Compare Products: Clinical Niacinamide 20% Treatment vs Lipid Gold

Paula's Choice

Clinical Niacinamide 20% Treatment

Mid-range20%
$55 / 20ml — $2.75/ml
Stratia

Lipid Gold

Mid-range4%
$29 / 50ml — $0.58/ml

Who It's Designed For

Paula's Choice
  • Stubborn enlarged or sagging pores that haven't responded to 10% niacinamide
  • Orange-peel texture and rough, bumpy skin
  • Sebaceous hyperplasia
  • Advanced pore concerns related to aging or sun damage
  • Post-acne marks and uneven texture
Stratia
  • Dehydrated or over-exfoliated skin
  • Retinoid users seeking barrier support
  • Oily-dehydrated combination skin
  • Rosacea or perioral dermatitis (noted in brand communications)

Key Ingredients

Paula's Choice

Niacinamide (20%), Ascorbyl Glucoside (Vitamin C), Meadowsweet Extract

Stratia

Niacinamide (4%), Ceramides (NP, AP, EOP), Cholesterol, Sea Buckthorn Oil, Rosehip Oil

Product Composition

23% similarity (10 ingredients in common)

Shared Ingredients
water (aqua)niacinamideglycerinacetyl glucosaminecamellia japonica flower extractcamellia sinensis (green tea) leaf extractpanthenolxanthan gumsodium phytateethylhexylglycerin
Only in Paula's Choice (15)
pentylene glycolbutylene glycolascorbyl glucosideglycyrrhiza glabra (licorice) root extractspiraea ulmaria (meadowsweet) extractportulaca oleracea (purslane) extractepigallocatechin gallateboerhavia diffusa root extractallantoinlecithinpullulansilicasclerotium gumpropanediolphenoxyethanol
Only in Stratia (19)
propylene glycolethoxydiglycolpolyglyceryl-3 methylglucose distearaterosa mosqueta (rose) hip oilhippophae rhamnoides (sea buckthorn) seed oilhippophae rhamnoides (sea buckthorn) fruit oildimethiconesqualane (olive-derived)vaccinium macrocarpon (cranberry) seed oiltocopherolceramide npceramide apceramide eopphytosphingosinecholesterolcarbomerdiazolidinyl ureamethylparabenpropylparaben

User Feedback Patterns

Paula's Choice
More effective than 10% for stubborn concerns

Users who found the 10% booster insufficient often report better results with this formula, particularly for aging-related pore concerns and textural issues.

Texture and feel

The gel texture feels slightly oily to some users before it dries down. Some report a tacky feel or that it takes time to absorb. Most find it works well under moisturizer.

Potential irritation at high concentration

Some users report sensitivity, flushing, or irritation — especially if used daily from the start. Several reviewers recommend using every other day initially or finding 10% sufficient.

Gradual, cumulative results

Like the 10% booster, results are typically seen over weeks of consistent use rather than immediately. Some users report noticeable improvement within 1-2 weeks; others need longer.

Stratia
Delayed reaction

Some users report initial success followed by breakouts after 2+ weeks of daily use. A subset found success by reducing frequency.

Cross-reactivity

Users who report reactions to Dr. Jart Ceramidin or products with olive-derived squalane sometimes report similar issues with Lipid Gold.

Individual sensitivity

Some individuals react to ingredients well-tolerated by most. Cetyl Alcohol or other ingredients may be factors.

View Full Product Details

Related Comparisons