# Paula's Choice Skin-Smoothing Retinol Body Treatment for dry sensitive skin

**Lovi Fit: Low fit for dry sensitive skin.**
Dry Skin Fit: High · Effectiveness: High · Safety: Concerning.

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/paula-s-choice/skin-smoothing-retinol-body-treatment/for/dry-sensitive-skin

The Lovi Fit is the same in every country; only the stores and prices differ, and the ones here are for Spain.

Brand: [Paula's Choice](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/brands/paula-s-choice)

This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with dry sensitive skin: flakiness, tightness, redness, fine lines, and wrinkles. For scores based on a full skin profile (12D face scan, goals, preferences), use the Lovi app.

A weak match for dry sensitive skin; the products alongside fit it better.

## Why this fit

- Offers moderate hydration for your dry or flaky skin due to the presence of glycerin and shea butter, which provide humectant and emollient actions, respectively, to combat dryness.
- The retinol in the formula offers excellent skin smoothing for anti-aging visible effects, but may pose risks for your sensitive skin.

## Fit by skin type

- [Oily skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/paula-s-choice/skin-smoothing-retinol-body-treatment/for/oily-skin): Average
- [Dry skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/paula-s-choice/skin-smoothing-retinol-body-treatment/for/dry-skin): Low
- [Combination skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/paula-s-choice/skin-smoothing-retinol-body-treatment/for/combination-skin): Average
- [Sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/paula-s-choice/skin-smoothing-retinol-body-treatment/for/sensitive-skin): Low
- [Acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/paula-s-choice/skin-smoothing-retinol-body-treatment/for/acne-prone-skin): Average
- [Skin with dark spots](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/paula-s-choice/skin-smoothing-retinol-body-treatment/for/dark-spots): Average
- [Mature skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/paula-s-choice/skin-smoothing-retinol-body-treatment/for/mature-skin): Average
- [Dry sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/paula-s-choice/skin-smoothing-retinol-body-treatment/for/dry-sensitive-skin): Low (this page)
- [Oily acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/paula-s-choice/skin-smoothing-retinol-body-treatment/for/oily-acne-prone-skin): Average

## Key ingredients

Retinol, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter Shea Butter, Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil Grape Seed Oil, Panthenol, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate

## 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, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/))
- Topical 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, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29947134/))
- Topical 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, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27261203/))
- Silicone 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, 2018](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29604311/))
- Topical 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, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28247017/))
- A combination cream of stimu-tex AS and saccharide isomerate reduced erythema, increased skin capacitance, and reduced transepidermal water loss compared to placebo in 20 subjects after fractional CO2 laser procedure without causing serious adverse events. ([Lasers in Medical Science, 2025](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41134387/))
- A skin barrier restoring cream with shea butter, silkflo, and vitamin E increased type I procollagen synthesis, enhanced antioxidant enzyme activity, decreased reactive oxygen species generation, and promoted hyaluronic acid production in H2O2-stimulated human keratinocyte cells compared to untreated cells. ([International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2025](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39528438/))
- Grapeseed oil-loaded dermocosmetic nanoemulgel applied on the cheeks of healthy volunteers significantly reduced skin melanin, erythema, sebum production, and pores while increasing moisture and elasticity compared to a placebo. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35713012/))
- Topical treatment with cranberry oil and grape oil improved wound healing in rats, with cranberry oil showing an 88.1% wound area reduction and grape oil showing 84.6% compared to 74.1% in controls and 78.4% in the mupirocin standard group on day 13. ([Phytotherapy Research, 2011](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21305631/))
- An ionic liquid-based grapeseed oil emulsion increased transdermal penetration by 4.63-fold and improved skin hydration, firmness, elasticity, and facial wrinkles after 28 days of continuous use compared to ordinary emulsion. ([Pharmaceuticals, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39458914/))
- Topical dexpanthenol acts as a moisturizer, improves stratum corneum hydration, accelerates wound healing and epidermal regeneration, reduces erythema, and improves symptoms of skin irritation compared to vehicle or no pretreatment. ([American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2002](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12113650/))
- Moisturizer containing 5% panthenol, madecassoside, and copper-zinc-manganese decreased adverse reactions and downtime after ablative fractional carbon dioxide laser resurfacing with comparable efficacy to 0.02% triamcinolone acetonide cream in 20 subjects. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30945430/))
- Topical dexpanthenol formulated in lipophilic vehicles improved stratum corneum hydration and reduced transepidermal water loss compared to vehicle control in humans. ([Arzneimittel-Forschung, 2000](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10965426/))
- Topical 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, 2003](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12823436/))
- Ascorbic acid 2-glucoside gel significantly reduced gingival melanin pigmentation after 4 weeks compared to placebo in 73 subjects with symmetric pigmentation. ([Journal of Periodontology, 2009](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19186973/))
- Topical 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](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34910367/))

