Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of Paula's Choice C5 Super Boost Moisturizer versus Paula's Choice Water-Infusing Electrolyte Moisturizer .
Published on November 04, 2022
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe general moisturizers. They have a total of 9 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain peptides and Vitamin E
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin and scar healing
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, fragrances, parabens or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain silicones
We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that need an update? Let us know.
General Moisturizer
All-purpose moisturizers hydrate the top layer of skin cells.
General Moisturizer
All-purpose moisturizers hydrate the top layer of skin cells.
Price
Ingredient Info
Paula's Choice C5 Super Boost Moisturizer 49 ingredients
Paula's Choice Water-Infusing Electrolyte Moisturizer 46 ingredients
Alcohol Free
This product is free of harsh alcohols 🎉
Contains Silicon
Ingredients in this product that are types of silicon:
Fragrance Free
This product is free of fragrances 🎉
Sulfate Free
This product is free of sulfates 🎉
Paraben Free
This product is free of parabens 🎉
Contains Oils
Ingredients in this product that are types of oil:
Not Malassezia Safe
Ingredients in this product that are not malassezia safe:
Reef Safe
This product is free of ingredients that damage reefs 🎉
EU Allergen Free
This product is free of EU allergens 🎉
Non Vegan
This product is not vegan 😥
Cruelty Free
This product is cruelty-free 🎉
Alcohol Free
This product is free of harsh alcohols 🎉
Contains Silicon
Ingredients in this product that are types of silicon:
Fragrance Free
This product is free of fragrances 🎉
Sulfate Free
This product is free of sulfates 🎉
Paraben Free
This product is free of parabens 🎉
Oil Free
This product is free of oils 🎉
Not Malassezia Safe
Ingredients in this product that are not malassezia safe:
Reef Safe
This product is free of ingredients that damage reefs 🎉
EU Allergen Free
This product is free of EU allergens 🎉
Non Vegan
This product is not vegan 😥
Cruelty Free
This product is cruelty-free 🎉
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Paula's Choice C5 Super Boost Moisturizer 49 ingredients
Paula's Choice Water-Infusing Electrolyte Moisturizer 46 ingredients
Notable Ingredients
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Benefits
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Concerns
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Notable Ingredients
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 3 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
Benefits
This product contains 11 ingredients that may have this attribute:
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Concerns
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
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Join SkinSortIngredients Compared
Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.
Paula's Choice C5 Super Boost Moisturizer 49 ingredients
Paula's Choice Water-Infusing Electrolyte Moisturizer 46 ingredients
Ascorbic Acid • Hexapeptide-5 • Water • 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 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 • Acetyl Zingerone • Cetyl Palmitate • Caprylyl Glycol • Cetyl Alcohol • Polyglyceryl-3 Beeswax • Sodium Hydroxide • Sorbitan Olivate • Sorbitan Palmitate • Helianthus Annuus 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
Glycerin • Dimethicone • Butylene Glycol • Propanediol • Stearic Acid • Glyceryl Stearate • Isohexadecane • Potassium PCA • Magnesium PCA • Calcium PCA • Ethylhexyl Olivate • Polyglyceryl-6 Olivate • Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract • Laminaria Saccharina Extract • Actinidia Chinensis Fruit Extract • Coffea Arabica Seed Extract • Biotin/Folic Acid/Cyanocobalamin/Niacinamide/Pantothenic Acid/Pyridoxine/Riboflavin/Thiamine/Yeast Polypeptides • Garcinia Mangostana Peel Extract • Prunus Serotina Fruit Extract • Squalane • Ceramide EOP • Ceramide AP • Ceramide NP • Pisum Sativum Extract • Phytosphingosine • Cholesterol • Acetyl Hexapeptide-37 • Oryza Sativa Bran Extract • Tocopherol • Creatine • Bisabolol • Sorbitol • Inositol • Xylitol • Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride • Sodium Levulinate • Behenyl Behenate • Tribehenin • Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate • Xanthan Gum • Sodium Acrylates Copolymer • Carbomer • Sodium Hydroxide • Tetrasodium EDTA • Phenoxyethanol • Ethylhexylglycerin
Ingredients Side-by-side
Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.
Learn more about what what Com. / Irr. ratings are
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Dimethicone is a silicone used for making products smooth and silky. It also has the added benefit of sealing in hydration. The amount of dimethicone found in beauty products is considered safe and non-comedogenic, meaning it won't clog pores.
Dimethicone has been found increase absorption in skin, boosting the benefits of other ingredients. While there is concern for the safety of dimethicone, the levels used in skincare are safe for use.
Paula's Choice C5 Super Boost Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 6.
Paula's Choice Water-Infusing Electrolyte Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 2.
Butylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:
- It is a solvent, meaning that it helps to dissolve other ingredients. This also enhances the absorption of the product into one's skin.
- It is a humectant, which means that it helps attract moisture into the skin.
- It helps improve product application.
Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient. It is unlikely to irritate skin, and works well with pretty much all other ingredients.
Paula's Choice C5 Super Boost Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 7.
Paula's Choice Water-Infusing Electrolyte Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 3.
Squalane is an emollient that helps the skin hold onto moisture. It's an oily liquid that occurs naturally in certain types of fish and plant oils.
Because squalane boosts hydration in the skin, it also comes with plenty of benefits: it is an antioxidant and can help fight free radicals and skin damage. Squalane is also found to have a detoxifying effect when applied.
Squalane comes from squalene, which occurs naturally within the sebum of our skin. It is one of the oils our skin produces to keep itself hydrated. Squalane is the hydrogenated version of squalene and has a longer shelf life.
