Paula's Choice C5 Super Boost Eye Cream Review

Paula's Choice C5 Super Boost Eye Cream
5.0
/ 10
Moisturizing
7.8 Humectancy icon Humectancy
2.2 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
1.2Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle
Rich
in Antioxidants
Review

Does Paula's Choice C5 Super Boost Eye Cream Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Paula's Choice C5 Super Boost Eye Cream has to offer:
 
  • Moderate moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 5.0 out of 10.
  • Slight anti-wrinkle effect: Paula's Choice C5 Super Boost Eye Cream has an anti-wrinkle rating of 1.2 out of 10, so you may expect a positive, although insignificant, effect on wrinkles.
  • Antioxidant protection.

Key Benefits of Paula's Choice C5 Super Boost Eye Cream

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Paula's Choice C5 Super Boost Eye Cream:
 

Lightweight Moisturizer Well-Suited for Combination and Oily Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, Paula's Choice C5 Super Boost Eye Cream is quite moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 5.0 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Significantly more humectant. It has a low occlusivity of 2.2 out of 10 and a high humectancy of 7.8 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Glycerin (est. ≈6.0%).

This type of moisturizer is well-suited for people with combination and oily skin who want significant hydration in a relatively lightweight, non-greasy formula. It combines a substantial amount of humectants with a limited amount of occlusive to enhance moisturizing efficacy without feeling too heavy.

This product may also be an option for people with normal skin who prefer fast-absorbing textures, as it balances significant moisturizing potential with a relatively lightweight texture.

A Humectant Enhancement for Any Skincare Routine

But it’s not limited to combination and oily skin - such a humectant enhancement will also positively contribute to the moisturizing efficacy of any skincare routine when used as a step before applying the main moisturizer. This type of formulation is typically used in serums, where a light, fast-absorbing texture is key.

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the moisturizing rating calculation.

Slight Anti-Wrinkle Efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, Paula's Choice C5 Super Boost Eye Cream has a slight anti-wrinkle rating of 1.2 out of 10.

It contains one ingredient with proven anti-wrinkle efficacy: Ascorbic Acid (est. ≈2.5%), 
 or Vitamin C, a popular ingredient, yet with moderate anti-wrinkle efficacy, as confirmed by a single clinical study involving 20 participants (Humbert et al.). This study showed that a cream with a relatively high concentration of 5% ascorbic acid reduced the average wrinkle depth by 7% after 6 months of use, compared to a vehicle (the same formulation without ascorbic acid).
 
Among others, Paula's Choice C5 Super Boost Eye Cream also contains some ingredients marketed often as effective in reducing wrinkles, specifically Ascorbyl Glucoside, Ascorbyl Palmitate, and Acetyl Hexapeptide-8. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of these ingredients provide insufficient evidence of efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards. Therefore, these ingredients do not contribute to the anti-wrinkle rating.
 
Moisturizers, when used regularly, are proven to prevent wrinkle formation and even reduce existing wrinkles. Therefore, this product, like any other moisturizer, can deliver some anti-wrinkle effects through its moisturizing action.
 

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the anti-wrinkle rating calculation.

Rich in Skin-Protecting Antioxidants

We estimate that Paula's Choice C5 Super Boost Eye Cream is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Ascorbyl Glucoside (est. ≈3.0%) and Ascorbic Acid (est. ≈2.5%).

A key benefit of antioxidants is their ability to reduce oxidative stress caused by free radicals and therefore prevent accelerated skin aging. Studies also show that antioxidants can protect against environmental damage such as UV radiation and pollution, and help reduce inflammation and skin redness.

Please note that this is not a complete list of benefits. We are in the process of enhancing our AI model to incorporate anti-pigmentation, exfoliation and anti-acne ratings.

Pros & Cons of Paula's Choice C5 Super Boost Eye Cream

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Paula's Choice C5 Super Boost Eye Cream to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

Pros:

  • When used alone: Provides humectant-rich moisturizing well-suited for combination and oily skin
  • Also an option for people with normal skin who prefer fast-absorbing textures
  • As part of a routine: A humectant moisturizing enhancement, beneficial for any skin type
  • Lightweight texture
  • Provides slight anti-wrinkle efficacy
  • Rich in antioxidants that combat oxidative stress associated with accelerated skin aging and defend against environmental damage

Cons: 

