Mixing L-Ascorbic Acid (LAA) with Water

Regarding the old post about mixing LAA 15% with water and applying immediately, it's important to understand the properties of L-Ascorbic Acid.

L-Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) is highly effective, but it is also very unstable when dissolved directly in water. It oxidizes quickly, which reduces its effectiveness and can potentially cause skin irritation.

Therefore, simply mixing LAA powder with plain water or distilled water right before application is generally not recommended for a stable and effective product. The type of water (distilled or not) and its temperature are less critical factors compared to the inherent instability of LAA in a simple water solution.

For a stable Vitamin C serum using L-Ascorbic Acid, proper formulation is required. This typically involves:

• Using a specific pH range (usually between 2.0 and 4.0, with the FDA recommending at least 3.5 for leave-on products).
• Including stabilizing agents, such as Disodium EDTA, to help protect the L-Ascorbic Acid from degradation caused by metal ions in water.
• Mixing ingredients at temperatures below 30°C in the final step.

While mixing LAA with water might provide some immediate antioxidant benefits, the rapid oxidation means the solution will lose its potency very quickly. For better results and stability, consider using properly formulated Vitamin C products or exploring more stable forms of Vitamin C if you are formulating yourself.