Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of e.l.f. cosmetics Youth Boosting Advanced Night Retinoid Serum versus Paula's Choice Clinical 0.3% Retinol + 2% Bakuchiol Treatment .
Published on February 12, 2023
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe . They have a total of 15 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain hyaluronic acid, peptides, retinoid 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
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.
Price
Ingredient Info
e.l.f. cosmetics Youth Boosting Advanced Night Retinoid Serum 38 ingredients
Paula's Choice Clinical 0.3% Retinol + 2% Bakuchiol Treatment 54 ingredients
Alcohol Free
This product is free of harsh alcohols 🎉
Silicon Free
This product is free of silicons 🎉
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 🎉
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 🎉
Oil Free
This product is free of oils 🎉
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 🎉
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
e.l.f. cosmetics Youth Boosting Advanced Night Retinoid Serum 38 ingredients
Paula's Choice Clinical 0.3% Retinol + 2% Bakuchiol Treatment 54 ingredients
Notable Ingredients
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Concerns
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Concerns
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Join SkinSortIngredients Compared
Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.
e.l.f. cosmetics Youth Boosting Advanced Night Retinoid Serum 38 ingredients
Paula's Choice Clinical 0.3% Retinol + 2% Bakuchiol Treatment 54 ingredients
Water • Propanediol • Peg-8 • Bis-Peg-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane • Methyl Gluceth-20 • Glycereth-26 • Butylene Glycol • Diglycerin • Dimethyl Isosorbide • Sodium Acrylates Copolymer • Phenoxyethanol • Lecithin • Tromethamine • Tocopherol • Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil • Bisabolol • Sodium Hyaluronate • Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer • Ethylhexylglycerin • Caprylyl Glycol • Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate • Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate • Retinal • Disodium EDTA • Glycerin • Vigna Aconitifolia Seed Extract • Sea Water • Maltodextrin • Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate • Hydrolyzed Algin • Euterpe Oleracea Fruit Extract • Sucrose • Carbomer • Coco-Glucoside • Sodium Benzoate • Potassium Sorbate • Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 • Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
Water • Dimethicone • Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate • Isononyl Isononanoate • Butylene Glycol • Bakuchiol • Arachidyl Alcohol • Glyceryl Polymethacrylate • Dimethicone Crosspolymer • Behenyl Alcohol • Glycerin • Peg-75 Shea Butter Glycerides • Glyceryl Stearate • C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate • Polysorbate 20 • Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate • Retinol • Ceramide Ng • Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 • Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12 • Sodium Hyaluronate • Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate • Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract • Avena Sativa Kernel Extract • Arctium Lappa Root Extract • Salix Alba Bark Extract • Glycine Soja Sterols • Lecithin • Allantoin • Tocopheryl Acetate • Hydrolyzed Soy Protein • Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 • Sodium Hydroxide • Tribehenin • Caprylyl Glycol • Dipeptide-2 • Polygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract • Peg-10 Phytosterol • Peg-8 • Magnesium Aluminum Silicate • Arachidyl Glucoside • Chrysin • Pentylene Glycol • Sodium Acrylates Copolymer • Steareth-20 • Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer • Cetearyl Alcohol • Coco-Glucoside • Hesperidin Methyl Chalcone • N-Hydroxysuccinimide • Disodium EDTA • Phenoxyethanol • Benzoic Acid • Ethylhexylglycerin
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.
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. Talk about multi-purpose! If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about Watere.l.f. cosmetics Youth Boosting Advanced Night Retinoid Serum contains this as ingredient number 1.
Paula's Choice Clinical 0.3% Retinol + 2% Bakuchiol Treatment contains this as ingredient number 1.
PEG-8 is a synthetic polymer used as a humectant and solvent.
This ingredient is able to help dissolve active ingredients, including water. This gives it humectant properties.
It is soluble in water. The number '8' stands for the molecular weight of the ingredient.
