Peptide Skincare & BeautySkin science and ingredient guides

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The Ordinary Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12% Versus The INKEY List 15% Vitamin C And EGF Serum

The Ordinary Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12% Versus The INKEY List 15% Vitamin C And EGF Serum Detailed comparison of The Ordinary Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12% versus The INKEY List 15% Vitamin C And EGF Serum. This brightening serum is formulated around As

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The Ordinary Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12% Versus The INKEY List 15% Vitamin C And EGF Serum Detailed comparison of The Ordinary Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12% versus The INKEY List 15% Vitamin C And EGF Serum. This brightening serum is formulated around Ascorbyl Glucoside to brighten dull-looking skin and fade the look of dark spots. No concerns Water Ascorbyl Glucoside Propanediol Aminomethyl Propanol Triethanolamine Isoceteth-20 Xanthan Gum Dimethyl Isosorbide Ethoxydiglycol Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate 1,2-Hexanediol Caprylyl Glycol Water, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Propanediol, Aminomethyl Propanol, Triethanolamine, Isoceteth-20, Xanthan Gum, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Ethoxydiglycol, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol Sodium Hydroxide PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil Phenoxyethanol Benzyl Alcohol Butylene Glycol Ethylhexylglycerin Sodium Metabisulfite Dehydroacetic Acid Phytic Acid Oligopeptide-1 Water, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Sodium Hydroxide, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Phenoxyethanol, Benzyl Alcohol, Butylene Glycol, Xanthan Gum, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Metabisulfite, Dehydroacetic Acid, Phytic Acid, Oligopeptide-1 These ingredients are found in both products. Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount. Ascorbyl Glucoside (AA-2G) is one of the most stable vitamin C derivatives out there. It's made by attaching a glucose molecule to ascorbic acid; this glucose "cap" shields the vitamin C from air, light, heat, and metal ions that normally cause pure ascorbic acid to oxidize. Once on your skin, the enzyme alpha-glucosidase snips off the glucose and gradually releases active ascorbic acid right where it's needed. Basically, it behaves like a slow-release pro-vitamin C with less of a stinging that high-strength ascorbic acid can cause. The research supports the classic vitamin C benefits as well. In lab and human studies, AA-2G slowed down the skin's production of melanin (the pigment behind dark spots) and helped shield skin cells against sun damage better than ascorbyl phosphate. These studies also showed AA-2G released vitamin C over a longer period. A frequently cited manufacturer trial found that a 2% AA-2G face cream significantly improved wrinkle depth and skin roughness after 45 days. And in 2009, a clinical trial showed it meaningfully lightened dark patches on the gums compared to a placebo. There's also collagen-synthesis support (since vitamin C is a required cofactor for that) and an antioxidant effect too. Typical usage is usually between 0.5-5% and most studies/products land around 2%. AA-2G performs best when formulated at a mildly acidic pH (~5-7) which is much gentler than the pH that pure vitamin C demands (~2.5-3.5). Just one thing worth knowing: the in-skin conversation rate is only about 55-60% by weight. So a 5% AA-2G product delivers roughly 2.75-3% of actual active vitamin C. On top of that, skin absorption is relatively low because the ingredient is water-soluble. Water. It's the most common cosmetic ingredient of all. You'll usually see it at the top of ingredient lists, meaning that it makes up the largest part of the product. So why is it so popular? Water most often acts as a solvent - this means that it helps dissolve other ingredients into the formulation. You'll also recognize water as that liquid we all need to stay alive. If you see this, drink a glass of water. Remember to stay hydrated! Xanthan gum is used as a stabilizer and thickener within cosmetic products. It helps give products a sticky, thick feeling - preventing them from being too runny. On the technical side of things, xanthan gum is a polysaccharide - a combination consisting of multiple sugar molecules bonded together. Xanthan gum is a pretty common and great ingredient. It is a natural, non-toxic, non-irritating ingredient that is also commonly used in food products.