water-filters
C15 Super Booster
The C15 Super Booster is a highly sophisticated 15% Vitamin C serum that includes Ergothioneine and specialized peptides to enhance the antioxidant network. It is specifically formulated to be used alone or mixed into other moisturizers, maintaining stability and efficacy across a wider range of use cases.
Quality & Materials
Features 15% L-Ascorbic Acid, Vitamin E, and Ferulic Acid. Unique addition of Ergothioneine, a powerful antioxidant that helps recycle Vitamin C within the skin.
Evidence & Testing
Paula's Choice conducts independent clinical trials; their C15 formula was shown in consumer testing to significantly improve skin radiance and evenness within 4 weeks.
Brand Transparency
Full ingredient disclosure with purpose-of-use for every ingredient listed on the site. Manufacturing follows strict US cosmetic GMP standards.
Value Assessment
Priced at $55 for 20ml, it is a premium product but remains significantly more affordable than luxury medical-grade brands while offering superior ingredient complexity.
Why Not Alternatives?
Unlike many drugstore 'boosters' that use weak Vitamin C derivatives like Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Paula's Choice uses pure L-Ascorbic acid. It also includes skin-replenishing ingredients like Glycerin and Rice Bran Extract that mitigate the irritation often caused by the low pH required for Vitamin C efficacy.
Sources & References
More in Skincare
CeraVe
Hydrating Facial Cleanser
Contains ceramides and hyaluronic acid. Gentle, non-stripping, maintains skin barrier. Dermatologist-developed and recommended.
Differin
Adapalene Gel 0.1%
Only prescription-strength retinoid available OTC. FDA-approved for acne. Less irritating than tretinoin. Direct retinoic acid receptor binding—no conversion needed.
EltaMD
UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46
Widely considered the gold standard for sensitive and acne-prone skin, utilizing high-purity transparent zinc oxide combined with niacinamide to calm inflammation. It is one of the few sunscreens that consistently maintains a high-performance profile without triggering breakouts or leaving a heavy residue.
La Roche-Posay
Anthelios Melt-in Milk Sunscreen SPF 60
This product consistently achieves perfect scores in independent lab testing for actual SPF delivery versus labeled SPF. Its Cell-Ox Shield technology provides a potent antioxidant complex that mitigates free radical damage beyond just UV filtration.