Paula's Choice C15 Super Booster
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Formulation Summary
A 15% L-ascorbic acid booster serum that combines the CE Ferulic antioxidant trio with two peptides and hyaluronic acid. The updated formula adds ergothioneine (a rare amino acid antioxidant) and rice bran extract. Positioned as a premium vitamin C treatment that goes beyond basic CE Ferulic by including collagen-stimulating peptides. Designed to be used alone or mixed into other products.
Paula's Choice builds on the standard CE Ferulic framework by adding two collagen-stimulating peptides (Tridecapeptide-1 and Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5). The 15% L-ascorbic acid matches SkinCeuticals' concentration. Ferulic acid and tocopherol provide the synergistic antioxidant support. Ergothioneine is an uncommon antioxidant that protects against UV-induced damage. The formula uses bisabolol for soothing and panthenol for barrier support. The 'booster' format means it can be applied directly or mixed with moisturizer.
Quick Facts
Designed For
- •Those seeking a CE Ferulic serum with added peptide benefits
- •Users who want collagen stimulation from both vitamin C and peptides
- •People who prefer mixing a vitamin C booster into their existing products
- •Prestige skincare shoppers who want the formula at Sephora
- •Users comfortable with 15% L-ascorbic acid concentration
May Not Suit
- •Budget-conscious shoppers ($55 for 20ml is premium pricing)
- •Users with sensitive skin who cannot tolerate 15% L-ascorbic acid
- •Those who prefer a larger bottle (20ml is small for daily full-face use)
- •People who want a stable vitamin C that will not oxidize
Key Ingredients
| Ingredient | Concentration | Function |
|---|---|---|
| L-Ascorbic Acid | 15%brand-confirmed | Pure vitamin C at 15%, the same concentration as SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic. Research supports this as the optimal balance between efficacy and tolerability. Provides antioxidant protection, brightening, and collagen stimulation. |
| Ferulic Acid | — | Plant-derived antioxidant that stabilizes L-ascorbic acid and doubles the photoprotective benefit of the CE combination. Essential to the CE Ferulic approach. |
| Tocopherol (Vitamin E) | — | Fat-soluble antioxidant that completes the CE Ferulic trio. Provides synergistic photoprotection with vitamin C and ferulic acid. |
| Tridecapeptide-1 / Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5 | — | Two collagen-stimulating peptides. Tridecapeptide-1 is a growth factor-like peptide. Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5 signals skin to produce collagen. These add a firmness component beyond what basic CE Ferulic serums offer. |
| Ergothioneine | — | A naturally occurring amino acid antioxidant found in mushrooms. Research supports its ability to protect against UV-induced oxidative stress. An uncommon ingredient in skincare that adds a novel antioxidant layer. |
The Formulation Explained
CE Ferulic plus peptides
This formula combines the proven CE Ferulic combination with two collagen-stimulating peptides. Most CE Ferulic serums stop at the three core antioxidants. Adding peptides targets collagen production through a separate signaling pathway. This makes the booster both an antioxidant and a firmness treatment.
Ergothioneine as novel antioxidant
Ergothioneine is a naturally occurring amino acid found in mushrooms with potent antioxidant properties. It accumulates in tissues exposed to oxidative stress. Research shows it protects against UV-induced damage. Its inclusion is a differentiator from other CE Ferulic serums that rely solely on the vitamin C, E, and ferulic trio.
Booster format
The 'booster' designation means this product is designed to be versatile. It can be applied directly to skin or mixed into a moisturizer or other serum. The thin consistency and small bottle (20ml) support this use case. However, mixing with other products dilutes the active concentrations.
Oxidation remains a challenge
Despite the ferulic acid and additional antioxidants, the L-ascorbic acid still oxidizes over time. Some users report receiving bottles that are already slightly oxidized. Paula's Choice uses opaque packaging to slow this process. Refrigeration is recommended after opening.
Ingredients to Know
Penetration enhancer and solvent. Listed fourth. The same ingredient used by SkinCeuticals and Timeless in their CE Ferulic formulas.
Chamomile-derived soothing agent. Helps calm potential irritation from the 15% L-ascorbic acid.
Sugar alcohol used as a humectant and stabilizer. Helps protect vitamin C from oxidation in the formula.
Antioxidant-rich botanical. Contains ferulic acid naturally. Adds to the overall antioxidant profile.
User Feedback Patterns
Full INCI List
26 ingredients · Click "Show full list" to view
About Paula's Choice
Paula's Choice discloses the 15% L-ascorbic acid concentration. Full INCI lists are provided with ingredient function descriptions. The brand maintains a searchable ingredient dictionary on their website. Concentrations for ferulic acid, vitamin E, and peptides are not individually disclosed.
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Sources
- • https://www.paulaschoice.com/c15-super-booster/777.html
- • https://incidecoder.com/products/paulas-choice-c15-super-booster-updated-formula
- • https://skinsort.com/products/paula-s-choice/c15-super-booster
- • https://www.sephora.com/product/paula-s-choice-c15-vitamin-c-super-booster-P469506
- • https://www.noteddermatology.com/blog/paulas-choice-c15-super-booster-review
Last updated: 2026-03
Rating Scales
Comedogenicity (0-5)
Likelihood of clogging pores. 0 = won't clog, 1-2 = low, 3 = moderate, 4-5 = high.
Irritancy (0-5)
Potential for skin irritation. 0 = non-irritating, 1-2 = low, 3 = moderate, 4-5 = high.
Ratings based on published ingredient studies. Individual reactions may vary.