Paula's Choice C15 Brightening Super Booster vs The Derma Co 0.3% Retinol Serum

Paula's Choice

The Derma Co

A serum built around Vitamin C and Vitamin C, for hydration and pollution defence.

A serum built around Vitamin C derivative and Vitamin C, for barrier repair and smoothing.

Serum

17 ingredients

27 ingredients

Brand price

USD 59.00 · checked 8 Oct 2026 · brand's site

Brand price

INR 799.00 · checked 5 Oct 2026 · brand's site

No retailer listed yet

Brand country not recorded

Brand from India

At a Glance

They come out differently on Silicone-free and Pore-clogger-free; those rows are shaded. Tap any answer to see why.

Vitamin E1
Tocopherols — fat-soluble antioxidants.
Tocopherol
Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid)1
L-ascorbic acid, the unesterified form of vitamin C.
Ascorbic Acid
Vitamin C1
Vitamin C in any form: an antioxidant and brightener.
Ascorbic Acid
Ferulic acid1
A plant antioxidant that stabilises vitamins C and E.
Ferulic Acid

Vitamin C derivative (stable)1
Stable derivatives of ascorbic acid.
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
Polysorbates (Tween emulsifiers)1
Polysorbate (Tween) emulsifiers.
Polysorbate 20
Retinoid1
Vitamin A derivatives that speed cell turnover.
Retinol
Vitamin C1
Vitamin C in any form: an antioxidant and brightener.
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate

Hydrating4
Boosts hydration and relieves dry, tight skin.
Ethoxydiglycol, Glycerin, Propanediol, Tocopherol
Barrier Repair2
Strengthens and restores the skin's natural barrier.
Glycerin, Tocopherol
Reduces Irritation1
Eases discomfort and supports skin resilience.
Bisabolol
Redness Reducing1
Soothes visible redness and calms irritation.
Bisabolol

May Trigger Acne1
Can clog pores or trigger breakouts.
Tocopherol
May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis2
May feed the yeast involved in seborrheic dermatitis.
PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Sphingomonas Ferment Extract
May Worsen Keratosis Pilaris1
May clog follicles or strip skin prone to keratosis pilaris.
Tocopherol
May Worsen Irritation1
May cause stinging, redness or sensitivity.
Tocopherol

Show highlights for:

Aqua (in both products)
Solvent
0 / —
Ascorbic Acid
Antioxidant
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid)
- Anti-Aging
- Anti-Pollution
- Antioxidant
- Brightening
- Dark Spots
- Even Tone
Dipropylene Glycol
Perfuming
0-1 / —
Propanediol
Viscosity Controlling
0-1 / —
- Hydrating
Glycerin (in both products)
Humectant
0 / 0
- Possibly animal-derived
- Hydrating
Ethoxydiglycol (in both products)
Humectant
0 / 0
Sodium Hydroxide
Buffering
0 / —
PPG-26-BUTETH-26
Skin Conditioning
PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Cleansing
- Fatty esters (glyceryl stearate, PEG-100 stearate)
- May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis
Bisabolol
Skin Conditioning
- Redness Reducing
- Reduces Irritation

Aqua (in both products)
Solvent
0 / —
Ethylhexyl Methoxycrylene
Skin Conditioning
Diethylhexyl Carbonate
Emollient
Ethoxydiglycol (in both products)
Humectant
0 / 0
Glycerin (in both products)
Humectant
0 / 0
- Possibly animal-derived
- Hydrating
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
Antioxidant
- Fatty alcohols (Malassezia)
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin C derivative (stable)
- Antioxidant
- Brightening
- Dark Spots
- May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis
Dimethylmethoxy Chromanol
Antioxidant
Physalis Angulata Extract
Skin Protecting
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Occlusive
1 / 1
Cyclopentasiloxane
Emollient
0-1 / —
- Silicones

These ingredients are found in both products.

Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.

Aqua
Solvent
Water
Learn more about Aqua →
Glycerin
Denaturant, Fragrance, Hair Conditioning, Humectant, Oral Care, Perfuming, Humectant, Skin Protecting, Solvent, Viscosity Controlling
Glycerin may be plant, synthetic or animal depending on the supplier.
Learn more about Glycerin →
Ethoxydiglycol
Humectant, Perfuming, Solvent
2-(2-Ethoxyethoxy)ethanol; Carbitol; Diethylene glycol monoethyl ether; DEGEE
Learn more about Ethoxydiglycol →
Phenoxyethanol
Antimicrobial, Preservative
Phenoxyethanol is the aromatic ether alcohol that conforms to the formula:
Learn more about Phenoxyethanol →