Ingredient glossary
Tetrahydrocurcumin
On your shelf ✓What Tetrahydrocurcumin does for your skin, who it suits, and what to watch for.
INCI: Tetrahydrocurcumin · Also: THC, SabiWhite
In short: Tetrahydrocurcumin delivers brightening and antioxidant, earns its place for pigmentation and melasma, and the evidence behind it is moderate. One thing to know: clear it with your doctor if pregnant.
- What it does
- Brightening, antioxidant
- Best for
- Pigmentation, melasma
- Watch out
- Clear it with your doctor if pregnant
- Evidence
- Moderate
The molecule
The Glow take
Genuinely worth a spot in your routine.
When your goal is fading dark spots and evening out tone, Tetrahydrocurcumin pulls genuine weight, with a solid amount of evidence behind it. Easy to slot into almost any routine.
— Maya
What it does
- brightening
- antioxidant
- anti inflammatory
moderate evidenceA randomized double blind trial showed zero point twenty five percent tetrahydrocurcumin cream significantly reduced Mexameter melanin readings with no adverse reactions while four percent hydroquinone produced more irritation despite its stronger effect.
On a label: usually effective at 0.25%.
Who it's for, and who should skip it
Tends to suit
- pigmentation
- melasma
- photoaged
Approach with care
- very sensitive
- compromised barrier
- Clogs poresLow
- Irritation riskLow
How it fits each skin type
- DryNeutral
- CombinationNeutral
- OilyNeutral
- SensitiveTake care
Often chosen for pigmentation, melasma, photoaged. Take extra care if any of these apply to you: compromised barrier.
Where it fits in your routine
Plays well with
- sunscreens
- niacinamide
- vitamin c
Tetrahydrocurcumin, answered
Is Tetrahydrocurcumin safe during pregnancy?
Clear it with your doctor first. Tetrahydrocurcumin is flagged as use-with-caution during pregnancy and breastfeeding, so check with your doctor or midwife before adding it.
Who should avoid Tetrahydrocurcumin?
Approach Tetrahydrocurcumin with care if any of these apply to you: very sensitive and compromised barrier.
What concentration of Tetrahydrocurcumin actually works?
Tetrahydrocurcumin tends to be effective at around 0.25%. Much lower and it is likely underdosed.
During pregnancy
Treat Tetrahydrocurcumin as a maybe rather than a yes for now. It is flagged as one to use with caution while pregnant or breastfeeding, so it is worth clearing before you carry on.
When in doubt, check with your doctor or midwife. They outrank any website, including this one.
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