Mamaearth Tea Tree Face Serum for Acne and Pimples vs Paula's Choice 1% Retinol Booster

Mamaearth

Paula's Choice

A serum built around BHA and Salicylic acid, for smoothing and hydration.

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

Serum

13 ingredients

27 ingredients

Brand price

INR 599.00 · checked 6 Oct 2026 · brand's site

Brand price

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

No retailer listed yet

Brand from India

Brand country not recorded

At a Glance

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

Polysorbates (Tween emulsifiers)1
Polysorbate (Tween) emulsifiers.
Polysorbate 20
BHA1
Beta hydroxy acid — oil-soluble, so it works inside the pore.
Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acid1
The BHA used in acne treatment.
Salicylic 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

Hydrating1
Boosts hydration and relieves dry, tight skin.
Ethoxydiglycol
Barrier Repair2
Strengthens and restores the skin's natural barrier.
Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil
Reduces Irritation1
Eases discomfort and supports skin resilience.
Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
Redness Reducing1
Soothes visible redness and calms irritation.
Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root 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 Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis1
May feed the yeast involved in seborrheic dermatitis.
Polysorbate 20
May Worsen Irritation2
May cause stinging, redness or sensitivity.
Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil, Parfum
May Worsen Eczema2
May worsen itching or irritation for eczema-prone skin.
Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil, Parfum
May Worsen Rosacea2
Can trigger flare-ups in rosacea-prone skin.
Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil, Parfum

Show highlights for:

Aqua
Solvent
0 / —
Methylpropanediol
Solvent
0-1 / —
Ethoxydiglycol
Humectant
0 / 0
Polysorbate 20 (in both products)
Cleansing
0 / 0
- Fatty esters (glyceryl stearate, PEG-100 stearate)
- Polysorbates (Tween emulsifiers)
- May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis
Salicylic Acid
Preservative
- BHA
- Salicylic acid
- Acne Fighting
- Exfoliating
- Oil Control
- Pore Refining
Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
Emollient
- Brightening
- Redness Reducing
- Reduces Irritation
Hydroxyethylcellulose
Light Stabilizer
0-1 / —
Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil
Antioxidant
- Fragrant essential oil (sensitizer)
- Acne Fighting
- May Worsen Eczema
- May Worsen Irritation
- May Worsen Rosacea
Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Chelating
Sodium Benzoate
Preservative

These ingredients are found in both products.

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

Polysorbate 20
Cleansing, Emulsifying
Polysorbate 20 isn't fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Polysorbate 20 →

Each product against its closest dupes.