Abstract: The present invention describes a stable, acidic, aqueous solution of &agr;-lipoic acid or derivatives thereof. A content of the lipoic acid component employed which is above the intrinsic solubility thereof in the aqueous solution is achieved preferably by a production method in which in a first stage a stock solution of the lipoic acid component in water is provided with the aid of a base, then this stock solution is brought where appropriate by dilution and temperature control into the desired concentration range and temperature range, and finally the desired pH of the solution is adjusted by adding an acid. The solution obtained inter alia in this way is, owing to its stable properties, outstandingly suitable for use for pharmaceutical, cosmetic, dietary or else technical purposes, for example for diminishing photochemical effects.