Paula's Choice 25% Vitamin C + Glutathione Clinical Serum for Brightening & Dark Spots, Size: 1 FL Oz, None

Common questions

Is Paula's Choice 25% Vitamin C + Glutathione Clinical Serum for Brightening & Dark Spots, Size: 1 FL Oz, None healthy?

Paula's Choice 25% Vitamin C + Glutathione Clinical Serum for Brightening & Dark Spots, Size: 1 FL Oz, None scores 85/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — one of the stronger scores in Scout's catalog. This serum contains a range of beneficial ingredients such as Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Glycerin, and Glutathione, which are known for their antioxidant and skin-brightening properties.

Which ingredients drive Paula's Choice 25% Vitamin C + Glutathione Clinical Serum for Brightening & Dark Spots, Size: 1 FL Oz, None's score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Glycerin, Ascorbyl Glucoside count in its favor; Dimethicone, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Glucose are flagged as ingredients of concern. The full breakdown, with why each one matters, is in the Key ingredients section on this page.

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Paula's Choice 25% Vitamin C + Glutathione Clinical Serum for Brightening & Dark Spots, Size: 1 FL Oz, None

Paula's Choice
85 Excellent

Analysis updated October 2026 · How Scout scores

$59.00 · 1 fl oz · $59.00 / fluid ounce
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At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 8
Harmful ingredients 4
Owned by Unilever
Category Serum
Summary

This serum contains a range of beneficial ingredients such as Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Glycerin, and Glutathione, which are known for their antioxidant and skin-brightening properties. The presence of Phenoxyethanol, a preservative that can cause irritation in some individuals, slightly impacts the overall safety profile. However, the product's formulation is largely composed of effective and safe ingredients, contributing to its high rating.

Key ingredients 20

Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
Very Good

Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate is a stable, oil-soluble form of Vitamin C. It penetrates the skin effectively and provides antioxidant benefits. It is known for its ability to brighten skin and reduce signs of aging.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with this ingredient, though some individuals may experience mild irritation.

Benefits

It provides antioxidant protection and helps brighten the skin.

See more about Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate →
Ascorbyl Glucoside
Very Good

Ascorbyl Glucoside is a stable form of Vitamin C combined with glucose. It provides antioxidant benefits and helps brighten the skin. It is effective in reducing signs of aging and improving skin tone.

Risks

There are minimal risks, though some individuals may experience mild irritation.

Benefits

It provides antioxidant protection and brightens the skin.

Glutathione
Very Good

Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect the skin from oxidative stress. It is known for its skin-brightening and anti-aging properties. It is effective in reducing dark spots and improving skin tone.

Risks

There are minimal risks, though some individuals may experience mild irritation.

Benefits

It provides antioxidant protection and brightens the skin.

Glycerin
Good

Glycerin is a humectant that attracts moisture to the skin. It helps maintain hydration and improves skin barrier function. It is widely used in skincare for its moisturizing properties.

Risks

There are minimal risks, though overuse can lead to a sticky feeling on the skin.

Benefits

It hydrates the skin and improves barrier function.

See more about Glycerin →
Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract
Good

Apple fruit extract is rich in antioxidants and vitamins. It helps protect the skin from environmental damage and provides moisturizing benefits. It is often used for its anti-aging properties.

Risks

There are minimal risks, though some individuals may experience mild irritation.

Benefits

It provides antioxidant protection and moisturizes the skin.

See more about Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract →
Ergothioneine
Good

Ergothioneine is an amino acid with antioxidant properties. It helps protect the skin from environmental damage and supports skin health. It is often used for its anti-aging benefits.

Risks

There are minimal risks, though some individuals may experience mild irritation.

Benefits

It provides antioxidant protection and supports skin health.

Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract
Good

Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract is used for its antioxidant and soothing properties. It helps protect the skin from environmental damage and provides a pleasant fragrance. It is often used for its calming effects on the skin.

Risks

There are minimal risks, though some individuals may experience mild irritation.

Benefits

It provides antioxidant protection and soothes the skin.

See more about Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract →
Sodium Hyaluronate
Good

Sodium Hyaluronate is a form of hyaluronic acid that provides intense hydration to the skin. It helps retain moisture and improve skin elasticity. It is widely used for its anti-aging and moisturizing benefits.

Risks

There are minimal risks, though some individuals may experience mild irritation.

Benefits

It hydrates the skin and improves elasticity.

See more about Sodium Hyaluronate →
Water/Aqua/Eau
Neutral

Water is a common solvent used in cosmetic formulations. It helps dissolve other ingredients and provides a base for the serum. It does not have any direct benefits or risks associated with its use in cosmetics.

Risks

There are no significant risks associated with water in cosmetics.

Benefits

Water acts as a solvent and carrier for other active ingredients.

See more about Water/Aqua/Eau →
C9-12 Alkane
Neutral

C9-12 Alkane is used as an emollient and solvent in cosmetic formulations. It helps improve the spreadability of the product. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

There are no significant risks associated with this ingredient.

Benefits

It acts as an emollient and improves product spreadability.

See more about C9-12 Alkane →
Silica
Neutral

Silica is used as a thickening agent and to improve the texture of cosmetic products. It helps absorb excess oil and provides a matte finish. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

Inhalation of silica dust can be harmful, but this is not a concern in topical applications.

Benefits

It improves product texture and provides a matte finish.

See more about Silica →
Hydrogenated Lecithin
Neutral

Hydrogenated Lecithin is used as an emulsifier and skin-conditioning agent. It helps improve the texture and stability of cosmetic formulations. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

There are no significant risks associated with this ingredient.

Benefits

It acts as an emulsifier and conditions the skin.

See more about Hydrogenated Lecithin →
Polyglyceryl-6 Polyricinoleate
Neutral

Polyglyceryl-6 Polyricinoleate is an emulsifier used to stabilize cosmetic formulations. It helps blend oil and water components effectively. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

There are no significant risks associated with this ingredient.

Benefits

It stabilizes formulations and improves texture.

Xanthan Gum
Neutral

Xanthan Gum is used as a thickening and stabilizing agent in cosmetics. It helps improve the texture and consistency of the product. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

There are no significant risks associated with this ingredient.

Benefits

It stabilizes formulations and improves texture.

See more about Xanthan Gum →
Polyquaternium-51
Neutral

Polyquaternium-51 is a film-forming agent that helps retain moisture in the skin. It improves the texture and feel of cosmetic products. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

There are no significant risks associated with this ingredient.

Benefits

It retains moisture and improves product texture.

Triacetin
Neutral

Triacetin is used as a solvent and plasticizer in cosmetics. It helps improve the texture and spreadability of the product. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

There are no significant risks associated with this ingredient.

Benefits

It improves product texture and spreadability.

Dimethicone
Bad

Occlusive silicone film-former — flagged under clean-beauty doctrine.

Risks

Some individuals may experience breakouts or irritation from silicones.

Benefits

It improves product texture and helps retain skin moisture.

See more about Dimethicone →
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Bad

Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.

Risks

There are no significant risks associated with this ingredient.

Benefits

It improves product texture and stability.

See more about Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer →
Glucose
Bad

Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.

Risks

There are no significant risks associated with this ingredient.

Benefits

It hydrates the skin and improves moisture retention.

See more about Glucose →
Phenoxyethanol
Bad

Phenoxyethanol is a preservative used to prevent microbial growth in cosmetics. It is effective in extending the shelf life of products. However, it can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions in some individuals.

Risks

It may cause skin irritation and allergic reactions.

Benefits

It acts as a preservative to prevent microbial growth.

See more about Phenoxyethanol →

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