Medik8 C-Tetra Luxe Lipid Vitamin C Enhanced Radiance Serum Review

Medik8 C-Tetra Luxe Lipid Vitamin C Enhanced Radiance Serum
5.0
/ 10
Moisturizing
0.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
10.0 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
2Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle
Rich
in Antioxidants
Review

Does Medik8 C-Tetra Luxe Lipid Vitamin C Enhanced Radiance Serum Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Medik8 C-Tetra Luxe Lipid Vitamin C Enhanced Radiance Serum has to offer:
 
  • Strong occlusive moisturizing. This exceptionally occlusive moisturizer, ideal for dry and very dry skin, has a moderate moisturizing rating of 5.0 out of 10, impaired by the absence of humectants.
  • Modest anti-wrinkle efficacy: Medik8 C-Tetra Luxe Lipid Vitamin C Enhanced Radiance Serum has an anti-wrinkle rating of 2.0 out of 10 so you may expect some, although limited, effect on wrinkles.
  • Antioxidant protection.

Key Benefits of Medik8 C-Tetra Luxe Lipid Vitamin C Enhanced Radiance Serum

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Medik8 C-Tetra Luxe Lipid Vitamin C Enhanced Radiance Serum:
 

Very Rich Moisturizer with the Right Occlusivity for Very Dry Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, Medik8 C-Tetra Luxe Lipid Vitamin C Enhanced Radiance Serum is quite moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 5.0 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? It is purely occlusive. It has zero Humectancy (we didn't find any humectant ingredients on the ingredient list) and a maximum Occlusivity of 10 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Squalane (est. ≈45.0%), Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil (est. ≈22.0%) and Dimethicone (est. ≈6.0%).

This type of product, when used as a standalone moisturizer, can deliver an exceptional level of occlusive hydration that is adequate for dry to very skin. The occlusive profile of Medik8 C-Tetra Luxe Lipid Vitamin C Enhanced Radiance Serum suggests a rich, thick texture, making it perfectly suited for dry skin.

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the moisturizing rating calculation.

Modest Anti-Wrinkle Efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, Medik8 C-Tetra Luxe Lipid Vitamin C Enhanced Radiance Serum has a modest level of anti-wrinkle efficacy, rated 2.0 out of 10.

It contains one ingredient with proven anti-wrinkle efficacy: Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate (est. ≈11.0%), 
 the only derivative of ascorbic acid with solid evidence of anti-wrinkle efficacy. A single clinical study involving 23 participants (Mariko et al.) demonstrated that a cream with 1% ATIP reduced the average depth of periorbital wrinkles by 6% after 8 weeks of use, compared to a vehicle (the same formulation without ATIP).
 
Moisturizers, when used regularly, are proven to prevent wrinkle formation and even reduce existing wrinkles. Therefore, this product, like any other moisturizer, can deliver some anti-wrinkle effects through its moisturizing action.
 

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the anti-wrinkle rating calculation.

Rich in Skin-Protecting Antioxidants

We estimate that Medik8 C-Tetra Luxe Lipid Vitamin C Enhanced Radiance Serum is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate (est. ≈11.0%) and Citrus Grandis Peel Oil (est. ≈3.0%).

A key benefit of antioxidants is their ability to reduce oxidative stress caused by free radicals and therefore prevent accelerated skin aging. Studies also show that antioxidants can protect against environmental damage such as UV radiation and pollution, and help reduce inflammation and skin redness.

Please note that this is not a complete list of benefits. We are in the process of enhancing our AI model to incorporate anti-pigmentation, exfoliation and anti-acne ratings.

Things to Be Aware Of: Medik8 C-Tetra Luxe Lipid Vitamin C Enhanced Radiance Serum

 
CreamScan AI identified a few things to consider before adding Medik8 C-Tetra Luxe Lipid Vitamin C Enhanced Radiance Serum to your skincare routine:
 

Best for Very Dry Skin - May Be Too Thick for Other Skin Types

With exceptional occlusivity, this product is optimal for moisturizing dry and very dry skin but may be too thick for other skin types, including normal, and especially combination and oily skin.

If you have oily, combination, or normal skin and are considering purchasing this product for the first time, it might be a good idea to try a sample before buying.

Needs to Be Paired with Extra Humectants for Optimal Moisturizing Efficacy

An ideal moisturizer for any skin type should balance the right level of occlusivity (depending on skin type) with a significant amount of humectants, while Medik8 C-Tetra Luxe Lipid Vitamin C Enhanced Radiance Serum contains no humectants at all.

People with dry skin would definitely benefit from adding water-binding humectants to their moisturizing routine for effective dual-action moisturizing. If this is your only moisturizer, it may be worth including a humectant-rich product, such as a serum, in your skincare routine.

