Theramid C-Tetra E.F. Versus Paula's Choice 25% Vitamin C + Glutathione Clinical Serum
Updated on August 07, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe serums. They have a total of 6 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain exfoliants, Vitamin C and Vitamin E
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, reducing pores, dark spots and better texture
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, oils, parabens or sulfates
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
Theramid C-Tetra E.F. 21 ingredients
Paula's Choice 25% Vitamin C + Glutathione Clinical Serum 41 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Theramid C-Tetra E.F. 21 ingredients
Paula's Choice 25% Vitamin C + Glutathione Clinical Serum 41 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningAscorbyl Tetraisopalmitate
Antioxidant
Propanediol
SolventAscorbyl Glucoside
Antioxidant
Glycerin
Humectant
Tricaprylin
Masking
Methylpropanediol
SolventGlycine Soja Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningTocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Ascorbyl Methylsilanol Pectinate
Antioxidant
Ferulic Acid
Antimicrobial
Lecithin
EmollientSclerotium Gum
Emulsion StabilisingPullulan
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingSilica
Abrasive
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingSodium Citrate
BufferingCitric Acid
Buffering
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Water, Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate, Propanediol, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Glycerin, Tricaprylin, Methylpropanediol, Glycine Soja Seed Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Ascorbyl Methylsilanol Pectinate, Ferulic Acid, Lecithin, Sclerotium Gum, Pullulan, Xanthan Gum, Silica, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Citrate, Citric Acid, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate
Water
Skin ConditioningTetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
Antioxidant
Dimethicone
Emollient
Glycerin
Humectant
C9-12 Alkane
SolventAscorbyl Glucoside
Antioxidant
Silica
Abrasive
Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingPolyglyceryl-6 Polyricinoleate
Emulsifying
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingOryza Sativa Bran Extract
Skin Conditioning
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingCetyl Alcohol
Emollient
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientLysine Carboxymethyl Cysteinate
Skin ConditioningCoco-Caprylate/Caprate
Emollient
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Glutathione
Sodium Citrate
BufferingSodium Phytate
Hexylene Glycol
EmulsifyingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningHelianthus Annuus Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningUrea
Buffering
Mannitol
HumectantCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingSodium PCA
HumectantRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialPolysorbate 60
Emulsifying
Sorbitan Isostearate
Emulsifying
Trehalose
HumectantAscorbic Acid
Antioxidant
Glucose
HumectantVanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningPolyquaternium-51
Skin ConditioningErgothioneine
Antioxidant
Triacetin
AntimicrobialSodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Water, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Dimethicone, Glycerin, C9-12 Alkane, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Silica, Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Polyglyceryl-6 Polyricinoleate, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Xanthan Gum, Oryza Sativa Bran Extract, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Cetyl Alcohol, Caprylyl Glycol, Lysine Carboxymethyl Cysteinate, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Tocopherol, Glutathione, Sodium Citrate, Sodium Phytate, Hexylene Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Helianthus Annuus Seed Extract, Urea, Mannitol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Sodium PCA, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Polysorbate 60, Sorbitan Isostearate, Trehalose, Ascorbic Acid, Glucose, Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract, Polyquaternium-51, Ergothioneine, Triacetin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Phenoxyethanol
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Water. It's the most common cosmetic ingredient of all. You'll usually see it at the top of ingredient lists, meaning that it makes up the largest part of the product.
So why is it so popular? Water most often acts as a solvent - this means that it helps dissolve other ingredients into the formulation.
You'll also recognize water as that liquid we all need to stay alive. If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about WaterAscorbyl Glucoside is a stable form of Vitamin C. It is created by combining glucose from starch.
When applied to skin, Ascorbyl Glucoside turns into Ascorbic Acid.
Ascorbyl Glucoside is an antioxidant. Antioxidants help fight free-radicals, or molecules that may damage skin cells.
It can help to reduce redness, improve skin texture, reduce the effects of aging, reduce the visibility of dark spots, and brighten skin.
Read more about other types of Vitamin C:
Learn more about Ascorbyl GlucosideGlycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.
A study from 2016 found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.
As a humectant, it helps the skin stay hydrated by pulling moisture to your skin. The low molecular weight of glycerin allows it to pull moisture into the deeper layers of your skin.
Hydrated skin improves your skin barrier; Your skin barrier helps protect against irritants and bacteria.
Glycerin has also been found to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Due to these properties, glycerin is often used in wound and burn treatments.
In cosmetics, glycerin is usually derived from plants such as soybean or palm. However, it can also be sourced from animals, such as tallow or animal fat.
This ingredient is organic, colorless, odorless, and non-toxic.
Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.
Learn more about GlycerinXanthan gum is used as a stabilizer and thickener within cosmetic products. It helps give products a sticky, thick feeling - preventing them from being too runny.
On the technical side of things, xanthan gum is a polysaccharide - a combination consisting of multiple sugar molecules bonded together.
Xanthan gum is a pretty common and great ingredient. It is a natural, non-toxic, non-irritating ingredient that is also commonly used in food products.
Learn more about Xanthan GumSilica is a mineral naturally found in our skin. It helps to thicken and smooth the texture of a product. It also acts as an agent for other ingredients by increasing the absorption of other ingredients into the skin.
Silica is often used for absorption and can help reduce shine when products are applied. Silica occurs in naturally in materials like clay and sandstone, and it can also be produced synthetically.
Silica is present naturally within the skin during collagen production and when reducing inflammation.
Learn more about SilicaSodium Citrate is the sodium salts of citric acid. In skincare, it is used to alter pH levels and acts as a preservative.
Its main functions are to maintain the pH of a product and neutralize metal ions.
The acidity of our skin is maintained by our glands and skin biome; normal pH level of skin is slightly acidic (~4.75-5.5).
Being slightly acidic allows our skin to create an "acid mantle". This acid mantle is a thin barrier that protects our skin from bacteria and contaminants.
Learn more about Sodium CitrateIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Theramid C-Tetra E.F. 21 ingredients
Paula's Choice 25% Vitamin C + Glutathione Clinical Serum 41 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Theramid C-Tetra E.F. 21 ingredients
feels really nice and absorbs well but didn't see any differences in my skin after going through 3 bottles
