended usage is typically not more than 5% with a pH not lower than 3.5.

• Palmitoyl Oligopeptide: Identified as Pal-GHK, Pal-GQPR (eq Matrixyl 3000) (Product ID: 51) at MySkinRecipes. This peptide blend is known to stimulate collagen synthesis, reduce the appearance of wrinkles, moisturize the skin, and improve elasticity, contributing to a more youthful look. A recommended usage rate is 3-5%.

• Ceramide: The ingredient list includes Ceramide 2, and MySkinRecipes offers Ceramide Complex (CeraTouch™, Cream) (Product ID: 46). Ceramides are essential lipids found naturally in the skin barrier. Supplementing with ceramides helps restore the skin's barrier function, improve hydration, and protect against dryness, sensitivity, and signs of aging like wrinkles. It is particularly suitable for dry, sensitive, aging, and wrinkled skin. Recommended usage is 3-10%.

• Tetrahydrodiferuloylmethane, Tetrahydrodemethoxydiferuloylmethane, Tetrahydrobisdemethoxydiferuoylmethane: These are identified as WhiteCumin™ 2x (Turmeric Extract, Tetrahydrodiferuloylmethane) (Product ID: 721) at MySkinRecipes. Derived from turmeric, this ingredient is known for its ability to reduce skin pigmentation and act as a powerful antioxidant, helping to brighten the skin and provide anti-aging benefits. Recommended usage is 1-4%.

• Epigallocatechin Gallate: Identified as Hi-EGCG™ (Green Tea Extract) (Product ID: 729) at MySkinRecipes. This potent antioxidant found in green tea extract helps protect against cell damage, repair skin damaged by UV rays, reduce acne by controlling oil production and inflammation, and improve skin elasticity. Recommended usage is 1-5%.

• Salicylic Acid: This is a Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) available as Salicylic Acid (BHA) (Product ID: 148) from MySkinRecipes. It has properties that help exfoliate skin cells, act as an antiseptic, reduce dandruff, and dissolve clogged pores, making it effective for acne treatment and skin exfoliation. According to FDA regulations, it should not be used at concentrations exceeding 2% in leave-on skin cosmetics.

• Bisabolol: Available as Natural Bisabolol (Brazil Chamomile) (Product ID: 78) at MySkinRecipes. This ingredient, derived from chamomile, is known for its soothing properties, helping to reduce skin irritation and redness. It also has a gentle skin brightening effect by inhibiting melanin production. Recommended usage is 0.5-1%.

• Allantoin: Available as Allantoin (Product ID: 75) at MySkinRecipes. Allantoin is a well-known ingredient for reducing irritation, soothing the skin, and supporting the regeneration of healthy tissue. It is considered safe and is often used in products for sensitive skin, including baby products. It is recommended for use at 0.1-2.0%.

Other ingredients in the original list such as Water, Cetyl Alcohol, Butylene Glycol, Caffeic Acid, Disodium Lauriminodipropionate Tocopheryl Phosphates, PEG-10 Rapeseed Sterol, Cucumis Melo (Melon) Fruit Extract, Dimethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Cyclohexasiloxane, Dimethiconol, Tribehenin, Polysorbate 20, C12-15 alkyl benzoate, PPG-14 Butyl Ether, PEG-40 Stearate, Sorbitan Stearate, PVM/MA Decadiene Crosspolymer, Polyacrylamide, Disodium EDTA, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Laureth-7, Sodium Hydroxide, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hexylene Glycol, and Phenoxyethanol are common cosmetic ingredients that function as solvents, emollients, emulsifiers, thickeners, pH adjusters, preservatives, and texture enhancers. Some of these are also available from MySkinRecipes, such as Cetyl Alcohol, Butylene Glycol, Polysorbate 20, C12-15 alkyl benzoate, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Hydroxide, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hexylene Glycol, and Phenoxyethanol.

This treatment combines multiple active ingredients targeting exfoliation (Glycolic Acid, Salicylic Acid), anti-aging (Matrixyl 3000, WhiteCumin 2x, Green Tea Extract), skin barrier repair (Ceramide Complex), and soothing (Bisabolol, Allantoin) to address concerns like uneven texture, wrinkles, dark spots, and irritation.