Paula's Choice vs ISDIN
Paula's Choice and ISDIN are established skincare brands from America and Spain, respectively. Paula's Choice offers serums, cleansers, moisturizers, toners, and more, built around hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and vitamin c, suiting oily skin and combination skin best. Conversely, the Spanish brand is beloved for its thoughtful approach to daily care, offering advanced moisturizers, sunscreens, serums, and eye products that suit sensitive skin and acne-prone skin best. While both help maintain a healthy complexion through reliable results, they differ in their foundational formulations and ideal skin types.
Paula's Choice is an American skincare brand founded in 1995 and owned by Unilever since 2021.
ISDIN is a Spanish skincare brand founded in 1975 and owned by Puig.
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This page compares some of the most popular Paula's Choice and ISDIN products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular Paula's Choice vs ISDIN 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
Texture and Lightweight Feel Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “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”
- “absorbs instantly — ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica”
- “ultra-light fluid product, which makes it super easy to apply — ISDIN Fusion Water”
Brightness, Tone and Anti-Aging Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “visible glow — Paula's Choice C15 Super Booster”
- “skin looks plumper — Paula's Choice Pro-Collagen Multi-Peptide Booster”
- “helps reduce swelling in the area of my under-eye bags — ISDIN K-Ox Eyes”
- “Skin feels intensely hydrated — ISDIN Hyaluronic Concentrate”
Skin Texture Smoothing and Pores Mostly MentionedRarely Noted
- “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”
- “skin was much smoother — ISDIN Retinal Intense Serum”
Sensitive Skin and Gentle Care Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “Sensitive/reactive skin tolerates — ISDIN Hyaluronic Moisture”
- “no excessive exfoliation — ISDIN Retinal Intense Serum”
- “doesn't sting eyes — ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica”
- “Finally a vitamin C product I can use — Paula's Choice 25% Vitamin C + Glutathione Clinical Serum”
Acne and Blemish Control Often MentionedNot noted
- “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”
Makeup Compatibility and Finish Not notedOften Mentioned
- “doesn't leave you white as a ghost — ISDIN Fusion Water”
- “acts like a primer — ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica”
- “dries down matte — ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica”
High Price and Value Issues Mostly MentionedOften Mentioned
- “tiny tube — Paula's Choice 10% Azelaic Acid Booster”
- “Sooooo expensive — Paula's Choice 25% Vitamin C + Glutathione Clinical Serum”
- “very expensive — ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica”
- “My only wish is that ISDIN would make this product in a bigger size bottle. — ISDIN Fusion Water”
Unpleasant Smell or Scent Concerns Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “smells like grain — Paula's Choice 10% Azelaic Acid Booster”
- “smells like hot dog water — Paula's Choice C15 Super Booster”
- “smell is overpowering — ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica”
- “lingering headache inducing effect — ISDIN K-Ox Eyes”
Packaging and Size Issues Often MentionedRarely Noted
- “Pump stopped working — ISDIN Hyaluronic Concentrate”
- “I like the actual product, but the packaging is awful, I've already lost three bottles the applicator pops off. — ISDIN Flavo-C Serum”
- “surprisingly small bottle — Paula's Choice Skin-Smoothing Retinol Body Treatment”
Product Formula and Stability Issues Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “turned orange in weeks — Paula's Choice C15 Super Booster”
- “Did not notice any difference in my pores. — Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner”
- “did nothing — Paula's Choice 10% Niacinamide Booster”
- “don't see result — ISDIN K-Ox Eyes”
Paula's Choice vs ISDIN 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
SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Probio-Cica Enrich Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 48.00
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SPF
Fusion Water
Morning
SAR 75.00
-
Pre-Cleanser
MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream
Evening · Once a week
SAR 65.11
-
Cleansing Toner
ROUND LAB 1025 Dokdo Cleansing Water
Evening
SAR 72.64
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Serum or Treatment
Flavo-C Serum
Evening · Once a week
SAR 848.48
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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
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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
-
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 ISDIN routine · SAR 1,771.26 · 92% fit
Buy Paula's Choice routine · SAR 1,588.72 · 79% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Paula's Choice vs ISDIN 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
-
Moisturizer
COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion (with Birch Sap)
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 39.70
-
SPF
Eryfotona Actinica
Morning
SAR 429.81
-
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
Flavo-C Serum
Evening · Once a week
SAR 848.48
-
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
-
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 ISDIN routine · SAR 2,326.11 · 93% fit
Buy Paula's Choice routine · SAR 1,883.71 · 89% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
Paula's Choice vs ISDIN 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
COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion (with Birch Sap)
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 39.70
-
SPF
Eryfotona Actinica
Morning
SAR 429.81
-
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
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Serum or Treatment
Flavo-C Serum
Evening · Once a week
SAR 848.48
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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 ISDIN routine · SAR 2,312.92 · 93% fit
Buy Paula's Choice routine · SAR 1,601.99 · 89% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
Questions and answers
Paula's Choice or ISDIN: which is better?
