Medik8 C-Tetra® Cream Review: Vitamin C Moisturiser
The Verdict
C-Tetra® Cream is a sensible way to bring stabilised vitamin C into a moisturiser step rather than a separate serum, and its gentler profile makes it a reasonable starting point for skin that's new to vitamin C or easily irritated by stronger formulas. It won't out-perform a dedicated vitamin C serum layered under a separate moisturiser for those chasing maximum antioxidant dose, and the citrus essential oil blend is worth patch-testing if fragrance-reactive skin is a concern. As an all-in-one AM step, though, it does its job well — pair it with a gentle exfoliating toner such as <a href="/reviews/medik8/press-glow">Press & Glow</a> beforehand for a simple, effective morning routine.
Medik8 C-Tetra® Cream | Vitamin C Moisturiser | 50ml
£16.00
Medik8 C-Tetra® Cream is a daily moisturiser built around 3% stabilised tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate — a lipid-soluble form of vitamin C — combined with vitamin E and hyaluronic acid to help improve the appearance of uneven tone, dullness and fine lines while supporting hydration. It's designed as a one-step alternative to layering a separate vitamin C serum under a moisturiser, and is positioned by Medik8 as suitable for all skin types, including sensitive and first-time vitamin C users.
What is Medik8 C-Tetra® Cream?
C-Tetra® Cream takes the vitamin C technology from Medik8's long-standing C-Tetra serum and reformulates it into a silky moisturiser rather than a lightweight serum. The active ingredient is tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, a stabilised, lipid-soluble derivative of vitamin C that's generally better tolerated than more reactive forms such as L-ascorbic acid. It's combined here with vitamin E for additional antioxidant support and hyaluronic acid plus Medik8's Moisture Magnets™ complex for hydration, so the cream is doing double duty as both an antioxidant step and a daily moisturiser.
Quick facts
| Detail | C-Tetra® Cream |
|---|---|
| Brand | Medik8 |
| Product type | Moisturiser |
| Format | 50ml jar; also available as a 12.5ml travel size |
| Key ingredients | 3% tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate (stabilised vitamin C), vitamin E, hyaluronic acid, Moisture Magnets™ |
| Texture | Lightweight, silky cream; absorbs quickly without greasiness |
| Fragrance | Naturally scented with grapefruit, lemon, bergamot and geranium essential oils |
| Skin types | All skin types, including sensitive skin and vitamin C beginners |
| Suggested use | Morning, as the final step before sunscreen |
| Price band | Core Medik8 moisturiser range — see current price on the product page |
Who is it suitable for?
- Anyone new to vitamin C who wants a gentler introduction than a concentrated serum
- Sensitive skin looking for antioxidant support without a harsher formula
- People who prefer a simplified routine that combines moisturising and vitamin C in one product
- Skin showing early signs of dullness or unevenness that wants a daily brightening step
- Normal to dry skin types, given the added hydrating ingredients
Who might want to skip it?
- Anyone actively fragrance-averse — the citrus and geranium essential oil blend is noticeable and worth patch-testing first
- Very oily or acne-prone skin that finds richer cream textures too heavy for daily wear
- Those wanting the strongest possible vitamin C dose — a dedicated serum layered separately allows for a more concentrated, targeted application
- Skin already well-covered by an existing vitamin C serum and moisturiser combination, where this would be duplicating rather than adding value
How to use C-Tetra® Cream
- Cleanse and, if part of your routine, apply a toner or exfoliating step first.
- Apply C-Tetra® Cream in the morning to face and neck as your moisturising step.
- Follow with SPF, since vitamin C is not a substitute for daily sun protection.
- If you already use a vitamin C serum in the evening, C-Tetra® Cream can simply take over as the AM moisturiser, avoiding the need to layer a separate morning serum.
Key ingredients
Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate (stabilised vitamin C)
This is a lipid-soluble ester form of vitamin C, chosen because it's more stable and generally gentler on skin than water-soluble forms like L-ascorbic acid. As an antioxidant, vitamin C helps protect skin from everyday environmental stressors and is widely used in skincare to help improve the appearance of uneven tone and dullness over time, though individual results vary and it works best alongside daily SPF.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble antioxidant frequently paired with vitamin C, since the two are understood to support one another's antioxidant activity. It also has skin-conditioning properties, contributing to the cream's soft, non-greasy finish.
Hyaluronic acid and Moisture Magnets™
Hyaluronic acid is a humectant that helps attract and hold water in the skin's outer layers. Medik8's Moisture Magnets™ complex works alongside it to support the skin's hydration levels, which is what allows this formula to double as a moisturiser rather than requiring vitamin C and hydration to be applied as separate steps.
Verdict
C-Tetra® Cream is a sensible way to bring stabilised vitamin C into a moisturiser step rather than a separate serum, and its gentler profile makes it a reasonable starting point for skin that's new to vitamin C or easily irritated by stronger formulas. It won't out-perform a dedicated vitamin C serum layered under a separate moisturiser for those chasing maximum antioxidant dose, and the citrus essential oil blend is worth patch-testing if fragrance-reactive skin is a concern. As an all-in-one AM step, though, it does its job well — pair it with a gentle exfoliating toner such as Press & Glow beforehand for a simple, effective morning routine, and consider Advanced Night Restore as an evening counterpart.
If you're pregnant or breastfeeding
If you're pregnant or breastfeeding, please contact our team for advice before use.