Authors : Rabia Issa; Al haushey Lama

Volume/Issue : Volume 11 - 2026, Issue 2 - February

Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/u96pruja

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/fhfaj8t7

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26feb148

Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.

Abstract : Formulating Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C, Vit C) presents many challenges due to its sensibility to oxidation. This study aimed to enhance the stability of Vit C in aqueous solutions through the addition of different excipients, including polyols (eg. Sorbitol, Glycerin and Propylene Glycol PG), sugars (eg. Xylose), viscosity modifiers (eg. Gum Arabic and Carbopol), acidity regulators (Citric and Tartaric Acids). The kinetics of Vit C degradation were evaluated by determining the reaction order, calculating rate constants and estimating shelf lives (t90). The results demonstrated that the shelf life of Vit C was enhanced when Sorbitol, Glycerin, Propylene glycol, Xylose, Gum Arabic and Tartaric Acid were used (the shelf lives ranged from 12 to 37 days compared to 8 days (in Control). However, lower shelf lives were reported when Carbopol and Citric Acid were used (t90 ≈ 5 days)

Keywords : Vitamin C, Stability, Shelf Life, Additives.

References :

1. V. Vijaya et al., "A Comparative Study of Estimation of Ascorbic Acid by Different Methods in Fresh Fruit Juices and Marketed Preparations", Research J. Pharm. and Tech, 2011, 4(11), pp. 1690-1692.
2. S. Ravetti, C. Clemente, S. Brignone, L. Hergert , D. Allemandi and S. Palma, "Ascorbic Acid in Skin Health", Cosmetics, 2019, pp. 6-58.
3. R. Kirtawade et al, "Herbal antioxidant: Vitamin C", Research J. Pharm. and Tech, 2010, 3(1), pp. 58-61.
4. R. Aguirre and J. May, "Inflammation in the vascular bed: Importance of vitamin C" Pharmacology and Therapeutics Journal, 2008, 119(1), pp. 96-103.
5. J. Asarian, M.Zimmerman, "Antiaging secrets from a to z ", (2001).
6. R. Fitzpatrick and E. Rostan, "Double blind, half face study comparing topical vitamin C and vehicle for rejuvenation of photodamage", Dermatological Surgical, 2002, 28(3), pp. 231-236.
7. KA. Naidu, "Vitamin C in human health and disease is still a mystery? An overvie", Nutrition Journal, 2003, pp. 2-7.
8. S. Parvez, M. Kang, H. Chung, C. Cho, M. Hong, M. Shin, et al., "Survey and mechanism of skin depigmenting and lightening agents", Phytotherapy Research, 2006, 20, pp. 921-934.
9. C. Huh, k. Seo, J. Park, J. Lim, H. Eun and K. Park, "A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of vitamin C iontophoresis in melasma", Dermatology, 2003, 206(4), pp. 316-320.
10. YK. Choi, YK. Rho,KH. Yoo, YYY Lim, K. Li, Bj. Kim, et al, "Effects of vitamin C vs. multivitamin on melanogenesis: Comparative study in vitro and in vivo", International Journal of Dermatology, 2010, 49(2), pp. 218-226.
11. D. SofianaK et al, "The Effect of Vitamin C towards Endothelial Dysfunction in CdCl2-induced HUVEC Culture, "Research j. Pharm. And tech., 2018, 11(3), pp. 899-904.
12. P. Bibhas et al, "Exploring the protective effect of Ascorbic acid on Amoxicillin and Clavulanic acid-induced lipid peroxidation in goat liver homogenate", Research J. Pharm. and Tech, 2019, 12(7), pp. 3301-3306.
13. B. S. Kumar and M. Dhanraj, "Role of Vitamin C in Body Health", Research J. Pharm. and Tech, 2018, 11(4), pp. 1378-1380.
14. S. Kumar et al. "Potential role of Vitamin C as an Antioxidant on Bisphenol (BPA) Induced Oxidative Stress in Wistar rats", Research Journal of Pharmacy and Technology, 2023, 16(5), pp. 2142-6.
15. E. Hanaa Mahood, M. Baydaa Aabbood "Physiological and Histological Study of Preventive effect of Antioxidants, Selenium and Vitamin C with Garlic in Rats treated with Sodium Fluoride", Research J. Pharm. and Tech, 2018, 11(3), pp. 941-945.
16. A. N. Efiana, "Formulation and characterization of ascorbic acid nanoparticle with chitosan as a carrier for topical administration", Proceeding of International Conference on Drug Development of Natural, June 30^th (2012).
17. A. Bendich, "Antioxidant micronutrients and immune responses In Micronutrients and Immune Functions" A. Bendich, Chandra, R.K., Eds., New York Academy of Sciences: New York, 1990, pp. 168–180.
18. C. M. Wang, CL.  Huang, C. T. Sindy Hu, H. L. Chan, "The effect of glycolic acid on the treatment of acne in Asian skin", Dermatologic surgery, 1997, 23(1), pp. 23-9.
19. K. Al-Ismail, L. El-Dijani, H. Al-Khatib and M. Saleh, "Effect of Microencapsulation of Vitamin C with Gum Arabic, Whey Protein Isolate and some Blends on its Stability", Journal of Scientific & Industrial Research Vol, 2016, pp. 176-180.
20. V. Palanisamy, p. Sanphui, K. Palanisamy, M. Prakash and AK. Bbansal, "Design of ascorbic acid eutectic mixtures with sugars to inhibit oxidative degradation", Front. Chem., 2022, pp. 10-754269.
21. X. Yin, K. Chen, H. Cheng X. Chen, S. Feng, Y. Song and L. Liang, "Chemical Stability of Ascorbic Acid Integrated into Commercial Products: A Review on Bioactivity and Delivery Technology", Antioxidants, 2022, pp. 11, 153.
22. HS. Lee and GA. Coates, "Measurement of total vitamin c activity in citrus products by H.P.L.C. A review", J. Liq. Chromatogr. Rel. Technol., 1999, 22, pp. 2267–2287.
23. J. M. Pullar,A. C. Carr and M. C. M. Vissers, "The roles of vitamin C in skin health", Nutrients, 2017, 9, pp. 866.
24. V. Saxena, K. Yadav, "Stability and Efficacy Enhancement of Vitamin C Powder via Developing a Serum – Two Phase System, A New Inception in Vitamin C Delivery", International Journal of Research in Engineering, Science and Management, 2021, 4(2), pp. 109-110.
25. Suryani, M. H. Sahumena, S. Y.  Mabilla, R. Ningsih, A. N. T. Adjeng, M. Aswan, Ruslin, Yamin and M. Nisa, "Preparation and Evaluation of Physical Characteristics of Vitamin E Nanoemulsion using virgin coconut Oil (VCO) and olive oil as oil phase with variation Concentration of tween 80 Surfactant", Research J. Pharm. and Tech, 2020, 13(7), pp. 3232-3236.
26. D. Rekha Kini, Y. Tripathi, C. V. Raghuveer, S. R. Pai, "Effect of Vitamin E Pre-Treatment on Histopathological Changes on Rat Testis Following Cadmium Chloride administration", Research J. Pharm. and Tech., 2013, 6(8), pp. 874-877.
27. L. Zhang, S. Lerner, WV. Rustrum and GA. Hofmann, "Electroporation-mediated topical delivery of vitamin C for cosmetic applications", Bioelectrochem Bioenerg, 1999, 48, pp. 453-61.
28. JS. Lee, JW. Kim, SH. Han, I.S. Chang, HH. Kang, OS. Lee, et al., "The stabilization of L-ascorbic acid in aqueous solution and water-in-oil-in-water double emulsion by controlling pH and electrolyte concentration", J. Cosmet Sci, 2004, 55, pp. 1-12.
29. S. Farahmand, H. Tajerzadeh and Es. Farboud, "Formulation and evaluation of a vitamin C multiple emulsion", Pharm Dev Technol, 2006, (11), pp. 255-61.
30. S. R. Pinnell et al. "Topical l-ascorbic acid: Percutaneous absorption studies", Dermatologic Surgery, 2001, 27(82), pp. 137-142.
31. R. Fitzpatrick and E. Rostan, "Double blind half face study comparing topical vitamin C and vehicle for rejuvenation of photodamage'', Dermatological Surgical, 2002, 28(3), pp. 231-236.
32. R. Parhi, S V. Sai Goutam, S. Mondal, "Formulation and Evaluation of Transdermal Gel of Ibuprofen: Use of Penetration Enhancer and Microneedle", IJPS, 2020, 16 (3), pp. 11-32.
