Comparison between Paula's Choice 0.3% Retinol + 2% Bakuchiol Treatment vs. Obagi Medical Retinol 1.0

Find out which product is better for your skin.

52 Ingredients 39

1
Water
1
(Aqua)
2
Dimethicone
2
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
3
Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate
3
Glyceryl Stearate SE
4
Isononyl Isononanoate
4
Cyclopentasiloxane
5
Butylene Glycol
5
Butylene Glycol
6
Bakuchiol
6
Stearic Acid
7
Arachidyl Alcohol
7
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter
8
Glyceryl Polymethacrylate
8
Polysorbate-60
-- Show others --
Uniqueness39 out of 52
75.0%
Uniqueness26 out of 39
66.7%

Positive Effects

Find out what good effects the product has

ECO Metrics

Find out how eco-friendly the components are
Vegan
No
No
Cruelty free
Yes
No
Reef friendly
Yes
Yes
Ozone layer safe
Yes
Yes
Organic score
natural
14 out of 52
27%
chemical
34 out of 52
65%
natural
12 out of 39
31%
chemical
23 out of 39
59%

Concerns

Pay attention to these components
-- Extra information --

Components by Skin Type

Find out what components are good or bad for your skin type
Dry skin
Positive: 4Negative: 0
Butylene Glycol#5Glycerin#11Sodium Hyaluronate#21Allantoin#29
Oily skin
Positive: 1Negative: 1
Allantoin#29Glyceryl Stearate SE#13
Sensitive skin
Positive: 1Negative: 2
Allantoin#29Retinol (Vitamin A)#17Benzoic Acid#51
Dry skin
Positive: 8Negative: 0
Butylene Glycol#5Stearyl Alcohol#9Glycerin#10Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil#15Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract#16Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C)#24Sodium Hyaluronate#26Propylene Glycol#27
Oily skin
Positive: 0Negative: 2
Glyceryl Stearate SE#3Stearic Acid#6
Sensitive skin
Positive: 1Negative: 1
Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract#16Retinol (Vitamin A)#12

Detailed view

Paula's Choice 0.3% Retinol + 2% Bakuchiol Treatment vs. Obagi Medical Retinol 1.0
Position 1

#1Water

Origin: natural
Role: Solvent
EWG Rating [ 1 ]

Water is a great solvent. It’s neutral and doesn’t provide any strong positive or negative effects. It just helps components to mix better and to transport active components.

-- versus --

#1(Aqua)

Origin: No information
Role: No information
Position 2

#2Dimethicone

Origin: chemical
Role: Skin conditioning agent, Antifoaming agent, Emollient
Silicones
EWG Rating [ 1 ]
CIR Rating [ A ]

Dimethicone is the most popular silicone. It makes the skin softer and forms a film adding smooth and silky feeling. This film not only improves how the skin feels but also works as a protective barrier. It also improves the visual appearance of your skin by filling small wrinkles. What you should really know is that this component is difficult to wash off! So make sure you did proper cleansing after using it.

-- versus --

#2Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride

Origin: natural
Role: Skin conditioning agent, Fragrance ingredient
EWG Rating [ 1 ]
CIR Rating [ A ]

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride is an emollient that also hydrates the skin without leaving a fatty film. When applied, the component feels smooth and light. In haircare products, it’s also used for hydrating purposes. It makes hair silky, lowers tangling, and makes hair smooth.

It’s safe for most people, except for people with allergic reactions to coconut or palm oil because these oils are usually used for producing the component.

Position 3

#3Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate

Origin: chemical
Role: Skin conditioning agent, Binding, Emollient, Emulsifying agent, Surfactant, Viscosity controlling agent
Softening
Comedogenic rating [ 2 ]
EWG Rating [ 1 ]
CIR Rating [ A ]
-- versus --

#3Glyceryl Stearate SE

Origin: chemical
Role: Emulsifying agent, Surfactant
Moisturizing
Softening
Comedogenic rating [ 3 ]
EWG Rating [ 1 ]
CIR Rating [ A ]
Bad for oily skin
Bad for oily skin

Glyceryl Stearate SE is a nice moisturizing ingredient. It hydrates the upper layers of the skin and fills small wrinkles. In haircare products, it's used for making hair softer.

Position 4

#4Isononyl Isononanoate

Origin: chemical
Role: Skin conditioning agent, Antistatic agent, Emollient
EWG Rating [ 1 ]
CIR Rating [ B ]
-- versus --

#4Cyclopentasiloxane

Origin: chemical
Role: Skin conditioning agent, Emollient, Hair conditioning, Solvent
Protection
Silicones
EWG Rating [ 3 ]
CIR Rating [ A ]

Cyclopentasiloxane is a fluid silicone. It’s non-greasy and doesn’t have any scent or color. It evaporates pretty fast which makes this ingredient essential when it comes to making products that have to dry quickly. It also gives a nice silky feeling when you apply the product to the skin and hair. It leaves a thin film that protects the skin after evaporation.

Cyclopentasiloxane is chemically neutral, meaning it doesn’t react with other components.

Position 5
Both products have the same component on this position.

#5Butylene Glycol

Origin: chemical
Role: Skin conditioning agent, Fragrance ingredient, Humectant, Masking, Solvent, Viscosity controlling agent
Moisturizing
Softening
Hair protection
Comedogenic rating [ 1 ]
EWG Rating [ 1 ]
CIR Rating [ A ]
Good for dry skin
Good for dry skin

Butylene Glycol is a very popular synthetic alcohol. It helps the product to absorb deeper and faster. It is also a solvent for other ingredients. As for the skin benefits, it helps to attract water and helps to make the skin softer.

Unlike many other “Glycols”, it is not harmful and that's why it is used in many products. It was approved by US FDA and US EPA for usage.

Skin Signal
2023 - 2024

The most advanced ingredient checker and cosmetics analyzer. Take a look "inside" the skincare products you use every day.

Disclaimer: All the information on the website is not a medical advice. Visit a doctor if you have problems.

Privacy policy Terms of Service