The Ordinary Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate Solution 20% in Vitamin F Versus Medik8 C-Tetra® Luxe Lipid Vitamin C Enhanced Radiance Serum
Overview
What they are
These products are both vegan, cruelty-free, and reef safe serums. They have a total of 4 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 fragrances and oils
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
The Ordinary Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate Solution 20% in Vitamin F 7 ingredients
Medik8 C-Tetra® Luxe Lipid Vitamin C Enhanced Radiance Serum 19 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
The Ordinary Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate Solution 20% in Vitamin F 7 ingredients
Medik8 C-Tetra® Luxe Lipid Vitamin C Enhanced Radiance Serum 19 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Squalane
Emollient
Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
Emollient
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
Antioxidant
Dimethicone
Emollient
Candida Bombicola/Glucose/Methyl Rapeseedate Ferment
AntimicrobialCitrus Grandis Peel Oil
Masking
Ethyl Linoleate
Emollient
Passiflora Edulis Seed Oil
Emollient
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil
Emollient
Olea Europaea Fruit Oil
Masking
Panax Ginseng Root Oil
Skin Conditioning
Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil
Skin Conditioning
Prunus Armeniaca Kernel Oil
Masking
PPG-12/Smdi Copolymer
EmollientLimonene
Perfuming
Citral
Perfuming
Linalool
Perfuming
Geraniol
Perfuming
Squalane, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Dimethicone, Candida Bombicola/Glucose/Methyl Rapeseedate Ferment, Citrus Grandis Peel Oil, Ethyl Linoleate, Passiflora Edulis Seed Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Olea Europaea Fruit Oil, Panax Ginseng Root Oil, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil, Prunus Armeniaca Kernel Oil, PPG-12/Smdi Copolymer, Limonene, Citral, Linalool, Geraniol
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
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 AscorbateEthyl Linoleate is a fragrance and isn't fungal acne safe.
This oil comes from the seeds of the desert shrub called Jojoba. It is more commonly known as jojoba oil, a non-comedogenic oil.
Jojoba oil does not contain fragrance and has many fatty-acids, making it a great soothing ingredient.
It also contains Vitamin E, a great moisturizing ingredient. Vitamin E is also an antioxidant and protects your skin against oxidative damage.
This ingredient humectant properties, meaning it helps draw moisture from the air. This helps keep your skin hydrated.
While jojoba has antibacterial properties, it is only able to kill some strains of bacteria.
Studies also show it helps in wound healing. In fact, Indigenous cultures have used jojoba as a moisturizer and to help treat burns for centuries.
Fun fact: Jojoba oil similar to natural human skin sebum, so it has a great effect on dry skin. It is also promising with helping to regulate sebum production.
Due to its fatty acid content, Jojoba oil may not be fungal acne safe. We recommend speaking with a professional if you have any concerns.
Learn more about Simmondsia Chinensis Seed OilSqualane is an emollient that helps the skin hold onto moisture. It's an oily liquid that occurs naturally in certain types of fish and plant oils.
Because squalane boosts hydration in the skin, it also comes with plenty of benefits: it is an antioxidant and can help fight free radicals and skin damage. Squalane is also found to have a detoxifying effect when applied.
Squalane comes from squalene, which occurs naturally within the sebum of our skin. It is one of the oils our skin produces to keep itself hydrated. Squalane is the hydrogenated version of squalene and has a longer shelf life.
Research shows that squalane is non-irritating (even at 100% concentration).
In general, it's a fantastic ingredient. It does a great job at hydrating the skin, and it's suitable for those with sensitive skin.
The source of squalane may impact malassezia / fungal acne. This is because olive oil derived squalane can contain impurities such as fatty acids and plant waxes. Sugarcane derived squalane is recommended for anyone with malassezia concerns.
Is squalane vegan?
This depends on the source. Squalane can be derived from both plants and animals. Most squalane used in skincare comes from plants.
Please note: the source of squalane is only known if disclosed by the brand. We recommend reaching out to the brand if you have any questions about their squalane.
Read more about squalene with an "e".
Learn more about SqualaneIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
The Ordinary Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate Solution 20% in Vitamin F 7 ingredients
Medik8 C-Tetra® Luxe Lipid Vitamin C Enhanced Radiance Serum 19 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
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
Medik8 C-Tetra® Luxe Lipid Vitamin C Enhanced Radiance Serum 19 ingredients
Love this product. Leaves skin feeling hydrated, fresh and glowy.
