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Product Comparison

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 American Brand United States
Facial Treatment American Brand United States

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.

Price

Shop

Buy Hemp Super Serum

Shop

Buy 1% Retinol Treatment

Starts at $64.00

Ingredient Info

Click any item below to learn more and view relevant ingredients.
alcohol-free
silicon-free
fragrance-free
sulfate-free
paraben-free
oil-free
fungal-acne safe
reef-safe
eu-allergen-free
vegan
cruelty-free
alcohol-free
silicon-free
fragrance-free
sulfate-free
paraben-free
oil-free
fungal-acne safe
reef-safe
eu-allergen-free
vegan
cruelty-free

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Notable Ingredients

Retinoid
Vitamin C
Vitamin E
Ceramides
Peptides (4)

Benefits

Hydrating
Good For Oily Skin
Redness Reducing (2)
Reduces Irritation (2)
Skin Texture (2)
Reduces Large Pores
Anti-Aging (3)
Dark Spots (2)
Scar Healing
Acne Fighting
Brightening

Concerns

Drying
Irritating

Notable Ingredients

Retinoid
Vitamin C
Vitamin E
Exfoliators
Ceramides
Hyaluronic Acid
Peptides (4)

Benefits

Hydrating (3)
Good For Oily Skin
Redness Reducing (4)
Reduces Irritation (3)
Skin Texture (2)
Reduces Large Pores
Anti-Aging (3)
Dark Spots (4)
Scar Healing (2)
Acne Fighting
Brightening (4)

Concerns

Drying
Irritating
Eczema (2)
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Ingredients Compared

Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.

Ingredients Side-by-side

Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.

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Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.

1
What it does: Emollient, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting
Community Rating: Very Disliked

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.

2
What it does: Emulsion Stabilising
Community Rating: Very Disliked

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.

3
What it does: Antioxidant, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Liked

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 Acetate

Dr. Denese SkinScience Hemp Super Serum contains this as ingredient number 8.

Paula's Choice 1% Retinol Treatment US contains this as ingredient number 30.

4
What it does: Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Liked

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.

5
What it does: Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Liked

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-1

Dr. Denese SkinScience Hemp Super Serum contains this as ingredient number 11.

Paula's Choice 1% Retinol Treatment US contains this as ingredient number 36.

6
What it does: Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Loved

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-7

Dr. Denese SkinScience Hemp Super Serum contains this as ingredient number 12.

Paula's Choice 1% Retinol Treatment US contains this as ingredient number 19.

7
What it does: Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Loved

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 Ng

Dr. Denese SkinScience Hemp Super Serum contains this as ingredient number 14.

Paula's Choice 1% Retinol Treatment US contains this as ingredient number 18.

8
What it does: Antimicrobial, Emollient, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Disliked

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 Benzoate

Dr. Denese SkinScience Hemp Super Serum contains this as ingredient number 18.

Paula's Choice 1% Retinol Treatment US contains this as ingredient number 8.

9
What it does: Emulsifying
Community Rating: Very Disliked

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.

10
What it does: Emollient, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Very Disliked

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 Tribehenin

Dr. Denese SkinScience Hemp Super Serum contains this as ingredient number 24.

Paula's Choice 1% Retinol Treatment US contains this as ingredient number 38.

11
What it does: Emulsifying

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.

46% are loved or liked
4% have mixed ratings
35% are disliked or very disliked
15% have no rating yet
32% are loved or liked
13% have mixed ratings
42% are disliked or very disliked
13% have no rating yet

Usage

Here's some more info on how this product is used by our community.

When to use

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Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

Dr. Denese SkinScience Hemp Super Serum 26 ingredients

Hemp Super Serum hasn't been rated yet.
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Paula's Choice 1% Retinol Treatment 53 ingredients

4.5 /5
from 4 reviews
glasscasita's Avatar'
Nov 17, 2023

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

Region: US

Alternatives

Our Dupe Finder has found 1 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to Dr. Denese SkinScience Hemp Super Serum.

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Our Dupe Finder has found 4 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to Paula's Choice 1% Retinol Treatment US.

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