C5 Super Boost Eye Cream

Eye area concerns of dark circles, puffiness and lines require more than just one potent ingredient to see results. That's why we combined science’s leading bioactive ingredients to deliver multi-level repair and discoloration-fighting power into one easy-yet-luxe step for a younger-looking eye area.

The packaging for the full sized product is 18% recycled plastic (by weight).

This light-yet-creamy eye treatment’s key ingredients work together to visibly diminish dark circles and other under-eye concerns. First, stabilized 5% vitamin C goes to work to counteract the free-radical damage known to cause dullness, discoloration and fine lines. Then, zerumbone, a concentrated form of ginger extract, specifically improves under-eye discoloration and puffiness. Last, a firming blend of peptides and hyaluronic acid helps prevent further signs of aging.

Once or twice daily, apply to the under-eye area, avoiding the lash line, using a gentle patting motion. For daytime, always finish with SPF 30+.

Note: Some people may be sensitive to vitamin C. Pay close attention to how your skin responds and adjust usage accordingly. Do not use on compromised, sensitized skin.

If sensitization occurs (redness, flaking, tenderness, or drying of skin), reduce frequency of use or mix one pump of the C5 Super Boost Eye Cream with your favorite Paula’s Choice serum or PM moisturizer. If sensitization persists, discontinue use.

Key Ingredients: 3-O Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Zerumbone, Sh-Polypeptide-121

All Ingredients: Water (Solvent | Good), Dicaprylyl Carbonate (Emollient, Solvent | Good), Glycerin (Humectant, Texture Enhancer, Solvent | Best), Triheptanoin (Emollient | Good), Ascorbyl Glucoside (Antioxidant | Best), 3-O Ethyl Ascorbic Acid (Antioxidant | Best), Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer (Suspending/Dispersing Agent, Texture Enhancer, Polymer | Good), Arachidyl Alcohol (Emollient, Texture Enhancer | Good), Cetearyl Alcohol (Texture Enhancer, Emollient | Good), C13-15 Alkane (Solvent | Good), Ascorbyl Palmitate (Antioxidant | Best), Sh-Polypeptide-121 (Peptides | Best), Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 (Peptides, Humectant | Best), Hyaluronic Acid (Humectant, Antioxidant, Texture Enhancer | Best), Zerumbone (Antioxidant, Plant Extracts | Best), Bacillus Ferment (Humectant, Peptides, Prebiotic/Probiotic/Postbiotic | Best), Tocopherol (Antioxidant | Best), Tocopheryl Acetate (Antioxidant | Best), Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter) Unsaponifiables (Emollient, Antioxidant | Best), Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Extract (Humectant, Antioxidant, Chelating Agent | Best), Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract (Plant Extracts, Antioxidant | Good), Helianthus Annuus Sunflower Seed Extract (Antioxidant, Plant Extracts | Best), Hydrogenated Lecithin (Emollient, Emulsifier, Suspending/Dispersing Agent | Best), Cetearyl Olivate (Emulsifier, Texture Enhancer | Good), Sorbitan Olivate (Cleansing Agent, Emulsifier | Good), Behenyl Alcohol (Texture Enhancer, pH Adjuster/Stabilizer | Good), Arachidyl Glucoside (Cleansing Agent, Emulsifier | Good), Propanediol (Solvent, Texture Enhancer | Good), Butylene Glycol (Humectant, Texture Enhancer | Good), Cetyl Alcohol (Texture Enhancer, Emollient, Emulsifier | Good), Sodium Phytate (Chelating Agent | Good), Sodium Citrate (pH Adjuster/Stabilizer, Chelating Agent, Antioxidant, Preservative | Good), Citric Acid (pH Adjuster/Stabilizer, Chelating Agent | Good), Sodium Metabisulfite (Preservative, Antioxidant, Irritant | Average), Phenoxyethanol (Preservative | Good), Caprylyl Glycol (Preservative, Plant Extracts | Good), Ethylhexylglycerin (Preservative, Humectant | Good), Hexylene Glycol (Solvent, Texture Enhancer | Good), Sodium Hydroxide (pH Adjuster/Stabilizer | Average)

Ingredient Spotlight:

• 3-O Ethyl Ascorbic Acid: This potent antioxidant is a highly stable form of vitamin C that improves skin tone, helps fade discolorations, and visibly firms skin. A more stable derivative of pure vitamin C; Capable of helping fade dark spots; Has water- and oil-soluble properties
• Ascorbyl Glucoside: Stable, water-soluble form of vitamin C that brightens dull skin and fades discolorations. Stable form of vitamin C easily penetrates skin; Brightening benefits enhanced by niacinamide; Helps improve skin’s environmental defenses
• Ascorbyl Palmitate: Stable, oil-soluble form of vitamin C that works as an antioxidant and helps stabilize skin care formulas. Made by combining ascorbic acid with palmitic acid; Has a powerful synergy with vitamin E; Exhibits antioxidant benefits
• Zerumbone: Specially extracted component of ginger stems shown to reduce the major types of dark circles and offer potent antioxidant benefits. Extracted from the stems of fully grown wild ginger; Shown to visibly reduce multiple types of dark circles; Soothing action calms skin and reduces the look of puffy eyes
• Sh-Polypeptide-121: This bio-identical single chain peptide plays a role in helping to shore up skin’s underlying support, smoothing wrinkles and improving resilience, among other benefits. Helps improve the look of wrinkles; Aids in boosting skin’s resilience; Soothing properties

