{"id":74901,"date":"2026-08-31T18:34:25","date_gmt":"2026-08-31T16:34:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.beautydecoded.com\/?p=74901"},"modified":"2026-08-31T18:34:27","modified_gmt":"2026-08-31T16:34:27","slug":"review-of-paulas-choice-c15-super-booster-whats-new-in-the-formula","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.beautydecoded.com\/en\/avis-paulas-choice-c15-super-booster-que-change-la-nouvelle-formule\/","title":{"rendered":"Paula\u2019s Choice C15 Super Booster Review: What\u2019s New in the Formula?"},"content":{"rendered":"<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" src=\"https:\/\/www.beautydecoded.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/c15-paulas-choice.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-74906\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.beautydecoded.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/c15-paulas-choice.webp 800w, https:\/\/www.beautydecoded.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/c15-paulas-choice-300x200.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.beautydecoded.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/c15-paulas-choice-768x512.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.beautydecoded.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/c15-paulas-choice-18x12.webp 18w, https:\/\/www.beautydecoded.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/c15-paulas-choice-600x400.webp 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<style>\n.bd-c15{font-family:-apple-system,BlinkMacSystemFont,\"Segoe UI\",Roboto,Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;color:#1d1d1f;max-width:760px;margin:0 auto;line-height:1.65}\n.bd-c15 h1{font-size:2rem;line-height:1.25;color:#0b3d2e;font-weight:800;margin:.2em 0 .1em}\n.bd-c15 .bd-sub{font-style:italic;color:#5a5a5a;margin-bottom:1.4em;font-size:.95rem}\n.bd-c15 h2{font-size:1.45rem;color:#0b3d2e;font-weight:700;margin:1.6em 0 .5em;border-bottom:2px solid #e2b04a;padding-bottom:.25em}\n.bd-c15 h3{font-size:1.15rem;color:#333;font-weight:700;margin:1.2em 0 .4em}\n.bd-c15 p{margin:.6em 0}\n.bd-c15 .bd-note{background:#fff6e6;border-left:4px solid #e2b04a;padding:.9em 1.1em;border-radius:6px;font-size:.92rem;margin:1.1em 0}\n.bd-c15 .bd-info{background:#eef6f1;border-left:4px solid #0b7a4b;padding:.9em 1.1em;border-radius:6px;margin:1.1em 0}\n.bd-c15 .bd-verbatim{background:#f6f6f6;border-radius:8px;padding:.8em 1em;margin:.5em 0;font-size:.93rem}\n.bd-c15 .bd-verbatim .bd-note-stars{color:#e2b04a;font-weight:700}\n.bd-c15 table{width:100%;border-collapse:collapse;margin:1em 0;font-size:.9rem}\n.bd-c15 th{background:#0b3d2e;color:#fff;text-align:left;padding:.55em .7em}\n.bd-c15 td{padding:.5em .7em;border-bottom:1px solid #e3e3e3}\n.bd-c15 .bd-plus{color:#0b7a4b;font-weight:700}\n.bd-c15 .bd-minus{color:#b23a3a;font-weight:700}\n.bd-c15 .bd-cta{background:linear-gradient(135deg,#0b3d2e,#12654a);color:#fff;border-radius:12px;padding:1.3em 1.5em;margin:1.8em 0;text-align:center}\n.bd-c15 .bd-cta a{color:#ffe;text-decoration:underline}\n.bd-c15 .bd-disclaimer{font-size:.82rem;color:#777;font-style:italic;border-top:1px solid #ddd;padding-top:1em;margin-top:2em}\n.bd-c15 .bd-src{font-size:.85rem;color:#555}\n.bd-c15 .bd-src a{color:#0b7a4b}\n.bd-c15 .bd-avis-note{background:#f3f3f3;font-size:.82rem;color:#666;font-style:italic;padding:.7em 1em;border-radius:6px;margin:.8em 0}\n<\/style>\n\n<div class=\"bd-c15\">\n\n\n<p>Visit <strong>C15 Super Booster<\/strong> from Paula\u2019s Choice is one of the brand\u2019s best-selling vitamin C serums. It has just been <strong>rewritten<\/strong>. The promise: a gentler formula, less irritation, and better results thanks to new active ingredients. I compared the old and new ingredient lists, line by line, to see what really changes for your skin.<\/p>\n\n\n<h2>What remains the same: the core of the formula<\/h2>\n\n<p>The serum profile remains unchanged, which is good news. It includes:<\/p>\n\n<p><strong>15 % of pure vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid)<\/strong> Second on the list is the form of vitamin C with the most research supporting its effects on radiance, even skin tone, and the stimulation of collagen synthesis (Pullar JM et al., <em>Nutrients<\/em>, 2017).<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"bd-src\">Source : <a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/28805671\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Pullar JM et al. The Roles of Vitamin C in Skin Health. Nutrients. 2017.<\/a><\/p>\n\n<p><strong>Ferulic acid<\/strong>, an antioxidant that stabilizes vitamin C and enhances protection against oxidative stress, as well as the <strong>vitamin E (tocopherol)<\/strong> : This combination of vitamins C, E, and ferulic acid is a long-established classic in antioxidant photoprotection (Lin FH et al., <em>J Invest Dermatol<\/em>, 2005).<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"bd-src\">Source : <a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/15675959\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Lin FH et al. Ferulic acid stabilizes a solution of vitamins C and E. J Invest Dermatol. 