STAY-C®50, Vitamin C

Versatile Beauty Solution for Perfect Skin*

DSM has pioneered the use of vitamins as active raw materials in cosmetic products. Today, as one of the world's leading vitamin producers, DSM proudly offers Vitamin C in various forms at the highest quality and in different granule sizes for cosmetic applications.

What is Vitamin C?

Vitamin C is a molecule defined as ascorbic acid and occurs naturally in the human body. The human body cannot synthesize this molecule but receives supplementation from external sources. Particularly on skin, Vitamin C levels decline due to UV radiation, aging and pollutants, and for this reason the application of Vitamin C to skin becomes important for skin protection and skin health. Vitamins are by definition vital for life. Like all DSM vitamins, the Quali®-C brand is now presented with the Quality for Life™ seal and the highest quality, reliability, traceability and sustainability. At the DSM Quali®-C production facility in Dairy, Scotland, where ascorbic acid has been produced since 1983, sustainability is fully encompassed. Compared with alternative sources, DSM produces ascorbic acid with the lowest carbon footprint measurement and 59% fewer greenhouse gas emissions. This effort was recognized in 2015 with the European Responsible Care Environment Award from CEFIC.

Higher Consumer Awareness of Cosmetic Products

Among cosmetic product users, vitamins are considered essential raw material content. No other raw material group has gained such awareness. Three out of every five women know that vitamins are present in cosmetic products. Vitamin C is a popular and trusted raw material offering multiple benefits among cosmetic product users. Globally, one in every 20 products contains Vitamin C, and awareness of Vitamin C is higher than all other known beauty-enhancing raw materials. 71% of users are well aware that Vitamin C improves the appearance of skin, hair and nails.

Ascorbic Acid in Different Forms

L-Ascorbic acid is the only active form of Vitamin C but is highly sensitive to oxidation. To ensure stability in formulations and increase skin penetration, various forms of Vitamin C and more stable derivatives have been developed and introduced to the market. DSM offers various Vitamin C products under the Quali®-C brand: Ascorbic Acid: An original Vitamin C offered in the finest quality available on the market. (Ascorbic acid ultra-fine powder) STAY-C® 50: The most stable Vitamin C containing multiple properties and the variety that delivers the active form most effectively to skin. Ascorbyl Palmitate: The oil-soluble form that protects emulsions and oils against oxidation as a technical content variety.

Key Benefits

• Reduces peroxide formation and carbonylated proteins on skin thanks to excellent antioxidant properties. • Increases collagen synthesis and helps tighten skin. • Balances skin tone and reduces skin spots by reducing melanin production. • Improves skin appearance in acne-prone skin types. • Limits bacterial growth in the mouth for healthy teeth and gums. • Has deodorant effect. • The main cosmetic product categories where Vitamin C is used can be listed as follows: day care, anti-aging, sun care, skin cleansing and smoothing (anti-acne), skin tone regulating, oral care and body care products.

Formulating with Vitamin C

For stable and strong performance, the pH value must be 6 and above. Adding 0.05-0.1% sodium metabisulfite to the formulation increases color stability. Chelating agents (EDTA, phytic acid, etc.) should be added for protection from heavy metal ions. STAY-C® 50 dissolves easily in water. It should be added to the water phase, then to the emulsion in this manner and below 35-40°C.

Stability in Formulation

STAY-C® 50 demonstrated stability above 90% at all temperatures (4°C, room temperature, daylight, 40°C - 3 months). STAY-C® 50: Most Effective Active in Two Steps STAY-C® 50 penetrates the skin surface and becomes bioavailable to skin in ascorbic acid form. On the skin surface, in skin and deeper skin layers, the quantities of ascorbic acid and STAY-C® 50 are shown in the chart measured by HPLC. [caption id="attachment_104053" align="aligncenter"] Summarized from DSM 'Vitamin C STAY-C® 50, The all-round beauty solution for skin perfection Quali®-C' brochure and translated to Turkish.[/caption]     Burçak Alioğlu Technical Sales Manager Arkem Kimya