Paula's Choice C5 Super Boost Face Moisturizer — 1.7 oz Vitamin C 5% + Squalane, Lightweight Fragrance-Free Hydrating Lotion

Paula's Choice C5 Super Boost Face Moisturizer is a daily, fragrance-free lotion that blends 5% stabilized l-ascorbic acid with squalane and peptides to brighten, hydrate, and support skin barrier resilience.

This lightweight daily moisturizer pairs a clinically effective level of vitamin C with hydrating lipids and peptide support to address uneven tone, dullness, and the look of fine lines while remaining suitable for acne-prone and combination skin. The formula is packaged in an opaque, air-tight container to preserve potency, and it delivers balanced moisture without heavy oils or fragrance.

How does this moisturizer brighten and even skin tone?

The formula uses 5% pure, stabilized l-ascorbic acid—the antioxidant form of vitamin C recognized for its brightening activity—to help reduce the appearance of dullness and uneven pigmentation. Encapsulation and protective packaging minimize vitamin C breakdown so the active remains effective on the skin.

• 5% l-ascorbic acid for visible brightening
• Double-encapsulated lipid delivery to support stable vitamin C release
• Opaque, air-tight jar to protect potency from light and air
• Fragrance-free formulation to reduce irritation risk

Will this hydrate without feeling heavy or clogging pores?

Yes—lightweight hydrators like squalane and a targeted lipid blend deliver moisture and improve skin elasticity without a greasy finish. Peptides and barrier-supporting lipids help lock in hydration so skin feels supple and bouncy rather than over-oiled, making it appropriate for a wide range of skin types.

• Squalane provides non-comedogenic, lightweight moisture
• Peptides support skin texture and resilience
• Double-encapsulated lipids repair and seal the barrier
• Balanced formulation designed for normal to acne-prone skin

Can I use this with active treatments like retinol or exfoliants?

This moisturizer is designed to complement other actives, but layering should be adjusted to skin tolerance. Apply vitamin C in the morning beneath sunscreen for antioxidant defense; retinoids and stronger exfoliants are often best used at night. If your routine includes multiple potent actives, introduce combinations slowly and monitor for irritation.

• Use in the AM under sunscreen for antioxidant support
• Compatible with nighttime retinoids when tolerance is good
• Introduce combinations gradually to avoid irritation
• Fragrance-free base reduces risk of sensitization

How is the product packaged to preserve vitamin C effectiveness?

Vitamin C can degrade when exposed to light and air, so Paula's Choice uses an opaque, air-tight container and stabilized l-ascorbic acid to maintain potency. The packaging and the double-encapsulation approach in the formula both help slow oxidation so the product stays active longer after opening.

• Opaque jar blocks light exposure
• Air-tight delivery minimizes oxidation
• Double-encapsulated lipids protect actives until application
• Smaller 1.7 fl oz size reduces prolonged open-time

Who this is for: Paula's Choice C5 Super Boost Face Moisturizer is suited to anyone seeking a daily, science-based vitamin C moisturizer that brightens, hydrates, and supports skin barrier health without fragrance. It works well for normal, oily, combination, dry, and acne-prone skin types who want a lightweight, non-greasy lotion that can be incorporated into both morning antioxidant routines and balanced multi-step regimens. If you prefer concentrated antioxidant benefits in a stable, protected format with supportive lipids and peptides, this product is a practical choice.

Ingredients

Water/Aqua/Eau, 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) Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hexylene Glycol, Sodium Phytate, Polysorbate 60, Sorbitan Isostearate, Lecithin, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil, Lysolecithin, Bacillus Ferment, Citric Acid, Polyglutamic Acid, Beta-Sitosterol, Phytic Acid, Squalene, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate