SkinCeuticals Blemish + Age Defense Serum vs Paula's Choice 1% Retinol Booster

SkinCeuticals

Paula's Choice

A serum built around BHA and Salicylic acid, for smoothing and barrier repair.

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

Serum

19 ingredients

27 ingredients

Brand price

USD 115.00 · checked 28 Sept 2026 · brand's site

Brand price

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

No retailer listed yet

At a Glance

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

Vitamin E1
Tocopherols — fat-soluble antioxidants.
Tocopherol
AHA2
Alpha hydroxy acids — water-soluble chemical exfoliants.
Citric Acid, Glycolic Acid
BHA1
Beta hydroxy acid — oil-soluble, so it works inside the pore.
Salicylic Acid
Glycolic acid1
The smallest AHA, and so the most penetrating.
Glycolic Acid

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

Hydrating2
Boosts hydration and relieves dry, tight skin.
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Tocopherol
Barrier Repair3
Strengthens and restores the skin's natural barrier.
Diisopropyl Adipate, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Tocopherol
Anti-Aging1
Softens lines and helps skin look youthful.
Glycolic Acid
Smoothing5
Refines rough or uneven texture.
Citric Acid, Diisopropyl Adipate, Glycolic Acid, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Salicylic Acid

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 Trigger Acne1
Can clog pores or trigger breakouts.
Tocopherol
May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis1
May feed the yeast involved in seborrheic dermatitis.
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil
May Worsen Keratosis Pilaris1
May clog follicles or strip skin prone to keratosis pilaris.
Tocopherol
May Worsen Oily Skin1
May increase shine or excess oil.
Helianthus Annuus Seed 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.

Water
Antiplaque, Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Aqua (EU),Deionized Water,Distilled Water,Micromatrix Fractile AN,Onsen-Sui (JPN),Purified Water
Learn more about Water →

Each product against its closest dupes.