Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of Dr. Denese SkinScience Hemp Super Serum versus Paula's Choice 1% Retinol Treatment US .
Last updated on March 20, 2024. Published on February 02, 2023
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe . They have a total of 11 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain ceramides, peptides, retinoid, Vitamin C and Vitamin E
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin, oily skin, reducing pores, scar healing, dark spots and better texture
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, fragrances, parabens or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain oils and silicones
We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that need an update? Let us know.
Serum
Serums are highly concentrated with ingredients to provide skin with benefits. They should be used after cleansing and before moisturizing.
Facial Treatment
Facial treatments are specially designed to treat a skin concern. Acne treatments and anti-aging products are common examples of facial treatments.
Ingredient Info
Dr. Denese SkinScience Hemp Super Serum 26 ingredients
Paula's Choice 1% Retinol Treatment 53 ingredients
Alcohol Free
This product is free of harsh alcohols 🎉
Contains Silicon
Ingredients in this product that are types of silicon:
Fragrance Free
This product is free of fragrances 🎉
Sulfate Free
This product is free of sulfates 🎉
Paraben Free
This product is free of parabens 🎉
Contains Oils
Ingredients in this product that are types of oil:
Not Malassezia Safe
Ingredients in this product that are not malassezia safe:
Reef Safe
This product is free of ingredients that damage reefs 🎉
EU Allergen Free
This product is free of EU allergens 🎉
Non Vegan
This product is not vegan 😥
Cruelty Free
This product is cruelty-free 🎉
Alcohol Free
This product is free of harsh alcohols 🎉
Contains Silicon
Ingredients in this product that are types of silicon:
Fragrance Free
This product is free of fragrances 🎉
Sulfate Free
This product is free of sulfates 🎉
Paraben Free
This product is free of parabens 🎉
Contains Oils
Ingredients in this product that are types of oil:
Not Malassezia Safe
Ingredients in this product that are not malassezia safe:
Reef Safe
This product is free of ingredients that damage reefs 🎉
EU Allergen Free
This product is free of EU allergens 🎉
Vegan
This product is vegan 🎉
Cruelty Free
This product is cruelty-free 🎉
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Dr. Denese SkinScience Hemp Super Serum 26 ingredients
Paula's Choice 1% Retinol Treatment 53 ingredients
Notable Ingredients
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Benefits
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Concerns
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Notable Ingredients
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
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Benefits
This product contains 3 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
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This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 3 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 4 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
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Concerns
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
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Join SkinSortIngredients Compared
Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.
Dr. Denese SkinScience Hemp Super Serum 26 ingredients
Paula's Choice 1% Retinol Treatment 53 ingredients
Dimethicone • Cyclopentasiloxane • Caprylyl Methicone • Dimethicone Crosspolymer • Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil • Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate • Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate • Tocopheryl Acetate • Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12 • Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-14 • Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 • Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 • Melatonin • Ceramide Ng • Bisabolol • Zingiber Officinale Root Extract • Hydroxymethoxyphenyl Decanone • C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate • Polysilicone-11 • Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride • Sorbitan Laurate • C18-36 Acid Glycol Ester • C18-36 Acid Triglyceride • Tribehenin • Peg-10 Phytosterol • Dimethyl Isosorbide
Water • Dimethicone • Glycerin • Butylene Glycol • Isononyl Isononanoate • Castor Isostearate Succinate • Glyceryl Stearate • C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate • Dimethicone Crosspolymer • Peg-33 • Polysorbate 20 • Behenyl Alcohol • Peg-100 Stearate • Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate • Polymethylsilsesquioxane • Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate • Retinol • Ceramide Ng • Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 • Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12 • Sodium Hyaluronate • Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate • Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract • Avena Sativa Kernel Extract • Arctium Lappa Seed Oil • Salix Alba Extract • Glycine Soja Sterols • Lecithin • Allantoin • Tocopheryl Acetate • Hydrolyzed Soy Protein • Sorbitan Laurate • Acetyl Dipeptide-1 Cetyl Ester • Disodium EDTA • Hydroxyethylcellulose • Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 • Sodium Hydroxide • Tribehenin • Caprylyl Glycol • Ethylhexylglycerin • Pentylene Glycol • Peg-75 Shea Butter Glycerides • Ppg-12/Smdi Copolymer • Peg-10 Phytosterol • Peg-8 Dimethicone • Peg-14 • Magnesium Aluminum Silicate • Arachidyl Glucoside • Arachidyl Alcohol • Sclerotium Gum • Carbomer • Phenoxyethanol • Benzoic Acid
Ingredients Side-by-side
Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.
Learn more about what what Com. / Irr. ratings are
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Dimethicone is a silicone used for making products smooth and silky. It also has the added benefit of sealing in hydration. The amount of dimethicone found in beauty products is considered safe and non-comedogenic, meaning it won't clog pores.
Dimethicone has been found increase absorption in skin, boosting the benefits of other ingredients. While there is concern for the safety of dimethicone, the levels used in skincare are safe for use.
Dr. Denese SkinScience Hemp Super Serum contains this as ingredient number 1.
Paula's Choice 1% Retinol Treatment US contains this as ingredient number 2.
Dimethicone Crosspolymer is a silicone created by modifying dimethicone with hydrocarbon side chains. Due to its large size, it does not penetrate skin. It is considered non-occlusive.
Dimethicone Crosspolymer is used to stabilize and thicken products. It also helps give products a silky feel.
Dr. Denese SkinScience Hemp Super Serum contains this as ingredient number 4.
