Paula's Choice Resist 1% Retinol Booster - 0.5 Oz
Analysis updated July 2026 · How Scout scores
At a glance
Summary
Paula's Choice Resist 1% Retinol Booster contains beneficial ingredients like retinol, which is known for its anti-aging properties, and other skin actives that support skin health. However, the presence of synthetic preservatives and potential irritants slightly lowers its score. The product is mostly safe with a few minor synthetic components, reflecting a moderate level of processing.
Key ingredients 29
RetinolVery Good
Retinol is a form of Vitamin A that is known for its anti-aging properties. It helps to improve skin texture and reduce the appearance of fine lines.
Risks
Retinol can cause irritation and sensitivity, especially in high concentrations.
Benefits
It promotes cell turnover and enhances skin radiance.
Ceramide 3Very Good
Ceramide 3 is a lipid that helps to restore the skin's barrier function. It is essential for maintaining skin hydration and integrity.
Risks
There are no significant risks associated with ceramides in cosmetics.
Benefits
It strengthens the skin barrier and prevents moisture loss.
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1Very Good
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 is a peptide that stimulates collagen production. It helps to improve skin firmness and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
Risks
There are no significant risks associated with peptides in cosmetics.
Benefits
It enhances skin elasticity and reduces signs of aging.
GlycerinGood
Glycerin is a humectant that attracts moisture to the skin, helping to maintain hydration. It is widely used in skincare for its moisturizing properties.
Risks
There are no significant risks associated with glycerin in cosmetics.
Benefits
Glycerin helps to keep the skin hydrated and improve its barrier function.
Carthamus Tinctorius OleosomesGood
Carthamus Tinctorius Oleosomes are derived from safflower and act as natural emulsifiers. They help to deliver active ingredients effectively.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with this natural ingredient.
Benefits
They enhance the delivery and stability of active ingredients in the formulation.
Pyrus Malus Fruit ExtractGood
Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract is rich in antioxidants and vitamins. It helps to protect the skin from environmental damage.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with this natural extract.
Benefits
It provides antioxidant benefits and helps to nourish the skin.
Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root ExtractGood
Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract is known for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps to calm irritated skin.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with this natural extract.
Benefits
It helps to reduce redness and improve skin tone.
Avena Sativa Kernel ExtractGood
Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract is known for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps to calm and protect sensitive skin.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with this natural extract.
Benefits
It provides relief for dry and irritated skin.
Epilobium Angustifolium Flower/Leaf/Stem ExtractGood
Epilobium Angustifolium Extract is rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties. It helps to soothe and protect the skin.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with this natural extract.
Benefits
It helps to calm irritated skin and reduce redness.
Arctium Lappa Root ExtractGood
Arctium Lappa (Burdock) Root Extract is known for its purifying and detoxifying properties. It helps to improve skin clarity and texture.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with this natural extract.
Benefits
It helps to cleanse the skin and reduce impurities.
Salix Alba Bark ExtractGood
Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Extract contains salicin, a natural precursor to salicylic acid. It provides gentle exfoliation and helps to clear pores.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with this natural extract.
Benefits
It helps to exfoliate the skin and reduce acne.
AllantoinGood
Allantoin is known for its soothing and healing properties. It helps to calm irritated skin and promote cell regeneration.
Risks
There are no significant risks associated with allantoin in cosmetics.
Benefits
It helps to soothe and protect the skin.
Dipotassium GlycyrrhizateGood
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate is derived from licorice root and has anti-inflammatory properties. It helps to soothe and calm the skin.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with this ingredient.
Benefits
It helps to reduce redness and irritation.
Bis-Glyceryl AscorbateGood
Bis-Glyceryl Ascorbate is a stable form of Vitamin C that provides antioxidant benefits. It helps to brighten the skin and reduce signs of aging.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with this ingredient.
Benefits
It helps to protect the skin from oxidative stress and improve skin tone.
Water (Aqua)Neutral
Water is a common solvent used in cosmetics to dissolve other ingredients. It does not provide direct benefits or risks in skincare formulations.
Risks
There are no inherent risks associated with water in cosmetic formulations.
Benefits
Water helps in the application and absorption of other active ingredients.
Glycereth-7 TriacetateNeutral
Glycereth-7 Triacetate is an emollient and skin conditioning agent. It helps to improve the texture and feel of the product.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with this ingredient in cosmetic formulations.
Benefits
It helps to soften and smooth the skin.
IsopentyldiolNeutral
Isopentyldiol is a solvent and humectant that helps to improve the texture of the product. It is used to enhance the absorption of other ingredients.
Risks
There are no significant risks associated with isopentyldiol in cosmetics.
Benefits
It aids in the absorption and efficacy of active ingredients.
Polyglyceryl-10 Behenate/EicosadioateNeutral
This ingredient is an emulsifier that helps to blend oil and water-based components. It improves the stability of the formulation.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with this emulsifier.
Benefits
It ensures a smooth and consistent texture in the product.
Butylene GlycolNeutral
Butylene Glycol is a solvent and conditioning agent that helps to improve the texture and spreadability of the product. It is commonly used in cosmetics.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with butylene glycol in cosmetics.
Benefits
It enhances the absorption of other ingredients and provides a smooth application.
Polysorbate 20Neutral
Polysorbate 20 is an emulsifier that helps to mix oil and water-based ingredients. It is commonly used in cosmetics for its stabilizing properties.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with polysorbate 20 in cosmetics.
Benefits
It ensures a stable and uniform product formulation.
Caprylyl GlycolNeutral
Caprylyl Glycol is a skin conditioning agent and preservative. It helps to improve the texture and stability of the product.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with caprylyl glycol in cosmetics.
Benefits
It helps to maintain the product's efficacy and shelf life.
Polyglyceryl-10 LaurateNeutral
Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate is an emulsifier that helps to blend oil and water-based ingredients. It improves the stability of the formulation.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with this emulsifier.
Benefits
It ensures a smooth and consistent texture in the product.
Dipentaerythrityl Tri-PolyhydroxystearateNeutral
This ingredient is an emulsifier and thickening agent. It helps to stabilize and thicken the formulation.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with this ingredient.
Benefits
It provides a stable and desirable texture to the product.
Ethylhexyl MethoxycryleneNeutral
Ethylhexyl Methoxycrylene is a photostabilizer used to enhance the stability of UV filters. It helps to protect the product from degradation.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with this ingredient.
Benefits
It helps to maintain the efficacy of UV filters in the formulation.
Hydrogenated LecithinNeutral
Hydrogenated Lecithin is an emulsifier and skin conditioning agent. It helps to improve the texture and absorption of the product.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with hydrogenated lecithin in cosmetics.
Benefits
It enhances the delivery of active ingredients and improves skin feel.
Xanthan GumNeutral
Xanthan Gum is a thickening agent that helps to stabilize and thicken the formulation. It is commonly used in cosmetics for its texturizing properties.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with xanthan gum in cosmetics.
Benefits
It provides a desirable texture and consistency to the product.
Disodium EdtaBad
Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with disodium EDTA in cosmetics.
Benefits
It helps to maintain the integrity and efficacy of the product.
Sorbic AcidBad
Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with sorbic acid in cosmetics.
Benefits
It helps to keep the product safe and free from contamination.
PhenoxyethanolBad
Phenoxyethanol is a preservative used to prevent microbial growth in cosmetics. It has been associated with skin irritation and allergic reactions in some individuals.
Risks
It can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions, especially in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
It helps to preserve the product and prevent contamination.
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