Biossance Squalane + Phyto-Retinol Serum Versus Paula's Choice Phytoestrogen Elasticity Renewal Serum
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe serums. They have a total of 6 ingredients in common
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin, scar healing and dark spots
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, parabens, silicones or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain fragrances and oils
We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that needs an update? Let us know.
Ingredient Info
Biossance Squalane + Phyto-Retinol Serum 21 ingredients
Paula's Choice Phytoestrogen Elasticity Renewal Serum 28 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Biossance Squalane + Phyto-Retinol Serum 21 ingredients
Paula's Choice Phytoestrogen Elasticity Renewal Serum 28 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningSqualane
Emollient
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Sodium Acrylates Copolymer
Bakuchiol
Antimicrobial
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Rosa Canina Fruit Oil
Emollient
Citrus Aurantium Amara Peel Oil
Skin Conditioning
Biosaccharide Gum-1
Skin ConditioningYeast Extract
Skin Conditioning
Soy Amino Acids
Skin ConditioningLecithin
EmollientHexylene Glycol
EmulsifyingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate
Citric Acid
Buffering
Linalool
Perfuming
Geraniol
Perfuming
Limonene
Perfuming
Water, Squalane, Niacinamide, Sodium Acrylates Copolymer, Bakuchiol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Rosa Canina Fruit Oil, Citrus Aurantium Amara Peel Oil, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Yeast Extract, Soy Amino Acids, Lecithin, Hexylene Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Caprylyl Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Citric Acid, Linalool, Geraniol, Limonene
Water
Skin ConditioningCyclodextrin
AbsorbentGlycerin
Humectant
Coco-Caprylate
Emollient
Squalane
Emollient
Saccharide Isomerate
HumectantPropanediol
SolventSodium Acrylates Copolymer
Hydrogenated Polydecene
EmollientGlycine Soja Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningEquol
Antioxidant
Resveratrol
Antioxidant
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingCetyl Alcohol
Emollient
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Daidzein
Skin ConditioningGenistein
Skin ConditioningLinum Usitatissimum Seed Oil
Perfuming
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil
Emollient
Phospholipids
Skin ConditioningPolyglyceryl-10 Stearate
Skin Conditioning
Citric Acid
Buffering
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningGlycine Soja Oil
Emollient
Engelhardtia Chrysolepis Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Phytate
Sodium Citrate
BufferingPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Water, Cyclodextrin, Glycerin, Coco-Caprylate, Squalane, Saccharide Isomerate, Propanediol, Sodium Acrylates Copolymer, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Glycine Soja Seed Extract, Equol, Resveratrol, Xanthan Gum, Cetyl Alcohol, Tocopherol, Daidzein, Genistein, Linum Usitatissimum Seed Oil, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Phospholipids, Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate, Citric Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Glycine Soja Oil, Engelhardtia Chrysolepis Leaf Extract, Sodium Phytate, Sodium Citrate, Phenoxyethanol
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Water. It's the most common cosmetic ingredient of all. You'll usually see it at the top of ingredient lists, meaning that it makes up the largest part of the product.
So why is it so popular? Water most often acts as a solvent - this means that it helps dissolve other ingredients into the formulation.
You'll also recognize water as that liquid we all need to stay alive. If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about WaterSqualane is an emollient that helps the skin hold onto moisture. It's an oily liquid that occurs naturally in certain types of fish and plant oils.
Because squalane boosts hydration in the skin, it also comes with plenty of benefits: it is an antioxidant and can help fight free radicals and skin damage. Squalane is also found to have a detoxifying effect when applied.
Squalane comes from squalene, which occurs naturally within the sebum of our skin. It is one of the oils our skin produces to keep itself hydrated. Squalane is the hydrogenated version of squalene and has a longer shelf life.
Research shows that squalane is non-irritating (even at 100% concentration).
In general, it's a fantastic ingredient. It does a great job at hydrating the skin, and it's suitable for those with sensitive skin.
The source of squalane may impact malassezia / fungal acne. This is because olive oil derived squalane can contain impurities such as fatty acids and plant waxes. Sugarcane derived squalane is recommended for anyone with malassezia concerns.
Is squalane vegan?
This depends on the source. Squalane can be derived from both plants and animals. Most squalane used in skincare comes from plants.
Please note: the source of squalane is only known if disclosed by the brand. We recommend reaching out to the brand if you have any questions about their squalane.
Read more about squalene with an "e".
Learn more about SqualaneWe don't have a description for Sodium Acrylates Copolymer yet.
Ethylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.
You might see Ethylhexylglycerin often paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol. Ethylhexylglycerin has been found to increase the effectiveness of these other preservatives.
Phenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent microbial growth. By itself, it has a scent that is similar to that of a rose.
It's often used in formulations along with Caprylyl Glycol to preserve the shelf life of products.
Citric Acid is an AHA derived from citrus fruits (think oranges, lemons, and limes!).
As an AHA, Citric Acid removes the top layer of skin cells from the newer layer of skin underneath. This helps skin to remove dark spots and even out skin tone.
If you spot Citric Acid near the end of an ingredient list, it's likely there as a pH adjuster rather than an active ingredient.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Citric AcidIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Biossance Squalane + Phyto-Retinol Serum 21 ingredients
Paula's Choice Phytoestrogen Elasticity Renewal Serum 28 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Biossance Squalane + Phyto-Retinol Serum 21 ingredients
Worked wonders on my eye lines, but too expensive.
