Versus

MediCube Retinol-Some 1.9% NMN Boosting Serum Versus Paula's Choice 1% Retinol Treatment - US

Serum
Facial Treatment
Korean Brand South Korea
American Brand United States

Updated on May 25, 2025

Overview

What they are

These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe . They have a total of 9 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain ceramides, hyaluronic acid, 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

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

Click any item below to learn more and see relevant ingredients

What's inside

What's inside

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Ingredients Side-by-side

found in both products
Retinol-Some 1.9% NMN Boosting Serum

Water

Skin Conditioning

Glycereth-26

Humectant
0 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Niacinamide

Smoothing
Niacinamide IconGood for Oily Skin IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation IconGood for Minimizing Pores IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconGood for Dark Spots IconGood for Scar Healing IconHelps fight Acne IconHelps brighten skin Icon

Glycerin

Humectant
0 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconGood for Scar Healing IconHelps brighten skin Icon

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride

Masking
Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil

Emollient
Oil IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Butylene Glycol

Humectant
1 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Hydrogenated Lecithin

Emulsifying
Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Retinol

Skin Conditioning
Retinoid IconGood for Oily Skin IconGood for Skin Texture IconGood for Minimizing Pores IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconGood for Dark Spots IconGood for Scar Healing IconHelps fight Acne IconHelps brighten skin IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Brassica Campestris Sterols

Emollient
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

1,2-Hexanediol

Skin Conditioning
Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Cholesterol

Emollient
0 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate

Skin Conditioning
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Phytosteryl/Behenyl/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate

Skin Conditioning

Aluminum/Magnesium Hydroxide Stearate

Emulsion Stabilising

Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate

Antioxidant
Antioxidant Icon

Potassium Cetyl Phosphate

Emulsifying

Tris(Tetramethylhydroxypiperidinol)Citrate

Stabilising

Glyceryl Citrate/Lactate/Linoleate/Oleate

Emulsifying
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Elaeis Guineensis Oil

Emollient
Oil IconHelps hydrate Dry Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Cetyl Ethylhexanoate

Emollient

Hydroxyacetophenone

Antioxidant
Antioxidant IconHelps reduce irritation Icon

Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer

Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6

Emulsion Stabilising

Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate

Absorbent
Good for Oily Skin Icon

Retinal

Skin Conditioning
Retinoid IconGood for Oily Skin IconGood for Skin Texture IconGood for Minimizing Pores IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconGood for Dark Spots IconGood for Scar Healing IconHelps fight Acne IconHelps brighten skin IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Squalane

Emollient
1 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Polyquaternium-51

Skin Conditioning
Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Tocopherol

Antioxidant
0-3 / 0-3 Vitamin E IconAntioxidant IconHelps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconGood for Scar Healing Icon

Panthenol

Skin Conditioning
0 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation IconGood for Scar Healing Icon

Allantoin

Skin Conditioning
0 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation IconGood for Scar Healing Icon

Adenosine

Skin Conditioning
Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps reduce irritation IconGood for Minimizing Pores IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconGood for Scar Healing Icon

Disodium EDTA

Bifida Ferment Lysate

Skin Conditioning
Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps reduce irritation Icon

Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate

Skin Conditioning
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Lactococcus Ferment Lysate

Skin Conditioning

Dipropylene Glycol

Humectant

Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract

Skin Conditioning
Helps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation IconHelps with Anti-Aging Icon

Asiaticoside

Antioxidant
Antioxidant IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation IconGood for Scar Healing Icon

Asiatic Acid

Skin Conditioning

Madecassic Acid

Skin Conditioning
Helps reduce irritation IconHelps with Anti-Aging Icon

Beta-Glucan

Skin Conditioning
Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconGood for Scar Healing Icon

Ceramide NP

Skin Conditioning
Ceramide IconHelps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps reduce irritation IconHelps with Anti-Aging Icon

Propanediol

Solvent
Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Eriobotrya Japonica Leaf Extract

Skin Conditioning

Mentha Viridis Extract

Masking

Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer

Humectant
Hyaluronic Acid IconHelps hydrate Dry Skin IconGood for Scar Healing Icon