Both Paula's Choice and ISDIN are great, with Paula's Choice excelling in acne and pore care and ISDIN standing out for sensitive skin and lightweight sunscreens. Lovi rates both brands as having a Superior routine fit across all skin types.
What is the difference between Paula's Choice and ISDIN?
Paula's Choice offers a wide selection of fragrance-free products that excel in acne control and smoothing skin texture, whereas ISDIN features ultralight sunscreens and moisturizers that perform better for sensitive skin and makeup compatibility.
Paula's Choice or ISDIN for dry skin?
Both Paula's Choice and ISDIN fit dry skin well, as Lovi rates Paula's Choice routine fit as High and ISDIN routine fit as Superior. Paula's Choice features extensive fragrance-free options like the Advanced Replenishing Toner, while ISDIN offers hydrating sunscreens such as Eryfotona Actinica.
Paula's Choice or ISDIN: which moisturizer is better?
Both Paula's Choice and ISDIN offer effective moisturizers, with Paula's Choice providing a wider variety of specialized formulas and ISDIN focusing on lightweight hydration and sun protection.
Which is more affordable, Paula's Choice or ISDIN?
Both Paula's Choice and ISDIN share negative reviewer feedback regarding a high price point. The products on this page for both brands are similarly noted by shoppers for value and pricing concerns.
Between Paula's Choice and ISDIN, which brand offers fragrance-free products?
Paula's Choice offers fragrance-free products, as every product on its page lists no fragrance in its ingredients, whereas several ISDIN products contain added fragrance.
Which brand performs better for skin texture smoothing and pores?
Paula's Choice performs better than ISDIN for skin texture smoothing and pores. The products on this page offer advanced exfoliating options and targeted treatments that help refine skin texture and minimize the appearance of pores.
Where and when were Paula's Choice and ISDIN founded?
Paula's Choice was founded in 1995 in the United States, and ISDIN was founded in 1975 in Spain.
Paula's Choice or ISDIN for oily skin?
Both Paula's Choice and ISDIN offer great options for oily skin, with Lovi rating ISDIN's routine as Superior and Paula's Choice's routine as High. Paula's Choice features fragrance-free formulas, while ISDIN is recognized for its ultralight sunscreens.
Paula's Choice or ISDIN: which sunscreen is better?
Both Paula's Choice and ISDIN offer sunscreens on this page, with ISDIN featuring options like Eryfotona Actinica and Fusion Water that reviewers mostly mention for being ultralight and makeup-friendly. Paula's Choice provides the Youth-Extending Daily Hydrating Fluid SPF 50, which helps with dry, combination, and dry sensitive skin.
Paula's Choice or ISDIN for sensitive skin?
Both Paula's Choice and ISDIN are great for sensitive skin, with Lovi giving both brands a High fit for this skin type. Reviewers note that ISDIN does better for sensitive skin and gentle care, while Paula's Choice products on this page list no fragrance.
Paula's Choice or ISDIN for acne-prone skin?
Both Paula's Choice and ISDIN are great for acne-prone skin, with Lovi giving both brands a High routine fit level. Paula's Choice features fragrance-free formulas and specific blemish-control products, while ISDIN offers ultralight sunscreens and lightweight moisturizers.
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
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
Comparison of methods for assessing photoprotection against ultraviolet A in vivo
Functional properties and skin care effects of sodium trehalose sulfate
Nanocomplex of quaternized cyclodextrin grafted chitosan and hyaluronic acid for a skin delivery
Treatment with Ascorbyl Glucoside-Arginine Complex Ameliorates Solar Lentigos
The clinical efficacy of a new emulsion for acne and conspicuous facial pore amelioration
Targeting Circadian Rhythm for the Regulation of Skin Collagen Metabolism
Retrospective Review of Dermal Safety Studies of Organic Sunscreens
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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