Ascorbic Acid

CAS Number:

50-81-7

Chemical / IUPAC Name:

(5R)-5-[(1S)-1,2-dihydroxyethyl]-3,4-dihydroxy-2,5-dihydrofuran-2-one

INCI Name:

Ascorbic Acid

EC Number:

200-066-2

Molecular Formula:

C6H8O6

Molecular Weight:

176.12 g/mol

Other Names:

Vitamin C, L-Ascorbic Acid, L-Ascorbate

Uses:

Ascorbic acid, commonly known as Vitamin C, is an essential nutrient that functions as a powerful antioxidant and coenzyme in numerous metabolic pathways . It is a white to pale cream crystalline powder that is highly soluble in water .

· Cosmetics & Personal Care: Widely used in anti-aging serums, moisturizers, and brightening treatments for its potent antioxidant properties. It helps neutralize free radicals caused by UV exposure and pollution, supports collagen synthesis, and helps reduce hyperpigmentation for a more even skin tone.

· Pharmaceuticals: Used in vitamin supplements, multivitamin formulations, and as an ingredient in products for wound healing. It is also utilized in ophthalmic preparations (S01XA15) and gynecological anti-infectives (G01AD03) .

· Food Industry: Functions as an antioxidant and antimicrobial preservative (food additive E300) to prevent oxidation and spoilage in various food products .

· Laboratory & Research: Used in biochemical research, as a reducing agent, and in cell culture media (cell culture grade available)

Origin

Ascorbic acid is produced commercially via two main routes:

· Fermentation: Industrial production typically begins with D-glucose or sorbitol, which undergoes fermentation followed by chemical synthesis .

· Synthesis: Can be produced through chemical synthesis processes, though fermentation-based methods are more common for commercial production .

What does Ascorbic Acid do in a formulation?

• Antioxidant: Neutralizes free radicals and reactive oxygen species, protecting cells from oxidative damage .
• Collagen Synthesis Support: Required for hydroxylation of proline and lysine in collagen formation, essential for wound healing and skin structure .
• Skin Brightening Agent: Inhibits melanin production, helping to reduce hyperpigmentation and even skin tone.
• pH Adjuster: Due to its acidic nature, it can lower the pH of formulations.
• Iron Absorption Enhancer: Maintains iron in its reduced form (Fe²?), improving gastrointestinal absorption of iron .

Safety Profile:

· General Hazard Classification: Considered safe for topical and oral use at recommended concentrations. The upper tolerable limit for oral intake is 2000 mg (2 g)/day for healthy adults .

· Concentration & pH Dependent Safety:

  · Cosmetic Use: Typically used at 5-20% in skincare formulations, with optimal efficacy at pH 3.0-4.0.

  · Oral Supplements: Commonly available in 500-1000 mg doses.

· High Dose Toxicity: Daily intake > 2 g may cause nausea, diarrhea, and interfere with the body's antioxidant-pro-oxidant balance .

· Specific Risk Groups: In patients with thalassemia or hemochromatosis, high doses may promote iron overload .

· Injection Safety: High-dose injectable ascorbic acid requires medical supervision. Cases of oxalate nephropathy and acute renal failure have been reported with high-dose IV administration. Patients with kidney disease, history of oxalate stones, elderly, and children under 2 are at higher risk .

· G6PD Deficiency: Patients with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency may experience hemolysis with high doses .

· Skin Sensitivity: May cause mild stinging or irritation at high concentrations (>20%) or low pH.

· Sun Sensitivity: As an antioxidant, it helps protect against UV damage, but sunscreen should still be used.

· Stability: Unstable in aqueous solutions; readily oxidized when exposed to air, heat, light, and metal ions (especially copper and iron) .

Technical profile: