ProductComparison
Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more ofPaula's Choice Clinical Niacinamide 20% TreatmentversusLa Roche-Posay 10% Pure Niacinamide Serum.
Last updated on July 18, 2023.Published on January 21, 2023
Overview
What they are
These products are both reef safe .They have a total of 5 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain exfoliants and niacinamide
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, oily skin, reducing pores, scar healing and dark spots
Free From
They both do not contain any common allergens, oils, parabens or sulfates
We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research.Spot a product that need an update?Let us know.
Facial TreatmentAmerican Brand 
SerumFrench Brand 
Facial Treatment
Facial treatments are specially designed to treat a skin concern. Acne treatments and anti-aging products are common examples of facial treatments.
Serum
Serums are highly concentrated with ingredients to provide skin with benefits. They should be used after cleansing and before moisturizing.
Price
Ingredient Info
Click any item below to learn more and view relevant ingredients.
Paula's ChoiceClinical Niacinamide 20% Treatment25 ingredients
La Roche-Posay10% Pure Niacinamide Serum29 ingredients
alcohol-free
Alcohol Free
Some harsh forms of alcohol can break down your skin's natural barrier with prolonged use.
This product is free of harsh alcohols 🎉
silicon-free
Silicon Free
Silicones are a colorless substance derived from the silicon mineral used to help boost the appearance and feel of a product.
This product is free of silicons 🎉
fragrance-free
Fragrance Free
Fragrances are the ingredients in your skincare that either neutralize bad scents or are used to make a product smell good. Fragrances come in 3 forms: synthetic, natural, or essential oils.
This product is free of fragrances 🎉
sulfate-free
Sulfate Free
Sulfates are a type of salt mainly used as cleaning agents in skincare.
This product is free of sulfates 🎉
paraben-free
Paraben Free
Parabens are a type of preservative to preserve shelf-life and prevent growth of bacteria in products.
This product is free of parabens 🎉
oil-free
Oil Free
Oil is a hydrophobic (water-repelling) substance that can help regulate sebum production in skincare.
This product is free of oils 🎉
fungal-acne safe
Malassezia Safe
Malassezia (Pityrosporum) folliculitis is a skin condition with acne-like breakouts caused by malassezia, a type of yeast.
This product is free of malassezia feeding ingredients 🎉
reef-safe
Reef Safe
Many factors affect if a product is reef safe, including the particle size of ingredients. We do our best to ensure our data is accurate, so please get in touch if you spot an error.
This product is free of ingredients that damage reefs 🎉
eu-allergen-free
EU Allergen Free
A list of the most-known allergic substances from the European Union’s Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009.
This product is free of EU allergens 🎉
vegan
Non Vegan
Vegan products are formulated without animal products including honey, dairy, eggs, and more.
This product is not vegan 😥
cruelty-free
Cruelty Free
Cruelty-Free is a label that certifies a brand is not testing products on animals.
This product is cruelty-free 🎉
alcohol-free
Contains Alcohol
Some harsh forms of alcohol can break down your skin's natural barrier with prolonged use.
Ingredients in this product that are types of alcohol:
silicon-free
Contains Silicon
Silicones are a colorless substance derived from the silicon mineral used to help boost the appearance and feel of a product.
Ingredients in this product that are types of silicon:
fragrance-free
Contains Fragrance
Fragrances are the ingredients in your skincare that either neutralize bad scents or are used to make a product smell good. Fragrances come in 3 forms: synthetic, natural, or essential oils.
Ingredients in this product that are forms of fragrance:
sulfate-free
Sulfate Free
Sulfates are a type of salt mainly used as cleaning agents in skincare.
This product is free of sulfates 🎉
paraben-free
Paraben Free
Parabens are a type of preservative to preserve shelf-life and prevent growth of bacteria in products.
This product is free of parabens 🎉
oil-free
Oil Free
Oil is a hydrophobic (water-repelling) substance that can help regulate sebum production in skincare.
