Paula's Choice
1% Retinol BoosterA serum built around Retinoid and Ceramide, for barrier repair and hydration.
A serum built around Hyaluronic acid and Copper peptides, for hydration and barrier repair.
Brand price
USD 55.00 · checked 8 Oct 2026 · brand's site
Brand price
USD 32.99 · checked 8 Oct 2026 · brand's site

At a Glance

They come out differently on Silicone-free and Oil-free; 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.
Copper peptides2
Copper-bound peptides studied for repair and firmness.

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
Hydrating10
Boosts hydration and relieves dry, tight skin.
Bis-Peg-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane, Butylene Glycol, Fructooligosaccharides, Glycerin, Lactic Acid, PEG-8, Potassium Lactate, Propanediol, Saccharide Isomerate, Sodium Hyaluronate
Barrier Repair4
Strengthens and restores the skin's natural barrier.
Bis-Peg-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane, Copper Gluconate, Glycerin, Silica Dimethyl Silylate

Concerns

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
May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis1
May feed the yeast involved in seborrheic dermatitis.

Ingredients Side-by-side

Water (in both products)
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
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
Water (in both products)
Skin Conditioning
Cleansing
- Fatty acids (stearic, oleic, lauric)
- Fatty esters (glyceryl stearate, PEG-100 stearate)
- Possibly animal-derived
- May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis
Cleansing
Humectant
Ingredients Explained
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 →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 →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 →
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