Common Name(s): 2-o-ethyl ascorbic acid,2-o-ethyl ascorbic acid,stabilised vitamin c ether,brightening anti-aging active
CAS Number: N/a
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Provides vitamin c tyrosinase inhibition for brightening, antioxidant radical scavenging for photoprotection, and collagen synthesis stimulation โ in a neutral-ph-stable ether form that maintains efficacy throughout the 2-3 year product shelf life.
Why It's Used: The c2 ether bond provides superior stability to c2 ester bonds (phosphate, glucoside) โ ethers are essentially hydrolysis-proof at cosmetic ph 5-7, while enzymatic release in the sc provides efficient free ascorbic acid delivery.
How It Works: The c2-ethyl ether blocks the primary auto-oxidation site of ascorbic acid โ the c2-oh is the electron donor in the ascorbyl radical; blocking it with an ethyl ether group prevents fenton-type radical initiation while the skin's nonspecific ether-cleaving enzymes (oxido-reductases) slowly regenerate free ascorbic acid. freed ascorbic acid: tyrosinase cuยฒโบ reduction (brightening), prolyl hydroxylase cofactor (collagen), ascorbyl radical scavenging.
Typically Found In: Brightening,anti-aging,vitamin c
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Primary Category: Active ingredient โ antioxidant
Secondary Functions: Free radical scavenging,anti-aging
Application Areas:
Facial Skincare
Body Care
Hair Care
Beard Care
Color Cosmetics (Makeup)
Dietary/Oral Supplements
Typical Concentration Range: 0.1%โ5%
SOURCING & ETHICS
Vegan Status: Yes
Halal Status: Yes
Source Notes: Plant-derived extract or synthetic.
SKIN COMPATIBILITY
Irritancy Rating: 1/5 โ very low
Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 โ non-comedogenic
Sensitivity Concerns: Non-irritating; well-tolerated.
Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes
SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY
Safety Profile: Excellent safety profile. ewg score: 1.
Works Well With: Vitamin c,vitamin e,ferulic acid,spf,other antioxidants
Avoid Combining With: No significant incompatibilities
SCIENTIFIC NOTE
2-o-ethyl ascorbic acid is the most popular vitamin c derivative in asian skin care โ the neutral ph stability enabling incorporation in serum formulations without the ph 2.5-3.5 requirement of l-ascorbic acid that causes irritation on sensitive skin.
Last Verified: Cosing database,2-o-ethyl ascorbic acid stable vitamin c review
Primary Sources: 2026-03-22