Sodium Ascorbate, the sodium salt of ascorbic acid (vitamin C), is a water-soluble compound widely used in cosmetics, food, and pharmaceuticals. Known for its antioxidant properties, it protects the skin from oxidative stress, supports collagen synthesis, and brightens the skin tone. In formulations, it acts as a stabilizer and preservative, making it a versatile ingredient in skincare and anti-aging products.
Chemical Composition and Structure
Sodium Ascorbate has the chemical formula C6H7NaO6.
Core Structure:
- Derived from ascorbic acid by neutralizing one of its acidic groups with sodium, enhancing stability and water solubility.
Properties:
- Retains the antioxidant properties of ascorbic acid.
- Exhibits reduced acidity, making it gentler on the skin and stomach compared to pure vitamin C.
Physicochemical Properties
- Appearance: White to pale yellow crystalline powder.
- Odor: Odorless.
- Solubility: Highly soluble in water.
- Stability: More stable than ascorbic acid in aqueous solutions, though sensitive to heat, light, and air.
- pH: Neutral to slightly alkaline in aqueous solutions.
Production Process
Neutralization:
- Ascorbic acid reacts with sodium carbonate or sodium hydroxide to form sodium ascorbate.
Purification:
- The resulting solution is purified through filtration and recrystallization to remove impurities.
Drying and Packaging:
- The purified product is dried and packaged under controlled conditions to preserve its antioxidant properties.
Applications
Medical Applications
Vitamin C Supplementation:
- Used in oral and injectable forms to prevent and treat vitamin C deficiencies.
- Supports immune function and wound healing.
Antioxidant Therapy:
- Reduces oxidative stress in chronic conditions and promotes recovery.
Cosmetics
Antioxidant Protection:
- Protects the skin from free radical damage caused by UV radiation and environmental stressors.
Collagen Synthesis:
- Promotes collagen production, improving skin elasticity and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Brightening Effect:
- Reduces melanin production, helping to lighten dark spots and even out skin tone.
Stabilizer:
- Used to stabilize other active ingredients in formulations, enhancing product longevity.
Food Applications
- Acts as a preservative in food products, preventing oxidation and maintaining freshness.
- Used as a vitamin C source in fortified foods and beverages.
Industrial Applications
- Used in formulations requiring a stable, water-soluble antioxidant.
- Found in natural and organic product lines due to its multifunctional benefits.
Environmental and Safety Considerations
Biodegradability:
- Sodium Ascorbate is biodegradable and poses no significant environmental risk.
Safety Profile:
- Considered safe for cosmetic and pharmaceutical use within regulated concentrations.
- Non-irritating and suitable for sensitive skin formulations.
Sustainability:
- Derived from naturally occurring ascorbic acid, with low environmental impact during production.
Studies
Food
It is an antioxidant used mostly in the food sector where it is labeled with the number E301 in food additives.
Medical
In dentistry it is used in teeth whitening (1) and as a binder against micro-infiltration (2).
Cosmetics
Antioxidant agent. Ingredient that counteracts oxidative stress and prevents cell damage. Free radicals, pathological inflammatory processes, reactive nitrogen species and reactive oxygen species are responsible for the ageing process and many diseases caused by oxidation.
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Molecular Formula : C6H7O6Na C6H7NaO6
Molecular Weight: 198.106 g/mol
CAS: 134-03-2 58657-35-5
EC Number: 205-126-1
UNIII: S033EH8359
Synonyms:
- L-Ascorbic acid sodium salt
- L-Ascorbic acid, monosodium salt
- Vitamin C sodium
- E301
- Monosodium L-ascorbate
- Ascorbicin
- Ascorbic acid sodium salt
- Sodascorbate
- Ascorbin
- Cebitate
- Ascorbic acid sodium derivative
- Aminofenitrooxon
- Sodium derivative of 3-oxo-L-gulofuranolactone
- Natrii ascorbas
- sodium (2R)-2-[(1S)-1,2-dihydroxyethyl]-4-hydroxy-5-oxo-2,5-dihydrofuran-3-olate
- Sodium (R)-2-((S)-1,2-dihydroxyethyl)-4-hydroxy-5-oxo-2,5-dihydrofuran-3-olate
- sodium;(2R)-2-[(1S)-1,2-dihydroxyethyl]-4-hydroxy-5-oxo-2H-furan-3-olate

