Paula's Choice vs Augustinus Bader
Paula's Choice and Augustinus Bader are distinguished skincare brands offering distinct approaches to complexion health. The American brand, founded in 1995, features cleansers, toners, serums, and moisturizers built around glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin C that suit combination and oily skin best. Conversely, the German brand, founded in 2018, is loved for its nourishing moisturizers, targeted serums, and soothing eye products powered by sophisticated formulas that suit dry and dry sensitive skin best. While both brands address mature, acne-prone, and dark-spot concerns with specialized options, they differ primarily through their foundational ingredients and ideal skin types.
Paula's Choice is an American skincare brand founded in 1995 and owned by Unilever since 2021.
Augustinus Bader is a German skincare brand founded in 2018.
augustinusbader.combeautymatter.compitchbook.com
This page compares some of the most popular Paula's Choice and Augustinus Bader products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular Paula's Choice vs Augustinus Bader products
People Say
Lightweight and fast-absorbing formula Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “light but nourishing — Augustinus Bader The Cream”
- “sinks in instantly — Augustinus Bader The Serum”
- “light gel texture — Augustinus Bader The Eye Cream”
- “Absorbs quickly and leaves no greasy residue behind. — Paula's Choice Clear Oil-Free Moisturizer”
Smoothes skin texture and refines Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “skin becomes very smooth — Paula's Choice 1% Retinol Treatment”
- “skin is insanely soft — Paula's Choice Weightless Body Treatment 2% BHA”
- “Softens fine lines — Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream”
- “skin is smoother — Augustinus Bader The Cream”
Glow, radiance and brightening Often MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “Instant youthful glow — Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream”
- “Instantly hydrated — Augustinus Bader The Face Oil”
- “healthy glow — Augustinus Bader The Serum”
- “visible glow — Paula's Choice C15 Super Booster”
Deep hydration Not notedOften Mentioned
- “Extremely dry skin saved — Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream”
- “instantly refreshing — Augustinus Bader The Eye Cream”
Anti-aging and firming results Sometimes NotedRarely Noted
- “skin looks plumper — Paula's Choice Pro-Collagen Multi-Peptide Booster”
- “softens lines and wrinkles — Paula's Choice 1% Retinol Treatment”
- “improved neck texture — Paula's Choice Skin-Smoothing Retinol Body Treatment”
- “crow's feet softened — Augustinus Bader The Eye Cream”
Unclogs pores and clears acne Often MentionedNot noted
- “cleared my bumps — Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant”
- “Helped clear my cystic acne — Paula's Choice CLEAR Pore Normalizing Cleanser”
- “heals blemishes faster — Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant”
High price and expensive for size 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”
Skin purging, breakouts and irritation Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “skin purged — Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant”
- “burnt skin off — Paula's Choice 1% Retinol Treatment”
- “Caused cystic acne — Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream”
- “bumps on forehead — Augustinus Bader The Cream”
Packaging issues and leaks Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “dropper leaks — Paula's Choice C15 Super Booster”
- “dropper can be unpredictable — Paula's Choice Pro-Collagen Multi-Peptide Booster”
- “Cap broke immediately — Paula's Choice CLEAR Pore Normalizing Cleanser”
- “excessive packaging — Augustinus Bader The Serum”
Unpleasant smell or scent Often MentionedSometimes Noted
- “Smells like old crayons — Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream”
- “Smells like vegetable oil — Augustinus Bader The Face Oil”
- “smells like grain — Paula's Choice 10% Azelaic Acid Booster”
Paula's Choice vs Augustinus Bader routines for dry skin
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Cleanser
CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$20.19
-
Hydrating Toner
Dear, Klairs Supple Preparation Unscented Toner
Morning
CA$27.99
-
Moisturizer
The Rich Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$371.66
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SPF
d'Alba Piedmont Waterfull Mild Sunscreen
Morning
CA$38.00
-
