Ascorbic Acid – Vitamin C

Description

Vitamin C or Ascorbic Acid

Interest in vitamin C as a cosmetic ingredient is mainly a result of its ability to quench UV- induced free radicals and to regenerate vitamin E, another potent antioxidant.  It is the most abundant naturally occurring antioxidant in our skin. Ascorbic Acid is found regularly in anti-aging products as its antioxidant properties, it can protect cells from damage caused by free radicals and unifies the complexion.

There are three forms commonly used in cosmetics:

• • • • ascorbyl palmitate,
      • magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, and
      • L-ascorbic acid.

L-ascorbic acid is the most active form of vitamin C and has numerous benefits for the skin.  L-ascorbic acid is water soluble and must be formulated at low pH to stay active.

Use: Add to water phase of formula, usual final concentration 0.2-5 %.

Tip: sprinkle vitamin C powder slowly to the water under constant stirring to assure that everything dissolves completely. Should be formulated at pH 4-5 for best results. For external use only.

Ascorbyl palmitate, is the fat- soluble synthetic ester of vitamin C, is stable in cosmetic formulas at neutral pH.

Applications: Lotions, creams, sun care & after sun products, shampoos, makeup products (e.g. lipsticks).In clinical studies vitamin C has been found to act as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent. When applied after UV burning, vitamin C reduces redness 50% sooner than untreated areas. Psoriasis and eczema have also shown clinical improvement with vitamin C. In addition, vitamin C has been found to stimulate collagen synthesis and to reduce dark pigmentation of the skin (e.g. age spots). Thus, vitamin C is also considered an anti-aging ingredient and often used in face serums.

Functionality Categories

• Antioxidants
• Fragrance Ingredients
• Skin Conditioning Agents ~ Miscellaneous
• pH Adjusters / Buffering Agent