Paula's Choice Retinol Skin-Smoothing Body Treatment Review

Paula's Choice Retinol Skin-Smoothing Body Treatment
4.2
/ 10
Moisturizing
4.8 Humectancy icon Humectancy
3.5 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
2.5Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle
Ingredients

Paula's Choice Retinol Skin-Smoothing Body Treatment Ingredients

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Full Ingredient List (INCI):

Water, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Ethylhexanoate, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Cetyl Palmitate, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Oil, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil, Cetyl Alcohol, Retinol, Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate, 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
Review

Does Paula's Choice Retinol Skin-Smoothing Body Treatment Work?

 
According to CreamScan's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Paula's Choice Retinol Skin-Smoothing Body Treatment has to offer:
 
Moderate moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 4.2 out of 10.
✅ Modest anti-wrinkle efficacy: Paula's Choice Retinol Skin-Smoothing Body Treatment has an anti-wrinkle rating of 2.5 out of 10 so you may expect some, although limited, effect on wrinkles.

  

Key Benefits of Paula's Choice Retinol Skin-Smoothing Body Treatment

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Paula's Choice Retinol Skin-Smoothing Body Treatment:
 

🔵 Lightweight Moisturizer Suitable for Combination and Oily Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, Paula's Choice Retinol Skin-Smoothing Body Treatment is quite moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 4.2 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? This product has relatively comparable levels of humectancy and occlusivity: a moderate humectancy of 4.8 out of 10, primarily due to the substantial concentration of Glycerin (est. ≈2.5%) and Butylene Glycol (est. ≈2.0%), and a moderate occlusivity of 3.5 out of 10, mainly due to the high content of Dimethicone (est. ≈3.0%).

This type of moisturizer is suitable for people with oily and combination skin who want essential hydration in a relatively lightweight, non-greasy formula. It combines a substantial amount of humectants with a limited amount of occlusive ingredients to enhance moisturizing efficacy without feeling too heavy.

💧 A Humectant Add-on for Any Skincare Routine

But it’s not limited to combination and oily skin - since it contains a moderate amount of humectants, such a humectant add-on will also positively contribute to the moisturizing efficacy of any skincare routine when used as a step before applying the main moisturizer.

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

🟣 Modest Anti-Wrinkle Efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, Paula's Choice Retinol Skin-Smoothing Body Treatment has a modest level of anti-wrinkle efficacy, rated 2.5 out of 10.

It contains one ingredient with proven anti-wrinkle efficacy: Retinol (est. ≈0.1%),
 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 Retinol Skin-Smoothing Body Treatment also contains Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate, an ingredient often marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate provide insufficient evidence of its efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards.
 
While this does not categorically rule out the possibility that Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate may reduce wrinkles, its efficacy is not supported by convincing, vehicle-controlled, double-blind clinical studies - at least none that were available to the CreamScan team at the time of publication.
 
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 additional 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 model to incorporate anti-pigmentation, exfoliation and anti-acne ratings.

Things to Be Aware Of: Paula's Choice Retinol Skin-Smoothing Body Treatment

 
CreamScan identified a few things to consider before adding Paula's Choice Retinol Skin-Smoothing Body Treatment to your skincare routine:
 

⚠️ May Increase Skin Photosensitivity Due to Retinol

This product contains retinol, which offers powerful anti-wrinkle benefits. The mechanism behind retinol’s action is boosting cell turnover. This process exposes new, more delicate skin, making it more vulnerable to sun damage.

As a result, using products with retinol may increase the skin's sensitivity, making it more prone to sunburn or irritation when exposed to UV rays.

To protect the skin, dermatologists recommend applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 throughout the duration of retinol treatment, along with avoiding direct sun exposure. Retinol should be used at night, as it is sensitive to sunlight and can lose its potency when exposed to UV rays.

📌 Please always check the manufacturer's instructions for using the retinol-containing products, either on their website or product label.

Pros & Cons of Paula's Choice Retinol Skin-Smoothing Body Treatment

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Paula's Choice Retinol Skin-Smoothing Body Treatment to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

🟩 Pros:

✅ When used alone: Provides moderate humectant moisturizing suitable for combination and oily skin
✅ As part of a routine: A humectant moisturizing enhancement, beneficial for any skin type
✅ Lightweight texture
Offers modest anti-wrinkle efficacy
 

⭕ Cons: 

⚠️ May increase skin photosensitivity due to retinol
   

Summary: Paula's Choice Retinol Skin-Smoothing Body Treatment

 
Based on the ingredient list analysis, CreamScan AI suggests that Paula's Choice Retinol Skin-Smoothing Body Treatment
, when used alone, delivers  lightweight, moderate humectant moisturizing, suitable for combination and oily skin. As part of a moisturizing routine, it provides a subtle humectant enhancement, beneficial for all skin types.
 
Paula's Choice Retinol Skin-Smoothing Body Treatment contains ingredients with proven evidence of anti-wrinkle efficacy that may provide a modest anti-wrinkle effect. As a result, you can expect a positive, though not very significant, impact on wrinkles.
 
That said, there are some things about Paula's Choice Retinol Skin-Smoothing Body Treatment worth noting.
 
This product contains retinol, the most powerful and well-researched non-prescription anti-wrinkle ingredient. However, retinol can make your skin more prone to sun damage and increase sensitivity, so it’s recommended to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 throughout the duration of retinol treatment.
 
📌 Fact check. At CreamScan, we are committed to accuracy and fairness. If you spot any errors or something that doesn’t seem right, please click here to let us know. We regularly update the ingredient lists and monitor the latest research on ingredient efficacy to ensure that our information remains as complete and precise as possible. The information provided here is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional advice. We do not guarantee the efficacy or safety of any product, as individual results may vary.

 

Ingredient Breakdown

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
65
9
6
4
3
2.5
2
1.5
1.3
1
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
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Cetearyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Cetearyl Ethylhexanoate
Function:
Origin:
Cyclopentasiloxane
Function:
Origin:
Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Butylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Cetyl Palmitate
Function:
Origin:
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter
Function:
Origin:
Glyceryl Stearate
Function:
Origin:
PEG-100 Stearate
Function:
Origin:
Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Oil
Function:
Origin:
Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Cetyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Retinol
Function:
Origin:
Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate
Function:
Origin:
Tocopheryl Acetate
Function:
Origin:
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Function:
Origin:
Panthenol
Function:
Origin:
Carnosine
Function:
Origin:
Dimethiconol
Function:
Origin:
Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Function:
Origin:
Beeswax
Function:
Origin:
Magnesium Aluminum Silicate
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hydroxide
Function:
Origin:
Xanthan Gum
Function:
Origin:
Dicaprylyl Carbonate
Function:
Origin:
Decylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Disodium EDTA
Function:
Origin:
Chlorphenesin
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
4.8
2.5
2
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
7.0
3.0
1.5
1.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
4.2
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 4.8 10
4.8
2.5
2
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 7.0 20
3.5
3.0
1.5
1.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
4.2
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
2.5
2
0.3
All humectants 4.8 10
4.8
All humectants
4.8
2.5
2
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
3
1.5
1.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 7.0 20
3.5
All occlusives
7.0
3.0
1.5
1.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
10 /10 0.4 0.1 2.5
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
2.5
Retinol
2.5
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
10 /10
when present at, %
0.4
in this formula, est. %
0.1
Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
2.5
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 1.2 3 No
All antioxidants
1.2
Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil
0.3
Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate
0.3
Tocopheryl Acetate
0.3
Carnosine
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. %65
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.
Cetearyl Alcohol
Est. %9
Function
Origin
Cetearyl AlcoholA blend of cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol, the fatty alcohols that are derived from palm oil. It helps to create emulsions that give off a soft and silky emollient feel and also increase product thickness.
Cetearyl Ethylhexanoate
Est. %6
Function
Origin
Cetearyl EthylhexanoateAn emollient ester that is derived from palm and palm kernel oil and is known for its velvety soft skin feel and excellent spreading properties.
Cyclopentasiloxane
Est. %4
Function
Origin
CyclopentasiloxaneA lightweight, fast-spreading emollient that leaves a very soft and silky after-feel on the skin. Supplied as a clear and colorless liquid, cyclopentasiloxane is often used as a solvent to dissolve other silicones in.
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.
Glycerin
Est. %2.5
Function
Origin
Glycerin

