Stabilized ascorbic acid solutions; compositions comprising the same; and method of use thereof

Abstract

This invention relates to improved solutions comprising ascorbic acid (vitamin C). These solutions may comprise as much as 15% ascorbic acid; they are stable, without significant development of yellowish coloration or substantial (not more than 10%) degradation of the vitamin. The process involves sequential additions of ascorbic acid and glycols to water.

1 . A stabilized solution of L-ascorbic acid comprising:
 a) about 5% to about 15% (w/w) of L-ascorbic acid;   b) about 10% to about 15% (w/w) of water;   c) about 46.8% to about 54.7% (w/w) of ethoxydiglycol;   d) about 22% to about 29% (w/w) of propylene glycol; and   e) about 0.9% to about 1% of an anti-oxidant plant extract,   wherein the solution has a pH of less than about 4.17.   
     
     
         2 . The solution of  claim 1 , further comprising f) about 0.1% to about 0.3% of a fragrance material. 
     
     
         3 . The solution of  claim 2 , wherein the fragrance material is at a concentration of about 0.2%. 
     
     
         4 . The solution of  claim 1 , further comprising at least one topically suitable carrier or compound. 
     
     
         5 . The solution of  claim 4 , wherein the at least one topically suitable carrier or compound comprises a topically suitable carrier or compound selected from the group consisting of tocopherol, tocopheryl acetate, retinol, retinyl palmitate, hydroquinone, proanthocyanidins, butylated hydroxytoluene, butylated hydroxyanisole, astaxanthin, alpha lipoic acid, tocotrienols, coenzyme Q10, α-hydroxy acid, kojic acid, kinetin, wine extract, vitamin K, ascorbyl palmitate, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, sodium ascorbyl phosphate, a sun blocking agent and any combination thereof. 
     
     
         6 . The solution of  claim 4 , wherein the at least one topically suitable carrier or compound comprises an additional anti-oxidant. 
     
     
         7 . The solution of  claim 6 , wherein the antioxidant is at a concentration of about 0.03% to about 4%. 
     
     
         8 . The solution of  claim 7 , wherein the antioxidant is at a concentration of about 0.03% to about 2%. 
     
     
         9 . The solution of  claim 1 , wherein the L-ascorbic acid is at a concentration of about 10% (w/w). 
     
     
         10 . The solution of  claim 1 , wherein the water is at a concentration of about 10% (w/w). 
     
     
         11 . The solution of  claim 1 , wherein the anti-oxidant plant extract is at a concentration of about 1% (w/w). 
     
     
         12 . The solution of  claim 1 , wherein the anti-oxidant plant extract is a grapefruit plant extract. 
     
     
         13 . The solution of  claim 1 , wherein the fragrance material is an apple crunch fragrance. 
     
     
         14 . A stabilized solution of L-ascorbic acid comprising:
 a) about 5% to about 15% (w/w) of L-ascorbic acid;   b) about 10% or more of water;   c) about 68.8% to about 83.7% (w/w) of ethoxydiglycol and at least one alkene glycol; and   e) about 0.9% to about 1% of an anti-oxidant plant extract.   
     
     
         15 . A topical composition comprising the solution of  claim 1 , and further comprising at least one topically suitable carrier or compound. 
     
     
         16 . The topical composition of  claim 15 , which is a lotion or serum. 
     
     
         17 . The topical composition of  claim 15 , wherein the at least one topically suitable carrier or compound comprises a topically suitable carrier or compound selected from the group consisting of tocopherol, tocopheryl acetate, retinol, retinyl palmitate, hydroquinone, proanthocyanidins, butylated hydroxytoluene, butylated hydroxyanisole, astaxanthin, alpha lipoic acid, tocotrienols, coenzyme Q10, α-hydroxy acid, kojic acid, kinetin, wine extract, vitamin K, ascorbyl palmitate, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, sodium ascorbyl phosphate, a sun blocking agent and any combination thereof. 
     
     
         18 . The topical composition of  claim 15 , wherein the at least one topically suitable carrier or compound comprises an additional anti-oxidant. 
     
     
         19 . A method for reducing the risks and/or symptoms of skin melanoma, skin irritation, skin inflammation, dermatitis, skin allergy, psoriasis, acne, eczema, rosacea, skin exposure to U.V., skin exposure to sun, pigmentation through skin whitening or skin ageing in a subject in need thereof, which comprises the step of topically administering to the subject a suitable amount of the solution of  claim 1 . 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 19 , for reducing the risks and/or symptoms of wrinkles.