LAUSR

3-O-Ethyl-L-ascorbic acid [(2R)-2-[(1S)-1,2-dihydroxyethyl]-3-ethoxy4-hydroxy-2H-furan-5-one] (CAS no. 86404–04-8), or ethyl ascorbic acid, is an ether derivative of ascorbic acid (vitamin C). The latter is present in several foods and dietary supplements. Conversely to the quickly cutaneous degrading of ascorbic acid, the ether group of ethyl ascorbic acid ensures a greater molecular stability, enhancing its transport through skin. Moreover, due to its lipophilic and hydrophilic properties, ethyl ascorbic acid is used in several cosmetics formulations for its whitening, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and elasticizing properties. Despite its frequent use in cosmetics, ethyl ascorbic acid is only rarely reported as a cause of allergic contact dermatitis (ACD).