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

Butylene Glycol
Est. %2
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 Palmitate
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Cetyl PalmitateA moisturizing occlusive and emollient wax ester that consists of cetyl alcohol and palmitic acid. In nature, cetyl palmitate is found, and was first identified, in spermaceti, a waxy substance from inside the skull of the sperm whale.
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) ButterA semi-solid, buttery fat extracted from the seeds of the Shea tree that is a wonderful occlusive and emollient ingredient mainly comprised of fatty acids. Shea butter contains a large amount of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds.
Glyceryl Stearate
Est. %1
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.
PEG-100 Stearate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PEG-100 StearateThis surfactant is more specifically classified as an emulsifier that produces oil-in-water emulsions. PEG-100 stearate can also be used as a cleansing agent.
Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) OilAn occlusive moisturizing and emollient fatty oil expressed from the seeds of a yellow-flowered plant which often opens its flowers in the evening (hence the name). It is light and suitable for problematic, eczematous, and inflammation-prone skin.
Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed OilAn emollient and occlusive moisturizing oil derived from grape seeds that are leftover after juicing or wine production. It contains linoleic, oleic, palmitic, and stearic acids, squalene, as well as phytosterols and various antioxidant compounds.
Cetyl Alcohol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Cetyl AlcoholA waxy solid fatty alcohol derived from palm oil. It is most commonly used as a co-emulsifier and affects the final aesthetic of the product, leaving a soft and silky feeling on the skin. Cetyl alcohol is also used as a viscosity controlling agent.
Retinol
Est. %0.1
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.

Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate

Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate (ATIP) is an oil-soluble derivative of ascorbic acid, or vitamin C. It is more stable than ascorbic acid.

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.

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Est. %0.3
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.
Panthenol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PanthenolA popular soothing and moisturizing derivative of vitamin B5. Panthenol is particularly beneficial for dry, flaking, burned, or damaged skin. It is used to alleviate the symptoms of a rash, dermatitis, eczema, chapped lips, and sunburn.
Carnosine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
CarnosineA skin-identical dipeptide that acts as a powerful antioxidant. It protects our skin from harmful glycation and can enhance the activity of other active ingredients in the skincare product.
Dimethiconol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
DimethiconolA synthetic dimethicone with rich, non-tacky emolliency. It features the typical sensorial profile of silicones, with high spreadability and a luxurious, oil-free after-feel. Dimethiconol can also serve as an antifoaming agent.
Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone CrosspolymerThis ingredient can refer to several kinds of dimethicone crosspolymers. Like other silicones, it makes products feel slippery and non-greasy but can also increase the thickness or improve the water-resistance of a formula.
Beeswax
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
BeeswaxA waxy substance made by bees while they are building their honeycombs. It is an occlusive moisturizing and emollient ingredient with wound healing and antimicrobial properties similar to those of honey. Its bleached, purified form is called Cera alba.
Magnesium Aluminum Silicate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Magnesium Aluminum SilicateA naturally occurring clay that is hygroscopic, which means that it easily absorbs water. This ingredient is thus commonly used as an absorbent and emulsion stabilizer. It also modifies slip by improving the spreadability of the products it is used in.
Sodium Hydroxide
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Hydroxide

An ingredient that is able to bring the pH of a product up, thereby making it less harsh on the skin.

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.
Dicaprylyl Carbonate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Dicaprylyl CarbonateA very fast-spreading emollient that gives a product an incredibly lightweight feel. Dicaprylyl carbonate works well as a solvent for suspending insoluble solids such as mineral sunscreens or iron oxide pigments.
Decylene Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Decylene Glycol
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.
Chlorphenesin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
ChlorphenesinA preservative and broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent that protects products from a wide range of bacteria and fungi.
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.