Common Name(s): Sodium ascorbyl glucoside,sodium ascorbyl glucoside,stable vitamin c glucoside,brightening antioxidant prodrug
CAS Number: N/a
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Provides vitamin c brightening, antioxidant protection, and collagen synthesis stimulation in a stable form with 3+ year shelf life versus free ascorbic acid's rapid oxidative degradation โ skin glucosidase releasing the active vitamin at the delivery site.
Why It's Used: Ascorbyl glucoside is the stability-performance balance point for vitamin c cosmetics โ unlike l-ascorbic acid (unstable, requires ph 2.5โ3.5) and ascorbyl phosphate (requires alkaline phosphatase), glucoside provides reliable 3+ year stability at neutral ph with skin enzyme-mediated activation.
How It Works: Alpha-glucosidase in the epidermis cleaves the c2-glucose bond releasing free l-ascorbic acid. free ascorbic acid: reduces cuยฒโบ in tyrosinase active site preventing melanin formation (brightening); acts as prolyl hydroxylase cofactor โ hydroxyproline โ stable collagen triple helix (anti-aging); scavenges singlet oxygen and lipid peroxyl radicals (antioxidant).
Typically Found In: Brightening,anti-aging,vitamin c products
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Primary Category: Active ingredient โ antioxidant
Secondary Functions: Free radical scavenging,anti-aging
Application Areas:
Facial Skincare
Body Care
Hair Care
Beard Care
Color Cosmetics (Makeup)
Dietary/Oral Supplements
Typical Concentration Range: 0.1%โ3%
SOURCING & ETHICS
Vegan Status: Yes
Halal Status: Yes
Source Notes: Plant-derived extract or synthetic.
SKIN COMPATIBILITY
Irritancy Rating: 1/5 โ very low
Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 โ non-comedogenic
Sensitivity Concerns: Non-irritating; well-tolerated.
Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes
SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY
Safety Profile: Excellent safety profile. ewg score: 1.
Works Well With: Vitamin c,vitamin e,ferulic acid,spf,other antioxidants
Avoid Combining With: No significant incompatibilities
SCIENTIFIC NOTE
Ascorbyl glucoside concentration-activity: 0.1% provides antioxidant and mild brightening; 0.5-1% provides visible brightening over 8-12 weeks; above 2% approaches maximum brightening from saturated enzyme hydrolysis kinetics. clinical dose-response has been established for pigmentation outcomes.
Last Verified: 2026-03-22
Primary Sources: Cosing database,sodium ascorbyl glucoside stable vitamin c brightening review