SKIN1004 vs Paula's Choice
SKIN1004 and Paula's Choice are two distinct skincare lines known for formulating reliable daily essentials with targeted actives. SKIN1004 offers toners, moisturizers, sunscreens, and masks featuring centella asiatica, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide, whereas the American brand centers on serums, cleansers, moisturizers, and toners built around hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and vitamin c. Both options suit combination and oily skin types well, though they differ in origin, founding eras, and signature ingredient profiles.
SKIN1004 is a Korean skincare brand founded in 2012 and owned by Goodai Global Inc. since 2024.
mk.co.krpitchbook.comtracxn.comgoodai-global.com
Paula's Choice is an American skincare brand founded in 1995 and owned by Unilever since 2021.
This page compares some of the most popular SKIN1004 and Paula's Choice products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular SKIN1004 vs Paula's Choice products
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Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
AED 60.00
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1% Retinol Treatment
AED 255.32
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10% Azelaic Acid Booster
AED 210.00
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C15 Super Booster
AED 383.00
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CLEAR Pore Normalizing Cleanser
AED 148.98
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10% Niacinamide Booster
AED 250.00
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Weightless Body Treatment 2% BHA
AED 195.00
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Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
AED 145.00
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Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum
AED 38.85
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Madagascar Centella Light Cleansing Oil
AED 32.00
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Madagascar Centella Toning Toner
AED 35.93
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Madagascar Centella Poremizing Light Gel Cream
AED 35.00
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Madagascar Centella Quick Calming Pad
AED 39.00
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Madagascar Centella Watergel Sheet Ampoule Mask
AED 32.48
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Hyalu-Cica Moisture Cream
AED 30.00
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Zombie Pack
AED 49.00
People Say
Lightweight texture Mostly MentionedOften Mentioned
- “sunk in like a dream — SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum”
- “Texture is on the thinner side... surprisingly lightweight. — SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Light Cleansing Oil”
- “Provides an internal level of hydration without leaving any heavy finish. — Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner”
- “Absorbs quickly and leaves no greasy residue behind. — Paula's Choice Clear Oil-Free Moisturizer”
Hydration and soothing Mostly MentionedRarely Noted
- “calmed my angry skin — SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Toning Toner”
- “Gives my dehydrated skin a moisture surge — SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Watergel Sheet Ampoule Mask”
- “Eliminated redness on my easily irritated skin — SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Watergel Sheet Ampoule Mask”
- “instantly hydrates — Paula's Choice Pro-Collagen Multi-Peptide Booster”
Skin smoothing and texture Sometimes NotedMostly Mentioned
- “skin becomes very smooth — Paula's Choice 1% Retinol Treatment”
- “skin is insanely soft — Paula's Choice Weightless Body Treatment 2% BHA”
- “skin never been this silky — Paula's Choice Skin-Smoothing Retinol Body Treatment”
- “skin feels super soft — SKIN1004 Zombie Pack”
Brightening and complexion Rarely NotedOften Mentioned
- “visible glow — Paula's Choice C15 Super Booster”
- “acne scars faded — Paula's Choice 10% Azelaic Acid Booster”
- “Discoloration almost gone — Paula's Choice 25% Vitamin C + Glutathione Clinical Serum”
- “Gives a nice glow — SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Tone Brightening Boosting Toner”
Effective cleansing Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “doesn't strip my skin — SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Tone Brightening Cleansing Gel Foam”
- “Dissolves waterproof mascara and sunscreen effortlessly. — SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Light Cleansing Oil”
- “cleared my bumps — Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant”
- “Removes all my makeup easily — Paula's Choice CLEAR Pore Normalizing Cleanser”
Gentle formulation Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “doesn't burn my eyes — SKIN1004 Probio-Cica Bakuchiol Eye Cream”
- “Does not sting my eyes or irritate my sensitive skin. — SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Light Cleansing Oil”
- “Finally a vitamin C product I can use — Paula's Choice 25% Vitamin C + Glutathione Clinical Serum”
- “Doesn't strip my skin — Paula's Choice CLEAR Pore Normalizing Cleanser”
Small size or high price Rarely NotedMostly Mentioned
- “Price is quite steep — SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Watergel Sheet Ampoule Mask”
