Paula's Choice
1% Retinol BoosterA serum built around Bakuchiol and AHA, for barrier repair and smoothing.
A serum built around Retinoid and Ceramide, for barrier repair and hydration.
Brand price
USD 58.00 · checked 8 Oct 2026 · brand's site
Brand price
USD 55.00 · checked 8 Oct 2026 · brand's site

At a Glance

They come out differently on Pore-clogger-free; that row is shaded. Tap any answer to see why.

Key Ingredients


Benefits

Hydrating8
Boosts hydration and relieves dry, tight skin.
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Gluconolactone, Glycerin, Lactic Acid, Propanediol, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Squalane, Tocopherol
Barrier Repair11
Strengthens and restores the skin's natural barrier.
Bakuchiol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Caprylyl Glycol, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Diisopropyl Adipate, Glycerin, Isoamyl Laurate, Lecithin, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Squalane, Tocopherol
Smoothing10
Refines rough or uneven texture.
Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide, Bakuchiol, Caprylyl Glycol, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Diisopropyl Adipate, Isoamyl Laurate, Lactic Acid, Lecithin, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Squalane
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

Concerns

May Trigger Acne3
Can clog pores or trigger breakouts.
Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Tocopherol
May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis9
May feed the yeast involved in seborrheic dermatitis.
Hydrogenated Phosphatidylcholine, Isoamyl Laurate, Lecithin, Lysolecithin, Polyglyceryl-2 Dipolyhydroxystearate, Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate, Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Stearalkonium Hectorite
May Worsen Keratosis Pilaris3
May clog follicles or strip skin prone to keratosis pilaris.
Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Tocopherol
May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis7
May feed the yeast involved in seborrheic dermatitis.
Carthamus Tinctorius Seed Oil, Ceramide NP, Ethylhexyl Olivate, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Polysorbate 20

Ingredients Side-by-side

Emollient
Polyglyceryl-2 Dipolyhydroxystearate
Skin Conditioning
- Fatty esters (glyceryl stearate, PEG-100 stearate)
- May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis
Emollient
- Fatty esters (glyceryl stearate, PEG-100 stearate)
- May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis
Skin Conditioning
Emollient
0-2 / 0
- Face oil
- Plant oils and butters (coconut, olive, shea)
- Plant or mineral oil
- Barrier Repair
- Hydrating
- May Trigger Acne
- May Worsen Keratosis Pilaris
- May Worsen Oily Skin
- May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis
Skin Conditioning
Skin Conditioning
0 / 0
- Plant oils and butters (coconut, olive, shea)
- Plant or mineral oil
- Barrier Repair
- May Worsen Oily Skin
- May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis
Polyglyceryl-10 Caprylate/Caprate
Cleansing
Skin Conditioning
Cleansing
0 / 0
- Fatty esters (glyceryl stearate, PEG-100 stearate)
- Polysorbates (Tween emulsifiers)
- May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis
Skin Conditioning
- Retinoid
- Acne Fighting
- Anti-Aging
- Dark Spots
- Firming
- Oil Control
- Pore Refining
- Smoothing
Glycyrrhiza Glabra
Skin Conditioning
- Ceramide
- Fatty esters (glyceryl stearate, PEG-100 stearate)
- Barrier Repair
- Hydrating
- May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Glycerin
Denaturant, Fragrance, Hair Conditioning, Humectant, Oral Care, Perfuming, Humectant, Skin Protecting, Solvent, Viscosity Controlling
Glycerin may be plant, synthetic or animal depending on the supplier.
Learn more about Glycerin →Caprylyl Glycol
Deodorant, Hair Conditioning, Skin Conditioning, Emollient
Caprylyl Glycol is the diol that conforms to the formula
Learn more about Caprylyl Glycol →Phenoxyethanol
Antimicrobial, Preservative
Phenoxyethanol is the aromatic ether alcohol that conforms to the formula:
Learn more about Phenoxyethanol →
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