2005.<\/a><\/p>\n\n<h2>What Really Changes: A Comparison Ingredient by Ingredient<\/h2>\n\n<table>\n<thead><tr><th>Excluded from the formula<\/th><th>Included in the package are<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr><td class=\"bd-minus\">Propyl gallate (synthetic antioxidant)<\/td><td class=\"bd-plus\">Ergothioneine (antioxidant)<\/td><\/tr>\n<tr><td class=\"bd-minus\">Hexanoyl Dipeptide-3 (former peptide)<\/td><td class=\"bd-plus\">Tridecapeptide-1 (peptide)<\/td><\/tr>\n<tr><td class=\"bd-minus\">Hordeum vulgare (barley)<\/td><td class=\"bd-plus\">Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5 (peptide)<\/td><\/tr>\n<tr><td class=\"bd-minus\">Lecithin<\/td><td class=\"bd-plus\">Mannitol (humectant\/antioxidant)<\/td><\/tr>\n<tr><td class=\"bd-minus\">Butylene glycol, ethylhexylglycerin<\/td><td class=\"bd-plus\">Decylene glycol, 1,2-hexanediol, sodium phytate<\/td><\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p style=\"font-size:.88rem;color:#555\"><em>Please note: the <strong>Phenoxyethanol remains present<\/strong> in the new formula (at the very end of the list, along with sodium phytate and citric acid). This is therefore not a change in preservatives but an adjustment to the active ingredients and texture.<\/em><\/p>\n\n<h3>1. The Introduction of Ergothioneine<\/h3>\n<p>This is the most interesting addition. The\u2019<strong>ergothioneine<\/strong> is a powerful natural antioxidant capable of neutralizing free radicals and has been studied for its role in protecting cells (Halliwell B et al., <em>FEBS Letters<\/em>, 2018). Combined with vitamin C and ferulic acid, it strengthens the serum\u2019s overall antioxidant shield, which supports the claim of \u2019enhanced effectiveness.\u00ab.<\/p>\n<p class=\"bd-src\">Source : <a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/29851075\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Halliwell B et al. Ergothioneine, an adopted orphan. FEBS Letters. 2018.<\/a><\/p>\n\n<h3>2. Two new smoothing peptides<\/h3>\n<p>Visit <strong>Tridecapeptide-1<\/strong> and the <strong>Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5<\/strong> replace the previous peptide. These are signaling peptides known to improve skin firmness and smooth out fine lines, with a favorable safety profile. They provide a consistent \u00abgentle anti-aging\u00bb boost, although their position in the list suggests that they are used in moderate concentrations.<\/p>\n\n<h3>3. The removal of propyl gallate and a revised preservation method<\/h3>\n<p>The old formula contained <strong>propyl gallate<\/strong>, a synthetic antioxidant sometimes identified as a contact allergen. It has been removed from the new version and functionally replaced by ergothioneine and a system of glycols (decylene glycol, 1,2-hexanediol, pentylene glycol), which contribute to both hydration and preservation. However, to be precise: the <strong>Phenoxyethanol remains present<\/strong> (last item on the list). The reformulation therefore does not involve a change in the primary preservative, but rather a removal of secondary ingredients and the addition of antioxidants.<\/p>\n\n<h3>4. The pH has risen slightly: 3.1 to 3.5<\/h3>\n<p>A key technical point. Pure vitamin C requires an acidic pH (below 3.5) to remain stable and penetrate effectively. The previous version had a pH of around 3.0. The new version has a pH of <strong>3.1 to 3.5<\/strong> : still within the effective range, but slightly less aggressive. It is precisely this type of adjustment that reduces the risk of tingling without sacrificing the active ingredient\u2019s effectiveness\u2014the most likely explanation for the phrase \u00abminimized irritation.\u00bb.<\/p>\n\n<h2>Tolerance Verdict (Dr. David's Rule)<\/h2>\n<div class=\"bd-info\">\n<strong>The previous formula was \u00abnot well suited for sensitive skin\u00bb\u2014which makes sense for a pure, low-pH vitamin C. The new formula (pH raised to 3.1\u20133.5, propyl gallate removed, soothing bisabolol retained, ergothioneine added) is more in line with a <strong>better tolerance<\/strong>.\n<\/div>\n\n<h2>What Users Are Saying<\/h2>\n<div class=\"bd-avis-note\">\u26a0 Note regarding BeautyDecoded reviews from the previous version: The ratings and review excerpts displayed come from users of the BeautyDecoded app.<\/div>\n\n<p>In the previous version, the serum had a rating of <strong>4.8\/5 based on 26 reviews<\/strong> (robust synthesis). Two trends emerge that are helpful for contextualizing the reformulation:<\/p>\n\n<div class=\"bd-verbatim\"><span class=\"bd-note-stars\">\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605<\/span> \u00abMy main concern is dark spots. Thanks to this serum\u2014and, of course, sunscreen with SPF 50+\u2014they've really faded.\u00bb<\/div>\n<div class=\"bd-verbatim\"><span class=\"bd-note-stars\">\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605<\/span> \u00abIt doesn't have the off-putting smell of most ascorbic acid serums. It's very stable, with no oxidation.