PAULA'SCHOICE Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment Reviews

Name: Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment
Brand: PAULA'SCHOICE
Rating: 3.93 (116 reviews)

3.93

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10 Reviews

hyein2014
Dec 13, 2023
Combination SkinAcne Skin
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Pros
I chose a retinol serum to replace the Stiva A ointment. I'm using it carefully as it contains 1% retinol... So far, I'm using it without any trouble. It seems much gentler than the ointment. I'm currently using the low-concentration retinol serum on alternate days. I plan to gradually increase the frequency of use.
Cons
The high price and fragrance! It has a faint medicinal-like scent, rather than a typical cosmetic fragrance. I find that scent slightly bothersome.
Tip
Be cautious with the high retinol concentration! When I was adapting to the Stiva A ointment, I used a low-concentration retinol serum on alternate days... If this is your first time using retinol, it would be a good idea to start with a low-concentration product and use it on alternate days as well.

꾸꾸얌
Apr 1, 2019
Combination SkinSensitive SkinAcne Skin
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This review was written by The Hwahae Testers who received the product for free and evaluated it with a sense of representing Hwahae. The review is completely unbiased and honest, with no guidelines or restrictions. Reviews by The Hwahae Testers undergo the same strict verification process as regular reviews, and if they don't meet our standards, revisions will be requested.
Pros
I bought this because it was said to be good for enlarged pores and acne. I purchased it during a sale for around 50,000 won, which was the only way I could afford it... Excluding the one-week adjustment period, I've been using 1-2 pumps of it daily. Using this, my acne has improved and my skin feels smoother~ I didn't realize the difference until I stopped using it, and now I can really feel the change, so I'm considering purchasing it directly. Luckily, my skin hasn't gotten worse from using this, and using a peeling gel in the morning and retinol at night has actually enhanced the effects. I've been using it for about 2 months now, but when will my pores start to shrink? +++ Additional review after using it for about 10 months I'm not sure about the acne, but it seems to be effective for my pores. It's not dramatic, but they do appear less prominent than before. In my case, I don't find it drying at all, even when I use it in the winter. I just finished my second bottle and bought my third... I'm not sure about the wrinkles, but the pores seem to be improving, so I'm happy with it.
Cons
The price... and the smell... The smell is quite unique, I'd say... It has a slight vinegar-like and chemical smell. But it's probably better than having fragrances, right? The price is also burdensome, as it costs as much as a visit to the dermatologist. Other than that, it's good!
Tip
After using a sheet mask, applying this gives a nice moisturizing feel and makes my skin smooth. You can get it for around 40,000 won when Lotte Drugstore has a site-wide sale!

화화화햏
Feb 15, 2018
Oily SkinSensitive SkinAcne Skin
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Reviewed by The Hwahae Testers
This review was written by The Hwahae Testers who received the product for free and evaluated it with a sense of representing Hwahae. The review is completely unbiased and honest, with no guidelines or restrictions. Reviews by The Hwahae Testers undergo the same strict verification process as regular reviews, and if they don't meet our standards, revisions will be requested.
Pros
I originally used the Iope retinol, but it was discontinued, so I switched to this product. To be honest, I don't have high expectations for dramatic effects from cosmetics, so I use this more for wrinkle prevention and the placebo effect. I didn't closely observe any visible improvements, but I figured it's better than not using anything. Individual results may vary, but I used up one full container in over a year. I didn't use it every single day for the whole year, but I used it consistently for a long time, so I didn't feel the price was too expensive. The pump packaging is great - some creams or regular weak pumps start to dispense poorly or require squeezing when they're almost empty, but this one has a strong spring mechanism, so I didn't feel like I was struggling to get the last bits out.
Cons
Like other retinol creams, this does have a bit of a 'healthy' herbal scent, but it's not overpowering at all. The packaging is in a plastic pouch, and the bottle is made of a material that makes it hard to tell how much is left.