Learn more about Peg-8e.l.f. cosmetics Youth Boosting Advanced Night Retinoid Serum contains this as ingredient number 3.
Paula's Choice Clinical 0.3% Retinol + 2% Bakuchiol Treatment contains this as ingredient number 39.
Butylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:
- It is a solvent, meaning that it helps to dissolve other ingredients. This also enhances the absorption of the product into one's skin.
- It is a humectant, which means that it helps attract moisture into the skin.
- It helps improve product application.
Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient. It is unlikely to irritate skin, and works well with pretty much all other ingredients.
e.l.f. cosmetics Youth Boosting Advanced Night Retinoid Serum contains this as ingredient number 7.
Paula's Choice Clinical 0.3% Retinol + 2% Bakuchiol Treatment contains this as ingredient number 5.
We don't have a description for Sodium Acrylates Copolymer.
e.l.f. cosmetics Youth Boosting Advanced Night Retinoid Serum contains this as ingredient number 10.
Paula's Choice Clinical 0.3% Retinol + 2% Bakuchiol Treatment contains this as ingredient number 44.
Phenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent germ and 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.
e.l.f. cosmetics Youth Boosting Advanced Night Retinoid Serum contains this as ingredient number 11.
Paula's Choice Clinical 0.3% Retinol + 2% Bakuchiol Treatment contains this as ingredient number 52.
Lecithin is a term for a group of substances found in plants, animals, and humans. They are made up of mixture of fatty acids. These fatty acids usually are a mixture of phosphoric acid's choline ester connected to stearic, oleic, and palmitic acids. Most lecithins are created from plant ingredients scuh as sunflower.
Lecithin is an emollient. Emollients help soften the skin and creates a barrier to keep moisture in.
As an emulsifier, it also helps prevent water and oil ingredients from separating. Lecithin can help ingredients be better absorbed by the skin. The phospholipids in Lecithin can produce liposomes. Liposomes help other ingredients get through the skin barrier.
Learn more about Lecithine.l.f. cosmetics Youth Boosting Advanced Night Retinoid Serum contains this as ingredient number 12.
Paula's Choice Clinical 0.3% Retinol + 2% Bakuchiol Treatment contains this as ingredient number 28.
Sodium Hyaluronate is hyaluronic acid's salt form. It is commonly derived from the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid.
Like hyaluronic acid, it is great at holding water and acts as a humectant. This makes it a great skin hydrating ingredient.
Sodium Hyaluronate is naturally occurring in our bodies and is mostly found in eye fluid and joints.
These are some other common types of Hyaluronic Acid:
Learn more about Sodium Hyaluronatee.l.f. cosmetics Youth Boosting Advanced Night Retinoid Serum contains this as ingredient number 17.
Paula's Choice Clinical 0.3% Retinol + 2% Bakuchiol Treatment contains this as ingredient number 21.
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.
e.l.f. cosmetics Youth Boosting Advanced Night Retinoid Serum contains this as ingredient number 19.
Paula's Choice Clinical 0.3% Retinol + 2% Bakuchiol Treatment contains this as ingredient number 54.
Caprylyl Glycol is a humectant and emollient, meaning it attracts and preserves moisture.
It is a common ingredient in many products, especially those designed to hydrate skin. The primary benefits are retaining moisture, skin softening, and promoting a healthy skin barrier.
Though Caprylyl Glycol is an alcohol derived from fatty acids, it is not the kind that can dry out skin.
This ingredient is also used as a preservative to extend the life of products. It has slight antimicrobial properties.
Learn more about Caprylyl Glycole.l.f. cosmetics Youth Boosting Advanced Night Retinoid Serum contains this as ingredient number 20.
Paula's Choice Clinical 0.3% Retinol + 2% Bakuchiol Treatment contains this as ingredient number 35.
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate comes from licorice root.
Extracts of licorice have demonstrated to have antibacterial, anti‐inflammatory, antiviral, antioxidant properties.
