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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

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Ascorbyl Glucoside do for skin?
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.
Who should use Ascorbyl Glucoside?
Ascorbyl Glucoside is suitable for: Sensitive skin, Skin with pigmentation, All skin types.
Are there any warnings about Ascorbyl Glucoside?
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.

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