Tetrahexyldecyl (THD) Ascorbate is one of the most efficient and stable forms of vitamin C. Unfortunately for this all-star ingredient, many people have never heard of it. Most beauty products on the market today contain L-Ascorbic Acid instead, which has the brightening and skin renewing benefits of vitamin C but doesn't treat the skin as efficiently as THD Ascorbate. Switching from pure vitamin C to this stabilized form can result in fresher, healthier skin with fewer fine lines and wrinkles and less irritation.

What is L-Ascorbic Acid?

L-ascorbic acid is the pure form of vitamin C commonly found in beauty products. Since L-ascorbic acid is cheaper than THD ascorbate, most manufacturers prefer this ingredient. L-ascorbic acid offers some of the benefits of vitamin C, including improved skin clarity and reduced signs of aging; however, L-ascorbic acid doesn't penetrate the skin as deeply as THD ascorbate, making it less effective. It also goes bad more quickly and is more likely to cause irritation. Check the label on your vitamin C products before you make a purchase, especially if your skin is prone to irritation.

What is THD Ascorbate?

THD ascorbate is a stabilized, lipid-soluble form of vitamin C that can be found in certain beauty products like our updated formula of Pharma-C Serum. Like other forms of vitamin C, THD ascorbate can help soften the skin, as well as smooth and brighten for a healthy, glowing appearance. THD ascorbate can also help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by supporting skin's collagen health. A rich, THD ascorbate serum also helps to hydrate the skin and helps to prevent trans-epidermal water loss.

What Makes THD Ascorbate Superior?

L-ascorbic acid is water-soluble, meaning that it doesn't penetrate past the lipid barrier of the skin. This denies your skin the full nourishment available from a vitamin C product. Conversely, THD ascorbate is an oil-soluble ingredient that more readily absorbs into skin, penetrating below the skin's surface to provide moisture and antioxidant protection at a deeper level. If you've noticed that your skin still gets dry and uncomfortable after you use L-ascorbic acid products, it might be time to switch to a THD ascorbate serum.

THD ascorbate also doesn't oxidize as rapidly as L-ascorbic acid. When your serum reacts to the oxygen in the air, it could turn brown, making it unusable. If your L-ascorbic acid serum oxidizes before you use it all, you might feel like you've wasted your money. THD ascorbate doesn't oxidize as quickly, giving it a much longer shelf life. You could use the whole bottle and come back for more, which ensures that you're getting your money's worth.

Since L-ascorbic acid has a lower pH range, it could irritate people with sensitive skin, defeating the entire purpose of using a serum in the first place. THD ascorbate has a higher pH range that makes it suitable for people with a variety of skin types. If you suffer from sensitive skin, THD ascorbate products could offer the antioxidant protection and hydration you desire and have been unable to find.

Where Can You Find Serums with THD Ascorbate?

Our Pharma-C Serum uses THD ascorbate to nourish and hydrate your skin. When you apply this silky, lightweight serum to your face, the ingredients penetrate deeply into your skin to relieve blotchiness, dryness and discomfort. Over time, you'll start to notice a reduction in the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. You'll also notice that your skin is softer and more plump, giving it a youthful glow.

We recommend applying Pharma-C serum during the day, but you can also apply it at night to refresh your skin. Get in touch with us if you have more questions or need help choosing the right product for your skin type.