Cosmetics · Quasi-drug actives
Ascorbyl Glucoside
アスコルビルグルコシド (Asukorubiru gurukoshido)
Also known as: Vitamin C Glucoside, AA-2G
At a glance
| Category | Cosmetics |
|---|---|
| INCI name | Ascorbyl Glucoside |
| Japanese labeling name | アスコルビルグルコシド |
| Common Japanese notations | アスコルビルグルコシド, ビタミンC2-グルコシド |
| CAS number | 129499-78-1 |
| Origin | Synthetic (vitamin C glucoside) |
| Typical functions | Quasi-drug whitening active, Antioxidant, Skin conditioning |
| Regulatory status in Japan | Approved as a quasi-drug (医薬部外品) whitening active by MHLW within defined concentration ranges. |
Ascorbyl glucoside is one of the most widely used stable vitamin C derivatives in Japanese cosmetics. The compound conjugates ascorbic acid with glucose, dramatically improving stability over free vitamin C while still permitting in vivo conversion back to ascorbic acid.
Classification
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Product applications
Functions
Regulatory tags
Origin
Used in (typical product categories)
Finished-product categories that commonly include this ingredient in Japanese-market formulations.
- Medicated whitening serums (薬用美白美容液)
- Brightening lotions and toners
- Anti-aging skincare
What it is
Ascorbyl glucoside (also called L-ascorbic acid 2-glucoside or AA-2G) is the alpha-glucoside of L-ascorbic acid. The glycosylation protects the labile ascorbate from oxidation; in vivo enzymatic cleavage releases ascorbic acid.
Typical uses in Japanese products
In Japanese cosmetics, ascorbyl glucoside appears in medicated whitening serums, lotions, and brightening-positioned formulations across many brand portfolios.
Regulatory classification in Japan
Approved as a quasi-drug whitening active by MHLW within defined concentration ranges.
Regulatory classification in other markets
| EU | Listed in CosIng. Permitted for cosmetic use. |
|---|---|
| USA | INCI recognized. |
| China | Permitted per IECIC listings. |
| Korea | Permitted under KFDA / MFDS. |
Example products
Example finished products will be added after each product's current full ingredient list has been verified.
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Related ingredients
References
- Japan PMDA — quasi-drug active ingredient approval registry
- EU CosIng entry: Ascorbyl Glucoside
Last updated: 2026-04-22. Ingredient entries are reviewed at least annually against current regulatory listings.