Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of Peter Thomas Roth Pro Strength Vitamin A/C/E Retinoid Treatment versus Paula's Choice C5 Super Boost Moisturizer .
Published on March 06, 2023
Overview
What they are
These products are both reef safe . They have a total of 16 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain AHA, hyaluronic acid, Vitamin C and Vitamin E
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, scar healing, dark spots and better texture
Free From
They both do not contain any common allergens, parabens or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain oils and silicones
We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that need an update? Let us know.
Facial Treatment
Facial treatments are specially designed to treat a skin concern. Acne treatments and anti-aging products are common examples of facial treatments.
General Moisturizer
All-purpose moisturizers hydrate the top layer of skin cells.
Price
Ingredient Info
Peter Thomas Roth Pro Strength Vitamin A/C/E Retinoid Treatment 38 ingredients
Paula's Choice C5 Super Boost Moisturizer 49 ingredients
Contains Alcohol
Ingredients in this product that are types of alcohol:
Contains Silicon
Ingredients in this product that are types of silicon:
Contains Fragrance
Ingredients in this product that are forms of fragrance:
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 😥
Not Cruelty Free
This product is not 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 🎉
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 🎉
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Peter Thomas Roth Pro Strength Vitamin A/C/E Retinoid Treatment 38 ingredients
Paula's Choice C5 Super Boost Moisturizer 49 ingredients
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Benefits
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Concerns
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Benefits
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Concerns
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Join SkinSortIngredients Compared
Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.
Peter Thomas Roth Pro Strength Vitamin A/C/E Retinoid Treatment 38 ingredients
Paula's Choice C5 Super Boost Moisturizer 49 ingredients
Water • Dimethyl Isosorbide • Tocopheryl Acetate • Isononyl Isononanoate • Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride • Propanediol • Pentylene Glycol • Dimethicone • C9-12 Alkane • Glyceryl Stearate • Volcanic Soil • Cetyl Alcohol • Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate • Butyrospermum Parkii Butter • Caprylyl Methicone • Ascorbic Acid • Citric Acid • Squalane • Sodium Hyaluronate • Amylopectin • Ethylhexylglycerin • Coco-Caprylate/Caprate • Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer • Sodium Phytate • Diethylhexyl Syringylidenemalonate • Potassium Sorbate • Peg-75 Stearate • Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6 • Peg-100 Stearate • Silica • Ceteth-20 • Steareth-20 • 1,2-Hexanediol • Sodium Benzoate • Polysorbate 60 • T-Butyl Alcohol • Sorbitan Isostearate • Phenoxyethanol
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
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.
Water. It's the most common cosmetic ingredient of all. You'll usually see it at the top of ingredient lists, meaning that it makes up the largest part of the product.
So why is it so popular? Water most often acts as a solvent - this means that it helps dissolve other ingredients into the formulation.
You'll also recognize water as that liquid we all need to stay alive. Talk about multi-purpose! If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about WaterPeter Thomas Roth Pro Strength Vitamin A/C/E Retinoid Treatment contains this as ingredient number 1.
Paula's Choice C5 Super Boost Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 3.
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 PropanediolPeter Thomas Roth Pro Strength Vitamin A/C/E Retinoid Treatment contains this as ingredient number 6.
Paula's Choice C5 Super Boost Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 20.
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.
Peter Thomas Roth Pro Strength Vitamin A/C/E Retinoid Treatment contains this as ingredient number 8.
Paula's Choice C5 Super Boost Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 6.
Cetyl Alcohol is a fatty alcohol. Fatty Alcohols are most often used as an emollient or to thicken a product.
Cetyl Alcohol is not related to SD alcohol, denatured alcohol, or ethyl alcohol. The FDA allows products labeled "alcohol-free" to have fatty alcohols.
Its main roles are:
Learn more about Cetyl AlcoholPeter Thomas Roth Pro Strength Vitamin A/C/E Retinoid Treatment contains this as ingredient number 12.
Paula's Choice C5 Super Boost Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 26.
Ascorbic Acid is is pure Vitamin C. This form makes up the largest amount of vitamin C found naturally in our skin.
Not only is vitamin C great for your overall health and immune system, it also has plenty of benefits on your skin.
Vitamin C is best used for brightening skin. It improves dark spots, acne scars, and hyperpigmentation. This is because it blocks the process of skin darkening when exposed to UV.
Remember: Vitamin C should not replace sunscreen!
Your skin uses vitamin C to build collagen. Collagen is one key component in having a strong skin barrier and plump skin. Vitamin C also plays a role in regulating collagen, thus making it effective in improving wrinkles and fine lines.
Ascorbic acid shows potent antioxidant activity. As an antioxidant, it helps fight free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells. These antioxidants also protect skin against UV damage.
The best formulations include Vitamin E and/or ferulic acid. These two ingredients help stabilize and provide a boost in the benefits of ascorbic acid. This is because ascorbic acid becomes unstable when exposed to UV and air. In fact, you can tell your ascorbic acid has oxidized when it turns an orange-yellow color.
Ascorbic acid is generally compatible with other ingredients. However, using ascorbic acid with other active ingredients might cause irritation. Two ingredients: copper ions and benzoyl peroxide, will inactivate ascorbic acid completely.
Read more about other types of Vitamin C:
Foods rich with vitamin C include oranges, strawberries, broccoli, bell peppers, and more. When consuming Vitamin C, your skin receives a portion of the nutrients.
Learn more about Ascorbic AcidPeter Thomas Roth Pro Strength Vitamin A/C/E Retinoid Treatment contains this as ingredient number 16.
Paula's Choice C5 Super Boost Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 1.
Citric Acid is an AHA derived from citrus fruits (think oranges, lemons, and limes!).
