Ascorbyl Glucoside

Best

Antioxidant

Ascorbyl Glucoside at a glance

  • Stable form of vitamin C easily penetrates skin
  • Brightening benefits enhanced by niacinamide
  • Helps improve skin’s environmental defenses

Ascorbyl Glucoside description

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 neutralise 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.

Ascorbyl Glucoside references

  • Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, December 2020 Supplement, page AB192
  • Nanomaterials, August 2020, pages 1-13
  • Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, May-August 2020, pages 374-382
  • Genes, February 2020, ePublication
  • Cosmetics, October 2019, ePublication
  • International Journal of Cosmetic Science, August 2019, pages 378-386
  • International Journal of Pharmaceutics, May 2019, pages 21-29
  • Asian Journal of Beauty and Cosmetology, December 2018, pages 599-607
  • Nutrients, August 2017, pages 1-27
  • Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery, January-March 2013, pages 4-11
  • Skin Research and Technology, May 2006, pages 105-113

Peer-reviewed, substantiated scientific research is used to assess ingredients in this dictionary. Regulations regarding constraints, permitted concentration levels and availability vary by country and region.

Ingredient ratings

Best

Proven and supported by independent studies. Outstanding active ingredient for most skin types or concerns.

Good

Necessary to improve a formula's texture, stability, or penetration.

Average

Generally non-irritating but may have aesthetic, stability, or other issues that limit its usefulness.

Bad

There is a likelihood of irritation. Risk increases when combined with other problematic ingredients.

Worst

May cause irritation, inflammation, dryness, etc. May offer benefit in some capability but overall, proven to do more harm than good.

unknown

We couldn't find this in our ingredient dictionary. We log all missing ingredients and make continuous updates.

Not rated

We have not yet rated this ingredient because we have not had a chance to review the research on it.