Versus

Medik8 C-Tetra Lipid Vitamin C Serum Versus Biossance Squalane + Vitamin C Rose Oil

Serum
Oil
British Brand United Kingdom
American Brand United States

Updated on July 18, 2023

Overview

What they are

These products are both vegan, cruelty-free, and reef safe . They have a total of 2 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain Vitamin C

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for dry skin, brightening skin, reducing pores and better texture

Free From

They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, parabens or sulfates

What's Inside

They both contain common allergens and fragrances

We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that needs an update? Let us know.

Ingredient Info

Click any item below to learn more and see relevant ingredients

About this product

About this product

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

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

Antioxidant, Skin Conditioning

Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate (THD) is a stable and oil-soluble form of Vitamin C.

THD is special in that it has the ability to travel deeper into skin than traditional ascorbic acid while maintaining the same skin benefits (double win!).

Because it’s oil-soluble, THD dives deep into your skin’s fatty layers (think ceramides and cholesterol) to fight off the kind of free radicals that mess with your skin barrier. This makes it a great pair with water-based vitamin C (ascorbic acid) that mainly works on the surface.

Even at just 0.1%, THD is already showing great antioxidant activity. When used up to 2%, it helps keep your skin happy and calm, especially when it’s stressed from pollution or sun.

Want to fade dark spots or tackle hyperpigmentation? You’ll want 5% or more. Pairing it with brightening buddies like niacinamide or licorice root gives even better results. One study even used 30% THD with other brighteners and saw real results on stubborn discoloration, even in melasma-prone skin.

A note on THD: It’s has a slightly silky, oily texture and usually shows up colorless or pale yellow (though the exact shade can vary by supplier).

While you can sneak it into water-based formulas, it really shines when paired with silicones or oils, which help your skin soak it up better.

THD is pretty stable, but it’s still vulnerable to degradation like ascorbic acid. Too much light or heat (above 113°F / 45°C) can break it down over time. Go for dark and opaque packaging that keeps it safe and shady!

Read more about other types of Vitamin C:

Learn more about Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
Perfuming, Tonic

Geraniol is used to add fragrance/parfum to a product. It is the main component of citronellol. It is a monoterpenoid and an alcohol.

Monoterpenes are naturally found in many parts of different plants.

Geraniol can be found in many essential oils including Rose Oil and Citronella Oil. The scent of Geraniol is often described as "rose-like". Many foods also contain Geraniol for fruit flavoring.

Geraniol can irritate the skin when exposed to air. However, irritation depends on the ability of geraniol to penetrate into the skin. In general, geraniol is not able to penetrate skin easily.

Geraniol is colorless and has low water-solubility. However, it is soluble in common organic solvents.

Like citronellol, it is a natural insect repellent.

2,6-Octadien-1-ol, 3,7-dimethyl-, (2E)-

Learn more about Geraniol

When to use

113 Routines
88% use in am
12% use in pm
96% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->
275 Routines
54% use in am
46% use in pm
91% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

Medik8 C-Tetra Lipid Vitamin C Serum 11 ingredients

5.0 /5
from 2 ratings
Absorbs Well (1) Expensive (1) Light (1)
Yas2024's avatar

Yas2024

6 months ago
Review

Would recommend

#expensive
#light
#absorbs well
#works well

Biossance Squalane + Vitamin C Rose Oil 7 ingredients

3.6 /5
from 5 ratings
Absorbs Well (1) Expensive (1) Hydrating (1)
sameteamdwight's avatar

sameteamdwight

4 years ago
Review

So smooth
This is an excellent oil - very very lightly scented (almost smells like pickles but I am pregnant, so...) and goes on very smoothly. I use it at night for extra moisture before my moisturizer and I love it. The only downside is this price point is not affordable for me in the long-run, so when my sample runs out I'll be missing it.

jessicawilliams2's avatar

Jessica Williams

2 months ago
Review

Instantly fell in love with this oil. It's light weight, absorbs quickly, goes on smoothly, doesn't leave me feeling greasy, hardly any noticeable fragrance, and an excellent source of Vitamin C. I use it at night after my serum and before moisturizing. My skin feels so smooth, not irritated, and well hydrated in the morning. What more could you want? Oh, the price... yeah it is definitely more on Show more

#expensive
#hydrating
#light
#absorbs well