Pores, you’re not growing on me. Wrinkles, stand down. A few drops of this serum morning and night shrinks enlarged pores and smooths skin. You win. A skin-renewing serum loaded with antioxidants specially designed for normal to oily skin that helps develop a balanced-looking complexion.environmental stressors.
Pores, you’re not growing on me. Wrinkles, stand down. A few drops of this serum morning and night shrinks enlarged pores and smooths skin. You win. A skin-renewing serum loaded with antioxidants specially designed for normal to oily skin that helps develop a balanced-looking complexion.environmental stressors.
in 2 offers
The lowest price for Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum With Retinol (30ml) right now is $60.00 at Paula's Choice Australia, compared across 2 retailers.
The all-time low was $36.00 on 18 June 2025 — today's price is 67% above the lowest ever. It has been notably cheaper before — worth setting a price alert.
Prices last updated 4 Nov 2026.
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum With Retinol (30ml)
Pores, you’re not growing on me. Wrinkles, stand down. A few drops of this serum morning and night shrinks enlarged pores and smooths skin. You win. A skin-renewing serum loaded with antioxidants specially designed for normal to oily skin that helps develop a balanced-looking complexion.environmental stressors.
Pores, you’re not growing on me. Wrinkles, stand down. A few drops of this serum morning and night shrinks enlarged pores and smooths skin. You win. A skin-renewing serum loaded with antioxidants specially designed for normal to oily skin that helps develop a balanced-looking complexion.environmental stressors.
Last updated at 04/11/2026 01:26:29
Paula's Choice Australia Skin Balancing Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum with Retinol | 30 ml
Free delivery between 10–12 Nov
Paula's Choice SKIN BALANCING Antioxidant Concentrate Face Serum Retinol & Vitamin C Anti Aging Anti Wrinkle & Large Pores Oily Skin 1 Ounce
Delivery between 5–17 Nov $28.69
originally posted on paulaschoice.com
I was looking for a cream base retinol product since I have tried oil based ones and they ended up being too heavy for my combo skin. I was using retinoid products but they ultimately didn't do much for my 28 year old skin. It sucks that Paulas Choice isn't clear about how much retinol is in some of their products, like this one but it is the 10th ingredient, with Retinyl Palmitate right before it which is the lowest percentage of retinol. So, I think it has a fair amount. I have not experienced any irritation from this at all. I've only used it a few times. So this is a first impression review. This serum is a light, clear gel consistency. It is VERY light weight which I love! It has no greasiness or oiliness whatsoever. I haven't had it pill on me, like ball up ... MoreI was looking for a cream base retinol product since I have tried oil based ones and they ended up being too heavy for my combo skin. I was using retinoid products but they ultimately didn't do much for my 28 year old skin. It sucks that Paulas Choice isn't clear about how much retinol is in some of their products, like this one but it is the 10th ingredient, with Retinyl Palmitate right before it which is the lowest percentage of retinol. So, I think it has a fair amount. I have not experienced any irritation from this at all. I've only used it a few times. So this is a first impression review. This serum is a light, clear gel consistency. It is VERY light weight which I love! It has no greasiness or oiliness whatsoever. I haven't had it pill on me, like ball up and flake off of my skin which is amazing because I dislike any product that pills!!! I really love the ingredients in this. It contains: Green tea, grape extract, chamomile (some people cannot use that on their skin, though because it can cause irritation for them) and silica. Silica is really great at treating acne! I do wish it did not contain dimethicone because my moisturizers already contain that and using too many products with silicone increases pilling (flaking) but I have not had that issue, so far. Another ingredient it contains that I worry about is Astaxanthin, which is an extract from fish or algae but it is not clear on which one it comes from. I stay away from products that contain algae because it has the highest rating on the comedogenic scale! So it clogs pores! I also bought the skin balancing cream with retinol and I like that one a lot as well. I feel like I get the same results from both but I do feel like this one maybe very slightly more faster acting but I have only used both of them a handful of times, so I am unsure as to which one has givenbetter results. This one is also 3 dollars more than the cream. The cream is really great. Very light and hydrating. 0 irritation from either