If you spot Citric Acid near the end of an ingredient list, it's likely there as a pH adjuster rather than an active ingredient.
As an AHA, Citric Acid removes the top layer of skin cells from the newer layer of skin underneath. This helps skin to remove dark spots and look more even.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Citric AcidPeter Thomas Roth Pro Strength Vitamin A/C/E Retinoid Treatment contains this as ingredient number 17.
Paula's Choice C5 Super Boost Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 42.
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 SqualanePeter Thomas Roth Pro Strength Vitamin A/C/E Retinoid Treatment contains this as ingredient number 18.
Paula's Choice C5 Super Boost Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 10.
Sodium Hyaluronate is hyaluronic acid's salt form. It is commonly derived from the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid.
Like hyaluronic acid, it is great at holding water and acts as a humectant. This makes it a great skin hydrating ingredient.
Sodium Hyaluronate is naturally occurring in our bodies and is mostly found in eye fluid and joints.
These are some other common types of Hyaluronic Acid:
Learn more about Sodium HyaluronatePeter Thomas Roth Pro Strength Vitamin A/C/E Retinoid Treatment contains this as ingredient number 19.
Paula's Choice C5 Super Boost Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 18.
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.
Peter Thomas Roth Pro Strength Vitamin A/C/E Retinoid Treatment contains this as ingredient number 21.
Paula's Choice C5 Super Boost Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 32.
This is a synthetic polymer. It helps improve the texture of products by adding thickness and gel-like feel.
It is also an emulsifer, meaning it prevents ingredients such as oil and water from separating. It also helps evenly disperse other ingredients.
Peter Thomas Roth Pro Strength Vitamin A/C/E Retinoid Treatment contains this as ingredient number 23.
Paula's Choice C5 Super Boost Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 11.
Sodium Phytate is the synthetic salt form of phytic acid. Phytic acid is an antioxidant and can be found in plant seeds.
Sodium Phytate is a chelating agent. Chelating agents help prevent metals from binding to water. This helps stabilize the ingredients and the product.
Peter Thomas Roth Pro Strength Vitamin A/C/E Retinoid Treatment contains this as ingredient number 24.
Paula's Choice C5 Super Boost Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 34.
Potassium Sorbate is a preservative used to prevent yeast and mold in products. It is commonly found in both cosmetic and food products.
Potassium sorbate is potassium salt derived from sorbic acid. Sorbic acid is a natural antibiotic and effective against fungus.
Potassium sorbate and sorbic acid can be found in baked goods, cheeses, dried meats, dried fruit, ice cream, pickles, wine, yogurt, and more.
Potassium sorbate is often used with stronger preservatives.
Learn more about Potassium SorbatePeter Thomas Roth Pro Strength Vitamin A/C/E Retinoid Treatment contains this as ingredient number 26.
Paula's Choice C5 Super Boost Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 49.
Sodium Benzoate is a preservative. It's used in both cosmetic and food products to inhibit the growth of mold and bacteria. It is typically produced synthetically.
Both the US FDA and EU Health Committee have approved the use of sodium benzoate. In the US, levels of 0.1% (of the total product) are allowed.
Sodium benzoate works as a preservative by inhibiting the growth of bacteria inside of cells. It prevents the cell from fermenting a type of sugar using an enzyme called phosphofructokinase.
Sodium Benzoate is the salt of benzoic acid. Foods containing sodium benzoate include soda, salad dressings, condiments, fruit juices, wines, and snack foods.
Studies for using ascorbic acid and sodium benzoate in cosmetics are lacking, especially in skincare routines with multiple steps.
We always recommend speaking with a professional, such as a dermatologist, if you have any concerns.
Learn more about Sodium BenzoatePeter Thomas Roth Pro Strength Vitamin A/C/E Retinoid Treatment contains this as ingredient number 34.
Paula's Choice C5 Super Boost Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 48.
Polysorbate 60 is used to help stabilize products. It is a surfactant and emulsifier. These properties help keep ingredients together in a product. Surfactants help reduce surface tension between ingredients with different states, such as liquids and solids. Emulsifiers help prevent oils and waters from separating.
Polysorbate 60 is sorbitol-based and created from the ethoxylation of sorbitan. Ethoxylation is a chemical reaction used to add ethylene oxide. Sorbitan is a the dehydrated version of sorbitol, a sugar found in fruits.
In this case, the 60 comes from reacting 60 units of ethylene oxide with sorbitan.
Polysorbates are commonly used in medicine and foods.
Learn more about Polysorbate 60Peter Thomas Roth Pro Strength Vitamin A/C/E Retinoid Treatment contains this as ingredient number 35.
Paula's Choice C5 Super Boost Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 35.
Sorbitan Isostearate is an emulsifer and cleaning agent. It is created from isostearic acid and sorbitol.
As an emulsifier, Sorbitan Isostearate prevents oils and water from separating.
Due to its isostearic acid base, it may not be safe for Malassezia or fungal acne.
Learn more about Sorbitan IsostearatePeter Thomas Roth Pro Strength Vitamin A/C/E Retinoid Treatment contains this as ingredient number 37.
Paula's Choice C5 Super Boost Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 36.
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.
Peter Thomas Roth Pro Strength Vitamin A/C/E Retinoid Treatment contains this as ingredient number 38.
Paula's Choice C5 Super Boost Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 47.
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.
Peter Thomas Roth Pro Strength Vitamin A/C/E Retinoid Treatment 38 ingredients
Paula's Choice C5 Super Boost Moisturizer 49 ingredients
Usage
Here's some more info on how this product is used by our community.
When to use
Peter Thomas Roth Pro Strength Vitamin A/C/E Retinoid Treatment 38 ingredients
Paula's Choice C5 Super Boost Moisturizer 49 ingredients
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