Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate: The Best Vitamin C For Your Skin

Vitamin C serums have gained superhero status amongst skincare enthusiast, and for good reason. Vitamin C is a powerhouse ingredient with numerous skin benefits that range from visibly fading dark spots to minimizing the appearance of wrinkles.

So, what’s not to love? Well, there’s a caveat every savvy, skin-conscious consumer should be aware of before investing hard earned dollars into just any vitamin C serum. Not all vitamin C serums are created equal. If you’re looking for the best vitamin C serum, look no further than tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate.

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 one of the most common forms of vitamin C, 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 splurge.

 

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.

 

Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate vs L-Ascorbic Acid

 

Benefits Of Using A Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate Serum

The skin benefits of using tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate include: a reduction in the appearance of dark spots, fine lines and wrinkles, a more even skin tone and an increase in the look of firmness and elasticity. Plus, it may even help to keep blemishes at bay. All of these benefits come without the worry of your formula oxidizing or causing irritation.

Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate also works as a powerful antioxidant, protecting your complexion from free-radicals, which can cause a breakdown in collagen and premature signs of aging — i.e. fine lines and wrinkles. However, the benefits don’t stop there. Let’s dive into all of the ways a vitamin C serum with tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate can benefit your skin.

— Reduces the appearance of dark spots and uneven skin tone
— Brightens the look of dull complexion
— Improves the look of firmness and elasticity
— Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
— Provides antioxidant protection
— May be helpful in keeping blemishes at bay

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Tetrahexydecyl Ascorbate For Wrinkles

Wrinkles and fine lines are inevitable, but we can make a concerted effort to keep them at bay. A great way to start is by eating a healthy diet and pairing it with well-formulated skincare products designed to support optimal skin health.

Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate helps to visibly firm skin, minimizing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. In addition, it helps to protect skin from free-radicals, which contribute to premature signs of aging.

 

Tetrahexydecyl Ascorbate For Acne

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 keeping skin looking clear.

Some people find that over time their skin becomes irritated and sensitive to ingredients in conventional acne treatments, especially sensitive skin. Also, some find that during pregnancy skin becomes prone to blemishes and many ingredients used in conventional acne products need to be avoided during this precious time.

That’s where tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate comes in handy. This gentle vitamin C ester may be a valuable aid in helping to minimize the appearance of breakouts and any visible marks that may be left behind.

 

Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate For Dry Skin

Dry skin is predominantly a skin issue that comes with age or during significant changes in the body, such as pregnancy. Oftentimes, people find that their skin is oily or normal in some areas, but have dry skin around the eyes and cheeks due to the fact that there are less oil glands.

Many forms of vitamin C exfoliate the skin, which can cause skin to become irritated and perpetuate chronic dryness. However, tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate is not known to exfoliate the skin and because it’s an oil-soluble ingredient, it can be combined with moisture replenishing oils that help to soften and smooth, while delivering all of the glow-inducing benefits of a vitamin C serum.

 

Tetrahexydecyl Ascorbate For Sensitive Skin

Finding a vitamin C for sensitive skin can be challenging. The search for result-driven products that respect your sensitive skin barrier can feel like you’re looking for a needle in a haystack. Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate is prized for being a gentler form of vitamin C that’s suitable for sensitive skin.

As always, we recommend getting a sample and patch-testing before investing in a full-size product — just to be on the safe side. No skincare formula, no matter how gentle or natural, is compatible with everyone. You are unique and so is the way your skin responds to products.

 

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Tetrahexydecyl Ascorbate For Pregnancy Skin Care

There are numerous skin changes that one goes through during pregnancy. Unfortunately, not all women experience the pregnancy glow. Hormone-related hyperpigmentation, also referred to as melasma or mask of pregnancy, is a very common skin change during this precious time.

Skin can also become sensitive, dry and prone to breakouts. That’s where a gentle vitamin C serum using tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate can become invaluable, helping to not only reclaim that natural glow, but also reduce the appearance of dark spots and blemishes.

 

Tetrahexydecyl Ascorbate For Under Eye Wrinkles

The skin around the eyes is much thinner and more sensitive when compared the skin on the rest of your face. It’s normal to have dry skin around the eyes due to the fact that there are less oil glands. That’s why we recommend a vitamin C oil that incorporates tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate when caring for the sensitive eye area. This helps to replenish moisture to dry skin around the eyes, as well as reduce the appearance of under eye wrinkles and improve the look of skin tone.

 

Vitamin C For Skin

 

Tetrahexydecyl Ascorbate For Sun Damage

Skin exposed to too much sun over many years benefits from gentle products that are also highly effective. We recommend caring for skin that exhibits uneven skin tone or dark spots due to excess sun exposure the same way you would sensitive skin. This is because excessive sun exposure can cause skin to become dry and fragile.

Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate helps to gently reduce the appearance of dark spots and uneven skin tone while improving the overall look of your complexion. It’s also not drying to skin when incorporated into in an oil-based formula, such as our Arctic-C brightening serum.

 

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

 

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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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Disclaimer: This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice or to take the place of such advice or treatment from a personal physician. All readers/viewers of this content are advised to consult their doctors or qualified health professionals regarding specific health questions. Neither Root Science nor the publisher of this content takes responsibility for possible health consequences of any person or persons reading or following the information in this educational content. All viewers of this content, especially those taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should consult their physicians before beginning any skincare, nutrition, supplement or lifestyle program. The views and products expressed are not intended to treat, cure or prevent any disease.

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