originally posted on paulaschoice.co.uk
I've been recommended the Skin Balancing Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum three times (this far) from different skin test questionnaires (taken during different seasons, different years(!), and thus with slightly different problems to focus on, i.e. more breakouts during summer, wanting more calming and reducing redness and dryness in winter, etc) and 'on paper' it certainly looks like it should be a good fit for me. However, in my experience it should come with a warning label. Other reviews seem to be positive, otherwise I would ask if it should be discontinued just going from my experience. I have mature (?) (41 ys) but oily skin, combination skin, sensitive skin, always blackheads and whiteheads around nose-mouth-chin-forehead. I have used PC products for ... MoreI've been recommended the Skin Balancing Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum three times (this far) from different skin test questionnaires (taken during different seasons, different years(!), and thus with slightly different problems to focus on, i.e. more breakouts during summer, wanting more calming and reducing redness and dryness in winter, etc) and 'on paper' it certainly looks like it should be a good fit for me. However, in my experience it should come with a warning label. Other reviews seem to be positive, otherwise I would ask if it should be discontinued just going from my experience. I have mature (?) (41 ys) but oily skin, combination skin, sensitive skin, always blackheads and whiteheads around nose-mouth-chin-forehead. I have used PC products for several years, incl products with Retinol, BHA and AHA. I've now tested this serum 3 times, to various extent, since I bought it in November 2016, with slightly different routine but with the same result which indicates it must be the serum causing it. From using just a tiny amount of product, 1/4 size of a pea or smaller, only on the oiler parts of my face. Letting it set, and then add daycreme or night creme on top (or nothing on top). I've had the same sensation of 1. my face is starting to feel tight. Even on areas where I haven't touched with the serum but perhaps the finishing creme has spread it? It's the only explanation I got. 2. Next day my face start to feel dry, regardless of what moisture I've tried to calm the skin with nothing seems to be powerful enough to calm the skin. 3. Around the third day my face has gone from tight and dry to a peculiar flaky surface that is both uncomfortable and hopeless to put makeup on. No effect on blackhead or whiteheads, the serum doesn't seem to go deep at all, followed after exfoliation or not, it just make the surface a peculiar kind of really flaky and dry. Every time I've tested the serum (which unfortunately isn't available in a cheaper test/travel size) in various amount - tiny bit at night / night and morning / or perhaps every other night / a few days in a row, always with only a tiny amount on my fingertips and only on the oilier parts of my face - it has taken up to a week to get my skin to calm down afterwards. It's a kind of odd flakiness that doesn't resemble dry flakiness from cold weather or similar, it's smaller, and more spread out, not patchy. This flakiness even appears under my eyes where the product shouldn't have any effect because I haven't put it there? This product really freaked me out, 'what is going on with my face?'. I've put it away (thrice) and thought it was just temporary sensitivity, but a few months later (different season/weather) it had the same result. Very unhappy with the product and worried about trying other expensive serums from PC, from recommendation, that end up in a drawer. I'm currently testing the serum on some hormonal acne on my back/shoulder blades, to make some use of it instead of just throwing it out. Not something I would normally use/buy an expensive facial serum for but I'm less worried about causing wrinkles and extreme dryness on my back. Sorry for a long post but I want to warn against the serum if someone else experience the same. Not sure why my strong reaction differs so much from other, happier, customers.
