Minimalist Vitamin C 10% Face Serum vs Paula's Choice 1% Retinol Booster

Minimalist

Paula's Choice

A serum built around Centella asiatica and Vitamin C derivative, for hydration and barrier repair.

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

Serum

22 ingredients

27 ingredients

Brand price

INR 285.00 · checked 26 Sept 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 Oil-free; that row is shaded. Tap any answer to see why.

PHA1
Polyhydroxy acids — larger and milder than AHAs.
Gluconolactone
Vitamin C derivative (stable)1
Stable derivatives of ascorbic acid.
3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
Centella asiatica (Cica)1
Centella asiatica (cica), used to calm irritation.
Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract
AHA1
Alpha hydroxy acids — water-soluble chemical exfoliants.
Citric 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

Hydrating5
Boosts hydration and relieves dry, tight skin.
Acetyl Glucosamine, Ethoxydiglycol, Gluconolactone, Glycerin, Sodium Hyaluronate
Barrier Repair2
Strengthens and restores the skin's natural barrier.
Glycerin, Lecithin
Reduces Irritation1
Eases discomfort and supports skin resilience.
Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract
Redness Reducing1
Soothes visible redness and calms irritation.
Centella Asiatica Leaf 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 Dermatitis2
May feed the yeast involved in seborrheic dermatitis.
Acetyl Glucosamine, Lecithin

Show highlights for:

Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract
Skin Conditioning
- Centella asiatica (Cica)
- Redness Reducing
- Reduces Irritation
3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
Skin Conditioning
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin C derivative (stable)
- Antioxidant
- Brightening
- Dark Spots
Dimethyl Isosorbide
Viscosity Controlling
0 / —
Ethoxydiglycol
Humectant
0 / 0
Glycerin (in both products)
Humectant
0 / 0
- Possibly animal-derived
- Hydrating
Sodium Gluconate
Skin Conditioning
Acetyl Glucosamine
Skin Conditioning
- Fatty alcohols (Malassezia)
- Dark Spots
- Hydrating
- May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis
Gluconolactone
Skin Conditioning
- PHA
- Exfoliating
- Hydrating
Citric Acid
Buffering
0 / —
- AHA
- Exfoliating
- Smoothing
Pentylene Glycol
Skin Conditioning
0-1 / —

Water
Skin Conditioning
Glycerin (in both products)
Humectant
0 / 0
- Possibly animal-derived
- Hydrating
Carthamus Tinctorius Seed Oil
Skin Conditioning
0 / 0
- Plant oils and butters (coconut, olive, shea)
- Plant or mineral oil
- Barrier Repair
- May Worsen Oily Skin
- May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis
Polyglyceryl-10 Caprylate/Caprate
Cleansing
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
1 / 0
- Hydrating
Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract
Skin Conditioning
Polysorbate 20
Cleansing
0 / 0
- Fatty esters (glyceryl stearate, PEG-100 stearate)
- Polysorbates (Tween emulsifiers)
- May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis
Retinol
Skin Conditioning
- Retinoid
- Acne Fighting
- Anti-Aging
- Dark Spots
- Firming
- Oil Control
- Pore Refining
- Smoothing
Glycyrrhiza Glabra
Ceramide NP
Skin Conditioning
- Ceramide
- Fatty esters (glyceryl stearate, PEG-100 stearate)
- Barrier Repair
- Hydrating
- May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis

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 →
Xanthan Gum
Binding, Emulsion Stabilising, Gel Forming, Skin Conditioning, Cleansing, Emulsifying, Viscosity Controlling
Xanthan gum
Learn more about Xanthan Gum →
Phenoxyethanol
Antimicrobial, Preservative
Phenoxyethanol is the aromatic ether alcohol that conforms to the formula:
Learn more about Phenoxyethanol →