Another notch on my baby-retinol belt. This is an empty from a little while ago now, and I’m finally sharing my thoughts on the Paula’s Choice Clinical 0.3% Retinol + 2% Bakuchiol Treatment.
This was a gift with purchase, which I still can’t get over because it’s $93.00 RRP. I absolutely love and recommend this one for anyone who prefers gentler retinols. It’s packed with thoughtful ingredients, making it a genuinely impressive all-in-one active serum.
Key Ingredients And What They’re Doing
You’ve got the headline ingredients right there in the name: 0.3% retinol, 2% bakuchiol, peptides (there are three), and a stable, oil-soluble form of vitamin C (tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate). Alongside those are hydrators and soothers like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, liquorice (two types), allantoin, oat extract, vitamin E, and more antioxidants.
Together, this formula targets fine lines, wrinkles, uneven skin tone, pores, texture, and early signs of sagging, while still being considerate of sensitive skin.
Texture, Application And Where It Fits In A Routine
Everything sits in a beautiful, light but emollient cream texture that isn’t oily at all. It spreads effortlessly and feels genuinely lovely to use. I apply it during my emulsion step – after watery toners and serums, but before oils, heavier moisturisers, or sleeping masks.
Using it in that middle step gives a bit of buffering or “sandwiching”, which slows absorption slightly. That makes it ideal for cautious or sensitive skin types easing into retinol.
Sensitivity, Stinging And Tolerance Over Time
For me, it only stings if my skin barrier is compromised or I’m having a particularly reactive day. When that happens, my skin tells me quickly – I’ll get stinging and redness. It’s also a reminder that yes, this is an active product.
That said, the formulation is so well balanced that I didn’t experience purging, flaking, or ongoing redness. I introduced it slowly and was using it nightly after about two weeks without any issues. Also worth noting: I love the pump packaging for ease and hygiene.
Retinol Strength Progression And Realistic Results
On the brand’s website, this is positioned as a mid-strength retinol. I’m pretty pleased with that progression, because I worked my way up very gradually – from 0.01%, to 0.03%, to 0.2%, and then to this 0.3%, with a few gentle derivatives and different forms in between.
For someone with dry, sensitive skin, this has been an excellent and sustainable progression. It’s been almost two years since I decided to start incorporating retinol into my skincare routine.
I’m now using a 0.5% retinol, which I’m almost finished with, and I have a 0.75% active waiting in my stash that I’m equal parts terrified and excited to try.
As for results: retinol is a long-game ingredient. It takes months of consistent use, and really, it’s a forever-and-ever commitment. What I’ve noticed overall is stronger skin. Being able to progress through retinol strengths at all feels like proof of that.
My skin texture is smoother and more refined, there’s more glow, and fine lines have softened. It feels like my skin is simply doing a better, more efficient job of being skin. It’s less flaky, not struggling as much with cell turnover, and looks healthier and brighter overall.
When I pair this kind of progress with my beloved gommage exfoliators for a boost, the difference is especially noticeable. My forehead looks smooth and shiny, which is very exciting for a 40-year-old with no needles or in-clinic skin treatments.
With each new retinol I try, my benchmark is simple: can it maintain what the previous one did, and does it improve my skin’s efficiency at cell turnover? That, more than anything, is what keeps skin looking fresh.
This post was shared with permission from @moonfacedoomface’s instagram. We’d encourage you to check out her profile, and the original post.
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