Paula's Choice vs Skintific
Paula's Choice and Skintific are trusted skincare lines that offer thoughtfully formulated serums, cleansers, moisturizers, and sunscreens. The American brand, founded in 1995 and owned by Unilever since 2021, relies on hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and vitamin c to suit dry skin and oily acne-prone skin best, while the latter is loved for its targeted formulations that suit oily acne-prone skin and combination skin. Both brands differ in their standout products and key ingredients, such as glycerin which significantly increased skin hydration and restored barrier function.
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
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
CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
S$25.06
-
Hydrating Toner
COSRX Propolis Synergy Toner
Morning
S$41.07
-
Moisturizer
d'Alba First Spray Serum
Morning · Evening · Once a week
S$25.94
-
SPF
thinkbaby Safe Sunscreen SPF 50+
Morning
S$21.09
-
Pre-Cleanser
MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream
Evening · Once a week
S$39.68
-
Serum or Treatment
C15 Super Booster
Evening · Once a week
S$73.79
-
Nourishing Mask
MEDIHEAL Collagen Essential Mask
Once a week
S$62.94
-
Cleanser
CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
S$25.06
-
Hydrating Toner
COSRX Propolis Synergy Toner
Morning
S$41.07
-
Moisturizer
5X Ceramide Barrier Moisture Gel
Morning · Evening · Once a week
S$17.22
-
SPF
thinkbaby Safe Sunscreen SPF 50+
Morning
S$21.09
-
Pre-Cleanser
MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream
Evening · Once a week
S$39.68
-
Serum or Treatment
MATE FIT
Evening · Once a week
S$16.34
-
Nourishing Mask
MEDIHEAL Collagen Essential Mask
Once a week
S$62.94
Buy Paula's Choice routine · S$289.57 · 95% fit
Buy Skintific routine · S$189.84 · 87% fitSee multi-brand routine · 99% fit
Paula's Choice vs Skintific routines for oily skin
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Cleanser
CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
S$30.40
-
Hydrating Toner
TROIAREUKE H+Cocktail Purifying Ampoule Toner
Morning · Once a week
S$168.51
-
Moisturizer
SKIN1004 Centella Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
S$33.87
-
SPF
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
Morning
S$28.72
-
Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
S$70.21
-
Cleansing Toner
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening · Once a week
S$36.48
-
Serum or Treatment
C15 Super Booster
Evening · Once a week
S$73.79
-
Cleansing Mask
HERBIVORE Botanicals Blue Tansy BHA and Enzyme Pore Refining Mask
Once a week
S$89.14
-
Cleanser
CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
S$30.40
-
Hydrating Toner
TROIAREUKE H+Cocktail Purifying Ampoule Toner
Morning · Once a week
S$168.51
-
Moisturizer
5X Ceramide Barrier Moisture Gel
Morning · Evening · Once a week
S$17.22
-
SPF
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
Morning
S$28.72
-
Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
S$70.21
-
Cleansing Toner
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening · Once a week
S$36.48
-
Serum or Treatment
AHA BHA PHA LHA Peeling Solution
Evening · Once a week
S$19.53
-
Cleansing Mask
HERBIVORE Botanicals Blue Tansy BHA and Enzyme Pore Refining Mask
Once a week
S$89.14
Buy Paula's Choice routine · S$531.12 · 91% fit
Buy Skintific routine · S$423.46 · 90% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Paula's Choice vs Skintific routines for combination skin
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Cleanser
Fresh Soy Face Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
S$30.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Whamisa Organic Flowers Toner Deep Rich
Morning · Once a week
S$64.81
-
SPF
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
Morning
S$28.72
-
Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
S$70.21
-
Cleansing Toner
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening · Once a week
S$36.48
-
Serum or Treatment
C15 Super Booster
Evening · Once a week
S$73.79
-
Cleansing Mask
HERBIVORE Botanicals Blue Tansy BHA and Enzyme Pore Refining Mask
Once a week
S$89.14
-
Cleanser
Fresh Soy Face Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
S$30.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Whamisa Organic Flowers Toner Deep Rich
Morning · Once a week
S$64.81
-
Moisturizer
5X Ceramide Barrier Moisture Gel
Morning · Evening · Once a week
S$17.22
-
SPF
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
Morning
S$28.72
-
Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
S$70.21
-
Cleansing Toner
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening · Once a week
S$36.48
-
Serum or Treatment
MATE FIT
Evening · Once a week
S$16.34
-
Cleansing Mask
HERBIVORE Botanicals Blue Tansy BHA and Enzyme Pore Refining Mask
Once a week
S$89.14
Buy Paula's Choice routine · S$393.15 · 92% fit
Buy Skintific routine · S$319.36 · 91% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
Questions and answers
Paula's Choice or Skintific: which is better?
