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Paula's Choice Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment scores 8.9/9.8 vs Trader Joe's Hair Serum at 6.4/9.8. Paula's Choice Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment wins for active ingredients.
Paula's Choice Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment takes this one, winning 4 of 5 attributes.
Scores last verified: April 2026
45 unique
12 unique
Where Paula's Choice Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment really shines is active ingredient strength, scoring 7.1 compared to Trader Joe's Hair Serum's 2.1. Its formula features Retinol, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, and Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate in high positions, signalling meaningful concentrations.
Hydration Efficacy is another area of separation. Paula's Choice Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment scores 9.8 here versus 5.1 for Trader Joe's Hair 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 trader Joe's Hair Serum relies on Rubus Fruticosus (Blackberry) Fruit Extract, Euterpe Oleracea (Acai) Fruit Extract, and Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Extract. 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
Trader Joe's Hair Serum is better if you have
Paula's Choice Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment comes in at mid-range pricing with a 8.9 score, which is solid value at that tier.
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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