## Why other products fit dry sensitive skin better

- Topical 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, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29947134/))

## What reviewers say

This treatment is highly regarded for its ability to significantly improve skin texture, making it feel exceptionally soft and smooth. It is also frequently noted for effectively reducing the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation, leading to a more even skin tone. Many users, particularly those with mature skin, have observed improvements in skin firmness, especially in areas prone to crepiness. A recurring concern is the small bottle size, which many find insufficient for regular full-body application, leading to frequent repurchases.

- Liked: Smoothes rough texture (mostly mentioned)
- Disliked: Small bottle size (mostly mentioned)
- Liked: Fades discoloration (often mentioned)
- Liked: Non-greasy feel (often mentioned)
- Disliked: High price point (often mentioned)
- Liked: Firms crepey skin (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Slow results (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Unpleasant base scent (rarely noted)

## Questions and answers

### Why is Paula's Choice Skin-Smoothing Retinol Body Treatment a weak match for dry sensitive skin?

This product is a weak match because the retinol it contains may pose risks of irritation for your sensitive skin. To truly fit dry sensitive skin, a body care product needs deeply nourishing and soothing ingredients that provide rich moisture and support the skin barrier without any risk of irritation or allergens.
Sources: [The British Journal of Dermatology, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29947134/)

### Which ingredients make this treatment a poor fit for dry sensitive skin?

This treatment is a weak match for your skin because the retinol it contains may cause scaling and stinging on sensitive areas. To properly care for dry sensitive skin, a product needs gentle, deeply nourishing ingredients that boost moisture and support the skin barrier without any risk of irritation.
Sources: [The British Journal of Dermatology, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29947134/)

### 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.
Sources: [The British Journal of Dermatology, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29947134/), [Toxicology Letters, 2003](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14615068/)

### What does Butyrospermum Parkii Butter do for dry sensitive skin?

Butyrospermum Parkii Butter helps keep dry sensitive skin soft and calm by strengthening the skin barrier and soothing irritation. This ingredient helps lock in moisture while protecting the skin from environmental stressors without clogging pores. A product for this skin type needs rich moisturizing ingredients like shea butter alongside soothing botanical agents to calm redness and restore comfort.
Sources: [International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29280987/)

### Where does this treatment go in a skincare routine for dry sensitive skin?

This treatment goes in the evening routine for dry sensitive skin, but it may pose risks of irritation for this skin type. Because this is a weak match, dry sensitive skin needs a product of this type that focuses on gentle hydration with soothing ingredients and mild moisturizers instead of strong actives.

### Can I use this treatment with AHA, and in what order?

Using this treatment with an AHA is a weak match for your dry sensitive skin because it may easily cause too much stinging and peeling. To care for this skin type safely, a product of this type needs soothing ingredients and barrier-supporting components like ceramides.
Sources: [The British Journal of Dermatology, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29947134/)

### How often should I use this treatment?

This treatment is applied in the evening because it contains retinol, which may pose risks for your sensitive skin. Dry sensitive skin needs products of this type that pair gentle active ingredients with rich soothing moisturizers and barrier-supporting ceramides.
Sources: [The British Journal of Dermatology, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29947134/)

### Can this treatment clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for dry sensitive skin?

This treatment is unlikely to clog pores, but the retinol it contains may cause irritation or breakouts on dry sensitive skin. A product for this skin needs soothing ingredients and gentle hydrators like ceramides and hyaluronic acid to calm dryness without causing redness.

### Is this treatment fragrance-free and alcohol-free?

Yes, it has no fragrance and no drying alcohol. Cetearyl alcohol and cetyl alcohol are fatty alcohols, which soften the skin.

