Paula's Choice Pro Retinaldehyde Dual-Retinoid Treatment Review

Paula's Choice Pro Retinaldehyde Dual-Retinoid Treatment
4.8
/ 10
Moisturizing
2.7 Humectancy icon Humectancy
7.0 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
5Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle
Review

Does Paula's Choice Pro Retinaldehyde Dual-Retinoid Treatment Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Paula's Choice Pro Retinaldehyde Dual-Retinoid Treatment has to offer:
 
  • Moderate moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 4.8 out of 10.
  • Considerable anti-wrinkle efficacy: Paula's Choice Pro Retinaldehyde Dual-Retinoid Treatment has an anti-wrinkle rating of 5.0 out of 10, indicating a moderate ability to reduce wrinkles.

Key Benefits of Paula's Choice Pro Retinaldehyde Dual-Retinoid Treatment

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Paula's Choice Pro Retinaldehyde Dual-Retinoid Treatment:
 

Moisturizer with the Right Occlusivity for Normal to Dry Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, Paula's Choice Pro Retinaldehyde Dual-Retinoid Treatment is quite moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 4.8 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Significantly more occlusive. It has a low Humectancy of 2.7 out of 10 and a high Occlusivity of 7.0 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride (est. ≈6.0%), Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil (est. ≈4.0%) and Dimethicone (est. ≈3.0%).

This type of product, when used as a standalone moisturizer, may provide a significant level of occlusive hydration that is adequate for normal to dry skin.

The occlusive profile of Paula's Choice Pro Retinaldehyde Dual-Retinoid Treatment suggests a texture that is rich and creamy but not overly thick, offering the potential to absorb into the skin without leaving a greasy afterfeel in most cases.

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

Considerable Anti-Wrinkle Efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, Paula's Choice Pro Retinaldehyde Dual-Retinoid Treatment has a moderate anti-wrinkle rating of 5.0 out of 10.

It contains one ingredient with proven anti-wrinkle efficacy: Retinal (est. ≈0.05%), 
 also known as retinaldehyde, is a potent retinoid with anti-wrinkle efficacy confirmed by a single clinical study involving 125 participants (Creidi et al.). This study demonstrated that a cream containing 0.05% retinal reduced the average wrinkle depth by 8% after 18 weeks of use, compared to a vehicle (the same formulation without retinal).
 
Among others, Paula's Choice Pro Retinaldehyde Dual-Retinoid Treatment also contains Adapalene, an ingredient often marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of Adapalene provide insufficient evidence of its efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards. Therefore, this ingredient does not contribute to the anti-wrinkle rating.
 
Moisturizers, when used regularly, are proven to prevent wrinkle formation and even reduce existing wrinkles. Therefore, this product, like any other moisturizer, can deliver some anti-wrinkle effects through its moisturizing action.
 

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

Please note that this is not a complete list of benefits. We are in the process of enhancing our AI model to incorporate anti-pigmentation, exfoliation and anti-acne ratings.

Things to Be Aware Of: Paula's Choice Pro Retinaldehyde Dual-Retinoid Treatment

 
CreamScan AI identified a few things to consider before adding Paula's Choice Pro Retinaldehyde Dual-Retinoid Treatment to your skincare routine:
 

Needs to Be Paired with Extra Humectants for Optimal Moisturizing Efficacy

An ideal moisturizer for any skin type should balance the right level of occlusivity (depending on skin type) with a significant amount of humectants, while Paula's Choice Pro Retinaldehyde Dual-Retinoid Treatment contains a relatively low level of humectants.

People with normal to dry skin would definitely benefit from adding more humectants to their moisturizing routine beyond what this product offers. If this is your only moisturizer, it may be worth including a humectant-rich product, such as a serum, in your skincare routine.

