Paula's Choice vs No7
Paula's Choice and No7 are two established skincare brands, founded in 1995 and 1935 respectively. The American brand is known for serums, cleansers, moisturizers, and toners built around hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and vitamin c, while the British brand offers serums, eye products, moisturizers, and sunscreens built around vitamin c, shea butter, and hyaluronic acid. Paula's Choice fits oily skin and combination skin best, whereas No7 suits mature skin and dry skin best. They differ primarily in their formulation focus, as glycerin significantly increased skin hydration and restored barrier function in the former, while shea butter protects diapered skin and mitigates erythema in the latter.
Paula's Choice is an American skincare brand founded in 1995 and owned by Unilever since 2021.
No7 is a British skincare brand founded in 1935 and owned by Sycamore Partners since 2025.
cosmeticsbusiness.comen.wikipedia.org
This page compares some of the most popular Paula's Choice and No7 products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular Paula's Choice vs No7 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 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”
- “rich but not heavy — No7 Protect & Perfect Intense Advanced Night Cream”
- “absorbs quickly — No7 Restore & Renew Multi Action Eye Cream”
Pores and Texture Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “cleared my bumps — Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant”
- “skin becomes very smooth — Paula's Choice 1% Retinol Treatment”
- “skin feels so soft — No7 Total Renewal Micro-Dermabrasion Exfoliator”
- “skin feels velvety — No7 Pure Retinol”
Glow, Brightening and Anti-Aging Often MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “Softened fine lines — No7 Pure Retinol 1% Night Concentrate”
- “healthier glow — No7 Total Renewal Micro-Dermabrasion Exfoliator”
- “lines on forehead diminished — No7 Pure Retinol”
- “visible glow — Paula's Choice C15 Super Booster”
Acne and Blemish Control Mostly MentionedRarely 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”
- “Lightened sun spots — No7 Pure Retinol 1% Night Concentrate”
Gentle and Non-Stripping Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “Finally a vitamin C product I can use — Paula's Choice 25% Vitamin C + Glutathione Clinical Serum”
- “Doesn't strip my skin — Paula's Choice CLEAR Pore Normalizing Cleanser”
- “zero irritation — No7 Pure Retinol Eye Cream”
- “soothing on skin — No7 Restore & Renew Multi Action Eye Cream”
Deep Hydration and General Feel Not notedMostly Mentioned
- “Skin feels softer — No7 Future Renew Damage Reversal Serum”
- “Skin feels moisturized — No7 Future Renew Damage Reversal Night Cream”
- “absorbs instantly — No7 Pure Retinol”
Packaging and Size Issues Often MentionedSometimes Noted
- “Runs out quickly (2-3 weeks) — No7 Future Renew Damage Reversal Serum”
- “Pump breaks — No7 Future Renew Damage Reversal Serum”
- “instructions were in larger font — No7 Pure Retinol Eye Cream”
- “surprisingly small bottle — Paula's Choice Skin-Smoothing Retinol Body Treatment”
High Price Point and Value Often MentionedRarely Noted
- “Expensive for amount provided — No7 Future Renew Damage Reversal Serum”
- “Sooooo expensive — Paula's Choice 25% Vitamin C + Glutathione Clinical Serum”
Lack of Visible Results Rarely NotedOften Mentioned
- “Did not notice any difference in my pores. — Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner”
- “did nothing — Paula's Choice 10% Niacinamide Booster”
- “No change in wrinkles/spots — No7 Future Renew Damage Reversal Serum”
Unpleasant Scent or Fragrance Often MentionedSometimes Noted
- “Too much fragrance — No7 Future Renew Damage Reversal Night Cream”
- “overpowering — No7 Protect & Perfect Intense Advanced Night Cream”
- “Scent is overpowering — No7 Protect & Perfect Intense Advanced Day Cream”
- “smells like grain — Paula's Choice 10% Azelaic Acid Booster”
Paula's Choice vs No7 routines for dry skin
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Cleanser
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 297.00
-
Moisturizer
Protect & Perfect Intense Advanced Night Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 138.02
-
SPF
Protect & Perfect Intense Advanced Day Cream
Morning
SAR 157.47
-
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
Future Renew Damage Reversal Serum
Evening · Once a week
SAR 118.00
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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
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Cleanser
CLEAR Pore Normalizing Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 140.00
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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 No7 routine · SAR 1,213.27 · 89% fit
Buy Paula's Choice routine · SAR 1,588.72 · 79% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Paula's Choice vs No7 routines for oily skin
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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
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Cleansing Toner
Caudalie Vinopure Purifying Toner
Evening
SAR 187.00
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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
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Cleanser
CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 36.33
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Hydrating Toner
Some By Mi Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner
Morning · Once a week
SAR 53.04
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Moisturizer
Protect & Perfect Intense Advanced Night Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 138.02
-
SPF
Protect & Perfect Intense Advanced Day Cream
Morning
SAR 157.47
-
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
Future Renew Damage Reversal Serum
Evening · Once a week
SAR 118.00
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
SAR 157.51
-
Cleansing Mask
Goldfaden MD Facial Detox Mask
Once a week
SAR 328.29
Buy Paula's Choice routine · SAR 1,883.71 · 89% fit
Buy No7 routine · SAR 1,421.61 · 85% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
Paula's Choice vs No7 routines for combination skin
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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
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening
SAR 64.80
-
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
-
Cleansing Mask
KORA Organics Turmeric Brightening & Exfoliating Mask
Once a week
SAR 168.77
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Cleanser
Fresh Soy Face Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 191.00
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Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
SAR 166.90
-
Moisturizer
Protect & Perfect Intense Advanced Night Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 138.02
-
SPF
Protect & Perfect Intense Advanced Day Cream
Morning
SAR 157.47
-
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
Protect & Perfect Intense Advanced Serum
Evening · Once a week
SAR 124.26
-
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 Paula's Choice routine · SAR 1,601.99 · 89% fit
Buy No7 routine · SAR 1,414.68 · 88% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
Questions and answers
Paula's Choice or No7: which is better?
