Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate
An oil-soluble Vitamin C derivative.
Unlike pure L-Ascorbic Acid, Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate is incorporated into the lipid phase of the formula and is generally used for its:
Antioxidant support
Brightening benefits
Support for more even-looking tone
Age-supportive skincare benefits
The important Chris & Alley distinction is that this is not a high-strength acidic Vitamin C serum.
VCR uses a lipid-soluble Vitamin C derivative within a moisturising cream base, making its role much more about daily antioxidant and radiance support alongside barrier care.
D Booster Complex
pHformula describes the D Booster technology as working through a Vitamin D receptor-related mechanism to improve the skin’s own moisturising and defence functions. Its earlier/current VDR technical positioning links the technology to improved epidermal differentiation, hydration, lipid production and barrier function.
The VCR INCI contains:
Fructooligosaccharides + Beta Vulgaris (Beet) Root Extract
This exact ingredient pairing is independently documented as a moisturising technology that supports Vitamin D receptor expression and activation and improves immediate and longer-term hydration.
For Chris & Alley I would keep this measured:
“Supports the skin’s own hydration and barrier mechanisms through Vitamin D receptor-related technology.”
rather than suggesting the cream itself contains Vitamin D.
Triple Biotic Complex
pHformula positions this complex around supporting and rebalancing the skin microbiome, helping improve overall resilience, smoothness and healthy-looking skin.
The current formula includes microbiome-relevant ingredients such as:
Fructooligosaccharides
A prebiotic-type carbohydrate that can support the environment in which beneficial skin microorganisms function.
Lactobacillus Ferment
A fermented bacterial-derived ingredient used for microbiome and skin-conditioning support.
I would not try to assign every element of the Triple Biotic Complex to a specific INCI ingredient, because pHformula does not publicly map the full proprietary complex one-to-one.
24-Hour Moisturising Complex
pHformula uses this term for the moisturising system designed to provide short- and longer-term hydration and maintain skin comfort throughout the day.
In VCR, that hydration story is supported by ingredients including:
Glycerin
A classic humectant that helps attract water into the outer layers of the skin.
Betaine
A humectant and osmoprotective ingredient helping support hydration and comfort.
Potassium Lactate
A moisturising component related to the skin’s Natural Moisturising Factor system.
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride + Coco-Caprylate/Caprate
Light emollients that soften the skin and reduce moisture loss.
Shea Butter
A lipid-rich emollient that helps soften dry skin and reinforce the moisturising layer.
Avocado Oil
Rich emollient oil supporting softness, suppleness and barrier comfort.
Sesame Seed Oil
Provides nourishing lipids and skin-conditioning support.
Sunflower Seed Oil
A plant oil naturally rich in fatty acids, particularly useful for supporting comfortable barrier function.
Hydrogenated Olive Oil Unsaponifiables
A lipid-rich olive-derived fraction providing further emollient and barrier-support benefits.
Oat Kernel Extract
Avena Sativa Kernel Extract provides soothing and skin-conditioning support, complementing the cream’s dry-skin positioning.
Vitamin E
Tocopheryl Acetate adds complementary lipid-soluble antioxidant support.

Apply morning and evening to clean, dry skin over the:
Face
Neck
Décolleté
VCR may be applied directly after cleansing or after your prescribed serum or pHformula Active Prescription product.
Massage gently until fully absorbed.
In the morning, always follow with broad-spectrum sunscreen. pHformula confirms that VCR itself contains no SPF.

All skin types needing additional hydration
Dry skin
Dehydrated skin
Tight or uncomfortable skin
Rough or moisture-depleted texture
Dull skin
Reduced barrier resilience
Environmentally stressed skin
Skin needing richer daily moisturising support
Clients wanting Vitamin C benefits without a dedicated acidic L-Ascorbic Acid serum
Morning and evening barrier care