NK-C6011 VC Ethyl Ether – The Stable, Penetrating Vitamin C Derivative for True Whitening & Anti‑Aging
3‑O‑Ethyl Ascorbic Acid – etherified, non‑discolouring, amphiphilic. Inhibits tyrosinase, reduces melanin, boosts collagen, and remains stable in harsh formulation conditions.
Product Overview:
NK-C6011 VC Ethyl Ether (3‑O‑Ethyl Ascorbic Acid) is a next‑generation vitamin C derivative. Unlike pure ascorbic acid, which is notoriously unstable, water‑sensitive, and difficult to formulate, VC ethyl ether is an etherified form that offers:
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Exceptional stability – resists light, heat, acid, alkali, salt, and air oxidation; never turns yellow or brown in finished products.
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Amphiphilic nature – combines lipophilic and hydrophilic properties, allowing it to easily penetrate the stratum corneum and reach the dermis, where pure vitamin C cannot.
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Enzymatic conversion – once absorbed, skin enzymes convert it back to free vitamin C, releasing active antioxidant and collagen‑boosting power.
| Benefit | Mechanism | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| ✨ Whitening & spot correction | Inhibits tyrosinase activity; reduces melanin to colourless form; prevents new pigmentation | Effective for hyperpigmentation, melasma, post‑acne marks |
| 🧬 Collagen synthesis | Enters dermis, directly participates in collagen production | Increases skin firmness, reduces fine lines and wrinkles |
| ⚡ Antioxidant protection | Scavenges free radicals, protects from UV‑induced oxidative stress | Prevents photoaging, maintains radiance |
| 🛡️ Anti‑inflammatory | Reduces sun‑induced inflammation, fights bacteria | Calms skin, helps acne‑prone skin |
| 🔬 High bioavailability | Amphiphilic → deep penetration; converted to active VC in skin | Better efficacy than ascorbyl glucoside or other esters |
| 🧪 Formulation friendly | Stable at pH 3‑6, heat‑resistant, non‑discolouring | No special packaging needed; works in serums, creams, gels, emulsions |
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| INCI Name | 3‑O‑Ethyl Ascorbic Acid (or Ethyl Ascorbic Acid) |
| Chemical name | 3‑O‑Ethyl Ascorbic Acid Ether |
| Molecular formula | C₈H₁₂O₆ |
| Molecular weight | 204.18 |
| CAS No. | 86404‑04‑8 |
| Appearance | White to off‑white crystalline powder |
| Solubility | Water‑soluble and oil‑soluble (amphiphilic) |
| pH stability | 3.0 – 6.0 (optimal for whitening efficacy) |
| Stability | Resistant to light, heat, oxygen, acid, alkali, salt |
| Recommended dosage | 0.5 – 3.0% |
| Applications | Serums, creams, lotions, gels, masks, toners |
| Feature | Pure L‑Ascorbic Acid | VC Ethyl Ether |
|---|---|---|
| Stability | Poor (oxidises quickly) | Excellent (no discolouration) |
| Penetration | Poor (requires low pH, irritation) | High (amphiphilic) |
| Skin feel | Can be sticky / irritating | Smooth, mild |
| pH restriction | 2.5‑3.5 (low) | 3‑6 (wider range) |
| Colour stability | Turns yellow → brown | Remains colourless |
| Compatibility | Limited | Good with many actives |
Formulation Guidelines:
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Dosage: 0.5 – 3.0% (1‑2% for general brightening; 2‑3% for intensive anti‑aging/whitening).
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pH: Adjust to 3.0 – 6.0 for optimal tyrosinase inhibition.
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Addition: Add to water phase at room temperature or up to 50°C (heat‑stable).
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Solubility: Dissolves easily in water, glycols, and some oils.
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Applications:
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Whitening & brightening serums
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Anti‑aging / collagen‑boosting creams
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Post‑acne spot treatments
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Sunscreen boosters (antioxidant support)
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Eye contour gels
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VC Ethyl Ether – The stable, penetrating vitamin C that brightens, builds collagen, and never changes colour.