originally posted on paulaschoice.com
This is the most worse product of all of PC that I've ever purchase. I expected water/gel serum instead of gooey greasy silicon texture first ingredients is Cyclopentasiloxane and also it has Dimethicone this can cause clogged pores!!! Is this primer? No. Is this serum? Don't know either. This is so far the most disgusting product I ever bought and I won't never put this on my face. Can't believe this claimed to be "award winner" NO THANKS. Expensive, disgusting and I want return
| Benefit | Antioxidant, Helps defend against environmental stressors, Helps develop a balanced-looking complexion |
| Body Part | Face |
| Form | Serum |
| Skin Type | Oily skin |
| Active Ingredients | Antioxidants |
Paula's Choice Australia Skin Balancing Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum with Retinol | 30 ml
Free delivery between 10–12 Nov
Paula's Choice SKIN BALANCING Antioxidant Concentrate Face Serum Retinol & Vitamin C Anti Aging Anti Wrinkle & Large Pores Oily Skin 1 Ounce
Delivery between 5–17 Nov $28.69
I was looking for a cream base retinol product since I have tried oil based ones and they ended up being too heavy for my combo skin. I was using retinoid products but they ultimately didn't do much for my 28 year old skin. It sucks that Paulas Choice isn't clear about how much retinol is in some of their products, like this one but it is the 10th ingredient, with Retinyl Palmitate right before it which is the lowest percentage of retinol. So, I think it has a fair amount. I have not experienced any irritation from this at all. I've only used it a few times. So this is a first impression review. This serum is a light, clear gel consistency. It is VERY light weight which I love! It has no greasiness or oiliness whatsoever. I haven't had it pill on me, like ball up ... MoreI was looking for a cream base retinol product since I have tried oil based ones and they ended up being too heavy for my combo skin. I was using retinoid products but they ultimately didn't do much for my 28 year old skin. It sucks that Paulas Choice isn't clear about how much retinol is in some of their products, like this one but it is the 10th ingredient, with Retinyl Palmitate right before it which is the lowest percentage of retinol. So, I think it has a fair amount. I have not experienced any irritation from this at all. I've only used it a few times. So this is a first impression review. This serum is a light, clear gel consistency. It is VERY light weight which I love! It has no greasiness or oiliness whatsoever. I haven't had it pill on me, like ball up and flake off of my skin which is amazing because I dislike any product that pills!!! I really love the ingredients in this. It contains: Green tea, grape extract, chamomile (some people cannot use that on their skin, though because it can cause irritation for them) and silica. Silica is really great at treating acne! I do wish it did not contain dimethicone because my moisturizers already contain that and using too many products with silicone increases pilling (flaking) but I have not had that issue, so far. Another ingredient it contains that I worry about is Astaxanthin, which is an extract from fish or algae but it is not clear on which one it comes from. I stay away from products that contain algae because it has the highest rating on the comedogenic scale! So it clogs pores! I also bought the skin balancing cream with retinol and I like that one a lot as well. I feel like I get the same results from both but I do feel like this one maybe very slightly more faster acting but I have only used both of them a handful of times, so I am unsure as to which one has givenbetter results. This one is also 3 dollars more than the cream. The cream is really great. Very light and hydrating. 0 irritation from either
I've been recommended the Skin Balancing Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum three times (this far) from different skin test questionnaires (taken during different seasons, different years(!), and thus with slightly different problems to focus on, i.e. more breakouts during summer, wanting more calming and reducing redness and dryness in winter, etc) and 'on paper' it certainly looks like it should be a good fit for me. However, in my experience it should come with a warning label. Other reviews seem to be positive, otherwise I would ask if it should be discontinued just going from my experience. I have mature (?) (41 ys) but oily skin, combination skin, sensitive skin, always blackheads and whiteheads around nose-mouth-chin-forehead. I have used PC products for ... MoreI've been recommended the Skin Balancing Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum three times (this far) from different skin test questionnaires (taken during different seasons, different years(!), and thus with slightly different problems to focus on, i.e. more breakouts during summer, wanting more calming and reducing redness and dryness in winter, etc) and 'on paper' it certainly looks like it should be a good fit for me. However, in my experience it should come with a warning label. Other reviews seem to be positive, otherwise I would ask if it should be discontinued just going from my