Last Updated on September 26, 2025 by Giorgia Guazzarotti
Skinceuticals CE Ferulic must be the most duped skincare product ever. As soon as its patent ended, everyone rushed out to copy it. Before, you couldn’t afford it without selling a kidney. Now you don’t know which dupe to get. Me? I’m going with Paula’s Choice C15 Super Booster. Three reasons:
- It’s from a brand I love and trust (at least I did, before Paula sold the brand – and I still trust the old formulas)
- It’s reasonably priced
- It’s easily available in most countries
Let’s compare what they do now, shall we? Is Paula’s Choice C15 Super Booster really the best dupe for Skinceuticals CE Ferulic?
- What Do These Vitamin C Serums Have In The Common?
- What Else Is In These Vitamin C Serums?
- What’s The Texture Like?
- What’s The Fragrance Like?
- What’s The Packaging Like?
- How To Use Them
- Which Of The Two Should You Go For?
- Availability
- Is Paula’s Choice C15 Super Booster A Dupe For Skinceuticals CE Ferulic?
What Do These Vitamin C Serums Have In The Common?
VITAMIN C TO FIGHT PREMATURE AGING
Both Skinceuticals CE Ferulic and Paula’s Choice C15 Super Booster use the same form of Vitamin C, L-Ascorbic Acid. It’s the pure form of Vitamin C. The most effective. And the most unstable. Most of the studies that confirm the antiaging powers of Vitamin C were done on L-Ascorbic Acid. They found that it:
- Fights the free radicals that cause premature wrinkles
- Brightens the complexion
- Fades dark spots
- Boosts collagen, the protein that keeps skin firm and elastic
The problem? L-Ascorbic Acid is very fussy. It degrades whenever you expose it to light, heat and air. By “degrades”, I mean it loses a bit of its effectiveness overtime. Until it becomes useless. You’ll know when that happens. Vitamin C turns brown.
This makes it very difficult to create a Vitamin C serum that works. And when the mission’s accomplished, the serum should be used ASAP. This isn’t something you can forget in a drawer for 6 months and still expect it to work. One more thing: L-Ascorbic Acid can be irritating. If you have sensitive skin, you’re better off with one of its gentler derivatives.
FYI: L-Ascorbic Acid only works in high concentrations. Both serums have a whooping 15%! That’s enough to work its magic.
Related: Why You Should Add Vitamin C To Your Skincare Routine
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VITAMIN E AND FERULIC ACID TO SUPERCHARGE VITAMIN C
Vitamin E and ferulic acid are two powerful antioxidants. They both fight free radicals (ferulic acid destroys THREE types of free radicals!) while Vitamin E moisturises skin, too. They’re powerful on their own but when they mix with vitamin C, they become invincible:
- They boost one another’s effectiveness (they don’t become ineffective as quickly as they would on their own)
- They enhance your sunscreen’s protection, helping you fight sun damage and premature wrinkles
These days, I don’t even consider a vitamin C serum unless Vitamin E and ferulic acid are in it, too (that’s why I’m NOT a fan of The Ordinary Vitamin C serums…).
Related: What’s Ferulic Acid And Why Should You Use It?
SODIUM HYALURONATE TO HYDRATE SKIN
A.k.a. Hyaluronic Acid. A moisture magnet that attracts water from the air and drops it into the skin. It’s so good at this, it binds up to 1000 times its weight in water. Now skin has all that moisture, it plumps up so your wrinkles look smaller. It gets softer. It glows.
Related: Why You Should Add Hyaluronic Acid To Your Skincare Routine, No Matter Your Skin Type
What Else Is In These Vitamin C Serums?
NOTE: The colours indicate the effectiveness of an ingredient. It is ILLEGAL to put toxic and harmful ingredients in skincare products.
- Green: It’s effective, proven to work, and helps the product do the best possible job for your skin.
- Yellow: There’s not much proof it works (at least, yet).
- Red: What is this doing here?!
SKINCEUTICALS CE FERULIC INGREDIENTS
- Aqua / Water / Eau: The base of the formula that dissolves everything else so it blends into a usable serum.
- Ethoxydiglycol: A lightweight solvent that makes vitamin C dissolve and spread better. It keeps the formula from feeling sticky and helps actives penetrate.
