Ascorbyl Glucoside

Ascorbyl glucoside is a stable form of vitamin C combined with the sugar glucose. The glucose is derived from a natural starch source, such as rice, while the vitamin C portion is synthetic. When properly formulated and absorbed into skin, it breaks down to ascorbic acid, also known as pure vitamin C. Once absorbed, its breakdown to vitamin C is gradual, creating what’s known as a reservoir effect within skin. This leads to longer-lasting benefits.

Sometimes referred to as AA2G, ascorbyl glucoside functions as an antioxidant and works well with other replenishing and antioxidant ingredients to preserve key substances skin needs to look smoother, brighter, and younger.

Research on ascorbyl glucoside’s ability to improve uneven skin tone and hyperpigmentation is encouraging but not as extensive when compared with the decades of research amassed for ascorbic acid; however, ascorbyl glucoside plus the B vitamin niacinamide is a viable combination to consider, and several skin care products pair these ingredients.

Ascorbyl glucoside is typically used in concentrations of 2-5% when brightening dull skin and fading the look of hyperpigmentation is the goal. Products with higher concentrations are available, but comparative research with commonly used concentrations is lacking. Levels of 0.5% and above can provide antioxidant benefits and help neutralize the damage associated with exposure to airborne pollutants and other environmental threats. It’s considered safe as used in cosmetics, both rinse-off and leave-on.

Ascorbyl glucoside is widely compatible with other cosmetic ingredients. Unlike the tight pH range ascorbic acid needs to be effective on skin, ascorbyl glucoside works between a pH of 5-8, with the lower end of this spectrum considered better due to being a close match to the normal pH range of skin.