The Inkey List 15% Vitamin C + EGF Serum vs Paula's Choice 1% Retinol Booster

The Inkey List

Paula's Choice

A serum built around Vitamin C derivative and Vitamin C, for brightening and antioxidant protection.

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

Serum

13 ingredients

27 ingredients

Brand price

USD 20.00 · checked 26 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 EU-allergen-free, Oil-free and Vegan; those rows are shaded. Tap any answer to see why.

Vitamin C derivative (stable)1
Stable derivatives of ascorbic acid.
Ascorbyl Glucoside
Vitamin C1
Vitamin C in any form: an antioxidant and brightener.
Ascorbyl Glucoside

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

Hydrating1
Boosts hydration and relieves dry, tight skin.
Butylene Glycol
Brightening2
Restores radiance to dull, tired skin.
Ascorbyl Glucoside, Phytic Acid
Dark Spots1
Fades dark spots for a more even tone.
Ascorbyl Glucoside
Exfoliating1
Lifts dead surface cells to smooth texture.
Phytic 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 Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis1
May feed the yeast involved in seborrheic dermatitis.
PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
May Worsen Irritation1
May cause stinging, redness or sensitivity.
Benzyl Alcohol
May Worsen Eczema1
May worsen itching or irritation for eczema-prone skin.
Benzyl Alcohol

Show highlights for:

Aqua
Solvent
0 / —
Ascorbyl Glucoside
Antioxidant
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin C derivative (stable)
- Antioxidant
- Brightening
- Dark Spots
Sodium Hydroxide
Buffering
0 / —
PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Cleansing
- Fatty esters (glyceryl stearate, PEG-100 stearate)
- May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis
Phenoxyethanol (in both products)
Preservative
0 / —
Benzyl Alcohol
Preservative
- EU labelled fragrance allergen
- May Worsen Eczema
- May Worsen Irritation
Butylene Glycol (in both products)
Humectant
1 / 0
- Hydrating
Xanthan Gum (in both products)
Cleansing
0-1 / —
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Metabisulfite
Preservative

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 →
Butylene Glycol
Fragrance, Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Solvent, Viscosity Controlling
Butane-1,3-diol (CAS No. 107-88-0/ EC No. 203-529-7) (R)-(-)-butane-1,3-diol” (CAS No. 6290-03-5/ EC No. 228-532-0)
Learn more about Butylene Glycol →
Xanthan Gum
Binding, Emulsion Stabilising, Gel Forming, Skin Conditioning, Cleansing, Emulsifying, Viscosity Controlling
Xanthan gum
Learn more about Xanthan Gum →