abstract |
A stable topical composition consists essentially of at least about 1 wt.% L-ascorbic acid, preferably from about 3 to 20 wt. % L-ascorbic acid, and more preferably about 5 to 10 wt. % L-ascorbic acid in water and a carrier for topical application is disclosed. Such a composition appears to allow ready penetration into the skin and retards the damage caused by ultraviolet light. Any composition containing at least about 1 wt. % L-ascorbic acid is expected to have beneficial effects, with the concentration of L-ascorbic acid being primarily limited by its solubility in the water/carrier system. The ratio of water to carrier is at least 1:1, and more preferably from 2:1 to 10:1, and the pH of the composition is no more than 3.0 to 3.5, preferably no more than about 2.5. |