La Roche-Posay Effaclar Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment Serum vs Paula's Choice 1% Retinol Booster

La Roche-Posay

Paula's Choice

A serum built around AHA and Glycolic acid, for smoothing and brightening.

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

Serum

20 ingredients

27 ingredients

Brand price

USD 44.99 · checked 25 Sept 2026 · brand's site

Brand price

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

No retailer listed yet

Brand from France

Brand country not recorded

At a Glance

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

AHA2
Alpha hydroxy acids — water-soluble chemical exfoliants.
Citric Acid, Glycolic Acid
Glycolic acid1
The smallest AHA, and so the most penetrating.
Glycolic Acid
Niacinamide1
Vitamin B3 — supports the barrier and evens tone.
Niacinamide

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

Hydrating1
Boosts hydration and relieves dry, tight skin.
Propanediol
Barrier Repair1
Strengthens and restores the skin's natural barrier.
Niacinamide
Redness Reducing1
Soothes visible redness and calms irritation.
Niacinamide
Anti-Aging1
Softens lines and helps skin look youthful.
Glycolic Acid

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 Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis3
May feed the yeast involved in seborrheic dermatitis.
PEG-30 Glyceryl Cocoate, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
May Worsen Irritation2
May cause stinging, redness or sensitivity.
Alcohol Denat., Fragrance
May Worsen Eczema2
May worsen itching or irritation for eczema-prone skin.
Alcohol Denat., Fragrance
May Worsen Rosacea2
Can trigger flare-ups in rosacea-prone skin.
Alcohol Denat., Fragrance

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 →

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