Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
Stable vitamin C derivative that supports brighter-looking skin and more even tone, with lower oxidation risk than pure L-ascorbic acid. Great for serums, gels, and emulsions.
Ethyl Ascorbic Acid (3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid) is a high-performance vitamin C derivative designed for brightening and tone support with improved stability.
It helps reduce the look of dullness and uneven tone, supports a smoother-looking complexion, and fits well in modern leave-on serums and creams.
Compared to pure L-ascorbic acid, it is typically easier to formulate with and has a lower risk of fast oxidation and colour change, especially when you use good packaging and a smart antioxidant system.
FEATURES
- Brightening support – helps improve the look of dullness and uneven tone.
- More stable vitamin C – lower oxidation risk than L-ascorbic acid.
- Flexible formats – works in serums, gels, and emulsions.
- Elegant feel – active performance without the high-acid sting profile of classic vitamin C systems.
BEST FOR
- Brightening serums
- Even-tone treatments
- Gel serums
- Moisturisers
- Dark spot blends
- Antioxidant boosters
FORMULATION GUIDELINES
| INCI | 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid |
|---|---|
| Type | Vitamin C derivative (brightening + antioxidant) |
| Solubility | Water soluble / water dispersible (solubility depends on system and temperature) |
| Use Rate | 0.5–5.0% typical. 1–3% is common for daily brightening serums. 3–5% for stronger tone-support concepts. |
| pH Compatibility | We recommend finished product pH 4.0–6.0 for good performance and stability balance. |
| Temperature Tolerance | We recommend dissolving with gentle warming if needed, then adding below 45°C and avoiding prolonged heat holding. |
| Pro Tip | Pre-dissolve ethyl ascorbic acid completely in the water phase before you thicken or emulsify, then protect the system with a chelator (example: disodium EDTA) and good packaging. Pairing with complementary brighteners (example: alpha arbutin, tranexamic acid, licorice derivatives) can improve the overall even-tone result. Always confirm colour stability, because vitamin C systems can drift if exposed to light, air, or metal contamination. |
| Appearance | White to off-white powder |
| Stability Notes | More stable than L-ascorbic acid, but still sensitive to light, air, and metal ions. Use protective packaging and run stability testing. |
| Storage | Keep sealed, cool and dry, away from heat and direct sunlight. |
Related Products
A versatile humectant and solvent that helps retain moisture, enhance the texture of formulations, and improve the stability of ingredients in personal care products.
A natural skin-brightening active that helps reduce hyperpigmentation and improve skin tone by inhibiting melanin production.
Liquid polymer thickener that builds viscosity after neutralisation. Great for clear gels, toners, and surfactant systems when you want clean flow and stable thickness.
Lightweight, fast-absorbing neutral oil that boosts slip and reduces greasiness. Ideal for face oils, body oils, balms, creams, and sunscreen-style textures.
A natural compound derived from raspberries, known for its antioxidant properties, promoting skin brightening, and helping improve the appearance of cellulite.
Out of stock
Self-emulsifying emulsifier and texture builder for oil-in-water creams and lotions. Creates a creamy body with good slip and stable structure.
Soothing oil soluble active that helps reduce the feel of irritation and supports calmer looking skin. Ideal for sensitive skin, brightening routines, and aftercare formulas.
Lightweight, fast-absorbing carrier oil with a dry feel. Great for face oils, body oils, cleansing oils, and emulsions where you want slip without heaviness.
Powerful antioxidant that helps protect formulas and support brighter-looking, more even tone skin. Commonly used to boost vitamin C systems and improve oxidative stability.
A versatile fatty acid used as an emulsifier, thickener, and stabilizer in cosmetic formulations, providing texture, stability, and skin-softening benefits.
A non-ionic, acid-stable O/W emulsifier blend that helps create smooth, light-feel lotions and creams with reliable stability.
Strong alkaline pH adjuster and builder for detergents and cleaning systems. Useful for raising pH and boosting cleaning power in wash off and home care formulas.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.