Research shows that squalane is non-irritating (even at 100% concentration).
In general, it's a fantastic ingredient. It does a great job at hydrating the skin, and it's suitable for those with sensitive skin.
The source of squalane may impact malassezia / fungal acne. This is because olive oil derived squalane can contain impurities such as fatty acids and plant waxes. Sugarcane derived squalane is recommended for anyone with malassezia concerns.
Is squalane vegan? This depends on the source. Squalane can be derived from both plants and animals. Most squalane used in skincare comes from plants.
Please note: the source of squalane is only known if disclosed by the brand. We recommend reaching out to the brand if you have any questions about their squalane.
Read more about squalene with an "e".
Learn more about SqualanePaula's Choice C5 Super Boost Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 10.
Paula's Choice Water-Infusing Electrolyte Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 20.
Oryza Sativa Bran Extract comes from the outer layer of a rice kernel. It is a byproduct of milling rice, or the operation to produce a whole grain rice product.
Oryza Sativa Bran Extract is moisturizing. This is due to its components of polysaccharides and omega-3 fatty acids. It also contains calcium, selenium, phosphorus, iron, and zinc.
Oryza Sativa Bran Extract contains numerous antioxidants such as ferulic acid. Antioxidants help fight free-radical molecules. Free-radical molecules are capable of damaging our cells and other genetic material.
Learn more about Oryza Sativa Bran ExtractPaula's Choice C5 Super Boost Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 19.
Paula's Choice Water-Infusing Electrolyte Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 28.
Propanediol helps absorb ingredients into your skin, boosting their benefits. It can act as an emollient, making your skin softer. Propanediol can help products last longer by boosting the properties of preservatives within the formulation.
Propanediol is not likely to cause sensitivity and considered safe to use.
It is derived from corn or petroleum with a clear color and no scent.
Learn more about PropanediolPaula's Choice C5 Super Boost Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 20.
Paula's Choice Water-Infusing Electrolyte Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 4.
Tocopherol (also known as Vitamin E) is a common antioxidant used to help protect the skin from free-radicals and strengthen the skin barrier. It's also fat soluble - this means our skin is great at absorbing it.
Vitamin E also helps keep your natural skin lipids healthy. Your lipid skin barrier naturally consists of lipids, ceramides, and fatty acids. Vitamin E offers extra protection for your skin’s lipid barrier, keeping your skin healthy and nourished.
Another benefit is a bit of UV protection. Vitamin E helps reduce the damage caused by UVB rays. (It should not replace your sunscreen). Combining it with Vitamin C can decrease sunburned cells and hyperpigmentation after UV exposure.
You might have noticed Vitamin E + C often paired together. This is because it is great at stabilizing Vitamin C. Using the two together helps increase the effectiveness of both ingredients.
There are often claims that Vitamin E can reduce/prevent scarring, but these claims haven't been confirmed by scientific research.
Learn more about TocopherolPaula's Choice C5 Super Boost Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 22.
Paula's Choice Water-Infusing Electrolyte Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 29.
Sodium Hydroxide is also known as lye or caustic soda. It is used to adjust the pH of products; many ingredients require a specific pH to be effective.
In small amounts, sodium hydroxide is considered safe to use. However, large amounts may cause chemical burns due to its high alkaline.
Your skin has a natural pH and acid mantle. This acid mantle helps prevent harmful bacteria from breaking through. The acid mantle also helps keep your skin hydrated.
"Alkaline" refers to a high pH level. A low pH level would be considered acidic.
Learn more about Sodium HydroxidePaula's Choice C5 Super Boost Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 28.
Paula's Choice Water-Infusing Electrolyte Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 43.
Ethylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.
You might see Ethylhexylglycerin often paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol. Ethylhexylglycerin has been found to increase the effectiveness of these other preservatives.
Paula's Choice C5 Super Boost Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 32.
Paula's Choice Water-Infusing Electrolyte Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 46.
Phenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent germ and microbial growth. By itself, it has a scent that is similar to that of a rose.
It's often used in formulations along with Caprylyl Glycol to preserve the shelf life of products.
Paula's Choice C5 Super Boost Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 47.
Paula's Choice Water-Infusing Electrolyte Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 45.
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.
Paula's Choice C5 Super Boost Moisturizer 49 ingredients
Paula's Choice Water-Infusing Electrolyte Moisturizer 46 ingredients
Usage
Here's some more info on how this product is used by our community.
When to use
Paula's Choice C5 Super Boost Moisturizer 49 ingredients
Paula's Choice Water-Infusing Electrolyte Moisturizer 46 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Paula's Choice C5 Super Boost Moisturizer 49 ingredients
Paula's Choice Water-Infusing Electrolyte Moisturizer 46 ingredients
Not sufficient moisturizing for dry skin, a little does not go a long way
This didn't make me break out, didn't pill, and plays nicely with the cream/liquid makeup formulas in my collection. That's about as good as it gets. I have dry...
Not sufficient moisturizing for dry skin, a little does not go a long way
This didn't make me break out, didn't pill, and plays nicely with the cream/liquid makeup formulas in my collection. That's about as good as it gets. I have dry skin in a dry environment and this was totally insufficient to use alone as a moisturizer, even during the day under a moisturizing sunscreen, and I would wake up with dry flaky skin if I tried to use it along as an overnight moisturizer (no improvement over the norm). I had to use a large amount to cover my face and neck, and the price per use is pretty abysmal as a result. As one of the concerns is that it might worsen oily skin, I can't think of who this product is for. Maybe people with 'normal' skin in a humid climate?
Alternatives
Our Dupe Finder has found 5 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to Paula's Choice C5 Super Boost Moisturizer.
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