This product is free of oils 🎉
fungal-acne safe
Not Malassezia Safe
Malassezia (Pityrosporum) folliculitis is a skin condition with acne-like breakouts caused by malassezia, a type of yeast.
Ingredients in this product that are not malassezia safe:
reef-safe
Reef Safe
Many factors affect if a product is reef safe, including the particle size of ingredients. We do our best to ensure our data is accurate, so please get in touch if you spot an error.
This product is free of ingredients that damage reefs 🎉
eu-allergen-free
EU Allergen Free
A list of the most-known allergic substances from the European Union’s Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009.
This product is free of EU allergens 🎉
vegan
Non Vegan
Vegan products are formulated without animal products including honey, dairy, eggs, and more.
This product is not vegan 😥
cruelty-free
Not Cruelty Free
Cruelty-Free is a label that certifies a brand is not testing products on animals.
This product is not cruelty-free 😥
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Paula's ChoiceClinical Niacinamide 20% Treatment25 ingredients
La Roche-Posay10% Pure Niacinamide Serum29 ingredients
Notable Ingredients
Vitamin C
Vitamin C
Vitamin C helps to diminish fine lines, brighten the skin, boost hydration, and can even out skin tone.
This product contains1 ingredientthat may have this attribute:
Exfoliators
Exfoliators
Exfoliants help remove dead skin cells and may aid in unclogging pores, smoothing rough skin, and help to increase hydration of skin.
This product contains1 ingredientthat may have this attribute:
Niacinamide
Niacinamide
Niacinamide is a form of Vitamin B3 that is present in many skin repairing processes. It can help boost your skin’s natural barrier and increase levels of ceramides.
This product contains1 ingredientthat may have this attribute:
Benefits
Hydrating
Hydrating
Dry skin is often characterized by redness, itchiness, tightness, flaking, peeling, and cracking. Dryness can be caused by a variety of factors: genetics, over-exfoliating, climate, diet, age, and skin conditions.
This product contains1 ingredientthat may have this attribute:
Good For Oily Skin
Good For Oily Skin
Oily Skin is determined by your genetics, but can also be influenced by factors such as stress levels, changing hormonal levels, and humidity.
This product contains1 ingredientthat may have this attribute:
Redness Reducing(4)
Redness Reducing
Redness and irritation may be caused by several reasons, although there is no definitive answer. Reasons may range from physical exertion to sun exposure, allergies, or Rosacea.
This product contains4 ingredientsthat may have this attribute:
Reduces Irritation(4)
Reduces Irritation
Skin irritation can arise from a number of reasons: very dry skin, sensitivity to certain ingredients, allergies, dermatitis, bug bites, eczema, rosacea, and illness are common factors.
This product contains4 ingredientsthat may have this attribute:
Skin Texture
Skin Texture
The most common cause of textured skin is a build up of dead skin cells. The easiest way to get rid of textured skin is to exfoliate and give your skin the proper nutrients.
This product contains1 ingredientthat may have this attribute:
Reduces Large Pores(2)
Reduces Large Pores
Pores are little openings on the skin that let out sweat and oil. They can become enlarged from excessive sebum production, acne, sun damage, and by using pore-clogging ingredients.
This product contains2 ingredientsthat may have this attribute:
Anti-Aging(2)
Anti-Aging
Decreased natural production of oils, degraded collagen, UV exposure, and lifestyle all contribute to how your skin looks over time. Although we cannot stop aging, there are ingredients that have been shown to slow the process: retinoids, antioxidants, and some peptides.
This product contains2 ingredientsthat may have this attribute:
Dark Spots(3)
Dark Spots
Dark spots are areas where the skin has changed color due to sun exposure.
This product contains3 ingredientsthat may have this attribute:
Scar Healing(2)
Scar Healing
A scar is an area of fibrous tissue that remains after the skin has been wounded and healed.
