Dermadoctor Kakadu C High Potency Evening Oil 20% Vitamin C Ester, Ferulic Acid and Vitamin E Esters

Dermadoctor Kakadu C High Potency Evening Oil 20% Vitamin C Ester, Ferulic Acid and Vitamin E Esters

Efficacy87/100IrritancyMedium
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Works for

2 of 2 advertised claims delivered

Anti-aging
Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, Camellia sinensis leaf extract
Strong evidence
What the product description says
“This innovative, scientific concentrate is enriched with vitamin C boosters to give you a more radiant and youthful complexion.”
Source: Feelunique

This product can help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness because it contains tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate.

Keep in mind that it typically takes at least 6 weeks to notice any results because the changes that are needed to improve fine lines and elasticity happen in the deeper layers of the skin. No topical anti-aging product can “erase” wrinkles or fully reverse signs of aging.

Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbateKey activeEffect: HighBeing a lipid soluble form of vitamin C, it is more stable than ascorbic acid, but still degrades quickly and needs to be stabilized in a formulation with another ingredient. It is claimed to penetrate skin better than pure vitamin C and have the the similar benefits, but solid studies of its effectiveness are lacking. Is likely to require a higher concentration in a product than pure vitamin C to be effective. It might be able to help reduce pore clogging.~8.1–12.2%
Camellia sinensis leaf extractEffect: LowCan contain potent anti-oxidant compounds (abbreviated ECG, GCG, EGC, and EGCG) that might help protect the skin from free radicals. Can help calm down inflammation and has some anti-bacterial properties. Unfortunately, these antioxidants are unstable and lose their effectiveness very quickly in products. The concentration of the antioxidant compounds in the extract also tends to be low to be effective in topical formulation~0.5–1.2%
Moisturizing
Vitis vinifera seed oil, Caprylic/capric triglyceride + 9 more
Good evidence
What the product description says
“replenish skin's surface layer with essential fatty acids and restore its natural moisture barrier to aid against water loss and environmental damage .”
Source: Feelunique

This product can help improve hydration of the skin with the two types of ingredients.

The first type is called “humectants”:
these ingredients help attract water. When humectants are on the surface of the skin, they “pull in” the moisture from the outside environment, or from within deeper layers of the skin. The following ingredients in this product do the job: glycerin, caprylyl glycol.

This product also contains ingredients called “occlusives”. They help reduce the speed with which our skin loses moisture to the outside environment. These ingredients also help soften the upper layer of the skin, so it feels less tight and nicer to the touch. The following ingredients in this product do the job: caprylic/capric triglyceride, helianthus annuus seed oil.

Vitis vinifera seed oilKey activeEffect: HighA great emollient that can also have anti-oxidant properties~0.2–0.8%
Caprylic/capric triglycerideKey activeEffect: HighA good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerin~23–34%
Helianthus annuus seed oilKey activeEffect: HighA great emollient due to its high linoleic acid content. One of the most effective plant oils in helping skin hydration and repairing skin barrier function~4.8–7.2%
Oryza sativa bran oilKey activeEffect: HighHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and might have some anti-oxidant properties~0.15–0.6%
Passiflora edulis seed oilKey activeEffect: HighA good emollient helping to soften the skin. Might have some anti-oxidant properties. Adds a fragrance to the product~0.35–0.8%
Superoxide dismutaseKey activeEffect: HighAn antioxidant enzyme that is naturally present in skin. It can help support skin barrier function and reduce inflammation in skin. It is used in topical medications for inflammatory skin conditions including atopic dermatitis (eczema) and psoriasis. There are three types of natural Superoxide Dismutase in human skin. The compound used in topical treatments and cosmetics are mimics of typically one of these natural variants~0.45–1.05%
GlycerinKey activeEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant~0.1–0.35%
Caprylyl glycolEffect: LowHelps preserve products and creates a nice product texture~3.6–5.5%
Passiflora incarnata seed oilEffect: LowA plant oil that can help soften the upper layer of the skin. Contains essential oil that can be irritating~1–1.6%
Camellia sinensis leaf extractEffect: LowCan contain potent anti-oxidant compounds (abbreviated ECG, GCG, EGC, and EGCG) that might help protect the skin from free radicals. Can help calm down inflammation and has some anti-bacterial properties. Unfortunately, these antioxidants are unstable and lose their effectiveness very quickly in products. The concentration of the antioxidant compounds in the extract also tends to be low to be effective in topical formulation~0.5–1.2%
Sclerocarya birrea seed oilUnder-dosedEffect: MediumAn emollient that helps to soften the skin. It has a high contetn of oleic acid that might weaken the skin barrier. Might have some anti-oxidant properties. It might be somewhat helpful against hyperpigmentation.~0.45–1.1%
Anti-oxidation
Not advertised by the brand · Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, Superoxide dismutase + 8 more
Strong evidence

This product contains antioxidants (superoxide dismutase, tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate) that can help neutralize free radicals in skin. By doing so, they can lessen the damage the skin gets from the UV light (sun).

