Excellent Antioxidant GHS Classified

Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C)

INCI: ASCORBIC ACID

CAS Number
50-81-7
Function
Antioxidant, skin brightening
Safety Rating
EXCELLENT

Regulatory Status

🇪🇺 EU Status permitted
🇺🇸 US Status permitted
US Notes No federal concentration limits. GRAS. CIR safe as used (2005 and 2022 reaffirmation). Clinical study: 20% applied daily showed improved color, elasticity, and lustre at 4-8 weeks.

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

Safety Data

Margin of Safety (MoS)
adequate
Dermal Absorption
low
Sensitization
low

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 (2005 and 2022 reaffirmation). GRAS status. Unrestricted in EU. Not restricted by EU 2024/996. pH below 3.5 is critical. Pro-oxidant effects with copper and iron require consideration. No carcinogenicity observed in 2-year NTP study.

⚠️
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 cosmos-approved eu_children_restricted epa_safer_alternative ifra_fragrance fda_food_additive

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) safe in cosmetics?

CIR safe as used (2005 and 2022 reaffirmation). GRAS status. Unrestricted in EU. Not restricted by EU 2024/996. pH below 3.5 is critical. Pro-oxidant effects with copper and iron require consideration. No carcinogenicity observed in 2-year NTP study. The EU classifies Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) as "permitted". Safety rating: EXCELLENT.

Is Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) allowed in the EU?

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

What does Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) do in cosmetics?

Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) functions as: Antioxidant, skin brightening. It is classified as a Antioxidant in our database. CAS number: 50-81-7.

What is the Margin of Safety for Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C)?

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 (Vitamin C) compliance across multiple jurisdictions:

🔬
Ingredient Decoder
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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

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