C15 Super Booster

C15 Super Booster’s improved formula delivers high-potency vitamin C with minimized irritation. New technology targets dullness and uneven tone for a firmer, more radiant complexion with the addition of ergothioneine to boost efficacy for advanced results. Ferulic acid defends against discoloration and boosts 15% vitamin C’s stability.

Diminishes visible signs of aging for brighter, smoother skin with an exclusive blend of 15% stabilized vitamin C (l-ascorbic acid) at a pH range of 3.1–3.5, potent antioxidants ferulic acid, ergothioneine, vitamin E and skin-smoothing peptides. You'll see younger-looking and more radiant skin with each use.

Smooth 2-3 drops all over face & neck. Use on its own or add to your favorite serum or moisturizer. Up to 60 uses for full-size 0.67 fl. oz. bottle.

Key Ingredients: Ascorbic Acid, Ferulic Acid, Ergothioneine, Tridecapeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5

All Ingredients: Aqua/Water/Eau (Solvent | Good), Ascorbic Acid (Antioxidant, pH Adjuster/Stabilizer | Best), Glycerin (Humectant, Texture Enhancer, Solvent | Best), Ethoxydiglycol (Solvent, Texture Enhancer | Good), PPG-26-Buteth-26 (Cleansing Agent, Emulsifier | Good), Mannitol (Humectant | Good), Tridecapeptide-1 (Peptides | Best), Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5 (Peptides | Best), Ergothioneine (Antioxidant | Best), Sodium Hyaluronate (Humectant, Antioxidant | Best), Pentylene Glycol (Humectant, Solvent, Preservative | Good), PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil (Plant Extracts, Emollient, Texture Enhancer | Good), Bisabolol (Plant Extracts, Antioxidant | Best), Sodium Gluconate (Chelating Agent, Humectant | Good), Decylene Glycol (Humectant | Good), Ferulic Acid (Antioxidant, Plant Extracts | Best), Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Extract (Humectant, Antioxidant, Chelating Agent | Best), Tocopherol (Antioxidant | Best), Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6 (Texture Enhancer, pH Adjuster/Stabilizer | Good), 1, 2-Hexanediol (Preservative, Humectant, Solvent, Texture Enhancer | Good), Panthenol (Humectant, Solvent | Best), Sodium Phytate (Chelating Agent | Good), Sodium Hydroxide (pH Adjuster/Stabilizer | Average), Citric Acid (pH Adjuster/Stabilizer, Chelating Agent | Good), Phenoxyethanol (Preservative | Good)

Ingredient Spotlight:

• Ascorbic Acid: Pure vitamin C, the primary antioxidant in skin. Works as an antioxidant, dullness brightener, wrinkle-reducer, and helps fade discolorations. Technical name for pure vitamin C; Can help improve wrinkles + discolorations; Helps boost sunscreen effectiveness
• Ferulic Acid: Superstar antioxidant that defends skin from environmental assault + sun damage, while also helping stabilize other antioxidants in a formula. Also helps contribute to more even skin tone. Helps defend skin from signs of sun damage; Improves stability + efficacy of other antioxidants; Can help fight discolorations
• Ergothioneine: Potent, mushroom-derived antioxidant that boosts skin’s environmental defenses and ability to look younger in multiple ways. Helps skin look younger in multiple ways; Helps fade signs of discoloration; Offers soothing benefits
• Tridecapeptide-1: Tridecapeptide-1 is a synthetic peptide that has a documented wrinkle-smoothing effect that works within minutes. Helps improve the appearance of wrinkles; Can also visibly improve rough texture; Has benefits immediately and over time
• Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5: Anti-aging peptide proven to visibly impact wrinkles, firmness, and rough texture for smoother, younger-looking skin. Synthetic tripeptide proven to help aging skin; Improves the look of fine lines and wrinkles; Encourages a firmer look and feel

Molecules, February 2023, pages 1–20
Antioxidants, August 2022, pages 1–18
Pharmaceuticals, July 2021, pages 1–22
American Academy of Dermatology, July 2008, pages 418-425
Fitoterapia, September 2010, pages 208–211
Skin Research and Technology, December 2007, pages 376–380
Journal of Investigative Dermatology, October 2005, pages 826–832

Is the C15 Super Booster good for breakout-prone skin?

Yes, the skin-lovingbenefits of vitamin Cplus key antioxidants in this booster support healthy skin which in turn may eliminate some of the triggers that drive acne. These ingredients can also help fadepost-breakout marks.

Is the C15 Super Booster good for rosacea or sensitive skin?

Yes, most people with sensitive skin can use vitamin C safely. The amount of vitamin C (15%) in C15 Super Booster is potent, but the formula is suitable for sensitive skin because of the additional skin-soothing ingredients and extra formulary steps taken to ensure its stability and gentleness. Vitamin C isn’t known to cause skin irritation, but if you notice dryness, redness or stinging, we recommend reducing application frequency, or mixing 2-3 drops into your other serums or non-SPF moisturizer. If you've experienced sensitization to higher amounts of vitamin C, we recommend you consider ourC5 Super Boost Moisturizerwhich contains 5% vitamin C.

Is the effectiveness of the C15 Super Booster reduced if I mix it with other products?

