Beauty Comparison
Paula's Choice Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment

Photo and link: Amazon

Paula's Choice

Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment

retinol serum · 4.73 ml · Skincare

Paula's Choice Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment is free of fragrance, essential oils, labelled fragrance allergens, drying alcohol, sulfates, parabens and MI / MCI, going by its full 53-ingredient list, with ceramides, glycerin and retinoids. List checked November 5, 2026.

The catch: it contains silicones (Dimethicone, Dimethicone Crosspolymer).

  • Fragrance-free
  • No essential oils
  • No labelled fragrance allergens
  • No drying alcohol
  • Sulfate-free
  • Contains silicones
  • Paraben-free
  • No MI/MCI

Listed on Amazon in: United Kingdom · Germany · France · Italy · Spain · Netherlands · Poland

Key ingredients in Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment

  • Ceramides

    Skin-identical lipids that help hold the skin barrier together.

  • Glycerin

    A classic humectant that keeps skin hydrated.

  • Retinoids

    Vitamin A forms that speed cell turnover for lines, texture and breakouts.

  • Vitamin C

    An antioxidant that brightens and evens tone.

  • Peptides

    Signal ingredients used in firming and anti-ageing formulas.

  • Allantoin

    A soothing, softening ingredient.

  • Shea butter

    A rich emollient for dry skin and hair.

  • Dimethicone

    A skin protectant that forms a breathable barrier.

  • Vitamin E

    An antioxidant that protects the formula and the skin.

Full ingredient list, decoded

53 ingredients, in label order (highest amount first; below about 1% the order is free).

  1. 1AquaAqua is the INCI name for water, the main base of many creams, lotions and cleansers…
  2. 2DimethiconeDimethicone is a silicone, a light, water-resistant oil that forms a smooth, breathable…Silicones
  3. 3GlycerinGlycerin is a clear, thick, odorless liquid that pulls water into the skin and helps…
  4. 4Butylene GlycolButylene Glycol is a clear, odorless liquid that attracts and holds water. It is a…
  5. 5Isononyl Isononanoate
  6. 6Castor Isostearate Succinate
  7. 7Glyceryl StearateGlyceryl stearate is a waxy blend of glycerin and stearic acid, a fatty acid from plant…
  8. 8C12-15 Alkyl BenzoateA light, fast-absorbing ester made from benzoic acid and C12-15 fatty alcohols. It…
  9. 9Dimethicone CrosspolymerDimethicone Crosspolymer is a flexible, network-like silicone that gives a soft, smooth…Silicones
  10. 10PEG-33
  11. 11Polysorbate 20Polysorbate 20 is a mild, water-soluble emulsifier made from sorbitol and a lauric-type…
  12. 12Behenyl AlcoholBehenyl alcohol is a long-chain fatty alcohol, a waxy solid that softens skin and hair…
  13. 13Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
  14. 14PEG-100 Stearate
  15. 15Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate
  16. 16PolymethylsilsesquioxaneSilicones
  17. 17Retinol
  18. 18Ceramide NG
  19. 19Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1
  20. 20Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
  21. 21Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12
  22. 22etanorulayH muidoS
  23. 23Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
  24. 24Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract
  25. 25Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel ExtractA plant-derived ingredient made from the kernels of the oat seed. Its main job is to…
  26. 26Arctium Lappa (Burdock) Root Extract
  27. 27xilaS Alba (Willow) Root Extract
  28. 28Glycine Soja (Soybean) Sterols
  29. 29LecithinLecithin is a natural mix of fatty substances called phospholipids, taken from plant or…
  30. 30AllantoinAllantoin is a white crystalline powder that soothes and softens skin and is widely…
  31. 31Tocopheryl AcetateTocopheryl Acetate is a stable form of vitamin E. Its main job is to act as an…
  32. 32Hydrolyzed Soy ProteinA soy protein that has been broken into smaller pieces, so it can coat hair and skin…
  33. 33Sorbitan Laurate
  34. 34Acetyl Dipeptide-1 Cetyl Ester
  35. 35Disodium EDTADisodium EDTA is a salt of ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid, a chelating agent that…
  36. 36HydroxyethylcelluloseHydroxyethylcellulose is a plant-derived thickener made by modifying cellulose, the…
  37. 37Sodium HydroxideSodium hydroxide is a strong alkali, also called caustic soda. In small amounts it…
  38. 38TribeheninTribehenin is a waxy, solid ester made from glycerin and behenic acid. Its main job is…
  39. 39Caprylyl GlycolCaprylyl Glycol is a mild, multi-tasking ingredient that softens skin and helps keep…
  40. 40EthylhexylglycerinEthylhexylglycerin is a lab-made, skin-friendly ingredient that boosts the power of…
  41. 41Pentylene GlycolPentylene Glycol is a small, multi-tasking liquid that attracts water to the skin and…
  42. 42PEG-75 Shea Butter Glycerides
  43. 43PPG-12/SMDI Copolymer
  44. 44PEG-10 Phytosterol
  45. 45PEG-8 DimethiconeSilicones
  46. 46PEG-14
  47. 47Magnesium Aluminum Silicate
  48. 48Arachidyl Glycoside
  49. 49Sclerotium Gum
  50. 50Arachidyl Alcohol
  51. 51Benzoic AcidA small, naturally occurring acid that helps keep formulas fresh by slowing the growth…
  52. 52CarbomerA synthetic polymer made from acrylic acid that thickens water-based products and keeps…
  53. 53PhenoxyethanolA synthetic preservative that helps stop bacteria, yeast and mold from growing in…

Source: Paula's Choice product page, www.paulaschoice.co.uk/clinical-retinol-treatment/m8010.html, retrieved November 5, 2026.

Every flag we check

CheckResultIngredients found
FragranceNone listed—
Essential oilsNone listed—
Labelled fragrance allergensNone listed—
Drying alcoholNone listed—
SulfatesNone listed—
SiliconesContainsDimethicone (#2), Dimethicone Crosspolymer (#9), Polymethylsilsesquioxane (#16), PEG-8 Dimethicone (#45)
ParabensNone listed—
MI / MCINone listed—
Formaldehyde releasersNone listed—
Mineral oil & petrolatumNone listed—
LanolinNone listed—
Chemical UV filtersNone listed—

Frequently asked questions

Is Paula's Choice Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment fragrance-free?

Yes. Paula's Choice Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment lists no parfum or fragrance and no essential oils. Checked against its full ingredient list on November 5, 2026.

Does Paula's Choice Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment contain silicones, sulfates or parabens?

Silicones: yes (Dimethicone, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Polymethylsilsesquioxane). Sulfates: none listed. Parabens: none listed.

What is Paula's Choice Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment good for?

By its ingredient list it fits sensitive skin, eczema-prone skin, contact dermatitis and perfume allergy: it passes every free-from rule we set for those needs. Key ingredients: Ceramides, Glycerin, Retinoids and Vitamin C.

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