Name: C15 Super Booster
Brand: Paula's Choice
SKU: 7770
Price: 55 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.6 (303 reviews)

Question 1

Why did Paula’s Choice reformulate the C15 Super Booster?

Accepted Answer

Despite the C15 Super Booster being one of our top-selling products globally, there were some improvements requested by consumers like increased gentleness and formula stability, improved texture and packaging improvements. We listened to their feedback and reformulated the C15 Super Booster to address these concerns and make it even better. We believe the new and improved formula will be something both existing and new clients will love!

Question 2

How is the new C15 Super Booster formula different from the original?

Accepted Answer

While the original formula was effective, our best-selling vitamin C booster is now even better at revitalizing your complexion and elevating your skin care routine. The new formula combines the benefits of pure vitamin C with targeted peptides and ergothioneine, which provide anti-aging benefits. These peptides help to soften the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while improving the skin's underlying support for greater resiliency. Overall, the new formula is more stable, gentler and performs even better than the original. Bonus —it smells better too!

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

No. The formula was designed to complement the ingredients in our serums and non-SPF moisturizers. 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.

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

Yes, the skin-loving benefits of vitamin C plus 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 fade post-breakout marks.

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

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 our C5 Super Boost Moisturizer which contains 5% vitamin C.

Question 6

My skin tends to be sensitive to vitamin C, but I still want to use this. Will applying it a few times per week still be beneficial?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Although once or twice-daily application is recommended, you will absolutely still see benefits from C15 Super Booster if it's applied less often. However, results might take a bit longer to notice due to the less frequent application. As with any skin care product, you need to pay attention to how your skin responds and adjust usage (or products) accordingly.

Question 7

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

Accepted Answer

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 and copper peptides in 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 as retinol, AHA, BHA, niacinamide and more. See our article to learn more about why vitamin C and niacinamide play well together.

Question 8

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

Accepted Answer

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. The 25% Vitamin C + Glutathione Clinical Serum contains 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.

Question 9

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

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 10

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

Accepted Answer

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 our Help Center article.

Question 11

Does C15 Super Booster have a noticeable scent?

Accepted Answer

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 about fragrance-free skin care.

Question 12

Do I need to store C15 Super Booster in my refrigerator to keep it fresh and potent?

Accepted Answer

Although refrigerating many types of skin care products can hinder their stability and performance, research has shown that pure vitamin C (ascorbic acid) in water-based formulas remains stable and effective in cold temperatures as well as room temperature, 68–72F (20–22C) upwards of 77F/25C. Although that’s good news, many of the other ingredients in this booster are not meant for routine, prolonged exposure to cold temperatures. While cold temps can be fine for ascorbic acid, they’re not recommended for this total formula.

Question 13

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

Accepted Answer

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 about which skin care products are safe during pregnancy.