Paula's Choice Clinical 0.3% Retinol + 2% Bakuchiol Treatment Versus Glow Recipe Avocado Melt Retinol Sleeping Mask
Updated on September 18, 2023
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe . They have a total of 12 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain exfoliants, hyaluronic acid, 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, 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 Clinical 0.3% Retinol + 2% Bakuchiol Treatment 54 ingredients
Glow Recipe Avocado Melt Retinol Sleeping Mask 64 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Paula's Choice Clinical 0.3% Retinol + 2% Bakuchiol Treatment 54 ingredients
Glow Recipe Avocado Melt Retinol Sleeping Mask 64 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
Emollient
Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate
Emollient
Isononyl Isononanoate
EmollientButylene Glycol
Humectant
Bakuchiol
Antimicrobial
Arachidyl Alcohol
EmollientGlyceryl Polymethacrylate
Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingBehenyl Alcohol
Emollient
Glycerin
Humectant
PEG-75 Shea Butter Glycerides
Emulsifying
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialPolysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
Antioxidant
Retinol
Skin Conditioning
Ceramide Ng
Skin Conditioning
Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
Skin Conditioning
Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Humectant
Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
Bleaching
Avena Sativa Kernel Extract
Abrasive
Arctium Lappa Root Extract
Skin ConditioningSalix Alba Bark Extract
Astringent
Glycine Soja Sterols
Emollient
Lecithin
EmollientAllantoin
Skin Conditioning
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Hydrolyzed Soy Protein
HumectantPalmitoyl Tripeptide-1
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingTribehenin
Emollient
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientDipeptide-2
Skin Conditioning
Polygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract
Antioxidant
PEG-10 Phytosterol
EmulsifyingPEG-8
HumectantMagnesium Aluminum Silicate
AbsorbentArachidyl Glucoside
EmulsifyingChrysin
Skin ConditioningPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningSodium Acrylates Copolymer
Steareth-20
CleansingHydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingCetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Coco-Glucoside
CleansingHesperidin Methyl Chalcone
Antioxidant
N-Hydroxysuccinimide
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Benzoic Acid
Masking
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningWater, 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, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, 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
Water
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
SolventGlycerin
Humectant
Cetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient
C9-12 Alkane
SolventCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingKaolin
Abrasive
Persea Gratissima Oil
Skin Conditioning
Polyisobutene
Sodium Lauroyl Glutamate
Stearic Acid
Cleansing
C13-15 Alkane
SolventPlatonia Insignis Seed Butter
EmollientPersea Gratissima Fruit Extract
EmollientHyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Squalane
Emollient
Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
Masking
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Saccharide Isomerate
HumectantHexylresorcinol
AntimicrobialZingiber Officinale Root Extract
MaskingOryza Sativa Extract
Absorbent
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Gluconolactone
Skin Conditioning
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin Conditioning
Malachite Extract
Antioxidant
Ethylhexyl Palmitate
Emollient
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Sodium Chloride
Masking
Sodium Hydroxypropylsulfonate Laurylglucoside Crosspolymer
CleansingMaltodextrin
AbsorbentHydrated Silica
Abrasive
Curcumin
Antioxidant
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPPG-3 Benzyl Ether Myristate
EmollientMaltooligosyl Glucoside
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Starch Hydrolysate
HumectantRetinol
Skin Conditioning
Spirulina Maxima Extract
SmoothingSodium Phosphate
BufferingPei-10
Citric Acid
Buffering
Sodium Citrate
BufferingSodium Dilauramidoglutamide Lysine
HumectantPotassium Phosphate
BufferingPotassium Chloride
Silica Dimethyl Silylate
EmollientArginine
Masking
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientTocopherol
Antioxidant
Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialLavandula Angustifolia Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Masking
Hexylene Glycol
EmulsifyingAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingPotassium Sorbate
Preservative
Carthamus Tinctorius Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningAroma
Pvp
Emulsion StabilisingSodium Benzoate
Masking
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Parfum
