Paula's Choice Skin-Smoothing Retinol Body Treatment at Nordstrom

Common questions

Is Paula's Choice Skin-Smoothing Retinol Body Treatment at Nordstrom healthy?

Paula's Choice Skin-Smoothing Retinol Body Treatment at Nordstrom scores 85/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — one of the stronger scores in Scout's catalog. This product contains a variety of beneficial ingredients such as shea butter, retinol, and grape seed oil, which are known for their moisturizing and anti-aging properties.

Which ingredients drive Paula's Choice Skin-Smoothing Retinol Body Treatment at Nordstrom's score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, Glycerin, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Oil count in its favor; Dimethicone, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Disodium EDTA are flagged as ingredients of concern. The full breakdown, with why each one matters, is in the Key ingredients section on this page.

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Paula's Choice Skin-Smoothing Retinol Body Treatment at Nordstrom

Paula's Choice
85 Excellent

Analysis updated October 2026 · How Scout scores

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At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 9
Harmful ingredients 4
Owned by Unilever
Category Serum
Summary

This product contains a variety of beneficial ingredients such as shea butter, retinol, and grape seed oil, which are known for their moisturizing and anti-aging properties. The presence of phenoxyethanol as a preservative is a minor concern due to its potential for irritation, but it is generally considered safe in low concentrations. Overall, the formulation is well-balanced with natural oils and skin actives, contributing to a favorable ingredient profile.

Key ingredients 31

Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter
Very Good

Shea Butter is a natural fat extracted from the nuts of the shea tree. It is highly moisturizing and helps to soothe and protect the skin. It is well-tolerated and beneficial for dry skin.

Risks

Rarely, may cause allergic reactions in individuals with nut allergies.

Benefits

Deeply moisturizes and nourishes the skin.

See more about Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter →
Retinol
Very Good

Retinol is a form of Vitamin A that promotes cell turnover and collagen production. It helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and improve skin texture. It is a well-researched and effective anti-aging ingredient.

Risks

May cause irritation and sensitivity, especially in high concentrations.

Benefits

Improves skin texture and reduces signs of aging.

See more about Retinol →
Beeswax (Cera Alba)
Very Good

Beeswax is a natural wax produced by honeybees. It acts as an emollient and thickener, providing a protective barrier on the skin. It is well-tolerated and beneficial for dry skin.

Risks

Rarely, may cause allergic reactions in individuals with bee allergies.

Benefits

Provides a protective barrier and moisturizes the skin.

See more about Beeswax (Cera Alba) →
Glycerin
Good

Glycerin is a humectant that attracts moisture to the skin. It helps to keep the skin hydrated and soft. It is a well-tolerated ingredient with a long history of safe use.

Risks

Rarely, may cause irritation in very sensitive skin.

Benefits

Excellent for moisturizing and hydrating the skin.

See more about Glycerin →
Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Oil
Good

Evening Primrose Oil is rich in essential fatty acids and has anti-inflammatory properties. It helps to soothe and moisturize the skin. It is beneficial for dry and sensitive skin types.

Risks

May cause minor irritation in very sensitive skin.

Benefits

Soothes and hydrates the skin, reducing inflammation.

Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil
Good

Grape Seed Oil is a lightweight oil rich in antioxidants and fatty acids. It helps to moisturize and protect the skin. It is suitable for all skin types and is non-comedogenic.

Risks

Rarely, may cause allergic reactions.

Benefits

Moisturizes and provides antioxidant protection.

See more about Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil →
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
Good

Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate is a stable form of Vitamin C that provides antioxidant protection. It helps to brighten the skin and reduce signs of aging. It is well-tolerated and effective in skincare formulations.

Risks

Minimal risk of irritation.

Benefits

Brightens skin and provides antioxidant protection.

See more about Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate →
Tocopheryl Acetate
Good

Tocopheryl Acetate is a form of Vitamin E that acts as an antioxidant. It helps to protect the skin from free radical damage and improve moisture retention. It is widely used and well-tolerated in skincare products.

Risks

Rarely, may cause allergic reactions.

Benefits

Protects skin from oxidative stress and enhances moisture.

See more about Tocopheryl Acetate →
Panthenol
Good

Panthenol is a form of Vitamin B5 that acts as a moisturizer and skin conditioner. It helps to improve skin hydration and reduce inflammation. It is well-tolerated and beneficial for sensitive skin.

Risks

Minimal risk of irritation.

Benefits

Hydrates and soothes the skin, reducing inflammation.

See more about Panthenol →
Water (Aqua)
Neutral

Water is a common solvent used in cosmetic formulations. It helps dissolve other ingredients and provides a base for the product. It does not have any direct benefits or risks.

Benefits

Essential for dissolving and mixing other ingredients.

See more about Water (Aqua) →
Cetearyl Alcohol
Neutral

Cetearyl Alcohol is a fatty alcohol used as an emollient and thickener. It helps to soften the skin and improve the texture of the product. It is generally considered safe and non-irritating.

Risks

May cause minor irritation in very sensitive skin.

Benefits

Provides moisturizing properties and improves product texture.

See more about Cetearyl Alcohol →
Cetearyl Ethylhexanoate
Neutral

Cetearyl Ethylhexanoate is an ester used as an emollient and skin conditioning agent. It helps to improve the spreadability of the product. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

Minimal risk of skin irritation.

