Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of Paula's Choice 10% Niacinamide Booster versus Paula's Choice Clinical Niacinamide 20% Treatment .
Last updated on July 18, 2023. Published on May 02, 2021
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free, fungal acne (malassezia) safe, and reef safe facial treatments. They have a total of 14 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain niacinamide 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, silicones 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.
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
Paula's Choice 10% Niacinamide Booster 25 ingredients
Paula's Choice Clinical Niacinamide 20% Treatment 25 ingredients
Alcohol Free
This product is free of harsh alcohols ๐
Silicon Free
This product is free of silicons ๐
Fragrance Free
This product is free of fragrances ๐
Sulfate Free
This product is free of sulfates ๐
Paraben Free
This product is free of parabens ๐
Oil Free
This product is free of oils ๐
Malassezia Safe
This product is free of malassezia feeding ingredients ๐
Reef Safe
This product is free of ingredients that damage reefs ๐
EU Allergen Free
This product is free of EU allergens ๐
Non Vegan
This product is not vegan ๐ฅ
Cruelty Free
This product is cruelty-free ๐
Alcohol Free
This product is free of harsh alcohols ๐
Silicon Free
This product is free of silicons ๐
Fragrance Free
This product is free of fragrances ๐
Sulfate Free
This product is free of sulfates ๐
Paraben Free
This product is free of parabens ๐
Oil Free
This product is free of oils ๐
Malassezia Safe
This product is free of malassezia feeding ingredients ๐
Reef Safe
This product is free of ingredients that damage reefs ๐
EU Allergen Free
This product is free of EU allergens ๐
Non Vegan
This product is not vegan ๐ฅ
Cruelty Free
This product is cruelty-free ๐
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Paula's Choice 10% Niacinamide Booster 25 ingredients
Paula's Choice Clinical Niacinamide 20% Treatment 25 ingredients
Notable Ingredients
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
Benefits
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 5 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 4 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 4 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 3 ingredients that may have this attribute:
Notable Ingredients
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
Benefits
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 4 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 4 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 3 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 3 ingredients that may have this attribute:
Concerns
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
Build your routine, track which ingredients work for you, and much more with your free account.
Join SkinSortIngredients Compared
Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.
Paula's Choice 10% Niacinamide Booster 25 ingredients
Paula's Choice Clinical Niacinamide 20% Treatment 25 ingredients
Water โข Niacinamide โข Acetyl Glucosamine โข Ascorbyl Glucoside โข Butylene Glycol โข Phospholipids โข Sodium Hyaluronate โข Allantoin โข Boerhavia Diffusa Root Extract โข Glycerin โข Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate โข Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract โข Ubiquinone โข Epigallocatechin Gallate โข Beta-Glucan โข Panthenol โข Carnosine โข Genistein โข Citric Acid โข Sodium Citrate โข Sodium Hydroxide โข Xanthan Gum โข Disodium EDTA โข Ethylhexylglycerin โข Phenoxyethanol
Water โข Niacinamide โข Pentylene Glycol โข Butylene Glycol โข Glycerin โข Acetyl Glucosamine โข Ascorbyl Glucoside โข Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract โข Spiraea Ulmaria Extract โข Portulaca Oleracea Extract โข Camellia Japonica Flower Extract โข Epigallocatechin Gallate โข Boerhavia Diffusa Root Extract โข Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract โข Allantoin โข Lecithin โข Pullulan โข Panthenol โข Silica โข Xanthan Gum โข Sclerotium Gum โข Propanediol โข Sodium Phytate โข Phenoxyethanol โข 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 WaterPaula's Choice 10% Niacinamide Booster contains this as ingredient number 1.
Paula's Choice Clinical Niacinamide 20% Treatment contains this as ingredient number 1.
Niacinamide has emerged as an all-star ingredient due to its many benefits.
It is known to treat acne by reducing inflammation. It also helps fade dark-spots and strengthen the skin by promoting the growth of the ceramide barrier.
Other benefits include smoothing wrinkles and minimizing redness.
The cherry on top? Niacinamide can also help build keratin, a protein that keeps skin firm.
When incorporating niacinamide into your routine, look out for concentration amounts. Typically, 5% niacinamide provides benefits such as fading dark spots. However, if you have sensitive skin, it is better to begin with a smaller concentration.
Niacinamide can be mixed with other ingredients to boost benefits. For instance, it has shown to be effective when used with copper, folic acid, and zinc to treat acne.
Learn more about NiacinamidePaula's Choice 10% Niacinamide Booster contains this as ingredient number 2.
Paula's Choice Clinical Niacinamide 20% Treatment contains this as ingredient number 2.
Acetyl Glucosamine is an antioxidant and humectant. It is a form of Vitamin C.
Acetyl Glucosamine helps the skin produce hyaluronic acid and boost hydration.
Antioxidants help fight off free-radicals, molecules that may damage skin cells.
