Paula's Choice 0.3% Retinol + 2% Bakuchiol Treatment for dry sensitive skin
Retinol
Bakuchiol
Peptides
Ascorbic Acid
Ceramide Ng
Average
- HighDry Skin Fit
- AverageEffectiveness
- HighSafety
Works for dry sensitive skin; other serums fit it better.
This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with dry sensitive skin: flakiness, tightness, redness, fine lines, and wrinkles. For scores and recommendations based on your full skin profile, including your 12D face scan results and any goals or preferences you have, please use the Lovi app.
Page built Nov 8, 2026How the Fit score works
Lovi Assistant explains
- Offers moderate benefits for dry and sensitive skin, as glycerin and sodium hyaluronate provide humectant action while shea butter offers emollient properties, though the primary concern of dryness is only partially addressed.
- The inclusion of retinol and bakuchiol aims to improve skin texture and reduce fine lines, which is beneficial for overall skin health but does not directly target flakiness.
- The product is safe for your dry and sensitive skin, with oat kernel extract and licorice root extract providing soothing benefits and no harsh ingredients present.
How to apply
- Use this PM routine for your evening skincare. Start using the serum 3 times a week and increase to daily use if your skin feels comfortable.
- Apply the serum after cleansing and toner, but right before your moisturizer. This step locks in deep hydration for dry skin.
- Gently press 2-3 drops of the serum into your skin using your palms. Let it absorb completely for a minute ⏱ before applying your next product.
- Since your skin is sensitive, apply the serum on completely dry skin for better tolerance and less irritation.
- Avoid the sensitive eye area during application. Always do a patch test before your first use to ensure your skin reacts well.
People Say
★4.5Overall rating based on 500+ reviewsUsers find this treatment to be a gentle and effective beginner-friendly retinol, especially beneficial for sensitive or dry skin. Many report improved skin texture and a reduction in fine lines, with a healthy glow and no typical retinol irritation. Some users experienced issues with the packaging pump and found the price point to be high.
Highlights
Gentle, non-irritating Mostly Mentioned
- “no irritation or redness”
- “gentle enough for daily use”
- “great for sensitive skin”
- “didn't dry me out”
- “zero peeling”
Smoother skin texture Often Mentioned
- “skin feels so smooth”
- “texture is refined”
- “softens rough patches”
- “face feels like silk”
- “bumps disappeared”
Good for beginners Sometimes Noted
- “perfect starter retinol”
- “great introduction product”
- “good step up from 0.1%”
- “easy to incorporate”
- “beginner friendly”
Hydrating, glowing Sometimes Noted
- “gives a nice glow”
- “moisturizing formula”
- “skin looks radiant”
- “dewy finish”
- “not drying at all”
Reduces fine lines Sometimes Noted
- “softened forehead lines”
- “crows feet look better”
- “lines are less visible”
- “plumps up wrinkles”
- “youthful appearance”
High price point Sometimes Noted
- “very expensive”
- “pricey for the amount”
- “wish it was cheaper”
- “luxury price tag”
- “waiting for a sale”
Packaging pump issues Sometimes Noted
- “pump stopped working”
- “hard to get product out”
- “dispenser is faulty”
- “bottle design is poor”
- “product gets stuck”
Initial breakouts Rarely Noted
- “caused some breakouts”
- “purged for a few weeks”
- “small pimples appeared”
- “skin got worse before better”
- “minor congestion”
Slow results Rarely Noted
- “didn't see a difference”
- “too weak for me”
- “need something stronger”
- “results take a long time”
- “no dramatic change”
Texture/smell Rarely Noted
- “smell is odd”
- “texture is too thick”
- “feels slightly heavy”
- “scent isn't great”
- “takes time to absorb”
Sources: lovi.care, sephora.com.au, paulaschoice.it, dermstore.com, influenster.com, cultbeauty.co.uk, and more
Questions and answers
How well does Paula's Choice 0.3% Retinol + 2% Bakuchiol Treatment work for dry sensitive skin?
This treatment works moderately well for dry and sensitive skin, as it provides some moisture and soothing benefits but only partially addresses dryness and flakiness. A product for this skin needs rich hydrating and nourishing ingredients, ceramides, and barrier-supporting components that provide deep moisture and protect against irritation without any harsh risks.
The British Journal of Dermatology, 2019Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017
Which ingredients make this treatment a good fit for dry sensitive skin?
Glycerin, sodium hyaluronate, and shea butter make this treatment a moderate fit by providing moisture, while oat kernel extract and licorice root extract help calm dry sensitive skin. Because dryness is only partially addressed, a product of this type needs rich moisturizing ingredients and skin barrier support to truly fit this skin.
What does Retinol do for dry sensitive skin?
Retinol is often too strong for dry sensitive skin because it may cause scaling and stinging, so a product of this type needs gentle soothing ingredients and extra moisture to keep the skin calm and smooth.
The British Journal of Dermatology, 2019Toxicology Letters, 2003
What does Bakuchiol do for dry sensitive skin?
Bakuchiol is a gentle, plant-based option that helps smooth lines, improve firmness, and even out skin tone without causing the dryness, redness, or stinging often linked to traditional retinol. It is generally well-tolerated by delicate skin types and helps improve overall moisture and softness with regular use.
Health Science Reports, 2025Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2020
Where does this treatment go in a skincare routine for dry sensitive skin?
This treatment goes in the evening routine after your toner and before your moisturizer. A product of this type for dry sensitive skin needs rich nourishing oils, gentle soothing ingredients, and plenty of hydrating humectants to keep skin soft and comfortable.
