Paula's Choice vs Allies of Skin
Paula's Choice and Allies of Skin are skincare brands offering serums, cleansers, moisturizers, toners, and eye products built around key ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, and niacinamide. Paula's Choice features formulations with glycerin that significantly increased skin hydration and restored barrier function, fitting oily skin and acne-prone skin best. Conversely, Allies of Skin suits dry skin and mature skin best, offering rich hydration and targeted nourishment to improve skin aging signs and decrease hyperpigmentation. While both brands address similar concerns through distinct formulations, they differ primarily in their ingredient focus and the skin types they suit best.
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 Paula's Choice and Allies of Skin products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular Paula's Choice vs Allies of Skin products
People Say
Absorption and Texture Feel Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “Absorbs quickly and leaves no greasy residue behind. — Paula's Choice Clear Oil-Free Moisturizer”
- “absorbs instantly — Paula's Choice C15 Super Booster”
- “watery consistency — Paula's Choice 10% Niacinamide Booster”
- “sinks easily into damp skin — Allies of Skin Tranexamic & Arbutin Advanced Brightening Serum”
Pores and Texture Mostly MentionedOften Mentioned
- “cleared my bumps — Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant”
- “skin becomes very smooth — Paula's Choice 1% Retinol Treatment”
- “pores look smaller — Paula's Choice 10% Niacinamide Booster”
- “Woke up looking well-rested — Allies of Skin Retinal & Peptides Repair Night Cream”
Glow, Radiance, and Tone Mostly MentionedOften Mentioned
- “visible glow — Paula's Choice C15 Super Booster”
- “acne scars faded — Paula's Choice 10% Azelaic Acid Booster”
- “calmed redness immediately — Paula's Choice 10% Azelaic Acid Booster”
- “gives skin an instant dewy glow — Allies of Skin Tranexamic & Arbutin Advanced Brightening Serum”
Acne and Blemish Control Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “Helped clear my cystic acne — Paula's Choice CLEAR Pore Normalizing Cleanser”
- “heals blemishes faster — Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant”
- “Removes all my makeup easily — Paula's Choice CLEAR Pore Normalizing Cleanser”
- “Dramatic impact on acne — Allies of Skin Retinal & Peptides Repair Night Cream”
Deep Hydration and Plumping Rarely NotedMostly Mentioned
- “nourished and hydrated — Allies of Skin Peptides & Omegas Firming Eye Cream”
- “more like a spray serum — Allies of Skin Molecular Saviour Probiotics Treatment Mist”
- “Skin feels hydrated — Allies of Skin Copper Tripeptide & Ectoin Advanced Repair Serum”
- “Provides an internal level of hydration without leaving any heavy finish. — Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner”
Gentle and Non-Irritating Formulation Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “Finally a vitamin C product I can use — Paula's Choice 25% Vitamin C + Glutathione Clinical Serum”
- “no stinging — Paula's Choice C15 Super Booster”
- “Best retinol for sensitive skin — Allies of Skin Retinal & Peptides Repair Night Cream”
- “feels super soothing, doesn't trigger redness — Allies of Skin Tranexamic & Arbutin Advanced Brightening Serum”
High Price and Value Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “tiny tube — Paula's Choice 10% Azelaic Acid Booster”
- “Sooooo expensive — Paula's Choice 25% Vitamin C + Glutathione Clinical Serum”
- “expensive for body lotion — Paula's Choice Skin-Smoothing Retinol Body Treatment”
- “Pricey — Allies of Skin Copper Tripeptide & Ectoin Advanced Repair Serum”
Packaging Issues Often MentionedSometimes Noted
- “surprisingly small bottle — Paula's Choice Skin-Smoothing Retinol Body Treatment”
- “dropper leaks — Paula's Choice C15 Super Booster”
- “pump head is fixed — Allies of Skin Peptides & Omegas Firming Eye Cream”
- “bad spritz mechanism — Allies of Skin Molecular Saviour Probiotics Treatment Mist”
Unpleasant Scent or Smell Often MentionedRarely Noted
- “Distinct rancid smell — Allies of Skin Copper Tripeptide & Ectoin Advanced Repair Serum”
- “gives a weird fermented stench — Allies of Skin Tranexamic & Arbutin Advanced Brightening Serum”
- “smells like grain — Paula's Choice 10% Azelaic Acid Booster”
Ineffective Results Rarely NotedSometimes Noted
- “Did not notice any difference in my pores. — Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner”
- “did nothing — Paula's Choice 10% Niacinamide Booster”
- “still not impressed with the results — Allies of Skin Tranexamic & Arbutin Advanced Brightening Serum”
Paula's Choice vs Allies of Skin routines for dry skin
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Cleanser
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$26.59
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Hydrating Toner
Pyunkang Yul Calming Deep Moisture Toner
Morning
A$23.99
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Moisturizer
