antioxidant
Ascorbic Acid
Also sold as Vitamin C, L-Ascorbic Acid
Ascorbic Acid appears in 2 products in this index, 2 of which publish a strength — the highest is 15% in Paula's Choice C15 Super Booster. It works between pH 2.5 and 3.5.
Mechanism
The biologically active form of vitamin C. Donates electrons to neutralise free radicals and is a cofactor for collagen hydroxylases. Requires pH below 3.5 for skin penetration and oxidises readily.
Products containing it
sorted by published strength| Product | Size | Strength | Best price | Per ml of active |
|---|---|---|---|---|
C15 Super Booster Paula's Choice | 20 ml | 15% | awaiting retailer | — |
Ascorbic Acid 8% + Alpha Arbutin 2% The Ordinary | 30 ml | 8% | awaiting retailer | — |
Cost per active is price divided by the volume of pure active in the bottle. It appears once retailer prices are being tracked, and only for products whose strength the maker publishes.