Common Name(s): 3-ethylhexylglyceryl ascorbate
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Neutralizes free radicals, supports collagen biosynthesis, and inhibits melanin overproduction for brightened, protected, and younger-looking skin.
Why It's Used: Vitamins support fundamental enzymatic and antioxidant processes in skin cells; topical delivery addresses localized deficiencies and enhances concentrations beyond systemic levels.
How It Works: The vitamin pharmacophore donates electrons to free radicals, chelates metal ion pro-oxidants, and serves as a cofactor for skin enzymes (e.g., prolyl hydroxylase for collagen synthesis), providing multi-mechanism skin protection.
Typically Found In: Serums,moisturizers,eye creams,sunscreens
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Primary Category: Vitamin derivatives
Secondary Functions: Antioxidant,brightening
Application Areas:
Facial Skincare
Body Care
Hair Care
Beard Care
Color Cosmetics (Makeup)
Dietary/Oral Supplements
Typical Concentration Range: 0.1โ20%
SOURCING & ETHICS
Vegan Status: Yes
Halal Status: Yes
Source Notes: Synthetic vitamin derivative; no animal components.
SKIN COMPATIBILITY
Irritancy Rating: 1
Comedogenicity Rating: 0
Sensitivity Concerns: Low sensitization potential at recommended use concentrations.
Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes
SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY
Safety Profile: Well-characterized cosmetic ingredient with established safety profile. generally non-irritating at typical use concentrations. suitable for leave-on and rinse-off cosmetics.
Works Well With: Other antioxidants,ferulic acid,hyaluronic acid
Avoid Combining With: Incompatible oxidizing agents; check ph stability
SCIENTIFIC NOTE
Vitamin derivatives in cosmetics function as prodrugs: esterase enzymes in skin cleave the ester bond to release the free vitamin acid or alcohol. the rate of release depends on the ester chain length and branching (log p), with shorter chain esters hydrolyzing faster. free vitamin concentration in skin determines efficacy, making ester hydrolysis rate a critical formulation parameter.
Last Verified: Cosing eu database; pcpc cosmetic ingredient safety reviews; ingredient-specific safety and efficacy literature
Primary Sources: 2025-01-15