experience. I have mature (?) (41 ys) but oily skin, combination skin, sensitive skin, always blackheads and whiteheads around nose-mouth-chin-forehead. I have used PC products for several years, incl products with Retinol, BHA and AHA. I've now tested this serum 3 times, to various extent, since I bought it in November 2016, with slightly different routine but with the same result which indicates it must be the serum causing it. From using just a tiny amount of product, 1/4 size of a pea or smaller, only on the oiler parts of my face. Letting it set, and then add daycreme or night creme on top (or nothing on top). I've had the same sensation of 1. my face is starting to feel tight. Even on areas where I haven't touched with the serum but perhaps the finishing creme has spread it? It's the only explanation I got. 2. Next day my face start to feel dry, regardless of what moisture I've tried to calm the skin with nothing seems to be powerful enough to calm the skin. 3. Around the third day my face has gone from tight and dry to a peculiar flaky surface that is both uncomfortable and hopeless to put makeup on. No effect on blackhead or whiteheads, the serum doesn't seem to go deep at all, followed after exfoliation or not, it just make the surface a peculiar kind of really flaky and dry. Every time I've tested the serum (which unfortunately isn't available in a cheaper test/travel size) in various amount - tiny bit at night / night and morning / or perhaps every other night / a few days in a row, always with only a tiny amount on my fingertips and only on the oilier parts of my face - it has taken up to a week to get my skin to calm down afterwards. It's a kind of odd flakiness that doesn't resemble dry flakiness from cold weather or similar, it's smaller, and more spread out, not patchy. This flakiness even appears under my eyes where the product shouldn't have any effect because I haven't put it there? This product really freaked me out, 'what is going on with my face?'. I've put it away (thrice) and thought it was just temporary sensitivity, but a few months later (different season/weather) it had the same result. Very unhappy with the product and worried about trying other expensive serums from PC, from recommendation, that end up in a drawer. I'm currently testing the serum on some hormonal acne on my back/shoulder blades, to make some use of it instead of just throwing it out. Not something I would normally use/buy an expensive facial serum for but I'm less worried about causing wrinkles and extreme dryness on my back. Sorry for a long post but I want to warn against the serum if someone else experience the same. Not sure why my strong reaction differs so much from other, happier, customers.
This is the most worse product of all of PC that I've ever purchase. I expected water/gel serum instead of gooey greasy silicon texture first ingredients is Cyclopentasiloxane and also it has Dimethicone this can cause clogged pores!!! Is this primer? No. Is this serum? Don't know either. This is so far the most disgusting product I ever bought and I won't never put this on my face. Can't believe this claimed to be "award winner" NO THANKS. Expensive, disgusting and I want return
Wonderful serum! I have oily skin, and many serums either clog my pores or don't fully absorb, leaving my skin feeling sticky and looking red. This is a light serum that instantly makes face feel smooth and soft. After applying serum, it feels like I have just powdered my face.I use serum at night. My night routine: PC exfoliater, PC niamacide booster, skin balancing antioxidant serum with retinol, skin balancing gel. After the niamacide booster (which I love for the results!), skin feels sticky. This antioxidant serum, however, fixes the sticky feeling and leaves face feeling soft. The retinol has never caused any issues (i.e. no flaking or redness), and the combo of this and niamacide has cleared up redness and acne. I rarely wear makeup now! I am not really ... MoreWonderful serum! I have oily skin, and many serums either clog my pores or don't fully absorb, leaving my skin feeling sticky and looking red. This is a light serum that instantly makes face feel smooth and soft. After applying serum, it feels like I have just powdered my face.I use serum at night. My night routine: PC exfoliater, PC niamacide booster, skin balancing antioxidant serum with retinol, skin balancing gel. After the niamacide booster (which I love for the results!), skin feels sticky. This antioxidant serum, however, fixes the sticky feeling and leaves face feeling soft. The retinol has never caused any issues (i.e. no flaking or redness), and the combo of this and niamacide has cleared up redness and acne. I rarely wear makeup now! I am not really sure if this helps fine lines (I only have a few, and they do seem less obvious now, but it could just be from moisturizing or any other combo of things), I'm more using as preventative measure.I will mention that I do NOT like the feel of the actual serum going on my face (I like it once rubbed in). It feels greasy and clogging for just a second, I think just because the texture is so different from other serums I've used. Then, it has the powdered feeling once rubbed in.
