Ascorbic acid

Ascorbic acid (CAS 50-81-7) is a water-soluble vitamin occurring naturally in citrus fruits and synthesised commercially for industrial use. It is sold under trade names including Cecon, Cevex, Cantan, Ascorin, and Ascorvit, and carries no E-number designation in its pure form, though it functions as the active compound behind E300 in food applications.

In food and beverage manufacturing, ascorbic acid retards oxidative rancidity in fats and prevents enzymatic browning in fruit-based products by scavenging free radicals and reducing quinone intermediates back to colourless phenols. In cosmetic formulations, it stabilises skin-conditioning actives and supports collagen synthesis pathways, while pharmaceutical manufacturers use it as an antioxidant excipient to extend shelf life of injectable and oral dosage forms.

Ascorbic acid is available in food-grade, FCC, Ph.Eur., and USP-compliant grades as a white crystalline powder. It falls under HS code 29362700 and is fully REACH-registered for supply within the European Economic Area. Packaging typically ranges from 25 kg bags to bulk container quantities.