- “wish it came in larger size — SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Poremizing Light Gel Cream”
- “Pricey for daily use — SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Quick Calming Pad”
- “surprisingly small bottle — Paula's Choice Skin-Smoothing Retinol Body Treatment”
Scent dislikes Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “smells like wet dog — SKIN1004 Zombie Pack”
- “Has a strong herbal/citrus scent I didn't enjoy. — SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Light Cleansing Oil”
- “smells a bit like plastic — SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Tone Brightening Cleansing Gel Foam”
- “smells like grain — Paula's Choice 10% Azelaic Acid Booster”
Insufficient hydration or dryness Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “not enough for dry skin — SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Poremizing Light Gel Cream”
- “not moisturizing enough — SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Toning Toner”
- “peeling and flaking — Paula's Choice 1% Retinol Treatment”
- “Not hydrating enough for winter. — Paula's Choice Clear Oil-Free Moisturizer”
Irritation and eye discomfort Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “Made my vision blurry/foggy for a while after rinsing. — SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Light Cleansing Oil”
- “painful tightness — SKIN1004 Zombie Pack”
- “burnt skin off — Paula's Choice 1% Retinol Treatment”
- “caused cystic acne — Paula's Choice 10% Niacinamide Booster”
SKIN1004 vs Paula's Choice routines for dry skin
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Cleanser
CLEAR Pore Normalizing Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 148.98
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Hydrating Toner
Skin Recovery Enriched Calming Toner
Morning
AED 173.95
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Moisturizer
Replenishing Moisturizer
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 187.50
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SPF
Youth-Extending Daily Hydrating Fluid SPF 50
Morning
AED 199.00
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Pre-Cleanser
MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream
Evening · Once a week
AED 35.29
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Cleansing Toner
ROUND LAB 1025 Dokdo Cleansing Water
Evening
AED 38.99
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Serum or Treatment
RESIST Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum
Evening · Once a week
AED 347.75
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Enzyme Powder
VT Cica Mild Powder Wash
Once a week
AED 47.62
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Nourishing Mask
Mediheal Watermide Essential Mask
Once a week
AED 65.00
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Cleanser
Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 38.85
-
Hydrating Toner
Probio-Cica Essence Toner
Morning
AED 37.90
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Pre-Cleanser
Madagascar Centella Light Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
AED 32.00
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Cleansing Toner
Madagascar Centella Tone Brightening Boosting Toner
Evening
AED 40.20
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Enzyme Powder
VT Cica Mild Powder Wash
Once a week
AED 47.62
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Nourishing Mask
Madagascar Centella Watergel Sheet Ampoule Mask
Once a week
AED 32.48
Buy Paula's Choice routine · AED 1,244.08 · 85% fit
Buy SKIN1004 routine · AED 229.05 · 84% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
SKIN1004 vs Paula's Choice routines for oily skin
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Cleanser
CLEAR Pore Normalizing Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 148.98
-
Hydrating Toner
Advanced Replenishing Toner
Morning · Once a week
AED 154.49
-
Moisturizer
Clear Oil-Free Moisturizer
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 313.80
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SPF
Youth-Extending Daily Hydrating Fluid SPF 50
Morning
AED 199.00
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Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
AED 179.45
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Cleansing Toner
Pixi Glow Tonic
Evening
AED 120.00
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Serum or Treatment
Niacinamide 20% Treatment
Evening · Once a week
AED 239.84
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Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
AED 101.09
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Cleansing Mask
Revision Skincare Black Mask
Once a week
AED 204.00
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Cleanser
Madagascar Centella Tone Brightening Cleansing Gel Foam
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 35.36
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Hydrating Toner
Probio-Cica Essence Toner
Morning · Once a week
AED 37.90
-
Moisturizer
Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 38.85
-
Pre-Cleanser
Madagascar Centella Light Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
AED 32.00
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Cleansing Toner
Madagascar Centella Tea-Trica Purifying Toner
Evening
AED 42.00
