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Antioxidant

Ascorbyl Glucoside

A stable water-soluble form of vitamin C with glucose — ascorbyl glucoside slowly releases ascorbic acid in the skin, providing prolonged action without yellowing and irritation. A standard in K-beauty brightening formulas.

Vitamin CStable formBrighteningK-beauty
✓ Safe
Comedogenic Rating
0/5
Irritation Potential
0/5

What is it?

Ascorbyl Glucoside (AA2G) — an ester of ascorbic acid and glucose. In INCI: Ascorbyl Glucoside. Developed by the Japanese company Hayashibara, widely used in K-beauty. Water-soluble, stable at pH 5–7 and temperatures up to 40°C. The enzyme α-glucosidase in the skin gradually cleaves glucose, releasing ascorbic acid.

Brightening and antioxidant active in toners, essences, and serums. Especially popular in Japanese and Korean cosmetics as a stable form of vitamin C for daily use in the daytime routine.

Key Benefits

✦
Stability and long-lasting effect
Ascorbyl glucoside does not yellow or degrade during storage and application — stable for years. Gradual enzymatic release of ascorbic acid provides a prolonged brightening effect for 8–12 hours.
◈
Gentle brightening without irritation
Converted ascorbic acid inhibits tyrosinase and reduces pigmentation — without acidic pH and associated irritation. Ideal for daily brightening in sensitive skin.
✧
Antioxidant protection and collagen synthesis
Released ascorbic acid neutralizes free radicals and is a co-factor for prolyl/lysyl hydroxylases in procollagen synthesis. Prolonged action compared to direct application of ascorbic acid.

Suitable for

Sensitive skinSkin with pigmentationAll skin types

Main Actions

✓ Brightening✓ Antioxidant protection✓ Collagen synthesis✓ Stable form of vitamin C
Slower results than L-ascorbic acid

Ascorbyl glucoside acts slower than direct ascorbic acid — due to the need for enzymatic conversion. For quick brightening before an event — better to use L-ascorbic acid 15–20%. For daily prolonged use and prevention — ascorbyl glucoside is a more convenient and safer choice.

CategoryAntioxidants

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