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Paula's Choice Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment scores 8.9/9.8 vs Mary & May Mary & May Idebenone + Blackberry Complex Serum at 7.3/9.8. Paula's Choice Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment wins for hydration.
Paula's Choice Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment takes this one, winning 3 of 5 attributes.
Scores last verified: April 2026
8 unique
42 unique
Where Paula's Choice Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment really shines is hydration efficacy, scoring 9.8 compared to Mary & May Mary & May Idebenone + Blackberry Complex Serum's 6.3. With Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, and Sodium Hyaluronate in its top ingredients, Paula's Choice Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment delivers stronger moisture-binding capability.
Active Ingredient Strength is another area of separation. Paula's Choice Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment scores 7.1 here versus 4.0 for Mary & May Mary & May Idebenone + Blackberry Complex Serum. 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 mary & May Mary & May Idebenone + Blackberry Complex Serum relies on Niacinamide, Rubus Fruticosus (Blackberry) Fruit Extract, and Allantoin. Both approaches have merit, but the positioning and supporting ingredients make the difference.
Mary & May Mary & May Idebenone + Blackberry Complex Serum is better if you have
Paula's Choice Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment is better if you have
At budget pricing with a score of 7.3, Mary & May Mary & May Idebenone + Blackberry Complex Serum 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 wins this comparison with a meaningfully stronger ingredient profile and overall score.
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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