The hero ingredient in this innovative moisturizer is vitamin C, a research-supported antioxidant that does so much more than brighten tone. On its own, it can visibly firm, counteract free-radical damage and support some of skin’s most essential functions. When joined with barrier-repairing ingredients like peptides and lipids, it can also help bind in moisture for a supple, youthful complexion.

2023 EH! Beauty Awards 2023 Skin Category - Best Brightening Moisturizer

This lightweight moisturizer superboosts hydration, evenness and radiance with a blend of powerful ingredients. First, 5% stabilized vitamin C visibly lifts dullness and promotes firmness by fighting free-radical damage. Then, hexapeptide-5, lipids and polyglutamic acid strengthen the moisture barrier for lasting hydration over time.

Once or twice daily, apply a small amount to face and neck. For daytime, always finish with SPF 30+.

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Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, July 2021, pages 194–202
Journal of Food Biochemistry, June 2021, ePublication
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Nanomaterials, August 2020, pages 1–13
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ACS Open, July 2017, pages 3,989–3,996
Indian Journal of Dermatology, May-June 2016, pages 279–297
Saudi Journal of Biological Sciences, April 2014, pages 153–158

Key Ingredients
3-O Ethyl Ascorbic Acid⁠, Ascorbyl Glucoside⁠, Squalane⁠, Acetyl sh Hexapeptide 5 Amide Acetate⁠, Acetyl Zingerone⁠

All Ingredients
Water⁠, Dicaprylyl Carbonate⁠, 3-O Ethyl Ascorbic Acid⁠, Dimethicone⁠, Butylene Glycol⁠, Polyglyceryl-6 Distearate⁠, Ascorbyl Glucoside⁠, Squalane⁠, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer⁠, Acetyl sh Hexapeptide 5 Amide Acetate⁠, Citrullus Lanatus (Watermelon) Seed Oil ⁠, Hydrogenated Lecithin⁠, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter⁠, Hydrogenated Phosphatidylcholine⁠, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate⁠, Sodium Hyaluronate⁠, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Extract⁠, Propanediol⁠, Jojoba Esters⁠, Tocopherol⁠, Acetyl Zingerone⁠, Cetyl Palmitate⁠, Caprylyl Glycol⁠, Cetyl Alcohol⁠, Polyglyceryl-3 Beeswax⁠, Sodium Hydroxide⁠, Sorbitan Olivate⁠,  Sorbitan Palmitate⁠, Helianthus Annuus Sunflower Seed Extract⁠, Ethylhexylglycerin⁠, Hexylene Glycol⁠, Sodium Phytate⁠, Polysorbate 60⁠, Sorbitan Isostearate⁠, Lecithin⁠, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract⁠, Glycine Soja Oil⁠, Lysolecithin⁠, Bacillus Ferment⁠, Citric Acid⁠, Polyglutamic Acid⁠, Beta-Sitosterol⁠, Phytic Acid⁠, Squalene⁠, Phenoxyethanol⁠, Sodium Benzoate⁠, Potassium Sorbate⁠

What types of vitamin C are used in C5 Super Boost Moisturizer?

The C5 Super Boost Moisturizer is made with two highly stable types of vitamin C: 3-O ethyl ascorbic acid (3%) and ascorbyl glucoside (2%). The 3-O form is both water- and oil-soluble, while ascorbyl glucoside is water-soluble. Together, they deliver multi-level vitamin C benefits. Skin converts 3-O ethyl ascorbic acid and ascorbyl glucoside to L-ascorbic acid, the most research-backed form of vitamin C. L-ascorbic acid helps fight off free radicals and external stressors, lessening the aging impact of both.

Why did we choose to use these two forms of vitamin C vs. L-ascorbic acid?

We chose these types of vitamin C because of their stability, efficacy, and global regulatory compliance which helps ensure we can offer these amazing products to Paula’s Choice customers around the world. They’re both highly stable and work on all skin types, including those who tend to be a bit sensitive to our other vitamin C products.

Is C5 Super Boost Moisturizer suitable for rosacea-prone or sensitive skin?

Yes, the C5 Super Boost Moisturizer is suitable for rosacea-prone and sensitive skin, but we recommend starting slow and using it 2-3 times per week in case you experience any redness or sensitivity. Let skin adjust to the new product, then work your way up.

Is C5 Super Boost Moisturizer good for acne-prone skin?

Yes, C5 Super Boost Moisturizer is suitable for acne-prone skin, especially when used as part of a complete anti-acne skin care routine.

Can you use two products with vitamin C at the same time?

Yes, you can use two or more vitamin C formulas together. For example, you can use C5 Super Boost Moisturizer with other vitamin C skin care products. By combining vitamin C products, you get better free-radical protection and environmental defense, plus improvements in discolorations, wrinkles and loss of firmness. Try using them in the morning, always following with SPF.

Can you use this vitamin C cream under and around your eyes?

Yes, C5 Super Boost Moisturizer is safe to use under and around your eyes, but we recommend avoiding eyelids and along the lower lash line.

Can you use vitamin C with other active ingredients like retinol or peptides?

Research shows that vitamin C works even better with other active ingredients like niacinamide, retinol, peptides and AHA/BHA. Here are a few of our favorite combos:

Vitamin C + Retinol: Retinol (in the form of retinyl palmitate) and vitamin C (ascorbic acid) are naturally present in skin, where they work together to keep it healthy. Vitamin C and retinol can coexist and maintain their benefits in a single formula, or they may be formulated separately and layered.

Vitamin C + Peptides: Ascorbic acid plays well with almost all peptides, working to protect skin and help visibly repair damage. The only exception: copper peptides. These tend to oxidize ascorbic acid, making it less effective on skin. When using vitamin C and copper peptides in your routine, we recommend using one in the morning and the other at night to ensure maximum effectiveness.

Vitamin C + Niacinamide: Together, vitamin C and niacinamide form a powerhouse combo that addresses uneven tone, wrinkles, loss of firmness and dullness. All skin types will see radiant, smooth, more even, and younger-looking skin when pairing these two ingredients.

Vitamin C + AHA/BHA: The exfoliating action of AHA or BHA sheds buildup of dead cells to help vitamin C sink into skin better. Using AHA/BHA before vitamin C helps it be more effective.