\u00bb<\/div>\n<div class=\"bd-verbatim\"><span class=\"bd-note-stars\">\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2606<\/span> \u00abSensitive skin: Aside from the first application, which stung a little, my skin took to it very well.\u00bb<\/div>\n<div class=\"bd-verbatim\"><span class=\"bd-note-stars\">\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2606<\/span> \u00abGreat product, but be careful if you have sensitive skin.\u00bb<\/div>\n\n<p>The fact that some people with sensitive skin frequently reported a \u00abtingling\u00bb sensation with the old version is exactly what the reformulation aims to correct. We\u2019ll have to see what future feedback on the new version says.<\/p>\n\n<h2>Should I buy this serum again?<\/h2>\n<p> If you had a <strong>reactive skin<\/strong> or if the tingling sensation was holding you back, the new version\u2014with a higher pH and enhanced with ergothioneine and peptides\u2014is <strong>the development that is most relevant to you<\/strong>. This is a formula improvement, not just a marketing facelift. However, the slight increase in pH may slightly reduce the effectiveness of pure vitamin C.<\/p>\n\n<div class=\"bd-cta\">\n<strong>Analyze Your Own Profile<\/strong><br>\nThe application <strong>BeautyDecoded<\/strong> breaks down the INCI list of your products and generates compatibility scores for 80 skin profiles. To find out if this vitamin C is right for your skin: <a href=\"https:\/\/beautydecoded.go.link\/58n0T\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Download BeautyDecoded<\/a>.\n<\/div>\n\n<p class=\"bd-src\">For more information, see our complete feature: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.beautydecoded.com\/en\/vitamin-c\/\">Vitamin C in Cosmetics \u2014 The Scientific Guide<\/a> and our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.beautydecoded.com\/en\/brands\/paulas-choice\/\">A comprehensive analysis of the Paula\u2019s Choice brand<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"bd-disclaimer\">\u00a9 BeautyDecoded \u2014 Independent information. Dr. Sylvain David, Plastic Surgeon, Researcher, and YouTuber.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Paula\u2019s Choice C15 Super Booster is one of the brand\u2019s best-selling vitamin C serums. It has just been reformulated. The brand promises a gentler formula, minimized irritation, and enhanced results thanks to new active ingredients. I compared the old and new ingredient lists, line by\u2026<\/p>","protected":false},"author":120,"featured_media":74905,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_kad_blocks_custom_css":"","_kad_blocks_head_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_body_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_footer_custom_js":"","_kad_post_transparent":"","_kad_post_title":"","_kad_post_layout":"","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"_kad_post_classname":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-74901","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-actualites"],"acf":[],"taxonomy_info":{"category":[{"value":1,"label":"Actualites"}]},"featured_image_src_large":["https:\/\/www.beautydecoded.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/c15-paulas-choice-1024x683.jpg",1024,683,true],"author_info":{"display_name":"Sylvain David","author_link":"https:\/\/www.beautydecoded.com\/en\/author\/beautydecoded\/"},"comment_info":0,"category_info":[{"term_id":1,"name":"Actualites","slug":"actualites","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":1,"taxonomy":"category","description":"","parent":0,"count":333,"filter":"raw","cat_ID":1,"category_count":333,"category_description":"","cat_name":"Actualites","category_nicename":"actualites","category_parent":0}],"tag_info":false,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.beautydecoded.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/74901","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.beautydecoded.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.beautydecoded.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.beautydecoded.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/120"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.beautydecoded.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=74901"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/www.beautydecoded.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/74901\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":74908,"href":"https:\/\/www.beautydecoded.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/74901\/revisions\/74908"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.beautydecoded.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/74905"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.beautydecoded.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=74901"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.beautydecoded.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=74901"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.beautydecoded.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=74901"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}