This product contains2 ingredientsthat may have this attribute:
Acne Fighting(2)
Acne Fighting
Common acne is known as Acne vulgaris. Acne forms when skin follicles are clogged by sebum, hair, skin cells, or oils. There are several types of acne: whiteheads, blackheads, papules, pustules, nodules, and cysts.
This product contains2 ingredientsthat may have this attribute:
Brightening(3)
Brightening
Dull skin is temporary; all it usually will need is a little perk-me-up, such as extra hydration, some exfoliation, and vitamin nourishment.
This product contains3 ingredientsthat may have this attribute:
Concerns
Rosacea
Rosacea
Rosacea may be genetic or triggered by mites, bacteria, or blood vessel issues. The most common symptom is redness of the face.
This product contains1 ingredientthat may have this attribute:
Eczema
Eczema
Eczema is also known as Atopic Dermatitis. Common symptoms include redness of the skin, itchiness, patches of rough skin, and small bumps.
This product contains1 ingredientthat may have this attribute:
Notable Ingredients
Vitamin E
Vitamin E
Vitamin E contains loads of antioxidants which help protect your skin from pollution and reduce hyperpigmentation.
This product contains1 ingredientthat may have this attribute:
Exfoliators
Exfoliators
Exfoliants help remove dead skin cells and may aid in unclogging pores, smoothing rough skin, and help to increase hydration of skin.
This product contains1 ingredientthat may have this attribute:
Niacinamide
Niacinamide
Niacinamide is a form of Vitamin B3 that is present in many skin repairing processes. It can help boost your skin’s natural barrier and increase levels of ceramides.
This product contains1 ingredientthat may have this attribute:
Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic Acid is a humectant, meaning it has the ability to hold water and rehydrate skin.
This product contains1 ingredientthat may have this attribute:
Benefits
Hydrating(2)
Hydrating
Dry skin is often characterized by redness, itchiness, tightness, flaking, peeling, and cracking. Dryness can be caused by a variety of factors: genetics, over-exfoliating, climate, diet, age, and skin conditions.
This product contains2 ingredientsthat may have this attribute:
Good For Oily Skin
Good For Oily Skin
Oily Skin is determined by your genetics, but can also be influenced by factors such as stress levels, changing hormonal levels, and humidity.
This product contains1 ingredientthat may have this attribute:
Redness Reducing
Redness Reducing
Redness and irritation may be caused by several reasons, although there is no definitive answer. Reasons may range from physical exertion to sun exposure, allergies, or Rosacea.
This product contains1 ingredientthat may have this attribute:
Reduces Large Pores
Reduces Large Pores
Pores are little openings on the skin that let out sweat and oil. They can become enlarged from excessive sebum production, acne, sun damage, and by using pore-clogging ingredients.
This product contains1 ingredientthat may have this attribute:
Anti-Aging
Anti-Aging
Decreased natural production of oils, degraded collagen, UV exposure, and lifestyle all contribute to how your skin looks over time. Although we cannot stop aging, there are ingredients that have been shown to slow the process: retinoids, antioxidants, and some peptides.
This product contains1 ingredientthat may have this attribute:
Dark Spots
Dark Spots
Dark spots are areas where the skin has changed color due to sun exposure.
This product contains1 ingredientthat may have this attribute:
Scar Healing
Scar Healing
A scar is an area of fibrous tissue that remains after the skin has been wounded and healed.
This product contains1 ingredientthat may have this attribute:
Acne Fighting
Acne Fighting
Common acne is known as Acne vulgaris. Acne forms when skin follicles are clogged by sebum, hair, skin cells, or oils. There are several types of acne: whiteheads, blackheads, papules, pustules, nodules, and cysts.
This product contains1 ingredientthat may have this attribute:
Brightening(3)
Brightening
Dull skin is temporary; all it usually will need is a little perk-me-up, such as extra hydration, some exfoliation, and vitamin nourishment.
This product contains3 ingredientsthat may have this attribute:
Concerns
Drying
Drying
Dry skin is often characterized by redness, itchiness, tightness, flaking, peeling, and cracking. Dryness can be caused by a variety of factors: genetics, over-exfoliating, climate, diet, age, and skin conditions.