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Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
AED 101.09
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Cleansing Mask
Revision Skincare Black Mask
Once a week
AED 204.00
Buy Paula's Choice routine · AED 1,660.65 · 89% fit
Buy SKIN1004 routine · AED 491.20 · 87% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
SKIN1004 vs Paula's Choice routines for combination skin
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Cleanser
CLEAR Pore Normalizing Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 148.98
-
Hydrating Toner
Advanced Replenishing Toner
Morning · Once a week
AED 154.49
-
Moisturizer
Clear Oil-Free Moisturizer
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 313.80
-
SPF
Youth-Extending Daily Hydrating Fluid SPF 50
Morning
AED 199.00
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Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
AED 179.45
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Cleansing Toner
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening
AED 53.12
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Serum or Treatment
Niacinamide 20% Treatment
Evening · Once a week
AED 239.84
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Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
AED 101.09
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Cleansing Mask
KORA Organics Turmeric Brightening & Exfoliating Mask
Once a week
AED 122.93
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Cleanser
Madagascar Centella Tone Brightening Cleansing Gel Foam
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 35.36
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Hydrating Toner
Madagascar Centella Toning Toner
Morning · Once a week
AED 35.93
-
Moisturizer
Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 38.85
-
Pre-Cleanser
Madagascar Centella Light Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
AED 32.00
-
Cleansing Toner
Madagascar Centella Tea-Trica Purifying Toner
Evening
AED 42.00
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
AED 101.09
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Cleansing Mask
KORA Organics Turmeric Brightening & Exfoliating Mask
Once a week
AED 122.93
Buy Paula's Choice routine · AED 1,512.70 · 89% fit
Buy SKIN1004 routine · AED 408.16 · 88% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Questions and answers
SKIN1004 or Paula's Choice: which is better?
Both SKIN1004 and Paula's Choice achieve an equal High fit across all skin types, with SKIN1004 focusing more on hydration and soothing, while Paula's Choice excels in skin smoothing, texture, and brightening. Sodium hyaluronate in their formulas helps improve skin quality and signs of skin aging.
Dermatologic Therapy, 2022Journal of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2015
What is the difference between SKIN1004 and Paula's Choice?
Both SKIN1004 and Paula's Choice achieve high routine fit levels across all skin types, but they differ in reviewer feedback and performance strengths. SKIN1004 does better for hydration and soothing, whereas Paula's Choice excels in skin smoothing, texture, and brightening.
SKIN1004 or Paula's Choice for dry skin?
Both SKIN1004 and Paula's Choice offer a High routine fit for dry skin on the products on this page. SKIN1004 leans toward hydration and soothing, while Paula's Choice helps with skin smoothing and texture.
SKIN1004 or Paula's Choice: which cleanser is better?
Both SKIN1004 and Paula's Choice offer cleansers that provide effective cleansing, with Lovi fit levels varying by individual skin type across the products on this page.
Which is more affordable, SKIN1004 or Paula's Choice?
Paula's Choice reviewers mostly noted high price and packaging issues as a drawback, whereas SKIN1004 reviewers sometimes noted small size or high price among its disadvantages.
Between SKIN1004 and Paula's Choice, which brand performs better for hydration and soothing?
SKIN1004 performs better for hydration and soothing, as its products on this page help deliver lightweight and soothing care with ingredients like hyaluronic acid.
Journal of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2015Dermatologic Therapy, 2022
Which brand offers better results for skin smoothing and texture between SKIN1004 and Paula's Choice?
Paula's Choice offers better results for skin smoothing and texture compared to SKIN1004. Both brands achieve a High routine fit for skin smoothing, but Paula's Choice stands out specifically for skin smoothing and texture.
What are the main review complaints associated with Paula's Choice compared to SKIN1004?
Reviewers note that Paula's Choice faces frequent complaints about high prices and packaging issues. In contrast, SKIN1004 is more commonly associated with sensory and scent complaints.
SKIN1004 or Paula's Choice for oily skin?
Both SKIN1004 and Paula's Choice fit oily skin at a High level on this page. Reviewers note that SKIN1004 excels in hydration and soothing, while Paula's Choice performs better for skin smoothing and texture.
SKIN1004 or Paula's Choice: which moisturizer is better?
Both SKIN1004 and Paula's Choice offer moisturizers that are well-suited for various skin types, but SKIN1004 excels in hydration and soothing benefits while Paula's Choice is noted for its anti-aging serums and texture improvements.
