Ingredient glossary
Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
INCI: 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid · Also: EA, EAA
Solid and proven
Does Ethyl Ascorbic Acid clash with what you already use? Check it →A genuinely useful ingredient with real evidence behind it, not hype.
What it does
- brightening
- antioxidant
- anti aging
moderate evidenceIn vitro and ex vivo work plus early clinical studies show tyrosinase inhibition and pigment reduction yet long term photoaging outcomes are not well defined.
On a label: usually effective at 0.5-3%.
Who it's for, and who should skip it
Tends to suit
- normal
- combo
- oily
- pigmentation
Approach with care
- very sensitive
- compromised barrier
- Clogs poresLow
- Irritation riskModerate
- pH-dependentIts effect depends on the product's pH
Plays well with
- niacinamide
- green tea
- other brighteners
This, for every label you own
One ingredient is easy. A full label is where it gets confusing. The Ingredient Decoder reads any product and tells you the honest truth, ingredient by ingredient.
Educational information about a cosmetic ingredient, not medical advice.