Paula's choice C5 Super Boost Moisturizer
Works for
MoisturizingDimethicone, Theobroma cacao seed butter + 16 moreWorks
“The C5 Super Boost Moisturizer is a silky, gel-cream brightening moisturizer that provides long-lasting hydration and improves visible signs of aging from sun damage.”
This product can help improve hydration of the skin with the two types of ingredients.
The first type is called “humectants”:
these ingredients help attract water.
When humectants are on the surface of the skin, they “pull in” the moisture from the outside environment, or from
within deeper layers of the skin. The following ingredients in this product do the job:
polyglutamic acid, sodium hyaluronate.
This product also contains ingredients called “occlusives”. They help reduce the speed with which our skin loses moisture to the outside environment. These ingredients also help soften the upper layer of the skin, so it feels less tight and nicer to the touch. The following ingredients in this product do the job: dimethicone, squalene.
Anti-agingTocopherolNot delivered
“The C5 Super Boost Moisturizer is a silky, gel-cream brightening moisturizer that provides long-lasting hydration and improves visible signs of aging from sun damage.”
This product does not contain ingredients that are able to reduce fine lines and wrinkles or help with skin elasticity, but it can improve the look of the skin temporarily through moisturization. Well-moisturized skin might also be able to repair the sun damage better.
This ingredient squalene might be able to help neutralize free radicals in skin and help it fight off some of the sun damage.
Evens skin toneNo ingredient credited for this claimNot delivered
“5% vitamin C visibly brightens dullness by countering free-radical damage.”
Effective ingredients missing or their concentration is too low
Anti-oxidationNot advertised by the brand · Squalene, Theobroma cacao seed butter + 2 moreMay help
This product contains antioxidants (squalene) that might be able to help neutralize free radicals in skin to lessen the damage it gets from the UV light (sun). There is not enough evidence to confirm their effectiveness in skin though.
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy1 strong irritant: Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extractMedium risk
Comedogenic3 ingredients rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale3 flagged
User reviews
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Ingredients
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Water~45–55%
Dicaprylyl carbonate~4.6–5.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps products spread more easily and works as an emollient to soften skin
More about Dicaprylyl carbonateDimethicone~4.5–5.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A silicone that helps to reduce water loss from the surface of the skin. Can temporarily "fill in" lines and wrinkles, absorb oil, and create a nice product finish
More about DimethiconeButylene glycol~3.1–3.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a nice product texture and help delivery of other ingredients. Might be somewhat helpful in attracting water to the upper layer of the skin
More about Butylene glycolPolyglyceryl-6 distearate~2.3–2.9%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps oil and water mix together while softening the upper layer of the skin
More about Polyglyceryl-6 distearateHydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer~2–2.4%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A gelling agent that thickens the product consistency and leaves the skin with a velvety finish
More about Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymerCitrullus lanatus seed oil~1.7–2.1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Hydrogenated lecithin~1.4–1.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps to retain moisture by creating a protective barrier on the skin. Rich in fatty acids. Improves product texture and helps with the penetration of other ingredients.
More about Hydrogenated lecithinTheobroma cacao seed butter~1.2–1.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
- Comedogenicity
- 3/5
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and can be helpful in restoring the skin barrier function. Might have some anti-oxidant effect
More about Theobroma cacao seed butterHydrogenated phosphatidylcholine~0.95–1.15%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps oil and water mix together
More about Hydrogenated phosphatidylcholinePentaerythrityl tetra-di-t-butyl hydroxyhydrocinnamate~0.7–1.05%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to increase stability of product formulations
More about Pentaerythrityl tetra-di-t-butyl hydroxyhydrocinnamateSodium hyaluronate~0.55–0.85%
- Irritation risk
- Low
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin
More about Sodium hyaluronateOryza sativa bran extract~0.5–0.75%
Propanediol~0.5–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Acts as a solvent for other ingredients. Speeds up the absorption of other ingredients into the skin
More about PropanediolJojoba esters~0.5–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
An emollient made of jojoba oil. Helps soften the skin and support its barrier function
More about Jojoba estersTocopherol~0.45–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Pure form of vitamin E. Can help moisturise and protect the skin from free radicals. Often used to help stabilise other ingredients or the formula itself
More about TocopherolCetyl palmitate~0.45–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that helps soften the skin and is used to improve product texture and stability
More about Cetyl palmitateCaprylyl glycol~0.4–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture
More about Caprylyl glycolCetyl alcohol~0.4–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A non-drying alcohol that works to soften the skin and stabilize product formulations helping oil and water mix together
More about Cetyl alcoholPolyglyceryl-3 beeswax~0.3–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps water and oil mix together. Could be an allergen (beeswax)
More about Polyglyceryl-3 beeswaxSodium hydroxide~0.3–0.5%
Sorbitan olivate~0.3–0.5%
Sorbitan palmitate~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps water and oil mix together and stabilize the product formulation
More about Sorbitan palmitateHelianthus annuus seed extract~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Ethylhexylglycerin~0.25–0.45%
Hexylene glycol~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps create a more spreadable product texture
More about Hexylene glycolSodium phytate~0.25–0.45%
Polysorbate 60~0.25–0.5%
Sorbitan isostearate~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps oil and water mix together
More about Sorbitan isostearateLecithin~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used mostly for creating emulsions - helping oil and water mix together. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin
More about LecithinRosmarinus officinalis leaf extract~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- High
Can be helpful in reducing inflammation in skin, including inflamed acne. It can be irritating
More about Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extractGlycine soja oil~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
- Comedogenicity
- 2/5
A good emollient that helps soften the skin and helps repair its barrier function. It can clog pores if used in high concentrations.
