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Paula's Choice Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment scores 8.9/9.8 vs the ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution at 6.6/9.8. 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
42 unique
7 unique
Where Paula's Choice Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment really shines is hydration efficacy, scoring 9.8 compared to the ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution's 4.1. 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 3.5 for the ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution. 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 the ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution relies on Salicylic Acid. Both approaches have merit, but the positioning and supporting ingredients make the difference.
Paula's Choice Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment is better if you have
the ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution is better if you have
At mid-range pricing with a score of 8.9, Paula's Choice Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment delivers strong value. the ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution sits at the budget level with a 6.6 score — the extra cost doesn't translate to better scores here.
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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