Pros & Cons of Paula's Choice Pro Retinaldehyde Dual-Retinoid Treatment

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Paula's Choice Pro Retinaldehyde Dual-Retinoid Treatment to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

Pros:

  • Provides the right level of occlusivity to moisturize normal to dry skin
  • Rich and creamy texture without being overly thick
  • Provides considerable anti-wrinkle efficacy thanks to Retinal

Cons: 

  • Ideally needs to be paired with extra humectants for optimal moisturizing efficacy

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
75
6
4
3
2
1.5
1.3
0.05
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.1
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
0.3
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Function:
Origin:
Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Polyglyceryl-2 Stearate
Function:
Origin:
Propanediol
Function:
Origin:
Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate
Function:
Origin:
Retinal
Function:
Origin:
Tocopherol
Function:
Origin:
Tocopheryl Acetate
Function:
Origin:
Saccharomyces Ferment Filtrate
Function:
Origin:
Albatrellus Confluens (Mushroom) Extract
Function:
Origin:
Punica Granatum Pericarp Extract
Function:
Origin:
Adapalene
Function:
Origin:
Glyceryl Stearate
Function:
Origin:
Stearyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Hydroxyapatite
Function:
Origin:
Butylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Cetyl Glyceryl Ether
Function:
Origin:
Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Polyacrylate
Function:
Origin:
Isopropyl Myristate
Function:
Origin:
Hydroxyacetophenone
Function:
Origin:
Caprylhydroxamic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Phytate
Function:
Origin:
Xanthan Gum
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Hydroxystearic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Ceramide AP
Function:
Origin:
1,2-Hexanediol
Function:
Origin:
Sorbitan Oleate
Function:
Origin:
Naringin
Function:
Origin:
Citric Acid
Function:
Origin:
Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
2.7
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
13.9
6.0
4.0
3.0
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
4.8
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 2.7 10
2.7
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 13.9 20
7.0
6.0
4.0
3.0
0.3
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
4.8
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 2.7 10
2.7
All humectants
2.7
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
6
4
3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 13.9 20
7.0
All occlusives
13.9
6.0
4.0
3.0
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
5 /10 0.05 0.05 5
n/a
- 0.1 -
Total
5
Retinal
5
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
5 /10
when present at, %
0.05
in this formula, est. %
0.05
Adapalene
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.1
Anti-wrinkle rating
5
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 0.9 3 No
All antioxidants
0.9
Tocopherol
0.3
Tocopheryl Acetate
0.3
Hydroxyacetophenone
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
0.3
0.3
All soothing 0.6 5 No
All soothing
0.6
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.
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Est. %6
Function
Origin
Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideA natural occlusive moisturizing and emollient ingredient, it is a blend of glycerin and two fatty acids, caprylic and capric acid. It creates an oil-based protective layer on the skin, thereby preventing water loss.
Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed OilA liquid plant wax, also known as Jojoba oil, pressed from the seeds of Simmondsia chinensis. These seeds can contain up to 50% of liquid wax. It is used as an occlusive moisturizer, emollient, and emulsifier.
Dimethicone
Est. %3
Function
Origin
DimethiconeThe most common silicone in skincare. It forms a silky, smooth film on the skin’s surface and can help to prevent water loss. It also aids in wound healing and can treat and soften scars. Dimethicone is considered to be very safe for use.
Polyglyceryl-2 Stearate
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Polyglyceryl-2 Stearate
Propanediol
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
PropanediolAn excellent solvent capable of mixing water with normally water-insoluble ingredients. It also functions as a humectant due to its water-loving alcohol groups. Propanediol can control the viscosity of a product by reducing its thickness.
Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
Polyglyceryl-3 DiisostearateA vegetable-based ingredient that stabilizes mixtures of oil and water.
Retinal
Est. %0.05
Function
Origin
Retinal

A potent ingredient of the retinoid group with confirmed anti-wrinkle capabilities.

Tocopherol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tocopherol

Simply another name for vitamin E. Tocopherol is a fantastic ingredient and especially beneficial for dry and inflamed skin. It has occlusive moisturizing, emollient, antioxidant, and photoprotective properties.

