SKIN1004 vs Paula's Choice
SKIN1004 and Paula's Choice are well-regarded skincare brands that offer diverse formulations tailored to varying dermatological needs. SKIN1004 is a Korean line known for centella asiatica, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide in toners, moisturizers, sunscreens, and masks, whereas Paula's Choice is an American line featuring hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and vitamin c in serums, cleansers, moisturizers, and toners. Both brands suit oily skin and combination skin best, though they differ in their specific formulations and ingredient priorities, such as centella asiatica for soothing or glycerin for barrier restoration.
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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Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum
CA$49.86
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Madagascar Centella Light Cleansing Oil
CA$22.99
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Madagascar Centella Toning Toner
CA$28.00
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Madagascar Centella Poremizing Light Gel Cream
CA$21.99
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Madagascar Centella Quick Calming Pad
CA$25.60
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Madagascar Centella Watergel Sheet Ampoule Mask
CA$25.99
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Hyalu-Cica Moisture Cream
CA$23.99
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Zombie Pack
CA$32.99
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
Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$49.86
-
Hydrating Toner
Probio-Cica Essence Toner
Morning
CA$24.99
-
Pre-Cleanser
Madagascar Centella Light Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
CA$22.99
-
Nourishing Mask
Madagascar Centella Watergel Sheet Ampoule Mask
Once a week
CA$25.99
-
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
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Serum or Treatment
Pro-Collagen Multi-Peptide Booster
Evening · Once a week
CA$84.00
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Nourishing Mask
MEDIHEAL Vita Essential Mask
Once a week
CA$29.99
Buy SKIN1004 routine · CA$123.83 · 86% fit
Buy Paula's Choice routine · CA$301.97 · 84% fitSee multi-brand routine · 99% fit
SKIN1004 vs Paula's Choice routines for oily skin
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Cleanser
Madagascar Centella Tone Brightening Cleansing Gel Foam
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$22.90
-
Hydrating Toner
Probio-Cica Essence Toner
Morning · Once a week
CA$24.99
-
Moisturizer
Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$49.86
-
Pre-Cleanser
Madagascar Centella Light Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
CA$22.99
-
Cleansing Toner
Madagascar Centella Tea-Trica Purifying Toner
Evening
CA$26.97
-
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 SKIN1004 routine · CA$272.21 · 87% fit
Buy Paula's Choice routine · CA$357.38 · 87% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
SKIN1004 vs Paula's Choice routines for combination skin
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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
-
Cleanser
Madagascar Centella Tone Brightening Cleansing Gel Foam
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$22.90
-
Hydrating Toner
Madagascar Centella Toning Toner
Morning · Once a week
CA$28.00
-
Moisturizer
Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$49.86
-
Pre-Cleanser
Madagascar Centella Light Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
CA$22.99
-
Cleansing Toner
Madagascar Centella Tea-Trica Purifying Toner
Evening
CA$26.97
-
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 Paula's Choice routine · CA$383.47 · 88% fit
Buy SKIN1004 routine · CA$230.22 · 87% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Questions and answers
SKIN1004 or Paula's Choice: which is better?
Both SKIN1004 and Paula's Choice offer an equal High routine fit across all skin types, with SKIN1004 doing better for hydration and soothing while Paula's Choice excels in skin smoothing and brightening. Shoppers frequently note SKIN1004 for lightweight soothing toners and moisturizers, whereas Paula's Choice is often recognized for anti-aging serums alongside higher prices and packaging issues.
What is the difference between SKIN1004 and Paula's Choice?
SKIN1004 is better for hydration and soothing, whereas Paula's Choice does better for skin smoothing, texture, brightening, and complexion. Both brands offer fragrance-free products and share equal routine fit levels across all skin types.
SKIN1004 or Paula's Choice for dry skin?
Both SKIN1004 and Paula's Choice offer a High routine fit for dry skin. Reviewers note that SKIN1004 does better for hydration and soothing, while Paula's Choice does better for skin smoothing and texture.
SKIN1004 or Paula's Choice: which cleanser is better?
Both SKIN1004 and Paula's Choice offer equally effective cleansers on the products on this page.
Which is more affordable, SKIN1004 or Paula's Choice?
Paula's Choice is associated with high price complaints by reviewers, whereas SKIN1004 has negative feedback regarding small size or high price.
Between SKIN1004 and Paula's Choice, which brand is better for hydration and soothing?
SKIN1004 does better for hydration and soothing. The products on this page feature key ingredients like Hyaluronic acid and Panthenol, which helps support skin moisture and barrier comfort.
Journal of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2015American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2002
How do the founding years and corporate ownership of SKIN1004 and Paula's Choice compare?
SKIN1004 was founded in South Korea in 2012 and is owned by Goodai Global Inc. since 2024, whereas Paula's Choice was founded in the United States in 1995 and is owned by Unilever since 2021.
Which brand performs better for brightening and complexion according to review themes?
Paula's Choice performs better for brightening and complexion.
SKIN1004 or Paula's Choice for oily skin?
Both SKIN1004 and Paula's Choice fit oily skin equally well, as Lovi rates the routine fit for both brands as High. SKIN1004 products on this page focus on ingredients like centella asiatica and hyaluronic acid, while Paula's Choice relies on key ingredients including salicylic acid and niacinamide.
Journal of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2015The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002
SKIN1004 or Paula's Choice: which moisturizer is better?
Both SKIN1004 and Paula's Choice offer moisturizers with equal routine fit levels for dry, oily, combination, sensitive, and acne-prone skin. Reviewers note that SKIN1004 does better for hydration and soothing, while Paula's Choice does better for skin smoothing and texture.
SKIN1004 or Paula's Choice for sensitive skin?
Both SKIN1004 and Paula's Choice fit sensitive skin at a High level on Lovi. Reviewers note that 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?
When choosing a sunscreen, both SKIN1004 and Paula's Choice offer options where Lovi rates the routine fit as high for various skin types.
SKIN1004 or Paula's Choice for acne-prone skin?
Both SKIN1004 and Paula's Choice achieve a High routine fit for acne-prone skin on Lovi. SKIN1004 does better for hydration and soothing, 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
-

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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