ethyl ascorbic acid

Ethyl ascorbic acid is a stable, etherified derivative of Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) that possesses both lipophilic and hydrophilic properties, allowing for superior skin penetration compared to pure L-ascorbic acid. It is widely used in dermatological and cosmetic formulations for its antioxidant, collagen-stimulating, and skin-brightening effects. Its primary mechanism of action in treating hyperpigmentation disorders like melasma involves the inhibition of tyrosinase, the rate-limiting enzyme in the melanogenesis pathway. By preventing the conversion of dopa to melanin, it effectively reduces skin pigmentation. In a Phase 4 clinical trial conducted by the Hayatabad Medical Complex, topical ethyl ascorbic acid was evaluated for its efficacy in treating melasma in comparison to topical tranexamic acid.

Other names

3-O-ethyl-L-ascorbic acid3-O-ethyl ascorbic acidEAC