Paula's Choice Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum with Retinol vs The Derma Co 1% Kojic + Arbutin Night Repair Face Serum-Gel

Paula's Choice

The Derma Co

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

A serum built around Alpha arbutin, for hydration and pollution defence.

Serum

24 ingredients

15 ingredients

Brand price

USD 31.20 · checked 8 Oct 2026 · brand's site

Brand price

INR 599.00 · checked 28 Sept 2026 · brand's site

No retailer listed yet

Brand country not recorded

Brand from India

At a Glance

They come out differently on Silicone-free, Pore-clogger-free and Oil-free; those rows are shaded. Tap any answer to see why.

Vitamin E1
Tocopherols — fat-soluble antioxidants.
Tocopheryl Acetate
Vitamin C derivative (stable)1
Stable derivatives of ascorbic acid.
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
Retinoid2
Vitamin A derivatives that speed cell turnover.
Retinol, Retinyl Palmitate
Vitamin C1
Vitamin C in any form: an antioxidant and brightener.
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate

Alpha arbutin1
A gentler glycosylated relative of hydroquinone.
Alpha-Arbutin
Kojic acid1
A fungal-derived tyrosinase inhibitor used on pigmentation.
Kojic Dipalmitate

Hydrating2
Boosts hydration and relieves dry, tight skin.
Glycerin, Propanediol
Barrier Repair2
Strengthens and restores the skin's natural barrier.
Glycerin, Kojic Dipalmitate
Smoothing1
Refines rough or uneven texture.
Kojic Dipalmitate
Brightening2
Restores radiance to dull, tired skin.
Alpha-Arbutin, Kojic Dipalmitate

May Trigger Acne2
Can clog pores or trigger breakouts.
Glycine Soja Oil, Retinyl Palmitate
May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis3
May feed the yeast involved in seborrheic dermatitis.
Glycine Soja Oil, Retinyl Palmitate, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
May Worsen Keratosis Pilaris2
May clog follicles or strip skin prone to keratosis pilaris.
Glycine Soja Oil, Retinyl Palmitate
May Worsen Oily Skin1
May increase shine or excess oil.
Glycine Soja Oil

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

Show highlights for:

Aqua
Solvent
0 / —
Glycerin
Humectant
0 / 0
- Possibly animal-derived
- Hydrating
Propanediol
Viscosity Controlling
0-1 / —
- Hydrating
Sodium Acrylates Crosspolymer-2
Absorbent
0-1 / —
Alpha-Arbutin
Antioxidant
- Alpha arbutin
- Brightening
- Dark Spots
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion Stabilising
C15-19 Alkane
Solvent
Kojic Dipalmitate
Emollient
- Fatty esters (glyceryl stearate, PEG-100 stearate)
- Kojic acid
- Brightening
- Dark Spots
- May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin Conditioning
CI 77163
Colorant
0-1 / —

These ingredients are found in both products.

Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.

Phenoxyethanol
Antimicrobial, Preservative
Phenoxyethanol is the aromatic ether alcohol that conforms to the formula:
Learn more about Phenoxyethanol →

Each product against its closest dupes.