Paula's Choice
1% Retinol TreatmentA serum built around Vitamin C derivative and Vitamin C, for barrier repair and smoothing.
A serum built around Vitamin C derivative and Vitamin C, for barrier repair and smoothing.
Brand price
USD 28.00 · checked 8 Oct 2026 · brand's site
Brand price
USD 48.75 · checked 8 Oct 2026 · brand's site
At a Glance
They come out differently on Pore-clogger-free and Cruelty-free; those rows are shaded. Tap any answer to see why.
Key Ingredients
Mineral sunscreen1
Uses zinc oxide or titanium dioxide to absorb and scatter UV rays.
Benefits
Hydrating8
Boosts hydration and relieves dry, tight skin.
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Butylene Glycol, Dimethicone, Glycerin, PEG-6, PEG-8, Sodium Hyaluronate, Squalane
Barrier Repair13
Strengthens and restores the skin's natural barrier.
Caprylyl Glycol, Cholesterol, Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract, Dimethicone, Gelidiella Acerosa Extract, Glycerin, Hordeum Vulgare Extract, Hypnea Musciformis Extract, Isododecane, Isohexadecane, Propylene Glycol Dicaprate, Squalane, Triticum Vulgare Germ Extract
Anti-Aging4
Softens lines and helps skin look youthful.
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1
Hydrating8
Boosts hydration and relieves dry, tight skin.
Butylene Glycol, Dimethicone, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Glycerin, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, PEG-14, PEG-33, Sodium Hyaluronate
Barrier Repair16
Strengthens and restores the skin's natural barrier.
Allantoin, Arachidyl Alcohol, Avena Sativa Kernel Extract, Behenyl Alcohol, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Caprylyl Glycol, Dimethicone, Glycerin, Glyceryl Stearate, Glycine Soja Sterols, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Isononyl Isononanoate, Lecithin, Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate, PPG-12/SMDI Copolymer, Tribehenin
Reduces Irritation5
Eases discomfort and supports skin resilience.
Allantoin, Avena Sativa Kernel Extract, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
Redness Reducing2
Soothes visible redness and calms irritation.
Concerns
May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis7
May feed the yeast involved in seborrheic dermatitis.
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Polysorbate 20, Polysorbate 80, Sorbitan Oleate
May Worsen Keratosis Pilaris2
May clog follicles or strip skin prone to keratosis pilaris.
May Trigger Acne2
Can clog pores or trigger breakouts.
May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis19
May feed the yeast involved in seborrheic dermatitis.
Acetyl Dipeptide-1 Cetyl Ester, Arachidyl Alcohol, Arachidyl Glucoside, Behenyl Alcohol, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Castor Isostearate Succinate, Ceramide Ng, Glyceryl Stearate, Lecithin, Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, PEG-100 Stearate, PEG-75 Shea Butter Glycerides, Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate, Polysorbate 20, Sorbitan Laurate, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Tribehenin
May Worsen Keratosis Pilaris2
May clog follicles or strip skin prone to keratosis pilaris.
Ingredients Side-by-side
Emollient
Skin Conditioning
Emollient
Skin Conditioning
- Fatty esters (glyceryl stearate, PEG-100 stearate)
- May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis
Emollient
1 / 0
- Fatty esters (glyceryl stearate, PEG-100 stearate)
- Possibly animal-derived
- May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis
Humectant
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Dimethicone
Antifoaming, Skin Conditioning, Emollient, Skin Protecting
Dimethicone is a silicone.
Learn more about Dimethicone →Butylene Glycol
Fragrance, Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Solvent, Viscosity Controlling
Butane-1,3-diol (CAS No. 107-88-0/ EC No. 203-529-7) (R)-(-)-butane-1,3-diol” (CAS No. 6290-03-5/ EC No. 228-532-0)
Learn more about Butylene Glycol →Glycerin
Denaturant, Fragrance, Hair Conditioning, Humectant, Oral Care, Perfuming, Humectant, Skin Protecting, Solvent, Viscosity Controlling
Glycerin may be plant, synthetic or animal depending on the supplier.
Learn more about Glycerin →Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant, Skin Conditioning
Sodium Hyaluronate is a hyaluronic acid.
Learn more about Sodium Hyaluronate →Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant, Skin Conditioning
Tocopheryl Acetate is vitamin E.
Learn more about Tocopheryl Acetate →Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1
Skin Conditioning
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 isn't fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 →Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
Skin Conditioning
Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 isn't fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 →Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12
Skin Conditioning
Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12 isn't fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12 →Caprylyl Glycol
Deodorant, Hair Conditioning, Skin Conditioning, Emollient
Caprylyl Glycol is the diol that conforms to the formula
Learn more about Caprylyl Glycol →Polysorbate 20
Cleansing, Emulsifying
Polysorbate 20 isn't fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Polysorbate 20 →
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