I've tried several of Paula's antioxidants. The Resist Super Antioxidant Serum is way too oily for me. The Resist Ultra Light is really nice and I use it 3 times a day around my eyes because it magically eliminates my nasty under-eye bags and wrinkles. But this Skin Balancing Antioxidant is my favorite for the rest of my face because my sunscreen/foundation just slide over it so effortlessly, leaving no blotching, and, unlike the others, it dries to a totally matte finish. I've also tried the Defense Pore Purifier, a light golden oil-type serum that I like to use at night mixed with Wrinkle Serum, and the luscious pink Power Berry Serum, which I use before my pre-dawn trip to the gym. They are great too, but both of these leave a bit of a shine on my face, which ... MoreI've tried several of Paula's antioxidants. The Resist Super Antioxidant Serum is way too oily for me. The Resist Ultra Light is really nice and I use it 3 times a day around my eyes because it magically eliminates my nasty under-eye bags and wrinkles. But this Skin Balancing Antioxidant is my favorite for the rest of my face because my sunscreen/foundation just slide over it so effortlessly, leaving no blotching, and, unlike the others, it dries to a totally matte finish. I've also tried the Defense Pore Purifier, a light golden oil-type serum that I like to use at night mixed with Wrinkle Serum, and the luscious pink Power Berry Serum, which I use before my pre-dawn trip to the gym. They are great too, but both of these leave a bit of a shine on my face, which emphasizes my large pores, which is why I continue to use this Skin Balancing antioxidant for my regular daytime regimen. I will always buy this. All are good products and none of these cause break-outs or bad reactions on my break-out prone, sensitive skin.
This serum was one of my first Paula's Choice products -- ive been using it on and off for the last 4 years. I've tried other Paula's serums, and I really like them, but I always seem to come back to this one. It sort of acts like a mattifying primer -- it makes my combination skin look instantly clean, smooth, and soft. I also love the amount of retinol in it; my skin is pretty sensitive to retinol, but the small amount in this product is enough to help unclog my pores without irritating my skin.I was watching one of the skincare chats with Bryan and he mentioned that this product might be reformulated to be water based. PLEASE DON'T!!!!!! I absolutely love the silicone texture of this product. I understand from these reviews that some people don't love it, but ... MoreThis serum was one of my first Paula's Choice products -- ive been using it on and off for the last 4 years. I've tried other Paula's serums, and I really like them, but I always seem to come back to this one. It sort of acts like a mattifying primer -- it makes my combination skin look instantly clean, smooth, and soft. I also love the amount of retinol in it; my skin is pretty sensitive to retinol, but the small amount in this product is enough to help unclog my pores without irritating my skin.I was watching one of the skincare chats with Bryan and he mentioned that this product might be reformulated to be water based. PLEASE DON'T!!!!!! I absolutely love the silicone texture of this product. I understand from these reviews that some people don't love it, but there are other oily skin serums from Paula's Choice for them to use (like the resist ultra light).
I've tried various iterations of this serum because antioxidants are important to my routine. I've finally come to admit something I thought I'd never say: I hate a PC product. I've tried it several times, thinking, "THIS TIME I'll like it, right?" Instead of soaking into my skin it creates a film on it. Not only does it "feel" as if other things can't soak in, it affect how my skin feels for a couple of hours, like it has a thin sheen of plastic on it. It's not the antioxidants, it's the silicone. I've bought my last serum, because as I understand it, all of PC serums have this high silicone content. I've found another anti-oxidant product that soaks into my skin. Now I'm trying to decide if I use this one or trash it. Just can't stand the feel.