자감자
Oct 21, 2017
Combination Skin
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Reviewed by The Hwahae Testers
This review was written by The Hwahae Testers who received the product for free and evaluated it with a sense of representing Hwahae. The review is completely unbiased and honest, with no guidelines or restrictions. Reviews by The Hwahae Testers undergo the same strict verification process as regular reviews, and if they don't meet our standards, revisions will be requested.
Pros
I've been using it 3-4 times a week. After applying it the night before, when my skin texture was rough, the next day my makeup applied well and my skin felt smooth and soft. I've been using it for quite a while now and plan to continue using it.
Cons
The price is a bit on the expensive side. The scent is not great, it's not very pleasant.

Cyen
Sep 8, 2017
Combination Skin
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Reviewed by The Hwahae Testers
This review was written by The Hwahae Testers who received the product for free and evaluated it with a sense of representing Hwahae. The review is completely unbiased and honest, with no guidelines or restrictions. Reviews by The Hwahae Testers undergo the same strict verification process as regular reviews, and if they don't meet our standards, revisions will be requested.
Pros
09/20/2018 Revised / Retinol is still the best!! I used to live like a vampire, but recently I've been living like a muggle, going to the US Open and MLB games, which exposed me to too much UV light... My skin immediately became dull, sagging, and losing its luster. But using this retinol, along with the Atopalm moisturizer and the soothing balm for my butt rash, I've regained my radiance!! Although those expensive serums and nourishing creams weren't really necessary, my skin has become even smoother and brighter than when I used them (the niacinamide I use every morning also seems to help with the brightness). Anyway, my credit card is crying... Super satisfied!! While tretinoin may be more effective, retinol is easier to get used to... Starting with retinol and then gradually adapting to the stronger retinoid tretinoin or Stievaa ointment is a good strategy. But if you're not dealing with acne and jump straight into powerful retinol, your skin may get irritated~ What made the Pola S product better than other retinol products was the less stinging and almost no peeling during the adaptation period
Cons
The smell is a bit unpleasant. If you're suffering from a hangover, use this product at night instead. You might accidentally make a mess in the bathroom.

나라나래나리나로
Jul 19, 2017
Normal SkinSensitive Skin
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Reviewed by The Hwahae Testers
This review was written by The Hwahae Testers who received the product for free and evaluated it with a sense of representing Hwahae. The review is completely unbiased and honest, with no guidelines or restrictions. Reviews by The Hwahae Testers undergo the same strict verification process as regular reviews, and if they don't meet our standards, revisions will be requested.
Pros
I seem to have had too high expectations for the retinol. Rather than showing immediate visible effects, it seems that applying it consistently will be helpful. I purchased it along with the Baha lotion, but was concerned about potential conflicts between the products if applied simultaneously, so I alternated applying them every other day. Still, I applied it thinking it would be better than not using it at all.
Cons
As a Pola Choice product, the fragrance is... not very pleasant. When using this product alone, applying my usual amount of essence causes a stinging sensation and irritation. Considering the price is not low, the visible effects are lacking.
Tip
If I mix this into a cream or other product to apply after my essence, the stinging sensation is barely noticeable and absorption is faster.

응케
Mar 30, 2016
Dry SkinSensitive Skin
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Reviewed by The Hwahae Testers
This review was written by The Hwahae Testers who received the product for free and evaluated it with a sense of representing Hwahae. The review is completely unbiased and honest, with no guidelines or restrictions. Reviews by The Hwahae Testers undergo the same strict verification process as regular reviews, and if they don't meet our standards, revisions will be requested.
Pros
As I have sensitive skin, I had a lot of skin troubles and my skin tone was dull, so I used this product. At first, I thought it was okay, but after the adjustment period, I can now use it without worry. However, my skin suddenly got worse, so I had to apply a prescription ointment. I don't want to use it again if my skin gets worse one more time. My skin tone seemed to get brighter, but after it got worse, it's now worse than before I started using it.
Cons
The texture feels thick and the fragrance is strong, which makes me reluctant to use it. Since I have sensitive skin, it stings right after application, and after a while, wider areas like my cheeks become itchy.
Tip
If I finish my skincare routine with a toner and apply an ampoule to keep my skin moisturized before using this product, it spreads well. After that, if I generously apply a moisturizer and a recovery cream, my skin feels hydrated and good.

