SkinCeuticals Retinol 1.0 vs. Paula's Choice 1% Retinol vs. Shani Darden Retinol: Which is the Best?
- A gold standard active ingredient, retinol is loved by beauty buffs, facialists, and aesthetic doctors alike that stimulates collagen production to smooth skin's texture, improve skin radiance, and even pigmentation. But with an ingredient so popular, comes a treasure trove of options on the skincare market that can make choosing a simple retinol overwhelming. So today, we're breaking down three of the most well-loved anti-aging products, including SkinCeuticals Retinol 1.0, Paula's Choice CLINICAL 1% Retinol Treatment, and Shani Darden Skin Care Retinol Reform, to figure out which one is best for you.
The Difference & Reviews
| SkinCeuticals Retinol 1.0
Google Users Rating: 4.6/5
SkinCeuticals: $92/30ml (up to 6% cashback)
Dermstore: $92 (up to 5% cashback)
Skinstore: $92 (up to 8% cashback)
Highly concentrated overnight retinol treatment that targets the visible problems associated with photodamaged skin, including age spots, pores, uneven tone, fine lines and wrinkles. Formulated with 1% pure retinol -- the highest concentration of pure retinol available -- and enhanced with the latest stabilization and delivery technologies, Retinol 1.0 offers advanced treatment of pre-conditioned skin. The added skin-calming blend of bisabolol and boswellia serrata extract provides soothing benefits and minimizes irritation.
Highlighted Ingredients:
- 1.0% Retinol: a derivative of vitamin A, this powerful molecule promotes cell turnover to help improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and discoloration.
- Soothing Complex: this skin-calming blend of bisabolol (derived from the chamomile plant) and boswellia serrata extract (derived from frankincense) provides soothing benefits and helps comfort the skin.
Pros | Cons |
Promotes cell turnover | On the pricey side |
Improves the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, discoloration, pores and blemishes | Increased sun sensitivity |
Formulated to minimize irritation commonly associated with the use of a retinol face cream | May cause a burning feeling or a stinging or tingling sensation of the skin |
Specialized packaging preserves retinol potency | May cause a slight peeling of skin or inflammation or redness of the skin |
Non-comedogenic, paraben-, fragrance- and gluten-free |
Review: About the maximum strength 1.0 cream, it is suitable for skin types that have acclimated to the lower-strength of retinols previously or have been users of retinols and exfoliators, and with the goal of improving the appearance of moderate-to-severe skin concerns. Most people will experience some redness and peeling with their very first use. But fear not, that's completely normal when using a truly effective, relatively fast-acting retinol treatment. Once you get past the initial irritation and peeling, the results are truly spectacular.
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| Paula's Choice CLINICAL 1% Retinol Treatment
Google Users Rating: 4.3/5
Paula's Choice: $60/30ml (up to 7% cashback)
Sephora: $60 (up to 4% cashback)
Dermstore: $60 (up to 5% cashback)
CLINICAL 1% Retinol Treatment is a potent and uniquely formulated retinol formula that hydrates and delivers anti-aging benefits to the skin. Its creamy lotion texture rests lightly on the skin while the retinol quickly penetrates into the top layer to smooth and firm skin, boost cell regeneration, stimulate collagen production, refine pore size and even out skin tone. Unlike other retinol-heavy products that may irritate the skin, this cream offers the nourishing and anti-irritating vitamin C, licorice and oat extract to leave your skin smooth and well-soothed. The quadruple peptide blend complements high-strength retinol, promoting strong, visibly firm skin.
Highlighted Ingredients:
- 1% Retinol: A potent, slow-release concentration that visibly improves signs of aging.
- Vitamin C: Reduces the appearance of brown spots, inflammation and irritation.
- Oat, Willow Bark, and Licorice Extracts: Soothe the skin to visibly address redness and other signs of sensitivity.
- Quadruple Peptide Blend: Complements high-strength retinol, promoting strong, visibly firm skin.
Pros | Cons |
Advanced hydrating complex absorbs quickly | Increased sun sensitivity |
Diminishes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles | May irritate or dry out skin |
Helps prevent signs of aging and softens the look of post-acne marks | Results will take a while to show |
Lightweight lotion texture absorbs easily and quickly | |
No fragrance, no parabens, no fluff |
Review: Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment is a fantastic product – it's effective at treating a range of skin concerns, and it's really good value. The texture is that of a lightweight lotion, that absorbs easily and quickly into the skin, and does not leave any residue. This fragrance-free formula works for any skin type, though its cream base may not be preferable for those with oily to very oily skin.
| Shani Darden Skin Care Retinol Reform
Google Users Rating: 4.5/5
Sephora: $88/30ml (up to 5% cashback)
NET-A-PORTER: $90 (up to 6% cashback)
VIOLET GREY: $88 (up to 3% cashback)
A game-changing treatment for firmer, youthful-looking skin, this multitasking anti-aging serum combines firming retinol with brightening lactic acid to visibly soften fine lines & wrinkles, even tone, smooth texture, and add radiance in as little as 14 days. Gentle yet effective, this slow-release retinol is a must-have among A-listers for good reason: It reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, dark spots, acne scars, and uneven texture minus any dryness or irritation. In addition to 2.2% encapsulated retinol, this innovative formula includes 2% lactic acid and apple extract to leave skin smooth and glowy.
Highlighted Ingredients:
- Encapsulated Retinol: Non-irritating retinol that improves the look of fine lines, texture, and elasticity.
- Lactic Acid: Exfoliates to improve texture and uneven tone for smoother, brighter-looking skin.
- Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract: Antioxidant that helps reduce visible signs of aging and defend against pollution.
Pros | Cons |
The encapsulation forms a protective barrier enveloping the retinol, allowing for a time release, which can help minimize the risk of irritation | High cost |
Contains lactic acid that exfoliates to improve texture and uneven tone for smoother, brighter skin | Results will take a while to show |
Contains antioxidant and skin-soothing ingredients | |
Texture is lightweight and absorbs quickly | |
Fragrance free |
Review: Texture Reform is a gentler retinol serum,which does not cause the peeling, dryness, and irritation that other retinol serums may cause. Shani left oils out of the formula completely, which means Retinol Reform is ideal for oily and acne-prone types. This is an ideal product for people with ultra-sensitive skin and for younger people first starting to experience signs of aging and pigmentation.
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