Tocopheryl Acetate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tocopheryl Acetate

An antioxidant derivative of tocopherol (vitamin E). It helps to protect cells from free radicals and UV damage through the conversion to active vitamin E in the skin. It is more stable than tocopherol.

Saccharomyces Ferment Filtrate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Saccharomyces Ferment FiltrateA yeast mixture that contains humectant moisturizing amino acids, nucleic acids (building blocks of DNA), peptides, various minerals, and vitamins.
Albatrellus Confluens (Mushroom) Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Albatrellus Confluens (Mushroom) Extract
Punica Granatum Pericarp Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Punica Granatum Pericarp Extract
Adapalene
Est. %0.1
Function
Origin
Adapalene
Glyceryl Stearate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glyceryl StearateAn emollient and emulsifier typically derived from vegetable sources through a chemical reaction with glycerin. It provides stability, texture, and consistency to formulations. Its main function is to allow oil and water to mix.
Stearyl Alcohol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Stearyl AlcoholA natural fatty alcohol that thickens, stabilizes, and keeps emulsions a bright white color. It has many uses, the main one being as an emulsifier. It also acts as an opacifying agent and emollient.
Hydroxyapatite
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hydroxyapatite
Butylene Glycol
Est. %0.3
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.

Cetyl Glyceryl Ether
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Cetyl Glyceryl Ether
Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed OilA fatty oil extracted from the seeds of the castor bean plant with very unique fatty acid composition. It is used in skincare as an occlusive moisturizer and emollient that leaves the skin feeling soft and silky after application.
Sodium Polyacrylate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium PolyacrylateThis white powder is primarily used as a viscosity controlling agent. It is added to the water phase, which then thickens to form a clear gel. Sodium polyacrylate can also serve as an emollient, absorbent, and emulsion stabilizer.
Isopropyl Myristate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Isopropyl MyristateA fast-spreading, cost-effective, non-greasy emollient that is typically used for lubrication, spreadability, or to remove “tackiness” from a product. Isopropyl Myristate is listed as a common comedogenic ingredient by acne.org.
Hydroxyacetophenone
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
HydroxyacetophenoneAn antioxidant compound that can be found in many plants, although it is manufactured synthetically for skincare purposes. It can boost the preservative action of other conservants.
Caprylhydroxamic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Caprylhydroxamic AcidA chelating agent used alongside preservatives in order to boost their antimicrobial activity.
Sodium Phytate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium PhytateSodium phytate is a chelating agent that serves to remove heavy metal ions from water. Removing metal ions helps other ingredients, such as antioxidants and preservatives, to perform better and keep products from separating.
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.
Glycerin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glycerin

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

Hydroxystearic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hydroxystearic AcidA strongly emollient and occlusive saturated fatty acid isolated from castor oil.
Ceramide AP
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ceramide APPreviously called Ceramide 6 II, Ceramide AP is one of the most common ceramides in the skin. Research has shown that dry, flaky skin has significantly less Ceramide AP. Its application helps to treat dry skin by restoring balance in the skin lipids.
1,2-Hexanediol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
1,2-HexanediolA multi-functional formula helper. It is a well-studied preservtive against bacteria and can help pigments and fragrances disperse evenly in a formula.
Sorbitan Oleate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sorbitan OleateA vegetable-based ingredient that stabilizes mixtures of oil and water. Sorbitan oleate serves primarily as an emulsifier that produces water-in-oil emulsions.
Naringin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Naringin
Citric Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Citric AcidA gently exfoliating AHA that helps to remove the top layer of dead skin cells. In comparison to other AHAs, citric acid has been shown to be one of the least effective. It is also very commonly used as a stabilizing and pH-controlling agent.
Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)One of two the most commonly used mineral sunscreens. It can absorb UV light, including UVB – which causes burning, tanning, and even skin cancer. Also used as a colorant, titanium dioxide gives a product a bright white color.