Can I use this treatment with niacinamide, and in what order?
You can use this treatment with niacinamide by applying niacinamide first and letting it absorb before putting on this product. This combination is unlikely to irritate dry sensitive skin when you build up use slowly.
How often should I use this treatment?
Use this treatment in the evening, starting once a week and gradually building up as your skin feels comfortable. Dry and sensitive skin needs a product with rich moisturizing oils and soothing hydrators that fully relieve flakiness and strengthen the skin barrier.
Can this treatment clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for dry sensitive skin?
This treatment may cause mild initial breakouts when you first start using it. To best support dry sensitive skin, this product type needs deeply nourishing ingredients and soothing agents that build the skin barrier and completely relieve flakiness.
Is this treatment fragrance-free and alcohol-free?
Yes, it has no fragrance and no drying alcohol. Arachidyl alcohol, behenyl alcohol, and cetearyl alcohol are fatty alcohols, which soften the skin.
What the research says
A single application of a moisturizing fluid containing hyaluronic acid 1%, glycerin 5%, and Centella asiatica stem cells extract significantly increased skin hydration by 29% and reduced transepidermal water loss at 24 hours compared to baseline and an untreated control site in twenty healthy women.
Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017Topical bakuchiol 0.5% applied twice daily compared with retinol 0.5% applied daily significantly decreased wrinkle surface area and hyperpigmentation with no statistical difference between the compounds in 44 patients over 12 weeks, while retinol users reported more facial skin scaling and stinging.
The British Journal of Dermatology, 2019Topical 0.4% retinol significantly increased epidermal thickness, dermal vascularity, and extracellular matrix production by stimulating keratinocyte proliferation, endothelial cell proliferation, and fibroblast activation in naturally aged human skin compared to vehicle.
International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2017Silicone particles encapsulating retinol increased its half-life by 9-fold and yielded 12-23% lower skin irritation in human subjects compared to Microsponge particles while maintaining biological activity.
Journal of Controlled Release, 2018Topical stabilized retinol treatment induced HAS gene expression and increased hyaluronic acid production in human skin in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo compared to vehicle.
Archives of Dermatological Research, 2017A dermocosmetic containing bakuchiol, Ginkgo biloba extract, and mannitol improves inflammatory lesions, Investigator Global Assessment, and seborrhea intensity when added to adapalene 0.1% gel in patients with acne vulgaris.
Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2015Topical application of a serum containing supramolecular Bakuchiol and Terminalia chebula extract significantly improved barrier function, reduced redness and sensitivity, and improved wrinkles and elasticity in 34 Chinese subjects with sensitive skin after 28 days.
Health Science Reports, 2025Bakuchiol functions as an anti-aging compound through retinol-like regulation of gene expression, producing significant improvements in lines, wrinkles, pigmentation, elasticity, firmness, and photo-damage after 12 weeks of twice-a-day facial application without usual retinol therapy-associated undesirable effects.
International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2014Topical application of 5% vitamin C cream significantly improved global clinical scores, increased skin microrelief density, and induced elastic tissue repair in photoaged skin compared to excipient control in healthy female volunteers.
Experimental Dermatology, 2003Ascorbic acid 2-glucoside gel significantly reduced gingival melanin pigmentation after 4 weeks compared to placebo in 73 subjects with symmetric pigmentation.
Journal of Periodontology, 2009Topical application of VC-IP cream twice daily for 8 weeks reduces periorbital wrinkles in female subjects compared to a placebo cream.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2022
Why other serums fit dry sensitive skin better
Tocopherol succinate-loaded ethosomal gel increased skin deposition, stability, moisture, and mechanical properties in 13 human subjects compared to a control gel over 12 weeks.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2022In 50 participants with sensitive skin, a Ceramide NP C15-containing emollient improved skin barrier function with a significant reduction in transepidermal water loss and induced modest changes in skin microbiota compared to the vehicle.
Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, 2026Hydrogels containing vitamin E-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers exhibited better occlusive properties and long-lasting effects, while vitamin E-loaded nanoemulsions performed a faster skin hydration effect and were selected as more attractive for skin application.
Colloids and Surfaces. B, Biointerfaces, 2019
Ingredients
Water, Dimethicone, Pentaerythrityl Tetraisoostearate, Isononyl Isononanoate, Butylene Glycol, Bakuchiol, Arachidyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Polymethacrylate, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Behenyl Alcohol, Glycerin, Peg-75 Shea Glycerides Butter, Glyceryl Stearate, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Polysorbate 20, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Retinol, Ceramide Ng, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12, Sodium Hyaluronate, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract Licorice Root Extract, Avena Sativa Kernel Extract Oat Kernel Extract, Arctium Lappa Root Extract, Willow Bark Extract, Glycine Soja Soybean Sterols, Lecithin, Allantoin, Tocopheryl Acetate, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Sodium Hydroxide, Tribehenin, Caprylyl Glycol, Dipeptide-2, Polygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract, Peg-10 Phytosterol, Peg-8, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Arachidyl Glucoside, Chrysin, Pentylene Glycol, Sodium Acrylates Copolymer, Steareth-20, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Cetearyl Alcohol, Coco-Glucoside, Hesperidin Methyl Chalcone, N-Hydroxysuccinimide, Disodium Edta, Phenoxyethanol, Benzoic Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin
Behind this fit score
Lovi calculates every fit score 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
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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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