Dr.Althea 0.1 Gentle Retinol Serum vs Paula's Choice C15 Brightening Super Booster

Dr.Althea

Paula's Choice

A serum built around Panthenol and Retinoid, for barrier repair and smoothing.

A serum built around Vitamin C and Vitamin C, for hydration and pollution defence.

Serum

32 ingredients

17 ingredients

Brand price

USD 23.90 · checked 26 Sept 2026 · brand's site

Brand price

USD 59.00 · checked 8 Oct 2026 · brand's site

No retailer listed yet

Brand from South Korea

Brand country not recorded

At a Glance

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

Vitamin E1
Tocopherols — fat-soluble antioxidants.
Tocopherol
Bakuchiol1
A plant-derived ingredient studied as a retinol alternative.
Bakuchiol
Panthenol (provitamin B5)1
Provitamin B5 — a humectant and soother.
Panthenol
Retinoid1
Vitamin A derivatives that speed cell turnover.
Retinol

Vitamin E1
Tocopherols — fat-soluble antioxidants.
Tocopherol
Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid)1
L-ascorbic acid, the unesterified form of vitamin C.
Ascorbic Acid
Vitamin C1
Vitamin C in any form: an antioxidant and brightener.
Ascorbic Acid
Ferulic acid1
A plant antioxidant that stabilises vitamins C and E.
Ferulic Acid

Hydrating4
Boosts hydration and relieves dry, tight skin.
Ethoxydiglycol, Glycerin, Propanediol, Tocopherol
Barrier Repair2
Strengthens and restores the skin's natural barrier.
Glycerin, Tocopherol
Reduces Irritation1
Eases discomfort and supports skin resilience.
Bisabolol
Redness Reducing1
Soothes visible redness and calms irritation.
Bisabolol

May Trigger Acne4
Can clog pores or trigger breakouts.
Glycine Soja Oil, Sorbitan Isostearate, Sorbitan Oleate, Tocopherol
May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis5
May feed the yeast involved in seborrheic dermatitis.
Glycine Soja Oil, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Sorbitan Isostearate, Sorbitan Oleate
May Worsen Keratosis Pilaris4
May clog follicles or strip skin prone to keratosis pilaris.
Glycine Soja Oil, Sorbitan Isostearate, Sorbitan Oleate, Tocopherol
May Worsen Oily Skin1
May increase shine or excess oil.
Glycine Soja Oil

May Trigger Acne1
Can clog pores or trigger breakouts.
Tocopherol
May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis2
May feed the yeast involved in seborrheic dermatitis.
PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, 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:

Water
Skin Conditioning
Glycerin (in both products)
Humectant
0 / 0
- Possibly animal-derived
- Hydrating
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
1 / 0
- Hydrating
Dibutyl Adipate
Emollient
1,2-Hexanediol (in both products)
Skin Conditioning
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
0 / 0
- Panthenol (provitamin B5)
- Barrier Repair
- Hydrating
- Reduces Irritation
Glycine Soja Oil
Emollient
3 / 0
- Plant oils and butters (coconut, olive, shea)
- Plant or mineral oil
- Barrier Repair
- May Trigger Acne
- May Worsen Keratosis Pilaris
- May Worsen Oily Skin
- May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis
Hydrogenated Lecithin
Emulsifying
- Fatty esters (glyceryl stearate, PEG-100 stearate)
- May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Occlusive
1 / 1
Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate
Emulsifying
- Fatty esters (glyceryl stearate, PEG-100 stearate)
- May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis

Aqua
Solvent
0 / —
Ascorbic Acid
Antioxidant
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid)
- Anti-Aging
- Anti-Pollution
- Antioxidant
- Brightening
- Dark Spots
- Even Tone
Dipropylene Glycol
Perfuming
0-1 / —
Propanediol
Viscosity Controlling
0-1 / —
- Hydrating
Glycerin (in both products)
Humectant
0 / 0
- Possibly animal-derived
- Hydrating
Ethoxydiglycol
Humectant
0 / 0
Sodium Hydroxide
Buffering
0 / —
PPG-26-BUTETH-26
Skin Conditioning
PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Cleansing
- Fatty esters (glyceryl stearate, PEG-100 stearate)
- May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis
Bisabolol
Skin Conditioning
- Redness Reducing
- Reduces Irritation

These ingredients are found in both products.

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

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 →
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning, Solvent
We don't have a description for 1,2-Hexanediol yet.
Learn more about 1,2-Hexanediol →
Tocopherol
Antioxidant, Fragrance, Skin Conditioning, Occlusive
Tocopherol is vitamin E.
Learn more about Tocopherol →