Paula's Choice Retinol + Bakuchiol Face Serum — 0.3% Retinol, 2% Bakuchiol, 1 oz Fragrance-Free

Paula's Choice CLINICAL 0.3% Retinol + 2% Bakuchiol Face Serum is a fragrance-free, science-backed 1 oz treatment that combines retinol, plant-derived bakuchiol and peptides to visibly reduce deep wrinkles, refine pores and improve firmness.

This lightweight, lotion-like serum blends a targeted retinol dose with bakuchiol and supportive actives—ceramides, hyaluronic acid and antioxidants—to address multiple signs of aging without added fragrance. It’s formulated to absorb easily into skin and is presented in a 1 oz pump bottle for measured application. Clinical and user-panel data support improvements to elasticity, texture and overall skin resilience when used as directed.

How does this serum target deep wrinkles and fine lines?

The formula pairs retinol with bakuchiol and peptides to encourage collagen-supporting activity and surface renewal. Retinol works at a cellular level while bakuchiol offers gentler, plant-derived retinoid-like support; peptides help strengthen the skin’s support network.

• 0.3% stabilized retinol concentration for effective renewal.
• 2% bakuchiol to complement retinol with plant-based action.
• Peptides to support skin structure and firmness.
• Clinical consumer feedback showing improved elasticity and texture.

Will this serum suit sensitive or combination skin?

The texture is designed to be lightweight and fast-absorbing, making it compatible with a range of skin types. Because it is fragrance-free and contains ceramides and hyaluronic acid, it can be incorporated carefully into routines for normal, oily, combination or dryer complexions.

• Fragrance-free formulation to reduce irritation risk.
• Ceramides help support the skin barrier and hydration.
• Hyaluronic acid attracts moisture without heaviness.
• Start gradually if you have reactive skin; use lower frequency initially.

How should I use this retinol + bakuchiol treatment safely?

Apply a pea-sized amount in the evening after cleansing and before a moisturizer, avoiding eye contact. Introduce the product gradually—every other night or a few times a week—then increase frequency as tolerated, always following with daytime sun protection.

• Use at night; pair with daily sunscreen during the day.
• Begin with infrequent application and monitor tolerance.
• Apply a moisturizer afterward to maintain barrier strength.
• Avoid mixing with other strong actives until sensitivity is assessed.

What additional concerns can this serum help improve?

Beyond lines and laxity, the blend addresses texture irregularities, enlarged pores and uneven tone. Antioxidants and vitamin-support ingredients help protect against environmental stressors while supporting a brighter, more even-looking complexion.

• Targets surface texture and pore appearance.
• Includes antioxidants (vitamins C and E) for environmental support.
• Helps reduce visible discoloration and dark spot contrast.
• Lightweight base helps layer under moisturizers and sunscreens.

Who is this for? This serum is intended for people concerned with visible signs of advanced aging—deep wrinkles, loss of firmness, enlarged pores and uneven texture—who want a potent, fragrance-free formula backed by clinical and consumer testing. It suits those willing to introduce a retinoid-based treatment gradually, follow sun-protection practices, and pair the serum with supportive hydrating and barrier-repair products.

Ingredients

Water, Dimethicone, Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate, Isononyl Isononanoate , Butylene Glycol , Bakuchiol, Arachidyl Alcohol , Glyceryl Polymethacrylate, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Behenyl Alcohol, Glycerin, PEG-75 Shea Butter Glycerides, Glyceryl Stearate, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Polysorbate 20, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Retinol, Ceramide NG, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12, Sodium Hyaluronate, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract, Arctium Lappa (Burdock) Root Extract, Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Extract, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Sterols, Lecithin, Allantoin, Tocopheryl Acetate, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Sodium Hydroxide, Tribehenin, Caprylyl Glycol, Dipeptide-2, Polygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract, PEG-10 Phytosterol, PEG-8, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Arachidyl Glucoside, Chrysin, Pentylene Glycol, Sodium Acrylates Copolymer, Steareth-20, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Cetearyl Alcohol, Coco-Glucoside, Hesperidin Methyl Chalcone, N-Hydroxysuccinimide, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Benzoic Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin