Ingredient decoder

Ascorbic acid: is it comedogenic? What it does in skincare

INCI name: Ascorbic Acid

Acne verdict Fine

Not a known pore-clogger

  • ComedogenicNo published rating
  • IrritancyNo published rating

What it does

Pure vitamin C that protects skin and brightens dark marks.

  • Antioxidant
  • Antioxidant
  • Buffering
  • Masking
  • Skin conditioning

Ascorbic acid in plain English

Ascorbic acid is the pure, most studied form of vitamin C. It is a strong antioxidant that helps protect skin from environmental damage, supports collagen and can fade dark spots, including post-acne marks. It breaks down with light and air and can sting at higher strengths. It is not an acne treatment, but it pairs well with one.

Is ascorbic acid bad for acne?

Not based on the evidence we have. Ascorbic acid is not a known pore-clogger. Our checker rates it as fine for acne-prone skin, so judge by how your own skin reacts.

Clean routine and still breaking out? The cause may be internal. See what is driving it

Also called

  • Ascorbic Acid
  • Vitamin c
  • L-ascorbic acid
  • LAA

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Frequently asked questions

Is ascorbic acid comedogenic?

There is no published comedogenic rating for ascorbic acid in Fulton's 1989 table, and it is not known as a pore-clogger.

What does ascorbic acid do in skincare?

In short: pure vitamin C that protects skin and brightens dark marks. In formulas it is used for antioxidant, buffering, masking and skin conditioning.

What else is ascorbic acid called on ingredient labels?

On ingredient lists, ascorbic acid can also appear as Vitamin c, L-ascorbic acid or LAA.

Sources