The following ingredients - camellia sinensis leaf extract, emblica officinalis fruit extract also can have an antioxidant effect, but there is less evidence to confirm their effectiveness in skin.

Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbateKey activeEffect: HighBeing a lipid soluble form of vitamin C, it is more stable than ascorbic acid, but still degrades quickly and needs to be stabilized in a formulation with another ingredient. It is claimed to penetrate skin better than pure vitamin C and have the the similar benefits, but solid studies of its effectiveness are lacking. Is likely to require a higher concentration in a product than pure vitamin C to be effective. It might be able to help reduce pore clogging.~8.1–12.2%
Superoxide dismutaseKey activeEffect: HighAn antioxidant enzyme that is naturally present in skin. It can help support skin barrier function and reduce inflammation in skin. It is used in topical medications for inflammatory skin conditions including atopic dermatitis (eczema) and psoriasis. There are three types of natural Superoxide Dismutase in human skin. The compound used in topical treatments and cosmetics are mimics of typically one of these natural variants~0.45–1.05%
Camellia sinensis leaf extractKey activeEffect: MediumCan contain potent anti-oxidant compounds (abbreviated ECG, GCG, EGC, and EGCG) that might help protect the skin from free radicals. Can help calm down inflammation and has some anti-bacterial properties. Unfortunately, these antioxidants are unstable and lose their effectiveness very quickly in products. The concentration of the antioxidant compounds in the extract also tends to be low to be effective in topical formulation~0.5–1.2%
Emblica officinalis fruit extractKey activeEffect: MediumA plant extract that might be helping in neutralizing free radicals in skin. It could help reduce hyperpigmentation. There is some research to confirm its effectiveness in skin~1.1–1.7%
Rosa roxburghii fruit extractEffect: LowA fruit extract that might help neutralize free radicals in skin, but evidence of effectiveness is missing~0.85–1.3%
Malpighia glabra fruit extractEffect: LowA plant extract that might help neutralize free radicals in skin, but research on its effectiveness is lacking~1.4–2.1%
Tocopheryl acetateEffect: LowA more stable but less bio-available form of vitamin E compared to Tocopherol. Might help moisturize and protect the skin from free radicals, but mostly used in low concentrations to stabilize other ingredients.~2.1–3.1%
Vitis vinifera seed oilEffect: LowA great emollient that can also have anti-oxidant properties~0.2–0.8%
Terminalia ferdinandiana fruit extractEffect: LowA plant extract that might have some anti-oxidant effect in skin, but evidence is lacking~1.7–2.5%
Sclerocarya birrea seed oilEffect: Low, below effective doseAn emollient that helps to soften the skin. It has a high contetn of oleic acid that might weaken the skin barrier. Might have some anti-oxidant properties. It might be somewhat helpful against hyperpigmentation.~0.45–1.1%
Evens skin tone
Not advertised by the brand · Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, Emblica officinalis fruit extract + 1 more
Strong evidence

This product can help reduce hypepigmentation and even out the skin tone because it contains the following effective ingredients: tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate

The following ingredient (ingredients) in this product might be helpful, but there is no evidence to confirm that it actually can help even out the skin tone: emblica officinalis fruit extract.

Keep in mind that you would need to apply any topical skincare targetted at hypigmentation consistently for a couple of months to get a result. No topical skincare product can help get rid of hyperpigmentation (including post-acne marks and age spots) instantly.

Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbateKey activeEffect: HighBeing a lipid soluble form of vitamin C, it is more stable than ascorbic acid, but still degrades quickly and needs to be stabilized in a formulation with another ingredient. It is claimed to penetrate skin better than pure vitamin C and have the the similar benefits, but solid studies of its effectiveness are lacking. Is likely to require a higher concentration in a product than pure vitamin C to be effective. It might be able to help reduce pore clogging.~8.1–12.2%
Emblica officinalis fruit extractEffect: LowA plant extract that might be helping in neutralizing free radicals in skin. It could help reduce hyperpigmentation. There is some research to confirm its effectiveness in skin~1.1–1.7%
Camellia sinensis leaf extractEffect: LowCan contain potent anti-oxidant compounds (abbreviated ECG, GCG, EGC, and EGCG) that might help protect the skin from free radicals. Can help calm down inflammation and has some anti-bacterial properties. Unfortunately, these antioxidants are unstable and lose their effectiveness very quickly in products. The concentration of the antioxidant compounds in the extract also tends to be low to be effective in topical formulation~0.5–1.2%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
1 strong irritant: Passiflora incarnata seed oil
Medium risk
We flagged 14 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.
IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount
Passiflora incarnata seed oilA plant oil that can help soften the upper layer of the skin. Contains essential oil that can be irritatingHigh~1–1.6%est.
Passiflora edulis seed oilA good emollient helping to soften the skin. Might have some anti-oxidant properties. Adds a fragrance to the productHigh~0.35–0.8%est.
Caprylic/capric triglycerideA good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerinMedium~23–34%est.
Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbateBeing a lipid soluble form of vitamin C, it is more stable than ascorbic acid, but still degrades quickly and needs to be stabilized in a formulation with another ingredient. It is claimed to penetrate skin better than pure vitamin C and have the the similar benefits, but solid studies of its effectiveness are lacking. Is likely to require a higher concentration in a product than pure vitamin C to be effective. It might be able to help reduce pore clogging.Medium~8.1–12.2%est.
Caprylyl glycolHelps preserve products and creates a nice product textureMedium~3.6–5.5%est.
Tocopheryl acetateA more stable but less bio-available form of vitamin E compared to Tocopherol. Might help moisturize and protect the skin from free radicals, but mostly used in low concentrations to stabilize other ingredients.Medium~2.1–3.1%est.
Terminalia ferdinandiana fruit extractA plant extract that might have some anti-oxidant effect in skin, but evidence is lackingMedium~1.7–2.5%est.
Malpighia glabra fruit extractA plant extract that might help neutralize free radicals in skin, but research on its effectiveness is lackingMedium~1.4–2.1%est.
Emblica officinalis fruit extractA plant extract that might be helping in neutralizing free radicals in skin. It could help reduce hyperpigmentation. There is some research to confirm its effectiveness in skinMedium~1.1–1.7%est.
Rosa roxburghii fruit extractA fruit extract that might help neutralize free radicals in skin, but evidence of effectiveness is missingMedium~0.85–1.3%est.
Sclerocarya birrea seed oilAn emollient that helps to soften the skin. It has a high contetn of oleic acid that might weaken the skin barrier. Might have some anti-oxidant properties. It might be somewhat helpful against hyperpigmentation.Medium~0.45–1.1%est.
Vitis vinifera seed oilA great emollient that can also have anti-oxidant propertiesMedium~0.2–0.8%est.
Peg-40 hydrogenated castor oilHelps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.1–0.35%est.
EthoxydiglycolHelps to improve the product consistencyMedium~0.05–0.2%est.
Comedogenic
Clean of flagged comedogenic ingredients
None flagged
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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Caprylic/capric triglyceride~23–34%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

A good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerin

More about Caprylic/capric triglyceride
Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate~8.1–12.2%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-agingEvens skin toneAnti-oxidation

Being a lipid soluble form of vitamin C, it is more stable than ascorbic acid, but still degrades quickly and needs to be stabilized in a formulation with another ingredient. It is claimed to penetrate skin better than pure vitamin C and have the the similar benefits, but solid studies of its effectiveness are lacking. Is likely to require a higher concentration in a product than pure vitamin C to be effective. It might be able to help reduce pore clogging.

More about Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate
Helianthus annuus seed oil~4.8–7.2%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

A great emollient due to its high linoleic acid content. One of the most effective plant oils in helping skin hydration and repairing skin barrier function

More about Helianthus annuus seed oil
Caprylyl glycol~3.6–5.5%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture

More about Caprylyl glycol
Phenoxyethanol~0.5–1%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products

More about Phenoxyethanol
Tocopheryl acetate~2.1–3.1%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-oxidation

A more stable but less bio-available form of vitamin E compared to Tocopherol. Might help moisturize and protect the skin from free radicals, but mostly used in low concentrations to stabilize other ingredients.

