Medik8 C-Tetra

It is the one Medik8 built for exactly that. The brand tested it on an independent consumer panel of 52 people with sensitive skin over four weeks: 96% agreed it was gentle, and Medik8 describes it as the right choice for anyone who would prefer a lower-strength vitamin C. Patch test first, as with any new active.

All three use the same gentle, stabilised vitamin C (tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate); they differ in strength and texture. C-Tetra is the original: 7% in a lightweight oil, for sensitive skin and anyone new to vitamin C. C-Tetra Luxe doubles that to 14% in a rich, nourishing oil with squalane and maracuja oil, for all skin types, first signs of ageing and especially dry skin. C-Tetra Advanced is the newest and strongest of the three at 20%, in a lightweight gel-serum with phyto exosomes, for visible signs of ageing on normal, combination or oily skin. Above them sits Super C Ferulic, 30% ethylated L-ascorbic acid for advanced sun-induced ageing, and the technology also comes as C-Tetra Cream (3%) and Daily Radiance Vitamin C (7% with SPF 30) for anyone who prefers a cream.

No. Medik8 says you do not need to use C-Tetra before trying its other vitamin C products; the range exists to offer different strengths and textures. C-Tetra is simply the one to pick if your skin is sensitive or you want to start gently.

Yes, and Medik8 recommends it. Its CSA Philosophy is vitamin C plus sunscreen in the morning and vitamin A at night, so C-Tetra and Crystal Retinal sit in separate routines rather than being layered together.

Medik8 directs it to the morning, where the antioxidants work alongside your sunscreen against daily free radical exposure. If you prefer vitamin C at night you can, but you would then lose the daytime benefit that the CSA routine is built around.

Medik8 states it contains no artificial fragrance. The formula does include grapefruit peel oil, which gives it a light natural citrus scent, so if your skin reacts to essential oils, patch test first.

At the recommended 4 drops each morning Medik8 counts around 200 uses, so a 30ml bottle lasts roughly six months - one of the most economical vitamin C serums per application.

In Medik8's four-week study, radiance was restored and skin looked visibly brighter and smoother in 7 days, 90% felt instantly softer skin, and wrinkles and dark spots looked visibly reduced at 4 weeks. Allow a full bottle for the complete picture.

It contains no vitamin A, which is the ingredient most people are asked to avoid. Medik8 does not publish formal pregnancy or breastfeeding guidance for this product: as a cosmetics company it says it cannot advise on medical conditions, and it asks customers to discuss the full ingredient list with their midwife or GP before use. Please check with your midwife or GP first.