Ethyl Ascorbic Acid (CAS 86404-04-8), chemically distinct as 3-O-Ethyl-L-ascorbic acid, is a stable ether derivative of ascorbic acid utilized primarily as a functional active ingredient in skin brightening formulations and antioxidant cosmetics. This water-soluble Vitamin C ethyl ether functions by inhibiting tyrosinase activity and preventing melanin polymerization, offering superior thermal and oxidative stability compared to standard L-Ascorbic Acid in aqueous solutions. Unlike ester derivatives that require enzymatic cleavage, this 3-O-Ethyl ascorbate molecule is directly metabolized, serving as a highly efficient Ethyl ascorbic ether component for whitening serums, anti-aging lotions, and clinical skincare products. We provide this high-purity cosmetic raw material with competitive factory pricing to support personal care manufacturing and ensure bulk supply availability for global formulation demands. Our facility accommodates customized specifications for assay and crystal appearance, while every shipment is fully documented with MSDS, TDS, COA files to meet international regulatory standards.
Ethyl Ascorbic Acid CAS 86404-04-8
- CAS: 86404-04-8
- Synonyms: 3-O-Ethyl-L-ascorbic acid, Vitamin C ethyl ether, 3-O-Ethyl ascorbate
- Einecs: 617-849-3
- Molecular Formula: C8H12O6
- Grade: Cosmetic grade, assay ≥99% (HPLC)
- Package: 1 kg aluminum foil bag; 25 kg fiber drum; or customized industrial packaging for bulk orders
Product Description
Ethyl Ascorbic Acid (3-O-Ethyl-L-Ascorbic Acid) is a highly stable, water-soluble vitamin C derivative widely used in brightening and anti-aging cosmetic formulations. It combines strong antioxidant performance with good formulation stability and skin penetration, making it suitable for high-end serums, creams, lotions and masks. For detailed specifications, pricing and samples, please contact us at 📧 Email: info@industrochem.com.
Physicochemical Properties
| Item | Specification / Typical Data |
|---|---|
| Chemical Name | Ethyl Ascorbic Acid; 3-O-Ethyl-L-Ascorbic Acid |
| CAS | 86404-04-8 |
| EINECS | 617-849-3 |
| Molecular Formula | C₈H₁₂O₆ |
| Molecular Weight | 204.18 g/mol |
| Appearance | White to off-white crystalline powder |
| Assay (HPLC) | ≥ 99.0% (cosmetic grade) |
| Odor | Practically odorless to faint characteristic |
| pH (1–3% aqueous solution) | Approx. 3.0 – 5.0 |
| Melting Point | Approx. 110 – 116 °C |
| Solubility | Freely soluble in water; soluble in ethanol and glycols; slightly soluble in oils/emollients |
| Stability (pH range) | Most stable around pH 3.0 – 6.5 (optimum approx. 5.0 – 6.0) |
| Recommended use level (cosmetics) | Typically about 0.5 – 3.0% w/w in finished formulations |
| Heavy Metals | ≤ 10 ppm (typical cosmetic-grade spec) |
| Loss on Drying | ≤ 1.0% (typical) |
Applications
1. Skin brightening and tone-evening
- Inhibits melanogenesis and reduces the appearance of hyperpigmentation, age spots and post-inflammatory dark marks.
- Helps achieve a more uniform, luminous skin tone when used continuously in brightening serums, spot treatments and day/night creams.
2. Anti-aging and anti-photoaging care
- Provides antioxidant protection against free radicals generated by UV exposure and pollution.
- Supports collagen synthesis, helping improve skin firmness, elasticity and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles in anti-aging formulas.
3. Daily antioxidant defense
- Suitable for daily-use products designed to protect urban skin from environmental stress, such as facial essences, moisturizers and hybrid sunscreen/antioxidant products.
4. Synergistic whitening and repair systems
- Can be combined with niacinamide, arbutin, tranexamic acid, alpha-arbutin and other actives in multi-functional whitening and anti-spot formulas.
- Works well alongside UV filters and other antioxidants to strengthen overall skin barrier protection.
For related vitamin C derivative raw materials, see Ascorbyl Glucoside and Ascorbyl Palmitate.
Storage Conditions
To maintain quality during storage and transport:
- Temperature: Store tightly closed at 2–8 °C for long-term stability; short transports at room temperature are acceptable if protected from heat.
- Environment: Keep in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area, away from sources of heat and moisture.
- Light protection: Protect from direct sunlight and strong UV exposure (use light-proof or aluminum foil packaging).
- Container: Store in original sealed packaging or in well-closed, clean containers (inner PE bag + outer drum/box) to avoid contact with air and humidity.
- Shelf life: Typically up to 24 months under appropriate storage conditions; follow your own QC/COA data.
Safety Precautions
Ethyl Ascorbic Acid is generally considered safe as a cosmetic raw material when handled correctly and used at recommended levels. However, as a concentrated powder it should be handled in line with standard chemical safety practices:
- Classification: May cause serious eye irritation (Eye Irrit. 2, H319) according to several SDS documents.
- Personal protective equipment (PPE):
- Wear suitable eye/face protection (safety glasses or goggles).
- Use protective gloves and laboratory coat when handling bulk powder.
- Handling:
- Avoid creating dust; handle in a well-ventilated area.
- Do not eat, drink or smoke while handling the product.
- Wash hands and exposed skin thoroughly after handling.
- First aid (summary)
- Eyes: Rinse carefully with plenty of water for several minutes; remove contact lenses if present and easy to do; seek medical advice if irritation persists.
- Skin: Wash with soap and water; get medical attention if irritation develops.
- Inhalation: Move person to fresh air; seek medical advice if symptoms occur.
- Ingestion: Rinse mouth; seek medical advice if unwell.
- Use limitation: Raw material not for direct undiluted use on skin by consumers. It should be processed by qualified manufacturers into finished cosmetic or personal-care products that comply with local regulations.
FAQ - Technical & Supply Chain
-
Q:
What is Ethyl Ascorbic Acid CAS 86404-04-8?
A: It is 3-O-Ethyl-L-ascorbic acid, also called Vitamin C ethyl ether, a stabilized vitamin C derivative used mainly in cosmetic brightening and antioxidant formulations. The ethyl group protects the molecule from oxidation while retaining skin-care activity. -
Q:
How does 3-O-Ethyl-L-Ascorbic Acid differ from L-Ascorbic Acid?
A: L-Ascorbic Acid, CAS 50-81-7, is highly active but unstable in many aqueous formulations. 3-O-Ethyl-L-Ascorbic Acid is more resistant to oxidation and discoloration, offers better formulation stability, and is widely used in water-based skin-care products. -
Q:
Is Ethyl Ascorbic Acid suitable for clear serums and water-based formulations?
A: Yes. It is water-soluble and is often formulated into clear serums, toners, essences, lotions and masks. For best stability, formulations commonly target a pH around 5.0-6.0, and suppliers may recommend a slightly different range depending on the grade. -
Q:
What cosmetic benefits does Ethyl Ascorbic Acid provide?
A: It is used to support skin brightening, even skin tone, antioxidant protection and collagen-related skin care. It helps inhibit tyrosinase activity and reduce melanin formation, so it is common in anti-aging, spot-care and daily radiance products. -
Q:
What is the recommended use level of Ethyl Ascorbic Acid in cosmetics?
A: Typical use levels are about 0.5-3.0% w/w in finished formulations, depending on product type and target performance. Formulators should confirm the supplier grade, pH, solubility and compatibility with the base formula. -
Q:
How should Ethyl Ascorbic Acid CAS 86404-04-8 be stored and handled?
A: Store in tightly closed, light-protected containers in a cool, dry place, away from strong oxidizers and excessive heat. Use powder-handling controls and suitable PPE, and follow the safety information for spill, disposal and first-aid procedures.
Ordering & Documentation
Key information for document requests, quotations, and supply planning.
Documents
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Quotation
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Sample & Supply
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Storage & Shipping
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