Ascorbic Acid

Ascorbic Acid is a cosmetic ingredient used as an antioxidant, buffering agent. It appears in about 2% of cosmetic products in our 90,000+ product dataset. It is regulated in the EU (listed in a Cosmetics Regulation annex). PubMed carries 3,037 studies of its skin or topical use.

INCI nameASCORBIC ACID
FunctionANTIOXIDANT, BUFFERING, FRAGRANCE, SKIN CONDITIONING
CAS number50-81-7 / 62624-30-0
EC number200-066-2 / 263-644-3
Prevalence1,933 products (2.08% of dataset)
Most used inSkincare
EU statusRestricted (annex )
Scientific studies3,037 on PubMed (skin/cosmetic/topical)
Monthly searches40,500

Used in

Serums 30.7%General Moisturizers 7.2%Face Cleansers 5.1%Toners 4.7%Facial Treatments 4.2%Eye Moisturizers 3.5%

Frequently asked

What does Ascorbic Acid do in skincare?
Ascorbic Acid functions as an antioxidant, buffering agent in cosmetic formulas.
Is Ascorbic Acid allowed in cosmetics?
Yes, but it is regulated in the EU — it appears in a Cosmetics Regulation annex with usage conditions.
What products contain Ascorbic Acid?
It is most commonly found in Skincare products, especially serums (30.7% of its uses).

Manufacturers with experience using Ascorbic Acid

Match with vetted US contract manufacturers that have hands-on experience formulating with this ingredient.