This product contains1 ingredientthat may have this attribute:
May Worsen Oily Skin(3)
May Worsen Oily Skin
Oily Skin is determined by your genetics, but can also be influenced by factors such as stress levels, changing hormonal levels, and humidity.
This product contains3 ingredientsthat may have this attribute:
Acne Trigger(2)
Acne Trigger
Common acne is known as Acne vulgaris. Acne forms when skin follicles are clogged by sebum, hair, skin cells, or oils. There are several types of acne: whiteheads, blackheads, papules, pustules, nodules, and cysts.
This product contains2 ingredientsthat may have this attribute:
Irritating(2)
Irritating
Skin irritation can arise from a number of reasons: very dry skin, sensitivity to certain ingredients, allergies, dermatitis, bug bites, eczema, rosacea, and illness are common factors.
This product contains2 ingredientsthat may have this attribute:
Rosacea(2)
Rosacea
Rosacea may be genetic or triggered by mites, bacteria, or blood vessel issues. The most common symptom is redness of the face.
This product contains2 ingredientsthat may have this attribute:
Eczema(3)
Eczema
Eczema is also known as Atopic Dermatitis. Common symptoms include redness of the skin, itchiness, patches of rough skin, and small bumps.
This product contains3 ingredientsthat may have this attribute:
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Ingredients Compared
Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.
Paula's ChoiceClinical Niacinamide 20% Treatment25 ingredients
La Roche-Posay10% Pure Niacinamide Serum29 ingredients
Water • Niacinamide • Pentylene Glycol • Butylene Glycol • Glycerin • Acetyl Glucosamine • Ascorbyl Glucoside • Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract • Spiraea Ulmaria Extract • Portulaca Oleracea Extract • Camellia Japonica Flower Extract • Epigallocatechin Gallate • Boerhavia Diffusa Root Extract • Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract • Allantoin • Lecithin • Pullulan • Panthenol • Silica • Xanthan Gum•Sclerotium Gum • Propanediol • Sodium Phytate • Phenoxyethanol • Ethylhexylglycerin
Water • Niacinamide • Glycerin • Alcohol Denat. • Hydroxyethylpiperazine Ethane Sulfonic Acid • Dimethicone • Isopropyl Lauroyl Sarcosinate • Octyldodecanol • Peg-20 Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate • Tin Oxide • Sorbitan Oleate • Dimethiconol • Cetearyl Ethylhexanoate • Isohexadecane • Sodium Hyaluronate • Phenylethyl Resorcinol • Poloxamer 338 • Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate • Disodium EDTA • Isopropyl Myristate•Citric Acid • Xanthan Gum • Polysorbate 80 • Acrylamide • Tocopherol • Phenoxyethanol • Mica • CI 77891 • Parfum
Ingredients Side-by-side
Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.
Learn more about what what Com. / Irr. ratings are
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
1
What it does:Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Community Rating:Loved
Water. It's the most common cosmetic ingredient of all. You'll usually see it at the top of ingredient lists, meaning that it makes up the largest part of the product.
So why is it so popular? Water most often acts as a solvent - this means that it helps dissolve other ingredients into the formulation.
You'll also recognize water as that liquid we all need to stay alive. Talk about multi-purpose! If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about WaterPaula's Choice Clinical Niacinamide 20% Treatment contains this asingredient number1.
La Roche-Posay 10% Pure Niacinamide Serum contains this asingredient number1.
2
What it does:Smoothing
Community Rating:Loved
Niacinamide has emerged as an all-star ingredient due to its many benefits.
It is known to treat acne by reducing inflammation. It also helps fade dark-spots and strengthen the skin by promoting the growth of the ceramide barrier.
Other benefits include smoothing wrinkles and minimizing redness.
The cherry on top? Niacinamide can also help build keratin, a protein that keeps skin firm.