SKIN1004 or Paula's Choice for sensitive skin?
Both SKIN1004 and Paula's Choice fit sensitive skin well, as Lovi rates their routines as High for sensitive skin. SKIN1004 does better for hydration and soothing, while Paula's Choice does better for skin smoothing and texture.
SKIN1004 or Paula's Choice: which sunscreen is better?
Both SKIN1004 and Paula's Choice offer sunscreens on this page with High fit levels for a variety of skin types, though SKIN1004 specifically features options rated Superior for acne-prone, oily, and sensitive skin types.
SKIN1004 or Paula's Choice for acne-prone skin?
Both SKIN1004 and Paula's Choice offer routines with a High fit for acne-prone skin. SKIN1004 stands out for hydration and soothing benefits, while Paula's Choice does better for skin smoothing and texture.
Research behind their key ingredients
Bifidobacterium longum lysate, a new ingredient for reactive skin
Molecular basis of retinol anti-ageing properties in naturally aged human skin in vivo
Effects of ascorbic acid on gingival melanin pigmentation in vitro and in vivo
Apigenin inhibits UVA-induced cytotoxicity in vitro and prevents signs of skin aging in vivo
Reduction in the appearance of facial hyperpigmentation by topical N-acetyl glucosamine
Self-Assembled Cubic Liquid Crystalline Nanoparticles for Transdermal Delivery of Paeonol
Topical glutathione amino acid precursors protect skin against environmental and oxidative stress
A comparative study of gluconolactone versus benzoyl peroxide in the treatment of acne
Phyllanthus emblica L. (amla) branch: A safe and effective ingredient against skin aging
Tocotrienol-rich fraction attenuates UV-induced inflammaging: A bench to bedside study
The influence of alkane chain length on the skin irritation potential of 1,2-alkanediols
Chemical peels for acne vulgaris: a systematic review of randomised controlled trials
The impacts of sodium lauroyl sarcosinate in facial cleanser on facial skin microbiome and lipidome
Nanostructured Lipid Carrier for Topical Application of N-Acetyl Glucosamine
Borage Oil Treated with Immobilized Lipase Inhibits Melanogenesis
Effects of topical copper tripeptide complex on CO2 laser-resurfaced skin
Supramolecular collagen nanoparticles for anti-wrinkle, skin whitening, and moisturizing effects
Novel beads made of alpha-cyclodextrin and oil for topical delivery of a lipophilic drug
Starch- and carboxymethyl cellulose-based films as active beauty masks with papain incorporation
Safety of a preservative system containing 1,2-hexanediol and caprylyl glycol
Moisturizing effect of alcohol-based hand rub containing okra polysaccharide
The anti wrinkle efficacy of synthetic hexapeptide (Argireline) in Chinese Subjects
Liposomal formulation of a vitamin C derivative: a promising strategy to increase skin permeability
Functional properties and skin care effects of sodium trehalose sulfate
Treatment with Ascorbyl Glucoside-Arginine Complex Ameliorates Solar Lentigos
Targeting Circadian Rhythm for the Regulation of Skin Collagen Metabolism
Behind this comparison
Lovi compares products by their fit scores, calculated from the full ingredient list with brand-independent rules our dermatologists and cosmetic chemists build and review, and personalizes every pick with AI trained on the real results of millions of users. Lovi trains its fit score models on a proprietary dataset built from more than 10,000 expert-labeled products and more than 100,000 simulated examples, following an internally consistent methodology presented at Cosmoprof, AMWC, and Skin of Color Update.
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Co-founder, Medical Director
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetologist, aesthetic products developer
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Co-founder, CEO and CTO
PhD in computer science, 3x US patent holder, ex-Google, ex-Yandex
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Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc
Medical Board
Aesthetic medicine practitioner, MSc in Longevity and Anti-Aging Medicine
-

Medical Board
Specialist dermatologist, MBBS, MD, IFAAD
-

Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, SCS, IFSCC member
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Medical Board, Medical Advisor
Dermatology MD
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Elina Nazarenko, MD
Medical Board
Dermatology and diagnostic consultant
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Victoria Derkova, MS
Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetic development technologist
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