Skin Functional Oil Based Vitamin C Versus The Ordinary Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate Solution 20% in Vitamin F
Updated on August 20, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe serums. They have a total of 3 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain Vitamin C
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for brightening skin, reducing pores and better texture
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, parabens, silicones or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain fragrances
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Ingredient Info
Skin Functional Oil Based Vitamin C 10 ingredients
The Ordinary Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate Solution 20% in Vitamin F 7 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Skin Functional Oil Based Vitamin C 10 ingredients
The Ordinary Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate Solution 20% in Vitamin F 7 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Ingredients Side-by-side
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Coconut Alkanes is created from the fatty-acids of coconut oil. It is volatile, meaning it evaporates from the skin.
This ingredient is an emollient and solvent. As an emollient, it helps keep skin soft and hydrated. Solvents help distribute and mix other ingredients. This ensures a more even consistency.
Coconut Alkanes may not be fungal-acne safe.
Learn more about Coconut AlkanesTetrahexyldecyl 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 AscorbateCoco-Caprylate/Caprate is created from fatty coconut alcohol, caprylic acid, and capric acid.
It is a lightweight emollient. Emollients create a thin barrier on the skin to trap moisture in. This helps keep your skin hydrated and soft.
Once applied, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate is absorbed quickly and leaves a silky feel.
Coco-Caprylate/Caprate may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Coco-Caprylate/CaprateIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Skin Functional Oil Based Vitamin C 10 ingredients
The Ordinary Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate Solution 20% in Vitamin F 7 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Skin Functional Oil Based Vitamin C 10 ingredients
The Ordinary Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate Solution 20% in Vitamin F 7 ingredients
It works very well! If you're looking for a Vitamin C derivative serum this is a good option if you like an oil formulation. It could give a bit of initial flushing though but that goes away quite quickly.
Rating it 4 stars instead of 5 because for me it's quite hard to incorporate into my routine as it layers very badly under the sunscreen. Unfortunately, because of that, I won't repurchase Show more
