3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C Ethyl Ether)
The Most Stable & Effective Vitamin C Derivative for High-End Whitening. Our 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid is a highly stable, lipophilic and hydrophilic amphiphilic Vitamin C derivative. Unlike pure L-Ascorbic Acid, it offers excellent heat and light stability while maintaining superior skin penetration and metabolizing into pure Vitamin C within the skin.
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“Global Shipping – Technical Support Included”
Description
Formulator's Technical Reference — Onerchem R&D · 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
✓ Dual Solubility · Oil & Water
✓ Recommended
3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
Stable at pH 4.5–6.5 — no oxidation discolouration
Soluble in both water and oil phases
Compatible with most actives including peptides
3-position ethyl ether bond resists enzymatic cleavage
No formulation pH restrictions below 3.5
VS
L-Ascorbic Acid (pure Vit C)
Unstable in most systems
Oxidises rapidly — formula turns yellow/brown
Water-soluble only; limited to aqueous phase
Incompatible with peptides, copper ions, alkaline pH
Requires pH < 3.5 for skin penetration — irritation risk
Short shelf life in open or diluted systems
Recommended Dosage
1–3%
Up to 5% for targeted treatments
Optimal pH Range
4.5–6.5
Wider window than pure Vit C
Solubility
Oil & Water
Unique amphoteric solubility
HPLC Purity
≥ 98%
Batch-specific COA included
Ingredient Compatibility
pH 4.5 – 6.5
✓ Compatible
✓
Niacinamide — Synergistic melanin inhibition; complementary brightening mechanisms at signal and enzyme level
✓
Alpha-Arbutin, Tranexamic Acid — Multi-pathway brightening stack; no interaction at recommended doses
✓
Matrixyl 3000 (Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1) — Co-formulation stable at pH 5.5–6.5; combined anti-aging + brightening claim
✓
Ferulic Acid — Antioxidant synergy; ferulic stabilises ascorbic derivatives and boosts efficacy
✓
Sodium Hyaluronate, Ceramides, Squalane — Full hydration + barrier stack; no activity conflict
✓
Ergothioneine, CoQ10 — Antioxidant layering; complementary free-radical quenching mechanisms
⚠ Use with Caution
⚠
Retinol / Retinoids — Both potent actives; test at reduced concentrations, recommend separate AM/PM use in consumer guidance
⚠
AHAs at high concentration — May push pH below 4.5; monitor formula pH when combining with exfoliant systems
✗ Incompatible
✗
GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide) — Ascorbic derivatives act as reducing agents; may alter Cu²⁺ complex stability — formulate in separate SKUs
✗
High-alkaline pH systems (>7.0) — Accelerates ester bond hydrolysis, reducing active concentration and causing potential discolouration
Packaging & Supply
Pack size
Custom — as required
MOQ
Contact for quote
Sample available
Yes · 10 g
Appearance
White to off-white powder
Storage
Cool, dry, away from light
Shelf life
24 months (sealed)
HPLC purity
≥ 98% · Batch certified
Formulation Protocol
1
Dissolve in water phase (or oil phase for anhydrous systems) at room temperature. No heat required.
2
Adjust formula pH to 4.5–6.5 before addition. Confirm with calibrated pH meter.
3
Pair with Ferulic Acid at 0.5% to enhance antioxidant stability and boost efficacy.
4
Use opaque or UV-protective packaging. Avoid clear glass containers — light exposure accelerates oxidation.
Extreme Stability
Unlike pure VC, our Ethyl VC is highly resistant to heat, light, and oxidation. It remains transparent in formulas for up to 2 years.
Amphiphilic Power
Both water and oil soluble, allowing it to penetrate the skin's lipid barrier more efficiently than traditional L-Ascorbic Acid.
High Conversion
Once absorbed, it is metabolized into pure Vitamin C, providing 100% of the biological activity for brightening and collagen synthesis.
Why Choose Onerchem’s 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid?
3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid is currently the most popular Vitamin C derivative in high-end cosmetic R&D. While other derivatives like MAP or AA2G require specific conditions to work, our Ethyl VC offers a "plug-and-play" solution for formulators. It targets hyperpigmentation, stimulates collagen, and provides powerful antioxidant protection without the irritation often caused by acidic pure VC serums.
Technical Data Sheet (TDS)
| INCI Name | 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid |
| CAS Number | 86404-04-8 |
| Purity (HPLC) | ≥ 99.5% |
| pH (1% water solution) | 3.0 – 4.5 |
| Heavy Metals | ≤ 10 ppm |
| Solubility | Water, Alcohol, and Glycols |
Formulation Guidelines
- Recommended Usage: 0.5% – 2.0% (Maintenance), 3.0% – 5.0% (Treatment).
- Temperature Stability: Best added during the cooling phase (<40°C), though stable up to 60°C for short durations.
- Ideal pH Range: Highly effective between pH 3.5 and 6.0.
- Synergy Potential: Excellent when combined with Niacinamide and Vitamin E for triple-action brightening.
💡 Expert Formulator's Note:
For crystal-clear serums, ensure your chelating agents (like Disodium EDTA) are properly dissolved before adding Ethyl VC. This helps maintain the long-term transparency and prevents any potential ion-induced degradation in high-electrolyte formulations.
