INCI: L-Ascorbic acid

Other Ingredients: None

Made without milk, soy, egg, yeast, wheat, rose hips, animal products, fillers, excipients, lubricants, binders, starch, colorings, flavorings, and preservatives.

Contains only 100% pure pharmaceutical grade L-ascorbic acid USP-FCC* (C6H8O6) which contains no corn residue, plant antigens, or protein impurities. Individuals allergic to corn or yeast can use this product with confidence.
* United States Pharmacopoeia-Food Chemical Codex

Ascorbic acid is an organic acid with antioxidant properties. Its appearance is white to light yellow crystals or powder. It is water soluble. The L-enantiomer of ascorbic acid is commonly known as vitamin C.

Vitamin C is used in skin care products in the form of ascorbic acid. At a 10% concentration and low ph, ascorbic acid has been shown to stimulate collagen, decrease wrinkle depth and have lightening effects on pigmentation. It was thought that a minimum 10% concentration was required but newer information indicate that lower concentration (5%) may have benefit.

When Ascorbic acid is applied topically at levels ranging from 0.3-10%, the benefits are:

• Potent antioxidant, particularly in regard to protecting skin cells from UV-induced damage
• Delays tumor formation after (animal) skin is exposed to extensive UV damage
• Has a low risk of skin sensitization at concentrations up to 10% in the form of ascorbic acid
• Reduces transepidermal water loss, thus strengthening skin's barrier response
• Promotes collagen production and has the potential to thicken the dermis
• Reduces inflammation
• Ascorbic acid at levels of 5% and above has a positive effect on hyperpigmentation
• Improves the appearance of sun-damaged skin by strengthening skin's repair mechanisms
• Enhances the effectiveness of dermatologist-performed procedures such as peels and microdermabrasion

Vitamin C, 100% L-Ascorbic Acid, USP is a water soluble antioxidant. Very unstable in aqueous solutions, it starts to oxidize immediately, gradually producing color changes (orange/brown shift) and a reduction in activity as it converts to dehydroascorbic acid.

Vitamin C Serum Recipe
This recipe makes a serum with approximately a 10% concentration of vitamin C. Take care- these are active ingredients At this concentration it will have a relatively low ph, and in some people this will be too irritating for the skin. If this is the case, try making a half or even quarter concentration to start with. Use this for a week or two until you know you skin is tolerating this, and then slowly increase to a higher concentration. If after you apply it, you find your skin is tingling excessively, wash off immediately. The recipe is divided into the active ingredient, the one that has been shown to stimulate collagen, reduce fine lines and wrinkles and protect against sun damage and a simple base formula.

Base Ingredients: 5 ml glycerine, 5ml water.

Process: Dissolve 1 gram of L-ascorbic acid in 5 ml of water (preferably distilled), in small glass container using a stirrer. Make sure it is fully dissolved before proceeding to next step. Add 5 ml of glycerine and mix. Put in a sealable jar, (not clear glass as this allows light in, and light degrades vitamin C.) Store in cool dry place.

Alternatively, you can just dissolve the L-Absorbic Acid in water and mix in with your favourite face cream. You can make a fresh batch daily or for 3 days keeping remainder in the fridge.