The Ordinary vs Paula's Choice Retinol: Retinol 1% in Squalane vs Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment
Both contain 1% retinol, but The Ordinary uses a minimalist oil base and Paula's Choice adds peptides, vitamin C and soothing extracts. Ingredient-by-ingredient comparison and how to use each.
The Ordinary Retinol 1% in Squalane and Paula's Choice Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment are two popular high-strength over-the-counter retinols. The short answer: both deliver 1% retinol, which is the active that matters for wrinkles. The Ordinary is a simple, water-free oil serum (squalane, jojoba, retinol and a few antioxidants). Paula's Choice is a lightweight cream that adds peptides, a vitamin C derivative, a ceramide, hyaluronic acid and soothing licorice, oat and willow extracts. The Ordinary suits people who want a minimal formula and already have a moisturizer they love; Paula's Choice suits people who want a more complete, cushioned treatment in one step. Neither should be anyone's first retinol.
The short answer
| Feature | The Ordinary 1% | Paula's Choice 1% |
|---|---|---|
| Base | Anhydrous oil (squalane) | Water-based cream |
| Extras | Rosemary, tomato extract | Peptides, vitamin C, licorice |
| Best for | Minimalists, dry skin | One-step routines |
Ingredient lists come from the brands' own pages (The Ordinary; Paula's Choice). Check your package, since formulas change.
What the evidence says about retinol
Retinol is converted in skin to retinoic acid, the active form. In a randomized, vehicle-controlled trial in older adults, 0.4% retinol applied for 24 weeks improved fine wrinkles and increased collagen-related markers (Kafi et al., Arch Dermatol, 2007). A 2023 review summarizes how retinol counters collagen loss in aged skin (Quan, Biomolecules, 2023). The AAD recommends starting with a low-strength retinoid every other night and building up (AAD: retinoid or retinol?).
At 1%, both products sit at the top of the OTC range, which also means a higher chance of dryness, peeling and irritation.
The Ordinary Retinol 1% in Squalane
The formula is short: squalane, caprylic/capric triglyceride, jojoba oil, retinol, tomato and rosemary extracts, hydroxymethoxyphenyl decanone and BHT. Being water-free helps retinol stability. The Ordinary says not to use it with other retinoids, direct acids or vitamin C in the same routine.
Pros: minimal ingredients, easy to layer under your own moisturizer, the brand also sells 0.2% and 0.5% strengths for working up. Cons: oily feel; no built-in soothing ingredients.
Paula's Choice Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment
The cream combines retinol with tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate (an oil-soluble vitamin C derivative), ceramide NG, sodium hyaluronate, several peptides (palmitoyl tripeptide-1, tetrapeptide-7, hexapeptide-12) and soothing extracts of licorice, oat, burdock and willow bark.
Pros: cushioned cream texture; soothing and barrier ingredients included. Cons: many more ingredients, which matters if you have known allergies; the peptides and vitamin C derivative have much less clinical evidence than retinol itself. See our peptides science explainer.
How to use either one
- Start with a lower strength if you've never used a retinoid.
- Apply a pea-sized amount at night, 2–3 nights a week, then increase.
- Moisturize, and avoid stacking with acids on the same night.
- Wear sunscreen every morning.
- Don't use retinoids if you are pregnant or trying to conceive without your doctor's approval.
Compare options in retinol vs retinoid and retinol vs bakuchiol, and read can retinol cause hair loss? if you're worried about side effects.
Frequently asked questions
Is 1% retinol too strong for beginners?
Usually, yes. Start lower (0.2–0.5%) and move up once your skin tolerates it.
Which is gentler, The Ordinary or Paula's Choice 1%?
Paula's Choice includes soothing extracts and a cream base, which some people find gentler. The Ordinary's oil base can also buffer irritation. Tolerance is individual; patch test and start slowly.
Can I use vitamin C with these retinols?
Use vitamin C in the morning and retinol at night. The Ordinary advises against combining them in one routine.
Is either as strong as tretinoin?
No. Tretinoin is prescription retinoic acid and is more potent. Retinol must be converted in the skin first.
Bottom line
Both are credible 1% retinols. Pick The Ordinary for a minimalist oil serum you layer yourself, or Paula's Choice for a more complete cream. Start lower, go slow, and talk to your dermatologist if you have sensitive skin, rosacea or are pregnant.
This article is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. We have no commercial relationship with either brand. Talk to your dermatologist about your situation.
Sources
- The Ordinary: Retinol 1% in Squalane ingredients and usage
- Paula's Choice: Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment ingredients
- Kafi R, et al. Improvement of naturally aged skin with vitamin A (retinol). Arch Dermatol. 2007.
- Quan T. Human Skin Aging and the Anti-Aging Properties of Retinol. Biomolecules. 2023.
- American Academy of Dermatology: Retinoid or retinol?
