# 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. Canonical: https://antiagingcare.org/blog/the-ordinary-vs-paulas-choice-retinol HTML version: https://antiagingcare.org/blog/the-ordinary-vs-paulas-choice-retinol Author: Anti Aging Care Editorial Team Published: 2026-10-24 Category: Skincare 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](https://theordinary.com/en-us/retinol-1-in-squalane-serum-100441.html); [Paula's Choice](https://www.paulaschoice.com/clinical-1pct-retinol-treatment/801.html)). 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](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17515510/)). A 2023 review summarizes how retinol counters collagen loss in aged skin ([Quan, *Biomolecules*, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38002296/)). The AAD recommends starting with a low-strength retinoid every other night and building up ([AAD: retinoid or retinol?](https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-secrets/anti-aging/retinoid-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](/blog/peptide-science-how-they-signal-skin). ## How to use either one 1. Start with a lower strength if you've never used a retinoid. 2. Apply a pea-sized amount at night, 2–3 nights a week, then increase. 3. Moisturize, and avoid stacking with acids on the same night. 4. Wear [sunscreen](/blog/sunscreen-anti-aging-guide) every morning. 5. Don't use retinoids if you are pregnant or trying to conceive without your doctor's approval. Compare options in [retinol vs retinoid](/blog/retinol-vs-retinoid) and [retinol vs bakuchiol](/blog/retinol-vs-bakuchiol), and read [can retinol cause hair loss?](/blog/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](https://theordinary.com/en-us/retinol-1-in-squalane-serum-100441.html) - [Paula's Choice: Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment ingredients](https://www.paulaschoice.com/clinical-1pct-retinol-treatment/801.html) - [Kafi R, et al. Improvement of naturally aged skin with vitamin A (retinol). Arch Dermatol. 2007.](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17515510/) - [Quan T. Human Skin Aging and the Anti-Aging Properties of Retinol. Biomolecules. 2023.](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38002296/) - [American Academy of Dermatology: Retinoid or retinol?](https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-secrets/anti-aging/retinoid-retinol)