ASCORBIC ACID *Vitamin B3 ●
TL;DR. This ingredient is used primarily as an antioxidant active and reducing agent in skin care, helping protect formulas and skin from oxidation-related changes. It is also used for tone-evening claims and can support low-pH product design.
What does ASCORBIC ACID *Vitamin B3 do in a cosmetic formula?
This ingredient is used primarily as an antioxidant active and reducing agent in skin care, helping protect formulas and skin from oxidation-related changes. It is also used for tone-evening claims and can support low-pH product design.
Is ASCORBIC ACID *Vitamin B3 clean?
This ingredient is broadly accepted in clean-beauty frameworks and is not a common restricted-list concern. At higher levels or low pH, it can sting or irritate sensitive skin, mainly because of acidity rather than allergenicity.
Is ASCORBIC ACID *Vitamin B3 sustainable?
This material is typically produced through fermentation or bioconversion from carbohydrate feedstocks, often plant-derived. It is readily biodegradable and is not associated with environmental persistence or bioaccumulation concerns.
Is ASCORBIC ACID *Vitamin B3 COSMOS-approved?
It is permitted under COSMOS natural and organic standards when sourcing and processing meet the standard’s criteria. From a Green Chemistry view, it aligns well when fermentation-derived, biodegradable, water-compatible, and made without problematic solvent residues.
How does ASCORBIC ACID *Vitamin B3 work chemically?
The molecule is a small, water-soluble, six-carbon lactone with an enediol group that readily donates electrons, which explains both its antioxidant effect and its instability. Typical leave-on use ranges from about 0.1% to 20%, with stronger performance in acidic systems around pH 2.5 to 3.5, and formulators often limit oxygen, light, water activity, and metal ions to slow oxidation.
Last updated 2026-08-31