SHOP OUR MANUKA HONEY REPAIR CREAM

Why we use Vitamin C?

Brightening and antioxidant support with one of skincare's most advanced forms of Vitamin C.

Vitamin C is one of the most researched skincare ingredients available. At Rooted Clinical Botanics, we use Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate (THDA), a modern oil-soluble form of Vitamin C chosen for its excellent stability, compatibility with nourishing oils, and ability to support your skin.

Unlike traditional water-soluble Vitamin C, THDA integrates beautifully into our lipid-rich formulations, allowing us to combine antioxidant protection with deep nourishment in one thoughtfully crafted cream.

Why We Choose THDA

Not all forms of Vitamin C are the same.

Traditional L-Ascorbic Acid is highly effective but can be unstable and requires an acidic pH to remain active.

We chose Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate (THDA) because it is:

  • Highly stable
  • Oil-soluble
  • Compatible with lipid-rich formulations
  • Gentle for most skin types
  • Able to work alongside ingredients like tallow, squalane, and botanical oils used on our face oils, whipped body butter or our emulsions containing water.
  • This allows us to formulate nourishing creams without sacrificing stability or performance.

Benefits of THDA Vitamin C

  • Brightens Skin

    Helps improve the appearance of dullness for a more radiant-looking complexion.

  • Antioxidant Protection

    Helps defend the skin against everyday environmental stressors.

  • Supports Collagen

    Helps support healthy collagen production, contributing to firmer-looking skin.

  • Promotes Even Tone

    Helps improve the appearance of uneven skin tone and discoloration over time.

  • Oil-Soluble

    Blends naturally with nourishing oils for excellent skin compatibility.

  • Stable Formula

    Chosen for its exceptional stability compared with many traditional Vitamin C forms.

Why We Use THDA Instead of Traditional Vitamin C

Traditional Vitamin C
(L-Ascorbic Acid)		 THDA Vitamin C
(Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate)
Water-soluble Oil-soluble
Less stable Highly stable
Requires an acidic (low pH) formula Compatible with a wider pH range
May be more irritating for some skin types Generally well tolerated
Difficult to formulate with rich botanical oils Ideal for lipid-rich botanical formulations
Oxidizes more easily when exposed to light and air Excellent oxidative stability


Why We Pair Vitamin C with Other Ingredients

Ingredient Why We Pair It
Grass-Fed Tallow Provides skin-compatible lipids that nourish the skin barrier while THDA compliments it providing antioxidant support.
Manuka Honey Helps attract moisture to the skin while complementing Vitamin C's brightening properties.
Niacinamide Works alongside THDA to support a brighter, healthier-looking complexion and reinforce the skin barrier.
Squalane A lightweight emollient that helps soften the skin and enhances how it feels on your skin.
Coenzyme Q10 A powerful antioxidant that complements Vitamin C to help the skin naturally defend against environmental stressors.
Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5) Helps maintain hydration while leaving the skin feeling soft, smooth, and conditioned.
Calendula Calendula is valued for its naturally occurring antioxidants and skin-conditioning compounds that help support the skin barrier while comforting dry and sensitive-looking skin.

Did you know?

  • Vitamin C:

    ✔ Vitamin C is one of the most extensively researched ingredients in skincare.

    ✔ THDA is a lipid-soluble derivative that integrates naturally into oil-rich formulations.

    ✔ THDA is known for its excellent stability compared with many traditional forms of Vitamin C.

    ✔ THDA works well alongside niacinamide in modern skincare formulations.

    ✔ Antioxidants help protect the skin from environmental stressors that contribute to premature-looking aging.

Research Supporting THDA Vitamin C

  • Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology (2026) | Using Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate (THDA) in their serum

    This 2026 clinical study evaluated a hydroquinone-free serum containing tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate (THDA) in participants with hyperpigmented and photodamaged skin. The researchers reported improvements in hyperpigmentation and photodamage, while also discussing THDA's antioxidant properties and its role in supporting collagen production and skin health.


    Reference

    Maloney, M. E., Hall, M., Kelm, R. C., Kononov, T., & Zahr, A. (2026). Hydroquinone-free, tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate antioxidant serum for hyperpigmented and photodamaged skin to achieve skin health. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 25(4), e70826.

    Read study 

  • Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology (2024) | Using Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate (THDA) in their serum

    Clinical study evaluating a topical serum containing Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate (THDA). Researchers observed improvements in skin brightness, elasticity, fine lines, and transepidermal water loss after 12 weeks.


    Reference

    Min M, Pérez Damonte SH, Sivamani RK. Open-label topical application of tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate and acetyl zingerone containing serum improves the appearance of photoaging and uneven pigmentation. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. 2024;23(8):2628-2635.

    Read Study 

  • A review of topical vitamin C derivatives and their efficacy

    Comprehensive review discussing Vitamin C derivatives, formulation challenges, stability, and clinical evidence supporting topical Vitamin C. This article contains clinical evidence supporting derivatives including Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate (THDA).

    Reference

    Enescu, C. D., Bedford, L. M., Potts, G., & Fahs, F. (2022). A review of topical vitamin C derivatives and their efficacy. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 21(6), 2349–2359.

    Read article 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is THDA Vitamin C?

THDA (Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate) is an advanced oil-soluble derivative of Vitamin C used in premium skincare for its stability, antioxidant support, and skin-conditioning properties.

Why doesn't Rooted Clinical Botanics use regular Vitamin C?

Traditional L-Ascorbic Acid is highly effective but requires an acidic environment and can be less stable. THDA offers excellent stability and integrates beautifully into our nourishing oil-rich face oils, balms, butters and creams.

Is THDA gentle on the skin?

THDA is generally well tolerated and is often chosen for formulations designed for sensitive or dry skin.

Can THDA be used with Niacinamide?

Yes. Modern formulations commonly combine THDA with niacinamide because they complement each other and support healthier-looking skin.

Does Vitamin C brighten skin?

Vitamin C is widely recognized for helping improve the appearance of dullness and uneven skin tone while promoting a brighter-looking complexion.

Is THDA oil-soluble?

Yes. Unlike traditional L-Ascorbic Acid Vitamin C, THDA is oil-soluble, making it especially suitable for rich botanical creams and emulsions.

Order Yours Today!

1 8

Rooted Clinical Botanics

Calendula Infused Whipped Body Butter

$24.99 USD
$24.99 USD
Sale Sold out
Shipping calculated at checkout.
Package type
Therapeutic Collection
View full details