Paula's Choice Retinol Skin-Smoothing Body Treatment Versus Soft Services Software Update Retinol Body Serum
Updated on April 23, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe . They have a total of 5 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain 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, 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
Paula's Choice Retinol Skin-Smoothing Body Treatment 31 ingredients
Soft Services Software Update Retinol Body Serum 22 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Paula's Choice Retinol Skin-Smoothing Body Treatment 31 ingredients
Soft Services Software Update Retinol Body Serum 22 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningCetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Cetearyl Ethylhexanoate
Emollient
Cyclopentasiloxane
Emollient
Dimethicone
Emollient
Glycerin
Humectant
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Cetyl Palmitate
Emollient
Butyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin Conditioning
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient
PEG-100 Stearate
Oenothera Biennis Oil
Emollient
Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil
Emollient
Cetyl Alcohol
Emollient
Retinol
Skin Conditioning
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
Antioxidant
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingPanthenol
Skin Conditioning
Carnosine
Skin ConditioningDimethiconol
Emollient
Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningBeeswax
Emulsion Stabilising
Magnesium Aluminum Silicate
AbsorbentSodium Hydroxide
BufferingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingDicaprylyl Carbonate
EmollientDecylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
Chlorphenesin
Antimicrobial
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Water, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Ethylhexanoate, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Cetyl Palmitate, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Oenothera Biennis Oil, Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil, Cetyl Alcohol, Retinol, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Panthenol, Carnosine, Dimethiconol, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Beeswax, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Sodium Hydroxide, Xanthan Gum, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Decylene Glycol, Disodium EDTA, Chlorphenesin, Phenoxyethanol
Water
Skin ConditioningNiacinamide
Smoothing
Neopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate
EmollientGlycerin
Humectant
Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil
Emollient
Capryloyl Glycerin/Sebacic Acid Copolymer
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningPolyglycerin-3
HumectantPolyglyceryl-3 Lactate/Laurate
CleansingDiheptyl Succinate
EmollientTocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Retinol
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate
CleansingPolyglyceryl-2 Oleate
Emulsifying
Polyhydroxystearic Acid
Emulsifying
Hydroxyacetophenone
Antioxidant
Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
Emulsion StabilisingPolyglyceryl-2 Stearate
Emulsifying
Sclerotium Gum
Emulsion StabilisingPolysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Citric Acid
Buffering
Water, Niacinamide, Neopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate, Glycerin, Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil, Capryloyl Glycerin/Sebacic Acid Copolymer, 1,2-Hexanediol, Polyglycerin-3, Polyglyceryl-3 Lactate/Laurate, Diheptyl Succinate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Retinol, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Polyglyceryl-2 Oleate, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Hydroxyacetophenone, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Polyglyceryl-2 Stearate, Sclerotium Gum, Polysorbate 20, Tocopherol, Citric Acid
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 WaterGlycerin 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 GlycerinVitis Vinifera Seed Oil comes from the grape vine. Grape seeds are a byproduct of creating grape juice or wine.
The components of grape seeds have many skin benefits. Research has found it to be antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory. It also contains many potent antioxidants such as Vitamin E , Vitamin C, proanthocyanidins, polyphenols, flavonoids, and anthocyanins. Proanthocyanidin has been shown to help even out skin tone.
Antioxidants help fight free-radical molecules. Free-radical molecules are capable of damaging our cells and other genetic material. Antioxidants help stabilize free-radicals by donating extra electrons. Grape seed extract may help reduce the signs of aging.
The antimicrobial properties of grape seed may help treat acne. However, more research is needed to support this claim.
Grape seed has also been found to help absorb UV rays. Grape seed extract should not replace your sunscreen.
The fatty acids of grape seed oil give it emollient properties. Emollients help soothe and soften your skin by creating a film. This film traps moisture within, keeping your skin hydrated.
Learn more about Vitis Vinifera Seed OilRetinol 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 RetinolTocopheryl 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 AcetateIngredient Ratings
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Paula's Choice Retinol Skin-Smoothing Body Treatment 31 ingredients
Soft Services Software Update Retinol Body Serum 22 ingredients
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