Pre-Cleanser
MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream
Evening · Once a week
CA$17.99
-
Serum or Treatment
SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Poremizing Fresh Ampoule
Evening · Once a week
CA$22.09
-
Nourishing Mask
MEDIHEAL Vita Essential Mask
Once a week
CA$29.99
-
Cleanser
CLEAR Pore Normalizing Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$54.99
-
Hydrating Toner
Skin Recovery Enriched Calming Toner
Morning
CA$47.00
-
Moisturizer
Replenishing Moisturizer
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$68.00
-
SPF
Youth-Extending Daily Hydrating Fluid SPF 50
Morning
CA$55.00
-
Pre-Cleanser
MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream
Evening · Once a week
CA$17.99
-
Serum or Treatment
Pro-Collagen Multi-Peptide Booster
Evening · Once a week
CA$84.00
-
Nourishing Mask
MEDIHEAL Vita Essential Mask
Once a week
CA$29.99
Buy Augustinus Bader routine · CA$527.91 · 98% fit
Buy Paula's Choice routine · CA$301.97 · 84% fitSee multi-brand routine · 99% fit
Paula's Choice vs Augustinus Bader routines for oily skin
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Cleanser
CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$20.96
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
CA$37.60
-
Moisturizer
The Eye Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$380.38
-
SPF
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Dry Touch Sunscreen SPF 60
Morning
CA$35.95
-
Pre-Cleanser
Pyunkang Yul Deep Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
CA$23.99
-
Cleansing Toner
Pixi Glow Tonic
Evening
CA$28.90
-
Serum or Treatment
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
Evening · Once a week
CA$6.60
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
CA$29.50
-
Cleansing Mask
Tatcha The Clarifying Clay Mask
Once a week
CA$95.00
-
Cleanser
CLEAR Pore Normalizing Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$54.99
-
Hydrating Toner
Advanced Replenishing Toner
Morning · Once a week
CA$41.00
-
Moisturizer
RESIST Intensive Wrinkle-Repair Retinol Serum
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$102.00
-
SPF
Youth-Extending Daily Hydrating Fluid SPF 50
Morning
CA$55.00
-
Pre-Cleanser
Pyunkang Yul Deep Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
CA$23.99
-
Cleansing Toner
Pixi Glow Tonic
Evening
CA$28.90
-
Serum or Treatment
Niacinamide 20% Treatment
Evening · Once a week
CA$84.00
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
CA$29.50
-
Cleansing Mask
Tatcha The Clarifying Clay Mask
Once a week
CA$95.00
Buy Augustinus Bader routine · CA$658.88 · 94% fit
Buy Paula's Choice routine · CA$357.38 · 87% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Paula's Choice vs Augustinus Bader routines for combination skin
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Cleanser
Fresh Soy Face Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$44.95
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
CA$37.60
-
Moisturizer
The Eye Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$380.38
-
SPF
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
Morning
CA$20.96
-
Pre-Cleanser
Pyunkang Yul Deep Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
CA$23.99
-
Cleansing Toner
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening
CA$31.99
-
Serum or Treatment
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
Evening · Once a week
CA$6.60
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
CA$29.50
-
Cleansing Mask
Origins Original Skin Retexturizing Mask with Rose Clay
Once a week
CA$50.00
-
Cleanser
CLEAR Pore Normalizing Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$54.99
-
Hydrating Toner
Advanced Replenishing Toner
Morning · Once a week
CA$41.00
-
Moisturizer
Replenishing Moisturizer
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$68.00
-
SPF
Youth-Extending Daily Hydrating Fluid SPF 50
Morning
CA$55.00
-
Pre-Cleanser
Pyunkang Yul Deep Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
CA$23.99
-
Cleansing Toner
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening
CA$31.99
-
Serum or Treatment
Niacinamide 20% Treatment
Evening · Once a week
CA$84.00
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
CA$29.50
-
Cleansing Mask
Origins Original Skin Retexturizing Mask with Rose Clay
Once a week
CA$50.00
Buy Augustinus Bader routine · CA$625.97 · 93% fit
Buy Paula's Choice routine · CA$383.47 · 88% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Questions and answers
Paula's Choice or Augustinus Bader: which is better?