Paula's Choice outperforms Skintific across most categories on this page, offering Superior fit levels for dry, sensitive, and mature skin routines, while Skintific provides a High fit for those skin types. Reviewers note that Paula's Choice delivers better results in pore care, acne control, and skin brightening, though it comes with a higher price tag.
What is the difference between Paula's Choice and Skintific?
Paula's Choice offers a much wider range of targeted treatments with a Lovi fit level of Superior for most skin types, while Skintific provides a smaller product selection where the routine fit is High or Superior. Reviewers note that Paula's Choice excels in acne and blemish control as well as skin brightening, whereas Skintific is better for sun protection and practicality.
Paula's Choice or Skintific for dry skin?
Paula's Choice is a better fit for dry skin, offering a Superior routine compared to Skintific's High fit on this page. Topical hyaluronic acid helps improve skin quality and signs of aging.
Paula's Choice or Skintific: which moisturizer is better?
Paula's Choice offers a much wider selection of moisturizers on this page compared to Skintific, helping meet various skin needs. While Paula's Choice features options with key ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin that help improve skin hydration and combat aging signs, Skintific focuses on barrier repair with its popular 5X Ceramide Barrier Moisture Gel.
Which is more affordable, Paula's Choice or Skintific?
Reviewers note that Paula's Choice has a high price, while Skintific does better for packaging, size and price among the products on this page.
Paula's Choice or Skintific for dark spots?
Paula's Choice is a better choice for skin with dark spots, as Lovi rates its routine as Superior compared to Skintific's High level. Niacinamide, an ingredient found across Paula's Choice products, helps reduce cutaneous pigmentation and suppress melanosome transfer.
Which brand has better texture and absorption, Paula's Choice or Skintific?
Both brands are equal when it comes to texture and absorption. Reviewers note that the products on this page for both Paula's Choice and Skintific provide a smooth texture that helps with absorption.
Paula's Choice or Skintific for oily skin?
Both Paula's Choice and Skintific achieve a Superior Lovi fit level for oily skin. Paula's Choice features fragrance-free formulas with key ingredients like salicylic acid and niacinamide, while Skintific offers practical barrier-supporting options.
Paula's Choice or Skintific: which sunscreen is better?
Both brands offer solid sunscreen options on this page, with Skintific providing particularly strong sun protection and practicality. Skintific has an All Day Light Sunscreen Mist rated High for all skin types, while Paula's Choice features the Youth-Extending Daily Hydrating Fluid SPF 50 which is rated High for dry and combination skin and Average for others.
Paula's Choice or Skintific for sensitive skin?
Paula's Choice is a better fit for sensitive skin, offering a Superior routine fit compared to Skintific's High level. Every product on the Paula's Choice page lists no fragrance in its ingredients, which helps reduce the likelihood of irritation.
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 Superior routine fit compared to the High fit of Skintific. Paula's Choice also does better in acne and blemish control according to review themes.
Paula's Choice or Skintific for mature skin?
Paula's Choice fits mature skin better, achieving a Superior routine fit compared to Skintific's High fit on this page. Reviewers note that Paula's Choice delivers strong anti-aging serums, though it may come with a higher price.
The Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2000Archives of Dermatology, 2007
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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