Ascorbic Acid
Pronunciation /ah-SCOR-bik AS-id/
What it is — Pure vitamin C.
What it does — Brightens the skin tone, fades dark spots, neutralizes free radicals, helps the skin make collagen.
What is it?
Ascorbic acid
What does it do?
Ascorbic Acid is listed in the EU cosmetic ingredient inventory with the following declared functions:
-
Antioxidant
neutralises free radicals to slow oxidative damage to the formulation or skin
-
Buffering
stabilises the pH of a product
-
Fragrance
provides scent or masks the natural odour of other ingredients
-
Skin conditioning
improves the appearance, feel, and condition of skin
Often found in
- brightening serums
- anti-aging products
- eye creams
- vitamin-C serums
Good to know
Unstable — oxidizes easily. If your serum has turned yellow or brown, the vitamin C is gone. Store in a cool, dark place. 10–20% is the active range.
EU regulatory status
Ascorbic Acid is allowed for use in cosmetic products in the European Union under Regulation 1223/2009. It is not subject to a specific Annex restriction at the time of writing.
Frequently asked questions
What is Ascorbic Acid?
Ascorbic Acid is a cosmetic ingredient catalogued in the EU CosIng database. Ascorbic acid
Is Ascorbic Acid allowed in cosmetics in the EU?
Yes. Ascorbic Acid is allowed for use in cosmetic products in the EU under Regulation 1223/2009.
What does Ascorbic Acid do in cosmetic products?
Ascorbic Acid is declared in the EU cosmetic ingredient inventory with these functions: antioxidant, buffering, fragrance, skin conditioning.
What is the CAS number of Ascorbic Acid?
The CAS (Chemical Abstracts Service) number for Ascorbic Acid is 50-81-7 / 62624-30-0.
Related ingredients
Source: EU CosIng database (European Commission). This page is derived from public-sector information published by the European Commission. · Last updated: 15/10/2010