Pentylene Glycol

Skin Conditioning

Ethylhexylglycerin

Skin Conditioning

Nicotinamide Mononucleotide

Antioxidant
Antioxidant Icon

Akebia Quinata Extract

Skin Conditioning

Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside

Cleansing

Camellia Japonica Flower Extract

Emollient

Polyglyceryl-10 Oleate

Skin Conditioning
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Acetyl Hexapeptide-8

Humectant
Peptide IconHelps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps with Anti-Aging Icon

Acetyl Tetrapeptide-5

Humectant
Peptide Icon

Carnosine

Skin Conditioning
Helps with Anti-Aging IconGood for Scar Healing Icon

Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7

Skin Conditioning
Peptide IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5

Skin Conditioning
Peptide IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Yeast Beta-Glucan

Skin Conditioning

Ferulic Acid

Antimicrobial
Antioxidant IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconGood for Dark Spots Icon

3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid

Skin Conditioning
Vitamin C IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconGood for Skin Texture IconGood for Minimizing Pores Icon

Ascorbic Acid

Antioxidant
Vitamin C IconAntioxidant IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconGood for Skin Texture IconGood for Minimizing Pores IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconGood for Dark Spots IconGood for Scar Healing IconHelps brighten skin Icon
1% Retinol Treatment

Water

Skin Conditioning

Dimethicone

Emollient
1 / 0 Silicon Icon

Glycerin

Humectant
0 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconGood for Scar Healing IconHelps brighten skin Icon

Butylene Glycol

Humectant
1 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Isononyl Isononanoate

Emollient

Castor Isostearate Succinate

Skin Conditioning
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Glyceryl Stearate

Emollient
1 / 0 Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate

Antimicrobial

Dimethicone Crosspolymer

Emulsion Stabilising
Silicon Icon

PEG-33

Humectant

Polysorbate 20

Emulsifying
0 / 0 Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Behenyl Alcohol

Emollient
Fatty Alcohol Icon

PEG-100 Stearate

0 / 0 Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate

Emollient
2 / 0 Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Polymethylsilsesquioxane

Silicon Icon

Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate

Antioxidant
Vitamin C IconAntioxidant IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconGood for Skin Texture IconGood for Minimizing Pores IconHelps brighten skin Icon

Retinol

Skin Conditioning
Retinoid IconGood for Oily Skin IconGood for Skin Texture IconGood for Minimizing Pores IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconGood for Dark Spots IconGood for Scar Healing IconHelps fight Acne IconHelps brighten skin IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Ceramide Ng

Skin Conditioning
Ceramide IconHelps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps reduce irritation IconHelps with Anti-Aging Icon

Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7

Skin Conditioning
Peptide IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12

Skin Conditioning
Peptide IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Sodium Hyaluronate

Humectant
0 / 0 Hyaluronic Acid IconHelps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate

Humectant
Helps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation IconGood for Dark Spots Icon

Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract

Bleaching
Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation IconGood for Dark Spots Icon

Avena Sativa Kernel Extract

Abrasive
Exfoliant IconAntioxidant IconHelps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation Icon

Arctium Lappa Seed Oil

Emollient
Oil Icon

Salix Alba Extract

Skin Conditioning

Glycine Soja Sterols

Emollient
0 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Lecithin

Emollient
Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Allantoin

Skin Conditioning
0 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation IconGood for Scar Healing Icon

Tocopheryl Acetate

Antioxidant
0 / 0 Vitamin E IconAntioxidant Icon

Hydrolyzed Soy Protein

Humectant
Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Sorbitan Laurate

Emulsifying
1-2 / 1-2 Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Acetyl Dipeptide-1 Cetyl Ester

Skin Conditioning
Peptide IconHelps reduce irritation IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconGood for Dark Spots Icon

Disodium EDTA

Hydroxyethylcellulose

Emulsion Stabilising

Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1

Skin Conditioning
Peptide IconHelps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Sodium Hydroxide

Buffering

Tribehenin

Emollient
0 / 0 Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Caprylyl Glycol