Masking
Water, Propanediol, Glycerin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate, C9-12 Alkane, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Kaolin, Persea Gratissima Oil, Polyisobutene, Sodium Lauroyl Glutamate, Stearic Acid, C13-15 Alkane, Platonia Insignis Seed Butter, Persea Gratissima Fruit Extract, Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Squalane, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Saccharide Isomerate, Hexylresorcinol, Zingiber Officinale Root Extract, Oryza Sativa Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Gluconolactone, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Malachite Extract, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Butylene Glycol, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Hydroxypropylsulfonate Laurylglucoside Crosspolymer, Maltodextrin, Hydrated Silica, Curcumin, Ethylhexylglycerin, PPG-3 Benzyl Ether Myristate, Maltooligosyl Glucoside, Hydrogenated Starch Hydrolysate, Retinol, Spirulina Maxima Extract, Sodium Phosphate, Pei-10, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate, Sodium Dilauramidoglutamide Lysine, Potassium Phosphate, Potassium Chloride, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Arginine, Sodium Hydroxide, Caprylyl Glycol, Tocopherol, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Hexylene Glycol, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Potassium Sorbate, Carthamus Tinctorius Seed Extract, Aroma, Pvp, Sodium Benzoate, Phenoxyethanol, Parfum
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. If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about WaterButylene 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.
- It has mild preservative properties.
Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient that works well with other ingredients.
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 GlycerinGlyceryl Stearate is a mix of glycerin and stearic acid.
It is used to stabilize the mixing of water and oil ingredients. By preventing these ingredients from separating, it can help elongate shelf life. It can also help thicken the product's texture.
As an emollient, it helps soften skin and supports barrier-replenishing ingredients.
In cosmetics, Glyceryl Stearate is often made from vegetable oils or synthetically produced.
This ingredient may not be fungal-acne safe
Fun fact: The human body also creates Glyceryl Stearate naturally.
Learn more about Glyceryl StearateRetinol 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 RetinolSodium 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 HyaluronateTocopheryl Acetate is AKA Vitamin E. It is an antioxidant and protects your skin from free radicals. Free radicals damage the skin by breaking down collagen.
One study found using Tocopheryl Acetate with Vitamin C decreased the number of sunburned cells.
Tocopheryl Acetate is commonly found in both skincare and dietary supplements.
Learn more about Tocopheryl AcetateSodium Hydroxide is also known as lye or caustic soda. It is used to adjust the pH of products; many ingredients require a specific pH to be effective.
In small amounts, sodium hydroxide is considered safe to use. However, large amounts may cause chemical burns due to its high alkaline.
Your skin has a natural pH and acid mantle. This acid mantle helps prevent harmful bacteria from breaking through. The acid mantle also helps keep your skin hydrated.
"Alkaline" refers to a high pH level. A low pH level would be considered acidic.
Learn more about Sodium HydroxideCaprylyl 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 GlycolCetearyl alcohol is a mixture of two fatty alcohols: cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol. It is mainly used as an emulsifier. Emulsifiers help prevent the separation of oils and products. Due to its composition, it can also be used to thicken a product or help create foam.
Cetearyl alcohol is an emollient. Emollients help soothe and hydrate the skin by trapping moisture.
Studies show Cetearyl alcohol is non-toxic and non-irritating. The FDA allows products labeled "alcohol-free" to have fatty alcohols.
This ingredient is usually derived from plant oils such as palm, vegetable, or coconut oils. There is debate on whether this ingredient will cause acne.
Due to the fatty acid base, this ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis safe.
Learn more about Cetearyl AlcoholPhenoxyethanol 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.
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.
Ingredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Paula's Choice Clinical 0.3% Retinol + 2% Bakuchiol Treatment 54 ingredients
Glow Recipe Avocado Melt Retinol Sleeping Mask 64 ingredients
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Paula's Choice Clinical 0.3% Retinol + 2% Bakuchiol Treatment 54 ingredients
Did absolutely nothing and it was $60ðŸ˜ðŸ˜
