Pilgrim Salicylic Acid & Niacinamide Oil Control Serum vs Paula's Choice 1% Retinol Booster

Pilgrim

Paula's Choice

A serum built around Niacinamide and BHA, for hydration and barrier repair.

A serum built around Retinoid and Ceramide, for barrier repair and hydration.

Serum

25 ingredients

27 ingredients

Brand price

INR 305.00 · checked 5 Oct 2026 · brand's site

Brand price

USD 55.00 · checked 8 Oct 2026 · brand's site

No retailer listed yet

Brand from India

Brand country not recorded

At a Glance

They come out differently on Fragrance-free, Fungal-acne-safe, Oil-free and Vegan; those rows are shaded. Tap any answer to see why.

Vitamin E1
Tocopherols — fat-soluble antioxidants.
Tocopheryl Acetate
Panthenol (provitamin B5)1
Provitamin B5 — a humectant and soother.
Panthenol
BHA1
Beta hydroxy acid — oil-soluble, so it works inside the pore.
Salicylic Acid
Lactic acid1
An AHA that also acts as a humectant.
Sodium Lactate

Ceramide1
Skin-identical lipids that hold the barrier together.
Ceramide NP
Colloidal oatmeal1
Finely milled oat — an FDA-recognised skin protectant.
Avena Sativa Kernel Extract
Polysorbates (Tween emulsifiers)1
Polysorbate (Tween) emulsifiers.
Polysorbate 20
Retinoid1
Vitamin A derivatives that speed cell turnover.
Retinol

Hydrating7
Boosts hydration and relieves dry, tight skin.
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Betaine, Hydroxyethyl Urea, Panthenol, Propanediol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Lactate
Barrier Repair6
Strengthens and restores the skin's natural barrier.
Allantoin, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Betaine, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil, Niacinamide, Panthenol
Reduces Irritation2
Eases discomfort and supports skin resilience.
Allantoin, Panthenol
Redness Reducing2
Soothes visible redness and calms irritation.
Allantoin, Niacinamide

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
Redness Reducing1
Soothes visible redness and calms irritation.
Allantoin

May Worsen Irritation1
May cause stinging, redness or sensitivity.
Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil
May Worsen Eczema1
May worsen itching or irritation for eczema-prone skin.
Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil
May Worsen Rosacea1
Can trigger flare-ups in rosacea-prone skin.
Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil

Show highlights for:

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 →
Xanthan Gum
Binding, Emulsion Stabilising, Gel Forming, Skin Conditioning, Cleansing, Emulsifying, Viscosity Controlling
Xanthan gum
Learn more about Xanthan Gum →
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Soothing
Urea, (2,5-dioxo-4-imidazolidinyl)-
Learn more about Allantoin →