---
title: Topical L-ascorbic acid: percutaneous absorption studies
entity_type: Source
canonical_url: https://skinknowledgebase.com/sources/pinnell-2001-topical-l-ascorbic-acid-absorption
date_modified: 2026-05-14
date_reviewed: 2026-05-14
mcp_eligible: true
source_type: peer_reviewed
original_source_url: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11207686/
evidence_sources: []
product_fact_sources: []
---

# Topical L-ascorbic acid: percutaneous absorption studies

## Quick Summary

Pinnell 2001 supports formula-quality context for topical L-ascorbic acid, including concentration, pH, and absorption considerations.

## What Studied

Peer-reviewed percutaneous absorption study focused on topical L-ascorbic acid and formula conditions.

## Main Findings

The source supports the idea that L-ascorbic acid behavior depends on concentration and acidic formula conditions, including the pH 3.5 context used in many vitamin C serum discussions.

## Why It Matters

It helps explain why vitamin C serum value depends on formula design rather than the ingredient name alone.

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