Excellent Antioxidant GHS Classified

Ascorbic Acid

INCI: ASCORBIC ACID

CAS Number
50-81-7
Function
Antioxidant; ROS scavenger; vitamin E regenerator; melanogenesis inhibitor; collagen synthesis stimulator; anti-pollution active; HEV-induced ROS quencher
Safety Rating
EXCELLENT

Regulatory Status

🇪🇺 EU Status permitted
🇺🇸 US Status permitted
US Notes GRAS for food (preservative, nutrient). Not restricted in cosmetics under MoCRA. No OTC monograph listing.

For full compliance data across 55 jurisdictions, use the Substance Compliance tool.

Safety Data

Margin of Safety (MoS)
adequate
Dermal Absorption
moderate
Sensitization
none

Calculate MoS for your specific formulation with the MoS Calculator.

GHS Hazard Classification

Globally Harmonized System classification per ECHA C&L inventory and ILO/WHO International Chemical Safety Cards.

Hazard Statements
No hazard classification according to GHS criteria
Routes of Exposure
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation of its aerosol and by ingestion.

Expert Verdict

CIR safe as used twice (2005 L-AA group and 2022 ethers/esters update). US GRAS food and unrestricted cosmetic. EU unrestricted - not restricted by EU 2024/996. pH below 3.5 critical for L-AA stability. Pro-oxidant risk with Cu2+ and Fe3+ metal ions. Oxidation visible as colorless to yellow to brown. NTP 2-year study showed no carcinogenicity. Non-sensitizing with negative RIPT. Five derivatives have superior stability. COSMOS approved for natural and fermentation sources.

⚠️
Concern Level: None

Regulatory Flags

cir-safe-as-used-2005-2022 eu-unrestricted us-gras ph-3.5-critical pro-oxidant-risk-metal-ions oxidation-color-qc-marker non-genotoxic non-sensitizing ntp-no-carcinogenicity korea-5-whitening-derivatives japan-3-quasi-drug-whitening cosmos-approved eu_children_restricted epa_safer_alternative ifra_fragrance fda_food_additive jecfa_safe

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Ascorbic Acid safe in cosmetics?

CIR safe as used twice (2005 L-AA group and 2022 ethers/esters update). US GRAS food and unrestricted cosmetic. EU unrestricted - not restricted by EU 2024/996. pH below 3.5 critical for L-AA stability. Pro-oxidant risk with Cu2+ and Fe3+ metal ions. Oxidation visible as colorless to yellow to brown. NTP 2-year study showed no carcinogenicity. Non-sensitizing with negative RIPT. Five derivatives have superior stability. COSMOS approved for natural and fermentation sources. The EU classifies Ascorbic Acid as "permitted". Safety rating: EXCELLENT.

Is Ascorbic Acid allowed in the EU?

Ascorbic Acid EU regulatory status: permitted. This is based on EU Regulation 1223/2009 and its amendments.

What does Ascorbic Acid do in cosmetics?

Ascorbic Acid functions as: Antioxidant; ROS scavenger; vitamin E regenerator; melanogenesis inhibitor; collagen synthesis stimulator; anti-pollution active; HEV-induced ROS quencher. It is classified as a Antioxidant in our database. CAS number: 50-81-7.

What is the Margin of Safety for Ascorbic Acid?

adequate The Margin of Safety (MoS) is calculated using SCCS methodology. A MoS above 100 is generally considered safe. Use the MoS Calculator tool to calculate MoS for your specific formulation and product category.

Compliance Tools

Check Ascorbic Acid compliance across multiple jurisdictions:

🔬
Ingredient Decoder
Paste a full ingredient list for instant analysis
 🌸
82 Allergen Checker
Check for EU declarable fragrance allergens
 🧪
Substance Compliance
Check compliance across 55 jurisdictions
 🧮
MoS Calculator
Calculate Margin of Safety using SCCS methodology
 ⚗️
Heavy Metal Limits
Compare limits across jurisdictions

Related Ingredients

Oleuropein
Good
Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN)
Good
PQQ (Pyrroloquinoline Quinone)
Good
Fermented Black Bean Extract
Moderate
Butylated Hydroxyanisole
Good
Browse all 30,000+ ingredients →
📱

Is Ascorbic Acid in Your Products?

Scan any product label with Piro — our free ingredient scanner. Point your camera at the ingredients list and get instant safety scores for every ingredient.

Try Piro Free →

Analyze Your Full Ingredient List

Paste any INCI list into the Decoder for instant safety analysis, or calculate the Margin of Safety for Ascorbic Acid in your formulation.

Ingredient Decoder MoS Calculator