Paula's Choice 7% Ectoin + Hyaluronic Acid Milky Hydrating Serum vs Dr.Althea 0.1 Gentle Retinol Serum

Paula's Choice

Dr.Althea

A serum built around Hyaluronic acid and Vitamin E, for barrier repair and smoothing.

A serum built around Panthenol and Retinoid, for barrier repair and smoothing.

Serum

27 ingredients

32 ingredients

Brand price

USD 44.00 · checked 8 Oct 2026 · brand's site

Brand price

USD 23.90 · checked 26 Sept 2026 · brand's site

No retailer listed yet

Brand country not recorded

Brand from South Korea

At a Glance

They come out differently on Cruelty-free; that row is shaded. Tap any answer to see why.

Face oil2
An oil formulated to be used on the face.
Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Squalane
Vitamin E1
Tocopherols — fat-soluble antioxidants.
Tocopherol
AHA1
Alpha hydroxy acids — water-soluble chemical exfoliants.
Citric Acid
Hyaluronic acid1
Hyaluronic acid and its salts; a humectant that binds water to the skin.
Sodium Hyaluronate

Vitamin E1
Tocopherols — fat-soluble antioxidants.
Tocopherol
Bakuchiol1
A plant-derived ingredient studied as a retinol alternative.
Bakuchiol
Panthenol (provitamin B5)1
Provitamin B5 — a humectant and soother.
Panthenol
Retinoid1
Vitamin A derivatives that speed cell turnover.
Retinol

May Trigger Acne4
Can clog pores or trigger breakouts.
Glycine Soja Oil, Sorbitan Isostearate, Sorbitan Oleate, Tocopherol
May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis5
May feed the yeast involved in seborrheic dermatitis.
Glycine Soja Oil, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Sorbitan Isostearate, Sorbitan Oleate
May Worsen Keratosis Pilaris4
May clog follicles or strip skin prone to keratosis pilaris.
Glycine Soja Oil, Sorbitan Isostearate, Sorbitan Oleate, Tocopherol
May Worsen Oily Skin1
May increase shine or excess oil.
Glycine Soja Oil

Show highlights for:

Aqua
Solvent
0 / —
Ectoin
Skin Conditioning
0 / —
- Hydrating
Isopentyldiol
Solvent
0-1 / —
Triethylhexanoin
Skin Conditioning
Diisopropyl Adipate
Emollient
0 / 0
Isoamyl Laurate
Emollient
- Fatty esters (glyceryl stearate, PEG-100 stearate)
- May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis
Dicaprylyl Carbonate
Emollient
Undecane
Emollient
Polyglyceryl-4 Oleate
Emulsifying
- Fatty esters (glyceryl stearate, PEG-100 stearate)
- May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis
Squalane
Emollient
1 / 0
- Face oil
- Barrier Repair
- Hydrating
- May Worsen Oily Skin

Water
Skin Conditioning
Glycerin
Humectant
0 / 0
- Possibly animal-derived
- Hydrating
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
1 / 0
- Hydrating
Dibutyl Adipate
Emollient
1,2-Hexanediol (in both products)
Skin Conditioning
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
0 / 0
- Panthenol (provitamin B5)
- Barrier Repair
- Hydrating
- Reduces Irritation
Glycine Soja Oil
Emollient
3 / 0
- Plant oils and butters (coconut, olive, shea)
- Plant or mineral oil
- Barrier Repair
- May Trigger Acne
- May Worsen Keratosis Pilaris
- May Worsen Oily Skin
- May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis
Hydrogenated Lecithin
Emulsifying
- Fatty esters (glyceryl stearate, PEG-100 stearate)
- May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride (in both products)
Occlusive
1 / 1
Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate
Emulsifying
- Fatty esters (glyceryl stearate, PEG-100 stearate)
- 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.

1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning, Solvent
We don't have a description for 1,2-Hexanediol yet.
Learn more about 1,2-Hexanediol →
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Fragrance, Perfuming, Occlusive, Solvent
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride is the mixed triester of glycerin and caprylic and capric acids.
Learn more about Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride →
Tocopherol
Antioxidant, Fragrance, Skin Conditioning, Occlusive
Tocopherol is vitamin E.
Learn more about Tocopherol →