Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate: The Best Vitamin C For Your Skin

What Is Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate?

Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate is an oil-soluble form of vitamin C that is used in skincare formulas. It’s more stable in comparison to the more commonly used forms of vitamin C, such as l-ascorbic acid.

Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate is also prized for its outstanding ability to penetrate the skin. What makes tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate truly unique is its gentle, yet result-driven nature, making it compatible with most skin types, even sensitive.

The only down-side to this form of vitamin C is its cost, approximately 17x the cost of l-ascorbic acid. However, the skin transformative benefits make it 100% worth the investment.

 

Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate Vs. L-Ascorbic Acid

There are three key benefits of using tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate over L-ascorbic acid, which include oil-solubility, stability, and pH.

 

 

Benefits Of Using A Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate Serum

All of these benefits come without the worry of your formula oxidizing or causing irritation.

 

Visibly Reduces The Look Of Dark Spots And Uneven Skin Tone

Vitamin C is a highly sought after ingredient in skincare for its ability to even the look of skin tone.

Because tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate is a stable form of vitamin C, it effectively minimizes the look of dark spots and uneven skin tone, down to the very last drop.

Plus, it can brighten the look of a dull complexion, giving skin back its healthy glow.

 

Reduces The Appearance Of Fine Lines And Wrinkles

Wrinkles and fine lines are inevitable, but keeping them at bay can be as easy as using a well-formulated tetrahexyldecyl acorbate serum.

When used daily, tetrahexyldecyl acorbate promotes the look of firm, collagen-rich skin, minimizing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.

It’s also not drying or irritating to skin, unlike many vitamin C serums on the market, especially when incorporated into a nutrient-rich formula, such as our Arctic-C Brightening Serum.

 

Provides Antioxidant Protection

Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate acts as a powerful antioxidant that helps to protect your complexion against the damaging effects of free-radicals, which can cause a breakdown in collagen and premature signs of aging — i.e. fine lines and wrinkles. That’s why it’s best to apply tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate in the morning.

 

Helps Keep Blemishes At Bay

This may come as a surprise, since vitamin C isn’t the first ingredient we think of when it comes to managing breakouts or acne.

However, research shows that vitamin C has acne fighting benefits, which makes it a powerful tool in keeping blemishes at bay and any visible marks that may be left behind.

 

Gentle Enough For Sensitive Skin

Finding a vitamin C serum that works for sensitive skin can be challenging. Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate is a great option for sensitive skin or those who cannot tolerate traditional water-based vitamin C serums made with l-ascorbic acid.

That’s because it’s a gentle form of vitamin C that’s considered non-irritating. Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate is prized for being a gentler form of vitamin C that’s suitable for sensitive skin

 

What You Need To Know Before Buying A Vitamin C Serum

Only when formulated and packaged properly is vitamin C able to deliver on its promises of far-reaching skin benefits.

The most common form of vitamin C used in skincare is L-ascorbic acid. It’s a cost-effective form of vitamin C, making it attractive for the bottom line. However, among industry insiders and experts, it’s known for being notoriously unstable and prone to oxidation. This is especially true when packaging, such as clear bottles and droppers, exposes the formula to light and air.

If you’ve purchased a vitamin C serum in the past and found that it turned brown, that is an indicator that it has oxidized and is no longer good to use. This is why many vitamin C serums are unreliable and sometimes unable to deliver the glowing results we’ve come to expect from our vitamin C serums – leaving us with an inactive formula, skin irritation and buyer’s remorse.

Many forms of vitamin C require water-based formulas. This makes it difficult for the serums to successfully penetrate beyond the skin’s protective water barrier. Most water-soluble forms of vitamin C are also highly acidic, which can disrupt a healthy skin barrier and cause major irritation.

 

Ingredients To Look For In A Vitamin C Serum

As you can see, vitamin C in the form of tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate is a powerhouse ingredient. But as the saying goes, teamwork makes the dream work. Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate performs best when paired with complimentary antioxidants such as:

— Vitamin E
— Ferulic acid
— Resveratrol
— Astaxanthin

 

What You Don’t Want In Your Vitamin C Serum

Selecting a serum with the best vitamin C form for you skin needs determines the kind of results you’ll get from your treatment. However, finding a formula that excludes ingredients that may interact or negate the benefits of a vitamin C serum is equally as important.

