Ascorbyl Glucoside
A glucose-bound Vitamin C derivative that is broken down by skin enzymes into active Vitamin C over time. It is water-soluble, stable at near-neutral pH, and popular in Indian and Korean formulas for its gentleness in hot, humid climates.
Typical concentration
10–25%
Formulation pH
5–7
What AA2G is used for
- Gradual, sustained release of active Vitamin C
- Gentle enough for daily use in humid, sweat-prone climates
- Good stability against light and air
Stability
Stable at pH 5–7; resists oxidation better than L-Ascorbic Acid, good for tropical storage conditions.
Advantages
- Very stable in hot/humid climates
- Gentle, sustained-release action
- Widely available in Indian formulas
Limitations
- Needs enzymatic conversion in skin, so effect is slower to show
- Fewer large-scale clinical trials than L-Ascorbic Acid
Commonly paired with
Use with care alongside
How AA2G compares with other vitamin C forms
| Form | Typical concentration | pH |
|---|---|---|
| L-Ascorbic Acid | 8–20% (10–15% is the effective, well-tolerated sweet spot for most skin types) | Below 3.5 for optimal skin penetration |
| Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate | 5–15% | 6–7 (near neutral) |
| Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate | 3–10% | 6–7 |
| Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate | 5–20% | Flexible, works across a wide pH range |
| Ascorbyl Glucoside | 10–25% | 5–7 |
| 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid | Retail serums commonly list 10–15%. There is no well-established optimum from independent clinical studies, and percentages are not directly comparable with L-ascorbic acid. | Does not need the very low pH that L-ascorbic acid does; formulas are usually mildly acidic |
Serums using Ascorbyl Glucoside
Dot & Key
10% Vitamin C+E Super Bright Face Serum
Rating: Dot & Key (official store)
₹695
₹23/ml · 30ml
Ascorbyl Glucoside: quick answers
+What is Ascorbyl Glucoside?
A glucose-bound Vitamin C derivative that is broken down by skin enzymes into active Vitamin C over time. It is water-soluble, stable at near-neutral pH, and popular in Indian and Korean formulas for its gentleness in hot, humid climates.
+What concentration of Ascorbyl Glucoside is typical?
10–25%
+What pH does Ascorbyl Glucoside need?
5–7
+How stable is Ascorbyl Glucoside?
Stable at pH 5–7; resists oxidation better than L-Ascorbic Acid, good for tropical storage conditions.
Who it may suit
Related guides
Sources
- Al-Niaimi F, Chiang NYZ. Topical Vitamin C and the Skin: Mechanisms of Action and Clinical Applications. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol, 2017.
- Telang PS. Vitamin C in dermatology. Indian Dermatology Online Journal, 2013.
- Pinnell SR et al. Topical L-ascorbic acid: percutaneous absorption studies. Dermatologic Surgery, 2001.
We are not dermatologists and this page has not been medically reviewed. It is for information only — consult a qualified professional before making decisions about your skin.