The ascorbic acid form of vitamin C, used as an antioxidant in skincare.
Sources: 1, 2Vitamin C, L-ascorbic acid
Not assessed
No pregnancy- or breastfeeding-specific assessment has been completed for this record. A cosmetic safety review is not a pregnancy rating.
Some supporting studies
Ascorbic Acid
What it does
Studied topical formulations can improve aspects of photoaged skin appearance. Vitamin C derivatives need separate evaluation.
Sources: 1, 2Good for
- Dull-looking skin
- Photoaging appearance
How to use it
Follow the finished product's directions and assess tolerance when introducing it. Ingredient research does not supply one universal dose or schedule.
Sources: 1, 2Who should be careful
Reactive or compromised skin may not tolerate acidic serums. Vitamin C does not replace tested sunscreen protection.
Sources: 1, 2Pairs well with
No supported pairings have been documented for this record.
Usage, safety and formulation details
Mechanism of action
Ascorbic acid participates in antioxidant reactions and collagen-related biology; delivery to skin depends on formulation.
Sources: 1, 2Potential adverse effects
Irritation or contact allergy may occur; stop a product that causes a persistent or marked reaction.
Sources: 1, 2Formulation considerations
Oxygen, light, pH and packaging affect stability. Low-pH formulas may sting; an ingredient percentage alone does not establish efficacy.
Sources: 1, 2Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Not assessed
No pregnancy- or breastfeeding-specific assessment has been completed for this record. A cosmetic safety review is not a pregnancy rating.
Safety tags
- Fragrance allergen
- Not assessed
Not separately assessed in this draft.
- Essential oil
- Not assessed
Not separately assessed in this draft.
- Drying alcohol
- Not assessed
Not separately assessed in this draft.
What remains uncertain
- Exact concentration, final pH and the full composition of any unprovided finished product
Clinical evidence and research (1 studies)
Clinical evidence
Evidence for its main benefitSome supporting studies
A cited study is entered below. Its formulation, exposure and limitations must be considered before applying the results to another product.
Sources: 1, 2Topical ascorbic acid on photoaged skin: double-blind placebo comparison
- Design
- Randomized, double-blind comparison with the cream's excipient (vehicle)
- Population
- Healthy female volunteers with photoaged skin of the low neck and arms (number not stated in the abstract)
- Studied concentration
- 5% vitamin C cream versus its excipient
- Duration
- 6 months, daily
Investigator and self-assessed global scores improved significantly on the vitamin C side versus vehicle; skin microrelief density increased and deep furrows decreased.
Limitations: Vehicle, stability and delivery affect relevance to other vitamin C products.
Randomised clinical trialSources: 1Regulation and ingredient label names
Regulatory information
No jurisdiction-specific assessment is recorded. An inventory listing is not blanket approval.
Names on ingredient lists
ascorbic acid
Chemical identity and molecular structure
Chemical information
Chemical structure
| Detail | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| PubChem CID | 54670067 | PubChem compound 54670067: chemical identity |
| molecular formula | C6H8O6 | PubChem compound 54670067: chemical identity |
| molecular weight | 176.12 g/mol | PubChem compound 54670067: chemical identity |
Content updated 9 November 2026.
Sources (3)
Scientific sources
- Topical ascorbic acid on photoaged skin: double-blind placebo comparisonhuman study · 2003
- Topical activity of ascorbic acid: formulation and in-vivo efficacyformulation study · 2004
- PubChem compound 54670067: chemical identitychemical identity
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