Is Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate safe during pregnancy?
A vitamin C derivative. Vitamin C is a dermatologist-suggested option for pregnancy dark spots; fine while breastfeeding.
PregnancyGenerally safe
BreastfeedingGenerally safe
EvidenceLimited
What the sources say
AAD suggests vitamin C in the morning to help prevent and treat pregnancy-related skin color changes such as melasma. Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate is an oil-soluble vitamin C ester. It has not been studied separately in pregnancy, but it is a form of vitamin C. LactMed notes vitamin C is a normal component of breast milk and even high oral doses are not a concern for nursing infants.
Common alternatives
Also listed as
ascorbyl tetra-2-hexyldecanoate, ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate, thd ascorbate, vc-ip
Sources
- AAD: Dermatologist-approved pregnancy skin care
- NIH LactMed: Vitamin C - Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed)
Last reviewed . This is general information, not medical advice. Ask your doctor or midwife about your own situation.