No. The formula was designed to complement the ingredients in ourserumsand non-SPFmoisturizers. We recommend you just don’t mix it into your sunscreen because mixing any non-SPF skin care product with sunscreens can reduce their effectiveness against UV rays.

Are there any products or ingredients the C15 Super Booster cannot be used with?

The only ingredients you shouldn’t use with vitamin C are copper peptides. Copper peptides can oxidize pure vitamin C, making it less effective on skin. When using vitamin C andcopper peptidesin your routine, we recommend using one in the morning and the other at night to ensure maximum effectiveness. Aside from this exception, you can typically use vitamin C along with other ingredients such vitamins, antioxidants, AHA, BHA and more.

Can you combine vitamin C and retinol?

Yes, research shows thatvitamin C and retinolwork well together to deliver radiant, smooth skin while defending against environmental damage, especially when applied under sunscreen. When combined in the same formula, vitamin C helps to stabilize retinol, prolonging its potency so this proven anti-aging ingredient works better longer.

Can you combine niacinamide and vitamin C?

Yes,niacinamide and vitamin Care complementary antioxidants and research supports using them together, whether in the same product or layered in separate steps. This pairing helps visibly improve dullness, uneven tone, loss of firmness and the look of fine lines, giving skin a healthier, more youthful appearance.

What is the difference between the C15 Super Booster and the 25% Vitamin C + Glutathione Clinical Serum?

The C15 Super Booster contains 15% pure ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and is a great option for anyone who wants a daily dose of vitamin C to help fortify skin and improve minor skin discoloration or dullness. It can be used alone or mixed into your favorite serum or non-SPF moisturizer. The25% Vitamin C + Glutathione Clinical Serumcontains two vitamin C esters: 23% tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate and 2% ascorbyl glucoside and is best suited for those with advanced concerns related to discolorations, uneven skin tone and lack of firmness. Each product can be used on its own or in combination with one another (e.g., C15 during the day and 25% Vitamin C at night). Whether to use one or both will depend on your primary concerns and tolerance for these ingredients. We suggest experimenting to see what works best for your skin. As with all bioactive ingredients, start slowly and increase use as desired/needed.

What’s the difference between a booster and a serum?

Whileboosters and serumsboth deliver impressive results, there are a couple of things to consider when it comes to how to choose a vitamin C serum. A booster is designed for targeted concentration, while a serum offers a balanced blend of multiple skin-benefiting ingredients. For example, our C15 Super Booster provides 15% pure vitamin C (ascorbic acid) and can be applied alone or mixed into your serum or non-SPF moisturizer for a powerful boost. Our 25% Vitamin C Serum combines vitamin C with other antioxidants, skin-replenishing and skin-restoring ingredients for comprehensive care. Many find using both—the booster for potency and the serum for all-around benefits, delivers optimal results.

When to use vitamin C booster in my skin care routine?

There are two ways to use a vitamin C booster in your skin care routine. Apply on its own after cleansing, toning and exfoliating—before other treatments or moisturizer, or mix it into your other treatment products or non-SPF moisturizer and apply as a single step. The vitamin C booster can be applied morning or night, up to twice daily if your skin tolerates it well. If preferred, adjust frequency based on your skin’s response.

Is the vitamin C in C15 Super Booster safe during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?

Yes, all forms of vitamin C used in skin care, including ascorbic acid, which is in C15 Super Booster, are generally considered safe during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. However, if you’re uncertain about using any new skin care product or ingredient, check with your physician and follow their advice. For additional information on this topic, be sure to review our article aboutwhich skin care products are safe during pregnancy.

Does C15 Super Booster have a noticeable scent?

While Paula's Choice products are fragrance-free, each product may have a unique scent due to its ingredients. While our team worked to improve the scent of this formula, our new and improved C15 Super Booster may have a noticeable scent to some due to the combination of ingredients it contains. This scent dissipates quickly after application. The perception of smell can vary greatly between individuals, so what one person notices, another may not notice at all. Many customers find that they quickly get used to the unique scents of Paula's Choice products and that the benefits outweigh any potential drawbacks. Learn more aboutfragrance-free skin care.

How does the packaging of the C15 Super Booster keep the product stable?

To protect the potency of the formula, we've opted for a UV coated glass container (to shield from light) and an internal restrictor which drastically reduces airflow per use. In rigorous testing, these packaging safeguards proved adequate at preserving the effectiveness of the vitamin C and other key ingredients in this formula for a period of three months once opened.

My C15 Super Booster has changed color. Is it still okay to use?

The C15 Super Booster can range from a clear to pale peach and even amber tone. This variation is normal and doesn’t affect its effectiveness. Vitamin C products like the C15 Super Booster tend to darken over time after opening due to exposure to air and light. This darkening doesn’t mean it’s spoiled, but it does indicate a decrease in potency. We recommend using your unopened C15 Super Booster within 18 months (shelf life) of purchase. Once opened, use it within three months (PAO) for optimal effectiveness. If your C15 Super Booster turns dark orange or brown along with a noticeable texture change, it’s a sign that the vitamin C has degraded significantly and it’s time to replace it for full benefits. Tip: use a Sharpie-type marker to write the date of opening on the bottom of the bottle. To learn more about the C15 Super Booster color changes, visit ourHelp Centerarticle.