  • We couldn't find any

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
60
9
6
4
3
2.5
2
1.5
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Dicaprylyl Carbonate
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Triheptanoin
Function:
Origin:
Ascorbyl Glucoside
Function:
Origin:
Ascorbic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Function:
Origin:
Arachidyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Cetearyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
C13-15 Alkane
Function:
Origin:
Ascorbyl Palmitate
Function:
Origin:
sh-Polypeptide-121
Function:
Origin:
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8
Function:
Origin:
Hyaluronic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Zerumbone
Function:
Origin:
Bacillus Ferment
Function:
Origin:
Tocopherol
Function:
Origin:
Tocopheryl Acetate
Function:
Origin:
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter Unsaponifiables
Function:
Origin:
Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Extract
Function:
Origin:
Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Extract
Function:
Origin:
Hydrogenated Lecithin
Function:
Origin:
Cetearyl Olivate
Function:
Origin:
Sorbitan Olivate
Function:
Origin:
Behenyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Arachidyl Glucoside
Function:
Origin:
Propanediol
Function:
Origin:
Butylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Cetyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Phytate
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Citrate
Function:
Origin:
Citric Acid
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Metabisulfite
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Caprylyl Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Ethylhexylglycerin
Function:
Origin:
Hexylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hydroxide
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
7.8
6
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
4.3
4.0
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
5.0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 7.8 10
7.8
6
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 4.3 20
2.2
4.0
0.3
Moisturizing rating
5.0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
6
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 7.8 10
7.8
All humectants
7.8
6
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
4
0.3
All occlusives 4.3 20
2.2
All occlusives
4.3
4.0
0.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
2.5 /10 5 2.5 1.2
n/a
- 3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
1.2
Ascorbic Acid
1.2
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
2.5 /10
when present at, %
5
in this formula, est. %
2.5
Ascorbyl Glucoside
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
3
Ascorbyl Palmitate
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
1.2
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
3
2.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 7.3 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
7.3
Ascorbyl Glucoside
3
Ascorbic Acid
2.5
Ascorbyl Palmitate
0.3
Hyaluronic Acid
0.3
Tocopherol
0.3
Tocopheryl Acetate
0.3
Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract
0.3
Sodium Metabisulfite
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
0.3
All soothing 0.3 5 No
All soothing
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %60
Function
Origin
WaterThe most used ingredient in skincare. Its concentration defines the product texture: rich creams may have about 50% of water while a light jelly about 90%. Water doesn’t moisturize the skin by itself and is used in skincare as a solvent for other ingredients.
Dicaprylyl Carbonate
Est. %9
Function
Origin
Dicaprylyl CarbonateA very fast-spreading emollient that gives a product an incredibly lightweight feel. Dicaprylyl carbonate works well as a solvent for suspending insoluble solids such as mineral sunscreens or iron oxide pigments.
Glycerin
Est. %6
Function
Origin
Glycerin

The most popular moisturizing ingredient in the world. It is a powerful humectant – cheap yet very effective.

Triheptanoin
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Triheptanoin
Ascorbyl Glucoside
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Ascorbyl GlucosideA derivative of vitamin C. It is more stable and less irritating than ascorbic acid. There are unfortunately no clinical studies on ascorbyl glucoside’s anti-pigment or anti-acne efficacy alone.
Ascorbic Acid
Est. %2.5
Function
Origin
Ascorbic Acid

Also known as vitamin C, this multi-benefit ingredient has proven anti-wrinkle, antioxidant, and anti-pigmentation efficacy. It degrades easily when exposed to air and light, so it requires proper packaging to maintain its stability.

Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate CopolymerAn emulsion stabilizer and thickener that helps to create a pleasant, satiny, and light formula texture. It works by forming a gel-like network within water or oil, which both stabilizes other ingredients and produces a thickening effect.
Arachidyl Alcohol
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Arachidyl AlcoholA non-drying fatty alcohol that functions as an emollient, emulsion stabilizer, and viscosity controlling agent. It also produces a mattifying effect when applied in a skincare product onto the skin.
Cetearyl Alcohol
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
Cetearyl AlcoholA blend of cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol, the fatty alcohols that are derived from palm oil. It helps to create emulsions that give off a soft and silky emollient feel and also increase product thickness.
C13-15 Alkane
Est. %1
Function
Origin
C13-15 Alkane
Ascorbyl Palmitate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ascorbyl PalmitateA form of vitamin C derived from ascorbic acid and palmitic acid. It is more stable and less irritating than ascorbic acid. Unfortunately, Ascorbyl Palmitate lacks the studies to prove its anti-wrinkle efficacy.
sh-Polypeptide-121
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
sh-Polypeptide-121
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8

A small synthetic peptide that is thought to act similarly to Botox by calming contractions of the facial muscles and reducing expression wrinkles. The effect is only temporary and it does not improve the skin structure in any way.

Hyaluronic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hyaluronic Acid

A potent, skin-identical humectant moisturizing ingredient that is able to bind water 1000 times its own weight. The anti-aging benefits of hyaluronic acid are due to its ability to stimulate the synthesis of collagen in the skin.

Zerumbone
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Zerumbone
Bacillus Ferment
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Bacillus FermentAn exfoliating mixture of fermentation products made by Bacillus subtilis. Its main active compound is a set of enzymes called proteases – which provide gentle exfoliation.
Tocopherol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tocopherol

Simply another name for vitamin E. Tocopherol is a fantastic ingredient and especially beneficial for dry and inflamed skin. It has occlusive moisturizing, emollient, antioxidant, and photoprotective properties.