One component, glabridin, has extra potent antioxidant and soothing properties. It has also been found to block pigmentation from UVB rays in guinea pigs.
Licorice Root also contains a flavonoid. Flavonoids are a natural substance from in plants. Flavonoids also have antioxidant properties.
Another component, glycyrrhizin, has been found to have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial benefits. This may make licorice root extract effective at treating acne. However, more research is needed to support this.
Liquiritin is one of the flavone compounds found in licorice. It has been found to help lighten skin by preventing tyrosinase from reacting with tyrosine. When the two react, protein is converted to melanin. Melanin is the substance in your body that gives your features pigmentation.
Licorice root is native to Southern Europe and Asia. It has been used in traditional Chinese medicine to help with respiratory issues.
Learn more about Dipotassium Glycyrrhizatee.l.f. cosmetics Youth Boosting Advanced Night Retinoid Serum contains this as ingredient number 22.
Paula's Choice Clinical 0.3% Retinol + 2% Bakuchiol Treatment contains this as ingredient number 22.
Disodium EDTA plays a role in making products more stable by aiding other preservatives.
It is a chelating agent, meaning it neutralizes metal ions that may be found in a product.
Disodium EDTA is a salt of edetic acid and is found to be safe in cosmetic ingredients.
Learn more about Disodium EDTAe.l.f. cosmetics Youth Boosting Advanced Night Retinoid Serum contains this as ingredient number 24.
Paula's Choice Clinical 0.3% Retinol + 2% Bakuchiol Treatment contains this as ingredient number 51.
Glycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.
A study from 2016 found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.
As a humectant, it helps the skin stay hydrated by pulling moisture to your skin. The low molecular weight of glycerin allows it to pull moisture into the deeper layers of your skin.
Hydrated skin improves your skin barrier; Your skin barrier helps protect against irritants and bacteria.
Glycerin has also been found to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Due to these properties, glycerin is often used in wound and burn treatments.
In cosmetics, glycerin is usually derived from plants such as soybean or palm. However, it can also be sourced from animals, such as tallow or animal fat.
This ingredient is organic, colorless, odorless, and non-toxic.
Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.
Learn more about Glycerine.l.f. cosmetics Youth Boosting Advanced Night Retinoid Serum contains this as ingredient number 25.
Paula's Choice Clinical 0.3% Retinol + 2% Bakuchiol Treatment contains this as ingredient number 11.
Coco-Glucoside is a surfactant, or a cleansing ingredient. It is made from glucose and coconut oil.
Surfactants help gather dirt, oil, and other pollutants from your skin to be rinsed away. Coco-Glucoside is considered gentle and non-comedogenic.
This ingredient is a known skin-irritant.
Learn more about Coco-Glucosidee.l.f. cosmetics Youth Boosting Advanced Night Retinoid Serum contains this as ingredient number 34.
Paula's Choice Clinical 0.3% Retinol + 2% Bakuchiol Treatment contains this as ingredient number 48.
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-1e.l.f. cosmetics Youth Boosting Advanced Night Retinoid Serum contains this as ingredient number 37.
Paula's Choice Clinical 0.3% Retinol + 2% Bakuchiol Treatment contains this as ingredient number 32.
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-7e.l.f. cosmetics Youth Boosting Advanced Night Retinoid Serum contains this as ingredient number 38.
Paula's Choice Clinical 0.3% Retinol + 2% Bakuchiol Treatment contains this as ingredient number 19.
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.
e.l.f. cosmetics Youth Boosting Advanced Night Retinoid Serum 38 ingredients
Paula's Choice Clinical 0.3% Retinol + 2% Bakuchiol Treatment 54 ingredients
Usage
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When to use
e.l.f. cosmetics Youth Boosting Advanced Night Retinoid Serum 38 ingredients
Paula's Choice Clinical 0.3% Retinol + 2% Bakuchiol Treatment 54 ingredients
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e.l.f. cosmetics Youth Boosting Advanced Night Retinoid Serum 38 ingredients
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