When paired with niacinamide, Acetyl Glucosamine has been shown to be effective at reducing discoloration.
Read more about other types of Vitamin C:
Learn more about Acetyl GlucosaminePaula's Choice 10% Niacinamide Booster contains this as ingredient number 3.
Paula's Choice Clinical Niacinamide 20% Treatment contains this as ingredient number 6.
Ascorbyl Glucoside is a stable form of Vitamin C. It is created by combining glucose from starch.
When applied to skin, Ascorbyl Glucoside turns into Ascorbic Acid.
Ascorbyl Glucoside is an antioxidant. Antioxidants help fight free-radicals, or molecules that may damage skin cells.
It can help to reduce redness, improve skin texture, reduce the effects of aging, reduce the visibility of dark spots, and brighten skin.
Read more about other types of Vitamin C:
Learn more about Ascorbyl GlucosidePaula's Choice 10% Niacinamide Booster contains this as ingredient number 4.
Paula's Choice Clinical Niacinamide 20% Treatment contains this as ingredient number 7.
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 10% Niacinamide Booster contains this as ingredient number 5.
Paula's Choice Clinical Niacinamide 20% Treatment contains this as ingredient number 4.
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 AllantoinPaula's Choice 10% Niacinamide Booster contains this as ingredient number 8.
Paula's Choice Clinical Niacinamide 20% Treatment contains this as ingredient number 15.
Boerhavia Diffusa Root Extract comes from the Boerhavia Diffusa tree, or more commonly known as punarnava, red spiderling, spreading hogweed, or tarvine.
This tree is native to India and commonly used in ayurvedic medicine.
Studies show this extract helps soothe and hydrate skin. This root contains many amino acids that help moisturize skin, such as arginine and glycine.
Boerhavia Diffusa Root Extract also contains antioxidants, antioxidants help fight free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells.
Learn more about Boerhavia Diffusa Root ExtractPaula's Choice 10% Niacinamide Booster contains this as ingredient number 9.
Paula's Choice Clinical Niacinamide 20% Treatment contains this as ingredient number 13.
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 10% Niacinamide Booster contains this as ingredient number 10.
Paula's Choice Clinical Niacinamide 20% Treatment contains this as ingredient number 5.
Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract is an extract of the roots of Licorice. It has been found to have several benefits such as skin hydrating, conditioning, and soothing.
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.
Learn more about Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root ExtractPaula's Choice 10% Niacinamide Booster contains this as ingredient number 12.
Paula's Choice Clinical Niacinamide 20% Treatment contains this as ingredient number 8.
EGCG is most famous for being found in green tea. It is a type of catechin, a potent antioxidant.
Antioxidants protect our skin from oxidative damage, helping with slowing the signs of aging.
A study from 2018 found EGCG to help reduce melanin and melanoma cells.
Learn more about the skin benefits of green tea here.
Learn more about Epigallocatechin GallatePaula's Choice 10% Niacinamide Booster contains this as ingredient number 14.
Paula's Choice Clinical Niacinamide 20% Treatment contains this as ingredient number 12.
Panthenol (also referred to as pro-vitamin B5) is a common ingredient that helps hydrate and soothe the skin.
lt is a humectant, meaning that it helps the skin attract and retain moisture.
Another benefit is the anti-inflammatory abilities. This means that it's great for sensitive, irritation-prone skin.
Once oxidized, panthenol converts to pantothenic acid. Panthothenic acid is found in all living cells.
Learn more about PanthenolPaula's Choice 10% Niacinamide Booster contains this as ingredient number 16.
Paula's Choice Clinical Niacinamide 20% Treatment contains this as ingredient number 18.
Xanthan 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 GumPaula's Choice 10% Niacinamide Booster contains this as ingredient number 22.
Paula's Choice Clinical Niacinamide 20% Treatment contains this as ingredient number 20.
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.
Paula's Choice 10% Niacinamide Booster contains this as ingredient number 24.
Paula's Choice Clinical Niacinamide 20% Treatment contains this as ingredient number 25.
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 10% Niacinamide Booster contains this as ingredient number 25.
Paula's Choice Clinical Niacinamide 20% Treatment contains this as ingredient number 24.
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.
Paula's Choice 10% Niacinamide Booster 25 ingredients
Paula's Choice Clinical Niacinamide 20% Treatment 25 ingredients
Usage
Here's some more info on how this product is used by our community.
When to use
Paula's Choice 10% Niacinamide Booster 25 ingredients
Paula's Choice Clinical Niacinamide 20% Treatment 25 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Paula's Choice 10% Niacinamide Booster 25 ingredients
Paula's Choice Clinical Niacinamide 20% Treatment 25 ingredients
Alternatives
Our Dupe Finder has found 34 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to Paula's Choice 10% Niacinamide Booster.
See 34 alternativesOur Dupe Finder has found 23 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to Paula's Choice Clinical Niacinamide 20% Treatment.
See 23 alternatives