Paula's Choice 1% Retinol Treatment US contains this as ingredient number 9.
Tocopheryl Acetate is AKA Vitamin E. It is an antioxidant and protects your skin from free radicals. Free radicals damage the skin by breaking down collagen.
One study found using Tocopheryl Acetate with Vitamin C decreased the number of sunburned cells.
Tocopheryl Acetate is commonly found in both skincare and dietary supplements.
Learn more about Tocopheryl AcetateDr. Denese SkinScience Hemp Super Serum contains this as ingredient number 8.
Paula's Choice 1% Retinol Treatment US contains this as ingredient number 30.
Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12 isn't fungal acne safe and is a peptide.
Dr. Denese SkinScience Hemp Super Serum contains this as ingredient number 9.
Paula's Choice 1% Retinol Treatment US contains this as ingredient number 20.
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 is a 3-amino acid peptide. Peptides are building blocks for protein.
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 is a signal peptide. This means it tells our skin to create collagen. Collagen is a protein that makes connective tissue. Boosting collagen production leads to a healthier skin barrier. Having a healthy skin barrier means having firm and hydrated skin.
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 can help reduce wrinkles and make the skin look more youthful.
Read more about other common types of peptides here:
Learn more about Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1Dr. Denese SkinScience Hemp Super Serum contains this as ingredient number 11.
Paula's Choice 1% Retinol Treatment US contains this as ingredient number 36.
Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 is a peptide. Peptides are building blocks for protein.
This ingredient consists of four amino acids and palmitic acid. These amino acids are arginine, proline, glutamine, and glycine.
This ingredient has many benefits. These benefits include boosting collagen production, fighting inflammation, and reversing UV damage.
By preventing our bodies from producing interleukins, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 helps fight inflammation. An interleukin is a chemical that signals to the body to produce an inflammatory response. Interleukin production is accelerated by UV radiation.
Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 tells our body to create more collagen. Collagen is a protein that makes connective tissue. Boosting collagen production leads to a healthier skin barrier. Having a healthy skin barrier means having firm and hydrated skin.
Read more about other common types of peptides here:
Learn more about Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7Dr. Denese SkinScience Hemp Super Serum contains this as ingredient number 12.
Paula's Choice 1% Retinol Treatment US contains this as ingredient number 19.
Ceramide NG is a type of Ceramide. The NG stands for a sphinganine base.
Ceramides are intercellular lipids naturally found in our skin that bonds dead skin cells together to create a barrier. They are known for their ability to hold water and thus are a great ingredient for dry skin.
Ceramides are an important building block for our skin barrier. A stronger barrier helps the skin look more firm and hydrated. By bolstering the skin ceramides act as a barrier against irritating ingredients. This can help with inflammation as well.
If you would like to eat ceramides, sweet potatoes contain a small amount.
Read more about other common types of ceramides here: Ceramide AP Ceramide EOP Ceramide NP
Learn more about Ceramide NgDr. Denese SkinScience Hemp Super Serum contains this as ingredient number 14.
Paula's Choice 1% Retinol Treatment US contains this as ingredient number 18.
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate is made up of Benzoic Acid and long chain alcohols. It has a low molecular weight.
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate is an emollient and texture enhancer. Due to its solubility, it is often used in sunscreens to help evenly distribute active ingredients.
As an emollient, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate helps soften and hydrate your skin. Emollients create a film on your skin that traps moisture within.
This ingredient has been reported to cause eye irritation.
Learn more about C12-15 Alkyl BenzoateDr. Denese SkinScience Hemp Super Serum contains this as ingredient number 18.
Paula's Choice 1% Retinol Treatment US contains this as ingredient number 8.
Sorbitan Laurate is created from lauric acid and derivatives from sorbitol. It is an emulsifier.
Dr. Denese SkinScience Hemp Super Serum contains this as ingredient number 21.
Paula's Choice 1% Retinol Treatment US contains this as ingredient number 32.
Tribehenin comes from glycerin and behenic acid.
It is used as an emollient, or moisturizer. Emollients form a thin barrier on skin to prevent moisture from escaping.
This ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis, or fungal-acne safe.
Learn more about TribeheninDr. Denese SkinScience Hemp Super Serum contains this as ingredient number 24.
Paula's Choice 1% Retinol Treatment US contains this as ingredient number 38.
We don't have a description for Peg-10 Phytosterol.
Dr. Denese SkinScience Hemp Super Serum contains this as ingredient number 25.
Paula's Choice 1% Retinol Treatment US contains this as ingredient number 44.
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.
Dr. Denese SkinScience Hemp Super Serum 26 ingredients
Paula's Choice 1% Retinol Treatment 53 ingredients
Usage
Here's some more info on how this product is used by our community.
When to use
Dr. Denese SkinScience Hemp Super Serum 26 ingredients
Paula's Choice 1% Retinol Treatment 53 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Dr. Denese SkinScience Hemp Super Serum 26 ingredients
Paula's Choice 1% Retinol Treatment 53 ingredients
Love it
My favorite retinol. Been using it for a year and never had any bad reactions (be sure to follow instructions like starting slow). It's a bit pricey but worth it
Love it
My favorite retinol. Been using it for a year and never had any bad reactions (be sure to follow instructions like starting slow). It's a bit pricey but worth it
Alternatives
Our Dupe Finder has found 1 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to Dr. Denese SkinScience Hemp Super Serum.
See 1 alternativesOur Dupe Finder has found 4 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to Paula's Choice 1% Retinol Treatment US.
See 4 alternatives