Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C): Brightening, Firming, and Antioxidant Support
Ascorbic Acid, also known as L-Ascorbic Acid or pure Vitamin C, is a powerful antioxidant used in personal care formulations to help brighten skin, support collagen synthesis, and protect against oxidative damage. This fine, white crystalline powder is the most active and bioavailable form of Vitamin C and is ideal for use in serums, creams, lotions, and masks.
When used topically, Ascorbic Acid helps improve skin tone, reduce the appearance of dark spots, and support elasticity by stimulating collagen production. It’s also commonly used to protect formulations from oxidation and extend shelf life in certain water-based products.
Key Features & Benefits
Antioxidant Power: Neutralizes free radicals and oxidative stress that contribute to visible signs of aging.
Brightening: Promotes a more even skin tone and helps fade hyperpigmentation, age spots, and sun damage.
Collagen Support: Plays a vital role in the natural synthesis of collagen, improving skin elasticity and firmness.
Skin Renewal: Helps reduce the look of fine lines and rough texture over time.
Water-Soluble and Effective: Easily dissolves in the water phase of your formula for maximum activity.
Pure USP Grade: Conforms to USP standards for high purity and performance.
Ingredients (Common Name): Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C)
Ingredients (INCI Name): L-Ascorbic Acid
CAS Number: 50-81-7
Appearance: White or almost white crystalline powder
Odor: Almost odorless with a slightly sharp acidic scent
Solubility: Water-soluble (100g/100ml)
pH (5% solution): 2.1 to 2.6
Country of Origin: USA
Purity (Assay): 99.0%–100.5%
Melting Point: ~190°C (with decomposition)
Suggested Uses: Brightening serums, face masks, toners, creams, lotions, after-sun products, antioxidant skin treatments
Recommended Usage
Usage Rate: 0.2% to 4%, depending on the formulation
How to Use:
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Best added to the water phase of your formulation
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Can be added at room temperature or slightly warmed to dissolve
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Ideal for low-pH formulations (around pH 3–3.5) for maximum stability
Formulation Tips: -
Ascorbic Acid is unstable in high pH environments and will degrade quickly in water without stabilization
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Use chelating agents or pair with ferulic acid and vitamin E to increase stability
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Always package in airtight, UV-protected containers to slow oxidation
Benefits for Skin Care
Brightens Dull Skin: Helps fade pigmentation and uneven tone
Supports Youthful Appearance: Stimulates collagen production for firmer skin
Fights Environmental Damage: Shields skin from pollution, UV stress, and free radicals
Improves Skin Texture: Helps smooth roughness and minimize signs of aging
Formulation Enhancer: May extend the shelf life of water-based products as an antioxidant
Storage
Store tightly sealed in a cool, dry, and dark location. Avoid heat and humidity. Use quickly once opened to prevent oxidation. Shelf life is up to 3 years if stored properly and unopened.
Safety Guidelines
For external use only in cosmetic formulations. This is a raw material and not intended for ingestion. As with all active ingredients, perform a patch test before widespread use. Not recommended for use in high pH systems due to stability issues.