Both brands are great choices, as Paula's Choice and No7 achieve equal fit levels across all skin types, with No7 reaching a Superior fit for mature skin. Paula's Choice is better for acne and blemish control, while No7 outperforms it in glow, brightening, anti-aging, deep hydration, and general feel.
What is the difference between Paula's Choice and No7?
Paula's Choice is better for acne and blemish control, whereas No7 does better with glow, brightening, anti-aging, and deep hydration. No7 has a Superior routine fit for mature skin, while Paula's Choice has a High routine fit for mature skin.
Paula's Choice or No7 for dry skin?
Both Paula's Choice and No7 are a High fit for dry skin. Paula's Choice provides targeted hydration and barrier care through products like the Skin Recovery Enriched Calming Toner, while No7 helps deliver deep moisture and smoothing benefits with options such as the Protect & Perfect Intense Advanced Night Cream.
Paula's Choice or No7: which moisturizer is better?
Both brands offer solid moisturizers, with Paula's Choice excelling in oil-free and blemish-prone options, while No7 is particularly noted for deep hydration and anti-aging benefits in products like the Protect & Perfect Intense Advanced Night Cream. Reviewers often mention deep hydration and moisture as a strength for No7, whereas Paula's Choice products on this page maintain a fragrance-free formula.
Which is more affordable, Paula's Choice or No7?
When it comes to value and price point, No7 is noted for having a high price point and value, while the products on this page for Paula's Choice are also associated with high price complaints.
Between Paula's Choice and No7, which brand performs better for mature skin?
No7 performs better for mature skin, achieving a Superior routine fit compared to the High fit of Paula's Choice. Retinol, a key ingredient found in products across both brands, helps stimulate collagen accumulation in aging skin.
The Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2000Archives of Dermatology, 2007
Which skincare brand has fewer products containing fragrance, Paula's Choice or No7?
Paula's Choice has fewer products containing fragrance, as every product on the page lists no fragrance in its ingredients. In comparison, 10 of 13 products on the No7 page list no fragrance, while three contain it.
Paula's Choice or No7: which brand has more favorable reviews regarding glow, brightening, and anti-aging?
No7 does better for glow, brightening, and anti-aging among the products on this page. Reviewers frequently note its anti-aging, line reduction, and radiant appearance benefits.
Paula's Choice or No7 for oily skin?
Both Paula's Choice and No7 are a High fit for oily skin. The products on this page help manage oil and texture while maintaining a lightweight feel.
Paula's Choice or No7: which sunscreen is better?
Paula's Choice offers the Youth-Extending Daily Hydrating Fluid SPF 50, while No7 features options like the Protect & Perfect Intense Advanced Day Cream and Lift & Luminate Day Cream. The products on this page for both brands achieve high fit levels for sun protection across various skin types.
Paula's Choice or No7 for sensitive skin?
Both Paula's Choice and No7 offer products that fit sensitive skin well, with Lovi giving both brands a High fit level for this skin type. Paula's Choice formulates every product on this page without fragrance, while No7 includes fragrance in a few of its items.
Paula's Choice or No7 for acne-prone skin?
Paula's Choice does better than No7 for acne and blemish control based on the products on this page. No7 has a routine fit for acne-prone skin that is High.
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
The evaluation of aluminum oxide crystal microdermabrasion for photodamage
Functional properties and skin care effects of sodium trehalose sulfate
Clinical and histologic changes determine optimal treatment regimens for microdermabrasion
Treatment with Ascorbyl Glucoside-Arginine Complex Ameliorates Solar Lentigos
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
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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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