Top 5 - NOV 2024

Paula’s Choice CLINICAL 1% Retinol Treatment

Our #2 Choice

In our #2 spot is Paula’s Choice CLINICAL 1% Retinol Treatment. This high-strength formula is designed to reduce fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven skin tone while hydrating and soothing the skin. However, the lack of transparency about ingredient percentages and the small, 1-ounce bottle for $65 make it less competitive in value. Overall, it’s a solid Retinol cream with notable benefits.

Visit Site

Editor's Rating: Good

Introduction

Paula’s Choice CLINICAL 1% Retinol Treatment brings a high-strength formula to the table, combining 1% Retinol with peptides and Vitamin C to target signs of aging, uneven skin tone, and fine lines. The inclusion of soothing ingredients like licorice, oat, and willow bark adds an extra layer of care, aiming to reduce irritation that’s often associated with potent Retinol products. However, while the formula shows promise, the lack of transparency around ingredient percentages and the small bottle size raise questions about its overall value. Read on to explore what makes this Retinol treatment a solid option for your skincare routine.

Ingredients

Paula’s Choice CLINICAL 1% Retinol Treatment boasts an impressive lineup of active ingredients aimed at improving skin texture and reducing visible signs of aging. However, as with many skincare products, the exact percentages of these ingredients are not disclosed, leaving some uncertainty about their overall potency. The key ingredients include:

1% Retinol – A high-strength concentration to smooth wrinkles, improve skin texture, and promote cell turnover.
Vitamin C – A stabilized form to brighten skin, support collagen production, and fight free radicals.
Peptides – To firm the skin and visibly reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Licorice Extract – To soothe irritation and even out skin tone.
Willow Bark Extract – Provides antioxidant and calming benefits while lightly hydrating.
Sodium Hyaluronate – A deeply hydrating ingredient to plump the skin and reduce dryness.

The formula also includes other skin-supportive ingredients like Allantoin and Oat Extract to calm redness and enhance hydration. While the variety of active and soothing components is commendable, the absence of transparency around their exact concentrations limits our ability to fully evaluate the product’s overall effectiveness.

How To Use

The instructions recommend applying 1–2 pea-sized pumps of Paula’s Choice CLINICAL 1% Retinol Treatment to clean, dry skin. Smooth the product evenly over the face and neck, avoiding the eye area. Start with three applications per week and gradually increase frequency to nightly use as tolerated. For best results, apply after cleansing, toning, and exfoliating, and always follow with sunscreen during the day to protect skin.

Price

Paula’s Choice CLINICAL 1% Retinol Treatment is priced at $65 for a 1 fluid ounce bottle. While the product offers a high-strength Retinol formula and a variety of skin-supportive ingredients, the small bottle size may feel less cost-effective compared to other options on the market.

Guarantee

Paula’s Choice offers a 60-day refund policy and store credit for returns made within 180 days, giving customers a reasonable window to try the product. While the process is straightforward, customers are responsible for return shipping, and purchases made from third-party retailers must be returned through those sellers. The policy provides decent flexibility, but it lacks the simplicity and longer guarantees offered by some competitors.

Conclusion

Paula’s Choice CLINICAL 1% Retinol Treatment offers a high-strength formula with a mix of retinol, peptides, and soothing extracts aimed at improving skin texture and tone. While it includes some standout ingredients, the lack of transparency around their concentrations makes it difficult to fully assess its potential. The return policy allows for used bottles to be returned within 60 days, but empty bottles are not accepted - a restriction not seen with our #1 product. Combined with the smaller bottle size and shorter guarantee period, this limits the overall value. That said, it may still be worth considering for those looking for a high-potency retinol cream, provided they are mindful of its potential drawbacks.

Visit Site
See Our Top Rated Retinol Cream Products

Alexia Cook, Senior Editor

Alexia Cook is a licensed Master Cosmetologist and Esthetician with over 20 years experience. She received her degrees from Boca Beauty Academy in Boca Raton, Florida. Starting at a young age, she has always been interested in treating skin to bring out its true beauty. She knows that the basis of gorgeous skin is adopting a proper skincare routine and using top quality products. Her passion for helping people find effective skincare products led her to the role of Editor for My Beauty Care Center™. In her free time, she is an avid traveler and loves learning the beauty of different cultures.