Paula's Choice
1% Retinol BoosterThe Ordinary
Aloe 2% + NAG 2% SolutionA serum built around Retinoid and Ceramide, for barrier repair and hydration.
A serum built around Lactic acid and AHA, for hydration and smoothing.
Brand price
USD 55.00 · checked 8 Oct 2026 · brand's site
Brand price
USD 13.05 · checked 25 Sept 2026 · brand's site
At a Glance
They come out differently on Oil-free and Vegan; those rows are shaded. Tap any answer to see why.
Key Ingredients
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
Hydrating5
Boosts hydration and relieves dry, tight skin.
Acetyl Glucosamine, Glycerin, Lactic Acid, Propanediol, Sodium Lactate
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 Dermatitis3
May feed the yeast involved in seborrheic dermatitis.
Ingredients Side-by-side
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
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder
Skin Conditioning
Skin Conditioning
- Fatty alcohols (Malassezia)
- Dark Spots
- Hydrating
- May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis
Skin Conditioning
- Fatty esters (glyceryl stearate, PEG-100 stearate)
- 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.
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 →
Similar Comparisons
Each product against its closest dupes.
- View the comparison
Paula's Choice
1% Retinol Booster
Paula's Choice
1% Retinol Treatment
- View the comparison
The Ordinary
Aloe 2% + NAG 2% Solution
The Ordinary
Balancing & Clarifying Serum
- View the comparison
Paula's Choice
1% Retinol Booster
Isntree
Hyper Retinol EX 1.0 Serum
- View the comparison
The Ordinary
Aloe 2% + NAG 2% Solution
The Ordinary
Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (Original Formulation)