Stable vitamin C can be mixed in water immediately. It is effective in both whitening and brightening the skin and reducing free radicals, stimulating the skin's collagen synthesis.

Vitamin C derivative “Ascorbyl Glucoside” (AA-2G) is highly stable, water-soluble and is slowly broken down into l-ascorbic acid by the enzyme α-glucosidase in the skin. Therefore, it provides the full benefits of vitamin C while reducing irritation. Research on cells-skin-volunteers confirms that AA-2G stimulates collagen, reduces pigmentation, fights free radicals from UV and inflammation, and is safe for the skin even when used at 5% w/w.

Mechanism of action and stability

• Glucosyl bonds enclose the enediol groups of vitamin C, making the compound several times more resistant to air, heat and light than l-ascorbic acid and remaining stable at pH 5–7 with a recommended mixing temperature not exceeding 50 °C. When applied to the skin, the enzyme α-glucosidase gradually releases glucose, allowing free vitamin C to continuously penetrate deeper into the skin, reducing degradation along the way.
  
  
  

Key benefits confirmed by research

1. Stimulate collagen & reduce wrinkles

• Concentrations of 0.1–0.5 mM stimulated the production of type I collagen in human skin fibroblasts comparable to L-ascorbic acid.

• Eight weeks of split-face AA-2G and hexyl-resorcinol treatment significantly reduced fine lines compared to control.
  
  

2. Reduces pigmentation & dark spots

• AA-2G/arginine cream applied twice daily for 24 weeks reduces the intensity of solar lentigo without causing pallor or irritation.

• Two months of whole-face vitamin C iontophoresis significantly reduced melasma and PIH in 35 patients.

• B16 cell lines showed that AA-2G safely inhibits tyrosinase, thus reducing melanin production without damaging cells.
  
  

3. Antioxidants & UV protection

• AA-2G protects skin cells from UVC/UVB and ionizing radiation damage, limits ROS generation and apoptosis.
  
  

4. Reduces inflammation & strengthens skin barrier

• Research in keratinocytes has found that AA-2G reduces the secretion of IL-1β and TNF-α, making it suitable for acne-prone or inflamed skin.
  
  

5. Consumer preferences

• User reviews emphasize that AA-2G is gentle on sensitive skin, provides a brighter effect without irritation, and is often used as a serum under sunscreen.

Mixing instructions:

AA2G is highly acidic when mixed with water, but is stable at pH range 6.5-6.8. Mixing requires a pH meter to measure and adjust pH to the appropriate level. Example of dissolving AA2G in water.

In the process of dissolving AA2G with water, the pH of the liquid may drop very low due to the high acidity of AA2G. Therefore, it is recommended to add Citrate Buffer as in the example below to prevent some deterioration of AA2G quality during the period under high acidity.

Preparation of Citrate Buffer: Mix Citric Acid 1%, Sodium Citrate 15%, Water 84%.

Use Citrate Buffer at the same rate as AA2G in the formula. For example, if using 2% AA2G in the formula, use 2% Citrate Buffer as well.

By mixing Citrate Buffer with formula water, then adding AA2G to the formula and measuring the pH and then adjusting the pH by adding an alkali such as TEA (Triethanolamone) or Sodium Hydroxide. The pH must be adjusted to be in the range of 6.5-6.8, which will help the AA2G to be most stable.

If it is inconvenient to prepare Citrate Buffer as per the instructions above, please use L-Arginine at a ratio of 1:2 (1 part L-Arginine to 2 parts AA2G), mix well and dissolve in water together. L-Arginine will be able to help control the pH value to prevent AA2G from deteriorating.

The formula must not contain Safe-B3 or Zinc PCA as it will affect the stability of AA-2G.

The differences of each type of Vitamin C that the company sells:

1. Ethyl Ascorbic Acid : Vitamin C is water-soluble, highly stable, easily mixed, and has moderate efficacy in whitening.

2. Perfect-C™ (Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate) : Oil-soluble vitamin C, moderately stable, highly effective in anti-aging (anti-oxidant), brightening (whitening) and skin plumpness (collagen level).

3. Ascorbyl Glucoside (AA2G™, Stable Vitamin C) : Water-soluble vitamin C, moderately stable, complex formulation (needs to adjust pH), highly effective in whitening and anti-oxidant.

4. Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) Ultra-Fine , Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) Fine : Vitamin C is water-soluble, can dissolve in water very quickly and disperses very well. It has low stability, has a complicated mixing process, is highly effective in terms of wrinkles (anti-oxidant), brightness (whitening) and softness (collagen level) of the skin.

5. Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) : Vitamin C is water-soluble, has low stability, has a complex mixing process, and is highly effective in terms of wrinkles (anti-oxidant), skin brightness (whitening), and skin softness (collagen level).

6. Stabilized Vitamin C (Natural-C Glycol™) Serum : A ready-made vitamin C base that is highly stable, but cannot be adjusted or added with other ingredients as it will affect the stability of the base. It is highly effective in terms of wrinkles (anti-oxidant), brightness (whitening) and skin softness (collagen level).

7. Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate (MAP) : Water-soluble vitamin C , highly stable, easily mixed, moderately effective in whitening.

8. Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (SAP) : Vitamin C, water-soluble , highly stable, easily mixed, moderately effective in whitening, similar to MAP.

9. Vitamin C Ester (Ascorbyl Palmitate) : Oil-soluble vitamin C. Suitable for use as an anti-oxidant in oil-based formulas. Has less effectiveness in other aspects than other forms of vitamin C.

It is recommended to use Protec™ OX and Protec™ UV in the formula to help protect Vitamin C from degradation.

Usage: Can be used in all types of Anti-Aging, whitening products such as gel, serum, lotion or cream.

Mixing method: Mix in water. The temperature of the cosmetic must be below 50 °C and the formula must have a pH in the range of 6.5-6.8. If it is outside this pH range, AA2G will deteriorate faster. Please see more details above.

Usage rate: 2-10%

Product appearance: white powder

Solubility: Soluble in water.

Storage: For long-term storage, store in a refrigerator at 6 °C -8 °C. At least 1 year old

INCI Name : Ascorbyl Glucoside