Paula's Choice
1% Retinol BoosterA serum built around Vitamin C derivative and Vitamin C, for hydration and smoothing.
A serum built around Retinoid and Ceramide, for barrier repair and hydration.
Brand price
USD 24.99 · checked 5 Oct 2026 · brand's site
Brand price
USD 55.00 · checked 8 Oct 2026 · brand's site

At a Glance

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

Key Ingredients

Hyaluronic acid1
Hyaluronic acid and its salts; a humectant that binds water to the skin.

Benefits

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

Concerns

May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis3
May feed the yeast involved in seborrheic dermatitis.
PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Polysorbate 20
May Worsen Irritation4
May cause stinging, redness or sensitivity.
May Worsen Eczema4
May worsen itching or irritation for eczema-prone skin.
May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis7
May feed the yeast involved in seborrheic dermatitis.
Carthamus Tinctorius Seed Oil, Ceramide NP, Ethylhexyl Olivate, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Polysorbate 20

Ingredients Side-by-side

Polysorbate 20 (in both products)
Cleansing
0 / 0
- Fatty esters (glyceryl stearate, PEG-100 stearate)
- Polysorbates (Tween emulsifiers)
- May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Crosspolymer
Emulsion Stabilising
Skin Conditioning
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
Skin Conditioning
Polysorbate 20 (in both products)
Cleansing
0 / 0
- Fatty esters (glyceryl stearate, PEG-100 stearate)
- Polysorbates (Tween emulsifiers)
- May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis
Skin Conditioning
- Retinoid
- Acne Fighting
- Anti-Aging
- Dark Spots
- Firming
- Oil Control
- Pore Refining
- Smoothing
Glycyrrhiza Glabra
Skin Conditioning
- Ceramide
- Fatty esters (glyceryl stearate, PEG-100 stearate)
- Barrier Repair
- Hydrating
- May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis
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 →Polysorbate 20
Cleansing, Emulsifying
Polysorbate 20 isn't fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Polysorbate 20 →Allantoin
Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Soothing
Urea, (2,5-dioxo-4-imidazolidinyl)-
Learn more about Allantoin →Xanthan Gum
Binding, Emulsion Stabilising, Gel Forming, Skin Conditioning, Cleansing, Emulsifying, Viscosity Controlling
Xanthan gum
Learn more about Xanthan Gum →
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