A water-soluble vitamin C derivative for brightening, antioxidant and even-tone cosmetic formulations, supplied as a 99% powder for bench evaluation, product development and scale-up sourcing.
- Supports brighter, more even-looking skin concepts.
- Studied for antioxidant and melanogenesis-related activity.
- Water-soluble for serums, essences, gels and emulsion water phases.
- A more formulation-flexible vitamin C option than highly oxidation-prone L-ascorbic acid.
- Available through a small-pack evaluation path with bulk supply by inquiry.
Product Specifications
|
Specification |
Details |
|
INCI Name |
3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid |
|
Common Names |
Ethyl Ascorbic Acid; Vitamin C Ethyl Ether; VC Ethyl Ether |
|
CAS Number |
86404-04-8 [R1] |
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Molecular Formula |
C8H12O6 [R1] |
|
Molecular Weight |
204.18 g/mol [R1] |
|
Assay / Purity |
≥99% |
|
Ingredient Type |
Ethyl ether derivative of L-ascorbic acid |
Antioxidant Support: The ingredient has demonstrated reducing and free-radical-scavenging activity in laboratory studies, making it useful in antioxidant serums and daily skincare designed around oxidative-stress support. [R2]
Vitamin C Benefits with Greater Formulation Flexibility: Ethyl substitution changes the physicochemical behavior of the ascorbic-acid molecule and improves stability relative to unmodified L-ascorbic acid under many aqueous conditions. That gives formulators more room to build water-based vitamin C products without relying on the very low pH normally associated with pure L-ascorbic acid. [R2–R3]
Strong Fit for Radiance and Age-Support Products: Its vitamin C identity and aqueous-format fit make it useful for radiance, tone-care and age-support products.
Why Formulators Choose 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid combines a recognizable vitamin C active with water solubility and a stability profile that can be easier to manage than pure L-ascorbic acid. The 99% powder format supports measured bench work and controlled concentration testing before scale-up.
Typical Applications
- Brightening serum: Keeps the vitamin C derivative central to a high-active, water-based concept.
- Daily antioxidant serum: Supports a broader antioxidant strategy for routine skincare.
- Essence or ampoule: Works well in lightweight, water-rich formats.
- Even-tone moisturizer: Can be incorporated through the aqueous phase of an emulsion.
- Gel or sheet-mask essence: Water solubility supports clear or low-oil systems.
Quick Formulation Guide
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Formulation Item |
Typical Guidance |
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Use Level |
A common starting range is 0.5–3% [R5–R7]. |
|
Solubility |
Water-soluble; pre-dissolve in deionized water or an appropriate hydrophilic phase. [R3,R5,R6,R8] |
|
Addition |
Use in the water phase or add as a cool-down solution when the process allows; avoid unnecessary prolonged heat. [R8] |
|
pH |
A practical screening zone around pH 5–6. [R2,R6,R8] |
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Compatibility |
Evaluate with the complete active system, electrolytes, chelators, polymers, preservatives and packaging rather than assuming universal compatibility. |
|
Packaging |
Limit unnecessary light and oxygen exposure and select packaging. |
Quality Documents & Supply
Before production purchasing, review the current batch specification and assay basis against your formula requirements. Confirm any project-specific test methods, impurity limits and packaging needs.
Small packs support bench evaluation. For production quantities, provide quantity, destination and specification needs for quotation.
Recommended Ingredient Pairings
|
Recommended Ingredient |
Why It Pairs Well |
Product Concept |
Compatibility Note |
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Adds barrier-support and complementary tone-care value. |
Daily even-tone serum |
Validate final pH, color and complete-system stability. |
|
|
Builds a focused multi-active brightening concept. |
Targeted tone-care serum |
Respect alpha-arbutin pH and temperature requirements. |
|
|
Adds hydration and tone-refining support. |
Gentle radiance essence |
Check electrolyte load and polymer behavior. |
|
|
Adds conditioning and comfort to active-led formulas. |
Comfort-focused brightening serum |
Confirm preservative efficacy in the final water system. |
|
|
Adds hydration and serum texture. |
Hydrating vitamin C serum |
Pre-hydrate polymer and re-check viscosity after active addition. |
Why Source From Us
- Start with samples scale to bulk orders – one supplier from trial to production: Validate with lab samples, then scale to commercial volumes – same quality, same team. No re-qualification, no project delays.
- Formulation support that actually helps – not just a data sheet: We give you hands-on guidance on solubility, temperature, pH, and compatibility. A real formulation partner, not a catalog.
- Reliable supply chain – consistent quality, on-time delivery, batch after batch: Own manufacturing facilities plus long-term partnerships with audited upstream producers ensure batch-to-batch consistency. Full documentation with every shipment. No "sample passes, bulk fails"
- Export-ready documentation – compliance, customs, cleared：Complete technical documentation packages – COA, MSDS, TDS, stability data – batch-specific and regulatory-ready. We handle the paperwork so your compliance and procurement teams can focus on formulation
Research & References
[R1] PubChem — 3-O-Ethylascorbic acid (CID 150736)
[R2] Liao et al. — Antioxidant Ability and Stability Studies of 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
[R3] Iliopoulos et al. — 3-O-Ethyl-L-Ascorbic Acid: Characterisation and Skin Delivery
[R4] Chen et al. — Anti-melanogenic effects of 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
[R9] Romita et al. — Allergic Contact Dermatitis to 3-O-Ethyl-L-Ascorbic Acid
Request a Quote
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