ascorbic acid + dimethyl sulfoxide

This is a non-standard **combination of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)**, primarily studied in investigational settings for topical treatment of skin conditions and for mitigating chemotherapy-induced skin injury. - **Ascorbic acid** is a small molecule antioxidant with potential anti-tumor and free radical scavenging effects through the generation of hydrogen peroxide at high concentrations. - **Dimethyl sulfoxide** is an amphipathic solvent with multiple pharmacological properties, including membrane penetration enhancement, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, cryoprotective, and free radical scavenging actions. This combination has been used topically (e.g., 30% ascorbic acid in 95% DMSO) for investigational treatment of basal cell carcinoma and as a protective agent to reduce skin ulceration secondary to chemotherapy extravasation[5][7]. The mechanism of action is believed to involve enhanced **penetration of ascorbic acid into tissues enabled by DMSO**, permitting local pro-oxidant and antioxidant effects, and combined free radical scavenging activity that may mitigate local tissue damage or inflammation[5][7]. It is **not an FDA-approved drug combination** and is not a marketed pharmaceutical under this combined form. Evidence for efficacy is limited to small clinical studies and case reports.

Other names

vitamin C + DMSO