Super C Ferulic

The top of the ladder

Medik8 builds its vitamin C range as a ladder, C-Tetra, C-Tetra Luxe, C-Tetra Advanced, and this is the top rung: 30% ethylated L-ascorbic acid, a stabilised form that stays potent in the bottle and tolerates water-based formulation, dosed well beyond the brand's gentler serums.

The C E Ferulic logic

Ferulic acid and vitamin E sit alongside the vitamin C in the same stabilising trio that defined the antioxidant category, each extending the others' working life. The difference from the reference formula is the form of C: ethylated rather than pure ascorbic acid, which trades some of the low-pH bite for stability and comfort at a much higher percentage.

The brief

Advanced sun ageing, in Medik8's words: the deeper lines, dark spots, uneven tone and loss of firmness that mature skin accumulates, addressed by the most concentrated morning antioxidant in the range.

Mature skin with established sun damage; anyone who has worked up through C-Tetra and C-Tetra Advanced and wants more; and skin of any tone wanting the strongest vitamin C Medik8 makes.

Worth knowing

Highly potent, and Medik8 itself does not recommend it for sensitive skin types: patch test first, and expect a slight tingle on application in the early weeks. If skin is reactive, C-Tetra Advanced is the gentler sibling with the same antioxidant intent.

Mornings after cleansing: a few drops pressed over dry face and neck, then moisturiser and SPF once it settles. Fast-absorbing and non-greasy, it sits cleanly under makeup.

Start every other morning if skin is new to strong vitamin C, building to daily as the tingle fades.

Use alongside

The morning half of Medik8's vitamin C by day, vitamin A by night philosophy: Crystal Retinal takes the evening, SPF closes every morning, and Advanced Night Restore cushions the retinal nights. Leave same-morning exfoliating acids out; the serum is active enough on its own.