Paula's Choice delivers better anti-aging and acne-clearing results with products on this page, while Augustinus Bader leads in deep hydration and glow. Lovi finds routine fit is Superior for Augustinus Bader and High for Paula's Choice across all skin types.
What is the difference between Paula's Choice and Augustinus Bader?
Paula's Choice is better for anti-aging and clearing acne, while Augustinus Bader is better for lightweight formulas, glow, and deep hydration. Both brands feature fragrance-free products on this page.
Paula's Choice or Augustinus Bader for dry skin?
Augustinus Bader is a superior choice for dry skin compared to Paula's Choice, which has a high routine fit on the products on this page. Augustinus Bader delivers deep hydration and a glowing complexion, though it comes at an extreme price.
Paula's Choice or Augustinus Bader: which moisturizer is better?
Augustinus Bader provides lightweight moisturizers with deep hydration and a glowing finish, while Paula's Choice focuses more on targeted anti-aging and clarifying ingredients. Lovi rates Augustinus Bader as having a Superior routine fit for dry skin, compared to Paula's Choice which is High.
Which is more affordable, Paula's Choice or Augustinus Bader?
Augustinus Bader is known for its extreme prices, whereas Paula's Choice is often noted by reviewers for a high price and being expensive for its size.
Between Paula's Choice and Augustinus Bader, which brand is better for anti-aging and firming results?
Paula's Choice is better for anti-aging and firming results, while Augustinus Bader provides deeper hydration and a glowing finish. Retinol in Paula's Choice helps stimulate collagen accumulation in naturally aged skin.
The Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2000Archives of Dermatology, 2007
Which brand performs better for unclogging pores and clearing acne?
Paula's Choice performs better for unclogging pores and clearing acne. Its products on this page help target breakouts and refine pores.
How do the review themes compare regarding glow, radiance, and brightening between Paula's Choice and Augustinus Bader?
Augustinus Bader does better than Paula's Choice for glow, radiance, and brightening. Augustinus Bader may help deliver better results for radiance and glow, while Paula's Choice is noted for its anti-aging and firming results.
Paula's Choice or Augustinus Bader for oily skin?
Both brands are great choices for oily skin, with Lovi giving Augustinus Bader a Superior fit level and Paula's Choice a High fit level. Paula's Choice helps unclog pores and clear acne better, while Augustinus Bader offers a more lightweight and fast-absorbing formula.
Paula's Choice or Augustinus Bader for sensitive skin?
Both brands are a High fit for sensitive skin, with Augustinus Bader offering Superior routine fit. Paula's Choice helps smooth texture with fragrance-free formulas, while Augustinus Bader helps deliver deep hydration and a glowing finish.
Paula's Choice or Augustinus Bader for acne-prone skin?
Paula's Choice is better for acne-prone skin because the products on this page excel at unclogging pores and clearing acne. Lovi rates the routine fit for this skin type as High for Paula's Choice and Superior for Augustinus Bader.
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
Resveratrol as a Multifunctional Topical Hypopigmenting Agent
Vitamin C-squalene bioconjugate promotes epidermal thickening and collagen production in human skin
Reduction in the appearance of facial hyperpigmentation by topical N-acetyl glucosamine
Fermented pomegranate extracts protect against oxidative stress and aging of skin
Topical glutathione amino acid precursors protect skin against environmental and oxidative stress
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
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
-

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
-

Medical Board, Medical Advisor
Dermatology MD
-

Elina Nazarenko, MD
Medical Board
Dermatology and diagnostic consultant
-

Victoria Derkova, MS
Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetic development technologist
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