Timeless 20% Vitamin C + E Ferulic Acid Serum vs Paula's Choice 1% Retinol Booster

Timeless

Paula's Choice

A serum built around Vitamin C and Vitamin C, for hydration and barrier repair.

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

Serum

11 ingredients

27 ingredients

Brand price

USD 27.95 · checked 8 Oct 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, Pore-clogger-free, Oil-free and Vegan; those rows are shaded. Tap any answer to see why.

Vitamin E1
Tocopherols — fat-soluble antioxidants.
Tocopherol
Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid)1
L-ascorbic acid, the unesterified form of vitamin C.
Ascorbic Acid
Panthenol (provitamin B5)1
Provitamin B5 — a humectant and soother.
Panthenol
Polysorbates (Tween emulsifiers)1
Polysorbate (Tween) emulsifiers.
Polysorbate 80

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

Hydrating5
Boosts hydration and relieves dry, tight skin.
Ethoxydiglycol, Panthenol, Propylene Glycol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tocopherol
Barrier Repair3
Strengthens and restores the skin's natural barrier.
Panthenol, Propylene Glycol, Tocopherol
Reduces Irritation1
Eases discomfort and supports skin resilience.
Panthenol
Anti-Aging1
Softens lines and helps skin look youthful.
Ascorbic 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.
Polysorbate 80
May Worsen Keratosis Pilaris1
May clog follicles or strip skin prone to keratosis pilaris.
Tocopherol
May Worsen Irritation2
May cause stinging, redness or sensitivity.
Benzyl Alcohol, Tocopherol

Show highlights for:

Water (in both products)
Skin Conditioning
Ethoxydiglycol
Humectant
0 / 0
Ascorbic Acid
Antioxidant
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid)
- Anti-Aging
- Anti-Pollution
- Antioxidant
- Brightening
- Dark Spots
- Even Tone
Propylene Glycol
Humectant
0 / 0
Tocopherol
Occlusive
0-3 / 3
- Vitamin E
- Anti-Pollution
- Antioxidant
- May Trigger Acne
- May Worsen Irritation
- May Worsen Keratosis Pilaris
Polysorbate 80
Cleansing
0 / 0
- Fatty esters (glyceryl stearate, PEG-100 stearate)
- Polysorbates (Tween emulsifiers)
- May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
0 / 0
- Panthenol (provitamin B5)
- Barrier Repair
- Hydrating
- Reduces Irritation
Ferulic Acid
Antioxidant
- Ferulic acid
- Antioxidant
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
0 / 0
- Hyaluronic acid
- Hydrating
Benzyl Alcohol
Preservative
- EU labelled fragrance allergen
- May Worsen Eczema
- May Worsen Irritation

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 →

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