What is L-Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C Powder)?

L-Ascorbic Acid is the pure, unprocessed form of vitamin C: a white, fine powder that dissolves completely in water. It's the same vitamin C you know from oranges, but concentrated and suitable for formulating yourself.

Vitamin C is an antioxidant. It protects the skin against external influences, such as air pollution, and is known for its brightening effect. In a well-formulated product, it creates an even complexion and a fresh appearance.

Note: this is a pure raw material, not a ready-made product. Always work according to a recipe and weigh your ingredients.

What are the benefits of L-Ascorbic Acid?

• Powerful antioxidant – Protects the skin against damage from air pollution and other external influences.
• Even complexion – Helps make skin tone more uniform and gives a bright, fresh appearance.
• Great for mature skin – Vitamin C is a staple in skincare targeting visible signs of skin aging.
• 100% pure – Only L-Ascorbic Acid, without fillers, fragrance or preservatives.
• Completely water-soluble – You can easily incorporate it into the water phase of a serum or gel.
• 36 months shelf life – Provided it is stored cool, dry and dark in the sealed packaging.

How do you use L-Ascorbic Acid?

You incorporate L-Ascorbic Acid into the water phase of a serum, gel or light cream. Work cold, as vitamin C is sensitive to heat, light and air.

Dissolving: first dissolve the powder in a small portion of your water phase and stir until completely dissolved. Then slowly add that mixture back to the rest of your formula and keep stirring so everything is evenly distributed.

pH: keep the pH of your final product between 3.0 and 3.5. Above a pH of 3.5, efficacy decreases. Always measure the pH afterwards and correct if necessary with a little citric acid to lower, or with a sodium hydroxide solution to raise.

Storing your finished product: pour your serum into a dark glass bottle with pipette and store it cool and dark. Light and air break down vitamin C.

Preserving: an aqueous formula always needs a preservative.

What should you watch out for?

Do not combine with EUK 134. According to research, these two antioxidants do not work well together. So do not use them in the same product.

Be careful with niacinamide. Experienced formulators can combine niacinamide (B3) and L-Ascorbic Acid. If you're working with both ingredients yourself, do not use them in the same product to avoid unwanted results.

Safety. Not intended for ingestion. Avoid contact with eyes and wounds. Keep out of reach of children.

What is the difference with Ethyl Ascorbic Acid?

L-Ascorbic Acid is the pure form. It works directly, but requires a low pH of 3.0 to 3.5 and is sensitive to light, air and heat. Ethyl Ascorbic Acid is a stabilized form that works at a pH between 4 and 6 and remains stable longer.

If you want to make a classic vitamin C serum with a low pH, choose L-Ascorbic Acid. If you're looking for something that stays stable more easily in a cream or lotion, look at Ethyl Ascorbic Acid.

What makes L-Ascorbic Acid so special?

It is vitamin C in its most direct form, with no detours. That's exactly why it requires care in processing, and that's exactly why it has been the benchmark for all other forms of vitamin C for decades.

INCI: L-Ascorbic Acid. CAS 50-81-7, EINECS 200-066-2. EWG score 1, the lowest risk class. White, fine powder, soluble in water and alcohol. Fragrance-free and not tested on animals. Shelf life 36 months.