Paula's Choice 1% Retinol Booster Versus NeoStrata Potent Retinol Complex
Updated on June 28, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both reef safe . They have a total of 9 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain retinoid and Vitamin C
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, oils, parabens or sulfates
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
Paula's Choice 1% Retinol Booster 29 ingredients
NeoStrata Potent Retinol Complex 32 ingredients
What's inside (and what isn't)
What's inside (and what isn't)
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Paula's Choice 1% Retinol Booster 29 ingredients
NeoStrata Potent Retinol Complex 32 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycereth-7 Triacetate
EmollientGlycerin
Humectant
Carthamus Tinctorius Oleosomes
Emollient
Isopentyldiol
Humectant
Polyglyceryl-10 Behenate/Eicosadioate
EmulsifyingButylene Glycol
Humectant
Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract
Skin Conditioning
Polysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Retinol
Skin Conditioning
Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
Bleaching
Ceramide NP
Skin Conditioning
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1
Skin Conditioning
Avena Sativa Kernel Extract
Abrasive
Epilobium Angustifolium Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Skin ConditioningArctium Lappa Root Extract
Skin Conditioning
Salix Alba Bark Extract
Astringent
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Humectant
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientPolyglyceryl-10 Laurate
Skin Conditioning
Dipentaerythrityl Tri-Polyhydroxystearate
Emollient
Ethylhexyl Methoxycrylene
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Lecithin
Emulsifying
Bis-Glyceryl Ascorbate
Antioxidant
Disodium EDTA
Sorbic Acid
Preservative
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
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
Skin ConditioningPentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate
Emollient
Glycerin
Humectant
Caprylyl Methicone
Skin Conditioning
PPG-15 Stearyl Ether
EmollientNiacinamide
Smoothing
Stearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Cetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Acetyl Glucosamine
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
Humectant
Ceteareth-20
Cleansing
Isohexadecane
EmollientCellulose
AbsorbentRetinol
Skin Conditioning
Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract
Skin Conditioning
Citric Acid
Buffering
Ascorbic Acid
Antioxidant
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Bisabolol
Masking
C13-14 Isoparaffin
Emollient
Glyceryl Dilaurate
Emollient
Laureth-7
EmulsifyingPolysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientSteareth-10
Emulsifying
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Polyacrylamide
Disodium EDTA
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Chlorphenesin
Antimicrobial
Water, Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate, Glycerin, Caprylyl Methicone, PPG-15 Stearyl Ether, Niacinamide, Stearyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Acetyl Glucosamine, Butylene Glycol, Ceteareth-20, Isohexadecane, Cellulose, Retinol, Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract, Citric Acid, Ascorbic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Bisabolol, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Glyceryl Dilaurate, Laureth-7, Polysorbate 20, Caprylyl Glycol, Steareth-10, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Polyacrylamide, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Hydroxide, Xanthan Gum, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
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 GlycolCaprylyl 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 GlycolDisodium 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 EDTAGlycerin 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 GlycerinPhenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent 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.
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 20Retinol 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 RetinolWater. 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 WaterXanthan gum is used as a stabilizer and thickener within cosmetic products. It helps give products a sticky, thick feeling - preventing them from being too runny.
On the technical side of things, xanthan gum is a polysaccharide - a combination consisting of multiple sugar molecules bonded together.
Xanthan gum is a pretty common and great ingredient. It is a natural, non-toxic, non-irritating ingredient that is also commonly used in food products.
Learn more about Xanthan GumIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Paula's Choice 1% Retinol Booster 29 ingredients
NeoStrata Potent Retinol Complex 32 ingredients
