Paula's Choice vs Allies of Skin
Paula's Choice and Allies of Skin are skincare brands offering serums, cleansers, moisturizers, and toners built around ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, vitamin C, and niacinamide. The American brand founded in 1995 features formulations centered on glycerin that significantly increase skin hydration and restore barrier function, suiting combination skin and oily skin best. Meanwhile, Allies of Skin is loved for luxurious moisturizers, potent serums, and targeted eye products formulated with powerhouse ingredients like niacinamide, which improves skin aging signs and decreases hyperpigmentation to suit dry skin and acne-prone skin best. While both cater to varied complexion needs with specific top-rated treatments, they differ in their primary formulation styles and targeted skin types.
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
€19.75
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Hydrating Toner
Dear, Klairs Supple Preparation Unscented Toner
Morning
€12.59
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Moisturizer
Molecular Saviour Probiotics Treatment Mist
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€65.50
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SPF
Australian Gold Botanical Lotion SPF 30
Morning
€21.04
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Pre-Cleanser
MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream
Evening · Once a week
€10.97
-
Serum or Treatment
Peptides & Omegas Firming Eye Cream
Evening · Once a week
€94.30
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Nourishing Mask
MEDIHEAL Vita Essential Mask
Once a week
€19.00
-
Cleanser
CLEAR Pore Normalizing Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€29.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Skin Recovery Enriched Calming Toner
Morning
€36.00
-
Moisturizer
Replenishing Moisturizer
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€42.00
-
SPF
Youth-Extending Daily Hydrating Fluid SPF 50
Morning
€15.00
-
Pre-Cleanser
MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream
Evening · Once a week
€10.97
-
Serum or Treatment
RESIST Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum
Evening · Once a week
€57.00
-
Nourishing Mask
MEDIHEAL Vita Essential Mask
Once a week
€19.00
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
€11.75
-
Hydrating Toner
Some By Mi Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner
Morning · Once a week
€16.59
-
Moisturizer
Peptides & Antioxidants Firming Daily Treatment
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€92.00
-
SPF
make p:rem UV Defense Me Blue Ray Sun Cream
Morning
€32.80
-
Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
€104.00
-
Cleansing Toner
Caudalie Vinopure Purifying Toner
Evening
€16.90
-
Serum or Treatment
Peptides & Omegas Firming Eye Cream
Evening · Once a week
€94.30
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
€48.55
-
Cleansing Mask
Dr. Sebagh Deep Exfoliating Mask
Once a week
€81.80
-
Cleanser
CLEAR Pore Normalizing Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€29.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Advanced Replenishing Toner
Morning · Once a week
€34.00
-
Moisturizer
Clear Oil-Free Moisturizer
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€42.00
-
SPF
Youth-Extending Daily Hydrating Fluid SPF 50
Morning
€15.00
-
Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
€104.00
-
Cleansing Toner
Caudalie Vinopure Purifying Toner
Evening
€16.90
-
Serum or Treatment
Niacinamide 20% Treatment
Evening · Once a week
€63.00
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
€48.55
-
Cleansing Mask
Dr. Sebagh Deep Exfoliating Mask
Once a week
€81.80
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
€39.99
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
€36.00
-
Moisturizer
Peptides & Antioxidants Firming Daily Treatment
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€92.00
-
Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
€104.00
-
Cleansing Toner
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening
€16.98
-
Serum or Treatment
Peptides & Omegas Firming Eye Cream
Evening · Once a week
€94.30
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
€48.55
-
Cleansing Mask
Origins Original Skin Retexturizing Mask with Rose Clay
Once a week
€28.50
-
Cleanser
CLEAR Pore Normalizing Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€29.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Advanced Replenishing Toner
Morning · Once a week
€34.00
-
Moisturizer
Clear Oil-Free Moisturizer
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€42.00
-
SPF
Youth-Extending Daily Hydrating Fluid SPF 50
Morning
€15.00
-
Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
€104.00
-
Cleansing Toner
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening
€16.98
-
Serum or Treatment
Niacinamide 20% Treatment
Evening · Once a week
€63.00
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
€48.55
-
Cleansing Mask
Origins Original Skin Retexturizing Mask with Rose Clay
Once a week
€28.50
Questions and answers
Paula's Choice or Allies of Skin: which is better?
Both brands are great choices, as Paula's Choice excels in acne control and texture while Allies of Skin stands out for deep hydration and plumping. Lovi rates both brands as having a Superior routine fit across all skin types.
What is the difference between Paula's Choice and Allies of Skin?
Paula's Choice best fits combination, oily, and acne-prone skin with fragrance-free options, while Allies of Skin is best suited for dry, acne-prone, and mature skin. Reviewers note that Paula's Choice excels in absorption, texture, and acne control, whereas Allies of Skin delivers deep hydration and plumping.
Paula's Choice or Allies of Skin for dry skin?
Both brands are a strong choice for dry skin, with Lovi giving Allies of Skin a Superior fit rating and Paula's Choice a High fit rating for this skin type. Reviewers note that Allies of Skin provides deep hydration and plumping, while Paula's Choice is favored for its absorption and texture feel.
Paula's Choice or Allies of Skin: which moisturizer is better?
Both brands offer solid moisturizers on this page, with Allies of Skin standing out for deep hydration and plumping while Paula's Choice is well-liked for texture and absorption. Reviewers note that Allies of Skin provides gentle and effective moisturizers, whereas Paula's Choice features options like the Clear Oil-Free Moisturizer that fits oily skin well.
Which is more affordable, Paula's Choice or Allies of Skin?
Both Paula's Choice and Allies of Skin face mentions for a high price, so neither brand is clearly more affordable based on the products on this page.
Do Paula's Choice or Allies of Skin products contain any added fragrance?
Both brands offer products that list no added fragrance across the items on this page.
Which brand performs better for deep hydration and plumping according to reviewers?
Allies of Skin performs better for deep hydration and plumping according to reviewers. Both brands list no fragrance in their ingredients across the products on this page.
Paula's Choice or Allies of Skin for oily skin?
Both brands are great choices for oily skin, with Lovi giving Paula's Choice a High fit and Allies of Skin a Superior fit.
Paula's Choice or Allies of Skin for sensitive skin?
Both Paula's Choice and Allies of Skin are a High fit for sensitive skin on Lovi. Paula's Choice features fragrance-free options like the RESIST Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum, while Allies of Skin offers calming serums.
Paula's Choice or Allies of Skin for acne-prone skin?
Both brands fit acne-prone skin well, with Paula's Choice having a fit level of High and Allies of Skin reaching Superior. Paula's Choice is noted for having better performance in acne and blemish control across the products on this page.
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
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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
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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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