Cetaphil Repair & Renew Serum vs Paula's Choice 1% Retinol Booster

Cetaphil

Paula's Choice

A serum built around Panthenol and Hyaluronic acid, for hydration and barrier repair.

A serum built around Retinoid and Ceramide, for barrier repair and hydration.

Serum

20 ingredients

27 ingredients

Brand price

Not recorded · brand's site

Brand price

USD 55.00 · checked 8 Oct 2026 · brand's site

No retailer listed yet

Brand from United States

Brand country not recorded

At a Glance

They come out differently on Pore-clogger-free, Oil-free, Vegan and Cruelty-free; those rows are shaded. Tap any answer to see why.

Vitamin E1
Tocopherols — fat-soluble antioxidants.
Tocopherol
Panthenol (provitamin B5)1
Provitamin B5 — a humectant and soother.
Panthenol
Centella asiatica (Cica)1
Centella asiatica (cica), used to calm irritation.
Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract
AHA1
Alpha hydroxy acids — water-soluble chemical exfoliants.
Citric Acid

Ceramide1
Skin-identical lipids that hold the barrier together.
Ceramide NP
Colloidal oatmeal1
Finely milled oat — an FDA-recognised skin protectant.
Avena Sativa Kernel Extract
Polysorbates (Tween emulsifiers)1
Polysorbate (Tween) emulsifiers.
Polysorbate 20
Retinoid1
Vitamin A derivatives that speed cell turnover.
Retinol

Hydrating6
Boosts hydration and relieves dry, tight skin.
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Panthenol, Pantolactone, Propanediol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tocopherol
Barrier Repair5
Strengthens and restores the skin's natural barrier.
Bifida Ferment Lysate, Caprylyl Glycol, Dibutyl Adipate, Panthenol, Tocopherol
Reduces Irritation2
Eases discomfort and supports skin resilience.
Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract, Panthenol
Redness Reducing1
Soothes visible redness and calms irritation.
Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract

Hydrating5
Boosts hydration and relieves dry, tight skin.
Butylene Glycol, Ceramide NP, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Glycerin, Glyceryl Ascorbate
Barrier Repair6
Strengthens and restores the skin's natural barrier.
Allantoin, Avena Sativa Kernel Extract, Caprylyl Glycol, Carthamus Tinctorius Seed Oil, Ceramide NP, Glycerin
Reduces Irritation3
Eases discomfort and supports skin resilience.
Allantoin, Avena Sativa Kernel Extract, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Redness Reducing1
Soothes visible redness and calms irritation.
Allantoin

May Trigger Acne1
Can clog pores or trigger breakouts.
Tocopherol
May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis2
May feed the yeast involved in seborrheic dermatitis.
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Sphingomonas Ferment Extract
May Worsen Keratosis Pilaris1
May clog follicles or strip skin prone to keratosis pilaris.
Tocopherol
May Worsen Irritation1
May cause stinging, redness or sensitivity.
Tocopherol

Show highlights for:

These ingredients are found in both products.

Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.

Water
Antiplaque, Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Aqua (EU),Deionized Water,Distilled Water,Micromatrix Fractile AN,Onsen-Sui (JPN),Purified Water
Learn more about Water →
Caprylyl Glycol
Deodorant, Hair Conditioning, Skin Conditioning, Emollient
Caprylyl Glycol is the diol that conforms to the formula
Learn more about Caprylyl Glycol →