Ascorbyl Glucoside
아스코빌글루코사이드
A stable derivative of Vitamin C that brightens skin, boosts collagen, and provides antioxidant protection.
What is Ascorbyl Glucoside?
CAS Number
129499-78-1
Formula
C12H18O11
Molecular Weight
338.26 g/mol
Also known as: ascorbyl glucoside, L-Ascorbic acid 2-glucoside, AA2G, DTXSID50926423, Brightening
What does Ascorbyl Glucoside do for skin?
Ascorbyl Glucoside is a stable derivative of L-Ascorbic Acid that functions as a pro-drug. Upon application to the skin, it is enzymatically hydrolyzed by alpha-glucosidase, releasing active L-Ascorbic Acid. The released L-Ascorbic Acid then acts as a potent antioxidant, neutralizing free radicals and protecting against oxidative stress. It also inhibits tyrosinase activity, thereby reducing melanin synthesis and contributing to skin brightening, and promotes collagen synthesis through its role as a cofactor for prolyl and lysyl hydroxylases, improving skin firmness.
Typical concentration: 0.5-5% (many cosmetic formulations use 2-5% for brightening and antioxidant benefits, up to 10% in some targeted treatments).
Is Ascorbyl Glucoside safe?
Ascorbyl Glucoside is generally considered safe and well-tolerated for topical use. It is less irritating and more stable than pure L-Ascorbic Acid, with a low potential for sensitization or irritation. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel has not specifically assessed Ascorbyl Glucoside, but generally considers Vitamin C and its derivatives safe.
What does the research say about Ascorbyl Glucoside?
Clinical study of the skin whitening effect of Ascorbyl Glucoside in patients with melasma.
Kamimura H, et al. J Cosmet Sci. 2015 Nov-Dec;66(6):369-79.
Tanaka S, et al. Arch Dermatol Res. 2005 Oct;297(5):236-44.
Telang PS. Indian Dermatol Online J. 2013 Apr;4(2):100-4.
Regulatory Info
Can I mix Ascorbyl Glucoside with other ingredients?
Benzoyl peroxide oxidizes vitamin C and makes it completely ineffective. Use vitamin C in the morning and benzoyl peroxide at night.
Peptides
Vitamin C's low pH may reduce peptide effectiveness. Copper peptides in particular may bind with vitamin C and reduce its potency. Consider waiting a few minutes between them or using in separate routines.
Vitamin C with AHAs can be too acidic for some skin types. If you experience stinging, use them in separate routines.
Vitamin C and BHA together may be too acidic. If your skin tolerates it, it's fine. Otherwise, separate into AM/PM.
Retinoids and vitamin C have different pH needs. Together they may irritate and reduce effectiveness. Best to use vitamin C in AM, retinoid in PM.
Growth Factors
Vitamin C's low pH may reduce growth factor effectiveness when layered together. Consider using in separate routines for best results.
Niacinamide and vitamin C are generally safe to layer — older concerns about flushing are largely debunked at normal usage concentrations. If your skin is very sensitive, wait a few minutes between application.
Benzoyl peroxide oxidizes vitamin C. If both are in your routine, use vitamin C in AM and benzoyl peroxide in PM.
Zinc can interfere with vitamin C absorption when layered directly. Apply vitamin C first and let it absorb before zinc-based products.
Hydroquinone
Both target hyperpigmentation through different paths. Together they can irritate. Alternate AM/PM for best results.
Denatured Alcohol
Alcohol can destabilize vitamin C and increase skin dryness. Apply vitamin C before any alcohol-containing product.
General guidance
Vitamin C is most effective in the morning. It boosts your SPF's UV protection with antioxidant defense.
General guidance
Vitamin C + Vitamin E + SPF is the gold standard morning trio. Vitamin E stabilizes C and together they boost UV protection.
Vitamin C and Vitamin E are a synergistic antioxidant duo. Vitamin E stabilizes vitamin C, extending its potency and boosting UV protection together.
Unlike retinol, bakuchiol is stable at low pH and safe to combine with vitamin C. A gentler anti-aging + brightening combo.
Tranexamic acid + vitamin C target hyperpigmentation from multiple angles. Safe to layer together for faster brightening.
Arbutin + vitamin C target hyperpigmentation from multiple angles without the pH conflicts of hydroquinone. A gentler brightening combo.
Kojic Acid
Kojic acid and vitamin C both target hyperpigmentation through different mechanisms and are safe to layer together for a stronger brightening effect.
Read all ingredient interaction guides for layering order and science-backed advice.