The Haute C Method. Why dry?
Vitamin C is one of the most powerful tools in modern skincare, but how it is applied matters just as much as which form you use. At LILFOX, Haute C is intentionally designed to be applied to clean, completely dry skin. This is not a suggestion. It is part of the technology.
Haute C is powered by 15% tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, an oil-soluble, fully stabilized form of vitamin C engineered to penetrate lipid layers of the skin and deliver brightening and collagen-supporting benefits at a deeper level. Unlike traditional water-based vitamin C serums, this form of C behaves differently on the skin and demands a different approach.
Why dry skin matters for oil-soluble vitamin C
Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate is lipophilic, meaning it is designed to move through the skin’s lipid matrix rather than sit on the surface. Applying it to damp skin can dilute its concentration, disrupt penetration, and reduce its ability to reach the layers where collagen synthesis and pigment regulation occur.
When applied to dry skin, the formula remains intact and bioavailable, allowing the vitamin C to integrate seamlessly into the skin barrier and travel efficiently toward the dermis. This results in better performance, improved stability, and more consistent results over time.
Brightening, anti-oxidant defense, and collagen support in one step
Haute C is formulated to address multiple pathways of skin aging and discoloration simultaneously. The 15% concentration of tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate works to visibly fade hyperpigmentation, including sun spots and post-inflammatory marks, while supporting collagen production for firmer, more resilient skin.
This form of vitamin C also functions as a potent antioxidant, helping neutralize free radicals generated by UV exposure and environmental stress. When used under sunscreen, Haute C enhances the skin’s defense system, reinforcing daily photoprotection without destabilizing or irritating the barrier.
The supporting cast: antioxidant architecture and hydration intelligence
To maximize efficacy, Haute C pairs its vitamin C core with a clinically validated antioxidant ménage à trois of vitamin E and ferulic acid. This combination stabilizes the formula while amplifying protection against oxidative stress.
Dual-weight sodium hyaluronate delivers hydration at both the surface and deeper layers of the skin, maintaining suppleness without interfering with penetration. Botanical vitamin C sources from camu camu and Kakadu plum provide additional antioxidant support, while niacinamide and bamboo extract help calm inflammation, refine texture, and strengthen barrier function.
The ritual: how to apply Haute C
Apply Haute C to freshly cleansed, fully dry skin. Allow a few minutes to absorb completely and “glaze over” before layering additional serums, moisturizers, or sunscreen. This brief pause allows the oil-soluble vitamin C to settle into the skin’s lipid structure and perform optimally.
The takeaway
When it comes to Vitamin C formula chemistry matters. Application matters. Haute C is engineered for dry-skin application because that is where it performs best, delivering precision brightening, collagen support, and antioxidant defense in its most effective form.