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As

Ascorbyl Glucoside

Ascorbyl GlucosideAntioxidant

One of the most stable forms of vitamin C, but slow to turn active on skin. Brightening takes months to show.

What it does

It’s one of the most stable forms of vitamin C: it handles a wide pH range and doesn’t break down easily in the bottle. The tradeoff is that your skin turns it into the active form more slowly than other forms. It’s common in Korean brightening serums and vitamin C products for sensitive skin. Effects are gradual.

The EU’s ingredient database lists it as an antioxidant (slows reactions with oxygen, like going rancid).European Commission, CosIng (© European Union, CC BY 4.0) · uses put in plain words by Drop ↗

The evidence, graded

strongTwo vitamin C trials measured at 12 weeks, and at 3 and 6 months. In a half-face study of ten people, a 10% ascorbic acid and 7% tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate gel reduced wrinkling over 12 weeks, with biopsy evidence of new collagen. In a 6-month study, a 5% cream on the low neck and arms raised the global score and microrelief density. Both graded pigment and neither beat its own vehicle on it. A review of seven trials did report lightening.Humbert 2003 · Experimental Dermatology ↗

Graded per the methodology: strong · moderate · emerging · expert consensus. A weak source on a strong claim gets the weaker label.

Also known as

AA2G, vitamin c, ascorbic acid

Pairs worth knowing

Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) · works together ↗Vitamin E (Tocopherol) · works together ↗Alpha Arbutin · works together ↗

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