Vitamin C Active Ingredient - Ascorbic Acid - Aroma-Zone

Vitamin C Active Ingredient - Ascorbic Acid - Aroma-Zone


By Marion Alves de Oliveira

Published on: Friday, March 27, 2026, Updated on: Tuesday, September 15, 2026

Reading time: ++4 min

RADIANCE-BOOSTING UNIFYING ANTIOXIDANT

A powerful antioxidant, Vitamin C boosts collagen synthesis. With its skin-evening properties, it prevents dark spots. It is the go-to ingredient for dull, stressed, and tired skin, protecting it from free radicals and premature ageing.

Contents

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Vitamin C Aroma-Zone Profile

INCI Name: Ascorbic acid

NATURAL / SYNTHETIC: Naturally derived active ingredient

VEGAN

BIOCHEMICAL COMPOSITION

Vitamin C is an organic acid. Since ascorbic acid is highly unstable in liquid formulations, Vitamin C is often found in cosmetics as ascorbyl glucoside, a derivative in which it is bound to a sugar molecule, which stabilises it. Once absorbed by the skin, ascorbyl glucoside releases Vitamin C through the action of an enzyme, alpha-glucosidase.

TRACEABILITY & SUSTAINABILITY

The ascorbyl glucoside used by Aroma-Zone is obtained through a process combining fermentation and green chemistry.

Vitamin C: What Effect Does It Have on the Skin?

Vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, is a vitamin essential for collagen synthesis , which is responsible for skin firmness. Its powerful antioxidant activity allows it to neutralize free radicals, reactive species that tend to accumulate in the skin when it is exposed to environmental aggressors (sun, tobacco, pollution). Free radicals cause numerous skin damages: sagging tissue, wrinkles, irritation, etc. By capturing them, Vitamin C combats premature ageing of exposed skin.

It also helps maintain skin firmness by inhibiting the enzymes responsible for the breakdown of collagen fibers. Vitamin C is also beneficial for skin radiance: thanks to its inhibitory effect on tyrosinase, an enzyme involved in melanin production, Vitamin C reduces hyperpigmentation spots. The complexion is evened out and more radiant.

What is the difference between Ascorbyl Glucoside and pure Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid)?

Ascorbic acid is the most chemically active form, but also the most unstable. Ascorbyl glucoside is a stabilised derivative, bound to a sugar, that is more resistant to oxidation and has excellent skin tolerance. Once on the skin, it gradually releases active Vitamin C. This makes it a gentler ingredient, better suited for sensitive skin and long-lasting formulas.

Vitamin C: Scientifically Proven Efficiency

A study demonstrated the effect of a cream containing 5% Vitamin C on photoageing: after 6 months of use, skin density increased and wrinkles, even deep ones, were reduced.

Skin Tolerance

A Note from Adeline Nalin, Head Pharmacist and Toxicologist at Aroma-Zone

Adeline Nalin blouse

“Ascorbyl glucoside converts into Vitamin C directly in the skin, allowing it to fully perform its role as a powerful antioxidant. It protects the skin against free radicals and oxidative stress, the main causes of skin aging. More stable than pure Vitamin C, it resists oxidation and offers better skin tolerance, even for sensitive skin.”

Adeline Nalin - Head Pharmacist and Toxicologist

A Safe Ingredient for your Health

A Note from Our Aroma-Zone Toxicologist

“Ascorbyl glucoside is a safe active ingredient that can be used without risk in cosmetic products. It provides effective antioxidant action and helps prevent the signs of ageing.”

Adeline Nalin - Head Pharmacist and Toxicologist

Portrait_dermato_Dima_Haidar

A Note from the Dermatologist 

"In my opinion, Vitamin C is the best antioxidant in skincare. It's perfect for reviving the skin's radiance and combating signs of fatigue. It helps even out the complexion and fade dark spots for brighter skin. It helps protect the skin against the harmful effects of free radicals caused by pollution or UV rays. It is therefore a key ingredient in preventing skin ageing.

It is suitable for most skin types, but those with sensitive or reactive skin should start with low concentrations. For optimal results, I recommend introducing it gradually, preferably in the morning under your moisturiser, and pairing it with sunscreen when outdoors."

Dr. Dima Haidar - Dermatologist

Formulation Focus with the Aroma-Zone R&D Laboratory

Ascorbic acid, the pure form of Vitamin C, is highly unstable: it oxidises rapidly upon contact with water, air or light, thereby losing its effectiveness. To ensure long-lasting action, the laboratory uses a stabilised form, ascorbyl glucoside. This derivative protects Vitamin C from oxidation and allows the product to be formulated at a milder pH, close to the skin's physiological pH (approximately 5.5), thereby improving skin tolerance.