Proper packaging will also play a major role in keeping your vitamin C serum active. Packaging should protect the serum from light and air as they degrade antioxidants. Avoid plastic, clear bottles and droppers at all cost. Instead, opt for pumps and light-protective glass bottles.

When deciding to include active ingredients in your skin routine, such as vitamin C, avoid formulas that contain:

— Parabens
— Fragrance/Parfume or Essential Oils
— Synthetic Colorants
— Petrochemical Ingredients like Mineral Oil and Butylparaben

 

Skincare Ingredients Not Compatible With Vitamin C

Certain active ingredients in skincare do not play well together and combining them can render them inactive or even worse, cause major skin irritation, especially if you have sensitive skin. Here is a list of skincare ingredients we recommend not mixing with vitamin C:

— Niacinamide
— Chemical Exfoliants AHA’s, BHA’s, Lactic Acid, etc.
— Benzoyl Peroxide
— Hydroquinone

 

 

Tetrahexydecyl Ascorbate Frequently Asked Questions

 

What Does Vitamin C Do For Your Skin?

Why is vitamin C touted as one of the best skincare ingredients to include in an effective skincare routine? Because vitamin C helps to promote the appearance of a brighter, more even-looking skin tone and reduces the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.

As you can see there are many benefits, and with the numerous forms of vitamin C available on the market today, there’s no need to settle for just any vitamin C. We should reach for the best vitamin C serum for our skin — one that we can depend on to deliver results — without negative side-effects or chance of oxidation. This is what makes tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate so exciting!

Using a vitamin C serum with tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate can have a profoundly positive effect on one’s complexion, effectively delivering on all of the benefits of vitamin C.

 

How To Use A Vitamin C Serum?

You should apply a vitamin C serum after cleansing and toning. The general skin care rule of thumb is to apply your products in order of lightest to heaviest. Apply a few drops of serum into the palm of your hand and massage gently onto face. If desired, seal it in with a moisturizer or balm.

 

When To Use A Vitamin C Serum In A Skin Care Routine?

Vitamin C serums are typically applied daily, in the AM. If you’re using other active ingredients in your routine, such as retinol or an alternative like Bakuchiol, we recommend using them at different times of the day, especially if you consider your skin sensitive.

Using too many actives on the same day or in the same routine can be overstimulating to sensitive skin. As always, we recommend experimenting to find what works best for your unique skin.

 

How Often Should I Use A Vitamin C Serum?

A vitamin C serum can be used twice per day. If using once per day, it’s best to apply it in the AM to give your skin optimal antioxidant protecting against free-radical damage.

 

What Percentage Of Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate Is Best?

Based on the manufacturer’s guidelines, tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate is effective at doses as low as .01% and can be used up to 10% for maximum results without irritation.

 

Is Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate The Best Vitamin C?

Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, also known as THDA, is one of the best forms of vitamin C due to its superior stability, penetrability and low risk for irritation.

 

Is Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate Safe To Use During Pregnancy?

There are no contraindications for using a vitamin C serum during pregnancy. However, we always recommend consulting with your physician or dermatologist if you have any questions or concerns.

 

How Long Does It Take For A Vitamin C Serum To Work?

It takes skin an average of 4-8 weeks to begin demonstrating visible results from a vitamin C treatment. Results will vary depending on the strength of the vitamin C serum, as well as the condition of your skin and root cause of certain skin issues.

Some forms of uneven skin tone are caused by internal factors and unless those are addressed, topical treatments will have an uphill battle.

As with most skincare formulas, visible results only get better with time. A healthy dose of patience is recommended when starting a new skincare product. And remember, don’t give up too quickly, use your vitamin C serum for a minimum of 6-12 months.

 

Can I Use Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate With Retinol?

Yes, retinol and vitamin C, including tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, can be used together without negative side-effects.

 

Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate: The Bottom Line

Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate is one of the most exciting and promising vitamin C forms in skincare. Its stability and greater ability to penetrate the skin, compared to other forms of vitamin C (including L-Ascorbic Acid), means it can effectively deliver on all of the skin benefits of vitamin C.

 

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