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Paula's Choice Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment scores 8.9/9.8 vs Isntree Aloe Soothing Gel Fresh at 8.3/9.8. Paula's Choice Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment wins for active ingredients.
Paula's Choice Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment edges ahead, winning 2 of 5 attributes.
Scores last verified: April 2026
13 unique
5 in common
42 unique
Where Paula's Choice Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment really shines is active ingredient strength, scoring 7.1 compared to Isntree Aloe Soothing Gel Fresh's 4.8. Its formula features Retinol, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, and Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate in high positions, signalling meaningful concentrations.
Ingredient Transparency is another area of separation. Paula's Choice Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment scores 8.8 here versus 7.5 for Isntree Aloe Soothing Gel Fresh. That difference comes down to how each formula is built — the ingredient list tells the story.
Paula's Choice Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment brings Retinol, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, and Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate as actives, while isntree Aloe Soothing Gel Fresh relies on Allantoin, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, and Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract. Both approaches have merit, but the positioning and supporting ingredients make the difference.
Isntree Aloe Soothing Gel Fresh is better if you have
Paula's Choice Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment is better if you have
At budget pricing with a score of 8.3, Isntree Aloe Soothing Gel Fresh is a decent pick. Paula's Choice Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment sits at the mid-range level with a 8.9 score — the higher investment pays off in formulation quality.
Paula's Choice Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment edges ahead with a slightly stronger formulation, but Isntree Aloe Soothing Gel Fresh is still a solid pick.
Based on ingredient analysis, Paula's Choice Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment scores higher overall. See the full score breakdown above for details on each attribute.
Yes, they share common ingredients. Check the ingredient face-off section above for a detailed comparison.
The key differences are in their active ingredients and formulation approach. Check the attribute battle above for a detailed breakdown.
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