Authority source
Safety basis: FDA / CIR / EFSA
FDA assessment, European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) opinion, Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) assessment
Antioxidant, Vitamin, pH Adjuster, Skin Brightener
Ascorbic acid is a form of Vitamin C that helps protect your body and skin from damage. It is also important for healthy growth and repair of all body tissues.
What it is
Ascorbic acid is a naturally occurring organic compound with antioxidant properties, primarily functioning as a vitamin and a skin-conditioning agent.
Found in
dietary supplements, fruit juices, fortified foods, serums, moisturizers, sunscreens, anti-aging creams
The concern
No significant concerns identified when used as directed.
Legal status
Ascorbic acid is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use in food, and is widely permitted in cosmetics in the EU and other regions.
Source: FDA assessment, European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) opinion, Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) assessment
Ascorbic acid is generally recognized as safe when used as a food additive and in cosmetic formulations.
Authority source
FDA assessment, European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) opinion, Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) assessment
Article / explainer
No highly relevant article explainer found yet.
Video explainer
Video
Dr. Janine Bowring, ND
Watch videoCommunity questions
Community discussions are not used as safety evidence and no highly relevant discussion is shown for this ingredient.