Benefits

Enhances skin feel and product application.

Cyclopentasiloxane
Neutral

Cyclopentasiloxane is a silicone used to provide a silky, smooth feel. It helps to improve the spreadability of the product. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

May cause build-up on the skin with prolonged use.

Benefits

Improves texture and spreadability of the product.

See more about Cyclopentasiloxane →
Butylene Glycol
Neutral

Butylene Glycol is a solvent and conditioning agent. It helps to improve the texture and absorption of the product. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

May cause minor irritation in sensitive skin.

Benefits

Improves product texture and enhances absorption.

See more about Butylene Glycol →
Cetyl Palmitate
Neutral

Cetyl Palmitate is an ester used as an emollient and thickening agent. It helps to soften the skin and improve the texture of the product. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

Minimal risk of skin irritation.

Benefits

Provides moisturizing properties and improves product texture.

Glyceryl Stearate
Neutral

Glyceryl Stearate is an emulsifier that helps to blend oil and water components. It also acts as a skin conditioning agent. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

Minimal risk of skin irritation.

Benefits

Improves product stability and skin feel.

See more about Glyceryl Stearate →
PEG-100 Stearate
Neutral

PEG-100 Stearate is an emulsifier used to stabilize formulations. It helps to blend oil and water components in the product. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

Potential contamination with ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane.

Benefits

Enhances product stability and texture.

See more about PEG-100 Stearate →
Cetyl Alcohol
Neutral

Cetyl Alcohol is a fatty alcohol used as an emollient and thickener. It helps to soften the skin and improve the texture of the product. It is generally considered safe and non-irritating.

Risks

May cause minor irritation in very sensitive skin.

Benefits

Provides moisturizing properties and improves product texture.

See more about Cetyl Alcohol →
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Neutral

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride is an emollient derived from coconut oil and glycerin. It helps to moisturize and improve the spreadability of the product. It is generally considered safe and non-irritating.

Risks

Minimal risk of skin irritation.

Benefits

Moisturizes and enhances product texture.

See more about Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride →
Carnosine
Neutral

Carnosine is a dipeptide with antioxidant properties. It helps to protect the skin from oxidative stress and improve skin elasticity. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

Minimal risk of irritation.

Benefits

Provides antioxidant protection and improves skin elasticity.

Dimethiconol
Neutral

Dimethiconol is a silicone used to provide a smooth, silky feel. It helps to improve the spreadability of the product. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

May cause build-up on the skin with prolonged use.

Benefits

Improves texture and spreadability of the product.

See more about Dimethiconol →
Magnesium Aluminum Silicate
Neutral

Magnesium Aluminum Silicate is a naturally occurring mineral used as a thickener and stabilizer. It helps to improve the texture and stability of the product. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

Minimal risk of irritation.

Benefits

Enhances product stability and texture.

See more about Magnesium Aluminum Silicate →
Sodium Hydroxide
Neutral

Sodium Hydroxide is used to adjust the pH of cosmetic formulations. It is used in very small amounts to ensure product stability. It is generally considered safe when used appropriately.

Risks

Can be irritating in high concentrations.

Benefits

Helps maintain product stability by adjusting pH.

See more about Sodium Hydroxide →
Xanthan Gum
Neutral

Xanthan Gum is a natural thickening agent used to stabilize formulations. It helps to improve the texture and consistency of the product. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

Minimal risk of irritation.

Benefits

Improves product texture and stability.

See more about Xanthan Gum →
Dicaprylyl Carbonate
Neutral

Dicaprylyl Carbonate is an emollient that provides a light, non-greasy feel. It helps to improve the spreadability of the product. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

Minimal risk of skin irritation.

Benefits

Enhances product texture and application.

See more about Dicaprylyl Carbonate →
Decylene Glycol
Neutral

Decylene Glycol is used as a skin conditioning agent and antimicrobial. It helps to improve the texture and stability of the product. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

Minimal risk of irritation.

Benefits

Improves product stability and provides antimicrobial properties.

Chlorphenesin
Neutral

Chlorphenesin is a preservative used to prevent microbial growth. It helps to ensure the safety and longevity of the product. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

May cause irritation in sensitive skin.

Benefits

Prevents microbial growth, ensuring product safety.

See more about Chlorphenesin →
Dimethicone
Bad

Occlusive silicone film-former — flagged under clean-beauty doctrine.

Risks

Potential for skin build-up with excessive use.

Benefits

Provides a protective barrier and improves skin texture.

See more about Dimethicone →
Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Bad

Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.

Risks

May cause build-up on the skin with prolonged use.

Benefits

Enhances product texture and stability.

See more about Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer →
Disodium EDTA
Bad

Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.

Risks

Minimal risk of irritation.

Benefits

Enhances product stability by binding metal ions.

See more about Disodium EDTA →
Phenoxyethanol
Bad

Phenoxyethanol is a preservative used to prevent microbial growth. It is effective but can cause irritation in some individuals. It is generally considered safe in low concentrations but has potential for sensitization.

Risks

Can cause irritation and allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

Prevents microbial growth, ensuring product safety.

See more about Phenoxyethanol →

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