More about Tocopheryl acetate
Terminalia ferdinandiana fruit extract~1.7–2.5%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-oxidation

A plant extract that might have some anti-oxidant effect in skin, but evidence is lacking

More about Terminalia ferdinandiana fruit extract
Malpighia glabra fruit extract~1.4–2.1%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-oxidation

A plant extract that might help neutralize free radicals in skin, but research on its effectiveness is lacking

More about Malpighia glabra fruit extract
Emblica officinalis fruit extract~1.1–1.7%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-oxidationEvens skin tone

A plant extract that might be helping in neutralizing free radicals in skin. It could help reduce hyperpigmentation. There is some research to confirm its effectiveness in skin

More about Emblica officinalis fruit extract
Passiflora incarnata seed oil~1–1.6%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Moisturizing

A plant oil that can help soften the upper layer of the skin. Contains essential oil that can be irritating

More about Passiflora incarnata seed oil
Rosa roxburghii fruit extract~0.85–1.3%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-oxidation

A fruit extract that might help neutralize free radicals in skin, but evidence of effectiveness is missing

More about Rosa roxburghii fruit extract
Ethyl ferulate~0.55–1.3%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Ethyl ferulate
Camellia sinensis leaf extract~0.5–1.2%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
AntibacterialAnti-oxidationAnti-agingMoisturizingAnti-blemishEvens skin tone

Can contain potent anti-oxidant compounds (abbreviated ECG, GCG, EGC, and EGCG) that might help protect the skin from free radicals. Can help calm down inflammation and has some anti-bacterial properties. Unfortunately, these antioxidants are unstable and lose their effectiveness very quickly in products. The concentration of the antioxidant compounds in the extract also tends to be low to be effective in topical formulation

More about Camellia sinensis leaf extract
Superoxide dismutase~0.45–1.05%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-inflammatoryAnti-oxidationMoisturizing

An antioxidant enzyme that is naturally present in skin. It can help support skin barrier function and reduce inflammation in skin. It is used in topical medications for inflammatory skin conditions including atopic dermatitis (eczema) and psoriasis. There are three types of natural Superoxide Dismutase in human skin. The compound used in topical treatments and cosmetics are mimics of typically one of these natural variants

More about Superoxide dismutase
Sclerocarya birrea seed oil~0.45–1.1%
Under-dosedIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

An emollient that helps to soften the skin. It has a high contetn of oleic acid that might weaken the skin barrier. Might have some anti-oxidant properties. It might be somewhat helpful against hyperpigmentation.

More about Sclerocarya birrea seed oil
Passiflora edulis seed oil~0.35–0.8%
Key activeIrritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Moisturizing

A good emollient helping to soften the skin. Might have some anti-oxidant properties. Adds a fragrance to the product

More about Passiflora edulis seed oil
Vitis vinifera seed oil~0.2–0.8%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

A great emollient that can also have anti-oxidant properties

More about Vitis vinifera seed oil
Oryza sativa bran oil~0.15–0.6%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and might have some anti-oxidant properties

More about Oryza sativa bran oil
Peg-40 hydrogenated castor oil~0.1–0.35%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Peg-40 hydrogenated castor oil
Glycerin~0.1–0.35%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant

More about Glycerin
Ethoxydiglycol~0.05–0.2%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Helps to improve the product consistency

More about Ethoxydiglycol
Ingredient list view

Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, Helianthus annuus seed oil, Caprylyl glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Tocopheryl acetate, Terminalia ferdinandiana fruit extract, Malpighia glabra fruit extract, Emblica officinalis fruit extract, Passiflora incarnata seed oil, Rosa roxburghii fruit extract, Ethyl ferulate, Camellia sinensis leaf extract, Superoxide dismutase, Sclerocarya birrea seed oil, Passiflora edulis seed oil, Vitis vinifera seed oil, Oryza sativa bran oil, Peg-40 hydrogenated castor oil, Glycerin, Ethoxydiglycol

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Amazon USPrice as of 10/26/2026 18:01 GMT
$29.89
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Worth comparing, line by line.

Match % combines shared ingredients, the first five ingredients, shared actives and hero ingredients, irritancy (lower counts in the alternative's favour), texture and body area. Only products in the same routine step are compared.

Side-by-side comparison of this product against its closest alternatives
DermadoctorKakadu C High Potency Evening Oil 20% Vitamin C Ester, Ferulic Acid and Vitamin E EstersYOUR PRODUCTSKKN by KimOil Drops
Match—50%
Price$29.89—
Shared key ingredients—3 of 10
Key difference—Glycine Soja Oil
Irritancy Medium Low
Drying alcohol——
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Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 24 studies and safety reviews.

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Dermadoctor Kakadu C High Potency Evening Oil 20% Vitamin C Ester, Ferulic Acid and Vitamin E Esters
DermadoctorKakadu C High Potency Evening Oil 20% Vitamin C Ester, Ferulic Acid and Vitamin E Esters

Affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.

As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.