Thankfully I only bought the testers of this in the skin balancing range. The serum broke me out in a rash of small red spots all over my face, and made my skin sting and prickle and itch, really horrible and upsetting as I struggle so much to just keep my skin vaguely calm, most of the time using Simple and Aveeno, I honestly think cheap and plain products are often much less troublesome. After reading the ingredients I think this may be the dimethicone as have had this reaction to primers with this ingredient so will avoid it at all costs from now on. I should have known by its silicone type texture which is odd for a serum and does not sink into the skin or hydrate it in any way at all, instead just makes it feel horribly dry. I have sensitive skin and was just ... MoreThankfully I only bought the testers of this in the skin balancing range. The serum broke me out in a rash of small red spots all over my face, and made my skin sting and prickle and itch, really horrible and upsetting as I struggle so much to just keep my skin vaguely calm, most of the time using Simple and Aveeno, I honestly think cheap and plain products are often much less troublesome. After reading the ingredients I think this may be the dimethicone as have had this reaction to primers with this ingredient so will avoid it at all costs from now on. I should have known by its silicone type texture which is odd for a serum and does not sink into the skin or hydrate it in any way at all, instead just makes it feel horribly dry. I have sensitive skin and was just feeling happy my skin had finally calmed down from using the other testers from this range the night before then decided to try the serum again, BIG MISTAKE!!. Very disappointed, think I may need to try the calm or dry skin range as I really love the whole ethos of PC and their useful information, but I think my skin is just too sensitive to benefit from the majority of special serums and stronger ingredients :( the search goes on! Customer Care: Thanks for sharing your experience. Unfortunately, not everyone reacts in the same way to skin-care ingredients, and some can be more sensitive to a particular ingredient than others. Please do contact our team to help you find the right products for your skin!
I've been using this product consistently for at least 5 years. It is my go-to foundation primer as it layers perfectly under makeup or tinted moisturizer. It adds a sort of blurred look to the skin, so pores appear smaller and your skin tone will look more even. It's even nice to wear on its own as it just makes your skin look better. The retinol in it is a bonus as it does help to refine pore size when used consistently. Do not expect the pore refining results overnight, but if you use this daily for a month or so you will find yourself surprised to look in the mirror one day and notice that your skin just looks smoother and more even toned. I stopped using this once for a couple months because I thought I'd try a different foundation primer by another brand, and ... MoreI've been using this product consistently for at least 5 years. It is my go-to foundation primer as it layers perfectly under makeup or tinted moisturizer. It adds a sort of blurred look to the skin, so pores appear smaller and your skin tone will look more even. It's even nice to wear on its own as it just makes your skin look better. The retinol in it is a bonus as it does help to refine pore size when used consistently. Do not expect the pore refining results overnight, but if you use this daily for a month or so you will find yourself surprised to look in the mirror one day and notice that your skin just looks smoother and more even toned. I stopped using this once for a couple months because I thought I'd try a different foundation primer by another brand, and I really ended up noticing that my skin looked less smooth and clear after a time. I immediately bought this one again, and I will never be without it from now on. I use it every morning in place of a moisturizer under my makeup. It is a staple for me, and I hope Paula will carry this product unchanged forever!
This is a fantastic product. I have rosacea and combination skin. My nose and forehead are especially oily. I have found most products designed for oily skin too harsh because of my rosacea. I tolerate this product really well. I was very pleasantly surprised. It really helps reduce the oiliness on my nose and forehead without irritant my skin. This is the first product that I have found genuinely effective. I also like the fact that it contains retinol and antioxidants, therefore it has anti ageing benefits in addition to combating my oily skin. I rarely write reviews, but I felt strongly I should write a review for this one. I strongly recommend this for anyone with oily skin, who also suffers from sensitivity. I initially bought the travel size to test the ... MoreThis is a fantastic product. I have rosacea and combination skin. My nose and forehead are especially oily. I have found most products designed for oily skin too harsh because of my rosacea. I tolerate this product really well. I was very pleasantly surprised. It really helps reduce the oiliness on my nose and forehead without irritant my skin. This is the first product that I have found genuinely effective. I also like the fact that it contains retinol and antioxidants, therefore it has anti ageing benefits in addition to combating my oily skin. I rarely write reviews, but I felt strongly I should write a review for this one. I strongly recommend this for anyone with oily skin, who also suffers from sensitivity. I initially bought the travel size to test the product, which convinced me and I treated myself with the full size for Christmas. I have been using it for the last month and it continues to work really well. Thank you. I hope this review helps people considering buying this product.
| Benefit | Antioxidant, Helps defend against environmental stressors, Helps develop a balanced-looking complexion |
| Body Part | Face |
| Form | Serum |
| Skin Type | Oily skin |
| Active Ingredients | Antioxidants |