Once applied to the skin, ascorbyl glucoside is converted into pure, active Vitamin C thanks to enzymes naturally present in the skin. This gradual release ensures an effective, stable antioxidant action that is compatible with all skin types, even sensitive skin.

For Which Skin Types?

All skin types, skin subject to oxidative stress, dull skin, exposed skin, first signs of ageing, mature skin.

Which Concerns Does This Address?

Lack of radiance, uneven complexion, hyperpigmentation spots, oxidative stress, photoageing, fine lines and wrinkles, loss of firmness and elasticity.

What Vitamin C Does for the Skin

  • Boosts skin radiance

  • Reduces dark spots

  • Reduces the appearance of wrinkles

  • Firms the facial contours

  • Improves skin elasticity.

Vitamin C: An Essential Ingredient for the Skin

10% Vitamin C & Astaxanthin Concentrated Serum

Concentrated Vitamin C 10% & Astaxanthin Serum

This serum combines 10% stabilised Vitamin C with astaxanthin, a carotenoid extracted from microalgae known for its antioxidant power. Its gel-based formula, made with 100% naturally sourced hyaluronic acid, hydrates and smooths the skin while helping to maintain its comfort. This treatment visibly evens out the complexion, enhances radiance and helps reduce the appearance of dark spots. It is suitable for all skin types, including those exposed to daily oxidative stress. Its lightweight, fragrance-free and allergen-free texture absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy film.

Discover the 10% Vitamin C & Astaxanthin Concentrated Serum

Papaya & Vitamin C Enzymatic Cleansing Powder

This 2-in-1 powder combines natural papaya enzymes with vitamin C to provide gentle cleansing and grain-free exfoliation. Upon contact with water, it transforms into a creamy foam that purifies the skin, unclogs pores and refines skin texture while being gentle on sensitive skin. Its 100% naturally derived formula reveals radiance, evens out the complexion and leaves the skin smooth, silky and comfortable. Fragrance-free and preservative-free, it is suitable for all skin types and can be used on its own or customised as part of a double cleansing routine.

Discover the Papaya & Vitamin C Enzymatic Cleansing Powder
Vitamin C Serum Pearls

Vitamin C Serum Pearls

These serum pearls contain an active form of Vitamin C in an innovative, dilutable formula. Their effectiveness is clinically proven: the skin immediately gains luminosity, with a 30% increase in radiance after a single application*. Used as a 7-day treatment, they even out the complexion, improve skin texture, and leave the skin smoother and more supple. Suitable for all skin types, even sensitive skin, they offer an instant “brightening boost” or an intensive treatment depending on your needs.

(*Clinical score based on 36 volunteers, after one application.)

Discover Vitamin C Serum Pearls
Vitamin C & Astaxanthin Cream

Vitamin C & Astaxanthin Cream

Providing true antioxidant protection, this face cream slows the first signs of ageing, smooths features and improves the complexion's radiance. Its fine, lightweight texture hydrates, brightens and refines skin texture while delivering optimal hydration.

Discover the Vitamin C & Astaxanthin Cream

FAQ

Spotlight on Our Writer, Marion Alves De Oliveira

Marion ALVES DE OLIVEIRA

Marion is a Doctor of Pharmacy, naturopath, and coach. After twelve years working in the cosmetics industry, she now supports her clients in achieving greater overall balance and adopting a more mindful lifestyle, with a particular focus on sustainable nutrition. She is also the creator of a podcast, where she shares her insights to promote a lifestyle philosophy that respects both health and the environment.

Bibliography

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    One Compound, Several Uses. Advances for Delivery, Efficiency and Stability. Nanomedicine: Nanotechnology, Biology and Medicine 2020, 24, 102117. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nano.2019.102117.

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    Clinical, Topographical and Ultrastructural Evaluation: Double-Blind Study vs. Placebo. Exp Dermatol 2003, 12 (3), 237–244. https://doi.org/10.1034/j.1600-0625.2003.00008.x.

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    Pharm. Sci. Technol. 2023, 7 (2), 20–26. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.pst.20230702.11.

  5. Ravetti, S.; Clemente, C.; Brignone, S.; Hergert, L.; Allemandi, D.; Palma, S. Ascorbic Acid in Skin Health.

    Cosmetics 2019, 6 (4), 58. https://doi.org/10.3390/cosmetics6040058.