Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of Paula's Choice 1% Retinol Booster versus Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Serum .
Published on May 16, 2021
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe . They have a total of 8 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain ceramides, exfoliants and retinoid
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, oils, 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.
Facial Treatment
Facial treatments are specially designed to treat a skin concern. Acne treatments and anti-aging products are common examples of facial treatments.
Serum
Serums are highly concentrated with ingredients to provide skin with benefits. They should be used after cleansing and before moisturizing.
Price
Ingredient Info
Paula's Choice 1% Retinol Booster 29 ingredients
Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Serum 53 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 🎉
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 🎉
Alcohol Free
This product is free of harsh alcohols 🎉
Contains Silicon
Ingredients in this product that are types of silicon:
Contains Fragrance
Ingredients in this product that are forms of fragrance:
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 🎉
Contains EU Allergens
Ingredients in this product that are 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
Paula's Choice 1% Retinol Booster 29 ingredients
Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Serum 53 ingredients
Notable Ingredients
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Benefits
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Concerns
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Benefits
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Join SkinSortIngredients Compared
Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.
Paula's Choice 1% Retinol Booster 29 ingredients
Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Serum 53 ingredients
Water • Glycereth-7 Triacetate • Glycerin • Carthamus Tinctorius Oleosomes • Isopentyldiol • Polyglyceryl-10 Behenate/Eicosadioate • Butylene Glycol • Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract • Polysorbate 20 • Retinol • Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract • Ceramide NP • Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 • Avena Sativa Kernel Extract • Epilobium Angustifolium Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract • Arctium Lappa Root Extract • Salix Alba Bark Extract • Allantoin • Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate • Caprylyl Glycol • Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate • Dipentaerythrityl Tri-Polyhydroxystearate • Ethylhexyl Methoxycrylene • Hydrogenated Lecithin • Bis-Glyceryl Ascorbate • Disodium EDTA • Sorbic Acid • Xanthan Gum • Phenoxyethanol
Water • Cyclopentasiloxane • Isopropyl Palmitate • C14-22 Alcohols • Polymethylsilsesquioxane • Dimethicone • Propanediol • Glyceryl Stearate • Peg-100 Stearate • Shea Butter Ethyl Esters • Retinol • Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate • Ceramide NP • Sodium Hyaluronate • Solanum Lycopersicum Fruit Extract • Swertia Chirata Extract • Squalane • Punica Granatum Extract • Tocopheryl Acetate • Glycine Soja Extract • Urea • Yeast Amino Acids • Trehalose • Inositol • Taurine • Betaine • Glycerin • Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride • Dimethyl Isosorbide • Silica • Ethylhexyl Palmitate • Silica Dimethyl Silylate • Butylene Glycol • Lecithin • Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer • C12-20 Alkyl Glucoside • Cetyl Palmitate • Laureth-23 • Polysorbate 20 • Trideceth-6 Phosphate • Synthetic Fluorphlogopite • Phenoxyethanol • Ethylhexylglycerin • Chlorphenesin • Disodium EDTA • Sodium Hydroxide • Tristearyl Citrate • Sodium Benzotriazolyl Butylphenol Sulfonate • CI 77891 • CI 14700 • Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone • Citronellol • Parfum
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 WaterPaula's Choice 1% Retinol Booster contains this as ingredient number 1.
Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Serum contains this as ingredient number 1.
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 GlycerinPaula's Choice 1% Retinol Booster contains this as ingredient number 3.
Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Serum contains this as ingredient number 27.
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.
Paula's Choice 1% Retinol Booster contains this as ingredient number 7.
Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Serum contains this as ingredient number 33.
Polysorbate 20 is made by combining ethoxylation of sorbitan, ethylene oxide, and lauric acid. It is a mild cleansing agent, surfactant, and emulsifier.
As a surfactant, it helps collect dirt and oils for washing. Emulsifiers prevent oils and water from separating.
Polysorbate 20 also adds scent to a product. Since it is made using sorbitol, it has a sweet scent. Sorbitol can also be found in fruits such as apples and peaches.
The lauric acid used to create Polysorbate 20 is often derived from coconuts.
Polysorbate 20 may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Polysorbate 20Paula's Choice 1% Retinol Booster contains this as ingredient number 9.
Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Serum contains this as ingredient number 39.
Retinol is a form of Vitamin A and proven to help with anti-aging.
It promotes collagen production, increases new cell turnoever, and protects your skin as an antioxidant.
Retinol boosts collagen production and increases cell turnover. This makes retinol effective in removing wrinkles, fading dark spots, and reducing the appearance of pores.
Retinol is less effective when exposed to sun. Be sure to look for appropriate packaging to keep your retinol potent.
Using retinol and retinoids will increase sun-sensitivity in the first few weeks of use. 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 RetinolPaula's Choice 1% Retinol Booster contains this as ingredient number 10.
Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Serum contains this as ingredient number 11.
Ceramide NP is a type of ceramide.
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
Learn more about Ceramide NPPaula's Choice 1% Retinol Booster contains this as ingredient number 12.
Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Serum contains this as ingredient number 13.
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 EDTAPaula's Choice 1% Retinol Booster contains this as ingredient number 26.
Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Serum contains this as ingredient number 45.
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.
Paula's Choice 1% Retinol Booster contains this as ingredient number 29.
Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Serum contains this as ingredient number 42.
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.
Paula's Choice 1% Retinol Booster 29 ingredients
Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Serum 53 ingredients
Usage
Here's some more info on how this product is used by our community.
When to use
Paula's Choice 1% Retinol Booster 29 ingredients
Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Serum 53 ingredients
Alternatives
Our Dupe Finder has found 1 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to Paula's Choice 1% Retinol Booster.
See 1 alternativesOur Dupe Finder has found 18 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Serum.
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