d'Alba First Spray Serum
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$26.09
-
SPF
Bioderma Photoderm Mineral Fluide SPF50+
Morning
A$24.49
-
Pre-Cleanser
MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream
Evening · Once a week
A$27.35
-
Serum or Treatment
Peptides & Omegas Firming Eye Cream
Evening · Once a week
A$188.14
-
Enzyme Powder
FANCL Facial Washing Powder
Once a week
A$35.50
-
Nourishing Mask
MEDIHEAL Vita Essential Mask
Once a week
A$28.48
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Cleanser
CLEAR Pore Normalizing Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$32.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Skin Recovery Enriched Calming Toner
Morning
A$42.00
-
Moisturizer
Replenishing Moisturizer
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$65.00
-
SPF
Bioderma Photoderm Mineral Fluide SPF50+
Morning
A$24.49
-
Pre-Cleanser
MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream
Evening · Once a week
A$27.35
-
Serum or Treatment
Pro-Collagen Multi-Peptide Booster
Evening · Once a week
A$89.00
-
Enzyme Powder
FANCL Facial Washing Powder
Once a week
A$35.50
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Nourishing Mask
MEDIHEAL Vita Essential Mask
Once a week
A$28.48
Buy Allies of Skin routine · A$380.63 · 98% fit
Buy Paula's Choice routine · A$343.82 · 86% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
Paula's Choice vs Allies of Skin routines for oily skin
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Cleanser
CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$13.99
-
Hydrating Toner
Some By Mi Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner
Morning · Once a week
A$34.66
-
Moisturizer
COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion (with Birch Sap)
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$22.99
-
SPF
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Dry Touch Sunscreen SPF 60
Morning
A$27.99
-
Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
A$80.43
-
Cleansing Toner
Caudalie Vinopure Purifying Toner
Evening
A$75.95
-
Serum or Treatment
Peptides & Omegas Firming Eye Cream
Evening · Once a week
A$188.14
-
Enzyme Powder
FANCL Facial Washing Powder
Once a week
A$35.50
-
Cleansing Mask
HERBIVORE Botanicals Blue Tansy BHA and Enzyme Pore Refining Mask
Once a week
A$118.35
-
Cleanser
CLEAR Pore Normalizing Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$32.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Advanced Replenishing Toner
Morning · Once a week
A$42.00
-
Moisturizer
Clear Oil-Free Moisturizer
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$65.00
-
SPF
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Dry Touch Sunscreen SPF 60
Morning
A$27.99
-
Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
A$80.43
-
Cleansing Toner
Caudalie Vinopure Purifying Toner
Evening
A$75.95
-
Serum or Treatment
Niacinamide 20% Treatment
Evening · Once a week
A$84.00
-
Enzyme Powder
FANCL Facial Washing Powder
Once a week
A$35.50
-
Cleansing Mask
HERBIVORE Botanicals Blue Tansy BHA and Enzyme Pore Refining Mask
Once a week
A$118.35
Buy Allies of Skin routine · A$598.00 · 94% fit
Buy Paula's Choice routine · A$561.22 · 92% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Paula's Choice vs Allies of Skin routines for combination skin
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Cleanser
Fresh Soy Face Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$73.61
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
A$42.00
-
Moisturizer
COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion (with Birch Sap)
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$22.99
-
Pre-Cleanser
Pyunkang Yul Deep Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
A$30.99
-
Cleansing Toner
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening
A$29.90
-
Serum or Treatment
Peptides & Omegas Firming Eye Cream
Evening · Once a week
A$188.14
-
Enzyme Powder
FANCL Facial Washing Powder
Once a week
A$35.50
-
Cleansing Mask
HERBIVORE Botanicals Blue Tansy BHA and Enzyme Pore Refining Mask
Once a week
A$118.35
-
Cleanser
CLEAR Pore Normalizing Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$32.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Advanced Replenishing Toner
Morning · Once a week
A$42.00
-
Moisturizer
Clear Oil-Free Moisturizer
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$65.00
-
Pre-Cleanser
Pyunkang Yul Deep Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
A$30.99
-
Cleansing Toner
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening
A$29.90
-
Serum or Treatment
Niacinamide 20% Treatment
Evening · Once a week
A$84.00
-
Enzyme Powder
FANCL Facial Washing Powder
Once a week
A$35.50
-
Cleansing Mask
HERBIVORE Botanicals Blue Tansy BHA and Enzyme Pore Refining Mask
Once a week
A$118.35
Buy Allies of Skin routine · A$541.48 · 94% fit
Buy Paula's Choice routine · A$437.74 · 89% fitSee multi-brand routine · 95% fit
Questions and answers
Paula's Choice or Allies of Skin: which is better?