33. AOAC. "Official Methods of Analysis. 16th ed. Arlington, DC: Association of Official Analytical Chemists", (1984).
34. Merugu Manasa, A. Ravali, B. Bargavi, B. Mounica and V. Lakshmi Prasanna, "Comparative Stability Study of Vitamin C present in Fresh Lemon Juice and Marketed Juice by Analytical Methods", Research J. Pharm. and Tech., 2019, 12(10), pp. 4724-4728. 
35. A. L. Herbig, M.G.C.C.  Renard, "Factors that impact the of vitamin C at intermediate temperatures in a food matrix", Food Chemistry, 2017, 220, pp. 444-451.
36. B. Dolińska, A. Ostróżka-Cieślik, A. Caban, K.Rimantas, L.Leszczyńska, and F. Ryszka, "Influence of Trace Elements on Stabilization of Aqueous Solutions of Ascorbic Acid", Biol Trace Elem Res, 2012, 150, pp. 509–512.
37. G.M. Silva, PMBG. Maia Campos, "Study of the rheologic behavior and HPLC determination of a skin care formulation containing ascorbic acid or magnesium ascorbyl phosphate". In: IFSCC Congress, 21, 2000, September 11-14, Berlin. Cosmetic Science for the New Century, Berlin.
38. A-N Yu, Y. Li, Y. Yang and K. Yu, "The browning kinetics of the non-enzymatic browning reaction in L-ascorbic acid/basic amino acid systems", Food Sci Technol Campinas, 2017, 38, pp. 537–42.
39. G. M. S. Gonçalves and P.M.P.G. M. Campos, "Shelf life and rheology of emulsions containing vitamin C and its derivativs", Journal of Basic and Applied Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2009, 30(2), pp. 217-224.
40. H. Hsin-Yun, Y.C. Tsai, C.C. Fu and W. J. Swi-Bea, "Degradation of ascorbic acid in ethanolic solutions", J Agri Food Chem., 2012, 60, 42, pp. 10696-10701.
41. Handbook of Pharmaceutical Excipients (6th ed. Pharmaceutical Press, 2009. Rowe, R. C., Sheskey, P. J., & Quinn, M. E.
42. Chirife, J., & Buera, M. P., "Water activity, glass transition and microbial stability in concentrated/semisolid food systems", Journal of Food Engineering, 1997, 22(1–4), pp. 215–234.
43. Bandelin, F. J., & Tuschhoff, J. V., "The stability of ascorbic acid in various liquid media", Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 1955, 44(4), pp. 241–245.
44. A. Khadour, L. Al haushey, "Investigation of the effect of different formulation factors on the shelf life of vitamin C in aqueous solutions", Research J. Pharm. and Tech., 2024, 17(8), pp. 3874- 3880.
45. X. Yin, K. Chen, H. Cheng, X. Chen, S. Feng, Y. Song and L. Liang, "Chemical Stability of Ascorbic Acid Integrated into Commercial Products: A Review on bioactivity and delivery technology", Antioxidants, 2022, (153), pp. 1-20.
46. G. Rojas, S. Gerschensen. LWT, "Ascorbic acid destruction in sweet aqueous model systems", Food Science and Technology, 1997, 2(60), pp. 567-572.
47. Lee, S. K., & Kader, A. A., "Preharvest and postharvest factors influencing vitamin C content of horticultural crops". Postharvest Biology and Technology, 2000, 20, pp. 207–220
48. Barra, A. P. et al., "Spray-drying performance and thermal stability of L-ascorbic acid Microencapsulated with sodium alginate and gum arabic", Molecules, 2019, 24(16), 2872.
49. DeRitter, E., & Purcell, A. E. "Stability of ascorbic acid in pharmaceutical preparations", Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 1981, 70, pp. 684–687.
50. Trinder, P., "Photodecomposition of ascorbic acid". Analyst, 1969, 94, pp. 882–886.
51. Gregory, J. F.  Food Chemistry. Marcel Dekker, 1996.
52. Aulton & Taylor, Aulton’s Pharmaceutics: The Design and Manufacture of Medicines, 5th ed.
53. Davey et al., Ascorbic acid chemistry, Chemical Reviews, 2000.
54. Florence & Attwood, Physicochemical Principles of Pharmacy, 6th ed.
55. Trissel, Stability of Compounded Formulations, 6th ed.
56. Yoshioka & Stella, Stability of Drugs and Dosage Forms, 2nd ed.