L-Ascorbic Acid

L-Ascorbic Acid 1
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: Vitamin C, 50-81-7, L(+)-Ascorbic acid, Ascoltin, Ascorbicap, Cevitamic acid, Allercorb, Ascorbajen
Synthetic
Skin Conditioner
Acid
Not Clean
OriginDerived from glucose, typically sourced from corn, sugar cane, or other plant-based carbohydrates. Synthesized through fermentation and chemical oxidation to produce the pure ascorbic acid compound.
Ascorbic Acid is a natural water-soluble vitamin (Vitamin C). Ascorbic acid is a potent reducing and antioxidant agent that functions in fighting bacterial infections, in detoxifying reactions, and in the formation of collagen in fibrous tissue, teeth, bones, connective tissue, skin, and capillaries. Found in citrus and other fruits, and in vegetables, vitamin C cannot be produced or stored by humans and must be obtained in the diet. (NCI04)
Solubility greater than or equal to 100 mg/mL at 73 °F (NTP, 1992)
Formula
C6H8O6
Mol. Weight
176.12
CAS #
112894-37-8
Form
Liquid
State
L-ascorbic acid is a white to very pale yellow crystalline powder with a pleasant sharp acidic taste. Almost odorless. (NTP, 1992)
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
Sun Damage
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
Functions
Skin Conditioning
A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.
Neutralizes free radicals
Brightens uneven skin tone
Boosts collagen production
Evens pigmentation
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper →
⚖️Regulatory0 listings
🛡️Safety-assessed1 review →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
EWG
4
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not an Eye Irritant
1 study / 1 not irritating (CIR 933)
Not a Skin Irritant
1 study / 1 not irritating (CIR 933)
Not a Sensitizer (CIR Panel on the ingredient group)
CIR Panel statement covering this group of ingredients / not tested individually / plus 1 case report (CIR 278)
Dermal Absorption 0.7%
Yorkshire pig skin (500 um) / in vitro percutaneous absorption of 14C-labeled Ascorbic Acid / 10% Ascorbic Acid in 20% propylene glycol with 0.5% hydroxypropylcellulose / 48 h (CIR 278)
Regulatory Status
USA✔ permitted
EU⚠ restricted
JAPAN⚠ restricted
CANADA⚠ restricted
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR