Paula's Choice vs Skintific
Paula's Choice and Skintific are popular skincare brands that offer reliable daily care for various complexion needs. The American brand, founded in 1995 and owned by Unilever since 2021, features serums, cleansers, moisturizers, and toners built around hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and vitamin c, while the latter is loved for its moisturizers, serums, and sunscreens with effective formulas. Both lines differ primarily in their target complexions, as the first brand fits oily and combination skin best, whereas the second suits dry and dry sensitive skin because of its soothing and hydrating properties.
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 Skintific products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular Paula's Choice vs Skintific 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 Absorption 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 — Skintific 5X Ceramide Barrier Moisture Gel”
- “super light and leaves a radiant glow — Skintific All Day Light Sunscreen Mist”
Pore Care and Skin Smoothing Mostly MentionedSometimes 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”
- “Kulit terasa lebih halus — Skintific AHA BHA PHA LHA Peeling Solution”
Redness Reduction and Soothing Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “Finally a vitamin C product I can use — Paula's Choice 25% Vitamin C + Glutathione Clinical Serum”
- “calmed redness immediately — Paula's Choice 10% Azelaic Acid Booster”
- “redness berkurang — Skintific 5X Ceramide Barrier Moisture Gel”
- “healed my skin barrier — Skintific 5X Ceramide Barrier Moisture Gel”
Sun Protection and Practicality Rarely NotedMostly Mentioned
- “mess-free application — Skintific MUGWORT”
- “invisible, no white cast — Skintific All Day Light Sunscreen Mist”
- “maintain your makeup without any mess — Skintific All Day Light Sunscreen Mist”
- “air-tight pump bottle — Paula's Choice 1% Retinol Treatment”
Acne and Blemish Control Often MentionedSometimes 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”
- “calm my acne instantly — Skintific MUGWORT”
Skin Brightening and Even Tone Often MentionedSometimes Noted
- “visible glow — Paula's Choice C15 Super Booster”
- “acne scars faded — Paula's Choice 10% Azelaic Acid Booster”
- “Discoloration almost gone — Paula's Choice 25% Vitamin C + Glutathione Clinical Serum”
- “Tampak lebih cerah — Skintific AHA BHA PHA LHA Peeling Solution”
Packaging, Size and Price Mostly MentionedSometimes Noted
- “isinya sedikit — Skintific 5X Ceramide Barrier Moisture Gel”
- “runs out very quickly — Skintific All Day Light Sunscreen Mist”
- “surprisingly small bottle — Paula's Choice Skin-Smoothing Retinol Body Treatment”
Dryness, Peeling and Irritation Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “peeling and flaking — Paula's Choice 1% Retinol Treatment”
- “Not hydrating enough for winter. — Paula's Choice Clear Oil-Free Moisturizer”
- “dryness and scaliness — Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant”
- “Panas banget di kulit — Skintific AHA BHA PHA LHA Peeling Solution”
Unpleasant Smell, Scent and Taste Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “smells like grain — Paula's Choice 10% Azelaic Acid Booster”
- “smells like hot dog water — Paula's Choice C15 Super Booster”
- “scent is actually quite strong — Skintific All Day Light Sunscreen Mist”
- “Bau jamu/rempah — Skintific AHA BHA PHA LHA Peeling Solution”
Paula's Choice vs Skintific 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
5X Ceramide Barrier Moisture Gel
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 103.95
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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
Peach & Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum
Evening · Once a week
SAR 222.00
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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
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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 Skintific routine · SAR 1,200.73 · 94% fit
Buy Paula's Choice routine · SAR 1,588.72 · 79% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Paula's Choice vs Skintific 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
5X Ceramide Barrier Moisture Gel
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 103.95
-
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
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Serum or Treatment
Peach & Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum
Evening · Once a week
SAR 222.00
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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
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
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SPF
Youth-Extending Daily Hydrating Fluid SPF 50
Morning
SAR 261.90
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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 Skintific routine · SAR 1,381.02 · 94% fit
Buy Paula's Choice routine · SAR 1,883.71 · 89% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
Paula's Choice vs Skintific 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
5X Ceramide Barrier Moisture Gel
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 103.95
-
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
Peach & Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum
Evening · Once a week
SAR 222.00
-
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
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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
-
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 Skintific routine · SAR 1,367.83 · 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 Skintific: which is better?
Paula's Choice is better for pore care, acne control, and brightening, while Skintific provides superior routine fit across most skin types and does better for sun protection and practicality.
What is the difference between Paula's Choice and Skintific?
Paula's Choice offers a wide range of targeted serums and exfoliants that do better for pore care, blemish control, and skin brightening, whereas Skintific focuses on barrier-supporting moisturizers and sun protection with superior routine fit levels across all skin types.
Paula's Choice or Skintific for dry skin?
Both brands are great choices for dry skin, with Skintific achieving a Superior routine fit and Paula's Choice achieving a High routine fit for the products on this page. Topical ceramides help restore the skin barrier, and hyaluronic acid may improve hydration and skin quality.
Paula's Choice or Skintific: which moisturizer is better?
Paula's Choice offers a wide variety of moisturizers with specialized formulas, whereas Skintific features popular barrier repair options like the 5X Ceramide Barrier Moisture Gel, which helps support dry skin. Both brands provide fragrance-free products on this page.
Which is more affordable, Paula's Choice or Skintific?
When it comes to packaging, size, and price, reviewers note that Skintific does better while Paula's Choice faces issues with high prices.
Between Paula's Choice and Skintific, which brand is better for pore care and skin smoothing?
Paula's Choice does better than Skintific for pore care and skin smoothing, according to the reviewers on this page.
How do the founding years and corporate ownership of Paula's Choice and Skintific compare?
Paula's Choice was founded in the United States in 1995 and has been owned by Unilever since 2021, whereas Skintific was founded in 2021 and is owned by Guangzhou Feimei Network Technology Co., Ltd.
Which brand performs better for skin brightening and even tone according to review themes?
Paula's Choice performs better for skin brightening and even tone.
Paula's Choice or Skintific for oily skin?
For oily skin, Skintific achieves a superior routine fit while Paula's Choice achieves a high routine fit, and Paula's Choice does better for pore care and blemish control. Both brands list no fragrance in their products on this page.
Paula's Choice or Skintific: which sunscreen is better?
Skintific does better for sun protection and practicality on the products on this page. Lovi rates the Skintific All Day Light Sunscreen Mist as a High fit for all listed skin types.
Paula's Choice or Skintific for sensitive skin?
Both brands are a High fit for sensitive skin, but Paula's Choice does better with pore care and skin smoothing, while Skintific does better with sun protection and practicality.
Paula's Choice or Skintific for acne-prone skin?
Paula's Choice is better for acne-prone skin because the products on this page achieve a High fit for this skin type and perform better in acne and blemish control. Both brands list no fragrance in their products.
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
Microneedling by dermapen and glycolic acid peel for the treatment of acne scars: Comparative study
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
In vivo and in vitro evaluation of octyl methoxycinnamate liposomes
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
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
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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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