Antioxidants
Ascorbic Acid
INS 300 / E300
Also listed as: Vitamin C, L-ascorbic acid
What it is
L-Ascorbic Acid is the pure, active form of Vitamin C, a water-soluble vitamin and antioxidant naturally found in fruits and vegetables such as oranges, lemons, and amla. It is an essential nutrient that supports normal immune function, collagen formation, wound healing, and protection of cells from oxidative damage.
In products, L-Ascorbic Acid can serve different purposes depending on the formulation. It is commonly used as a nutrient and antioxidant in foods and as an antioxidant and skin-conditioning ingredient in cosmetics.
Why it’s used
In food and beverages
Vitamin fortification: Added to foods and drinks to increase their Vitamin C content.
Antioxidant protection: Helps slow oxidation, which can cause changes in colour, flavour, and quality.
Prevents browning: Helps reduce browning in cut fruits and certain processed foods.
Preserves product quality: Helps protect sensitive ingredients from oxidation and maintain freshness.
In cosmetics and skincare
Antioxidant protection: Helps protect the skin against oxidative stress caused by environmental factors.
Supports collagen production: Plays a role in collagen formation, helping maintain skin firmness and elasticity.
Helps brighten skin: Can help improve the appearance of uneven skin tone and dark spots with regular use.
Supports skin appearance: May help improve the appearance of fine lines and skin texture when used in suitable formulations.
Typically found in:
- Juices and drinks
- Cured meats
- Bread flour
Where it’s allowed
| Where | Status | Details |
|---|---|---|
| India | Permitted | FSS (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations, 2011 |
| EU | Permitted | Quantum satis. |
| US | Permitted | GRAS. 21 CFR Parts 182/184 — substances generally recognized as safe (GRAS) |
Acceptable daily intake (ADI)
EFSA has not set a numerical acceptable daily intake (“ADI not specified”), meaning it found no safety concern at the levels used in food.
What TrustPick’s flag means
No known regulatory concern.
Our flags follow fixed, published rules — a health or evidence concern alone is never shown as “restricted”. How TrustPick rates ingredients.
Products containing ascorbic acid
From ingredient lists in the TrustPick catalogue.

MOM
MOM 3 Cheese Pasta
Ready to eat73/100
Pringles
Pringles Scorchin’ Red Hot Chilli Potato Chips
Snacks28/100
Kettle Studio
Kettle Studio Sharp Jalapenos & Cream Cheese Potato Chips
Snacks38/100
Kettle Studio
Kettle Studio Mature Cheddar & Red Onions Potato Chips
Snacks38/100
RiteBite
RiteBite Max Protein Korean Hot Chilli 10 g Protein Chips
Snacks38/100
RiteBite
RiteBite Choco Delite 4g Protein Bar
Ready to eat75/100
RiteBite
RiteBite Yogurt Berry Nutrition Bar
Ready to eat
RiteBite
RiteBite Max Protein Daily Choco Classic 10 g Protein Bar
Ready to eat70/100
RiteBite
RiteBite Max Protein Daily Choco Berry 10 g Protein Bar
Ready to eat78/100
RiteBite
RiteBite Max Protein Daily Choco Almond 10 g Protein Bar
Ready to eat78/100
RiteBite
RiteBite Peanut Butter 4g Protein Bar
Ready to eat75/100
RiteBite
RiteBite Max Protein Peanut Butter 20 g Protein Bar
Ready to eat73/100
Sources
- Food Safety and Standards Regulations (incl. Food Products Standards and Food Additives, 2011) — FSSAI
- Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 on food additives (consolidated) — European Union (EUR-Lex)
- Food additives — re-evaluations and scientific opinions — EFSA
- Code of Federal Regulations, Title 21 (Food and Drugs) — US FDA / eCFR
Reviewed 2026-10-16 · Last updated 2026-10-16. Information, not medical advice. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.