DropBrigt® VCE | 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid

DropBright® VCE is a highly stable, water-soluble and oil-soluble derivative of Vitamin C. With excellent penetration and absorption properties, it delivers powerful whitening, antioxidant, and collagen-boosting benefits. Unlike pure Vitamin C, DropBright® VCE resists oxidation and discoloration, ensuring long-lasting efficacy in formulations. Its amphoteric nature allows for rapid penetration into the stratum corneum, making it highly effective for skin-brightening and anti-aging products.

INCI Name: 3-o-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
CAS Number: 86404-04-8
Molecular Formula: C8H12O6
Function: Whitening, Antioxidant, Collagen Booster
EWG Score: 1 (Low Hazard)

Benefits

1. Whitening:

   • Inhibits tyrosinase and TRP-2 activities, reducing melanin production for brighter skin.
   • Demonstrates a 50% inhibition rate of mushroom tyrosinase activity in studies.

2. Antioxidant Protection:

   • Scavenges free radicals and prevents UV-induced oxidative damage to the skin.
   • Enhances the skin’s defense against environmental aggressors.

3. Collagen Synthesis:

   • Stimulates collagen production in fibroblasts, improving skin elasticity and reducing wrinkles.
   • Comparable efficacy to TGF-β in promoting collagen synthesis.

4. Enhanced Stability:

   • Resists oxidation and remains stable in both aqueous and oil-based systems.
   • Does not discolor or degrade like pure Vitamin C.

5. Deep Penetration:

   • Amphiphilic properties enable rapid absorption into the dermis, maximizing its biological effects.

Suggested Usage

• Concentration: 0.5%–3.0%
• Applications:
  • Whitening serums and creams.
  • Anti-aging and antioxidant products.
  • Sunscreens and repair formulations.
• Method of Incorporation:
  • Use in formulations with a pH of 4.0–5.5.
  • Avoid high temperatures during storage and processing to maintain stability.

Features

• Compatible with both water- and oil-based systems.
• Does not fade or degrade, ensuring consistent performance.
• Synergizes with other antioxidants like Vitamin E for enhanced efficacy.

Physicochemical Properties

• Appearance: White to off-white crystalline powder
• Assay (HPLC): ≥98.5%
• pH (3% Solution): 3.0–5.0
• Melting Point: 111–116°C
• Moisture Content: ≤1.0%
• Free Vitamin C Content: ≤10 ppm
• Heavy Metals (Pb): ≤20 ppm
• Arsenic (As): ≤2 ppm

Efficacy Studies

1. Melanin Reduction:

   • Significant reduction in melanin content in human epidermal models after 9 days at 3% concentration.

2. Collagen Boosting:

   • Increased collagen synthesis in human fibroblast cultures, confirmed by spectrophotometric analysis.

Cautions

• Storage:

  • Store in sealed containers at room temperature, away from direct light and moisture.
  • Avoid exposure to high temperatures during storage.

• Formulation Compatibility:

  • For low pH systems, a citric acid-sodium citrate buffer system is recommended to stabilize formulations.

Packaging and Shelf Life

• Packaging: Available in customizable options.
• Shelf Life: 2 years under recommended storage conditions.