TLDR Review: Paula's Choice 1% Retinol Treatment
Published: August 9th, 2025
Pros
- •Travel size is perfect for testing before purchasing a larger version.
- •Considered one of the strongest ovehe-counter retinols available at 1%.
- •Opaque bottle makes dispensing easy and preserves product integrity.
- •Some users noted skin plumping and texture evening after a week of use.
Cons
- •Product size is smaller than expected, limiting assessment over time.
- •Can cause skin reactions like peeling, redness, and itchiness, especially in sensitive skin.
- •Initial use lacks visible effects, disappointing users with high expectations.
- •Requires careful application; particularly avoid the undeye area to prevent noticeable tightness.
- •Some users felt it was too harsh and are considering switching to a lower concentration.
- •Did not meet some users' skincare needs or expectations for effectiveness.
Bottom Line
Paula's Choice CLINICAL 1% Retinol Treatment Cream offers a powerful anti-aging formula in a convenient travel size, ideal for testing its effectiveness. However, its high concentration may lead to sensitivity and peeling, especially in retinol novices or those with sensitive skin. If you're looking for a gentler introduction to retinol, you may want to start with a lower concentration product before committing to this potent treatment.
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