Peptide Skincare & BeautySkin science and ingredient guides

Skin science article

Doa Kozmetik Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate 10% Serum Versus Paula's Choice C15 Super Booster

Doa Kozmetik Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate 10% Serum Versus Paula's Choice C15 Super Booster This brightening serum is formulated around Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate and Tocopherol to brighten dull-looking skin and soften the look of wrinkles. This brightening serum

Doa Kozmetik Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate 10% Serum Versus Paula's Choice C15 Super Booster

This brightening serum is formulated around Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate and Tocopherol to brighten dull-looking skin and soften the look of wrinkles.

This brightening serum is formulated around Ascorbic Acid and Ferulic Acid to brighten dull-looking skin and soften the look of wrinkles.

What's inside

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Ingredients Side-by-side

Squalene

Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate

Tocopherol

Squalene, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Tocopherol

Water

Ascorbic Acid

Dipropylene Glycol

Propanediol

Glycerin

Ethoxydiglycol

Sodium Hydroxide

PPG-26-Buteth-26

PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil

Bisabolol

Ferulic Acid

Sodium Phytate

Decylene Glycol

1,2-Hexanediol

Sphingomonas Ferment Extract

Phenoxyethanol

Water, Ascorbic Acid, Dipropylene Glycol, Propanediol, Glycerin, Ethoxydiglycol, Sodium Hydroxide, PPG-26-Buteth-26, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Bisabolol, Ferulic Acid, Sodium Phytate, Decylene Glycol, Tocopherol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Sphingomonas Ferment Extract, Phenoxyethanol

Reviews

Be the first to review

Alternatives

Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.

Tocopherol is a fat-soluble antioxidant known as Vitamin E.

You'll find this ingredient in the vast majority of skincare (for good reason). It works to neutralize free radicals, or unstable molecules generated by UV exposure, pollution, and other environmental stressors, before they can cause oxidative damage to your skin cells.

Topically applied tocopherol has been shown to protect against UV damage by ramping up the skin's own natural defense enzymes.

It also acts as a skin conditioning agent; some studies show that regular topical use can improve the skin's water-binding capacity over 2-4 weeks.

This ingredient is especially loved for being a team player. When combined with Vitamin C, the photoprotective effect of both ingredients roughly doubles and the combo also helps reduce UV-induced DNA damage.

This ingredient has some brightening potential but it's more of a prevention ingredient than spot-fader. Cell studies show it can slow down melanin production but it's worth noting that it's not the most powerful brightener out there.

In formulations, it also serves as a stabilizer that helps protect other oxidation-prone ingredients from degrading.

Concentrations usually range from 0.1-1% in most leave-on products.

Similar Comparisons

The reference edit

Ingredients, questions
& further reading.

Connected source records selected through this article’s public topic index.

01

Formula cabinet

Ingredients & structured notes

Ingredient index

Ingredients Explained

  1. 01These ingredients are found in both products.
  2. 02Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
  3. 03Glycolic Acid is arguably the most famous alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) with tons of research backing its benefits.
  4. 04It is found naturally in sugar cane but the form used in skincare is usually synthetic for purity and stability.
  5. 05Glycolic acid removes the top layer of dead skin cells to allow newer and fresher ones to emerge.
  6. 06AHAs work by breaking down the structural “glue” that holds old skin cells in place. When that buildup is gone, your skin can renew itself more efficiently.
  7. 07Research also shows glycolic acid stimulates collagen production, helping to firm and thicken the skin over time. This is one of its biggest advantages over other AHAs.
  8. 08Overall, glycolic acid helps with:
  9. 09Fun fact: Glycolic acid boosts skin hydration by helping it produce molecules that increase hyaluronic acid naturally.
  10. 10To work best, glycolic acid products should have a pH between 3-4 (that’s where exfoliation is most effective but still gentle on skin).
  11. 11The pH and concentration of a product are key to its effectiveness:
  12. 12It is normal to feel a slight stinging sensation when using glycolic acid. This usually fades as your skin adjusts.
  13. 13Because glycolic acid has the smallest molecular size in the AHA family, it can penetrate deeper, which enhances its effectiveness but also makes it more likely to irritate sensitive skin.
  14. 14If your skin is very sensitive or prone to rosacea, glycolic acid may be too strong; in that case, try milder options like lactic acid or a PHA instead.
  15. 15Recent studies suggest glycolic acid might even help protect against UV damage. But don’t skip sunscreen! Freshly exfoliated skin is more sensitive to the sun.
  16. 16Glycolic acid is a skincare superstar. It smooths, brightens, hydrates, and firms the skin. Unless you’re highly sensitive, it’s well worth adding to your routine.
  17. 17Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
  18. 18Hydroxyethylcellulose is used to improve the texture of products. It is created from a chemical reaction involving ethylene oxide and alkali-cellulose. Cellulose is a sugar found in plant cell walls and help give plants structure.
  19. 19This ingredient helps stabilize products by preventing ingredients from separating. It can also help thicken the texture of a product.
  20. 20This ingredient can also be found in pill medicines to help our bodies digest other ingredients.
Source · skinsort.com
02

Product index

Related product references

Product

Paula's Choice Hydralight Toner

Paula's Choice Hydralight Toner Paula's Choice Hydralight Toner ingredients explained: Water, Camellia Oleifera (Green Tea) Leaf Extract (Antioxidant), Epilobium Angustifolium (Willow Herb)…

Source: incidecoder.comView reference →

Product

Paula's Choice 7% Ectoin Booster

Paula's Choice 7% Ectoin Booster Paula's Choice 7% Ectoin Booster ingredients explained: Water (Aqua/Eau), Ectoin, Isopentyldiol, Triethylhexanoin, Diisopropyl Adipate, Isoamyl Laurate, Dic…

Source: incidecoder.comView reference →
03

Comparison edit

Read side by side