- Glycerin: A classic humectant that pulls water into the skin to keep it soft, plump, and smooth. It’s gentle, works for everyone, and has been used forever. The only catch: in desert-dry climates, it can theoretically suck water out of your skin if you don’t layer moisturizer on top.
- Propylene Glycol: A humectant and penetration booster that drags actives deeper into the skin.
- Laureth-23: An emulsifier/surfactant that stops the oil and water bits from separating, and makes the serum spread nicely.
- Phenoxyethanol: The preservative that keeps bacteria and fungi from growing in the formula (vitamin C serums go off fast without it).
- Triethanolamine: Adjusts the pH so the serum isn’t too acidic or unstable.
- Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5): A skin-soother and humectant that hydrates while calming irritation. Often used to balance out harsher actives.
PAULA’S CHOICE C15 BOOSTER
- Aqua / Water / Eau: The base that dissolves everything else and turns powders and oils into a workable formula.
- Glycerin: A humectant that pulls water into your skin, leaving it soft and plump. Plays well with almost everything, but in very dry climates, it can backfire if you don’t seal it in with a moisturizer.
- Ethoxydiglycol: A lightweight solvent that keeps vitamin C dissolved and helps the serum spread easily without stickiness.
- PPG-26-Buteth-26: An emulsifier that helps oil and water ingredients stay mixed. Also gives products a smoother texture.
- Mannitol: A sugar alcohol that acts as both a humectant (pulls in water) and an antioxidant. It also helps stabilize peptides so they don’t break down.
- Tridecapeptide-1: A synthetic peptide that’ supports’s supposed to repair skin and healing. Sometimes called a “signal peptide” because it tells skin cells to regenerate. The main proof it works comes from the manufacturer.
- Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5: A collagen-boosting peptide that can make skin look firmer and smoother over time. Lightweight and usually non-irritating, but like most peptides, proof it works comes from the manufacturer.
- Ergothioneine: An amino acid derivative (often from mushrooms) that acts as a strong antioxidant. It protects skin from oxidative stress and helps other antioxidants work better.
- Pentylene Glycol: Both a humectant and a preservative booster. Keeps skin hydrated while also helping stop bacteria from growing in the product.
- PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil: An emulsifier/solubilizer that helps mix oils into water. Makes the texture smoother and ensures even spread.
- Bisabolol: A soothing compound that comes from chamomile. Calms redness, irritation, and sensitivity.
- Sodium Gluconate: A chelating agent that binds to metal ions in water (like iron and copper) so they don’t destabilize the formula.
- Decylene Glycol: Has both moisturizing and antimicrobial properties, which means it hydrates while helping keep bacteria in check.
- Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Extract: A plant extract rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and soothing compounds. Helps calm skin and offers a bit of nourishment.
- Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6: A texture enhancer that thickens the serum and makes it feel smooth, almost gel-like.
- 1,2-Hexanediol: Works as both a solvent and a preservative booster. Keeps the formula fresh while also helping other ingredients dissolve.
- Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5): Hydrates and soothes at the same time, helping calm redness or irritation.
- Sodium Phytate: Another chelating agent, it prevents metal ions from destabilizing antioxidants like vitamin C.
- Sodium Hydroxide: A pH adjuster that keeps the serum at the right acidity for vitamin C to be effective.
- Citric Acid: Another pH adjuster, also an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA). Here it’s just balancing acidity, not exfoliating.
- Phenoxyethanol: The preservative that keeps bacteria and fungi from growing. Safe in low concentrations (under 1%), but can sting or irritate around the eyes or on very sensitive skin.
WHICH FORMULA IS BETTER?
Paula’s Choice sneaked a peptide and a couple of texture-enhancers in there. But these are just minor details. The bulk of the formula is exactly the same, so they’ll work the same. They also have the same crappy smell. That’s the “problem” with fragrance-free products. Fragrances are irritating so it’s best to stay away from anything that smells too nice. But without them, there’s nothing to cover the fishy odour of some ingredients… Still, I’d rather use a smelly effective serum than a beautifully scented irritating one. Just saying…
Related: Why You Should Avoid Skincare Products That Smell Too Nice
What’s The Texture Like?
SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic feels more like a silky serum – a little thicker than water, glides on easily, and sometimes leaves that faint tacky finish until you layer something else on top. It’s not greasy, but you notice it’s there for a bit before it sinks in.
Paula’s Choice C15 Booster, on the other hand, is practically water. It runs through your fingers if you’re not careful, absorbs almost instantly, and disappears into skin. The trade-off? That lightweight feel can leave a slight stickiness if you overdo the drops.
What’s The Fragrance Like?
Neither formula has added fragrance, but they don’t smell the same. C E Ferulic has that infamous “hot dog water” scent people always joke about – it’s the vitamin C, E, and ferulic acid cocktail, not actual perfume. It can get more pungent as the serum ages and oxidizes. The Paula’s Choice C15 Booster smells more like faint oranges or citrus when fresh, which is again just the vitamin C doing its thing. It’s lighter, fades faster, and doesn’t linger once you’ve applied it.
What’s The Packaging Like?
Both come in glass dropper bottles designed to keep the vitamin C stable for as long as possible. SkinCeuticals uses a dark amber glass that shields against light, and the dropper makes it easy to control the amount. Still, the serum naturally darkens over time – once it turns deep orange or brown, you know oxidation has kicked in.
Paula’s Choice also uses a white and orange bottle with a dropper, recently updated to a sleeker “booster” look. It protects the formula decently, but users often say it still oxidizes quicker than they’d like. In practice, you need to use both fairly fast to get the most out of them.
How To Use Them
In the morning, after cleansing, to supercharge sun protection. Some people claim you can’t use Vitamin C during the day because it makes skin more prone to sun damage. That’s true only if you DON’T wear sunscreen.
When you use Vitamin C TOGETHER with sunscreen, studies show you’re boosting its sun protection.
Which Of The Two Should You Go For?
If money’s no issue and you want the original gold-standard vitamin C that derms rave about, SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic is the one. It’s got years of research behind it, proven stability, and most people notice brighter, smoother skin fast. But it’s ridiculously pricey, and it still oxidizes quicker than you’d like.
Paula’s Choice C15 Booster gives you almost the same effect for a third of the cost. It’s watery, easy to layer, and while it might not feel as luxurious or quite as stable, it still does the job-brightens, evens out skin tone, makes you look fresher. For the price, you can actually use it generously and consistently without stressing about wasting every drop.
Availability
Skinceuticals CE Ferulic: $185 at Dermstore and Look Fantastic
Paula’s Choice C15 Super Booster: $55 at Cult Beauty, Dermstore, Paula’s Choice and SpaceNK
Is Paula’s Choice C15 Super Booster A Dupe For Skinceuticals CE Ferulic?
Yes! Yes! Yes! It works just as well – and for a fraction of the cost!
Skinceuticals CE Ferulic
Water, Ethoxydiglycol, Ascorbic Acid, Glycerin, Propylene Glycol, Laureth-23, Phenoxyethanol, Tocopherol, Triethanolamine, Ferulic Acid, Panthenol, Sodium Hyaluronate
Paula’s Choice C15 Booster
Aqua/Water/Eau, Ascorbic Acid, Glycerin, Ethoxydiglycol, PPG-26-Buteth-26, Mannitol, Tridecapeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5, Ergothioneine, Sodium Hyaluronate, Pentylene Glycol, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Bisabolol, Sodium Gluconate, Decylene Glycol, Ferulic Acid, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Extract, Tocopherol, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, 1, 2-Hexanediol, Panthenol, Sodium Phytatem, Sodium Hydroxide, Citric Acid, Phenoxyethanol
Hello! Currently I’m using The Ordinary Resveratrol+ferulic acid with vit c 30% in silicone (in this order). Is it similar to Skinceuticals serum? I’m using in the right way? Thanks
Marta, it is similar but not a dupe. Neither product has vitamin E. Ferulic acid and vitamin C work better with it but you will still get good results without. I just prefer to have all three in the same products so I can reap maximum benefits.
The order is correct too,
I love this one from Paula’s! Really lightweight and easy to apply. And I don’t mind the ‘crappy smell’ ?
