Paula's Choice 1% Retinol Booster

Paula's Choice 1% Retinol Booster
5.8
/ 10
Moisturizing
10.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
1.5 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
10Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle
Rich
in Antioxidants

Review

Does Paula's Choice 1% Retinol Booster work?

Based on the ingredient list analysis by CreamScan AI, these are the key benefits you can expect from using Paula's Choice 1% Retinol Booster:

  • Strong humectant moisturizing. This lightweight, humectant-rich product, ideal for oily skin, has a moisturizing rating of 5.8 out of 10.
  • Potent anti-wrinkle effect. With an anti-wrinkle rating of 10.0 out of 10, Paula's Choice 1% Retinol Booster is highly potent in reducing wrinkles.
  • Antioxidant protection.

Lightweight moisturizer ideal for oily skin and a humectant boost for any skincare routine

According to CreamScan analysis, Paula's Choice 1% Retinol Booster is quite moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 5.8 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Significantly more humectant. It has a low occlusivity of 1.5 out of 10 and a maximum humectancy of 10 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Glycerin (est. ≈4.0%) and Isopentyldiol (est. ≈2.0%).

This humectant-rich product, when used alone as a moisturizer, is ideal for oily skin, offering significant hydration in a lightweight, fast-absorbing formula with a minimal amount of occlusive ingredients. It’s also a great choice for people with normal skin who prefer lightweight moisturizers.

Such a humectant boost will also positively contribute to the moisturizing efficacy of any skincare routine when used as a step before applying the main moisturizer. This type of formulation is typically used in serums, where a light, fast-absorbing texture is key.

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the moisturizing rating calculation.

Potent anti-wrinkle efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, Paula's Choice 1% Retinol Booster has a maximum anti-wrinkle rating of 10.0 out of 10.

It contains one ingredient with proven anti-wrinkle efficacy: Retinol (est. ≈1.0%), 
 the most effective non-prescription anti-wrinkle ingredient. Numerous clinical studies have shown its positive effects at concentrations as low as 0.1%. A study with 36 participants (Kafi et al.) confirmed that a lotion containing 0.4% retinol reduced wrinkle severity by 21% after 24 weeks of use, compared to the same formulation without retinol (vehicle).
 
Among others, Paula's Choice 1% Retinol Booster also contains Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, an ingredient often marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 provide insufficient evidence of its efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards. Therefore, this ingredient does not contribute to the anti-wrinkle rating.
 

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the anti-wrinkle rating calculation.

Rich in skin-protecting antioxidants

We estimate that Paula's Choice 1% Retinol Booster is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Oleosomes (est. ≈3.0%).

A key benefit of antioxidants is their ability to reduce oxidative stress caused by free radicals and therefore prevent accelerated skin aging. Studies also show that antioxidants can protect against environmental damage such as UV radiation and pollution, and help reduce inflammation and skin redness.

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
75
6
4
3
2
1.5
1.3
1.2
1.1
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Glycereth-7 Triacetate
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Oleosomes
Function:
Origin:
Isopentyldiol
Function:
Origin:
Polyglyceryl-10 Behenate/Eicosadioate
Function:
Origin:
Butylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Polysorbate 20
Function:
Origin:
Retinol
Function:
Origin:
Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract
Function:
Origin:
Ceramide NP
Function:
Origin:
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1
Function:
Origin:
Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract
Function:
Origin:
Epilobium Angustifolium Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Function:
Origin:
Arctium Lappa Root Extract
Function:
Origin:
Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Extract
Function:
Origin:
Allantoin
Function:
Origin:
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Function:
Origin:
Caprylyl Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate
Function:
Origin:
Dipentaerythrityl Tri-Polyhydroxystearate
Function:
Origin:
Ethylhexyl Methoxycrylene
Function:
Origin:
Hydrogenated Lecithin
Function:
Origin:
Bis-Glyceryl Ascorbate
Function:
Origin:
Disodium EDTA
Function:
Origin:
Sorbic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Xanthan Gum
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
10.0
4
2
1.3
1.2
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
3.0
3.0
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
5.8
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 10.0 10
10.0
4
2
1.3
1.2
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 3.0 20
1.5
3.0
Moisturizing rating
5.8
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
4
2
1.3
1.2
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 10.0 10
10
All humectants
10.0
4
2
1.3
1.2
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
3
All occlusives 3.0 20
1.5
All occlusives
3.0
3.0
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
10 /10 0.4 1 10
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
10
Retinol
10
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
10 /10
when present at, %
0.4
in this formula, est. %
1
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
3
1.2
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 5.7 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
5.7
Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Oleosomes
3
Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract
1.2
Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract
0.3
Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract
0.3
Epilobium Angustifolium Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
0.3
Arctium Lappa Root Extract
0.3
Bis-Glyceryl Ascorbate
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All soothing 1.8 5 No
All soothing
1.8
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %75
Function
Origin
WaterThe most used ingredient in skincare. Its concentration defines the product texture: rich creams may have about 50% of water while a light jelly about 90%. Water doesn’t moisturize the skin by itself and is used in skincare as a solvent for other ingredients.
Glycereth-7 Triacetate
Est. %6
Function
Origin
Glycereth-7 Triacetate
Glycerin
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Glycerin

The most popular moisturizing ingredient in the world. It is a powerful humectant – cheap yet very effective.

Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Oleosomes
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) OleosomesMicroscopic droplets of safflower oil surrounded by a membrane. Oleosomes are able to create a very stable emulsion and are better absorbed by the skin. Safflower oil offers occlusive, emollient, and antioxidant properties.
Isopentyldiol
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Isopentyldiol

An alcohol that improves moisturization by drawing in water.

Polyglyceryl-10 Behenate/Eicosadioate
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Polyglyceryl-10 Behenate/Eicosadioate
Butylene Glycol
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
Butylene Glycol

A clear, colorless liquid humectant that draws moisture to the skin. The humectancy of butylene glycol, owed to its two hydroxyl groups, is quite considerable, although not as powerful as glycerin, which contains three hydroxyl groups.

Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract
Est. %1.2
Function
Origin
Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit ExtractAn extract derived from apple fruit that has humectant moisturizing and antioxidant properties, as well as gentle anti-pigment effects. It contains humectant sugars, anti-pigment organic acids, and flavonoids.
Polysorbate 20
Est. %1.1
Function
Origin
Polysorbate 20A viscous, amber-colored liquid that functions as a solubilizer to disperse small amounts of oil into a large water phase. Polysorbate 20 is frequently used to solubilize fragrance oils into water-based emulsions.
Retinol
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Retinol

One of the most famous and well-researched anti-aging ingredients with a maximum anti-wrinkle power of 10 out of 10. It is proven to decrease wrinkles and help the skin regain its thickness, firmness, and texture. Retinol is also effective in treating pigmentation issues such as dark spots and acne.

Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root ExtractAn extract from the licorice root. It contains a well-researched anti-inflammatory compound called glycyrrhizin that can reduce inflammation. Licorice root extract is also used for its powerful antioxidant effects and ability to treat pigmentation.
Ceramide NP
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ceramide NPAlso known as ceramide 3, it is the most common ceramide in our skin. It helps to restore the skin’s lipid barrier and alleviate the symptoms of dry and cracked skin. Research has shown that skin suffering from conditions such as AD lacks ceramides.
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1

A small peptide consisting of three amino acids with anti-wrinkle effects. Together with Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, it is a part of the popular anti-wrinkle complex called Matrixyl™ 3000.

Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel ExtractA beneficial extract obtained from Oat groats popular in products aimed at eczema-prone skin. It contains skin healing beta-glucan, anti-inflammatory phenolic compounds, antioxidant flavonoids, various lipids, proteins, and moisturizing amino acids.
Epilobium Angustifolium Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Epilobium Angustifolium Flower/Leaf/Stem ExtractAn extract from a plant known in North America as Fireweed and in Europe as Willowherb. It is commonly used in traditional herbal medicine. Due to its abundant content of tannins and flavonoids, it has great astringent and antioxidant properties.
Arctium Lappa Root Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Arctium Lappa Root ExtractA soothing and antiseborrheic extract derived from the roots of the greater burdock.
Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Salix Alba (Willow) Bark ExtractA potent, soothing extract from the bark of the white willow. It has potent anti-inflammatory effects due to its salicin content. Tannins from the willow bark extract have astringent effects and can aid in the skin’s healing process.
Allantoin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
AllantoinA fluffy, white powder that acts as a humectant due to its water-loving chemistry and as an exfoliant that helps to remove dead skin cells. It has also been shown to be very soothing to irritated and inflamed skin.
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Dipotassium GlycyrrhizateA licorice root derivative with powerful anti-inflammatory and soothing activities. It is often used as a flavoring agent in lip products.
Caprylyl Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Caprylyl GlycolAn emollient that improves product spreadability and offers a silky feel on the skin. It also acts as a preservative booster that improves the efficacy of other preservatives. According to the manufacturer, it is also a humectant moisturizer.
Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Polyglyceryl-10 LaurateA vegetable glycerin or synthetically produced emulsifier and gentle cleansing agent. It won't leave skin feeling tight or dry when used to cleanse.
Dipentaerythrityl Tri-Polyhydroxystearate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Dipentaerythrityl Tri-Polyhydroxystearate
Ethylhexyl Methoxycrylene
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ethylhexyl Methoxycrylene
Hydrogenated Lecithin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hydrogenated LecithinA version of plain lecithin that has been saturated with hydrogen atoms. This ingredient can be derived from plants, like soy or sunflower, from egg yolks, or made synthetically. Its major function is to emulsify water and oils.
Bis-Glyceryl Ascorbate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Bis-Glyceryl Ascorbate
Disodium EDTA
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Disodium EDTAA synthetic chelator that helps to maintain the look and smell of a product by 'locking up' troublesome metal ions.
Sorbic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sorbic AcidAn organic acid that can be naturally found in the berries of the Mountain ash, although it is manufactured synthetically for skincare purposes. It is used as a preservative and antimicrobial agent, protecting a skincare product from spoiling.
Xanthan Gum
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Xanthan GumA natural multi-functional ingredient that originates from fermented sugars. Xanthan gum acts as a viscosity-building agent to thicken skincare products. It is also an excellent stabilizer and works well to hold other ingredients together.
Phenoxyethanol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PhenoxyethanolThe most frequently used preservative in skincare. It is a clear, oil-like liquid synthetic substance that protects products from harmful bacteria and yeast, whilst still leaving skin microflora unharmed. It is confirmed by research to be harmless.