Paula's Choice vs Allies of Skin
Paula's Choice and Allies of Skin are skincare brands offering diverse selections of serums, cleansers, moisturizers, toners, and eye products. The American brand founded in 1995 and owned by Unilever since 2021 builds its offerings around hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and vitamin c, suiting oily and combination skin best. Conversely, the other brand is loved for luxurious moisturizers, potent serums, and targeted eye products formulated with powerhouse ingredients like niacinamide, fitting acne-prone and oily acne-prone skin best thanks to formulas that respect congestion-prone barriers. They differ primarily in their exact formulations and intended skin types, while both utilize key ingredients such as glycerin and niacinamide to significantly increase skin hydration, restore barrier function, improve skin aging signs, and decrease hyperpigmentation.
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
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Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
SAR 263.52
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1% Retinol Treatment
SAR 325.00
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10% Azelaic Acid Booster
SAR 275.52
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C15 Super Booster
SAR 50.00
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CLEAR Pore Normalizing Cleanser
SAR 140.00
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10% Niacinamide Booster
SAR 50.00
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Weightless Body Treatment 2% BHA
SAR 252.99
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Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
SAR 166.90
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
SAR 297.00
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Moisturizer
Molecular Saviour Probiotics Treatment Mist
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 417.78
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SPF
d'Alba Piedmont Waterfull Mild Sunscreen
Morning
SAR 75.00
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Pre-Cleanser
MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream
Evening · Once a week
SAR 65.11
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Cleansing Toner
ROUND LAB 1025 Dokdo Cleansing Water
Evening
SAR 72.64
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Serum or Treatment
Copper Tripeptide & Ectoin Advanced Repair Serum
Evening · Once a week
SAR 448.77
-
Enzyme Powder
FANCL Facial Washing Powder
Once a week
SAR 130.30
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Nourishing Mask
Mediheal Watermide Essential Mask
Once a week
SAR 234.73
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Cleanser
CLEAR Pore Normalizing Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 140.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Skin Recovery Enriched Calming Toner
Morning
SAR 223.04
- Moisturizer RESIST Intensive Wrinkle-Repair Retinol Serum Morning · Evening · Once a week
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SPF
Youth-Extending Daily Hydrating Fluid SPF 50
Morning
SAR 261.90
-
Pre-Cleanser
MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream
Evening · Once a week
SAR 65.11
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Cleansing Toner
ROUND LAB 1025 Dokdo Cleansing Water
Evening
SAR 72.64
-
Serum or Treatment
RESIST Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum
Evening · Once a week
SAR 461.00
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Enzyme Powder
FANCL Facial Washing Powder
Once a week
SAR 130.30
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Nourishing Mask
Mediheal Watermide Essential Mask
Once a week
SAR 234.73
Buy Allies of Skin routine · SAR 1,741.33 · 94% fit
Buy Paula's Choice routine · SAR 1,588.72 · 79% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
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
SAR 36.33
-
Hydrating Toner
Some By Mi Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner
Morning · Once a week
SAR 53.04
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Moisturizer
Peptides & Antioxidants Firming Daily Treatment
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 285.48
-
SPF
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
Morning
SAR 46.95
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Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
SAR 245.95
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Cleansing Toner
Caudalie Vinopure Purifying Toner
Evening
SAR 187.00
-
Serum or Treatment
Copper Tripeptide & Ectoin Advanced Repair Serum
Evening · Once a week
SAR 448.77
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
SAR 157.51
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Cleansing Mask
Goldfaden MD Facial Detox Mask
Once a week
SAR 328.29
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Cleanser
CLEAR Pore Normalizing Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 140.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Advanced Replenishing Toner
Morning · Once a week
SAR 310.00
-
Moisturizer
Clear Oil-Free Moisturizer
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 202.06
-
SPF
Youth-Extending Daily Hydrating Fluid SPF 50
Morning
SAR 261.90
-
Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
SAR 245.95
-
Cleansing Toner
Caudalie Vinopure Purifying Toner
Evening
SAR 187.00
-