Emollient
Fatty Alcohol Icon

Ethylhexylglycerin

Skin Conditioning

Pentylene Glycol

Skin Conditioning

PEG-75 Shea Butter Glycerides

Emulsifying
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

PPG-12/Smdi Copolymer

Emollient

PEG-10 Phytosterol

Emulsifying

PEG-8 Dimethicone

Emulsifying
Silicon Icon

PEG-14

Humectant

Magnesium Aluminum Silicate

Absorbent
0 / 0

Arachidyl Glucoside

Emulsifying

Arachidyl Alcohol

Emollient

Sclerotium Gum

Emulsion Stabilising

Carbomer

Emulsion Stabilising
1 / 0

Phenoxyethanol

Preservative
Preservative Icon

Benzoic Acid

Masking
Preservative IconMay worsen Eczema Icon

Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

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

Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Soothing

Allantoin plays a role in soothing and moisturizing the skin. Because of this, it is often added to products with strong active ingredients.

Some studies have shown this ingredient can promote wound healing with higher concentrations.

Allantoin is derived from the comfrey plant but produced synthetically for cosmetic products to ensure purity.

Learn more about Allantoin
Humectant, Masking, Skin Conditioning

Butylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:

Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient that works well with other ingredients.

Though this ingredient works well with most skin types, some people with sensitive skin may experience a reaction such as allergic rashes, closed comedones, or itchiness.

Learn more about Butylene Glycol

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 EDTA
Skin Conditioning

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.

Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting

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 Glycerin
Skin Conditioning

Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 is a lab-made peptide with anti-inflammatory and skin-repairing benefits. It's made up of four amino acids (glycine, glutamine, proline, and arginine) and palmitic acid (which helps it penetrate skin more effectively).

This ingredient helps reduce inflammation by limiting the production of interleukin-6 (IL-6), a chemical that triggers inflammatory responses, particularly after UV exposure.

Less inflammation = slower collagen breakdown and a longer-lasting, youthful appearance.

Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 also stimulates collagen production and supports a healthier skin barrier.

Over time, this can improve skin firmness, hydration, and reduce the appearance of fine lines. It’s commonly paired with Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 in the well-known Matrixyl 3000 complex for enhanced anti-aging effects.

This ingredient has been shown to be effective and safe in cosmetic use and you'll typically find it in small amounts (less than 0.01%).

Due to its palmitic acid base, it may not be safe for Malassezia folliculitis.

Read more about other common types of peptides here:

Learn more about Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
Skin Conditioning, Solvent

Pentylene glycol is typically used within a product to thicken it. It also adds a smooth, soft, and moisturizing feel to the product. It is naturally found in plants such as sugar beets.

The hydrophilic trait of Pentylene Glycol makes it a humectant. As a humectant, Pentylene Glycol helps draw moisture from the air to your skin. This can help keep your skin hydrated.

This property also makes Pentylene Glycol a great texture enhancer. It can also help thicken or stabilize a product.

Pentylene Glycol also acts as a mild preservative and helps to keep a product microbe-free.

Some people may experience mild eye and skin irritation from Pentylene Glycol. We always recommend speaking with a professional about using this ingredient in your routine.

Pentylene Glycol has a low molecular weight and is part of the 1,2-glycol family.

Learn more about Pentylene Glycol
Skin Conditioning

Retinol is a gold-standard ingredient for anti-aging. It is a form of Vitamin A and belongs to the class of retinoids that also includes tretinoin.

Why is retinol famous?

It has the most scientific studies backing up its skin benefits out of all the non-prescription ingredients.

Retinol is proven to:

This is why retinol is effective at removing wrinkles, fading dark spots, treating acne, and reducing the appearance of pores.

Studies show retinol is less effective when exposed to UV. Be sure to look for appropriate packaging to keep your retinol potent (similar to Vitamin C).

Using retinol or any retinoids will increase sun-sensitivity in the first few months. Though studies show retinoids increase your skin's natural SPF with continuous use, it is best to always wear sunscreen and sun-protection.

We recommend speaking with a medical professional about using this ingredient during pregnancy.

Retinol may cause irritation in some people, so be sure to patch test. Experts recommend 'ramping up' retinol use: start using this ingredient once a week and work up to using it daily.

Read about Tretinoin

Learn more about Retinol
Skin Conditioning, Solvent

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 Water

When to use

7 Routines
0% use in am
100% use in pm
71% use every day
467 Routines
7% use in am
93% use in pm
66% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->

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