M66
Jan 18, 2016
Combination SkinSensitive Skin
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Reviewed by The Hwahae Testers
This review was written by The Hwahae Testers who received the product for free and evaluated it with a sense of representing Hwahae. The review is completely unbiased and honest, with no guidelines or restrictions. Reviews by The Hwahae Testers undergo the same strict verification process as regular reviews, and if they don't meet our standards, revisions will be requested.
Pros
Opaque, vacuum container My love, the purple packaging ㅠ♥ Good spreadability, the right amount is dispensed with one pump People around me say my skin has become clearer I didn't really notice a difference when I looked in the bathroom mirror ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ I even suspected that my skin had gotten darker ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ But from about a month and a half in, everyone I met kept saying my skin looked clearer ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ Even my mom recently acknowledged that my skin looks good these days ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ I haven't used it for about a month now, and people are asking if I haven't been sleeping well because my skin looks dull No, mother ㅠㅠ I was just too busy to apply the retinol...ㅠ I've been maintaining proper moisture levels, so it seems the retinol is really working Anyway, I don't really notice it myself, but others keep telling me about the effects ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ
Cons
Extremely expensive, plastic smell It's understandable that it's unscented, but the price is ridiculous. What's with this 77,000 won thing? Last year I bought it on sale for around 64,000 won with a 3-month interest-free installment, but even buying it in dollars, this is still expensive. Because it's so expensive, I'm knocking off two stars ㅋ I'm using it while considering the side effects, but if it's going to be like this, I think it might be better to get a proper prescription of Tretinoin at the lowest concentration and use two bottles
Tip
After finishing it, you can fill the empty container with the 1% retinol from iHerb ㅋ The container is pretty and sturdy ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ It's good to follow the precautions written on the container for the health of your skin

제로스시
Dec 21, 2015
Oily SkinAcne Skin
Review under verification
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Reviewed by The Hwahae Testers
This review was written by The Hwahae Testers who received the product for free and evaluated it with a sense of representing Hwahae. The review is completely unbiased and honest, with no guidelines or restrictions. Reviews by The Hwahae Testers undergo the same strict verification process as regular reviews, and if they don't meet our standards, revisions will be requested.
Pros
When you apply this, your skin becomes so smooth and soft.. Those who can tolerate retinol really love it
Cons
Since Pol-cho doesn't use any fragrances, the scent is a bit strong
Tip
My face is quite large, so I apply it in two pumps, dividing it evenly across my face

윤푸들&담담네 집사
Mar 11, 2015
Oily SkinSensitive SkinAcne Skinproduct.Atopy Skin
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Reviewed by The Hwahae Testers
This review was written by The Hwahae Testers who received the product for free and evaluated it with a sense of representing Hwahae. The review is completely unbiased and honest, with no guidelines or restrictions. Reviews by The Hwahae Testers undergo the same strict verification process as regular reviews, and if they don't meet our standards, revisions will be requested.
Pros
First, let's talk about the positives~^^ It absorbs quickly, and I've heard that from the third use (I used it twice a week), my skin texture improved. The stinging was a bit there on the first day and the third day when I exfoliated the areas, but in the first week, the peeling... oh dear.. ㅠㅠ From the second week, there was no peeling, and there were just two small pimples ㅎㅎㅎ ㅡㅡ;;; But I think it might be my imagination, the nasolabial folds seem to have lightened a bit. One thing for sure is that my skin texture has improved. Repurchase intention is 95%
Cons
The smell is a bit... Hmm.. they said the fragrance is not added. But there is a distinctive scent. The price is..ㅎ.ㅎ.ㅎ. I bought it on sale, but it's close to 60,000 won.. ㅠㅠ That's why I deducted 5% from the repurchase intention ^^;;