More about Glycine soja oilLysolecithin~0.25–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Lecithin derivative. It helps oil and water mix together and can enhance penetration of other ingredients. It helps soften the upper layer of the skin
More about LysolecithinBacillus ferment~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A product of bacterial fermentation. Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin
More about Bacillus fermentCitric acid~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH
More about Citric acidPolyglutamic acid~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin.
More about Polyglutamic acidBeta-sitosterol~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A phytosterol that can support skin's barrier function and help the skin stay hydrated
More about Beta-sitosterolPhytic acid~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
An alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA), but is mostly used to stabilize product formulations in cosmetics
More about Phytic acidSqualene~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
- Comedogenicity
- 2/5
An oil that is naturally part of skin sebum that helps to soften its upper layer, reduce water loss and neutralize free radicals. It might be comedogenic. Avoid applying large concentrations (or pure oil) before sun exposure as oxidized squalene can clog pores and lead to skin irritation. Today squalene is mostly derived from vegetable oils or synthetized by yeast
More about SqualenePhenoxyethanol~0.15–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolSodium benzoate~0.1–0.25%
Potassium sorbate~0.15–0.25%
Ingredient list view
Water, Dicaprylyl carbonate, Dimethicone, Butylene glycol, Polyglyceryl-6 distearate, Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer, Citrullus lanatus seed oil, Hydrogenated lecithin, Theobroma cacao seed butter, Hydrogenated phosphatidylcholine, Pentaerythrityl tetra-di-t-butyl hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Sodium hyaluronate, Oryza sativa bran extract, Propanediol, Jojoba esters, Tocopherol, Cetyl palmitate, Caprylyl glycol, Cetyl alcohol, Polyglyceryl-3 beeswax, Sodium hydroxide, Sorbitan olivate, Sorbitan palmitate, Helianthus annuus seed extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hexylene glycol, Sodium phytate, Polysorbate 60, Sorbitan isostearate, Lecithin, Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extract, Glycine soja oil, Lysolecithin, Bacillus ferment, Citric acid, Polyglutamic acid, Beta-sitosterol, Phytic acid, Squalene, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium benzoate, Potassium sorbate
Compare prices
Retailers ranked by price — lowest first.
Worth comparing, line by line.
Match % combines shared ingredients, the first five ingredients, shared actives and hero ingredients, irritancy (lower counts in the alternative's favour), texture and body area. Only products in the same routine step are compared.
| Paula's choiceC5 Super Boost MoisturizerYOUR PRODUCT | Trader Joe'sUltra Hydrating Gel Moisturizer | Kate SomervilleWrinkle Warrior Hydration Gel | CetaphilDeep Hydration Hydrating Water Gel | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 35% | 35% | 35% |
| Price | $49.00 | $38.08−$10.92 | — | $17.99−$31.01 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 4 of 11 | 4 of 11 | 3 of 11 |
| Key difference | — | Panthenol | Gluconolactone | Niacinamide |
| Irritancy | Medium | Low | Low | Low |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
More alternatives: Clinique iD Dramatically Different Oil-Free GelRéVive Hydrogel Moisturizer / Hyaluronic Acid Water Cream
Product summary
Based on the ingredients included, "Paula's choice - C5 Super Boost Moisturizer" works well for moisturizing the skin. This moisturizer uses a good combo of humectants and emollients. These both types of ingredients are essentials for improving the skin hydration and keeping the skin barrier healthy. Panthenol, polyglutamic acid, sodium hyaluronate, butylene glycol and caprylyl glycol in this product (humectants) attract water molecules to the upper layer of the skin (the water comes from the outside air or from the deeper layers of the skin if the air is dry). Beta-sitosterol, glycine soja oil, helianthus annuus extract, jojoba esters and theobroma cacao seed butter in this product help decrease the water evoporation from the skin, so that it stays hydrated for longer. These ingredients also soften the skin and take away the feeling of tightness and dryness.
Ingredient callouts
- This formulation also includes panthenol (pro-vitamin B5) at about 1.20% - 1.40% concentration. In this concentration, panthenol works effectively to improve the skin barrier and reduce inflammation.
Irritation risk
This moisturizer contains actives that can be irritating. We assess the overall irritancy of this moisturizer to be medium. For a detailed overview of all potential irritants: click here
You can see the detailed formula review with the breakdown of all actives in the product and the full ingredient list with estimated concentrations in the tables below.
Price
The product retails from 38.25$ up to 45.00$ in the United States.
For a detailed price comparison: click here.
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 21 studies and safety reviews.
- 1
- 2Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Dimethicone Copolyoljournals.sagepub.com
- 3
- 4
- 5Hyaluronic acid: A key molecule in skin agingncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 6
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