Product Specific FAQ
Why is Ethyl VC more stable than pure L-Ascorbic Acid? +
The ethyl group at the 3rd carbon position protects the Vitamin C molecule from oxidation. While pure VC turns brown quickly in water, our 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid maintains its structure and transparency even under heat and light, ensuring a longer shelf life for your finished products.
Does it cause irritation like high-concentration Vitamin C? +
No. Because it works effectively at a near-neutral pH (up to 6.0), it does not require the low pH (acidic) environment that pure L-Ascorbic Acid needs. This makes it much gentler on the skin barrier and suitable for sensitive skin formulations.
Can it be used in anhydrous (water-free) formulas? +
Yes. Due to its amphiphilic (lipophilic and hydrophilic) nature, it is soluble in both water and organic solvents like Propanediol or Ethanol, making it versatile for both serums and oil-based essences.
Formulation Support Available
This ingredient is a core component of our Whitening Application Solutions.
In-depth Technical Comparison
Alpha Arbutin vs. Niacinamide: Which one fits your formula best?
Additional information
| INCI Name |
3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid |
|---|---|
| CAS No. |
86404-04-8 |
| Purity |
≥ 99.5% |
| Appearance |
White Crystalline Powder |
| Solution | |
| Technical Group |
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Shipping and Delivery
Onerchem B2B
✈ Ships from China
Shipping &
Delivery
All orders ship from our facility in mainland China. Samples are dispatched within 7 working days. Bulk orders follow a confirmed production schedule — with full documentation in every parcel.
≤7
Days · Sample dispatch
15–40
Days · Bulk lead time
Global
EU · GCC · ASEAN · NA
COA
Included every shipment
Dispatch Timeline
When does my order ship?
Dispatch timelines differ between sample and bulk orders. A confirmed dispatch date is always provided at order confirmation.
Sample Orders
≤7 working days
From order confirmation to dispatch
Samples are QC-checked, weighed, and packed individually. Your COA and MSDS are printed and included in the parcel before sealing. Most sample orders ship ahead of the 7-day window.
Tracking number provided on dispatch · Express courier available on request
Bulk Orders
15–40 working days
Varies by quantity and specification
Lead time is determined by order volume, packaging format, and whether custom labelling or documentation is required. A production and dispatch schedule is confirmed in writing at the time of order.
Schedule confirmed at order · Progress updates available on request
Process
From order to delivery
Four steps from confirmed order to goods in hand.
01
Order Confirmed
Written confirmation sent within 1 business day. Dispatch schedule and freight quote included for bulk orders.
02
QC & Packing
Batch is QC-checked against HPLC data. COA and MSDS are generated and packed with the shipment.
03
Dispatch
Shipment handed to carrier. Tracking number and commercial invoice sent to buyer by email on the same day.
04
Delivery
Goods arrive at destination. 7 working-day inspection window begins from the confirmed delivery date.
Transit Times by Region
Estimated time in transit
Transit estimates run from dispatch date and exclude customs clearance time, which varies by country and commodity.
| Region | Est. Transit | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| EU & UK | 7–14 days | Import duties and VAT assessed at customs — payable by buyer. REACH compliance documentation available on request. |
| GCC / Middle East | 5–10 days | Customs clearance handled by buyer or nominated freight agent. Certificate of Origin available on request. |
| ASEAN | 4–8 days | Country-specific import licences or permits may apply for certain actives. Buyer is responsible for pre-shipment compliance checks. |
| North America | 7–14 days | FDA Prior Notice may be required for cosmetic actives. Buyers are advised to confirm import classification before ordering. |
| Other Regions | 10–20 days | Contact us to confirm shipping availability and any documentation requirements specific to your country. |
All transit times are estimates only · Delays may occur due to customs inspection, public holidays, or carrier disruption
Freight & Documentation
Costs and paperwork
Freight is quoted individually based on weight, destination, and Incoterm. Full shipping documentation is prepared for every order.
Freight Policy
—Freight cost quoted at order confirmation
—Rates based on gross weight, destination, and selected Incoterm
—Express courier (DHL / FedEx / UPS) available on request
—Sea freight available for larger bulk orders
—Import duties and local taxes are the buyer's responsibility
Documents Included
✓Commercial Invoice
✓Packing List
✓Certificate of Analysis (batch-specific)
✓MSDS / Safety Data Sheet
✓Certificate of Origin — on request
Need a freight quote or shipping advice?
Email us with your destination, estimated order weight, and preferred Incoterm — we'll respond within 1 business day.
Global shipping
EU · GCC · ASEAN · Americas
Samples ≤7 working days
From order confirmation
Full documentation
COA · MSDS · Invoice · Packing list
Tamper-evident packing
UV-protected, sealed containers
Related products
Alpha-Arbutin Powder CAS 84380-01-8
-
Purity: ≥ 99% (HPLC)
-
CAS No.: 84380-01-8
-
Appearance: Fine white crystalline powder
-
Solubility: Highly water-soluble
-
Key Benefit: Superior skin brightening by inhibiting tyrosinase activity without toxicity.
-
Compliance: REACH registered, SDS/TDS available.
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