Kaido, it’s a great product, isn’t it? Definitely one of my faves. 🙂
I’ve wanted to try some ferulic acid serum since I read about it on your blog. But while I was googling it I learnt that it’s also known as hydroxycinnamic acid. Does this mean it’s a cinnamate, right? I’m allergic to many cinnamates and its derivatives (for example octinoxate and that’s freaking everywhere) so my derm told me to avoid them altogether. So I guess ferulic acid is a big no for me. Buhuu, as a skin care enthusiast I feel like I’m missing something extraordinary! 🙁
Maria, it sucks when you can’t use something! But there are many anti aging superstars that still work wonders 🙂
Is it better to use in AM? Cos’ I heard that we should use vitamin C serum 10% and above at night only
Hawy, vitamin C + vitamin E + ferulic acid can boost the sun protection of your sunscreen. If you use sunscreen religiously, you can layer vitamin C underneath for maximum protection. Otherwise, use it at night.
Hello Gio! I am a big fan of your site! After reading your previous posts about vit C, vit E and ferulic I bought the timeless one -mostly because of the affordable price. Unfortunately I feel that it makes my skin a little drier. I assume this is because it does not contain L-Ascorbic Acid and I have sensitive skin? Perhaps I should give a try to Paula’s Choice C15 instead.
Maria, if you have sensitive skin, both products will dry out your skin. You can try keep using the Timeless serum but on every other day. Another option is to use a richer moisturiser or a hyaluronic acid serum. Hope this helps.
Thank you Gio for the advice! I will try it every other and see how this goes and introduce hyaluronic acid in my routine as well.
Maria, you’re welcome. Let me know how it goes.
I have used both. Hundred times over I will pay the extra money for the skinceuticals. Not only can I see and feel the difference but research backs up my reasoning. Skinceuticals has the right formula for the same ingredients which is key. Skinceuticals has a patent on the ph. It’s between 2.0 and 3.5 and they use the lower ph. The cheaper brand cannot go as low as skinceuticals and therefore, product does not have the same delivery. You can’t act as if the are the same, they are definitely not!
Brynn, I knew Skinceuticals had a patent but I think it has expired. Paula’s Choice brought up her dupe afterwards, I believe and the ph is 3.0 so low enough to work.
Hi Gio, how about CEF serum for Cosmetics skin solutions? Is it a dupe of Skinceuticals CEF?
Poohnie, yes, that’s another great dupe. Go for it!
I’m trying to choose a vitamin C product and your blog has been such a big help. As a vitamin C newbie with dryish skin, is the PC product a good one for me to start with? My primary concern is photo protection btw. I spend most days in the sun and use sunscreen religiously.
Tanya, so glad my blog is helping you! Yes, you can start with PC but I’d recommend you use it only every couple of days to give your skin time to get used to it.
Excellent. Thank you for responding! I’ll take it slow.
My pleasure!
It is strange that Paula’s choice doesn’t have the concentration of ferulic acid and d-a-tocopherol like it does for Vitamin C, this causes me to pause considering it, it should be around 0.5% and 1% to match Skinceuticals’, otherwise there are cheaper versions of just L-ascorbic acid.
Gabe. judging from the ingredient list, the concentrations should be the same. Maybe they left them out because people usually only ask about the percentages of vitamin C.
Hi, I recently discovered Paula’s Choice when I was researching cruelty-free alternatives to Lancome. I’d been happy with Lancome for years but am more aware now that quality products are available without the animal testing. Also, Lancome can be very pricey. I am loving my Paula’s Choice cleanser, exfoliant, and moisturizer. Thank you for all the information you provide on these products! I have just ordered the C15 booster to try for the first time. I’ve bookmarked your blog and will return whenever i have questions. Thanks again!
Amelia, so glad you like the PC products and my blog. Hope to see you around here often. 🙂
Hello Gio! Love this post and how it breaks down the ingredients and their role so clearly. <3
Do you know if I should still continue to use the PC SKIN PERFECTING 2% BHA Liquid with this serum? Should I spread out my use of the 2% BHA and this serum(alternate days perhaps?) in case that using both would mean I am over-exfoliating?
Shru, you can use them at alternate time. Use the vitamin C serum in the morning and PC BHA at night.