Dermatology and Therapy, August 2021, pages 1,385–1,394
La Clinica Terepeutica, November-December 2020, pages e539–e548
International Journal of Pharmaceutics, December 2019, pages 1–9
Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity, November 2019, pages 1–14
International Journal of Molecular Sciences, October 2018, pages 1–17
Nutrients, August 2017, pages 1–27
Journal of Applied Microbiology, February 2017, pages 450–461
European Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, February 2015, pages 27–35
European Journal of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics, July 2003, pages 59–66

What types of vitamin C does the C5 Super Boost Eye Cream contain?

The C5 Super Boost Eye Cream contains 3 forms of vitamin C at different concentrations: ascorbyl glucoside at 2%, 3-O ethyl ascorbic acid at 2%, and ascorbyl palmitate at 1%. The 3-O form of vitamin C is both water- and oil-soluble, while ascorbyl glucoside and ascorbyl palmitate are water-soluble, so you get a multi-level vitamin C deposit within the skin to brighten dullness, visibly firm and help fend off aging free-radical damage.

What’s the difference between the C5 Super Boost Eye Cream and other Paula’s Choice eye creams?

The C5 Super Boost Eye Cream is our only eye-area formula with a blend of firming vitamin C, bio-active peptides and plant-derived ingredients to immediately improve dark circles, puffiness and dullness and also target the underlying factors that lead to them. Texture-wise, C5 is a lightweight cream that isn’t as thick as our RESIST or Omega+ eye creams, but is more emollient than our CLINICAL eye cream, whose blend of vitamin C, retinol and ceramides is best for deep wrinkles and more advanced loss of firmness. Note: It's perfectly fine to mix and match Paula's Choice eye creams. You can use one eye cream in the morning and another in the evening to meet your specific needs. We suggest experimenting to see which product or combination works best.

Is it OK to apply the C5 Super Boost Eye Cream during the day?

Yes, you can apply C5 Super Boost Eye Cream during the day. In fact, the vitamin C in this product will help to further protect your skin from daily environmental stressors and free radicals. Just remember to follow with a sunscreen rated SPF 30 or greater. Mineral sunscreens such as our DEFENSE Essential Glow Moisturizer SPF 30 are a great option.

What's the difference between the C5 Super Boost Moisturizer and the C5 Super Boost Eye Cream?

While both the C5 Super Boost Moisturizer and the C5 Super Boost Eye Cream offer a robust yet gentle mix of water- and oil-soluble forms of vitamin C plus bio-active ingredients that brighten, improve uneven skin tone and fortify skin’s barrier, the eye cream is a specialized treatment that targets multiple types of undereye darkness as well as wrinkles. The ginger-derived zerumbone helps to minimize multiple forms of discolorations, while the targeted peptide blend including sh-polypeptide-121 and acetyl hexapeptide-8 join forces with vitamin C to support substances in skin that help keep the eye area smoother and plumper.

Can I layer the C5 Super Boost Eye Cream with the C5 Super Boost Moisturizer?

Yes, you can layer both C5 Super Boost products. In fact, you will see enhanced results without irritation since the forms of vitamin C in the C5 Super Boost Moisturizer and Eye Cream don’t have the same low pH requirements as pure ascorbic acid. You’ll also get better free-radical protection and environmental defense, plus improvements in discolorations, wrinkles and loss of firmness.

Can I use C5 Super Boost Eye Cream with other vitamin C serums, boosters and products?

Yes, you can use the C5 Super Eye Cream with other vitamin C skin care products. Layer boosters, serums and treatments in order from thinnest to thickest texture first, then apply the C5 Super Boost Eye Cream. You can also cocktail the products together by mixing the right amount of each in your hand, combining them and applying in one step. As with all skin care, there's no one-size-fits-all approach, so we encourage experimenting to find what works best for you. By combining vitamin C products, you get better free-radical protection and environmental defense, plus improvements in the look of discolorations, wrinkles and loss of firmness. Try using them in the morning, always following with SPF.

Does this work well under makeup?

Yes, C5 Super Boost Eye Cream works well under makeup. This formula is hydrating enough to combat under-eye dryness, so makeup applies smoothly, but lightweight enough that makeup stays put instead of slipping around.

Is this okay for sensitive skin?

Yes, C5 Super Boost Eye Cream is okay for sensitive skin. It contains no fragrance, essential oils nor other ingredients that can irritate sensitive skin. Plus, the forms of vitamin C it contains are highly stable and well-tolerated by all skin types.

Does this have a noticeable scent?

C5 Super Boost Eye Cream is 100% fragrance free and has no noticeable scent.

Can vitamin C be applied under eyes?

Yes, vitamin C can (and should) be applied under eyes. This powerful antioxidant helps several common under-eye concerns, including brightening dullness, hydrating and visibly softening fine lines and wrinkles.