Ascorbic acid is a chemical compound (C6H8O6) that is commonly found in nature and can be used as an antioxidant food additive. It acts as a vitamer of Vitamin C, which means it is a compound that provides the same vitamin activity as Vitamin C. Often, there are several compounds that produce the same activity of one vitamin and they are often called by that vitamin’s name. For that reason, you may find ascorbic acid listed as Vitamin C on an ingredient label (Vitamin C is the generic term, ascorbic acid is the chemical name). Ascorbic acid is found in nature