Hi Gio is I want to use the Ordinary 30% Vitamin c suspension in Silicone + Resveratrol 3% + Ferulic Acid 3%, what’s a good product to add with Vitamin E and how do I layer?
Colette, look at your moisturiser or sunscreen first. Chances are they already have vitamin E. On the ingredient list, it’s usually called “Tocopherol” or “Tocopheryl,” In this case, vitamin C first, then resveratrol + silicones and then vitamin E.
Hi Gio, would you still recommend Paula’s Coice to readers in the US where the Skinceuticals patent still seems to be in place? I’m curious if Paula’s Choice would’ve adjusted the formula in the UK (assuming the patent expired there) but hasn’t in the US. Looking at the US patent website, it looks like it’s valid at least through 2021 (when the next fees are due to maintain it).
PS I searched for patent no 7179841 and application no 11032931 at:
https://fees.uspto.gov/MaintenanceFees
and
https://portal.uspto.gov/pair/PublicPair
Lydia, I know L’Oreal is suing brands that are infringing on this patent. I’d say get your fix from Paula’s Choice while you can!
Hi Gio, what are your thoughts on Maelove’s The Glow Maker serum as a dupe for Skinceuticals?
Michelle, I don’t like the fact it has a scent because it could potentially irritate sensitive skin. But if you don’t mind that (I know that many women love fragrance in their skincare, it is a good alternative that works just as well.
Hi Gio,
I just logged on to Paula’s Choice website and noticed they have reformulated this product. It is classified as “last chance” as they have changed the packaging and the name. Although the site states it’s the same formula, the ingredient list has changed. I captured the original and reformulated ingredient list for everyone’s benefit from the website (12/05/18). I hope you can provide us your opinion on this change. Thanks – love love your site!
Original Ingredients:
Water, Ascorbic Acid (vitamin C/antioxidant), Ethoxydiglycol (hydration), PPG-26 Buteth-26 (texture-enhancing), PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil (texture-enhancing), Tocopherol (vitamin E/antioxidant), Ferulic Acid (antioxidant), Sodium Hyaluronate (hydration/skin replenishing), Acetyl Octapeptide-3 (skin-restoring), Glycerin (hydration/skin replenishing), Panthenol (skin replenishing), Sodium Metabisulfite (stabilizer/antioxidant), Triethanolamine (pH adjuster), Phenoxyethanol (preservative).
Modified Ingredient List:
Water, Ascorbic Acid (vitamin C/antioxidant), Butylene Glycol (hydration), Ethoxydiglycol (hydration), Glycerin (hydration/skin replenishing), PPG-26-Buteth-26 (texture-enhancing), PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil (texture-enhancing), Pentylene Glycol (skin replenishing), Tocopherol (vitamin E/antioxidant), Sodium Hyaluronate (hydration/skin replenishing), Hexanoyl Dipeptide-3 Norleucine Acetate (skin-restoring), Lecithin (skin-replenishing), Ferulic Acid (antioxidant), Panthenol (skin-replenishing), Bisabolol (skin-soothing), Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Extract (skin-softening), Hordeum Vulgare Extract (antioxidant), Propyl Gallate (antioxidant), Sodium Gluconate (stabilizer), Sodium Hydroxide (pH adjuster), Phenoxyethanol (preservative), Ethylhexylglycerin (preservative).
Sandra, thank you so much for your detective work. 🙂 It seems the main change is that they’ve added more hydrating ingredient to the formula to give more moisture to the skin. As far as the antioxidants are concerns (vitamin C, vitamin E and Ferulic acid), nothing has changed. Ascorbic acid is still number 2 on the list and the other two are present at 1% and 0.5% respectively. After they hit the 1%, ingredients can be listed in random order on the label. So it may seem that in the second list, they’ve fallen down the list even though their concentration hasn’t changed at all!
old post, but I’m wondering if you think it would be a useful amount of Vit E as a combo with The Ordinary Res+Ferulic, Vit C 23% Suspension and either Sea Buckthorn Oil or NMF moisturizer. The NMF’s tocopherol is way down on the ingredients list. Not sure how much is in the SB Oil. thanks!
Kaly, you only need 1% Vitamin E to boost Vitamin C. I just don’t understand why you’d use 3 products instead than one.