Serum or Treatment
Niacinamide 20% Treatment
Evening · Once a week
SAR 51.00
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Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
SAR 157.51
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Cleansing Mask
Goldfaden MD Facial Detox Mask
Once a week
SAR 328.29
Buy Allies of Skin routine · SAR 1,789.32 · 94% fit
Buy Paula's Choice routine · SAR 1,883.71 · 89% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
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
SAR 191.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
SAR 166.90
-
Moisturizer
Peptides & Antioxidants Firming Daily Treatment
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 285.48
-
SPF
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
Morning
SAR 46.95
-
Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
SAR 245.95
-
Cleansing Toner
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening
SAR 64.80
-
Serum or Treatment
Copper Tripeptide & Ectoin Advanced Repair Serum
Evening · Once a week
SAR 448.77
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
SAR 157.51
-
Cleansing Mask
KORA Organics Turmeric Brightening & Exfoliating Mask
Once a week
SAR 168.77
-
Cleanser
CLEAR Pore Normalizing Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 140.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Advanced Replenishing Toner
Morning · Once a week
SAR 310.00
-
Moisturizer
Clear Oil-Free Moisturizer
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 202.06
-
SPF
Youth-Extending Daily Hydrating Fluid SPF 50
Morning
SAR 261.90
-
Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
SAR 245.95
-
Cleansing Toner
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening
SAR 64.80
-
Serum or Treatment
Niacinamide 20% Treatment
Evening · Once a week
SAR 51.00
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
SAR 157.51
-
Cleansing Mask
KORA Organics Turmeric Brightening & Exfoliating Mask
Once a week
SAR 168.77
Buy Allies of Skin routine · SAR 1,776.13 · 94% fit
Buy Paula's Choice routine · SAR 1,601.99 · 89% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
Questions and answers
Paula's Choice or Allies of Skin: which is better?
Both brands are great choices, with Allies of Skin offering a Superior routine fit across all skin types compared to the High fit from Paula's Choice. Paula's Choice features a much wider range of products on this page and tends to do better for pores, texture, and acne control, while Allies of Skin stands out for deep hydration.
What is the difference between Paula's Choice and Allies of Skin?
Both brands offer fragrance-free products, but Allies of Skin has a Superior routine fit across all skin types compared to Paula's Choice's High fit level. Paula's Choice provides a larger selection of active-driven ranges like BHA exfoliants, while Allies of Skin focuses on deeply hydrating and calming treatments that help deliver plumping results.
Paula's Choice or Allies of Skin for dry skin?
Allies of Skin is a Superior fit for dry skin, whereas Paula's Choice is a High fit on this page. Allies of Skin offers deeply hydrating moisturizers that help provide deep hydration and plumping for dry skin types.
Paula's Choice or Allies of Skin: which moisturizer is better?
Allies of Skin is Lovi-rated as Superior for dry, oily, and combination skin, making its moisturizers generally a better fit than Paula's Choice products on this page, which are rated as High.
Which is more affordable, Paula's Choice or Allies of Skin?
Reviewers note that Allies of Skin has a high price point, while Paula's Choice is often described as having a high price and value issue.
Between Paula's Choice and Allies of Skin, which brand performs better for deep hydration and plumping?
Allies of Skin does better for deep hydration and plumping. The products on this page offer effective hydrating and plumping serums as well as moisturizers, and the brand is noted for delivering deep hydration.
How do the founding years and corporate ownership of Paula's Choice and Allies of Skin compare?
Paula's Choice was founded in the United States in 1995 and has been owned by Unilever since 2021, whereas Allies of Skin was founded in 2016 and is owned by Allies Group Pte. Ltd.
Which brand does better regarding absorption and texture feel according to review themes?
Paula's Choice does better regarding absorption and texture feel.
Paula's Choice or Allies of Skin for oily skin?
Both brands are great options for oily skin, as Lovi rates Allies of Skin as Superior and Paula's Choice as High for this skin type. Shoppers frequently praise Allies of Skin for deep hydration and plumping, while Paula's Choice stands out for absorption, texture feel, and acne and blemish control.
Paula's Choice or Allies of Skin for sensitive skin?
Both brands are a good choice for sensitive 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 acne-prone skin?
Both brands are great choices for acne-prone skin, with Allies of Skin offering Superior fit levels and Paula's Choice providing High fit levels across their routines on this page. Paula's Choice stands out specifically for acne and blemish control in review themes.
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
-

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
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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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