3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid Supplier & Manufacturer Bulk Stable Vitamin C Derivative for Cosmetics & Functional Formulations
3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid is a highly stable vitamin C derivative widely used as a cosmetic and functional ingredient in modern formulations requiring improved stability, skin compatibility, and formulation flexibility.
AIHerba® is a GMP-certified manufacturer and bulk supplier of high-purity 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, offering consistent quality, full traceability, and complete regulatory documentation including COA, MSDS, and specification sheets.
Compared with traditional L-ascorbic acid, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid demonstrates superior resistance to oxidation and broader formulation compatibility across different pH systems. This makes it an ideal choice for serums, emulsions, creams, and functional cosmetic bases.
With scalable production capacity, strict quality control, and OEM/ODM support, AIHerba® supplies bulk, wholesale, and customized specifications to global cosmetic brands, formulation laboratories, and ingredient distributors seeking reliable long-term sourcing.

1. What Is 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid is a chemically modified derivative of ascorbic acid in which an ethyl group is introduced at the 3-hydroxyl position of the vitamin C molecule.
This structural modification significantly improves chemical stability while preserving vitamin C–related functional characteristics relevant to cosmetic and industrial applications.
Unlike pure L-ascorbic acid, which is prone to rapid oxidation, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid offers enhanced resistance to heat, light, and oxygen exposure, making it suitable for longer shelf-life formulations and complex product systems.
2. Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Product Name | 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid |
| INCI Name | 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid |
| CAS No. | 86404-04-8 |
| Molecular Formula | C8H12O6 |
| Appearance | White to off-white crystalline powder |
| Assay (HPLC) | ≥ 99.0% |
| Solubility | Water-soluble |
| pH Stability Range | Approx. 3.0 – 6.5 |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Application Form | Powder |
3. Product Source & Raw Material Traceability
AIHerba® produces 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid under controlled manufacturing conditions using pharmaceutical-grade intermediates and standardized synthesis pathways.
Each production batch is traceable from raw material intake to final packaging, supported by batch records, in-house QC testing, and third-party verification upon request.
4. Functional Characteristics & Mechanism of Action
(Non-medical, non-therapeutic description)
In cosmetic and functional formulations, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid acts primarily as:
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A stable antioxidant ingredient
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A formulation-friendly vitamin C derivative
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A supportive component in cosmetic brightness and tone-balancing concepts
After topical application, the molecule can gradually convert into active ascorbic acid in the skin environment, supporting formulation objectives without the instability associated with pure vitamin C.
Important Notice:
This product is supplied as a cosmetic or industrial raw material. No medical, therapeutic, or disease-related claims are made or implied.
5. Usage Guidelines & Recommended Dosage
| Application Type | Recommended Use Level |
|---|---|
| Serums & Essences | 0.5% – 2.0% |
| Creams & Lotions | 0.3% – 1.5% |
| Emulsions | 0.2% – 1.0% |
| Functional Bases | According to formulation design |
Formulation Tips
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Add during the cooling phase below 50°C
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Compatible with most emulsifiers and humectants
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Avoid prolonged exposure to strong oxidizing environments during processing
6. Traditional & Industry Application Background
Vitamin C derivatives have long been incorporated into cosmetic science and formulation research as stability-enhanced alternatives to pure ascorbic acid.
3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid represents a newer generation of derivatives designed to meet modern product requirements for shelf stability, appearance consistency, and formulation robustness.
7. Certificate of Analysis (COA) – Quality Control Summary
Heavy Metals
| Item | Limit | Test Method |
|---|---|---|
| Lead (Pb) | ≤ 1.0 ppm | ICP-MS |
| Arsenic (As) | ≤ 1.0 ppm | ICP-MS |
| Cadmium (Cd) | ≤ 0.5 ppm | ICP-MS |
| Mercury (Hg) | ≤ 0.1 ppm | ICP-MS |
Pesticide Residues
| Item | Limit | Test Method |
|---|---|---|
| Organochlorines | Not Detected | GC-MS |
| Organophosphates | Not Detected | GC-MS |
| Pyrethroids | Not Detected | GC-MS |
Microbiological Limits
| Item | Limit | Test Method |
|---|---|---|
| Total Plate Count | ≤ 1,000 CFU/g | USP <61> |
| Yeast & Mold | ≤ 100 CFU/g | USP <61> |
| E. coli | Negative | USP <62> |
| Salmonella | Negative | USP <62> |
8. Manufacturing Process & Production Flow
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Raw material qualification and incoming inspection
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Controlled chemical synthesis under GMP conditions
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Purification and crystallization
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Drying and particle size control
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In-process QC testing
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Final batch testing (HPLC, microbiology, metals)
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Packaging in controlled environment
9. Storage, Shelf Life & Packaging
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Storage: Cool, dry place, sealed from light and moisture
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Shelf Life: 24 months under recommended conditions
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Standard Packaging: 25 kg fiber drum with inner PE liner
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Custom Packaging: Available upon request
10. Sample Policy, MOQ & Logistics
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Sample Availability: Yes (laboratory sample upon request)
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MOQ: 1 kg (testing), bulk orders negotiable
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Lead Time: 3–7 working days for standard grades
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Shipping: Air, sea, or courier (DHL / FedEx / UPS)
11. Industry Applications & Use Scenarios
Case 1: Anti-Oxidation Facial Serum Base
Used by formulation labs to improve shelf stability compared with L-ascorbic acid while maintaining formulation clarity.
Case 2: Brightening Cream for Daily Skincare
Selected by OEM manufacturers for its compatibility with emulsions and reduced discoloration risk.
Case 3: Multi-Active Cosmetic Systems
Integrated into formulas containing niacinamide or botanical extracts where pH stability is required.
12. Comparison & Procurement Guide
| Parameter | 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid | L-Ascorbic Acid |
|---|---|---|
| Stability | High | Low |
| Oxidation Resistance | Strong | Weak |
| pH Flexibility | Wide | Narrow |
| Formulation Complexity | Lower | Higher |
Recommended for buyers seeking long-term stability and consistent production batches.
13. Certifications & Factory Credentials
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GMP Certified Manufacturing Facility
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ISO Quality Management System
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Full COA / MSDS / Specification Support
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OEM & ODM Formulation Services
14. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Is 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid suitable for sensitive formulations?
Yes, it is commonly selected for formulations requiring enhanced stability.
2. Can you provide third-party testing reports?
Yes, upon request.
3. Is this ingredient pharmaceutical grade?
Produced under GMP standards; cosmetic and industrial use.
4. What documents are available?
COA, MSDS, TDS, and batch records.
5. Do you support OEM/ODM projects?
Yes, including customized specifications.
6. Is this product compliant with international cosmetic regulations?
Documentation can be provided to support regional compliance assessments.
15. References & Regulatory Information
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PubChem Database – 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
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NIH – Vitamin C Derivatives in Cosmetic Science
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FDA – Cosmetic Ingredient Safety Framework
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EU Cosmetic Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009
Manufacturer Information
AIHerba® | China Natural Plant Extracts Supplier & OEM Factory
AIHerba (Shaanxi Zhonghong Investment Technology Co., Ltd.)
📧 sales@aiherba.com | info@aiherba.com | liaodaohai@gmail.com
🌐 www.aiherba.com
Bulk Supply & Technical Support
Get direct factory quotes, COA, and MSDS within 12 hours. We support bulk supply and custom specifications.





