Stable ascorbic acid compositions

A topical composition consisting essentially of between 3 and 20% ascorbic acid (w/v) and 80% to 97% water and a carrier suitable for topical application wherein the ratio of water to carrier is at lest about 1:1 and wherein the composition has a pH of no more than about 3.5.

A topical composition consisting essentially of about 5 to 10% ascorbic acid (w/v) and about 90 to 95% water and a carrier suitable for topical application wherein the ratio of water to carrier is at least about 1:1 and wherein the composition has a pH of no more than about 3.5.

A topical composition containing from at least about 1% ascorbic acid (w/v) in water and a carrier suitable for topical application wherein the ratio of water to carrier is at least 1:1 and wherein the composition has a pH of no more than about 3.5.

A topical composition containing between 3 20% ascorbic acid (w/v) and 80% to 97% water and a carrier suitable for topical application wherein the ratio of water to carrier is at least about 1:1 and wherein the composition has a pH of no more than about 3.5.

A topical composition containing about 5 to 10% ascorbic acid (w/v) and about 90 to 95% water and a carrier suitable for topical application wherein the ratio of water to carrier is at least about 1:1 and wherein the composition has a pH of no more than about 3.5.

A method of retarding damage to skin by ultraviolet light which comprises applying a topical composition on the skin consisting essentially of at least about 1% ascorbic acid (w/v) in water and a carrier suitable for topical application wherein the ratio of water to carrier is at least about 1:

• 1 and wherein composition has a pH of mo more than about 3.5.

A method of preventing damage to skin by ultraviolet light comprising the step of applying a topical composition to the skin consisting essentially of from at least about 1% ascorbic acid (w/v) in water and a carrier suitable for topical application wherein the ratio of water to carrier is at least 1:1 and wherein the composition has a pH of no more than about 3.5.

A method of treating damage to skin by ultraviolet light comprising the step of applying a topical composition to the skin consisting essentially of from at least about 1% ascorbic acid (w/v) in water and a carrier suitable for topical application wherein the ratio of water to carrier is at least 1:1 and wherein the composition has a pH of no more than about 3.5.

A method of retarding damage to skin by ultraviolet light which comprises applying a topical composition to the skin containing at least about 1% ascorbic acid (w/v) in water and a carrier suitable for topical application wherein the ratio of water to carrier is at least about 1:1 and wherein composition has a pH of no more than about 3.5.