When incorporating niacinamide into your routine, look out for concentration amounts. Typically, 5% niacinamide provides benefits such as fading dark spots. However, if you have sensitive skin, it is better to begin with a smaller concentration.
Niacinamide can be mixed with other ingredients to boost benefits. For instance, it has shown to be effective when used with copper, folic acid, and zinc to treat acne.
Learn more about NiacinamidePaula's Choice Clinical Niacinamide 20% Treatment contains this asingredient number2.
La Roche-Posay 10% Pure Niacinamide Serum contains this asingredient number2.
3
What it does:Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Solvent
Community Rating:Loved
Glycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.
A study from 2016 found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.
As a humectant, it helps the skin stay hydrated by pulling moisture to your skin. The low molecular weight of glycerin allows it to pull moisture into the deeper layers of your skin.
Hydrated skin improves your skin barrier; Your skin barrier helps protect against irritants and bacteria.
Glycerin has also been found to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Due to these properties, glycerin is often used in wound and burn treatments.
In cosmetics, glycerin is usually derived from plants such as soybean or palm. However, it can also be sourced from animals, such as tallow or animal fat.
This ingredient is organic, colorless, odorless, and non-toxic.
Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.
Learn more about GlycerinPaula's Choice Clinical Niacinamide 20% Treatment contains this asingredient number5.
La Roche-Posay 10% Pure Niacinamide Serum contains this asingredient number3.
4
What it does:Emulsifying, Emulsion Stabilising, Gel Forming, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating:Disliked
Xanthan gum is used as a stabilizer and thickener within cosmetic products. It helps give products a sticky, thick feeling - preventing them from being too runny.
On the technical side of things, xanthan gum is a polysaccharide - a combination consisting of multiple sugar molecules bonded together.
Xanthan gum is a pretty common and great ingredient. It is a natural, non-toxic, non-irritating ingredient that is also commonly used in food products.
Learn more about Xanthan GumPaula's Choice Clinical Niacinamide 20% Treatment contains this asingredient number20.
La Roche-Posay 10% Pure Niacinamide Serum contains this asingredient number22.
5
What it does:Preservative
Community Rating:Very Disliked
Phenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent germ and microbial growth. By itself, it has a scent that is similar to that of a rose.
It's often used in formulations along with Caprylyl Glycol to preserve the shelf life of products.
Paula's Choice Clinical Niacinamide 20% Treatment contains this asingredient number24.
La Roche-Posay 10% Pure Niacinamide Serum contains this asingredient number26.
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.
Paula's ChoiceClinical Niacinamide 20% Treatment25 ingredients
La Roche-Posay10% Pure Niacinamide Serum29 ingredients
56%are loved or liked
12%have mixed ratings
20%are disliked or very disliked
12%have no rating yet
24%are loved or liked
3%have mixed ratings
59%are disliked or very disliked
14%have no rating yet
Usage
Here's some more info on how this product is used by our community.
When to use
Paula's ChoiceClinical Niacinamide 20% Treatment25 ingredients
La Roche-Posay10% Pure Niacinamide Serum29 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Paula's ChoiceClinical Niacinamide 20% Treatment25 ingredients
Clinical Niacinamide 20% Treatment hasn't been rated yet.
Rate it nowLa Roche-Posay10% Pure Niacinamide Serum29 ingredients
3.0/5
from 3 reviews
Dec 14, 2023
I applied a small amount to a dark spot. The next day I woke up with an inflamed cystic acne that just appeared out of nowhere. Looking at the ingredients now I am not surprised. Very disappointing, why do they make formulas like this???
I applied a small amount to a dark spot. The next day I woke up with an inflamed cystic acne that just appeared out of nowhere. Looking at the ingredients now I am not surprised. Very disappointing, why do they make formulas like this???
Broke Me Out
Doesn't Work
Alternatives
Our Dupe Finder hasfound 22potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to Paula's Choice Clinical Niacinamide 20% Treatment.
Our Dupe Finder hasfound 28potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to La Roche-Posay 10% Pure Niacinamide Serum.
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