Theramid C.E.F Versus Alpha-H Vitamin C Serum With 10% Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
Updated on September 16, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both vegan, cruelty-free, and reef safe serums. They have a total of 7 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain Vitamin C
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin, reducing pores, scar healing, dark spots and better texture
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, parabens, silicones or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain 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
Theramid C.E.F 21 ingredients
Alpha-H Vitamin C Serum With 10% Ethyl Ascorbic Acid 20 ingredients
What's inside
What's inside
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Theramid C.E.F 21 ingredients
Alpha-H Vitamin C Serum With 10% Ethyl Ascorbic Acid 20 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningAscorbyl Tetraisopalmitate
Antioxidant
Propanediol
Solvent
Ascorbyl Glucoside
Antioxidant
Glycerin
Humectant
Tricaprylin
Masking
Methylpropanediol
SolventGlycine Soja Seed Extract
Skin Conditioning
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Ascorbyl Methylsilanol Pectinate
Antioxidant
Ferulic Acid
Antimicrobial
Lecithin
Emollient
Sclerotium 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 Conditioning3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
Skin Conditioning
Methyl Gluceth-20
Humectant
Propanediol
Solvent
Sodium Citrate
BufferingGlycerin
Humectant
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Citric Acid
Buffering
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Sodium Metabisulfite
Antioxidant
Polysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Vitis Vinifera Seed Extract
Antimicrobial
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil
Masking
Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
Bleaching
Tasmannia Lanceolata Fruit/Leaf Extract
Antioxidant
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Limonene
Perfuming
CI 75120
Cosmetic ColorantWater, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Methyl Gluceth-20, Propanediol, Sodium Citrate, Glycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Citric Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Caprylyl Glycol, Sodium Metabisulfite, Polysorbate 20, Vitis Vinifera Seed Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Tasmannia Lanceolata Fruit/Leaf Extract, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Limonene, CI 75120
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Citric Acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) naturally found in citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and limes.
Like other AHAs, citric acid can exfoliate skin by breaking down the bonds that hold dead skin cells together. This helps reveal smoother and brighter skin underneath.
However, this exfoliating effect only happens at high concentrations (20%) which can be hard to find in cosmetic products.
Due to this, citric acid is usually included in small amounts as a pH adjuster. This helps keep products slightly more acidic and compatible with skin's natural pH.
In skincare formulas, citric acid can:
While it can provide some skin benefits, research shows lactic acid and glycolic acid are generally more effective and less irritating exfoliants.
Most citric acid used in skincare today is made by fermenting sugars (usually from molasses). This synthetic version is identical to the natural citrus form but easier to stabilize and use in formulations.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Citric AcidGlycerin 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 GlycerinPotassium Sorbate is a preservative used to prevent yeast and mold in products. It is commonly found in both cosmetic and food products.
This ingredient comes from potassium salt derived from sorbic acid. Sorbic acid is a natural antibiotic and effective against fungus.
Both potassium sorbate and sorbic acid can be found in baked goods, cheeses, dried meats, dried fruit, ice cream, pickles, wine, yogurt, and more.
You'll often find this ingredient used with other preservatives.
Learn more about Potassium SorbatePropanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.Â
It’s often used to:
Propanediol is not likely to cause sensitivity and considered safe to use. It is derived from corn or petroleum with a clear color and no scent.
Learn more about PropanediolSodium Benzoate is a preservative. It's used in both cosmetic and food products to inhibit the growth of mold and bacteria. It is typically produced synthetically.
Both the US FDA and EU Health Committee have approved the use of sodium benzoate. In the US, levels of 0.1% (of the total product) are allowed.
Sodium benzoate works as a preservative by inhibiting the growth of bacteria inside of cells. It prevents the cell from fermenting a type of sugar using an enzyme called phosphofructokinase.
It is the salt of benzoic acid. Foods containing sodium benzoate include soda, salad dressings, condiments, fruit juices, wines, and snack foods.
Studies for using ascorbic acid and sodium benzoate in cosmetics are lacking, especially in skincare routines with multiple steps.
We always recommend speaking with a professional, such as a dermatologist, if you have any concerns.
Learn more about Sodium BenzoateSodium 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 CitrateWater. 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 WaterIngredient Ratings
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When to use
Theramid C.E.F 21 ingredients
Alpha-H Vitamin C Serum With 10% Ethyl Ascorbic Acid 20 ingredients
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Alpha-H Vitamin C Serum With 10% Ethyl Ascorbic Acid 20 ingredients
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