Vitamin C is a cornerstone ingredient in modern skincare, but not all forms of this powerhouse antioxidant are created equal. Dr. Stefanie cuts through the marketing hype to deliver a frank assessment of tetravitamin C (tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate), revealing why this trending ingredient might be sabotaging your skincare goals.
This lipid-soluble vitamin C derivative boasts impressive credentials and is exceptionally effective at delivering antioxidant protection, stimulating collagen production, and combating hyperpigmentation. But the very characteristic that gives tetravitamin C its advantages—its oil solubility—creates a significant catch. Dr. Stefanie explains why this can be problematic for those with congested or breakout-prone skin.

If you've been struggling with persistent breakouts despite using "high-performance" vitamin C products, this could be why...