What is Ascorbyl Glucoside?
Ascorbyl Glucoside, also known as AA2G or 2-O-alpha-D-Glucopyranosyl-L-ascorbic acid, is a stabilized vitamin C derivative widely used in skincare, cosmetics, and nutritional formulations. Its INCI Name: Ascorbyl Glucoside. This ingredient is created by combining vitamin C with glucose through enzymatic processes, which significantly improves the stability of vitamin C compared to pure ascorbic acid. Although not directly extracted from plants, it is inspired by natural vitamin C found in citrus fruits, berries, and leafy vegetables. Ascorbyl Glucoside features the CAS Number 129499-78-1, molecular formula C₁₂H₁₈O₁₁, and molecular weight 338.27 g/mol. The typical specification for cosmetic and supplement use is 98% HPLC, and it appears as a white crystalline powder with excellent water solubility, making it ideal for lotions, serums, and oral formulas.
This stabilized vitamin C derivative is valued for its enhanced bioavailability and slow enzymatic release of active vitamin C in the skin, supporting brightening, antioxidant activity, and collagen synthesis. Wuxi Cima Science is the leading bulk Ascorbyl Glucoside powder manufacturer in China, supplying high-purity AA2G that meets international quality standards. We provide 25kg/drum industrial packaging and offer OEM services, including capsules, tablets, and custom formulations for supplement brands and cosmetic manufacturers. If you need a reliable bulk Ascorbyl Glucoside supplier, Cima Science provides consistent quality, a stable supply, and comprehensive technical support.
Ascorbyl Glucoside(AA2G) vs Ascorbic Acid(Vitamin C)
Ascorbyl Glucoside (AA2G) is generally the better choice for skincare and cosmetic formulations because it is a stabilized vitamin C derivative with outstanding resistance to oxidation, heat, light, and pH changes. Its structure binds glucose to the C2 hydroxyl group of vitamin C, protecting the active core from rapid degradation. AA2G offers excellent water solubility, higher formulation stability, lower irritation, and sustained release of vitamin C after enzymatic conversion in the skin.
Ascorbic Acid, on the other hand, is highly potent but very unstable, easily oxidized, and irritating at high doses. It offers fast action but poor shelf stability. For supplements, both are used, but AA2G is preferred in advanced beauty formulas, while Ascorbic Acid is the mainstream economical choice.
| Item | Ascorbyl Glucoside (AA2G) | Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) |
|---|---|---|
| CAS Number | 129499-78-1 | 50-81-7 |
| Other Names | 2-O-α-D-Glucopyranosyl-L-ascorbic acid, AA2G | L-Ascorbic Acid, Vitamin C |
| INCI Name | Ascorbyl Glucoside | Ascorbic Acid |
| Molecular Formula | C₁₂H₁₈O₁₁ | C₆H₈O₆ |
| Molecular Weight | 338.27 g/mol | 176.12 g/mol |
| Appearance | White crystalline powder | White to slightly yellow crystalline powder |
| Food Sources | Not found naturally; produced via enzymatic modification of vitamin C | Citrus fruits, berries, peppers, leafy greens |
| Specification | 98% HPLC | 99% USP/EP grade |
| Purity | 98% | 99%+ |
| Solubility | Highly water soluble | Highly water soluble |
| Bioavailability | Moderate; converted enzymatically to free vitamin C | High but short-lived in the body |
| Potency | Sustained, activated slowly after skin absorption | Immediate strong potency but unstable |
| Recommended Dosage (Topical) | 1% to 5% | 5% to 20% (higher irritation risk) |
| Half-life | Long; protected by glucose group, slow release | Very short; rapidly oxidized |
| Stability | Extremely stable to heat, light, pH, metal ions | Very unstable, oxidizes quickly |
| Shelf Life | Long; retains activity for years | Short; rapidly degrades after exposure to air/light |
| Skin Irritation | Low; suitable for sensitive skin | Higher; may cause stinging or redness |
| Popularity | Highly popular in premium cosmetics and K-beauty formulas | Extremely popular due to low cost and high potency |
| Pricing (Approx.) | High | Low |
| Main Benefits | Brightening, antioxidant support, anti-aging, melanin reduction, stable and gentle | Strong antioxidant, collagen support, immune support, fast action |
