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Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate

What Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate is & what it does

A stable, oil-soluble vitamin C derivative that penetrates well and provides antioxidant protection, collagen support, and a brightening effect. It is gentler and far more stable than pure ascorbic acid.

What is Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate and what does it do in sunscreen?

Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate is an oil-soluble, stable form of vitamin C used as an antioxidant. In a sunscreen it helps neutralize free radicals generated by UV light, supporting the filters and adding a brightening, even-tone benefit over time. Because it is more stable than pure vitamin C, it keeps working in the formula rather than degrading quickly.

Is Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate the same as vitamin C?

It is a vitamin C derivative, not pure vitamin C. The plain form, ascorbic acid, is water-soluble and notoriously unstable, so it browns and loses strength fast. Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate is an oil-soluble version that is far more stable, penetrates well, and is gentler on the skin, which is why formulators favor it in sunscreens and day creams.

Is Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate safe?

Yes. It is a well-tolerated antioxidant that is generally milder than pure ascorbic acid, since it does not carry the low acidity that can sting or irritate. It is widely used in leave-on products including sunscreens with a good tolerance record. As with any vitamin C product, store it away from heat and light to keep it effective.

Does Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate clog pores?

Generally no. It is used at low levels as an active rather than as a bulk oil, and it is not considered a notably pore-clogging ingredient. Any breakouts from a vitamin C sunscreen are more likely down to the carrier oils or other emollients in the base.

Is Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate vegan?

Yes, it is typically vegan. It is made synthetically from ascorbic acid and a fatty alcohol, with no animal-derived inputs in standard production. The vitamin C used as its starting point is produced industrially rather than extracted from animals.

Sunscreens with Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate

We rate 322 sunscreens that contain it, showing the top 10 by overall score:

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