Paula's Choice tends to work better for oily and acne-prone skin with benefits like blemish control and texture, while Allies of Skin is a superior fit for dry and mature skin with deep hydration and plumping effects.
What is the difference between Paula's Choice and Allies of Skin?
Paula's Choice fits oily and acne-prone skin best, whereas Allies of Skin fits dry, mature, and dry sensitive skin best. Paula's Choice is often noted for smooth textures and anti-aging serums with a high price, while Allies of Skin is known for gentle moisturizers and calming, hydrating serums.
Paula's Choice or Allies of Skin for dry skin?
Allies of Skin is a superior fit for dry skin, whereas Paula's Choice is a high fit. Allies of Skin focuses its routines on dry skin, mature skin, and dry sensitive skin.
Paula's Choice or Allies of Skin: which moisturizer is better?
Paula's Choice offers a wider range of moisturizers with products on this page tailored well for oily and acne-prone skin, while Allies of Skin provides rich options that Lovi rates as Superior for dry and mature skin.
Which is more affordable, Paula's Choice or Allies of Skin?
Comparing affordability, both Paula's Choice and Allies of Skin face mentions of high prices across the products on this page.
Between Paula's Choice and Allies of Skin, which brand performs better for pores and texture?
Paula's Choice performs better for pores and texture based on the reviews of the products on this page.
How do the founding years and corporate ownership of Paula's Choice and Allies of Skin compare?
Paula's Choice was founded in 1995 in the United States and has been owned by Unilever since 2021, while Allies of Skin was founded in 2016 and is owned by Allies Group Pte. Ltd.
Which brand has better performance for glow, radiance, and tone according to reviewers?
Paula's Choice has better performance for glow, radiance, and tone according to reviewers.
Paula's Choice or Allies of Skin for oily skin?
Both Paula's Choice and Allies of Skin are a Superior fit for oily skin. Paula's Choice features products on this page tailored specifically for oily skin types, while Allies of Skin provides hydrating formulations that manage oil effectively.
Paula's Choice or Allies of Skin for sensitive skin?
Both Paula's Choice and Allies of Skin are a Superior fit for sensitive skin on Lovi. Paula's Choice features fragrance-free formulas with key ingredients like niacinamide and salicylic acid, while Allies of Skin offers calming serums and gentle moisturizers that help soothe irritation.
Paula's Choice or Allies of Skin for acne-prone skin?
Both Paula's Choice and Allies of Skin are a Superior fit for acne-prone skin on the products on this page. Paula's Choice focuses more on acne and blemish control, while Allies of Skin provides hydrating options that may help calm the skin.
Research behind their key ingredients
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
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
Tocotrienol-rich fraction attenuates UV-induced inflammaging: A bench to bedside study
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
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
Functional properties and skin care effects of sodium trehalose sulfate
Clinical efficacy of facial masks containing yoghurt and Opuntia humifusa Raf. (F-YOP)
Treatment with Ascorbyl Glucoside-Arginine Complex Ameliorates Solar Lentigos
Targeting Circadian Rhythm for the Regulation of Skin Collagen Metabolism
Effects of a Greek Yoghurt-based Complex on the Human Facial Skin Microbiome
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
-

Co-founder, CEO and CTO
PhD in computer science, 3x US patent holder, ex-Google, ex-Yandex
-

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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