Paula's Choice
Intensive Wrinkle-Repair Retinol SerumPaula's Choice
10% Niacinamide BoosterA serum built around Vitamin C derivative and Vitamin C, for barrier repair and smoothing.
A serum built around Niacinamide and Vitamin C derivative, for hydration and barrier repair.
Brand price
USD 47.20 · checked 8 Oct 2026 · brand's site
Brand price
USD 53.00 · checked 8 Oct 2026 · brand's site

At a Glance

They come out differently on Silicone-free, Pore-clogger-free, 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.
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Dimethiconol, Phenyl Trimethicone, Squalane, Tocopherol
Barrier Repair12
Strengthens and restores the skin's natural barrier.
Avena Sativa Kernel Extract, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Caprylyl Glycol, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Dimethiconol, Elaeis Guineensis Oil, Lecithin, Neopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate, Phenyl Trimethicone, Squalane, Tocopherol
Reduces Irritation3
Eases discomfort and supports skin resilience.
Avena Sativa Kernel Extract, Bisabolol, Stearyl Glycyrrhetinate
Hydrating7
Boosts hydration and relieves dry, tight skin.
Acetyl Glucosamine, Beta-Glucan, Butylene Glycol, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Glycerin, Panthenol, Sodium Hyaluronate
Barrier Repair7
Strengthens and restores the skin's natural barrier.
Allantoin, Boerhavia Diffusa Root Extract, Caprylyl Glycol, Glycerin, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Niacinamide, Panthenol
Reduces Irritation5
Eases discomfort and supports skin resilience.
Allantoin, Beta-Glucan, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Panthenol
Redness Reducing3
Soothes visible redness and calms irritation.

Concerns

May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis4
May feed the yeast involved in seborrheic dermatitis.
Elaeis Guineensis Oil, Lecithin, Stearyl Glycyrrhetinate, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
May Worsen Keratosis Pilaris2
May clog follicles or strip skin prone to keratosis pilaris.
May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis3
May feed the yeast involved in seborrheic dermatitis.

Ingredients Side-by-side

Emollient
Emollient
Antioxidant
- Fatty alcohols (Malassezia)
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin C derivative (stable)
- Antioxidant
- Brightening
- Dark Spots
- May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis
Skin Conditioning
- Retinoid
- Acne Fighting
- Anti-Aging
- Dark Spots
- Firming
- Oil Control
- Pore Refining
- Smoothing
Skin Conditioning
Smoothing
0 / —
- Niacinamide
- Acne Fighting
- Barrier Repair
- Brightening
- Dark Spots
- Even Tone
- Oil Control
- Pore Refining
- Redness Reducing
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
Boerhavia Diffusa Root Extract
Skin Protecting
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Caprylyl Glycol
Deodorant, Hair Conditioning, Skin Conditioning, Emollient
Caprylyl Glycol is the diol that conforms to the formula
Learn more about Caprylyl Glycol →Ethylhexylglycerin
Deodorant, Skin Conditioning
Ethylhexylglycerin is the organic compound that conforms to the formula
Learn more about Ethylhexylglycerin →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
Intensive Wrinkle-Repair Retinol Serum

Paula's Choice
Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum with Retinol
- View the comparison

Paula's Choice
10% Niacinamide Booster

Paula's Choice
Niacinamide 20% Treatment
- View the comparison

Paula's Choice
Intensive Wrinkle-Repair Retinol Serum

The Derma Co
0.3% Retinol Serum
- View the comparison

Paula's Choice
10% Niacinamide Booster

COSRX
The Niacinamide 15 Serum