Pros & Cons of Medik8 C-Tetra Luxe Lipid Vitamin C Enhanced Radiance Serum

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Medik8 C-Tetra Luxe Lipid Vitamin C Enhanced Radiance Serum to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

Pros:

  • Provides the right level of occlusivity to moisturize dry to very dry skin
  • Offers modest anti-wrinkle efficacy
  • Rich in antioxidants that combat oxidative stress associated with accelerated skin aging and defend against environmental damage

Cons: 

  • May feel too rich and thick on skin types other than dry
  • Ideally needs to be paired with extra humectants for optimal moisturizing efficacy

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
45
22
11
6
4
3
2
1.5
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.15
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Squalane
Function:
Origin:
Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate
Function:
Origin:
Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Candida Bombicola/Glucose/Methyl Rapeseedate Ferment
Function:
Origin:
Citrus Grandis Peel Oil
Function:
Origin:
Ethyl Linoleate
Function:
Origin:
Passiflora Edulis Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Tocopheryl Acetate
Function:
Origin:
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil
Function:
Origin:
Panax Ginseng Root Oil
Function:
Origin:
Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil
Function:
Origin:
Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel Oil
Function:
Origin:
PPG-12/SMDI Copolymer
Function:
Origin:
Limonene
Function:
Origin:
Citral
Function:
Origin:
Linalool
Function:
Origin:
Geraniol
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
0.0
None
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
75.7
45.0
22.0
6.0
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
5.0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 0.0 10
0.0
None
Occlusivity All occlusives 75.7 20
10.0
45.0
22.0
6.0
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
5.0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
None
All humectants 0.0 10
0.0
All humectants
0.0
None
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
45
22
6
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 75.7 20
10.0
All occlusives
75.7
45.0
22.0
6.0
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
2 /10 1 11 2
Total
2
Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate
2
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
2 /10
when present at, %
1
in this formula, est. %
11
Anti-wrinkle rating
2
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
11
3
1.5
1
0.3
All antioxidants 16.8 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
16.8
Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate
11
Citrus Grandis Peel Oil
3
Passiflora Edulis Seed Oil
1.5
Tocopheryl Acetate
1
Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
None
All soothing 0 5 No
All soothing
0
None
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Squalane
Est. %45
Function
Origin
SqualaneAn occlusive moisturizing and emollient compound that forms part of the skin’s sebum. The main source of squalane had always been shark liver. Now, however, it is manufactured synthetically or derived from plant oils, such as olive and peanut oil.
Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil
Est. %22
Function
Origin
Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed OilA liquid plant wax, also known as Jojoba oil, pressed from the seeds of Simmondsia chinensis. These seeds can contain up to 50% of liquid wax. It is used as an occlusive moisturizer, emollient, and emulsifier.
Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate
Est. %11
Function
Origin
Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate

Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate (ATIP) is an oil-soluble derivative of ascorbic acid, or vitamin C. It is more stable than ascorbic acid, with studies supporting its collagen-boosting and anti-pigment effects.

Dimethicone
Est. %6
Function
Origin
DimethiconeThe most common silicone in skincare. It forms a silky, smooth film on the skin’s surface and can help to prevent water loss. It also aids in wound healing and can treat and soften scars. Dimethicone is considered to be very safe for use.
Candida Bombicola/Glucose/Methyl Rapeseedate Ferment
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Candida Bombicola/Glucose/Methyl Rapeseedate Ferment
Citrus Grandis Peel Oil
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Citrus Grandis Peel Oil

A fragrant essential oil obtained from pomelo peels - sometimes mislabeled as grapefruit. The high limonene content is responsible for its citrusy scent. It may induce sun allergies in people sensitive to citrus fruits.

Ethyl Linoleate
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Ethyl Linoleate
Passiflora Edulis Seed Oil
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Passiflora Edulis Seed OilA fatty oil derived from passion fruit seeds. It contains emollient and occlusive linoleic and oleic fatty acids, as well as antioxidants (among which are famous vitamin E and resveratrol).
Tocopheryl Acetate
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Tocopheryl Acetate

An antioxidant derivative of tocopherol (vitamin E). It helps to protect cells from free radicals and UV damage through the conversion to active vitamin E in the skin. It is more stable than tocopherol.

Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed OilA fatty oil expressed from sunflower seeds and one of the most commonly used oils in skincare. It has great emollient and occlusive moisturizing properties. Sunflower oil is one of the richest sources of vitamin E – an important skin antioxidant.
Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil

A famous olive oil widely used in skincare as an emollient and occlusive moisturizer. It contains mainly unsaturated fatty acids, antioxidant flavonoids, and oleuropeins. Olive oil is listed as a common comedogenic ingredient by acne.org.

Panax Ginseng Root Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Panax Ginseng Root Oil
Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) OilAn emollient and occlusive oil derived from sweet almonds. It has a favorable fatty acid composition (mainly oleic and linoleic acids), and a high content of vitamin E. Almond oil is listed as a common comedogenic ingredient by acne.org.
Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel OilA fatty oil expressed from the seed kernels of apricot fruits. This oil is an emollient and occlusive moisturizer comprised of around 60% oleic acid, followed by linoleic and palmitic acid, carotenoids, vitamin E, and other antioxidant compounds.
PPG-12/SMDI Copolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PPG-12/SMDI Copolymer
Limonene
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Limonene

One of the most used fragrances in skincare products. It is produced from the peels of citrus fruits and has a fresh, pleasant, citrusy smell. People who are sensitive to citrus should try to avoid it, or at least do a patch test before using it.

Citral
Est. %0.15
Function
Origin
Citral

A fragrant compound found in many essential oils (especially lemon myrtle and lemongrass essential oil). It has a sweet, lemon-like scent. People with sensitive skin should try to avoid products with citral, or at least do a patch test before using.

Linalool
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
LinaloolA fragrant, volatile compound naturally present in many essential oils. It has a pleasant scent and is often used in skincare products as a fragrance. People with sensitive skin should try to avoid it, or at least do a patch test before using it.
Geraniol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Geraniol

A fragrant, volatile, plant-based, liquid chemical that can be naturally found in many essential oils (specifically rose, palmarosa, citronella). It has a rose-like scent. It is a potential irritant and may cause an allergic reaction in some people.