## Alternatives for dry sensitive skin

- [The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/the-ordinary/natural-moisturizing-factors-ha/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — €11.50 at Amazon
- [L'Occitane Immortelle Divine Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/l-occitane/immortelle-divine-cream/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — €59.99 at Amazon
- [Some By Mi Yuja Niacin Brightening Moisture Gel Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/some-by-mi/yuja-niacin-brightening-moisture-gel-cream/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — €13.67 at Amazon

## Routine for dry sensitive skin

### AM

- Cleanser: [CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/cerave/hydrating-facial-cleanser/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — €8.85 at Amazon
- Soothing Toner: [SKIN1004 Centella Asiatica Toning Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/skin1004/centella-asiatica-toning-toner/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — €23.99 at Amazon
- Moisturizer with Sun Protection: [d'Alba UVessence Mild Waterfull Sun Cream SPF 50](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/d-alba/uvessence-mild-waterfull-sun-cream-spf-50/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — €16.99 at Amazon

### PM

- Pre-Cleanser: [MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/missha/ultra-hyalon-cleansing-cream/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — €10.97 at Amazon
- Cleanser: [CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/cerave/hydrating-facial-cleanser/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — €8.85 at Amazon
- Soothing Toner: [SKIN1004 Centella Asiatica Toning Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/skin1004/centella-asiatica-toning-toner/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — €23.99 at Amazon
- Serum or Treatment: [Purito Centella Unscented Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/purito/centella-unscented-serum/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — €17.39 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Lift and Firm Night Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/elizabeth-arden/advanced-ceramide-lift-and-firm-night-cream/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — €46.35 at Amazon

### Weekly

- Pre-Cleanser: [MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/missha/ultra-hyalon-cleansing-cream/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — €10.97 at Amazon
- Cleanser: [CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/cerave/hydrating-facial-cleanser/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — €8.85 at Amazon
- Nourishing Mask: [Pyunkang Yul Calming Mask Pack](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/pyunkang-yul/calming-mask-pack/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — €17.99 at Amazon
- Serum or Treatment: [Purito Centella Unscented Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/purito/centella-unscented-serum/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — €17.39 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Lift and Firm Night Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/elizabeth-arden/advanced-ceramide-lift-and-firm-night-cream/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — €46.35 at Amazon

## Where to buy

No store in Spain has a checked price for this product, so the page shows none.

## Ingredients

Water, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Ethylhexanoate, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Cetyl Palmitate, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter Shea Butter, Glyceryl Stearate, Peg-100 Stearate, Oenothera Biennis Oil, Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil Grape Seed Oil, Cetyl Alcohol, Retinol, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Caprylic Capric Triglyceride, Panthenol, Carnosine, Dimethiconol, Dimethicone Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Alba Cera Beeswax Cera, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Sodium Hydroxide, Xanthan Gum, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Decylene Glycol, Disodium Edta, Chlorphenesin, Phenoxyethanol
## About the Lovi Fit

Lovi: Unbiased, science-based skincare AI trained on real user outcomes.

Lovi calculates every fit score from the full ingredient list with brand-independent rules its 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. Levels from best to worst: Superior, High, Average, Low, Caution, Warning.

Behind this fit score: Nadia Kapleva, MS (Co-founder, Medical Director); Alexey Shagraev, PhD (Co-founder, CEO and CTO); Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc (Medical Board); Aishani Shah, MD (Medical Board); Asya Zubkova, MS (Medical Board); Hanna Kurets, MD (Medical Board, Medical Advisor); Elina Nazarenko, MD (Medical Board); Victoria Derkova, MS (Medical Board).

Page built Nov 8, 2026.

More from Lovi: https://lovi.care/skincare/llms.txt

## This page in other countries

- United States: https://lovi.care/skincare/p/paula-s-choice/skin-smoothing-retinol-body-treatment/for/dry-sensitive-skin
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/paula-s-choice/skin-smoothing-retinol-body-treatment/for/dry-sensitive-skin
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/paula-s-choice/skin-smoothing-retinol-body-treatment/for/dry-sensitive-skin
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/paula-s-choice/skin-smoothing-retinol-body-treatment/for/dry-sensitive-skin
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/paula-s-choice/skin-smoothing-retinol-body-treatment/for/dry-sensitive-skin
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/paula-s-choice/skin-smoothing-retinol-body-treatment/for/dry-sensitive-skin
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/paula-s-choice/skin-smoothing-retinol-body-treatment/for/dry-sensitive-skin
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/paula-s-choice/skin-smoothing-retinol-body-treatment/for/dry-sensitive-skin (this page)
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/paula-s-choice/skin-smoothing-retinol-body-treatment/for/dry-sensitive-skin
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/paula-s-choice/skin-smoothing-retinol-body-treatment/for/dry-sensitive-skin
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/paula-s-choice/skin-smoothing-retinol-body-treatment/for/dry-sensitive-skin
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/paula-s-choice/skin-smoothing-retinol-body-treatment/for/dry-sensitive-skin
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/paula-s-choice/skin-smoothing-retinol-body-treatment/for/dry-sensitive-skin