- Water-soluble powder for low-pH serums, aqueous concentrates and compatible emulsions
- Supports formulas designed for brighter, more even-looking skin
- Useful in age-support products targeting the appearance of fine lines, smoothness and firmness
- Paid development packs from 10 g to 200 g, with commercial quantities handled by inquiry
Product Specifications
|
Product name |
Ascorbic Acid / L-Ascorbic Acid |
|
INCI |
Ascorbic Acid |
|
CAS number |
50-81-7 |
|
Molecular formula |
C6H8O6 |
|
Appearance |
White to pale yellow crystalline powder |
|
Solubility |
Water-soluble; not suitable for direct dissolution in oil |
|
Assay |
≥99% |
Key Benefits
Brighter, More Even-Looking Tone: L-ascorbic acid is commonly selected for serums and emulsions designed to improve the look of dullness and uneven tone. Human studies of finished topical vitamin C formulas have reported visible improvements[R5-R6].Smoother-Looking Skin and Fine-Line Support: Use it in age-support formulas intended to improve the appearance of fine lines, surface smoothness and visual texture. Controlled human studies support this formulation direction[R5-R6].
Firmer- and More Elastic-Looking Skin: Topical L-ascorbic-acid research includes collagen-related and structural endpoints that support firmer-looking-skin concepts [R5, R8].
Antioxidant-Oriented Age-Support Formulation: Ascorbic acid is a reducing antioxidant used in cosmetic systems, yet it is highly vulnerable to oxidation in aqueous formulas. Successful development combines pH control with minimized heat, light, oxygen and metal-ion exposure, then verifies color and assay through shelf-life testing [R2-R4, R7].
Why Formulators Choose Pure L-Ascorbic Acid
- Direct vitamin C identity: work with the well-characterized parent molecule rather than a vitamin C derivative.
- Strong evidence base: human and mechanistic studies support brightening and visible age-support product development [R4-R8].
- Water-phase utility: dissolve into water or a controlled aqueous premix for compatible serums and emulsions.
- Clear trial-to-scale path: begin with a measured bench batch, compare active levels and packaging, then move to pilot or bulk purchasing after performance is verified.
Typical Applications
- Low-pH water-based facial serums and concentrates
- Compatible emulsion serums, lotions and creams
- Eye-area and lip-care formulas developed within applicable safety limits
- Brightening and even-tone skincare concepts
- Age-support formulas focused on fine lines, smoothness, firmness and elasticity
- After-sun and daily environmental-stress skincare concepts
|
Development field |
Practical starting guidance |
|
Bench-screening level |
0.5-10%[R2-R3]. |
|
Phase / solubility |
Dissolve in the aqueous phase or a fresh water-based premix with controlled mixing [R1, R3]. |
|
Finished-formula pH |
For a delivery-focused L-ascorbic-acid serum, screen below pH 3.5; [R4] found enhanced skin levels only below that point. |
|
Processing |
Minimize unnecessary heat, long hold times and aeration. |
|
Stability design |
Limit light, heat and repeated air exposure; consider chelation, validated antioxidant partners and protective packaging [R3, R7]. |
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
Recommended Ingredient Pairings
|
Recommended ingredient |
Why it pairs well |
Product concept |
Compatibility note |
|
Adds an oil-phase antioxidant partner to a dual-phase antioxidant system. |
Vitamin C + E emulsion serum or low-pH biphasic concept. |
Use an emulsion/solubilization strategy; [R7] supports one specific C/E/ferulic system, not every ratio. |
|
|
Can support antioxidant-system and stability-oriented formulation concepts. |
Low-pH C + E + ferulic serum. |
Solubility and pH are challenging; validate the complete solvent system and avoid copying a research formula blindly [R7]. |
|
|
Adds hydration and sensory support to an aqueous vitamin C concept. |
Hydrating low-pH vitamin C serum. |
Select a polymer grade that tolerates the target pH; validate viscosity, clarity and long-term molecular-weight performance. |
|
|
Adds a complementary water-phase ingredient for even-tone concepts. |
Targeted brightening serum or emulsion. |
Confirm both grades' pH and heat limits; do not assume one low-pH architecture suits both actives. |
|
|
Adds humectant and conditioning support for a more comfort-focused formula brief. |
Conditioning vitamin C serum or lotion. |
Validate pH, preservative system, color and sensory in the complete formula. |
Scientific Evidence Snapshot
The Expert Panel for Cosmetic Ingredient Safety concluded that Ascorbic Acid and the reviewed ascorbates are safe as used in cosmetics under the practices and concentrations described in its assessment [R2].
Pinnell and colleagues found enhanced skin levels only when 15% L-ascorbic acid was formulated below pH 3.5, with maximal tested absorption at 20% [R4]. Separate controlled studies reported visible and structural improvements with topical vitamin C formulas [R5-R6, R8].
Research & References
- [R2] Expert Panel for Cosmetic Ingredient Safety — Ascorbic Acid Safety Assessment
- [R3] MakingCosmetics — L-Ascorbic Acid USP Fact Sheet
- [R4] Pinnell et al. (2001) — Percutaneous Absorption
- [R5] Humbert et al. (2003) — 5% Topical Vitamin C Study
- [R6] Traikovich (1999) — Photodamaged Skin Topography
-
[R7] Lin et al. (2005) — Vitamin C/E/Ferulic System
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