Highly stable, premium grade, physician validated vitamin C lotion with 30% THD ascorbate, vitamin E, coenzyme Q10, and squalene
Ideal for dry, oily, combination, and mature skin Daily source of antioxidants that brighten the skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging skin Promotes proper hydration for smoother skin Time-released formula with 30% THD ascorbate that is clinically shown to lessen the appearance of photo-damage, a rough texture, and wrinkles Clinical research with Vitamin C Lotion 30% demonstrated more even skin tone, brighter skin, and a radiant complexion High quality antioxidant blend with patent-pending MelaPATH technology Made in the USA Free of parabens, artificial fragrances, and artificial colors
Ingredients Concern: Phenoxyethanol, Triethanolamine
Cons: The topical application of 30% THD ascorbate may cause excessive skin dryness during the first weeks of use. This side effect may resolve with extended use; Phenoxyethanol has an EWG rating of 4, it is safe in small amounts and triethanolamine has an EWG rating of 5
THD ascorbate or Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate is a more stable form of vitamin C than ascorbic acid [1]. In addition, THD ascorbate is fat-soluble, which means that this type of vitamin C readily dissolves in oil-based skin care products [1]. Due to its fat-soluble components, THD ascorbate also penetrates the skin better than traditional vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) [1].
It is reported that THD ascorbate is considered safe as used in cosmetics in concentrations up to 30% even when used with retinol and other bio-active ingredients.
A 12-week efficacy and tolerance study of a dual-product, involving a 30% THD ascorbate product used during the day and a 0.5% retinol product used at night, demonstrated an increase in skin dryness on the face at weeks 4 and 8. The dryness appeared to resolve by week 12 [2, 3].
Squalene helps target the signs of aging such as fine lines, dark spots, and wrinkles [5]. It also moisturizes the skin, softens texture, and soothes the skin [5].
Coenzyme Q10 helps improve firmness and skin tone, thereby targeting the signs of premature aging [6]. Its powerful antioxidant activity also supports the natural cleansing of the skin [6].
Additional notes of strength and safety: Tocopherol, ubiquinone, and squalene are listed after several other ingredients and none of the percentages are listed on the label or website.
Tocopheryl acetate is listed as the last ingredient on the company's website and it is close to the end of the list of ingredients on Amazon. This is a bit misleading as it makes it hard to determine how it was included in the formula. In general, the percentage of tocopheryl acetate is probably small in comparison to other ingredients.
Phenoxyethanol has an EWG rating of 4, but is safe in small amounts. Triethanolamine has an EWG rating of 5 and should not be used with N-nitrosating agents in formulations. Additionally, it should not be used in cosmetic products in which N-nitroso compounds can be formed. There is also the risk of irritation or allergy at concentrations above 5%. The percentage of triethanolamine is not listed for this product, but would be considered acceptable for topical use if the concentration is less than 5% [7].
Anti-aging [1-3], skin firming, moisturizing, brightening, and blemish reduction [1-6], targets fine lines, wrinkles, and discoloration [1-6]
THD ascorbate can penetrate through the epidermis (outermost layer of the skin) and the dermis (layer directly underneath the skin's surface) better than ascorbic acid [1]. The penetration rate of THD ascorbate is dose dependent, but it still surpasses the penetration of ascorbic acid by three times when both forms are used at the same concentration. Furthermore, THD ascorbate maintains a higher penetration rate even when the concentration of ascorbic acid is 25 times that of THD ascorbate [1]. Due to these beneficial properties, the use of THD ascorbate demonstrates enhanced stability in serums as well as substantial differences in facial wrinkles, hydration of dry skin, collagen production, and skin brightening [1].
Blending vitamin C (THD ascorbate) with vitamin E supports healthy levels of inflammation and has skin-smoothing as well as photoreceptor enhancing properties [1, 4].
Squalene mimics natural oils that the skin produces, which makes it an optimal moisturizer and natural emollient. It also creates a smooth layer on the surface of the skin that helps lock in moisture. This helps the skin stay hydrated. In addition, squalene is easily absorbed by the skin because it mimics naturally produced oils and this helps restore skin plumpness [5]. This powerful compound also naturally cleanses the skin and supports collagen production [5].
Coenzyme Q10 has skin-smoothing, photoreceptor enhancing, and inflammatory-pathway influencing properties [6]. This helps the outer layer of the skin maintain its moisture, and it accelerates skin cell rejuvenation [6]. This antioxidant compound also supports the production of collagen and elastin fibers, which helps targets the appearance of premature aging (e.g., wrinkles, fine lines) [6].
Key Ingredients: THD ascorbate, Squalane, Coenzyme Q10 (Ubiquinone), Vitamin E
All Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Glycerin, PPG-12/SMDI Copolymer, Corn Starch Modified, Cyclopentasiloxane, Cetearyl Glucoside, Tocopherol, Ubiquinone, Glyceryl Caprylate, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Squalane, Xanthan Gum, Chlorphenesin, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Phenoxyethanol, Benzoic Acid, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Triethanolamine, Butylene Glycol, Sorbic Acid, Tocopheryl Acetate 
Apply to clean skin. Dispense one or more pumps into palm of hand and apply evenly onto clean face. Avoid eye area. Allow lotion to absorb before applying moisturizer. Use once daily in the morning. Follow with Multi-Protection Broad-Spectrum SPF 50, or Intellishade of choice. If desired, this product can also be used twice daily for added benefits.
These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
1. Fitzpatrick RE, Rostan EF. Double-blind, half-face study comparing topical vitamin C and vehicle for rejuvenation of photodamage. Dermatol Surg. 2002;28(3):231-6.
2. Bergfeld WF, et al. Safety Assessment of Ethers and Esters of Ascorbic Acid as Used in Cosmetics. Cosmetic Ingredient Review. 2017. https://www.cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/ethasb062017rep.pdf
3. Herndon JH, et al. An open label clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy and tolerance of a retinol and vitamin C facial regimen in women with mild-to-moderate hyperpigmentation and photodamaged facial skin. J Drugs Dermatol. 2016;15(4):476-482.
4. Murray JC, Burch JA, et al. A topical antioxidant solution containing vitamins C and E stabilized by ferulic acid provides protection for human skin against damage caused by ultraviolet irradiation. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2008;59(3):418-25.
5. Kim SK, Karadeniz F. Biological importance and applications of squalene and squalane. Adv Food Nutr Res . 2012;65:223-33.
6. Gutierrez-Mariscal FM, Yubero-Serrano EM, Villalba JM, Lopez-Miranda J. Coenzyme Q10: From bench to clinic in aging diseases, a translational review. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2019;59(14):2240-2257.
7. Fiume MM, Heldreth B, Bergfeld WF, et al. Safety assessment of triethanolamine and triethanolamine-containing ingredients as used in cosmetics. Int J Toxicol. 2013;32(3 Suppl):59S-83S.