Complexed Ascorbic Acid for Topical Applications

Ascorbic acid (vitamin C, AA) has found legendary applications in topical and skin antiaging products. The stability of AA in aqueousbased formulations in the presence of light, heat, and air has posed significant consumer and marketing concerns. A number of approaches, from the entrapment or encapsulation of AA to its derivatization, have been reported. The relative efficacy, availability, and cost viability of these routes have yet to provide a universally acceptable solution. The most direct approach, the stabilization of AA itself in water-based formulations with the inclusion of alkali metal bicarbonate, is reported herein. The chemical mechanism of this stabilization remains unknown.