Tocopheryl Acetate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tocopheryl Acetate

An antioxidant derivative of tocopherol (vitamin E). It helps to protect cells from free radicals and UV damage through the conversion to active vitamin E in the skin. It is more stable than tocopherol.

Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter Unsaponifiables
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter Unsaponifiables
Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran ExtractAn extract from rice bran, the brown outer part of the rice kernel. It contains emollient fatty acids and antioxidants such as tocopherols (vitamin E) and γ-oryzanol.
Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf ExtractA soothing and astringent extract derived from the fragrant, spicy leaves of rosemary. It has strong antioxidant properties. Rosemary extract can reduce signs of inflammation and also acts as an emollient and antimicrobial agent.
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed ExtractAn emollient extract from sunflower seeds that is packed with beneficial-for-skin ingredients such as squalene, phytosterols, phospholipids, amino acids, and antioxidant vitamin E.
Hydrogenated Lecithin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hydrogenated LecithinA version of plain lecithin that has been saturated with hydrogen atoms. This ingredient can be derived from plants, like soy or sunflower, from egg yolks, or made synthetically. Its major function is to emulsify water and oils.
Cetearyl Olivate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Cetearyl Olivate

A multifunctional ingredient derived from plants that primarily serves as an emulsifier. Supplied as a waxy ivory-colored flake, it can also be used as an emollient and slip modifier that gives a product an overall light, silky finish.

Sorbitan Olivate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sorbitan OlivateAn ester of sorbitol (a type of sugar alcohol) and olive oil fatty acids. It is used as an emulsifying agent to stabilize oil droplets in water (or vice versa).
Behenyl Alcohol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Behenyl AlcoholA fatty alcohol with emollient properties. It is used as a co-emulsifier and thickener and tends to result in a product with a smooth and creamy application texture.
Arachidyl Glucoside
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Arachidyl GlucosideA mild cleanser and emulsifier that helps oil and water to mix and form emulsions.
Propanediol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PropanediolAn excellent solvent capable of mixing water with normally water-insoluble ingredients. It also functions as a humectant due to its water-loving alcohol groups. Propanediol can control the viscosity of a product by reducing its thickness.
Butylene Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Butylene Glycol

A clear, colorless liquid humectant that draws moisture to the skin. The humectancy of butylene glycol, owed to its two hydroxyl groups, is quite considerable, although not as powerful as glycerin, which contains three hydroxyl groups.

Cetyl Alcohol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Cetyl AlcoholA waxy solid fatty alcohol derived from palm oil. It is most commonly used as a co-emulsifier and affects the final aesthetic of the product, leaving a soft and silky feeling on the skin. Cetyl alcohol is also used as a viscosity controlling agent.
Sodium Phytate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium PhytateSodium phytate is a chelating agent that serves to remove heavy metal ions from water. Removing metal ions helps other ingredients, such as antioxidants and preservatives, to perform better and keep products from separating.
Sodium Citrate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium CitrateA salt of citric acid that has a salty and tart flavor and is used as a fragrance. It is mildly basic, meaning that its addition to a skincare product can adjust the pH upward.
Citric Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Citric AcidA gently exfoliating AHA that helps to remove the top layer of dead skin cells. In comparison to other AHAs, citric acid has been shown to be one of the least effective. It is also very commonly used as a stabilizing and pH-controlling agent.
Sodium Metabisulfite
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium MetabisulfiteA preservative that is especially effective at preventing fungus and mold growth. It is normally combined with a strong bactericidal preservative in order to achieve broad-spectrum protection. Sodium metabisulfite is also used as an antioxidant.
Phenoxyethanol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PhenoxyethanolThe most frequently used preservative in skincare. It is a clear, oil-like liquid synthetic substance that protects products from harmful bacteria and yeast, whilst still leaving skin microflora unharmed. It is confirmed by research to be harmless.
Caprylyl Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Caprylyl GlycolAn emollient that improves product spreadability and offers a silky feel on the skin. It also acts as a preservative booster that improves the efficacy of other preservatives. According to the manufacturer, it is also a humectant moisturizer.
Ethylhexylglycerin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
EthylhexylglycerinA preservative booster derived from glycerin. It is commonly paired with other preservatives to improve their efficacy. Ethylhexylglycerin is also a humectant due to its chemical base of glycerin.
Hexylene Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hexylene GlycolA multifunctional ingredient that is best known for its use as a solvent. It can dissolve both water-based ingredients and oils. For this reason, it can also function as an emulsifier, allowing oil and water ingredients to mix and remain stable.
Sodium Hydroxide
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Hydroxide

An ingredient that is able to bring the pH of a product up, thereby making it less harsh on the skin.