| Penetration into Skin | Good; enzymatically converted after absorption | Limited; requires acidic pH to absorb |
| Best For | Skincare serums, creams, sensitive skin, premium formulations | Budget skincare, supplements, immune support |
| Irritation Risk | Very low | Moderate to high at 10%+ |
| Formulation Difficulty | Easy; stable in wide pH range | Difficult; requires low pH, degrades quickly |
Ascorbyl glucoside manufacturing process
The ascorbyl glucoside manufacturing process begins with the selection of high-purity ascorbic acid as the starting material, followed by an enzymatic glycosylation reaction in which a specific glycosyltransferase links glucose to the C2 hydroxyl group of vitamin C. This controlled biocatalytic reaction is the core of the process. It is commonly illustrated in a flow chart showing the key steps: raw material preparation, enzymatic synthesis, pH adjustment, filtration, purification, crystallization, separation, drying, and final milling. After crystallization, the crude product is further refined through multi-stage purification and decolorization to remove impurities, residual enzymes, and unreacted substrates. The final step involves drying and sieving to obtain a stable, free-flowing, white crystalline powder with a purity of up to 99%, meeting cosmetic and nutritional ingredient standards.
Ascorbyl Glucoside Benefits
Ascorbyl Glucoside is well-known for its gentle yet powerful skin benefits. It offers strong antioxidant activity, improves overall skin brightness, reduces hyperpigmentation, and supports collagen production without the irritation commonly associated with pure vitamin C. Because it is slowly converted into active ascorbic acid after absorption into the skin, it is suitable for sensitive skin, acne-prone skin, and long-term use in brightening and anti-aging formulations. Whether comparing ascorbyl glucoside vs alpha arbutin, vs ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate, or vs ethyl ascorbic acid, AA2G stands out for safety, stability, and balanced efficacy.
- Powerful antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals and protects skin from environmental stress.
- Lightens and brightens dull skin for a more radiant and even complexion.
- Effective for hyperpigmentation reduction, including dark spots, melasma, and post-acne marks.
- Supports sun damage repair by reducing oxidative stress from UV exposure.
- Helps with sun protection when combined with sunscreen, improving overall photoprotection.
- Stimulates collagen production, improving skin elasticity and firmness.
- Reduces fine lines and wrinkles, supporting smoother, younger-looking skin.
- Beneficial for acne-prone skin due to its anti-inflammatory and melanin-inhibiting effects.
- Gentle enough for sensitive skin, offering brightening and anti-aging actions without irritation.
- Works well in comparison formulas such as ascorbyl glucoside vs alpha arbutin, showing synergistic brightening effects.
- More stable than many other vitamin C derivatives in comparisons like ascorbyl glucoside vs ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate and ascorbyl glucoside vs ethyl ascorbic acid, making it ideal for long-lasting cosmetic formulations.
Where to buy bulk ascorbyl glucoside powder?
Wuxi Cima Science Co., Ltd. is the leading manufacturer of ascorbyl glucoside pure ingredients in China, supplying high-purity bulk ascorbyl glucoside powder to global skincare, cosmetic, and nutraceutical brands. We offer stable quality, competitive factory pricing, and fast worldwide delivery. Our AA2G is produced under strict GMP conditions, supported by third-party testing, and available in standard 25kg/drum packaging.
As a professional bulk ascorbyl glucoside supplier, we also offer OEM services, including capsules, tablets, and custom formulations, to help brands develop high-performance, brightening, and anti-aging products. If you need a reliable ascorbyl glucoside powder manufacturer with consistent purity, stable supply, and full technical support, Cima Science is your best partner.
