Uses
antineoplastic, tyrosine kinase inhibitor
Description
Ascorbyl glucoside is a natural active substance containing Vitamin C structure, but it is stable. Ascorbyl glucoside can effectively inhibit formation of melanin, dilute the skin color, reduce age spots and freckles pigmentation.
Ascorbic Acid 2-Glucoside(AA-2G) was originally developed as a quasi-drug cosmetic product in Japan to lighten the overall tone of the skin and reduce the pigmentation in age spots and freckles. Further research has shown other dramatic benefits and today AA-2G is used all over the world-not only for whitening but also for brightening dull looking skin, reversing the effects of aging, and in sunscreen products for protection.
Definition
ChEBI: L-Ascorbic acid-2-glucoside is a glycoside.
benefits
Ascorbyl glucoside (AG) is a whitening agent widely used in cosmetic formulations. Studies have shown that AG has a depigmenting effect on UVB pigmentation as a tyrosinase inhibitor or after being converted into free ascorbic acid by intrinsic epidermal glucosidase[1]. It has the following benefits for the skin:
(1) Whitening effect: brightens skin tone, lightens pigmentation and improves solar vitiligo.
(2) Antioxidant effect: neutralizes free radicals and prevents skin damage.
(3) High safety and low irritation: According to the review results of the Cosmetic Ingredient Safety Expert Group, ascorbyl glucoside and its sodium salt are safe in cosmetics[2].
(4) Slows down aging
General Description
2-O-a-D-glucopyranosyl-L-ascorbic acid, generally known as ascorbyl glucoside, is a relatively novel compound and is a stable vitamin C derivative. Over a long period of time, it gradually is converted into ascorbic acid.
Biochem/physiol Actions
2-O-a-D-glucopyranosyl-L-ascorbic acid or ascorbyl glucoside functions as a skin whitener and radical scavenger in cosmetics. It is responsible for the bleaching action of bleaching cosmetics. This compound is activated in a manner identical to that of vitamin C. The enzyme present in the epidermal basal membrane, ascorbyl phosphatase, slowly converts 2-O-a-D-glucopyranosyl-L-ascorbic acid into vitamin C, thereby maintaining a high vitamin C level in skin throughout the day.
Side effects
While pure vitamin C can sting and cause mild irritation, there aren't any side effects we know of with ascorbyl glucoside, says Nussbaum. Still, it is an active ingredient for sure, so you can always test out a small amount elsewhere on your skin to make sure you can tolerate it.
References
[1] MARIKO TAKADA. Treatment with Ascorbyl Glucoside-Arginine Complex Ameliorates Solar Lentigos.[J]. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2024, 25 24. DOI:10.3390/ijms252413453.
[2] WILBUR JOHNSON. Safety Assessment of Ascorbyl Glucoside and Sodium Ascorbyl Glucoside as Used in Cosmetics.[J]. International Journal of Toxicology, 2025: 5S-16S. DOI:10.1177/10915818241297075.
