Paula's Choice
10% Niacinamide BoosterA serum built around Vitamin C derivative and Vitamin C, for barrier repair and smoothing.
A serum built around Niacinamide and Vitamin C derivative, for hydration and barrier repair.
Brand price
USD 28.00 · checked 8 Oct 2026 · brand's site
Brand price
USD 53.00 · checked 8 Oct 2026 · brand's site

At a Glance

They come out differently on Silicone-free, 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
Hydrating7
Boosts hydration and relieves dry, tight skin.
Acetyl Glucosamine, Beta-Glucan, Butylene Glycol, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Glycerin, Panthenol, Sodium Hyaluronate
Barrier Repair7
Strengthens and restores the skin's natural barrier.
Allantoin, Boerhavia Diffusa Root Extract, Caprylyl Glycol, Glycerin, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Niacinamide, Panthenol
Reduces Irritation5
Eases discomfort and supports skin resilience.
Allantoin, Beta-Glucan, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Panthenol
Redness Reducing3
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 Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis3
May feed the yeast involved in seborrheic dermatitis.

Ingredients Side-by-side

Emollient
Ascorbyl Glucoside (in both products)
Antioxidant
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin C derivative (stable)
- Antioxidant
- Brightening
- Dark Spots
Skin Conditioning
Smoothing
0 / —
- Niacinamide
- Acne Fighting
- Barrier Repair
- Brightening
- Dark Spots
- Even Tone
- Oil Control
- Pore Refining
- Redness Reducing
Skin Conditioning
- Fatty alcohols (Malassezia)
- Dark Spots
- Hydrating
- May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis
Ascorbyl Glucoside (in both products)
Antioxidant
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin C derivative (stable)
- Antioxidant
- Brightening
- Dark Spots
Skin Conditioning
- Fatty esters (glyceryl stearate, PEG-100 stearate)
- May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis
Boerhavia Diffusa Root Extract
Skin Protecting
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
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 →Ascorbyl Glucoside
Antioxidant
Ascorbyl Glucoside is a vitamin C derivative.
Learn more about Ascorbyl Glucoside →Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant, Skin Conditioning
Sodium Hyaluronate is a hyaluronic acid.
Learn more about Sodium Hyaluronate →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 →Citric Acid
Buffering, Chelating, Fragrance
Citric Acid is an AHA.
Learn more about Citric Acid →Sodium Citrate
Buffering, Chelating, Fragrance
Trisodium citrate
Learn more about Sodium Citrate →Phenoxyethanol
Antimicrobial, Preservative
Phenoxyethanol is the aromatic ether alcohol that conforms to the formula:
Learn more about Phenoxyethanol →
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